Coventry's Chris Kirkland could become the most expensive goalkeeper in British football with Liverpool set to make a move for the player.

Gerard Houllier is believed to be ready to bid �5m for Kirkland.

But that figure could rise to about �8m, were the player to succeed at Anfield and go on to win international honours.

That would take the total past the current British record fee for a keeper: the �7.8m Man Utd paid for Fabien Barthez.

Kirkland, 19, is currently Coventry's second choice behind Sweden's top keeper Magnus Hedman.

Liverpool's current number one, Sander Westerveld, has had mixed performances this year.

But it is likely that the Anfield club will wait until the end of the season before making their move.