Liverpool scout Ruben Neves as wonderkid captains Porto in Champions League tie

The 18-year-old midfielder is one of Europe's most sought-after young talents

(Getty Images)

Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of talented youngster Ruben Neves by sending a scout to watch the Porto midfielder, according to reports.

The 18-year-old is one of the continent’s most sought-after new talents and has attracted interest from many of Europe’s top clubs.

According to a report by The Mirror, the Merseyside club sent a scout to watch their latest transfer target in the Primeira Liga club’s victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv on Tuesday night.

Liverpool, who have been tracking Neves since the turn of the new year, are now believed to be in pole position to capture the player’s signature.

Despite being identified during Brendan Rodgers’ reign at Anfield, new boss Jurgen Klopp is keen to maintain Liverpool’s chase for a player who became the youngest captain in the history of the Champions League against Tel Aviv.

Neves broke the record on Tuesday held by Rafael van der Vaart, who captained Ajax against AC Milan in 2003 aged 20 years 217 days.

The deep-lying midfielder, who previously became the youngest ever to feature for Portugal’s Under-21 side, is a client of Gestifute super-agent Jorge Mendes.