Liverpool are eyeing Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross.
The Sunday Mirror says Liverpool's owners will bankroll a move for Shawcross, whether manager Roy Hodgson stays or goes.
Reds chief Damien Comolli and Hodgson watched centre-half Shawcross in action last week.
But bitter rivals Manchester United could also mess up that deal - they have the first option on Shawcross, a former reserve at Old Trafford.