Liverpool are preparing a move to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Tiago Ilori after the Reds rekindled their interest in signing the centre-back before the transfer window shuts on 2 September.

The Portuguese U20 international's performance during the second half of last season has caught the attention of the Merseyside club. The Mirror claims Brendan Rodgers has had a £3m bid rejected by Sporting for Llori's signature as they were expecting a higher fee than offered by the Reds.

The report suggests the defender has denied signing a contract extension at Sporting, which has alerted Liverpool. Rodgers could take advantage of the situation in bringing Llori to Anfield before transfer deadline day.

Tiago Ilori
Reuters

With the Portuguese centre half rejecting a new deal, Sporting could be forced to listen to offers from interested clubs. Liverpool could face competition in signing Llori. He has attracted interest from the Premier League as Tottenham are also reported to be keen on his services.

Liverpool's representative were in the stands during Sporting's 5-1 victory at home over Arouca. However, Llori was not in action as both clubs have entered into negotiations for the transfer of the centre-half.

Meanwhile, the same report also claims that Liverpool have completed the signing of Valencia defender Aly Cissokho on a season-long loan move. The French full back had earlier revealed to have agreed terms with the Reds and is set to have medical at the Merseyside club.

Rodgers has expressed his desire to bring in a left-back to provide competition to Jose Enrique. The loan move could be converted into a permanent deal next summer, which could see the Merseyside club cough up £4m.

Aly Cissokho
Reuters

Liverpool midfielder Jordon Henderson has set his eyes on fighting for a place in the Reds lineup after featuring during his side's 1-0 victory over Stoke City.

"It is always nice to play. We are a squad and I know there will be times when other people come in. I just have to keep fighting for my place and hopefully stay in the team," Henderson told the Liverpool Echo.

"It was a good start for us and I think we played quite well at times. We had a lot of chances and we probably should have put it to bed a lot earlier but it wasn't to be," he added.