Liverpool have been dealt a major transfer blow after reports claiming Enzo Fernandez had an agreement in place to join the Reds were deemed false.
Fernandez was one of the stars of the World Cup as his native Argentina overcame a shock opening game defeat to Suadi Arabia to win the competition for the first time since 1986.
The 21-year-old’s performances for La Albiceleste saw him ultimately crowned the Young Player of the Tournament after Sunday’s thrilling final.
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Fernandez has also shone for his club this term, having scored three goals in 24 appearances for Benfica since joining the Portuguese side from River Plate in June.
Indeed, the all-action midfielder's stand-out performances have seen him attract interest from the world’s biggest clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester United.
Last week reports even emerged that the Reds had secured a deal to sign the Benfica star. Portuguese outlet Record and Diario AS in Spain claimed that the player has reached a pre-agreement with Jurgen Klopp's side ahead of a possible move to Anfield.
However, both outlets stated the report had originated in the other country, with neither claiming it as their own.
Completely false
Portuguese journalist Pedro Sepúlveda, who reports for SIC Notícias, claimed on Twitter that suggestions an agreement had been struck between Liverpool and Benfica were “completely false”.
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Moreover, Sepúlveda added that any club looking to sign the player in January would have to pay an eye-watering £105million release clause.
Sepúlveda wrote on Twitter: “It is completely false that there is an agreement with Liverpool or any other club for Enzo Fernández.
“There are no negotiations with any club. Benfica will only sell Enzo in January due to the release clause - 120 million.”
The reporter added that La Liga giants Real Madrid had also joined the race for Fernandez.
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Topics: Football, Argentina, Enzo Fernandez, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Transfers