Porto to pip Reds for Brazil star

Porto have stolen a march on Premier League duo Liverpool and West Ham United in the race to capture Brazil striker Diego Tardelli.

The Dragons are thought to be willing to meet Tardelli's club Atletico Mineiro's £6 million asking price, and sources close to the player have indicated that he would prefer a move to Portugal, with Porto having a good recent record in successfully helping South American footballers blossom in Europe. Porto's lack of Champions League football next season is not thought to be an impediment to the transfer. 

The 25-year-old, who was a stand-by in Dunga's original 30-man World Cup squad, was a top target for Rafa Benitez, but the coach's departure has thrown a spanner in the works of any deal.

New West Ham coach Avram Grant needs to reinforce his front line following the departure of Ilan and Mido, and Benni McCarthy's fitness concerns, but will have to react quickly to head off Porto's interest.

Tardelli has already tasted European football in loan spells at Real Betis and PSV Eindhoven in 2006/07, with limited success. However, he hit an impressive 39 goals in all competitions last year for Atletico, prompting Dunga to call him up to the senior national side. The frontman, who has also been linked to Manchester City, has started this season in similarly good form.

New Porto coach Andre Villas Boas is keen to make his own mark on the squad, and will make space for Tardelli in the crowded roster of strikers at the club by moving Ernesto Farias in the opposite direction. Reports from Brazil indicate that Cruzeiro have reopened negotiations for Farias after a previous move fell through in January.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.