Reds in for no nonsense defensive World Cup star.
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Liverpool are said to be weighing up a £7.5m move for Benfica defender Maxi Pereira as Brendan Rodgers continues to build a squad capable of making an assault on the Premier League and Champions League next season, according to the Daily Star.
Pereira was a key man for the Lisbon giants last term as he helped them cruise to the Portuguese title and reach the Europa League final. He also featured for Uruguay in their run to the last 16 of the World Cup, although he was sent off in their opening day 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica.
However, he did return later on in the competition and helped his side overcome Italy to help the South Americans qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament.
The 30-year-old has just 12 months left on his current deal with the club, and Benfica are said to be mulling over whether to cash in on him now or risk losing him for nothing this time next year.
Brendan Rodgers already has Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan as right-back options, with Martin Kelly also in reserve.
But with Johnson having just one-year left on his current deal at Anfield, he has been told he will need to take a pay-cut in order to remain with the club.
Pereira prides himself on his robust, combative approach up the right flank. He loves to bombard the right flank, but equally – he doesn’t neglect his defensive duties, which Johnson is occasionally accused of.
Last term in Portugal, the right-back played 24 matches, and made 10 further appearances in Europe.
The Reds have already been very active during this summer’s transfer market, completing deals for Rickie Lambert, Emre Can and Adam Lallana, which now totals spending of nearly £40m.
They conceded 50 Premier League goals last term though, so are expected to make further improvements at the back before the 2014/15 campaign.
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