Liverpool Open Talks With Porto Midfielder - Report

Liverpool have held talks with the agent of Porto midfielder Fernando ahead of a possible move, Portuguese reports suggest.

The Brazilian midfielder is poised to enter the final six months of his contract with a number of clubs interested in securing the 25-year-old's services through a cut price deal in the upcoming transfer window.

While Porto are still hopeful of convincing Fernando of extending his stay at the Stadio do Dragao, Portuguese publication A Bola report Liverpool have entered the mix for the midfielder's signature.

The Premier League club are free to enter negotiations with the Porto star as of 1 January to discuss the possibility of a move once his contract with the Portuguese champions expires next June.

But should Brendan Rodgers wish to bring Fernando to Merseyside sooner than that, the club may discuss the possibility of a transfer next month, should Porto be willing to cash in on the midfielder while they still can.

But the midfielder is understood to be keeping his options wide open and is not adverse to ignoring outside interest and extending his stay with Paulo Fonseca's side.

Fernando was close to sealing a move to Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton in the latter stages of the summer transfer window. While Manchester United were preparing their offer for Marouane Fellaini, Roberto Martinez's side reportedly agreed a £15m move for the midfielder with Porto, before the move collapsed.

In a further twist, United themselves have been linked with a January move for Fernando as David Moyes seeks to bolster his midfield after failing in the pursuit of a number of midfield targets six months ago. However A Bola suggest Serie A outfit Fiorentina are also monitoring the situation.

Uncapped by his native Brazil, Fernando is also keen to attract the attention of the Portuguese national team, now that he is eligible to represent them after over six years plying his trade in the country.