Liverpool are reportedly still in the hunt for 2016 European Championship-winning midfielder Joao Mario.

That’s according to Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Chris Beesley of Liverpool Echo), which reported that Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is interested in bringing the Sporting Lisbon star to Anfield.

Klopp has already bolstered his attacking-midfield options this season with the acquisitions of Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum, so why exactly Mario is being targeted is a bit of a head-scratcher.

Plus, the Reds already have the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana as options just behind the strikers.

Even so, Mario can operate on either wing, and he was impressive for Portugal throughout Euro 2016.

His versatility seems to have won over several fans, too, as Rory Greenfield of Anfield Index praised Mario’s ability on Twitter:

Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are also believed to be in the hunt for Mario’s signature, although the player’s agent Kia Joorabchian said there’s “no chance” of his client heading to the San Siro.

And while that may boost the Reds’ chances of landing the attacking midfielder, it seems Sporting Lisbon are holding out for a huge transfer fee before letting their man go.

Joorabchian said in an interview with Portuguese sports publication Record (via Richard Amofa of Daily Telegraph) that Sporting have turned down big offers from several clubs, including Liverpool:

“Sporting received four offers. Inter Milan and Liverpool, certainly, with amounts between 35 and 40 million, plus bonuses. Sporting turned down all bids.”

Klopp will need to dig ever deeper in his pocket if he’s to land the Euro 2016 winner, and if he does, you get the sense that a big name could head for the exit door.

In other news, Liverpool are said to be interested in signing Lyon full-back Jordy Gaspar, per French outlet L’Equipe (via Amofa).

Although primarily deployed as a right-back, Gaspar has the ability to switch flanks and could well be the man to replace the out-of-favour Alberto Moreno on Merseyside.

However, the Reds will have to fend off competition from German giants Bayer Leverkusen if they want to bring Gaspar to Anfield, so getting a deal over the line sooner rather than later will be crucial.

Klopp’s first full season in charge at Anfield is bound to be an exciting one, but the German still has business to do in the transfer window if he wants to launch a serious title bid.

He worked wonders with a lacklustre outfit in 2015/16, and if he manages to bring in some big names ahead of the new campaign, it could well be a successful one.

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