Lorenzo Melgarejo
Lorenzo Melgarejo is set to join Liverpool an an initial one year loan deal. [Reuters]

Liverpool have been given the option to sign Benfica left-back Lorenzo Melgarejo for €10m next summer if the defender impresses during his season long loan at Anfield.

Numerous reports have confirmed that Liverpool have already tied up a deal to take the Paraguayan on loan next season, but it seems they will have to pay just one third of his release clause if they wish to keep him at the club beyond next summer.

Portuguese newspaper Record has revealed that Melgarejo had a €30m buyout clause inserted in his contract when he negotiated a long-term extension last season.

However, despite extending his deal until 2018 and being the club's first choice left-back last season, it seems Benfica are prepared to cash-in on the youngster.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had admitted that he was looking to find cover for Jose Enrique and Melgarejo will certainly provide some stiff competition after an impressive campaign in which he helped Benfica finish second in the league last season.

The 22 year old arrived from Independiente in the summer of 2011 and was immediately sent out on loan to Portuguese side Pacos de Ferreira. Deployed as a winger he ended up as the club's top scorer with 10 league goals.

Despite excelling in an attacking position Benfica coach Jorge Jesus moved him back into defence where he flourished as he played a major role in helping the club reach the Europa League final.

Melgarejo will now hope to gain regular opportunities to prove himself in the upcoming season so that he can persuade Rodgers that he is worth the €10m price tag.

While Enrique ended the season strongly there was a lack of competition and significant cover as Glen Johnson was repeatedly asked to take up an unfamiliar role on the left hand side of defence.

With 19 year old Jack Robinson still learning his trade, Rodgers will now have more options, something he has been desperate to address this summer by signing Kolo Toure, Simon Mignolet, Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto.