Liverpool close to signing defender

Liverpool are edging ever closer to securing the signing of Aly Cissokho from Lyon, it has been claimed.

According to French publication Le Parisen, the Reds could confirm the capture of the 23-year-old defender in the coming days for a fee of around £8.7 million.

Cissokho has made 60 appearances for Lyon since moving to the Stade de Gerland from Porto in 2009, while he has been capped on one occasion for France.

Despite commanding a fee of £13.1 million when he joined the Ligue 1 club, Cissokho will reportedly be allowed to leave for Liverpool in cut-price deal in order to raise much needed funds.

An uncompromising left-back, Cissokho could be just the type of player Liverpool are craving, as Kenny Dalglish and Co look to fill the problematic position.

Paul Konchesky had moved to Anfield last summer to take on the left-sided role, but failed to make an impact at Liverpool and was subsequently sold to Leicester City.

Newcastle's Jose Enrique was installed as the early favourite to succeed Konchesky at Liverpool, but it has been suggested the Spaniard is holding out for a move to Arsenal.