You'll have plenty to celebrate when you subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Liverpool FC have stepped up their pursuit of Willian with the £30million-rated Brazilian winger admitting his interest in a move to Anfield.

The ECHO understands the Reds have opened negotiations with Anzhi Makhachkala over a fee following their initial enquiry earlier this week.

Anfield officials have been encouraged by the Russian outfit's willingness to do business and the player's desire to head for the Premier League.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

“I'm hoping in the coming days to receive an offer from a club like Liverpool. It sure is a great club,” Willian said.

“I'm hopeful and very calm. Of course England is a league that many dream of playing in and I'm no different. My agent has had conversations with some clubs.

“I love the Premier League and the style of English football, and certainly if it happens it will be good for me. I'll grow professionally.”

Boss Brendan Rodgers has cash to spend after a summer when the club's transfer dealings have so far yielded a profit of around £5million.

Anzhi are keen to sell as billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov looks to cut costs but they want to recoup the £30million they paid Shakhtar Donetsk for Willian back in January.

That hasn't deterred the Reds with owners Fenway Sports Group willing to finance a deal which would make the 25-year-old the second most expensive player in the club's history.

However, Willian would need to accept a reduction in the £100,000 per week salary he currently commands in the Republic of Dagestan.

Manchester City had a bid of around £34million for Willian rejected last month but that was before Kerimov decided to slash the wage bill and embark on a clearout of the club's prized assets.

The Brazil international, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea and Tottenham, has been told he can leave Anzhi but not at a knockdown price.

“He (Kerimov) doesn't want to let anyone go for free but he made it clear that if good bids arrive - something at least close to what he paid for the players - he would certainly help us go,” added Willian, who has been withdrawn from the Anzhi squad for tomorrow's game against Zenit.

“I've seen news of some clubs interested and my expectation is certainly great. It may happen tomorrow or on August 31.”

As the Reds look to agree a fee with Anzhi, their swoop for Granada's Guilherme Siqueira has been thrown into doubt.

Liverpool were confident of wrapping up a deal for the left-back this week but talks have now stalled after the asking price more than trebled.

The Reds, who had initially been told that Sigueira would be available for around £3.5million, were willing to pay £5.5million in order to secure his services.

However, Granada are now demanding £12million amidst claims that Real Madrid have entered the race for his signature.

If a compromise can't be quickly sorted then Liverpool will renew their interest in Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho.

The France international claimed last week that he had agreed personal terms with the Reds but admitted there was no deal in place between the clubs.

A previous round of talks had broken down because Liverpool wanted a year-long loan with the option to buy next summer but Valencia insisted on a permanent transfer with the cash up front.

Having let Jack Robinson join Blackpool on a season-long loan, Rodgers needs an established left-back to provide competition for Jose Enrique.