Brendan Rodgers ready to recruit Javier Manquillo for liverpool

Atletico Madrid full back Javier Manquillo is set to complete a loan move to Liverpool, who are evens to secure a top four finish, pending a medical.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has apparently recruited the right back on a temporary two-year deal, with the option to buy at the end of this season if the Spaniard impresses. A potential fee of £5m has been mooted, should Liverpool attempt to secure the talented defender on a permanent contract.

Manquillo, 20, will provide competition and back-up for England international Glen Johnson, who has been regularly linked with an Anfield exit, and spent much of last season on the sidelines with injury.

An Atletico academy product, Madrid-born Manquillo made his La Liga debut in 2012 and represents Spain at youth level, but makes the move to Anfield in search of increased game time after remaining behind teammate Juanfran in the pecking order.

Rodgers has had a busy summer transfer window so far, with Liverpool looking to improve on last season’s nail-biting, but ultimately trophy-less, campaign, as they finished second in the Premier League.

With the Reds playing Champions League football this term, Rodgers is attempting to acquire further strength in depth, to avoid over-stretching his young squad. Manquillo becomes the seventh addition this summer, following midfielder Emre Can, exciting attackers Lazar Markovic and Divock Origi, and former Southampton stars Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren to Anfield.

Liverpool are still in the market for another striker, after Luis Suarez’s departure to Barcelona, but for the moment their attention seems to have turned to the backline.

The Reds conceded a shocking 50 league goals last term, 23 more than third placed Chelsea. Having already snapped up Croatia centre half Lovren to improve the heart of defence, Rodgers is now attempting to upgrade both full back positions.

Manquillo’s compatriot Alberto Moreno is also rumoured to be close to an Anfield switch, to give Liverpool another option at left back.