With stalwart defender Jamie Carragher set to retire at the end of the season, Merseyside giants Liverpool are considering making a move for Lyon defender Dejan Lovren.

Liverpool have long been touted as interested in the 23-year-old centre-back, with their local rivals Everton also believed to be keeping tabs on the Croatian international.

But Liverpool could have the upper hand this time around.

The Anfield are believed to have already made contact with Lyon about the possibility of bringing Lovren to the red side of Merseyside.

Apart from the two English clubs, recently-crowned La Liga champions Barcelona and Serie A side Roma have also been mooted as being interested in Lovren.

The defender's agent Nicky Vussan went on record late last year as saying that he has not received any approaches from any club and it is unlikely that Lovren will leave for he has just recently renewed his contract with Lyon.

However, Les Gones financial situation means that players may have to be sold once again this summer - and Lovren could fit the bill.

The Croatian centre-back's contract with Lyon sees him tied down at the Stade Gerland until the end of the 2015-16 season.

Source: InsideFutbol