Liverpool have made a surprise loan move for Benfica defender Lorenzo Melgarejo, The Mirror reports.

Boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to find a back up left back for injury prone Jose Enrique, and he sees the versatile 22 year old - who can also play in a more attacking role - as the perfect option.

Melgarejo was a regular starter with Benfica last season and played against Chelsea in the Europa League final, but he is keen on a move to a bigger league, and Rodgers will offer an initial year long loan deal.

Liverpool have also tracked French international Aly Cissokho, but have found the wage demands difficult to countenance, and he sees the Paraguayan as the perfect alternative.

The only problem could be a work permit for the South American, but the Reds are confident they can gain permission to sign the player, given he has just forced his way into the Paraguay national side.