Liverpool are closing in on the signing of left-back Aly Cissokho on a season-long loan from Valencia.

The Reds renewed their interest in the 25-year-old Frenchman after failing to agree a fee with Granada for Guilherme Siqueira.

A loan deal has been agreed in principle with a view to a permanent move next summer. He will boost Brendan Rodgers' defensive options and provide competition for Jose Enrique.

Cissokho, who has also been linked with Sunderland, began his career in France with FC Gueugnon before moving to Portugal in 2008 to sign for Vitoria de Setubal.

The attacking full-back made such an impact that within six months he was snapped up by Porto where he won the league and cup double. He also helped them reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Cissokho returned to his homeland in July 2009 as he headed to Lyon for 15million euros. A first senior cap for France followed.

Last August he was sold to Valencia for 5million euros but the cash-strapped La Liga outfit have been looking to off-load him this summer.

Source: Liverpool Echo