Liverpool are reportedly leading the chase to sign transfer-listed Leeds midfielder Lee Bowyer for a knockdown price.

BBC Sport Online revealed last week that Bowyer was determined to leave Leeds and that the sacking of David O'Leary would make no difference to the player's position.

The Daily Express newspaper claimed Liverpool and Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale met on Monday to discuss a possible deal.

And while a Liverpool spokesman denied that any negotiations took place between the two parties, the Anfield club have not ruled out a move for the 25-year-old.

Leeds slapped a �15m price-tag on Bowyer after he refused to sign a new five-year deal.

But that figure has fallen dramatically with the transfer-listed midfielder insisting he will quit Elland Road following two turbulent years at the club.

Despite being cleared in court last December of a late-night assault on an Asian student in Leeds two years ago, Bowyer's international ambitions have been hampered as a result.

A move to Liverpool would give him the chance to start afresh and boost his chances of being included in the England set-up.

Leeds are believed to be ready to listen to offers of �12m for Bowyer, which is way above the �7m Liverpool are prepared to pay.

However, Leeds need to cash in on some of their more prized assets to appease the plc and free up funds for the new manager.