Liverpool Transfer News: Reds Reportedly Target Sporting's Bruno Fernandes

Liverpool are reportedly interested in Sporting CP midfielder Bruno Fernandes and have already met with the player's representatives with the aim of securing a summer deal.

The Portugal international has a €100 million (£87 million) buyout clause and has been regularly scouted by the Reds, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (h/t Sport Witness).

Fernandes is a key player for Sporting and has made 28 league appearances for the club this season, scoring eight times and contributing six assists.

He also impressed in Sporting's UEFA Europa League campaign. The club made it to the quarter-finals before being narrowly knocked out in a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Atletico Madrid. WhoScored.com highlighted his contribution against Diego Simeone's side:

He's also capable of scoring some superb goals, as shown by Football on BT Sport:

The 23-year-old playmaker covers a lot of ground, can unlock defences with his passing and is an accurate crosser of the ball. He's also strong in possession and someone most people would want in their team, according to Ed Malyon of The Independent:

Yet, for all his qualities, his huge buyout clause is likely to prove a stumbling block. Sporting will also be in no hurry to sell the midfielder, who only arrived at the club from Sampdoria in June 2017.

Liverpool have already invested in their midfield for next season by agreeing to sign Naby Keita from RB Leipzig. He is due to arrive in July and will cost the Reds £48 million, per Chris Bascombe at the Telegraph.

Fernandes is a different type of player and more similar in style to Philippe Coutinho, who departed the club for Barcelona in January.

Although Coutinho was a key player for Jurgen Klopp's side, they have moved on well without him, as noted by Darren Lewis at the Mirror:

Liverpool may need further strengthening in the summer if they are to challenge Manchester City for the title and compete in the UEFA Champions League. However, a deal for Fernandes looks doubtful unless the club can negotiate a more reasonable price with Sporting.