Liverpool are launching a bid for Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila.

The Sun says Reds football chief Damien Comolli has earmarked enforcer M'Vila to add steel to Liverpool's midfield, and the Reds, along with Bayern Munich, have stolen a march in the race to sign him.

M'Vila, 20, has attracted interest from all of Europe's big-hitters after breaking into Laurent Blanc's France team this season. Rennes will want at least £18m for their most prized asset.

The Reds will hope to finance the deal by recovering some of the £20m former boss Rafa Benitez wasted on flop Alberto Aquilani.

Aquilani has spent this season on loan at Juventus and although the Italians are keen to reduce the £13m agreed fee, Liverpool will need all of that money to help capture M'Vila.