Liverpool want Manchester City's Kolo Toure to fill void left by Jamie Carragher's retirement

Brendan Rodger's moves quickly to replace retired centre-back with signing of Ivorian International Toure

Kolo Toure looks set to join Liverpool on a free transfer after his contract expires with Manchester City (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool are hoping to sign Kolo Toure when his contract expires this summer.

Strengthening the defence is Brendan Rodgers’ main priority following the retirement of Jamie Carragher after 15 years and uncertainty over the futurte of both Martin Skrtel and Sebastian Coates.

The 32-year-old Ivorian is keen to stay in England when he leaves City and looks likely to head west to Anfield if personal terms can be agreed.

Liverpool are keen to lower the age profile of the squad, but are prepared to make an exception for Toure.

He will not be the only defender heading to Anfield with Ajax’s Toby Alderweirled, Tiago Ilori of Sporting Lisbon and Schalke’s Greece international Kyriakos Papadopolous all on Liverpool’s radar.