Liverpool and Tottenham monitor Andreas Schjelderup as Benfica face transfer decision

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs keeping tabs on Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup, with the Portuguese giants facing an increasingly difficult task to secure the Norwegian's long-term future.

Schjelderup has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past six months, transforming from a player expected to leave Benfica into one of the club's most valuable assets. His performances have attracted growing interest from across Europe, with Premier League clubs leading the chase.

According to reports from Italy and Portugal, Liverpool and Tottenham are both monitoring the 22-year-old, while AC Milan, Como and Atletico Madrid have also registered an interest.

One factor working in Liverpool and Tottenham's favour is Schjelderup's long-standing ambition to play in England.

Portuguese newspaper Record reports the winger has never hidden his desire to play in the Premier League, describing it as a childhood dream.

Although the Norwegian remains happy at Benfica and has not pushed for a transfer, interest from England is becoming increasingly difficult for the Portuguese club to ignore.

His reputation has only grown further following another encouraging World Cup appearance, where he impressed off the bench during Norway's 3-2 victory over Senegal, producing a standout run that almost created a goal for Erling Haaland.

An interesting twist in the story involves Benfica manager Marco Silva.

According to Record, Silva was one of the coaches who explored signing Schjelderup during the January transfer window when he was still managing Fulham and the winger appeared likely to leave Lisbon.

A move never materialised, with Club Brugge coming close to agreeing a deal before Schjelderup's fortunes changed dramatically.

Following a memorable brace against Real Madrid later that month, Benfica removed the Norwegian from the transfer market and he established himself as an important member of the first-team squad.

Now Silva finds himself in the opposite position.

Rather than trying to lure Schjelderup away from Benfica, he is tasked with convincing one of the club's brightest talents that his future should remain in Portugal.

Benfica have already attempted to strengthen their position by offering Schjelderup a new contract until 2031.

The proposed deal would reportedly more than double the winger's salary to around €3.6million gross per season, but the player has yet to provide a response.

That uncertainty has ensured transfer speculation continues.

While Italian reports suggest Benfica would consider offers of around €30million, Portuguese outlets Record and O Jogo claim the club's actual asking price begins at €40million.

After contributing 10 goals and seven assists in 43 appearances last season, Benfica believe Schjelderup's value continues to rise and are under little pressure to lower their demands.

Benfica are waiting for Schjelderup to respond to their contract offer, but interest from across Europe means the situation is unlikely to disappear quickly. Liverpool and Tottenham will continue monitoring developments while assessing whether Benfica's valuation represents value in the current market.

If no agreement over a new contract is reached, the Portuguese club could face increasing pressure as the transfer window progresses, particularly if Premier League clubs decide to test their resolve with formal offers.

Would Andreas Schjelderup be a better long-term signing for Liverpool or Tottenham, or should he remain at Benfica for another season to continue his development?