Portugal winger Simao Sabrosa has warned Liverpool they could face competition from leading Spanish clubs for his signature.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez has been trying to land the 26-year-old for the past 12 months, but found Benfica unwilling to sell.

The situation changed last week when Benfica president Luis Felipe Vieira informed Simao he would be allowed to move on this summer if a reasonable offer is received.

Liverpool are expected to lodge a new bid in the near future, but Valencia are also keen to land the ex-Barcelona man.

"It's a good sign that the president will open the door for me if a serious offer comes in," Simao is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror.

"I would like to play in a different league and whether that will be returning to Spain or going to England, I do not know."

Benitez had turned his attention to Sevilla's Daniel Alves as he looks to fill his problem right-midfield position, but, with the UEFA Cup winners demanding £10million for the Brazilian, Simao could prove to be a cheaper option.