The Reds no longer want Melgarejo, but are desperate to snap up Diego Costa…

Liverpool have ended their interest in Benfica’s left-back Lorenzo Melgarejo, but will continue their pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The Reds were reportedly close to a loan deal for the 22-year-old Paraguayan left-back Melgarejo, but are now believed to have turned their attentions to Granada’s Brazilian fullback Guilherme Siqueira. The 27-year-old had an impressive term in La Liga, and would provide a more experienced option to complete with Jose Enrique for the starting left-back slot.

Enrique had a solid season for Liverpool, but has suffered injury problems during his Anfield career, and currently only faces competitions from academy graduates like Andrew Wisdom or John Flanagan, who are more comfortable at right-back anyway.

Liverpool have made Atletico Madrid’s 24-year-old powerhouse Diego Costa a priority however. They reportedly have lodged a £22m bid, which they expect to activate a release clause, although Atletico Madrid have denied this, claiming they want to keep the feisty forward.

Costa scored 20 goals in all competitions for the La Liga club last term, and is known for his physical, aggressive style. He can play either up top or on the left of a front three, and would join Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto as attacking Liverpool recruits brought in from Spain this summer.