News broke this morning in Portuguese outlet O Jogo that Liverpool were in discussions with super agent Jorge Mendes about the transfer of his Brazilian client Anderson Talisca.
The 22-year-old currently plies his trade for Benfica, but the suggestion is that with Christian Benteke and Mario Balotelli probably departing Liverpool, the versatile attacker could come in and strengthen the squad.
Now, Portuguese journalist Jan Hagen has explained what’s said in the article in further depth – including a snapshot of the piece in his tweet.
O Jogo reckon a transfer is progressing quickly, with Liverpool already contacting the FA about a potential work permit application.
“Talisca on Liverpool’s doorstep” according to O Jogo. The FA has already received a work permit application on him. pic.twitter.com/D7on1AiTvX
— Jan Hagen (@PortuBall) July 8, 2016
However, Hagen has also gone on to suggest the story has been planted by Mendes to flaunt Talisca’s services, with Benfica desperate to sell.
Here’s what he went on to say:
Talisca isn’t a part of Benfica & Rui Vitória’s future plans, so Jorge Mendes is trying to find him a new club. pic.twitter.com/vVZqNE1jBh
— Jan Hagen (@PortuBall) July 8, 2016
There’s zero chances of Talisca joining Liverpool. He’s some extreme qualities, but overall simply not good enough. Nowhere near worth €25m.
— Jan Hagen (@PortuBall) July 8, 2016
We’ve heard of Talisca’s talent before, and notice that he’s 6. ft 3′ but also extremely quick, but having not seen too much of the Portuguese league, we’d have to take Hagen’s word for it…
As we mentioned in our report earlier, O Jogo have made countless claims involving Liverpool’s interest in players this term – none of which have been backed up by reputable Liverpool sources.
We therefore think our name is being used as a tool in a ploy to get Talisca a new team – and that no ‘application’ has been made at all.