According to Spanish media outlet Fichajes, Liverpool are ready to use 21-year-old Argentine midfielder Fernandez as Bellingham's replacement.
Despite Liverpool's well-placed midfield line-up, Alcantara has been plagued by injuries, Jones and Keita have not played their ideal level, and Oxlade-Chamberlain has also been suspended due to injury.
Liverpool want to bring in Bellingham next summer, but the England international is not cheap and has some reservations about his price. The player is reportedly worth £130 million and there will be fierce competition for his signing. Manchester City and Real Madrid are the main suitors, while Manchester United and Chelsea are also interested in the young player.
And, the 19-year-old has expressed his desire to join Real Madrid. Given the complexity, Liverpool have opted for a number of alternatives, with Benfica's Fernand now Klopp's top target.
In July, Fernand made a leap forward from River Plate to Benfica for a €12 million transfer fee and is now a key player in Benfica. This season, the 21-year-old has made 13 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and averaging 2.1 steals and 1.3 interceptions per game.
Liverpool have not had a good start to the season, with one less game behind Arsenal by nine points, with Klopp believing he needs to bring in a new player in midfield.
Liverpool did sign Artur from Juventus on the deadline, but Klopp is not bullish on the Brazilian, who has only made one Champions League substitute appearance so far. Ernandez also has a 120 million termination clause in his contract, but both clubs can negotiate the price, as they did with Núñez this summer.
Núñez's offer was much cheaper than the termination clause he had offered, and Liverpool are confident they will take the same position again on the matter. The 21-year-old Argentine midfielder is able to juggle both defense and attack. If he comes to Anfield, it will be a win-win situation for the club.