Bruno Fernandes links are a hammer blow for Liverpool’s Naby Keita

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Liverpool are reportedly ready to reignite their interest in Sporting CP star Bruno Fernandes.

According to Correio de Manha, the Reds are keen to negotiate a deal for the Portugal international, who has enjoyed another fine campaign over in the Liga NOS.

Captain Fernandes has featured in 33 games for Sporting and contributed 17 goals and eight assists.

The star has led by example and been one of the club’s standout performers.

There is a feeling amongst supporters that Sporting’s failure to keep pace with FC Porto and Benfica could see Fernandes become the next high profile player to leave after William Carvalho, Gelson Martins and Rui Patricio.

Sporting also have financial issues (as reported on in depth by Bloomberg last November), which could entice Liverpool to come calling in the summer.

Blow for Keita

While some Liverpool supporters may be excited over these links, one man who might be slightly worried is Naby Keita.

Fernandes signing would be bad news for the Guinea international, who is yet to find his best form for the Reds following his £52.75 million switch last summer (Liverpool Echo).

Keita has struggled to nail down a regular starting place at Anfield and Fernandes would arguably make that task even harder.

Fernandes is primarily an attacking midfielder who likes to use his creativity in the final third, but he can also be effective from slightly deeper.

These are the two positions where Keita is most effective, meaning the pair would be in direct competition with one another.

Perhaps the onus is on Keita to show there won’t be any need for Liverpool to go splashing the cash this summer.