Liverpool are poised to make a �4m bid for Southampton midfielder Fabrice Fernandes.

Reports claim Anfield Gerard Houllier will submit a bid in the next two days with an aim to sign the player before the January transfer window closes.

Houllier put the 23-year-old Frenchman at the top of his shopping list after failing to sign Damien Duff from Blackburn Rovers.

Republic of Ireland winger Duff had been his initial first choice but Rovers refused to part with the player for anything less than �12m.

Fernandes is likely to jump at the chance of joining Liverpool, after carving out a reputation as one of the Premiership's best wide players.

He has not given up on forcing his way into the France side and knows that playing in the Champions League next season will improve his claims.

Saints manager Gordon Strachan will be determined to hold on to the player who has provided hitman James Beattie with much of the ammunition for his goals this season.