Kenny Dalglish is ready to go head-to-head with Alex Ferguson for £15million-rated Blackburn defender Phil Jones.
The Liverpool boss was at Ewood Park on Monday to watch the England Under-21 centre-back in action against Manchester City.
And Dalglish - at the game with director of football Damien Comolli - will certainly have been impressed after yet another wonder show from the 19-year-old.
But the Kop face a battle for the youngster, who has become one of the most wanted teenagers in the game.
Manchester United's interest is long established - they made inquiries last summer, with a view to a definite move in the close season.
Boss Fergie will have money to spend and sees Jones as the ideal long-term partner for Chris Smalling, 21.
The pair have impressed in the heart of the defence for England's Under-21s while Jones can also play as a holding midfielder.
Arsenal was knocked back with an approach last year while Chelsea has also been on his tail.
Jones signed a contract until 2016 only a month ago and Rovers chief Steve Kean would not want to lose him.
But a megabucks offer would be difficult to ignore, especially if Blackburn are relegated.
Dalglish has been told by Kop owners he will have cash to spend and strengthening his defence is one of his major priorities.
Bolton's Gary Cahill and Paris St Germain ace Mamadou Sakho are also on Dalglish's radar.
But Jones, who is also attracting interest from Europe, has rocketed to the top of the list.
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