Liverpool End Moreno Interest and Target Summer Move for Sporting's Marcos Rojo

Liverpool have reportedly rekindled their interest in signing Sporting defender Marcos Rojo this summer, according to the Mirror.

The 24-year-old's versatile style of play, either in a central defending role or as a left-back had attracted the Reds.

However, Brendan Rodgers wanted to land Sevilla's Spanish star Alberto Moreno to strengthen the Merseyside club's defence.

The report claims Liverpool were willing to offer £13.5m for Moreno, which is around £6m short of the La Liga outfit's valuation. The former Swansea manager is unwilling to meet Sevilla's asking price and is believed to be looking elsewhere in his search for a left-back.

Rojo had an impressive performance for Argentina during the South American nation's World Cup opening game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The versatile defender joined the Portuguese club from Spartak Moscow for £3.5m in 2012.

The Argentine international had a good season with his club and is expected to shine during the ongoing summer tournament in Brazil. Sporting are willing to listen to offers for Rojo's services and are ready to part ways with their player.

Rodgers is reported to be considering other alternatives after Liverpool's hope of signing Moreno was dashed. The Reds are aware that a £10m bid would see Sporting allow their player leave the club in the summer transfer window.

Moreno has already played down recent reports linking him with a move to Liverpool after the Spain international admitted he was happy with his current employers.

"All I will say is that I have four years to run on my contract with Sevilla. I have been a Sevillista since I was a boy, I have grown up at Sevilla and the whole of my career in football has been spent here," Moreno said.

"I'm happy at Sevilla and once we return to work (on 7 July), we will begin preparations for August's [European] Super Cup final against Real Madrid. We're confident that we can beat them," the Spanish defender said."

With Moreno expressing his desire to continue at Sevilla, Rodgers and Liverpool could turn their attention to signing Rojo this summer. The addition of the Argentine defender could bolster the Reds' squad as he can fill in either at the left-back position or play as a central defender.