Liverpool Transfer News: Real Madrid Eyeing Alberto Moreno, Kolo Toure Rumours

Liverpool left-back Alberto Moreno is a surprise target for La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid this winter, according to the latest reports, while it's emerged that defender Kolo Toure is hoping to earn a new contract at Anfield.

Spanish newspaper Marca reported this week that Moreno is wanted as backup for first-choice Marcelo, who has endured some time out with injury already this season (via Mirror's Liam Corless).

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But Reds manager Jurgen Klopp isn't likely to consider selling the man who's currently filling in for Joe Gomez, who started the campaign as first-choice left-back in the Liverpool XI.

The Merseysiders' own injury doubts mean Real face a struggle in convincing the English giants to do business, although a return to his native Spain may appeal to Moreno.

The Spain international has made 13 starts for Liverpool this season and has 59 appearances for the club in total since completing a £12 million switch to Anfield from Sevilla in the summer of 2014.

It was just this week Moreno insisted he's enjoying life in his current setting, however, with the Reds focused on improving under the guidance of Klopp, per the club's official Twitter feed:

That being said, Real boast a rare pulling power that not every player can bare to resist, and even the option of becoming a second-string option in Spain's capital might appeal to the player.

Bleacher Report's Karl Matchett asserted that Marcelo's injury struggles are the main reason behind the interest, with manager Rafa Benitez lacking in recognised cover behind the Brazilian:

Moreno is grasping his opportunity as Liverpool's top choice on the left side of defence during Gomez's absence, cementing his spot as the leading figure in that role for the time being.

It seems unlikely Moreno would give that prominence up only to settle for a fringe role at Real, but Los Blancos' desire to land cover at left-back will push the Reds to retain the player's services.

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Meanwhile, Toure has voiced his desperation to pen new terms on Merseyside, shrugging off any notion of retirement as he approaches his 35th birthday.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce, the ex-Ivory Coast international enthused how keen he was to stay at Anfield beyond this summer, when his current deal with the Reds expires:

"

No, no, no, I’m not thinking about retiring at the end of the season. I want to carry on playing football. I love it, I feel fresh and I’m still working hard. I can go on for another four or five years! No, I take it year by year but as long as I feel fit, and the fans and the club are happy with me I’ll be here.

I’ll be here for as long as the club think I can help. I want to do good things for Liverpool.

"

Fans of the club are sure to welcome the news that their recent success is convincing players to stick around at Liverpool, but the question at hand is whether the Reds need Toure's services any longer.

Toure, 35 in March, has made just five appearances this season and sits behind the likes of Mamadou Sakho, Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren at centre-back, struggling to tie down a starting place.