Cruzeiro defender Edu Dracena has claimed Liverpool attempted to secure his services in October but were knocked back by his South American paymasters.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is known to be in the market for a central defender, having missed out on several targets prior to the transfer being closed until January.
It is expected that the Spanish tactician will further swell his ranks in the New Year, with Dracena - also reportedly a target for Villarreal, seemingly now a viable option.
The highly-rated stopper admits he is flattered by talk of potential suitors in both England and Spain but with Cruzeiro keen to extend his stay in Brazil, he could yet remain in his homeland.
"The only proposal that I knew about was one that came in October from Liverpool but it was refused by Cruzeiro,'' conceded Dracena.
"Nobody from Villarreal has done a proposal to me because they know that first of all they have to talk to Cruzeiro. I am working very hard and trying to do my best at Cruzeiro, as having a proposal from abroad hasn't happened yet.
"I am happy because several teams are showing interest in me but I must say that at the moment Cruzeiro is the team that has the priority for renewing my contract.''
Another name reportedly on Benitez's wish list is Middlesbrough defender Chris Riggott, with Liverpool having been impressed with his progress over the past 18 months.
Steve McClaren would be loathe to lose a defender he has nurtured over the past couple of seasons but it has been suggested Benitez is mulling over the option of making a January raid on the North East outfit.
From skysports.com
