Ignacio Camacho an Option for Liverpool Summer Transfer

Liverpool's need for a defensive midfielder could be a quick fix this summer. Potential target Ignacio Camacho has declared a willingness to leave Malaga once the season ends.

According to the Daily Star's Jamie Anderson, Camacho, who's tied to Malaga until 2019, has been talking up a possible summer exit:

"

If I do leave here then I want it to be done well and that Malaga are not angry with me.

But I also think you need to look at the market and its value in case you leave. We all know Malaga's situation, which isn't too bad, but they could be forced to sell for a reasonable price. ...

I have a contract here but if anyone wants to come in for me, then they will have to negotiate.

"

Admittedly, it's not a major stretch to interpret those words as the proverbial "come and get me" plea. Anderson also isn't totally out of line connecting the dots to potential Liverpool interest.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press/Associated Press

The Reds have an obvious need for a defensive midfielder. Anderson even stated the Anfield club has joined Premier League rival Arsenal in the search for a "holding midfielder capable of shielding the back four."

That search seemed obvious when the Reds reportedly made an inquiry for Hannover's Lars Stindl during the final days of the January transfer window, per German publication Bild (h/t Simon Rice of The Independent). Rice also referenced a report from Spanish newspaper El Confidencial stating Liverpool were keen on Real Madrid's Asier Illarramendi.

Manager Brendan Rodgers seems to be in no doubt that he needs a rugged and disciplined, deep-lying midfielder. Honestly, why would he be?

Players such as Lucas Leiva and Emre Can have been unconvincing as destroyers. Meanwhile, club legend Steven Gerrard, a "quarterback-style" playmaker from deep in Rodgers' system, is set for the MLS this summer.

For this season at least, Liverpool's midfield will remain one front-loaded with forward-thinking schemers. Rodgers needs to underpin creative types such as Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic with a solid anchor at the base of midfield.

Camacho has steadily become that type of player since leaving Atletico Madrid for Malaga back in 2011. Even during his early days in the Spanish capital, Camacho was commended for his power and his ability to dominate from deep, per Sky Sports Scout.

Those are the qualities Liverpool need, and a newly seasoned Camacho can certainly offer them. Both the Anfield club and the Gunners have tracked the 24-year-old Spain international this month.

But Malaga sporting director Mario Husillos has stood firm. He told French television channel Canal Plus (h/t talkSPORT) he hopes Camacho remains at Malaga "for many years," despite interest from the "big teams of Europe."

Things could change this summer, though, with Liverpool possibly finding themselves in pole position. Arsenal may retain some level of interest, but the recent and rapid emergence of Francis Coquelin means manager Arsene Wenger won't have to rush into the market for help at this position.

Ex-Gunners striking sensation and pundit Thierry Henry confirmed as much on Sky Sports News HQ (h/t SkySports.com): "Maybe if he hadn’t come back and played the way he did recently, Arsene would have gone and bought a defensive midfielder."

Clive Mason/Getty Images

Arsenal are keen to get Coquelin to sign a new deal. Wenger even recently stated he's "99 percent" certain the 23-year-old Frenchman will stay, according to ESPN FC's Kevin Palmer.

Signing Camacho would surely put Coquelin's place under threat and make any deal he might sign virtually meaningless.

Arsenal may not need Camacho anymore, but Liverpool still do. If there's a chance the Spaniard will be available this summer, Rodgers shouldn't hesitate to start talking with Malaga now.