Liverpool: Brazilian's release clause revealed; defender scouted; Matip could leave

By Sam Leveridge

Documents released by Football Leaks claim that Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino’s contract includes an £83 million release clause, sparking fear among fans that a big club could poach him if he continues his improvements and fine form that he has displayed under Jurgen Klopp this season.

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The deal is also said to include a clause which would forbid him from leaving Anfield for Arsenal, reportedly in reaction to the transfer row that surrounded Luis Suarez when Arsene Wenger famously made a bid worth £40,000,001 after hearing of a £40 million release clause in the Uruguayan’s contract.

Another player said to have a release clause is Virgil Van Dijk, who De Telegraaf say has a £25 million release clause and has been scouted by Liverpool in each of his games for Southampton over the last two months as the Reds consider a move for the Dutchman.

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Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton are all said to be monitoring the progress and situation of the centre back, who has shone as one of the Premier League’s best defenders in the first half of the 2016/17 campaign on the south coast under Claude Puel at Southampton.

That move could be sped up should Joel Matip decide to end an exile from international football and return to international duty with Cameroon in the African Cup of Nations in the latter half of January and much of February, say the Mirror, which would be a massive blow to the Reds given the quality he has brought to the team.

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Cameroon boss Hugo Broos is planning talks with the central defender in an attempt to boost his countries’ chances in the competition which will also rob Liverpool of Sadio Mane’s services during that time. Matip is currently on exile after prioritising club football having grown up in Germany.

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