Liverpool are set battle Manchester United in the race to sign Brazilian defender Michael Bastos.
The 27-year-old Lyon full back is expected to leave the Ligue 1 outfit in the summer, and Liverpool are thought to have joined the race to sign the £22 million rated player.
An attack-minded left back, Bastos left Lille in the summer of 2009 for a fee in the region of €18 million, and has gone on to become a star at the Stade de Gerland.
Liverpool are thought to be in the market for a left sided defender following the disappointing start to Paul Konchesky's career at Anfield. The defender is being linked with a return to Fulham, with Glen Johnson currently filling in for the Merseysiders in the Barclays Premier League.
Kenny Dalglish has been promised money to spend by the Reds' new owners, NESV, and whilst Liverpool will have to wait until the summer to sign Bastos he would provide quality and experience for the club.
Manchester United have also been linked with a move for the player, who was originally being touted as a replacement for Patrice Evra at Old Trafford.
The French international is heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid from Manchester United, but Sir Alex Ferguson and the club have denied the speculation.
If the player does leave Manchester United, then Bastos appears a likely replacement with similar attributes.
It is Liverpool who could undoubtedly use the player's services more, although United are likely to have the lure of Champions League football over their rivals should they make a move.
A summer bidding war could be on the cards, and whilst the French side is reluctant to sell the player, reports claim they will listen to offers in the region of £22 million for the player. It's unknown if Liverpool or United will want to meet the demand.
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