Shawcross on Reds' wish list

Skysports.com understands Liverpool are targeting a move for Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross as they look to bolster their defensive options.

The Reds are drawing up a list of targets as they look to bring a new centre-half after losing Jamie Carragher to injury for three months and Shawcross is thought to figure highly on their wish-list.

Liverpool have held a long-term interest in the former Manchester United youngster and they have been keeping tabs on his progress at the Britannia Stadium.

Shawcross has established himself as one of the best young defenders in the country after catching the eye with the Potters over the last couple of seasons.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson has made a new central defender his top target in the January transfer window and he could move for Shawcross if the funds are available to bid for the 23-year-old.

Stoke would be reluctant to lose Shawcross with the imposing central defender having been made captain of Tony Pulis' side and they recently tied him down to a new deal until 2014.

Liverpool could decide to offer midfielder Lucas as part of any deal for Shawcross in a bid to tempt Stoke to do business, with the Brazil international thought to be a target for Pulis in the last transfer window.

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