Sky Sports sources understand that Liverpool have bid £15million for Aston Villa star Stewart Downing.
The winger has been reported as a target of the Anfield club for several months and fits the young, British profile sought by owners Fenway Sports Group.
Liverpool have now made an initial offer for Downing, 26, as they attempt to prise the England international away from Premier League rivals Villa, where he has two years remaining on his contract.
Rumours have suggested that Downing has grown frustrated at Villa Park following last season's disappointing and uncertain campaign.
Key asset
New manager Alex McLeish said at the end of June that he hoped he would be able to convince the former Middlesbrough player to stay at Villa.
But it remains to be seen if a £15m offer will persuade Villa, who are thought to want a fee closer to £20m, to part with another of their key assets in the wake of Ashley Young's transfer to Manchester United.
Liverpool have already signed Jordan Henderson this summer and are chasing Blackpool playmaker Charlie Adam.
However, there have been rumblings regarding their stuttering transfer business after missing out on Phil Jones to United and Connor Wickham to Sunderland.
As a result, there is likely to be a determination to complete a deal for Downing, whose pace and creativity in wide areas are thought to be integral to Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish's rebuilding plans.