Liverpool join race to sign Real Madrid's Lassana Diarra

Liverpool have made a move for Lassana Diarra as they step up their bid to replace Javier Mascherano, Goal.com UK can reveal.

The Merseysiders have made an enquiry for the Real Madrid midfielder, 25, who has been told he is surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu.

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has been told by the Anfield hierarchy that he will get only a proportion of the money from the Mascherano deal, which is worth up to £22 million.

Christian Poulsen has already been brought in from Juventus for £4m but Hodgson wants another central midfield enforcer and believes Diarra fits the bill.

The former Le Havre, Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth player, a France international, has been placed on a 'for sale' list by Real sporting director Jorge Valdano and could be available for as little as £9m.

Tottenham are also continuing to monitor Diarra's situation even though manager Harry Redknapp has said that his wage demands are a problem.

Diarra is reported to earn £71,000-a-week net in Madrid, but Spurs believe the promise of regular first-team football could help a deal to be done for around £80,000-a-week gross.

Another possibility being considered by both Tottenham and Liverpool is to take the Frenchman on loan for a season, with the shortfall in his wages being met by Real.

Both clubs are keen on Scott Parker but West Ham are holding out for £14m for the 29-year-old, which is viewed as prohibitive.

Spurs have had an £8m bid for the midfielder rejected and, even though his wage demands are lower than Diarra's, they believe the Real man offers better value.

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