As the Reds continue to evaluate who to sign Joel Matip when he departs at the conclusion of the season, negotiations for Sao Paulo defender Lucas Beraldo are ongoing.

The summer contract of the former Schalke center back expires, and a replacement will be named.

One of the players being considered is Beraldo, and there may be discussions going on, according to recent sources.

Liverpool may even be able to sign him for less money than first anticipated.

Liverpool is reportedly interested in signing the 19-year-old for £20 million, according to recent reports from Spain. Club representatives are rumored to have visited Brazil to hold negotiations.

Fabrizio Romano rejected this, but there is more to the story, according to Jorge Nicola, a different journalist and one of the most reliable in Brazilian football journalism.

Although transfer negotiations have not yet taken place, Nicola maintains it will be less expensive than first estimated to sign Beraldo, as reports that his fee would be £20 million are untrue.

He provided an explanation on his YouTube channel, saying, “I spoke with someone from Beraldo’s staff (one of his representatives) and Julio Caseres, the president of Sao Paulo.”

“Julio stated that nothing at all has arrived thus far. No inquiry or proposal (from Liverpool).

“The Beraldo staff member likewise finds it hard to believe the reports of such high figures.

“I believe Beraldo will be offloaded during the upcoming transfer window, once our current Brazilian season comes to a close. Although Sao Paulo needs the money, I think this valuation is extremely high.