Liverpool, Everton 'to battle for Bruno Fernandes'

Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton are reportedly both interested in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes during the January transfer window.

Fernandes was linked with a move away from the Portuguese outfit during the summer following a debut campaign which saw him score 16 goals and provide 20 assists, but he ultimately stayed in Lisbon.

The 24-year-old has continued that fine form into the current season, though, scoring 14 goals and creating nine more so far in 2018-19.

Neither Liverpool nor Everton are expected to be busy during the ongoing window, but Portuguese outlet A Bola claims that they are interested in a deal for Fernandes.

The Portugal international has a €100m (£90m) release clause in his contract, although he is thought to be available for closer to €40m (£36m).

Fernandes joined Sporting from Sampdoria in 2017, having previously spent his entire professional career in Italy.