Liverpool: Liverpool monitor Juanito

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Malaga defender Juanito who will be out of contract at the end of the season.

The Reds are understood to have dispatched scouts to watch the 24-year-old twice in the last month, although boss Rafa Benitez has held a long-term interest in the centre back - who can also play as a defensive midfielder.

Benitez was considering a move for Juanito last summer when he moved for then Malaga team-mate Josemi, and has kept a watching brief on the player's progress.