Liverpool are ready to step up their interest in Sporting Lisbon keeper Rui Patricio, according to reports.

The Reds have been linked with a move for Patricio as they search for competition for Simon Mignolet.

Brendan Rodgers has had the 27-year-old Portuguese international watched on several occasions this season.

But, according to A Bola, Liverpool's chief academy scout flew to Portugal recently to watch Patricio instead of normal Primeira Liga talent spotter Julian Ward.

It is claimed that Liverpool are now ready to open talks with Sporting over a summer move.

The Portuguese club are said to want £11million to let Patricio depart, but with the player keen on a move abroad are willing to countenance a sale at the end of the season.

Earlier this season, Jose Mourinho heaped praise on Patricio for limiting Chelsea to a single goal in the group stages of the Champions League.

He said: "I'm not going to repeat the words because they'd be censored but it was something to do with spoiling the evening, spoiling the night.

"There were great saves from Patricio. Games like this can end up 4-0 or 5-0, but it ended up 1-0 and a well managed goal."

Source: Daily Express