Liverpool join chase for Axel Witsel

Premier League giants Liverpool are ready to join the race to sign Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel from Zenit, the Daily Mirror has suggested.

Italian champions Juventus are widely believed to be strong favourites to recruit the high-profile footballer, but they were unable to wrap up the deal in the summer.

Zenit have since made it clear that Witsel would not be signing a new deal at the club even though his current one expires in June.

But, while Juventus remain in pole position, the latest reports claim that Liverpool have joined the chase as well.

It is no secret that the Reds are short of quality options in the middle of the park and they could attempt to agree a cut-price deal for Witsel.

Even though the midfielder is believed to have agreed in principle personal terms with Juventus, chances are that Liverpool would be able to offer him a higher salary.