Liverpool are all set to launch a 10 million pound bid for Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour to beat interest from Manchester United.
Roy Hodgson regards Defour as an ideal replacement for Inter Milan bound defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is also a admirer of the talented 22-year old player, he famously sent Defour a get well soon message last year when the player broke his foot.
Liverpool are expecting an official bid from Inter Milan for Javier Mascherano soon, there have been reports that Inter have offered Liverpool 15 million pound plus Sulley Muntari but these reports are off the mark.
If Liverpool do secure the signing of Defour it would be a massive boost to the club, Defour is regarded as one of the most talented young midfielders in Europe at the moment and he is four-years younger than the out going Javier Mascherano.
Defour generally plays as a defensive midfielder but is known for his vision and excellent passing ability.