Liverpool are lining up a move for winger Nicolas Gaitan who has a £35.6million release clause in his deal with Benfica.

Brendan Rodgers has already brought in a number of new faces this summer but the Liverpool boss still has funds available following the sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona and winger Gaitan has emerged as a target.

Liverpool will face plenty of competition for the 26-year-old Argentine, with the likes of Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Monaco all credited with an interest.

Monaco are understood to have agreed personal terms with the Benfica star but they are yet to reach an agreement with the Portuguese giants and French radio station RMC claims Liverpool have now stepped in to try and beat the Ligue 1 outfit to his signature.

The reports in France claim Liverpool opened discussions with Benfica on Thursday and hope to snare Gaitan for a fee of around £30million, although they may have to match his release clause to secure his services.

Source: ClubCall