Man Utd and Liverpool could trigger £105m release clause of player labelled "spectacular" by Messi

Man Utd and Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez - and he has already been given the seal of approval by Lionel Messi.

Fernandez and Messi are team-mates on the international stage, and will hope to guide Argentina to World Cup success in Qatar.

The 21-year-old midfielder is regarded as one of the country's brightest prospects, and although he didn't start Tuesday's shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia, he did make an appearance as a 59th-minute substitute.

For River, he netted seven goals and provided five assists in 15 games during Argentina's Copa de la Liga Professional competition last season.

Fernandez then signed for Benfica in the summer, and has already made a major impression in Portugal.

Primarily a central playmaker, passing is one of the midfielder's key strengths, and he also possesses quality in both boxes.

His potential is such that he was recently described as 'spectacular' by Messi.

Speaking about Fernandez and fellow Argentina starlet Thiago Almada, the football legend said (quotes via La Pagina Millionaria): "They are two kids that we already knew; both with a big future.

"Enzo is very intelligent. They are both very good. [Enzo] is a player with a lot of personality, a good pass. I think they are two spectacular players."

Now, both United and Liverpool have been linked with making a move for the midfielder.

Man Utd, Liverpool keen on Enzo Fernandez

According to Record Portugal, United are 'crazy' about Fernandez ahead of the January transfer window, suggesting they will launch a bid for his services.

In addition, the same outlet claims, as per CaughtOffside, that Liverpool and Man City are the other clubs who have expressed an interest in signing the player.

But they will be required to pay a big fee, as Fernandez's release clause at Benfica stands at £105 million.

Therefore, a deal would break the incoming transfer record of all three clubs - and it remains to be seen whether any of them are willing to take that step to secure one of football's most talented young players.