Liverpool are ready to challenge Chelsea for wantaway Shakhtar Donetsk dazzler Douglas Costa.

The Daily Star Sunday says representatives for the attacking midfielder, 24, were in London last week for talks as they look to revive a deal with Chelsea that was shelved in January.

Jose Mourinho opted to concentrate his efforts on signing Juan Cuadrado from Fiorentina, but he is keen to add more attacking flair in the summer.

Liverpool an offer Costa more games - but may have to qualify for the Champions League to convince him.