Liverpool have stepped up their interest in Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Rui Patricio, who is being targeted by the Anfield outfit as a summer addition.

The Reds have been linked with bringing in another goalkeeper for much of the season following a series of unconvincing displays by number 1 Simon Mignolet, though the Belgian has recently rediscovered a degree of form.




Liverpool have been looking closely at Portugal custodian Patricio to provide competition for Mignolet and according to Portuguese daily A Bola, recently sent their chief scout to watch the goalkeeper in action.

 


Patricio had been being monitored by Liverpool's scout for Spain and Portugal, Julian Ward.

The goalkeeper is said to be keen on grabbing the opportunity to play for Liverpool with both hands if it presents itself.

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However, it is unclear how much Sporting Lisbon may ask for the 27-year-old and whether a failure to qualify for next season's Champions League could affect Liverpool's summer budget.

Patricio played in the Champions League with Sporting Lisbon this season, facing Jose Mourinho's Chelsea in the process.

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