Anfield calls Julio Cesar

Premiership club Liverpool are lining up a bid for Real Madrid defender Julio Cesar, according to reports from the Spanish capital.

Liverpool are looking to strengthen their squad and have already inquired about the 22-year-old Brazilian.

The Reds have yet to lodge a firm offer but are rumoured to have an $US 8.0m bid ready to tempt the player to Anfield.

Julio Cesar never really excelled at Real Madrid and was loaned to AC Milan at the start of last season.

Real Sociedad's John Toshack brought the player back to the Primera Liga in January to begin a six-month loan at the crisis-ridden Basque club. The player flourished in San Sebastian, helping the Txuri Urdin to stave off relegation and prolong their stay in the top flight.

Real would gladly sell Julio Cesar for a decent amount to raise cash for their top summer signings, Zinedine Zidane and Gaizka Mendieta.