Liverpool ready to launch bid for Stocker

Liverpool are ready to formalise their reported interest in FC Basel midfielder Valentin Stocker, according to The People.

The 21-year-old Swiss sensation has been linked with a move to Merseyside for some time and it would now seem the Reds are prepared to table a bid in order to fight of interest from other suitors.

It had been reported last month that Liverpool had commenced informal discussions regarding the youngster - something which was later confirmed by his agent Marco Balmelli.

Balmelli told TMW: "Liverpool? Yes, with the English club I have had contact. How much? Five to six million euro.

"Valentin is good technically, can play multiple roles, both on the wing and the centre."

Stocker has caught the eye of a host of European clubs since bursting onto the scene two years ago, and has since gone on to represent Switzerland - scoring three times in just six appearances thus far.

A fleet-footed attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, Stocker would certainly fit with the ethos of new Liverpool owners NESV in their quest to invest in young talent to develop a squad for the future at Anfield.

Liverpool are slowly building a young and talented squad at Anfield with exciting Spanish starlets Suso and Dani Pacheco already making waves in the Liverpool reserves - and Stocker would certainly be worthwhile acquisition.

Liverpool have also been linked with January moves for French youngster Mamadou Sakho and Israel prodigy Omri Altman as Roy Hodgson looks to continue the rebuilding job at Anfield.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.