Liverpool and City eye Arsenal's Spanish target - reports

Liverpool and Manchester City are keen on signing Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol in the January transfer window, according to talkSPORT.

The 26-year-old has been left out in the cold at Madrid, and feels he needs first team football top put himself in contention for Spain European Championships squad for next summer.

City and Liverpool are two of the club interested, as might Arsenal, who had hinted at a move for the Madrid man before moving for Per Mertesacker.

Arsenal however, may be keen, after conceding 14 goals in five Premier League matches this season.

 

Liverpool's defensive problems, which came to a head when they lost 4-0 to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, have been further hit by the impending suspension to Martin Skrtel and injury to Daniel Agger.

Roberto Mancini has made it known as to his frustrations with his midfield options, which could lead him to moving Vincent Kompany forward with Albiol providing cover at the back.

All of City, Arsenal and Liverpool could offer Albiol Champions League football, and as yet he isn't cup tied, having been left out against Dinamo Zagreb in the club's Group D opener.