Liverpool have been linked with a move for Enzo Fernandez over the last few weeks and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player ahead of the January transfer window.
What's the latest?
According to Portuguese news outlet O Jogo, Liverpool have been given priority in the transfer battle to sign the Benfica and Argentina star in 2023.
As per the report, it is claimed that the Reds are willing to match any bid the Portuguese giants receive for Fernandez and the player is prioritising a move to Anfield over any other club at the moment.
It's thought the Reds and a number of other clubs have already made contact with a view to signing him in 2023.
It could be bye-bye Keita
It is no secret that the powers at Anfield and Jurgen Klopp are keen to rebuild the personnel in the centre of the pitch in the new year, with Jude Bellingham and Sofyan Amrabat also linked with moves to Merseyside in the upcoming transfer window.
It comes as Liverpool struggle to retain their dominance in the top flight over the current campaign with Klopp's team falling into sixth in the Premier League ahead of the World Cup break due to a run of inconsistent performances.
There are a lot of pending changes set to take place for the Merseysiders with FSG reportedly keen to sell the club, sporting director Julian Ward's resignation and a number of players out of contract at the end of the season - especially in midfield.
Naby Keita is one of the midfielders who will be free to talk to foreign clubs about his future when the January transfer window opens soon and despite reports of contract talks emerging, the increasing possibility of Fernandez's arrival at Anfield could completely blow the Liverpool midfielder's chances of striking up a deal to remain.
The 27-year-old has struggled with injuries throughout his four-year spell in Klopp's squad - with 18 incidents of injury or illness tallied up amounting to over 12 months of his contract spent on the injury table and this season the player has not featured at all.
As a result, the signing of Fernandez could be the perfect opportunity for the German coach to move on from the lack of reliability Keita offers with a fresh young perspective in the centre of the pitch.
The €120m-valued talent (£105m) - who was hailed "spectacular" by Lionel Messi - ranks in the top 5% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for shots on goal, shot-creating actions and progressive passes, as well as ranking in the top 10% for assists, proving that he is one of the hottest midfield prospects in Europe right now.
That was all evident on the biggest stage of all in Qatar this winter, with the 21-year-old winning the tournament's best young player award having lifted the famous trophy last Sunday.
His performances in the Middle East were phenomenal, as the Benfica starlet scored one goal, registered one assist and completed an impressive 88% of his passes.
With that being said, if the club could secure a deal for Fernandez it would give more leverage to Klopp so that he can finally part ways with Keita without the concern about the depth in midfield next summer.