"Liverpool" interested in Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Liverpool have stepped up their interest in young Danish star Christian Eriksen, following final checks during the international break.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has been impressed with scouting reports about the Ajax playmaker and, after watching him play for his country against the Czech Republic and Bulgaria over the past week, the Anfield club are ready to take the plunge with a firm offer.

After refusing the Dutch giants' offer of a new contract, 21-year-old Eriksen will be made available for transfer in the summer as he will be entering the final year of his current deal.

The midfielder’s profile suits Liverpool’s blueprint for new players so perfectly, they are ready to go head to head with the likes of Inter Milan, Tottenham and perhaps Chelsea - who have been linked with Eriksen recently - for his services.

Eriksen's fee will be reduced because of the short term left on his contract, so there is the prospect of the transfer-market value the Reds crave these days.

The sticking point with the 24-year-old has always been the fee - Shaktar Donetsk want £23million for a player they are convinced will become one of the top stars in Europe.

Again, Mkhitaryan has aroused interest from other Premier League clubs as well as Italy, but Rodgers will continue to monitor the situation to see if he can negotiate a price that fits into his budget.

Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa and Brazilian defender Dede are also on Liverpool’s radar.