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Liverpool are looking at Porto again in the transfer market and could make a move for attacking midfielder Otavio in the summer, reports in Portugal claim.

Luis Diaz joined Liverpool from Porto in January and has had an instant impact on their forward line. Along with Diogo Jota, he is proving there is life beyond their famous front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

So far, Diaz has scored twice from 12 appearances for Liverpool. He looks to have been an exciting addition and his impact could grow in the seasons to come.

And next season, there is a chance he could be joined at Anfield by one of his former Porto teammates. According to A Bola, the Reds remain interested in attacking midfielder Otavio.

The 27-year-old was someone they looked at last summer. However, they ultimately did not sign an immediate replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum in midfield.

Instead, the man to take Wijnaldum’s space in the squad was Harvey Elliott. The youngster returned from a productive loan spell with Blackburn Rovers and has impressed.

But a more senior addition could still come into the Liverpool engine room. In that regard, A Bola are linking them with Otavio again.

He has enjoyed a productive season with Porto, contributing three goals and 11 assists from 25 league appearances. It has only improved his case for a transfer away.

Porto still have Otavio under contract until 2025, but could cash in during the summer. In that case, Liverpool will be one of the most likely bidders.

Liverpool up against Newcastle and PSG for Otavio

A Bola make it clear that there is other interest from within the Premier League. Newcastle United, with their fresh financial power, are one example. Elsewhere, Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are named as one specific suitor.

Otavio is protected by a €60m (around £50.2m) release clause, although it is unclear if Porto will ask for that paying in full. If they do and Liverpool oblige, it would make Otavio one of their most expensive signings ever.

Indeed, Liverpool have only ever spent above £50m on three players (Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Naby Keita). It would perhaps be more likely for them to make a lower bid for Otavio, which they would hope to be successful.

Otavio has often played on the right-hand side this season, but is capable of performing centrally too. Therefore, he could in theory be a successor to Salah, or become a member of the Liverpool midfield instead.

Alternatively, Newcastle may try to take him to Tyneside, even if their rich owners are trying to play down expectations for their summer spending. He would fit within their brief of easing the attacking burden on Allan Saint-Maximin, providing more balance.

Only time will tell where – and when – Otavio ends up.

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