Liverpool are chasing Udinese ace Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu as Brendan Rodgers draws up his list of January targets.

Reds boss Rodgers is desperate to bring in a handful of new players in the new year, having recently bemoaned the club’s lack of depth.

And while adding another full-back remains a clear priority, Liverpool are also in need of a natural defensive midfielder, and Ghanaian Agyemang-Badu is a new target.

The 23-year-old is rising star in Serie A and has been personally recommended to Rodgers by his European scouts.

Liverpool have been informed of the player’s desire to play in the Premier League, and are now planning a £7million bid.

Agyemang-Badu can play in both midfield and defence, meaning he would provide valuable cover as Rodgers’ men chase Champions League football.

Arsenal and Tottenham have both previously scouted the player, who is famed for his powerful and aggressive approach.