liverpool are targeting three players from. Benfica.

Scouts from West Ham were reportedly present to closely monitor three players as Benfica overcame Sporting Lisbon, a formidable rival in Portugal, 2-1 on Sunday.

Joao Neves and Antonio Silva of Benfica, as well as Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio, are reportedly being watched by West Ham, while other scouts from Premier League opponents were also present at the Estadio do Dragao.

The aforementioned three have been connected to Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal; but, according to 90mins, there were also representatives from Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham, Newcastle, and Aston Villa there.

Benfica and Sporting are reportedly preparing for “significant interest in their top stars in the coming months,” according to the publication.

Portugal has long been a popular destination for English elite teams, and it seems that three new names are at the top of the minds of some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.

The Portugal internationals Neves, Silva, and Inacio—a top target for United—appear poised to spark a fierce competition for their signatures during the course of the next two transfer windows.

Both teams have a strong desire to hold onto their best players, but they also have a history of caving in when the appropriate deal presents itself.

Regarding West Ham’s desire, there is very little chance that the Hammers will truly outbid teams like United, Arsenal, and Liverpool. In fact, it’s possible that they were genuinely considering somewhat less costly choices.

The fact that David Moyes’ club can ensure first-team play at the London Stadium gives them the one advantage over their hard-hitting Premier League rivals.