"?Liverpool are set to turn their attention away from the pursuit of Bayern Munich's Mario Gotze, and focus their need for a talented midfielder on Sporting CP's Joao Mario, "?A Bola report.
The 23-year-old is said to have moved to the top of Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp's transfer wish-list for this summer following the sudden halt to the persistent chase of Gotze, with the Portuguese international seemingly fitting what Klopp wants to boost his squad ahead of the new campaign.
The ironically-named Mario has been at boyhood club Sporting since the age of 11, graduating through the youth ranks before making his first senior appearance seven years later in a Champions League game Serie A side Lazio.
After playing for Sporting B side in the Portuguese 2nd division in 2012/2013, Mario made his mark on the first team the following two seasons, making 63 appearances, scoring 11 goals and producing 15 assists, becoming an influential figure within the team, particularly on their travels in Europe.
The aggressive midfielder is known in Portugal for his highly rated decision making and passing technique, as well as showing his versatility playing in a number of positions in the midfield, including defensive midfielder, central attacking and winger.
Ibrahimovic & Joao Mario in, Mata & Memphis out - Manchester United's summer transfer plans https://t.co/a9L6evFDdX pic.twitter.com/1rJ5Xs2TVL
However, Liverpool are not the only club on the lookout for the talented youngster, with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea also keeping tabs on the player.
The young academy graduate would cost the Reds a mere £12m in today's market, sizeably lower than what Mario Gotze would have cost coming over from Germany, and could become the deal of the summer transfer market should his highly anticipated potential and skill set be mirrored in England.