EXCL: Liverpool have long-standing interest in Chelsea star, plus latest on links with Porto star and Gravenberch's future

This week's Liverpool FC column, featuring transfer news and reaction to Fulham win.

Alan Varela linked with Liverpool but Reds are well-stocked in midfield

I’m not aware of anything concrete in links between Liverpool and the Porto midfielder Alan Varela. Right now, I believe the Reds are pretty well-stocked in that area, even if they will lose Thiago Alcantara on a free transfer in the summer. 

Wataru Endo aside, Liverpool have a real core of midfield players aged 25 and under. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have settled in well during their first season, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott have developed into trusted first-team players, and while Ryan Gravenberch hasn’t necessarily hit all of the heights he would have liked yet - more on that below - it is important to remember that the Dutchman is still only 21 and is a player of considerable potential.