Liverpool move one step ahead of Chelsea in race for Champions League record-breaker

The teenager made history on Tuesday night as he became the youngest captain in Champions League history, aged 18 years and 221 days old.

And the Reds had scouts at the Estadio do Dragao to watch Neves as Porto defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-0.

Ruben Neves has been linked with a move away from Porto in January

Chelsea have been long-term admirers of the Portuguese star in recent weeks but Liverpool now look favourites to land the midfielder with Jurgen Klopp reportedly keen on signing him.

The Portugal Under 21 international made 31 appearances for Porto in all competitions last season, scoring one goal.

Neves is contracted at Porto until 2019 but the Portuguese side know they face a battle to keep hold of him in January.

Liverpool host Rubin Kazan tonight (8.05pm) in the Europa League - Klopp's first game in charge at Anfield.