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In a press conference ahead of his club’s Champions League clash against Liverpool, Porto midfielder Otávio was asked about a potential move to the Reds.

Following rumours saying Jurgen Klopp’s side were interested in him during the summer, the 26-year-old was asked if the chase was real.

“I don’t know if it’s true that Liverpool were after me,” said Otávio (via O Jogo).

“But if I had any team after me it was because of my work, both in the league, in the Champions League, as in any game. When we wear the shirt, regardless of any game, we always have to give our best.”

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Back in June, several reports from Portugal detailed Liverpool’s interest in Otávio. Claims said there were ‘advanced talks’ for the move, and even a bid of €23m plus the transfer of Marko Grujic was covered at the time.

Grujic ended up heading to Porto on a separate deal, and by the final months of the transfer window, Otávio’s move to Anfield Road was nearly forgotten. Despite the Dragons’ need to make big sales, it was always said they’d demand the price of his release clause.

The midfielder had a price tag of €60m, which due to a clause, was dropped to €40m during the month of June, then went back to normal. That’s mainly the reason the Portuguese media didn’t push the Liverpool story much from July onward.