Liverpool could raid Porto again with Pep Lijnders "keeping close eye" on ex-Wolves star

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders is reportedly watching Porto star Vitinha very closely as the Reds plot another transfer swoop on the Portuguese giants.

Jurgen Klopp 's club prised Luis Diaz away from the Estadio do Dragao for £50million in the January transfer window and have now set their sights on the 22-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers and has been checked out by Anfield scouts. According to O Jogo, via Sport Witness, Lijnders is "keeping a close eye" on Vitinha, having been an assistant coach at Porto while the midfielder was rising through their academy ranks.

Vitinha has bounced back from an underwhelming spell with Wolves to establish himself as a key player in Sergio Conceicao 's side, with the Dragons sitting six points clear at the top of the Primeira Liga with seven games to go. But the playmaker, best suited to an advanced role with defensive cover around him, is also being eyed up by other clubs across Europe.

It is claimed that Bayern Munich and Lazio are also interested, with Porto unwilling to budge from Vitinha's £33.3million release clause. However, Liverpool could have the edge thanks to recently negotiating Diaz's arrival, as Klopp praised their resolve in trying to keep hold of the Colombian and lauded his development in Portugal.

The German told his club's website after the signing was completed on the eve of transfer deadline day : "We know Porto is an outstanding club who nurture players in the best possible way and provide a brilliant football education. They are a class club and, I have to say, have been tough negotiators."

Video: Jurgen Klopp Explains Reason For Luis Diaz Quick Adaptation At Liverpool (Liverpool Echo)

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