27 Dec 2022 14:21:36
Ed’s,

Anything happening with enzo Fernandez at this time? Not just liverpool I mean is any club pushing to sign him in January?

Thank you and Merry Christmas and happy new year!

{Ed002's Note - Enzo Fernandez (CM/DM/AM) Joined Benfica in the summer of 2022 and Benfica will not want to sell but there is a €120M release clause that they will look to increase as they have already fielded an enquiry from Real Madrid who see him as an alternative to Bellingham. He has attracted the attention of Liverpool who have been scouting another Benfica player and both Manchester United and Newcastle who need to bolster midfield. Prior interest of Wolves from the summer when he was at River Plate will now have gone. Suggestions that Liverpool have directly approached the player and agreed a pre-contract with him are either wide of the mark or the result of an illegal approach. Benfica say they know of no approaches directly to the player and whilst contracted to Benfica he cannot agree any sort of pre-agreement without their blessing. Wildcard option for Chelsea. Manchester United may put cash on the table.}

27 Dec 2022 17:12:14
Hi eds, few journos saying there have been 2 bids that have met the release clause and that its us and United. Any truth? Do you think the fact that there are two of his fellow countrymen at united could sway the decision. Can't imagine anyone would choose United over us if it was just football. do you see him moving in January?

{Ed002's Note - There have been offers and both sides are keen. At the right price - a single payment of his buy out clause - he could be available in January.}

27 Dec 2022 18:11:45
£110m is crazy. I can’t see anyway we would make this signing. Surely there are options at £30m to £50m like this lad cost only 6 months ago.

27 Dec 2022 18:30:17
I think Enzo will happen. I personally don't care about the money Mark, its irrelevant to us as its not ours. All the fees are crazy these days. If we get him then I'll welcome him with him open arms!

27 Dec 2022 17:50:46
Any views/ ideas on who will get him?

{Ed002's Note - The player has indicated a preference for Manchester United. Real Madrid are interested as an option to Bellingham.}

27 Dec 2022 18:01:50
Ed002, just to avoid confusion, have both Liverpool and United matched his clause as has been reported? Thanks for all the info!

{Ed002's Note - Not that I am aware at this time.}

27 Dec 2022 19:14:11
Preference is united. must be argie contingent at united and probably 500k a week on offer. If you choose that over us then we move on. who knows what will happen! Just hoping we get him and united miss out again. Why would you go united lol.

{Ed002's Note - There are a number of clubs interested as I have explained.}

27 Dec 2022 19:16:47
Let's just hope we act quickly as usual and united mess around as per normal. Do you reckon it will get tied up quickly eds? Guess if people have bid release clause it comes down to player.

{Ed002's Note - I am aware that Liverpool have done that.}

27 Dec 2022 19:30:24
As in we have placed a bid that meets the release clause eds? Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Not that I am aware.}

27 Dec 2022 19:35:23
Thanks Ed. just have to wait and see what happens then. Fingers crossed it happens.

{Ed002's Note - We’ll see what happens, but it will be tough.}

27 Dec 2022 20:18:06
To get a deal done in January or beat other clubs, or both? What's your feeling on it?

{Ed002's Note - I rather doubt that Liverpool will be signing him in January.}

27 Dec 2022 20:51:17
Maybe an agreement for summer then. Maybe buy and let him stay until the summer at benfica. Buy another cheaper option until then.

27 Dec 2022 21:19:50
Or maybe we’ve acted quickly for Bellingham.

27 Dec 2022 21:41:51
I've no inside info but I'd guess we buy a midfielder slightly under radar or not that we'll known this jan. Ed2 has provided list and I think it be 1 of lesser known players.

27 Dec 2022 21:53:35
I think you might be right Digger. I felt confident on Enzo but maybe not for January.

27 Dec 2022 22:24:20
@Marty, why would we buy a cheaper option to cover January til July if (hypothetically) we had an agreement in place for the player in July - it’s real life not a computer game.

28 Dec 2022 07:55:38
WDW- Thanks for pointing out its not a computer game mate, lucky you're here really! Lol. We probably need two new midfielders so one for now and then possibly Enzo next season. Just an idea/ possibility. That OK with you pal?