Liverpool could sign a pre-contract agreement with CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda, with a view to a summer transfer, according to Metro. The Reds have reportedly been tracking Honda for some time.

The 26-year-old playmaker is out of contract with the club at the end of the season and has confirmed he will not sign a new deal. Arsenal and Tottenham were previously interested in the Japanese international.

Keisuke Honda
Reuters

The Russian club's director, Roman Babaev, said: "We tried to extend his contract, but we can't force him. It is up to him what happens next."

Honda has nine goals from 22 appearances in all competitions this season and, alongside new signing Philippe Coutinho, could provide Liverpool with an impressive creative foil for strikers Luis Suarez, Fabio Borini and Daniel Sturridge. Honda has 41 caps for Japan, with 13 goals to his name.

Brendan Rodgers on Suarez

Meanwhile, Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers has said that Uruguay international Suarez is enjoying his time on Merseyside. The South American has been the club's outstanding performer this season, with 21 league goals from 27 appearances; this includes a hat-trick in Saturday's impressive 4-0 win at Wigan.

The in-form ex-Ajax forward has attracted attention from a number of Europe's top clubs, including Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, who will be managed by ex-Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola from next season.

"The supporters adore him, he loves the city of Liverpool, he loves being here and he genuinely sees there's a bright future for us. I don't have any issues with Luis at all on this matter," Rodgers explained.

Liverpool's win pushes them to seventh in the league, five points behind Arsenal in fifth and nine behind Spurs, who occupy the final Champions League slot. The north London rivals play each other on Sunday 3 March.

Japan London