Liverpool make £16m bid for Alberto Moreno and Michael Owen expects more defenders to arrive at Anfield

Reports in Spain suggest a formal offer for the Sevilla left-back has been made

Gerard Deulofeu of Spain duels for the ball with Alberto Moreno of Spain during a training session at Ciudad del Futbol (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool are understood to have formalised their interest in Alberto Moreno with a £16m bid for the Sevilla player.

The left-back enjoyed an excellent season in Spain which culminated in his side winning the Europa League. As well as raising interest from Liverpool, Moreno is also in Spain's preliminary 30-man squad for the World Cup. He has two caps for the World and European champions.

Brendan Rodgers is keen to bolster his defence after a season in which leaking goals was a persistent problem in their ultimately failed attempt to win the Premier League title. Right-footed youngster Jon Flanagan filled the left-back berth for much of the season with Jose Enrique missing much of the campaign through injury.

Liverpool are likely to face competition to sign Moreno, with Chelsea who are seeking to replace Ashley Cole and Napoli among those also linked with the 21-year-old.

Reports in Spain suggest Liverpool are willing to include midfielder Suso, who spent last season on loan at Almeria, as part of the deal.

Rodgers has been tipped to make more additions at the back with former striker Michael Owen among those expecting a flurry of arrivals.

Liverpool are also in negotiations with Southampton over England international Adam Lallana.