Portuguese giants Porto are preparing for a Brazilian star approach from Liverpool. Otavio, with a bid that will potentially arrive as early as Wednesday.
The 26-year-old has a € 40 million release clause in his current contract, but the lower price expires at the end of June and will instead increase to € 60 million at the beginning of July.
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And A Bola reports that Porto expect an offer to arrive from Liverpool before the beginning of July, to catch Otavio at the cheapest price.
The attacking midfielder can also be used in a possible swap deal with the Reds, after midfielder Marko Grujic spent last season on loan at the Portuguese giants. They were extremely impressed with the 24-year-old during his time in Liga NOS and would like to see him stay at the club for another season.
It may open the door to some negotiations between the two sides, although Porto prefers that if the two deals go ahead, they should be treated as separate transfers.
They also hope that if Liverpool make their move, they will do so before the beginning of July, so the incoming transfer money is counted towards the current financial year, which ends on 30 June.
Otavio is linked to a move to Liverpool / Gualter Fatia / Getty Images
The Reds aim to strengthen their squad for the coming season and can look at signing the 26-year-old for the cost of his buy-out clause as a bargain in the current transfer climate.
Reports in Portugal differ on Liverpool’s approach to this transfer, with some saying that a bid for Otavio has already been received, while another suggests that they have until July 15 to activate the above-mentioned buy-out clause.
Otavio scored five goals and managed twelve assists in all competitions for Porto last season.
