Five-time European champions Liverpool have a surprise threat to deal with in their bid to sign Benfica whizkid Joao Felix following the news that fellow Premier League club West Ham United have joined the race to sign him.
This is according to the publication from the stables of Spanish media outlet AS which claimed that the Hammers have joined more illustrious clubs like Liverpool.
Joao Felix, 19, is one of the most sought-after talents on the European football scene following a series of impressive performances for Portuguese Super League giants Benfica.
Liverpool and West Ham United are not the only ones monitoring the progress of the young Portuguese attacker who can play anywhere in the forward positions.
Spanish La Liga clubs Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, as well as German Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund, have all sent scouts to run the rule over him.
Earlier reports in the media claim that Liverpool had a bid of around £65m rejected for the Benfica starlet with the club insisting that his €120m (£105m) release clause would have to be met.
The player recently signed a contract extension to secure his long-term future at Merseyside rivals, Liverpool.
Joao Felix could add a new dimension to the Liverpool attack famed for the front trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane.
