Sevilla President Pepe Castro has admitted Liverpool are interested in securing the services of Alberto Moreno, with reports in Spain claiming that his switch to Merseyside "is virtually a done deal".

The 21-year-old left-back has excelled in La Liga over the past two seasons, catching the eye of a number of big European clubs including Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Napoli.

But according to Spanish newspaper Marca Brendan Rodgers' side have won the race for his signature – with a deal to be confirmed "over the next few hours".

Liverpool made an initial bid in the region of €15m (£12m) for Moreno during the January transfer window and according to Marca have now upped their offer to around €22m.

The Reds tried to include Suso as part of the deal but the Spanish newspaper claims the Liverpool youngster will finally not be part of the deal.

Nevertheless, Sevilla President Pepe Casto has refused to confirm the deal, even though he admits the Liverpool approach.

"It's true that there is interest from Liverpool but we are waiting for that interest to convert into a reality, because at this moment in time there isn't (a formal bid)," he told Estadio Deportivo.

Moreno was named in Spain's 30-man preliminary squad for the World Cup but after being excluded from the final list is reportedly awaiting the green light from both clubs to complete the deal – as he has already agreed personal terms with the Reds.

Meanwhile, reports in Spain claim Sevilla are already monitoring Portuguese left-back Vitorino Antunes as Moreno's replacement.

Liverpool have already completed the signing of striker Ricky Lambert, from Southampton, while also pursuing a move for Southampton's Adam Lallana.