Liverpool FC are interested in taking Benfica's Lorenzo Melgarejo on a season-long deal as they look to add cover in the left-back position.
The Reds have contacted the Portuguese side to express their interest in signing the Paraguayan, and are hopeful they will be allowed to take the 22-year-old on an initial loan deal, with the option to make the move permanent should it be a success.
The ECHO revealed last week that Valencia's Aly Cissokho was a potential target, with Liverpool eager to add senior cover for Jose Enrique.
And Reds boss Brendan Rodgers and his recruitment team believe Melgarejo, who played for Benfica in the Europa League final against Chelsea last season, represents a more viable option than Cissokho in terms of both salary and playing time. They feel Melgarejo also has the added bonus of being able to play as an advanced left-sided midfielder.
Benfica have signed two left backs, Silvio and Bruno Cortez, on loan this summer, and it is expected that they would be willing to allow Melgarejo to leave, even though he is contracted to the Lisbon-based club until 2018.
Liverpool would, however, need to obtain a work permit for the player, and are not anticipating a speedy conclusion to any deal.
Source: Liverpool Echo
