Portuguese sides Benfica and Sporting Lisbon have joined the race to sign want-away Porto midfielder Christian Atsu.
The future of the Ghanaian international has been a matter of media conjecture over the past weeks after he expressed his desire to quit Porto with a year left on his current deal.
Atsu wants a new challenge after spending five-years at the Estadio Dragao and has made it clear he wonââ¬â¢t play for the Portuguese giants next season.
Portoââ¬â¢s rivals Benfica and Sporting Lisbon are planning to test the resolve of the club by slapping in an official bid.
Liverpool however are believed to the serious contenders for his signature with Brendan Rodgersà a key admirer of his talent.
The playerââ¬â¢s relationship with Porto seems to have hit the rocks after he was left out of the squad for their pre-season training tour of Holland.
The club are now ready toà cashà in on Atsu after realizing that the youngster will not relent in his quest to leave the club to England.