Steven Defour's agent has confirmed that Liverpool are the latest club to be linked with a move for the Belgian star.

Real Madrid have joined the hunt for the Standard Liege playmaker, who has previously been the target of Everton and Aston Villa.

Real were considering Defour should they not sign Xabi Alonso from Liverpool, who ironically - are also viewing him a replacement for the Spaniard.

Roma's Alberto Aquilani remains a target for Rafa Benitez, but Defour is also very much on the radar for the Anfield club.

Standard have insisted that they will not be selling their prized asset but, Defour feels that is not the case.

"I have an agreement with Standard Liege that I could go to a top club, and Liverpool fit the bill," said the 21-year-old.

His agent Paul Stefani confirms that Liverpool are keen on Defour.

"Steven's name has been mentioned not only at Real Madrid, but also at Liverpool - they are looking at him too," he told the Daily Mail.

"Normally he would stay for another year, but nobody could say no to clubs like those - and Liege would not stand in his way."