Report: Liverpool keen on Sporting Lisbon winger Gelson Martins

Liverpool have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Sporting Lisbon winger Gelson Martins.

The 22-year-old has impressed at the Estadio Jose Alvalade this term, with nine goals and eight assists in 29 appearances.

The Reds, meanwhile, have received a hefty windfall after selling Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for a fee reportedly rising to £142m earlier in January.

According to Portuguese publication Correio da Manha, Liverpool are extremely interested in making a deal for the Portugal international happen this month.

The report goes on to claim that Martins currently has a £53m release clause in his contract, while the Reds are only prepared to pay roughly £26.5m but can offer him a five-fold salary increase.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is also believed to be an admirer of his compatriot.