Liverpool are lining up a surprise bid for Chris Samba of Anzhi Makhachkala, as Sebastian Coates closes in on a move to Brazil.
Coates has seen his chances limited this season, with first-choice pairing of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel impressing, while Jamie Carragher has been used by Brendan Rodgers as third choice center-back.
Liverpool are desperate to bring in another defender were Coates to leave the club, with Brazil side Gremio reportedly readying a bid of around £7 million ($11 million), according to the Sunday People.
The Reds are open to letting go of Coates for that sum, but are keen on lining up a replacement before the deal is completed.
Coates said he was keen to find another club to play regularly and remain in the reckoning for a place with the Uruguay national team.
"I'm going through a complicated moment here at Liverpool," said Coates, who was not overly impressive in the defeat to Oldham in the F.A. Cup Sunday.
"I want to play for the Uruguayan national team and I must play for my team to achieve that.
"I do know the other defenders are playing really well and I must wait my chance. But, again, I want to play now."
With the future of Carragher at the end the season also up in the air, Rodgers has identified Samba as the perfect signing, according to Fanatix.
Samba is reportedly not too happy with his situation in Russia, with racist incidents refusing to subside. A move back to England would work out perfectly for the Congo international, who starred for Blackburn Rovers before leaving for Anzhi.
While Samba is earning quite a large salary at the Russian club, the lure of the English Premier League and a club with the stature of Liverpool might just tempt him to force a move before the January window closes Thursday.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are also closing in on a move for Tottenham starlet Alex Pritchard. The attacking midfielder is unhappy with the lack of opportunities at Spurs, and is ready to listen to offers from other clubs, according to the London Evening Standard.
Liverpool reserve team coach Alex Inglethorpe, who was a junior coach at Spurs, has been keeping an eye on developments and could be ready to make a move for the 19-year-old, who impressed many with his displays in the NextGen Series game against Barcelona, which Spurs won 4-1.