Liverpool's Pep Lijnders 'keeping close eye on Porto midfielder Vitinha'

Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders is reportedly keeping an eye on up-and-coming Porto midfielder Vitinha.

The 22-year-old has emerged as a regular fixture in Sergio Conceicao's starting lineup this term and has three goals and three assists to his name from 38 games in all tournaments this term.

Vitinha's deal with Porto now also has less than two-and-a-half years left to run, with his performances and contract situation supposedly attracting the attention of Liverpool.

According to O Jogo - via Sport Witness - Jurgen Klopp's number two Lijnders has taken a liking to Vitinha, but Lazio and Bayern Munich have also been alerted to his rise.

The report adds that Porto are not willing to negotiate and have instead pointed to Vitinha's €40m (£33.3m) release clause, with numerous clubs in Europe now entering the race for his services.

Vitinha previously made 22 appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers during his Molineux loan spell last term, including five starts in the Premier League.

The midfielder has amassed a total of three goals and four assists in 50 appearances for Porto since rising through their youth ranks and was on the bench for Portugal's World Cup 2022 playoff semi-final win over Turkey on Thursday.