Liverpool haven't had the best start to their Premier League season so it would be no surprise if they strengthen the team in the January transfer window, with a new potential target revealed.

What's the latest?

According to the Portuguese newspaper Record (via The Mirror), Liverpool have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Benfica star Enzo Fernandez.

As per the report, it is claimed that the Reds have already scouted the talented midfielder in the Champions League and their appetite is growing to make a move for Fernandez next summer.

It's said they will scout him in Qatar this winter too, with the 21-year-old set to compete for a spot in the Argentina side.

However, it is also reported that Man United are set to attempt to sign the player in January so Liverpool may need to step up their pursuit of Fernandez if they continue their interest beyond the World Cup.

The perfect Thiago heir

There is no doubt that the signing of Fernandez would be a huge coup for Liverpool as they are in desperate need of refreshing the personnel in the centre of the pitch over the coming months.

Whilst Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will both be out of contract in the summer of 2023, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are both well into their 30s and in the latter stages of their career, so injecting some youth into the midfield will be essential in the upcoming transfer windows.

Fernandez is only 21 years old but is already proving to be a standout European talent at Benfica, and this season has already given glimpses of his capabilities.

Over 12 league appearances, the Argentine - who was dubbed a "genius" by Jose Peseiro - has scored one goal, delivered two assists and created eight big chances, as well as averaging 1.8 key passes, one interception, 1.8 tackles and a whopping 105.8 touches per game.

Not only that, Fernandez ranks in the top 2% of his positional peers across Europe's next best eight leagues outside of the big five for shot-creating actions, progressive passes and shots in total, as well as ranking in the top 11% for pass completion.

The young midfielder - who has a €120m (£104.6m) release clause - could be the perfect heir to replace Thiago in the team as he plays very similarly to the Spain international in the heart of Benfica's team.

Just like Thiago, Fernandez is a deep-lying playmaker in midfield, occupying a central or defensive position in the team but having no difficulty in imposing himself on opponents to build attacking play.

Indeed, he uses an extremely high-quality passing range to deliver his more advanced teammates on the pitch goal-scoring opportunities and chances in front of goal.

With that being said, Julian Ward must do everything he can to ensure Liverpool can secure a deal for Fernandez over their Premier League rivals Man United whether that's in January or in the summer transfer window.