Dalglish targets Sunderland skipper to transform Liverpool's season

Liverpool are reportedly plotting a shock January move for Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole.

According to the Mirror, the Reds will 'check the situation' of the 22-year-old in their pursuit of midfield reinforcements during the transfer window.

Kenny Dalglish will ask to be backed in the transfer market during a meeting with owners New England Sports Ventures (NESV) this week and hopes to bring in a midfielder to partner Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

The new Liverpool boss is thought to be keen to add a tough tackling enforcer to the middle of the park and, having gained a reputation as somewhat of a red card specialist, Cattermole would certainly provide that.

A move for Cattermole would appear to be more likely than one for reported target Scott Parker as the former is yet to peak in his career and would have plenty of room to develop at Liverpool.

This criteria was outlined as something of importance by NESV after their acquisition of Liverpool and Damien Comolli has been tasked with identifying potential investments.

The Liverpool director of football strategy is known to be scouting a number of young transfer candidates, with Southampton starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Belgian sensation Eden Hazard both linked with moves to Anfield.