Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Ruben Neves and Gabriel Mercado Rumours

Porto youngster Ruben Neves is reportedly looking for a way out of the club this summer, with Liverpool tipped as possible suitors for the midfielder.

That’s according to Diario de Noticias (h/t Dipesh Agarwal of Sport Witness), who stated the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is plotting an exit strategy for the 19-year-old star. Due to Porto’s financial situation, it’s suggested Neves could be available for as little as €20 million (£16.77 million) and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is an admirer.

For such a meagre amount, Neves would be a substantial coup for the Reds. Here is a look at why there is so much hype about the youngster:

Despite his tender years, Neves has been a regular fixture for the Portuguese side. Technically, he’s an outstanding talent, able to take the ball in congested areas of the pitch and dictate the course of matches. Neves has a crystal clear understanding of the game, which is incredibly rare to see in a footballer so young.

The leadership he has shown so far in his career is also beyond his years. Not only does Neves play in a position of huge importance in the middle of the field, he’s captained Porto, too; the teenager is an outstanding communicator and leads by example. 

European football expert Andy Brassell thinks the Porto man will go on to accomplish plenty in the game:

That much seems inevitable, and for Liverpool, bringing the youngster in now would be seriously good business. There is still plenty for Neves to learn, and he may not be up to the speed of the Premier League quite yet. However, he has class in abundance, and should he continue to develop at Porto, there would be a lot of teams interested in acquiring him.

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If Porto opt to cash in, there’s little Neves can do but move on. However, he’s developed brilliantly so far at the Estadio Dragao, accruing vital experience. Making such a significant move so early in his career could potentially scupper that process.

Gabriel Mercado Hope

Mexican side Monterrey have confirmed a deal to bring Gabriel Mercado to the club from River Plate has been cancelled, with Liverpool’s interest reportedly having triggered the decision.

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As reported by Agarwal, a statement on Monterrey’s website noted the deal had fallen through.

“Argentinian media believe interest from Liverpool made Mercado break the agreement, as the player is keen on playing in the Premier League,” continued the piece, with Agarwal having cited reports from Clarin and Infobae.

It’s suggested that Mercado would cost around €2 million (£1.67 million) to bring in. Here is a look at what he is capable of:

The right-back position at Anfield has been occupied with distinction by Nathaniel Clyne since he signed last summer, although the Reds aren’t blessed with a proven deputy. It’s this role you anticipate Mercado would fulfil if he was to move to Merseyside.

The 29-year-old was part of the Argentina side that made it to the final of the recent Copa America Centenario. As noted by Spanish football writer Sergi Dominguez, the defence certainly didn’t impress as a unit:

Mercado would surely jump at the chance to move to Liverpool. He’s been at River for four years and assisted in their rise back to the summit of South American football, culminating in a Copa Libertadores win in 2015. Now a new challenge at an elite Premier League side would surely be enticing.

Mercado may not be a long-term option given his age, but he’ll bring experience to the back line and some genuine competition for Clyne. If Liverpool can get a deal done for the nominal fee aforementioned, it’d be shrewd business.