Liverpool FC are favourites to sign Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos, that's according to reports today.

The Greek centre back was a transfer target for Brendan Rodgers back in 2013, but the Reds failed to agree a deal with the German club and instead moved for Mamadou Sakho.

Papadopoulos is now on-loan at Bayer Leverkusen and, despite Leverkusen's desire to make the deal permanent, the Reds are said to be front-runners for his signature.

A bid of £4.4m has been made by Leverkusen, but Papadopoulos' desire to move abroad could ensure that he could be set to make the move to Anfield.

The 23-year-old has struggled with injuries throughout his career, making just four appearances last term and 11 league appearances for Leverkusen this year.

Reports in Spain indicate that Liverpool could be set to fight for Brazil right back Dani Alves when his contract at Barcelona expires in June.

The Reds are said to be interested in the player along with the likes of Manchester United, Juventus, Inter Milan, PSG and Dortmund.

Alves is reportedly keen to stay at the Camp Nou but as of yet no new deal has been offered by Barcelona.

Alves was a target for Liverpool back in 2008 before he left Sevilla to join Barcelona. He has since won four Primera Division titles, two Copa del Rey trophies and the Champions League twice.

Source: Liverpool Echo