Liverpool have moved ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal in the race to sign Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote, according to the Metro.
Reports claim that the Ivory Coast international is desperate to leave St James’ Park, after the Magpies horror start to the season.
Tiote will push for a January move, having previously been linked with both Arsenal and Manchester United.
Although now reports are suggesting Brendan Rodgers is looking to beat both to the signature of Tiote, with reports in Spain claiming that Liverpool are closing in on his signature with a £15.5million offer.
Brendan Rodges sees Tiote as the ideal holding midfielder to protect his back four, with Lucas Leiva looking likely to leave in January, and Steven Gerrard struggling on his own in that position.
Newcastle are said to be demanding closer to £20million, but with the player himself desperate to leave, Brendan Rodgers is confident of landing him for a bargain price.
