Liverpool are interested in signing Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez before the transfer window closes, according to La Razon.

The Spanish rumour mongers claim the Reds are now leading the race to sign the Argentinian international, ahead of Arsenal, who were linked with the player earlier this summer.

Rodriguez has an €80m (£68.5m) release clause but Betis are prepared to let the 27-year-old leave for only €30m (£25.7m) as they need to raise funds for their own transfer business.

After letting Aissa Mandi leave on a free transfer, they are looking to snap up a centre-back but a move for Torino’s Lyanco cannot be finalised until they have made some money through player sales.

Manager Jurgen Klopp is keen to strengthen his midfield after losing Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are said to see Rodiguez as a potential alternative to Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez, who could cost a lot more.