Liverpool Chase Cut-Price Argentine Defender - Report

Liverpool are considering a bid for Sevilla defensive player Federico Fazio, after losing Norwegian Vegad Forren to Southampton.

The Metro reports Molde centre back Forren declined an invitation to train with the Liverpool first team at the last minute, to be present for negotiations with the Saints.

An earlier report by the Metro indicates a £2m fee has been agreed between Nigel Adkins' side and the Norwegian club, amid interest from Fulham and Everton. Forren is contracted to Molde till 2015.

Meanwhile, continuing financial problems at the Sanchez Pizjuan in Spain means Sevilla will likely listen to offers for Argentina international Fazio. The Metro has information from Spanish newspaper AS that says £3m should be enough to persuade club president Jose Del Nido to part with the player. Fazio will be particularly useful to Reds' boss Brendan Rodgers because of his ability to play both as a defender and holding midfielder.

Fazio, 25, has had a good season with the club, with three goals from 11 La Liga starts so far in the campaign. The South American is also believed to have attracted interest from German clubs Hamburg SV and Hoffenheim TSG but is believed to favour a move to Anfield.

News of the Reds' interest in Fazio is accompanied by similar reports of interest, from the Metro, in Serie A club Lazio's French-born centre back Modibo Diakite. Regardless of defensive reinforcements, though, it is understood Rodgers will offer veteran defender Jamie Carragher a new contract; the 34-year-old has made over 700 appearances for the Merseyside club and has completed over 16 years of service.

John Aldridge on Sturridge

Liverpool legend John Aldridge is delighted with Daniel Sturridge's impact at the club. The 23-year-old England international signed earlier this month from Chelsea and scored on his Premier League debut for Liverpool, against arch-rivals Manchester United. The Reds eventually lost the match 2-1 but Aldridge believes Sturridge will prove to be a good signing for Rodgers.

"I was delighted with the goal he got. As a former striker, who scored goal after goal in that manner, it was great to see that movement and instinct from a young player. How many times in recent seasons have we seen shots like that bounce off the 'keeper or off the post and go to safety? Not with Sturridge. He was on it in a flash, twice as quick as Rafael, and Liverpool need that kind of sharpness and smartness around the penalty area," he was quoted in the club's Web site.