Liverpool to be outbid for Fernando Amorebieta by Zenit St Petersburg

Liverpool could be set to miss out on transfer target Fernando Amorebieta, as Russian side Zenit St Petersburg enter the race for the highly-rated defender.

Fernando Amorebieta (left) has been a long-term target of Liverpool

The Reds have been tracking Amorebieta with a view to a move for the Athletic Bilbao player in January, but Brendan Rodgers’ side could now be facing an uphill challenge to bring him to Anfield, with moneybags Zenit showing a keen interest.

Liverpool were originally priced out of a move for the 27-year-old, with his £26million release clause out of their price range, but it is thought he could now be available at a reduced rate as his contract expires in 2014.

But with a reduced price-tag, both Zenit and Italian side Roma have entered the fray for the central defender and the Serie A side believe an £8million offer will seal the deal in January.

Zenit, though, may have other ideas. The Russian outfit are far from short of cash and could outbid both Roma and Liverpool if they are determined to land Amorebieta’s signature.

They have already been in talks over a move for the Spaniard and are believed to have been encouraged by Bilbao’s stance.