Liverpool have re-ignited their interest in Sporting Lisbon centre-back Tiago Ilori.
Brendan Rodgers has been monitoring the Portuguese Under-20 international Ilori all summer, and he hopes to reinforce his central defence after being struck down with injuries ahead of this weekend's clash with bitter rivals Manchester United.
After an impressive start to his Anfield career, Kolo Toure was stretchered off against Notts County on Tuesday night with a groin problem. This comes as Sebastian Coates suffered a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee, which could keep him out for most of the season.
Martin Skrtel is expected to return against United, but otherwise Daniel Agger and Andre Wisdom are Liverpool's only fully fit central defenders.
After breaking into the first team last season, 20 year old Ilori was one of the bright lights in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the Lisbon giants, although he is yet to feature this season.
The London-born defender is contracted until 2015 and Sporting are believed to want around £6million should they part company with the latest of their academy's stellar young prospects.
Liverpool made an offer of around £3 million earlier in the summer, but with Liverpool's growing need for a centre back growing it is believed they are willing to match Sporting's asking price.
Portuguese paper O Jogo has reported that a deal is closing to be agreed, with Sporting chief executive Bruno de Carvalho granting Liverpool permission to negotiate with the central defender, after negotiations over a new deal broke down.
Source: Daily Express
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