Liverpool want to sign Bayern Munich defender Diego Contento on loan. The Metro believes Brendan Rodgers has identified the 23-year-old German as the man to fill the problematic left-back position; the Reds have only Spaniard Jose Enrique as a first team player in that role.

The report claims new Bayern boss Pep Guardiola is willing to release Contento, who struggled to establish himself in the Bavarians' first team last year. He made only eight appearances in all competitions.

Diego Contento (L)
Reuters

It is believed Anfield chiefs will offer the Bundesliga and European champions £1m as a loan fee and the contract will include an option for transfer for the 2014/15 season. Rodgers has previously commented on the need to fill certain holes in his squad and singled out left-back in particular.

"There are obviously certain areas of the squad where we're a bit thinner than others. We probably need a bit more support - that extra bit of quality - at the top end of the field and that's something we'll look out for. That'll be mixed with needing cover in the left-back position. It's not really about numbers, it's about quality. If we can do that over the next number of weeks we'll be happy," he explained.

The former Swansea City manager will have to fight Bundesliga clubs Werder Bremen and Hertha Berlin though, as both clubs have expressed an interest. The good news for Reds' fans is he reportedly prefers a move to the Premier League.

Contento follows Benfica defender Lorenzo Melgajero and Valencia's Aly Cissokho in being linked to the Merseyside club. However, of the three, the German is likely to be the easiest candidate to sign, given Bayern are keen to sell and the player himself will want regular first team football to make his case to national team coach Joachim Low and travel to Brazil for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile, Rodgers has hinted he may not field Luis Suarez in the near future unless the Uruguay international apologises for his comments and behaviour this summer. The 26-year-old has publicly and forcefully courted a move to Arsenal, but both Rodgers and club owner John W Henry have stood firm to deny him the move.