Liverpool will move for David Wheater if Middlesbrough are relegated at the end of the season.
The Sunday Mirror says Anfield chief Rafa Benitez is looking for a long-term replacement for veteran central defender Sami Hyypia and believes that England Under-21 stopper Wheater fits the mould.
A bid of about £10m for a player who cost nothing would certainly be hard to refuse if Middlesbrough find themselves looking at Championship football next season.
Giant Wheater, a product of Boro's famed Academy, has continued to make progress this term and has been called into Fabio Capello's England squad.