Continuing negotiations: Liverpool “overtaking” Man Utd in the chase for the £105.8 million “beast,” according to a journalist

According to reports,Liverpool is “passing” Manchester United in the hunt to capture Argentina and Benfica central midfielder Enzo Fernandez

The Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Foot Mercato) reports that the Red Devils, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Paris-Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Inter Milan have all “sounded out” Fernandez’s representatives as they hold agent talks over a potential move. Fernandez is undoubtedly a player in high demand heading into the January transfer window.

According to additional Portuguese reports, Liverpool have already struck a transfer agreement with Fernandez’s representation and are now the “priority.”

THE LATEST: LIVERPOOL is “overtaken” by United

Journalist Bruno Andrade reported on Twitter that United are now “overtaking” Liverpool in the battle to recruit Fernandez and that there are “ongoing negotiations” about a potential move to Old Trafford amongst all parties.

Liverpool is being passed by Manchester United in the chase for Enzo Fernández. All parties concerned are already in conversation with one another. Red Devils are even prepared to violate the €120 million clause in order to eliminate any competitors.

The fact that Erik ten Hag’s team appears to be ahead in the race for Fernandez sends a strong message to their competitors.

The 21-year-old was praised as a “beast” by CBS Sports reporter Ives Galarcep after Argentina won the FIFA World Cup. He also took home the tournament’s Young Player Award and finished fourth overall for his nation, scoring one goal and providing one assist in seven games (WhoScored).

In terms of expected goals and expected assists combined, passes attempted, and progressive passes per game at the club level for Benfica, Fernandez is in the 99th percentile of all midfielders in Europe’s best leagues over the past year (FBRef).

However, the fact that the Red Devils are prepared to meet his enormous €120 million (£105.8 million) release clause demonstrates how highly they regard him, and the agreement may be profitable over the coming years.