Liverpool Eye Move for Barcelona Defender Adriano in Summer - Report

Liverpool are considering a move in signing Barcelona left-back Adriano at the end of the season, according to the Metro.

The report claims Brendan Rodgers has set his sights on bringing the 29-year-old to Anfiled in the summer to strengthen the Merseyside club's back four. The Reds are preparing to offer £6m to the Spanish champions for the services of Adriano.

The versatile player is capable of playing at right-back, left-back and also in the midfield. He has made 17 appearances in the league under Gerardo Martino this season.

Adriano has seen his game time being reduced and plays second fiddle to Jordi Alba in the left-back position at Camp Nou. The Metro claims the lack of playing time under the Catalan club's new boss has left the Brazil international frustrated.

The former Swansea boss is looking to take advantage of the situation and make an approach for Adriano after the end of the season. Liverpool's back four have been a matter of worry for Rodgers this season.

The Reds had the services of Jose Enrique as the first choice left-back in the squad. However, the Spaniard has missed most part of the current campaign with injury, which has seen the Northern Irishman deploy Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan as a full-back.

In addition to this, loan signing Aly Cissokho has failed to impress for the Reds so far this season. Rodgers has identified strengthening Liverpool's left-back position as a priority in the summer.

The arrival of Adriano at Anfield will give Rodgers more options during the team selection. The Brazilian's addition will also improve competition for a place in the starting lineup next season.

Meanwhile, Daniel Sturridge claims Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard deserves to win both the Premier League and the World Cup with England this year.

"If ever there was a player who deserved to finish his career with a Premier League winner's medal or a World Cup winner's medal it's Steve Gerrard. On a day-to-day basis in training, you have to see it to believe what he can do with a football," Sturridge told Liverpool's official website.