Liverpool are keeping tabs on Benfica defender Tomas Araujo, according to reports in the French media.
The Reds are scouring the market for potential alternatives to Dean Huijsen who opted to join Real Madrid rather than make the switch to Anfield.
Foot Mercato claim that Arne Slot’s side have identified Araujo as an option but they are not the only team interested.
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Chelsea (who were also pursuing Huijsen) are said to be keen on the Portuguese international too, along with Paris Saint-Germain.
How much will Araujo cost?
The centre-back does have a release clause in his contract, but the fee required is €80m (£67m), which is considerably more than the amount Liverpool would have paid for Huijsen.
There are other concerns about Araujo. He has been carrying a groin injury for several months despite continuing to play for Benfica.
For that reason, the Reds, Chelsea and PSG are all reluctant to table a formal offer until there is some confirmation as to whether he will need surgery. The initial indications are that he will not go under the knife but it will still be a risk spending so much on a player who could end up on the treatment table.
Are Liverpool looking at any other centre-halves?
Some have tipped the Reds to make an approach for Ajax’s Jorrel Hato now that Huijsen has decided to move elsewhere. However, the Netherlands international has played most of his minutes this season at left-back.
Based on the club’s interest in Huijsen, it does suggest that sporting director Richard Hughes and the recruitment department are looking for a right-footed player, which would rule out a bid for Hato.
With that being the case, the interest in Araujo does make a lot of sense, even if he will cost a lot of money to buy.
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