Liverpool transfer rumour: Real Madrid identify Reds defender Alberto Moreno as January target

Real Madrid are considering a move to sign a left-back in the January transfer window. Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno has emerged as a target for the La Liga giants as they are looking to bolster their left-back position for the second half of the season.

The former Sevilla defender is not cup-tied as the Reds are not playing in the Champions League. The Merseyside club are featuring in the Europa League and there will not be any trouble for Moreno to play for the Spanish capital club in Europe's elite club competition if he decides to join Real.

Spanish publication Marca reports the 10-time European champions are on the lookout for a left-back following the disappointing display against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu as Real suffered a 4-0 defeat in the El Clasico.

Real have Marcelo as the first choice left-back in the squad. However, growing concern over his fitness has forced the club to bring in a defender. Rafael Benitez was advised to sign a backup in the summer, which was turned down by the former Liverpool manager.

Nacho, Danilo and Alvaro Arbeloa can feature in the left-back position, but are not specialist in the left-back position. They have long been linked with several other players as Wolfsburg's Ricardo Rodríguez, Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti and Brazilian left-back Natanael have emerged as options, along with Moreno.

Liverpool full-back fit Real's bill and they are planning to make an approach in the mid-season transfer window in order to strengthen their back four and provide competition to Marcelo, who has recovered from injury he picked up earlier in the season.

Jurgen Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers as the Premier League club's manager and he lost summer addition Joe Gomez for most part of this season. Moreno is the first choice player in the left-back position with Jose Enrique as a backup. Real will have a huge task on their hands to tempt Liverpool to allow their star player to leave in January.