Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has targeted the Bolton & England centre half as a major priority when he is given funds in the summer.
But the Reds boss is painfully aware that Bolton are determined to hold out until the bidding reaches £20m.
And with Manchester City also in the race, Dalglish has wisely lined up a back-up, with 21 year-old Mamadou Sakho is preferred choice.
The Paris Saint Germain defender has already made a massive impact in France after winning his first full cap in the recent victory over England.
Dalglish has other targets, with Aston Villa’s Ashley Young, Charlie Adam of Blackpool and Ipswich wonderkid Connor Wickham, who only turned 18 last week, on his wish list.
The Reds boss wants to concentrate on exciting young stars, after presiding over a massive improvement in the youth structure at Anfield since he returned to the club 18 months ago.
Having seen the manner in which Liverpool Football club as a whole has united since the arrival of former hero Kenny Dalglish, after the torrid, but brief, reign of Roy Hodgson, Anfield owners FSG are it seems ready to put their money where their mouths are and back the boss in his pursuit of new talent to help improve a distinctly average squad.
One would imagine that moves to sign Charlie Adam may be smoother than the chase for Ashley Young who reportedly is holding out for a move to Manchester United, mainly due to his keenness to participate in
Champions League football. The Blackpool playmaker has shown what he can do at the highest level and his consistent performances this season have made clearly to attract Dalglish.
Director of football Damien Comolli seems to value a move for Mamadou Sakho over advances for Gary Cahill, which makes a great deal of sense as the Frenchman is more adaptable and at 21, a more long term defensive solution. Being able to play at left back is also a bonus and he will almost certainly be cheaper than the Bolton man.
Ipswich wonderkid Connor Wickham is clearly one for the future and the Ipswich youngster recently signed a contract extension at Ipswich Town but a deal could well include a loan back arrangement that would suit all parties. To help balance the books a number of current squad players look likely to be sold off to cut the wage bill and to help build up transfer funds.
Milan Jovanovic, Christian Poulsen, Joe Cole, Paul Konchesky, Maxi & Philipp Degen could all be on their way out and given that combined this quintet cost practically nothing then any cash made from offloading them is a bonus.
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