Liverpool have reportedly stepped up their interest in Granada's Guilherme Siqueira, as the Merseysdie outfit continue their search for a left-back.

Brendan Rodgers wants a new wing-back to provide competition and cover for Luis Enrique as the Reds enter the new season. Deals for Valencia's Aly Cissokho and Benfica's Lorenzo Melgarejo failed to materialise and, according to the Liverpool Echo, the Brazilian has now emerged as a top target.

Siqueira is currently contracted to Granada till 2015 and the report claims the La Liga outfit values the player at around £6m. The 27-year-old is yet to make his senior international debut but has been staying in Spain for three years now and also holds an Italian citizenship; so work permit will not be an issue.

Guilherme Siqueira
Reuters

Liverpool's archrivals Everton were previously linked with a move for Siqueira. The Reds are understood to have opened to have opened talks with Granada but no deal has been agreed for the defender at this stage.

Siqueira had recently stated he was open to leaving Granada, if a significant offer came, but was adamant he would only leave for a club that has qualified for the Champions League.

"To leave it would have to be an offer impossible to turn down from both sporting and financial points of view. The operation would also have to be good for the club, and the new team would have to be on the Champions League level. If this does not happen, I would not be worried at all about staying at Granada, where I am very happy," the full-back stressed.

"I do not want to leave Granada. I am happy here, I feel very loved by the fans and this is a spectacular city. What I said was that, if there was a moment for a transfer, I believe this is it. But I would not change Granada for anywhere," he added.

Siqueira has made 83 appearances for Granada in the last two seasons, scoring 13 goals.