According to the British press, Liverpool have targeted central defender Tiago Ilori, who is being hailed as the new Raphaël Varane, as replacement for Jamie Carragher, who is likely to retire soon.

The Daily Mail reports that Liverpool are to start negotiations with the leadership of Sporting Lisbon at the end of the season, and are willing to pay 1.5 million euros for Tiago Ilori, who has a Nigerian father and Portuguese mother.

It remains to be seen if Sporting Lisbon accept the offer from the English club as the player has a release clause of 30 million euros.

The 20 - year - old Portugal youth - teamer is under contract with Sporting Lisbon until June, 2015.

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