Rafa Benitez is ready to make a £10m bid for Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta.
The Liverpool boss sent scouts to watch the centre-half play against Espanyol on Sunday and is preparing to table an offer this week.
Benitez is desperate to end his hunt for a commanding defender and has already seen a £6m bid for Hull’s Michael Turner rejected.
Fulham star Brede Hangeland and Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross have also come under consideration but Benitez is now set to firm up his interest in Amorebieta, 24.
Bilbao will ask for at least £10m and Benitez will have to persuade American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to cough up the cash, with only two weeks left until the transfer window slams shut.
