Liverpool keeping close eye on ex-La Masia star who now plays in Portugal with intention of launching January transfer move: Reports

Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on former Barcelona star and Porto ace Nico Gonzalez, who graduated from La Masia in 2020, ahead of the upcoming winter transfer window.

Gonzalez, 22, has cemented himself as an undisputed starter at Porto since arriving from his boyhood club for around £7 million in 2023. He has helped his club win one Taca de Portugal trophy and a Supertaca Candido de Oliveira crown.

A right-footed box-to-box operator blessed with fine technical ability and physical prowess, Gonzalez has turned heads with his performances this season. He has contributed five goals and as many assists in 24 total club games so far.

Now, according to Anfield Watch, Liverpool scouts have been impressed with Gonzalez in the recent months. The Reds have added the ex-Barcelona star, who has a release clause of £50 million at his current club, to their transfer shortlist.

Gonzalez, whose Porto contract will expire in June 2028, could emerge as a vital squad player for the Merseyside outfit should he join them. He would offer competition to the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones.

Liverpool urged to sign 21-year-old defender

Speaking on Sky Sports, Reds legend Jamie Carragher showered huge praise on Milos Kerkez and hinted that his former club should try to rope in the Bournemouth left-back. He said (h/t Metro):

"Kerkez has been a revelation at Bournemouth. The technical director who brought him to Bournemouth [Richard Hughes] is now the sporting director at Liverpool. Kerkez looks like a full-back [who's] aggressive. He's been superb since he came into the Premier League and is one to watch in the future whether he stays or moves on."

Revealing why the Reds should sign a new left-back, Carragher added:

"Left-back is definitely an area Liverpool should be looking to strengthen in January. Andy Robertson needs help, he's a Liverpool legend, he's won the lot, but the amount of games he's played, playing in a Jurgen Klopp team, constantly just running up and down that wing for five or six years. He needs a little bit of help in that position."

Kerkez, who joined Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar for close to £15 million in 2023, has been in stellar form of late. The 21-year-old has started all 17 of his Premier League appearances this campaign, registering one goal and two assists.

The Reds, on the other hand, have Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas as their left-back options now. They have also used Joe Gomez in the role.