Liverpool will need to trigger €80m clause to sign 25-year-old star

Julian Ward has been left with a lot of work to do at Anfield.

Although Liverpool have spent well over £600 million on new players during the last couple of transfer windows, there are still so many positions that need upgrading.

Indeed, a lot of these areas can be covered once some players from the Reds' first-team squad come back from injury but, for certain positions, Liverpool just don't have the players to be able to do that.

That's why, during the summer, so many different players were linked with them.

And, even though the window is shut at the moment, the rumour mill is still turning which has led to some new information emerging about one of Liverpool's targets.

Liverpool would have to trigger Sergi Altimira's €80m release clause to sign him

Liverpool's interest in Sergi Altimira was first confirmed by us at Anfield Watch.

The Spaniard plays for Sporting CP which is an area frequented by Ward when looking for new talent to sign.

Altimira is the latest player to feature on Wards' radar with the Englishman playing a major role in bringing Luis Diaz to Anfield in the past.

And, although we never revealed how much Liverpool would have to pay for him, CNN Portugaly via Leonino have now confirmed exactly how much the Reds would need to spend if they wanted to bring the 25-year-old to Anfield.

"According to CNN Portugal, Liverpool officials are closely monitoring the 25-year-old player's progress and have included the Sporting Lisbon number 6 among their options to strengthen their midfield. Altimira is protected by an €80 million release clause," they wrote.

"Signed from Betis in the last summer transfer window, the Spaniard needed little time to secure an important role in Rui Borges' team. Altimira took on responsibilities in balancing the midfield and became one of the most used players by the Sporting coach .

"For now, there has been no mention of any formal offer from Liverpool for Altimira's transfer.

"However, the English interest represents yet another sign of the player's rapid increase in value since arriving at Sporting, with the club protected by an €80 million release clause."

Sergi Altimira would be an out-there signing for Liverpool

Liverpool's history with signing players from Portugal has been a bit hit-or-miss recently.

The two most well known players in recent memory to join Liverpool from the Liga Portugal are Darwin Nunez and Diaz.

Now, depending on who you talk to, some people would say that both of them flopped.

Whereas some would say they both did what they came in to do and others would say one did better than the other.

In reality, there's no real way to figure out how well they really did which is why Liverpool's signings from Portugal have been hit-or-miss.

Obviously, Altimira plays in a completely different position than the aforementioned duo so the transition may not be as daunting but, the thought of spending €80 million on a player who was sold by Real Betis for around €22 million after add-ons this summer is rather scary.

Here's hoping that, if Liverpool do actually make this move a reality, that they know what they're doing.