Arne Slot has decided that signing an “excellent” midfielder is his top priority at Liverpool

However, with Arne Slot now in the dugout and heading to the AXA Training Centre, things have been done differently so far.

However, this does not mean that Liverpool will not enter the market. There are a few areas of Liverpool’s squad that could be improved and there’s reason to believe the Reds will.

One of the key things most Liverpool supporters would like to add to their squad is an elite defensive midfielder.

Liverpool have chosen Joao Neves as their transfer priority

While fans would like to see a top-flight midfielder arrive this summer, the signs so far have been that Liverpool will focus on other areas.

Liverpool are still in the market for Leny Yoro, for example, and links with other defenders would suggest that the centre-back is FSG’s main concern at the moment.

The forward line is another area that has been attached to a lot of rumors. The latest suggestions are that Liverpool could sign Baris Alper Yilmaz from Galatasaray.

However, amongst this, there have been some small rumblings of a new midfielder coming to Anfield.

One of the strongest links so far has been with Benfica midfielder Joao Neves. Neves is a potential world-class operator who is highly thought of at just 19 years old.

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano says Benfica sent ‘message’ about Joao Neves after Liverpool links

And according to Portuguese publication CM Jornal, Liverpool have now decided that Neves is the player they will now focus their attention on.

They claim Slot has made the Portugal international his “top priority” for the summer. As a result, Liverpool are “preparing to move forward” with a bid to Benfica.

Neves won’t come cheap, though. The youngster has a release clause of around £101m and the Lisbon side would demand to be paid in full.

Man United, Chelsea and PSG are also keen on Neves, with Benfica reportedly turning down two bids in excess of £51million from unknown parties.

Bruno Fernandes hails Joao Neves’ potential

It is not the first time that the Portuguese press has declared that Liverpool are ready to bid for Joao Neves.

The midfielder looks set to move on from Benfica and join one of Europe’s top clubs in the near future. However, despite the claims here, we’d still be amazed if it ended up being Liverpool.

That has nothing to do with the player himself. Bruno Fernandes thinks Neves is “excellent” and is certainly a huge talent.

But instead, the price is certainly far from what Liverpool would be willing to pay for the player. As good as he is, the Reds could address a number of weak areas for that money, rather than just one.

If Benfica suddenly decide they are open to lower offers for Neves, maybe Liverpool will be in the picture. But for over £100m, we somehow don’t think they will.

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