Liverpool in fresh pursuit for Joao Mario

Liverpool are prepared to lodge a fresh bid for Sporting Lisbon attacker Joao Mario. The 23-year-old was a key player for Portugal this summer as they went on to lift the Euro 2016 title - the first major honour in the nation's history.

Mario has since attracted interest from a whole host of clubs with Chelsea and Liverpool being among the leading candidates vying for his services.

According to Portuguese source A Bola, the Reds will come up with an increased offer for the player after their initial £33.9m bid was turned down.

The winger currently has a £50.8m escape clause in his contract, and it is believed that Sporting would only sell him at that price.

Mario has appeared in over 90 outings for Sporting till date. He has also earned 18 caps for Portugal with his debut coming against France in 2014.