Luis Muriel
Brendan Rodgers targets Udinese's £15m Colombian international, Luis Muriel Reuters

Liverpool have stepped up their interest in udinese striker Luis Muriel and are preparing a £17m bid to bring the player to Anfield in the summer, according to the Metro.

The 22-year-old has reportedly expressed an interest in moving to England and Brendan Rodgers is looking to swoop in for the player as he looks to increase his side's potency up front.

The northern Irishman already has Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge to contend with but Rodgers is desperate to sharpen his attack and make a concerted effort for the league title again next season.

With a Champions League spot pretty much wrapped up, it will be easier for Rodgers to attract world class talent and prepare his team to conquer Europe for the upcoming term.

A move for the striker, who has impressed massively this season in the Serie A , is believed to be on top of his priority list

The forward has made 18 appeearances this season in the league, scoring four goals and assisting one in the process. He is known for his versatility and can play on the wings or through the middle if required.

However, the news of his talent has travelled across Europe and Liverpool are likely to face competition from the likes of Barcelona, Manchester City and Chelsea for his signature.

The manager has been promised a lot of money in the summer and it is believed that the former Swansea man will also be looking to spruce up his defence, espcially at left-back. Luis Enrique has been suffering from a kinee injury which is showing no signs of recovering, leaving Rodgers to revert to Aly Cissokho to deputize in that position.

The Reds are currently second in the league, level with Arsenal and four points behind Chelsea, having played a game less. Their performance this season has taken everyone by surprise and has urged pundits to consider them as genuine contenders for the league title, which they haven't won in 24 years.