Liverpool and Tottenham Set for Summer Battle Over Steven Caulker - Report

Liverpool are preparing a bid for Cardiff City defender Steven Caulker in the summer, according to the Daily Mail.

The defender has a relegation clause in his contract and is likely to be available for cheap, should the Reds make the move.

Caulker is among the best young centre-backs to come out of England and will be a good back-up for Liverpool, who have conceded 49 goals this season, something Brendan Rodgers needs to work on.

The Reds manager has all but given up on the title after conceding three goals in 11 minutes against Crystal Palace to relinquish a three-goal lead and drop two points with two games left in the season.

Manchester City's 4-0 win over Aston Villa meant that the Citizens have overtaken Liverpool and need a point in their final game to secure their second league title in three years.

However, having secured Champions League football after five years, Rodgers is likely to be handed a £60m transfer kitty with which he would replenish his defence and midfield.

The Reds will face competition from Tottenham, who are also interested in the player, according to the Mirror.

Spurs are looking to rebuild their squad in the summer and Tim Sherwood is likely to be shown the door. The club spent more than £100m last summer but failed to acquire the desired results.

The Lillywhites are sweating on the situation regarding Jan Vertonghen, who has been linked with a move out of the club after failing to secure Champions League football for the second year in a row.

Caulker will be a good alternative but with Liverpool capable of quenching the player's thirst for Europe, it will be a difficult task for Tottenham, who need a point on the final day to secure Europa League.