Liverpool are believed to be making serious advances towards Werder Bremen star Marko Marin.
The Reds have spent over £100m in 2011 on signings that have largely dealt with attacking aspect of the team and it was expected that any more expenditure would instead deal with the back four. A left back is a priority at Anfield together with another back-up centre back but it seems that manager Kenny Dalglish has his eye on one more creative talent.
While Dalglish has been keen to add a more British blood to the playing squad with the acquisitions of Andy Carroll, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing, he has cast his eye to the Bundesliga for the final piece in the jigsaw. Despite being only 22 years of age, Marin is already a full Germany international and has 16 caps to his name and although he has played predominantly from the left flank for his club, he is naturally right-footed and would be expected to fill the right hand berth on Merseyside.
The Serbia-born attacking midfielder has made his name at Bremen where he shone last season despite the team struggling to find any form. A dazzling performance at home to Tottenham in the group stages of the Champions League last season which he scored and helped the Bundesliga side comeback from a 2-0 deficit to draw the game put him on the radar of Premier League clubs with both Arsenal and Spurs reportedly retaining an interest.
However, reports in Germany suggest that it is Liverpool who are hoping to steal in for his signature and could offer Christian Poulsen as part of a deal that would be worth around £14m.
Liverpool Fixtures 2011/12