Benitez lines up full-back bid

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is poised to make a move for Portsmouth full-back Glen Johnson when the transfer window opens.

The Reds boss has been looking for an experienced right-back to come in as competition for Alvaro Arbeloa at Anfield for some time and has earmarked former Chelsea man Johnson for the role.

Jamie Carragher is currently filling in for the injured Arbeloa on the right-hand side of defence so Benitez is in need of cover in that department as he looks to tweak his squad ahead of an expected title tilt in the second half of the season.

England international Johnson, 24, would be keen on a move to the Premier League leaders and it's thought he could be available for as little as £6.5million - a figure the Reds would be more than happy to pay.