Liverpool gain ‘transfer advantage’ for Dani Olmo after Benfica ‘contacted’ about centre-back

Liverpool are said to have edged ahead of Barcelona in the race for RB Leipzig talent Dani Olmo.

The 26-year-old scored eight goals and five assists across 25 games this season and is attracting attention for his overall output. Olmo is a versatile attacker, capable of playing on either wing and on the odd occasion as a false nine.

Olmo is thought to have a release clause of £51m, which can only be activated before July 15. With the playmaker potentially set to be included in Spain’s Euro 2024 squad, Liverpool would need to wrap up a deal soon, if indeed interested.

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Spanish publication Marca claims the Reds do indeed attain an interest and risk seeing Olmo’s price tag increase if a transfer agreement is left past the clause cut-off date. Liverpool are thought to be ahead of Barcelona due the Spanish club’s financial situation.

The La Liga giants are still cornered by Financial Fair Play rules amid their huge debts and would be unlikely to afford Olmo, despite their reported interest. The player himself is said to want his future resolved by mid-July, which could encourage Liverpool to act.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have reportedly made contact with the representatives of Benfica defender Antonio Silva ahead of a potential move.

The Reds have waved goodbye to Joel Matip this summer, with the Cameroon star out of contract. Arne Slot still has Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Jarrel Quansah as Virgil van Dijk partner options but could scour the market to assess opportunities.

Caught Offside claims that Liverpool have touched base with Benfica centre-back Silva, who is thought to be spying a move to the Premier League. Arsenal and Manchester United have also been included as apparent fellow enquirers.

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are keeping tabs too but clubs are said to be bulking at the supposed £85m price tag slapped on the 20-year-old. Silva has played a whopping 50 matches this season, helping to keep 20 clean sheets.

Despite his form, Liverpool are unlikely to meet the £85m asking price or anywhere close to it given other areas of the squad that need bolstering. Silva is also thought to want game time assurances, something which Slot would not be able to guarantee.