Liverpool Lead Manchester United and Barcelona in Race for Marcos Rojo - Report

Liverpool are considering a move in signing Sporting Lisbon defender Marcos Rojo in the summer, according to Tutto Mercato Web.

The 24-year-old joined Sporting in 2012 and has been in fine form for his side this campaign. His brilliant run has attracted interest from top clubs across Europe which are keen on acquiring his services.

The Argentine international's contract with the Portuguese club runs out in 2016 and is believed to be looking for a new challenge at the end of the season. Rojo can play in the centre-back position and also as a left-back.

The report claims Liverpool's league rivals Manchester United, Italian outfit Napoli and Spanish giants Barcelona, are ready to pounce on signing Rojo. However, the Reds are leading the race and are in pole position in bringing the defender to Anfield.

The Merseyside club are edging towards confirming the deal as Brendan Rodgers looks to bring in reinforcements to strengthen his side's back four. Liverpool's defence has been leaking goals in the league this season, despite their fine goal-scoring form.

Liverpool's poor defensive record could cost them the title this term. They are second in the league table with 81 points with one game remaining, trailing league leaders Manchester City by a point.

The Metro claims the Reds centre-back Daniel Agger has been a transfer target for Barcelona in the summer. Should the Dane make a switch to Camp Nou in the coming transfer window, Rodgers needs to find a replacement to fill the void left by him in the squad.

The Anfield club return to the Champions League next season and the former Swansea manager has confirmed Liverpool will be looking to sign half a dozen players in the summer transfer window.

Should Agger leave his current employers, a move for Rojo could see him replace the 29-year-old at Anfield. However, if Rodgers manages to hold the Denmark international beyond this summer, the addition of the Sporting defender could see him feature as a left-back for the next season.