Fernando Gago: Bound for Merseyside?
Fernando Gago: Bound for Merseyside? REUTERS

Liverpool has emerged as the likely destination for Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago after Jose Mourinho told the Argentine he doesn't figure in next season's plans.

The player's agent Marcelo Lombilla is reported to have held talks with Liverpool Director of Football Damien Comolli and said that Anfield would be the perfect destination for his client.

"Fernando wants to get back on the pitch and return to the top level and at the moment that is not possible in Madrid."

The Argentine international is valued at around £15m but Liverpool believe a £10m bid could entice Madrid to cash in on the player, who does not feature in the club's long-term plans.

The 25-year-old joined Real Madrid from Boca Juniors in 2007 but has fallen out of favour under Jose Mourinho, making just four league appearances this season.

"Fernando knows that he has no future at the club," a source told the Daily Star, "there has been interest in the past from some Italian clubs and Aston Villa, but Liverpool have shown the most interest."

Meanwhile, not content with one midfield workhorse named Lucas, the Reds are interested in a second, similarly monitored midfielder -- Sao Paulo's 18-year-old Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva.

The Sun reports that the Brazilian would cost Kenny Dalglish's side £9m although the club face competition for his signature from cash-rich French side Paris Saint-Germain.

The highly-regarded youngster has already made three appearances for the Brazilian national side and was part of the country's under-20 side that won the South American championship this year.