Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier is preparing to make a formal £15million bid for Auxerre striker Djibril Cisse - a year ahead of plan.
Cisse has indicated that he doesn't want to leave Auxerre to progress his career until next year but Gerard Houllier is confident that he can persuade him that his future lies at Liverpool this season rather than next.
Nicolas Anelka has failed to make the sort of impact expected and while nobody doubts his ability, Cisse is one of the hottest talents in Europe at the moment with numerous clubs chasing his signature.
If Gerard Houllier could bring Cisse to Anfield this summer, the signing would be seen as his best ever yet and he would be the envy of Europe.
Nicolas Anelka may still be recruited but personal demands could prove a major problem.