Liverpool plan £8m swoop for Bolton midfielder

Rafael Benitez is reportedly lining up a bid of £8 million to bring Bolton winger Lee Chung-Yong to Anfield this summer.

Last week, the South Korean's management company described any thought of the player leaving the Reebok Stadium as 'absurd', but that has not deterred the Liverpool manager who hopes to strengthen his ranks in the close season.

Lee's arrival would be funded by the sale of Albert Riera, with Benitez hopeful of offloading the Spain international before the close of the Russian transfer window this Thursday.

The 21-year-old has netted five goals for the Trotters since arriving from FC Seoul last year and has become a regular in Owen Coyle's side, and Gary Megson before him.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have joined the Reds in their pursuit for Wigan Athletic hitman Hugo Rodallega despite the Colombian, whose goal condemned Benitez's side to defeat at the DW Stadium last month, refusing to discuss speculation until the summer market opens.

He said: "Right now, my head is focused on playing with Wigan, to finish the season well and keep us in the division.

"There are many rumours about several teams but nothing is concrete until the market opens for players in June.

"It is something that is rumoured and I cannot take it to heart. We're talking about a very large, very established top club that is practically historical in England.

"You have to take it easy and keep things going smoothly while you can accomplish something."

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