Who is Joao Felix? Benfica youngster linked with £60m Liverpool move

Liverpool have reportedly launched a massive £60m bid for one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha revealed on Friday that the Reds failed in an audacious attempt to bring Benfica wonderkid Joao Felix to the Premier League.

But it would appear their interest is far from over, and they could enter further negotiations over attempts to make the teenager their third most-expensive signing ever.

Felix, who reportedly has a £105m buyout clause after recently signing a new deal with the Lisbon club, has been monitored by Europe's top clubs after making his first team breakthrough this season.

The creative Portuguese player remains a relative unknown to many Liverpool fans - here's all you need to know about the youngster.

Background

Name: Joao Felix Sequiera

Date of birth: 10th November 1999

Position: Attacking midfielder

Birthplace: Viseu, Portugal

Professional debut: 17th September 2016

Felix was initially part of the youth system at FC Porto, but after being released due to his slight frame after seven years he linked up with Benfica in Lisbon.

After making his senior debut for Benfica's reserve team in 2016, aged just 16, he was eventually promoted to the first team at the start of this season.

He has scored four goals in nine league games this campaign, including finding the net in the Lisbon derby and becoming the youngster player to ever play and score in the prestigious fixture.

His form has prompted admiring glances from around Europe - and it appears Liverpool might have been the first to pull the trigger with a bid.

Where does he play?

Felix is primarily used by Benfica as an attacking midfielder, operating just behind the striker and utilising his creativity.

However, he is considered talented enough to be used anywhere across the front line. He's been used by coaches either as an out-and-out striker or in a wider position in the past.

Given the way in which Liverpool often interchange their front three, he could fit into Jurgen Klopp's system nicely.

What has he said?

As one of the youngest players in the Benfica setup, Felix hasn't spoken to the press on many occasions.

However, he spoke of his enjoyment at scoring goals when interviewed after finding the net in a 2-0 cup win over Pacos Ferreira.

"Anyone likes to score goals, even more so in a win. Now it is to continue doing what I have been doing to have more opportunities," he told SportTV.

Felix has certainly made the most of the opportunities he has earned, emerging as a top performer and finding the back of the net twice against Rio Ave earlier this month.

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What have Benfica said?

Benfica have not responded to the Liverpool links at the moment - but they've had to warn off speculation before.

Felix was the subject of reports claiming he was on the verge of joining West Ham in the summer, prompting the club to release a statement saying he remains a huge part of their future plans.

"It is false and without any basis the news that accounts for a possible negotiation and transference of the player João Félix to West Ham," a club statement read.

"João Félix is part of a nucleus of players that recently rose to the A team and is a firm bet for this and for the next seasons."