Liverpool are reportedly holding talks with Porto over a deal for Ruben Neves.
Neves has been on the Reds’ radar for some time but will face fresh competition for the highly-rated midfielder from their Premier League rivals Chelsea.
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, both clubs are vying to land the 20-year-old, who is widely expected to leave the Estadio do Dragao this summer.
Since graduating from Porto’s ranks, Neves has become an established figure and was the youngest-ever captain in the Champions League’s history at 18.
Recognition also followed at senior level for his country but with his current deal expiring in 2019, a move to the Premier League appears the most appealing.
Neves is currently representing Portugal at the European under-21 Championship in Poland and is expected to cost in the region of £30 million.
Manchester United had previously rivalled Liverpool in their pursuit of the player.