Reports: Liverpool in pole position to complete signing of Porto centre-back

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Liverpool have made some intelligent signings in the last two transfer windows

What's the rumour?

Liverpool are looking to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer window and latest reports in The Guardian claim that The Reds are leading the race to sign highly rated 19-year-old Porto center-back Diogo Leite.

Manchester City and Arsenal are also reportedly interested in signing the youngster who has impressed with his performances for the Porto B side this season. Arsenal are even ready to pay the €15 million release clause to sign the Portuguese defender, but according to the report, Anfield is the most likely destination for the talented center-back.

In case you didn't know...

Diogo leite
Future Liverpool star?

Still only 19, Leite has been turning heads with his impressive performances in the U-23 level. Having already made 27 appearances for the Porto B side, a number of top clubs in Europe are said to be impressed with his pace, physicality, defensive ability and ball playing skills.

With Liverpool having signed Virgil van Dijk for huge money in the January transfer window, Leite could be groomed to become his long-term defensive partner at Anfield. With Arsenal and Manchester City lurking, Liverpool will have to move in decisively if they are to complete the signing of the Portuguese youngster.

The heart of the matter

While Liverpool have been impressive this season, one area where they might look to improve is the center-back department. Although Dejan Lovren has stepped up his game in the past few weeks, he still remains susceptible, and a quality long-term defensive partner for van Dijk might just make Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side a finished article.

With Jurgen Klopp having an excellent track record of getting the best out of youngsters, a move to Liverpool might just be the right choice for the extremely talented 19-year-old.

Rumour rating/probability: 8/10

The Guardian is usually very reliable and with Liverpool looking to strengthen their defensive department, we might just see this move come to fruition in the summer transfer window.

What's next?

According to the report, should the deal be completed, Liverpool will most likely send Leite out on loan to get some valuable playing time and improve his skills. With his release clause at just €15 million, it looks increasingly likely that the youngster will be leaving Porto at the end of the season.

Author's take

Diogo Leite has been turning heads with his calm and composed performances and it certainly seems like a gamble worth taking for Klopp and Liverpool to spend €15 million on the talented 19-year-old.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram