Kolo Toure: Closing in on a move to Liverpool

As revealed by Sky Sports last week, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has lined up a move for Toure as he looks to bolster his defensive options.

Toure is out of contract at the Etihad Stadium next month and Liverpool have moved quickly to keep him in the Premier League.

The 32-year-old found himself down the pecking order at City this season after making just 18 appearances and they are willing to let him move on.

Talks are thought to be at an advanced stage between Liverpool and Toure, and the move has taken a step closer now the centre-half has returned from City's post-season tour of America.

Liverpool are believed to be ready to offer Toure a two-year deal as they look to make the defender their first signing of the summer.

Rodgers is thought to see Toure as an ideal replacement for Jamie Carragher following his retirement and believes the Ivory Coast international's experience will prove valuable to his squad at Anfield.