Liverpool are considering an approach for Stoke centre-back Ryan Shawcross as manager Kenny Dalglish looks to bolster his defence ahead of the new season, according to caughtoffside.com.
The Merseyside club has invested heavily in the squad so far this summer as they target a return to the top four. Midfielders Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing have all been brought in but it is thought Dalglish is keen on recruiting a new defender.
Shawcross has been a vital part of a Stoke side that has significantly improved since it arrived in the Premier League in 2008. They achieved a top half finish and made the final of the FA Cup last season.
The 23-year-old defender is hoping for an England call-up after he ruled himself out of playing for Wales and will see a move to a bigger club as the best way to put himself in contention.
Despite having a number of centre-halves in his squad, Dalglish reportedly has issues with his options. Daniel Agger has been hit by a number of injuries that has seen him ruled out of much of the last two seasons while Martin Skrtel has missed all of pre-season with a calf problem.
Jamie Carragher and Sotirios Kyrigiakos are both over 30 and Dalglish is thought to be keen to bring in some young blood. At 23-years-old, Shawcross is at the right age for the younger, new-look Liverpool side.
Although 12m-rated Shawcross helped Stoke to a Europa League place last season, Dalglish is reportedly hoping the former Manchester United trainee will be tempted to join a club that is pushing for a Champions League spot.
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