Liverpool Set to Make Wolfsburg's Ricardo Rodriguez Their Top Target if Moreno Deal Fails

Liverpool are reportedly ready to reignite their interest in signing Ricardo Rodriguez from Wolfsburg during the summer transfer window.

The Daily Mail states that the Merseyside club's negotiations with Sevilla over the transfer of their number one left-back target Alberto Moreno have stalled. Reds boss, Brendan Rodgers wants to sign a skilled left-back to bolster his defence after Aly Cissokho failed to impress during his season-long loan spell at Anfield.

Liverpool were thought to have agreed a £16m fee excluding bonuses depending on their achievements and Moreno's performances with the La Liga outfit, over the Spaniard's transfer. They have also reportedly agreed a five-year deal with the 21-year-old defender.

Although Rodgers wanted to sign Moreno before the World Cup began, reports suggested that the transfer is unable to conclude due to the Europa League champions' demand that the major chunk of the transfer fee be paid upfront. This is something that the 2013/14 Premier League runners-up were reluctant to accept.

But the Daily Mail's report claims that Sevilla are now playing hard-ball and have increased their asking price to £20m and the 41-year-old Northern Irishman is unwilling to bow down to their demands.

Liverpool were believed to be keen on signing Rodriguez during the January transfer window. The former Swansea City boss could once again divert his attention to the Wolfsburg star if he is unable to procure Moreno's services from Sevilla.

The Swiss international impressed last campaign, scoring five goals and grabbing nine assists, powering Dieter Hecking's side into the Europa League with a fifth place finish in the Bundesliga.

Although, Wolfsburg's general manager Klaus Allofs wants the left-back to extend his contract beyond 30 June, 2016, they might be obliged to sell Rodriguez during the upcoming transfer window if his potential suitors are willing to match their £12m valuation.

The 21-year-old has gone from strength to strength since moving to Volkswagen Arena from FC Zürich in January 2012 and is currently on World Cup duty with the Switzerland national team in Brazil. Rodriguez nicked two assists to his name and was highly instrumental in aiding Ottmar Hitzfeld's side manage a 2-1 comeback victory against Ecuador in their first Group E clash on Sunday.