Liverpool have made a list of players they hope to land in the summer according to reports in England, with the club chasing Tiago Ilori, Toby Alderweireld and Kyriakos Papadopoulos as they look to add some serious depth to the squad.

Ilori would be more of a signing for the future for the Reds, who are continuing with their policy of bringing in players who can offer long term potential and re-sale value as well as immediate success.

Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers is targeting three defenders to replace Jamie Carragher in the short and long term.

The 20 year old has been a regular in Sporting's reserve side in the Portuguese league, but he has also broken through to the first team, making 12 appearances for the side this season.

The centreback has shown potential for both club and country in the last season, featuring for the Portugal under 20 side, and the Daily Star claims that Brendan Rodgers can sign him for around £4 million.

Meanwhile, Toby Alderweireld has been garnering interest from Liverpool, as well as Tottenham, for some months now, with the Belgium international having starred for Ajax this season.

Since moving to the Dutch club's senior line-up from the youth team in 2008, the defender has become an integral part of their backline, and Rodgers will be in the market for defenders after Jamie Carragher retired at the end of last season.

He admitted last week that he would be open to a move to Liverpool, telling reporters: "I am calm about these rumours around the world, but for example, Liverpool has the potential to reach the top.

"I do not know when I'm going to make a decision. I think Jan Vertonghen last season left it very late."

Alderweireld would be avaliable for around £8 million, and though Liverpool look set to miss out on fellow Ajax target Christian Eriksen to Borussia Dortmund, the club are front runners for this star.

Lastly, £12 million-rated Papadopoulos is also believed to be on Rodgers' list of youngsters who can give the club long term success, but also have an immediate impact.

At just 21, the centre back has made a big impression at Schalke, and his efforts helped the side to qualify for Champions League football this season.

He would also possibly be a replacement for Jamie Carragher, and would give the side even more depth in their backline as Rodgers looks to seriously bolster the Liverpool squad in this transfer window.