Caughtoffside: Reds prepare move for Rangers midfielder

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is preparing an audacious move to sign Rangers midfielder Steven Davis after the Northern Irish international announced his intention to leave Ibrox.

The 27 year old former Aston Villa and Fulham man is one of a number of players at the club who have refused to switch their contracts to Charles Green's 'newco' and is therefore likely to leave in the coming weeks.

Davis has been a consistent performer since his move to Glasgow in January 2008, a loan move that subsequently became a permanent one in the summer of that year. The talented midfielder has notched up over 200 appearances and helping his side to three SPL titles and a host of other domestic honours to become something of a cult favourite at the club.

Rodgers is keen to add strength in depth to his Liverpool side and is a big fan of his fellow countryman who he may be able to bring in on a free transfer after PFA Scotland's lawyers expressed their belief that those wishing to leave Rangers rather than sign 'newco' deals could do so as free agents.

A number of Ally McCoist's side have already left on such deals with Steven Whittaker joining Norwich City, Kyle Lafferty moving to Swiss side Sion and youngster Jamie Ness set to complete a move to Stoke City.

Davis stated on the subject of his Rangers future "I am 27 and need to be playing at the highest possible level." A move to Liverpool would surely tempt the Ballymena born midfielder and if the midfielder can indeed be picked up on a free transfer then it's a very sensible move for Liverpool boss Rodgers to contemplate.