Liverpool were seriously interested in signing Mateus Fernandes this summer, according to a report from The Athletic.
The Portuguese midfielder, 22, had attracted widespread attention during the early stages of the summer transfer window as clubs lined up to secure his signature.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur entered into a direct battle to sign Fernandes, with the race developing into one of the summer’s most compelling transfer sagas.
Tottenham ultimately won that battle, paying a hefty fee of around £85m to bring the midfielder to north London.
The Athletic reports that Liverpool had also identified Fernandes as a serious target, should the club decide to pursue a new addition in midfield this window.
Fernandes built his reputation across spells with Sporting CP, Southampton, and West Ham United, steadily developing into one of the most sought-after midfielders in European football.
After joining Southampton from Sporting CP, the youngster showed glimpses of his quality in the Premier League, though he was unable to help the Saints avoid relegation from the top flight.
West Ham United were sufficiently impressed to purchase him and he delivered again at the London Stadium, registering eight goal contributions across 38 appearances in all competitions last season.
His qualities are well-documented, with an eye for goals from distance and a solid defensive work rate making him an attractive proposition for any club looking to strengthen in the middle of the park.
The 22-year-old is widely regarded as a player who is not yet the finished article, meaning his best years are still ahead of him and his potential remains significant.
Liverpool’s interest underlines just how highly Fernandes is rated across the Premier League, with multiple top clubs willing to spend big to land him.
Had Liverpool moved decisively, Fernandes could have been heading to Anfield rather than the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.
Fernandes has endured a difficult opening to life at Spurs, however, with Tottenham losing their first two Premier League fixtures against Newcastle United and Brentford by an aggregate score of 5-0.
Spurs are set to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this weekend as they look to arrest that poor early-season form.