Liverpool confirm interest in signing Joao Carlos Teixeira

Kenny Dalglish was intransigent in his support for Suarez (AP)

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has confirmed the club's interest in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Carlos Teixeira.

The Reds have been linked with the 19-year-old, who impressed against them playing for the Portuguese side in the NextGen series this season.

Teixeira is out of contract in the summer and Liverpool are ahead of a number of top European clubs after reportedly making an £850,000 bid.

"There might be something about that," Dalglish said.

Asked whether the teenager would be a contender for a first-team squad place the Scot replied: "No, he's only a kid."

Liverpool have also been linked with Ghana Under-20 midfielder Mumuni Abubakar but Dalglish denied any knowledge of that deal.

"It must be the academy," was the Reds manager's response.

"We are expecting a quiet (transfer) window - obviously the academy aren't but we are."

Abubakar reportedly had a recent trial with the club and he told Joy Sports back in his homeland: "They were impressed by my performances during training and the match that I played.

"The technical team like my style of play, so hopefully they will sign me.

"When you go to trials, they talk to your agent and not you the player.

"Liverpool is talking with my agent (Oliver Arthur) now.

"They're impressed with my performances so we should get a favourable response."

PA