Sources: Liverpool have held transfer "meeting" with £55m star's agents | OneFootball

Liverpool have already had a meeting with the Gestifute agency representing West Ham United central midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

Sources with connections to the agents industry have informed me that Liverpool have discussed a potential deal for Fernandes, as first reported here for the Daily Briefing.

The 21-year-old has impressed with the Hammers this season and it seems the east Londoners are resigned to the fact that they might have to sell for good enough offers this summer, whether they manage to avoid relegation or not.

Liverpool in Mateus Fernandes transfer contact

For now, my understanding is that Liverpool have the most advanced interest in Fernandes, having spoken with his representatives to sound out interest over a possible move.

Fernandes is also attracting admiring glances from Arsenal and Manchester City, but there have not been any approaches made by these clubs yet.

“Liverpool have had a meeting with someone from Gestifute,” one source told me. “They’re looking at Mateus Fernandes as a serious option in midfield this summer.”

This comes amid speculation that Alexis Mac Allister could be leaving LFC, but I’ve not had this confirmed at this stage even if Fernandes would make sense as a like-for-like replacement.

Mac Allister’s form has dipped a bit this term, while Fernandes has shown himself to be one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old also shone at previous club Southampton before moving to West Ham once they got relegated, so it makes sense that something similar could happen again this year as he’s surely too good to be playing at this level.

Mateus Fernandes asking price revealed

Sources tell me that West Ham are obviously not keen to sell Fernandes, but they’re realistic about the situation and will probably accept something in the region of £55m for the Portugal international.

I cannot yet confirm what sort of budget Liverpool will be working with this summer, as a lot of that will depend on whether or not they qualify for the Champions League.

Arne Slot’s future could also be key, even if the word for now remains that the Dutch tactician is safe in his position at Anfield.

It’s early days yet and a lot could change, but Fernandes to Liverpool is absolutely going to be one to watch in the weeks and months ahead.