Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has been told to increase their valuation of Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing should they wish to acquire the players services during the summer transfer window.
The Merseysiders are keen to sign Downing having missed out on his Villa team-mate Ashley Young to rivals Manchester United.
The 26-year-old has been in impressive form since his move from Middlesbrough in 2009 and he currently has only two years left on his current deal at Villa Park.
Kop boss Dalglish and the Liverpool's director of football Damien Comolli are both keen admirers of Downing and feel the England international will be able to help take the club back into the Premiership's top four.
Liverpool has already spent £20million on Jordan Henderson from Sunderland and there are no signs in the Anfield spending spree coming to an end anytime soon.
According to reports in the Daily Mirror, Dalglish values Downing at £10m but Villa Park bosses have told Liverpool to stump up £20m for the England winger.
It is believed Liverpool will try to offload some of their fringe players including Joe Cole in order to raise funds and clear the wage bill for Downing.
Last season Downing made 44 appearance in all competitions for Aston Villa and scored eight goals.