Liverpool backed to sign Otavio after £38m update – pundit
Noel Whelan has backed Liverpool to replace Sadio Mane this summer if the price is right amid links to Porto star Otavio.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 27-year-old has his “best years ahead of him” and could help the Reds take a “step further” in the quadruple hunt.
According to the Daily Mirror (25 June), Porto expect Liverpool to firm up their interest in winger Otavio this week.
The report claims the Portuguese giants are willing to do business at around the £38m mark and the player’s agent, Israel Oliveira, is in England trying to get a deal over the line.
The two clubs have done business previously – with winger Luis Diaz arriving on Merseyside from Porto in January.
Mane joined Bayern Munich in a reported £35million move on Thursday (23 June) – while attackers Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho have arrived at Anfield.
When asked if Liverpool could yet add another forward despite the captures of Nunez and Carvalho, Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “They’re certainly looking to have good depth.
“Letting Sadio Mane go was a big deal – he was so influential for Liverpool and a massive name in world football.
“If there is someone available at the right price, then I think it [signing a Mane replacement] makes sense.
“Otavio is still only 27. He’s got his best years ahead of him, he’s got the experience. I don’t think any big club would turn their noses up at a player like that.
“They need to go that step further in the Premier League and the Champions League – and Man City are already making their moves.
“I’m sure they won’t pass up a move if the player is available.”
In other news, Liverpool backed by pundit to sign centre-half as big-money exit mooted.