Liverpool face a battle to land top target Christian Atsu, with Brendan Rodgers struggling to sort a deal and Benfica are now interested, Talksport reports.

Rodgers wants to sign Atsu to boost his attacking options and the wide man was said to be close to a switch to Anfield.

However since then, Liverpool have run into problems with the player's club Porto over a fee.

The Portuguese giants are holding out for around £6m and that has led to an impasse over negotiations.

The Ghana international, 21, wants to leave Porto and could see his wish granted, with Benfica now in the chase.

Sporting Lisbon are also said to be keen on Atsu, who is after a new challenge following five years at the Estadio Dragao.