Liverpool Rumors: Reds Make 'Contact' For 'Next Bruno Fernandes'

Liverpool may have just attempted to make a swoop for Pedro Goncalves, who has been on Manchester United’s radar for quite some time.

As a result of his exceptional performances at Primeira Liga, Sporting CP’s Goncalves has now become a hot commodity in the English Premier League.

Manchester United has been tailing the highly-rated midfielder, but reigning English top-flight champion Liverpool has now joined the race.

With Reds boss Jurgen Klopp keen on rebuilding, Liverpool has put Goncalves on the club’s transfer wish list and has already made an “informal contact” for his signature, Portuguese outlet Record reported.

The report adds that the Reds are eager to land Goncalves as soon as possible but would also be willing to sign the winger in the summer should Sporting decides to cash-in at the end of the season.

Goncalves’ fine form in the Portuguese top-flight has apparently made him an “option” for Klopp, given the major blow the Reds suffered this season due to injuries.

The 22-year-old is still tied with Sporting until 2025, and a bid of around or over €60 million ($72 million), the same figures as his release clause, is required in order to possibly convince the Portuguese side to enter an agreement.

Despite the apparent desire from Liverpool and Manchester United, the only thing that could be concrete at the moment is Sporting’s stance on the matter, which is not to let go of Goncalves.

"At the moment, there is nothing concrete, and even if there were, it would not be the best moment for Pedro Gonçalves and much less for Sporting,” Goncalves’ agent Jorge Pires earlier told TSF. “There is no interest on our part in this transfer market, nor is Sporting interested in losing the player.”

"Therefore, any business is out of the question,” he added. “We are not concerned with this market. In fact, it doesn't even count for us. He is very happy to play for Sporting and for what he has done. He is living a dream."

In Portugal, Goncalves is already being dubbed as the “next Bruno Fernandes,” having filled the void the midfielder left at Sporting.

Even more interesting, some European media even likened the youngster to Cristiano Ronaldo, who also made his mark in the Portuguese club.

Goncalves has been Sporting’s top performer since his arrival in August. In fact, this season alone, he has already bagged a total of 14 goals in 15 league matches.