Liverpool are 'interested' in Porto midfielder Vitinha and assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders is keeping a 'close eye' on the 22-year-old, reports claim.
That's according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, who say Vitinha's performances this season have caught the eye of Europe's top clubs, with the Reds said to be among the ones looking to make a move in the summer.
The youngster has made 38 appearances in all competitions this season and has three goals to his name. Bayern Munich and Lazio are also keen on the player but the report goes on to say that Porto will accept no less than his €40m release clause.
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Vitinha already has Premier League experience as he made 22 appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers while on loan with the Midlands club for the 2020/21 season. He scored one goal in that time, in the fourth round of the FA Cup away at Chorley.
Liverpool have already signed one player from the Portuguese club this season as they secured a January transfer swoop for Luis Diaz. Jurgen Klopp initially planned on moving for the forward in the summer, but interest from Tottenham prompted the Reds to wrap up a deal sooner than expected.
Diaz signed a five-and-a-half year deal a couple of months ago for an initial £37.5million fee, which could rise to £50million. It was significantly less than the £68million release clause reported at the end of 2021.
As the end of the season edges closer, transfer rumours are already starting to emerge and if the latest reports are anything to go by, Liverpool could turn to Portugal once again this summer as they look to bolster their options ahead of the next campaign.
Klopp's number two Lijnders knows the Portuguese market well having worked for Porto for eight years.
