Liverpool cleared to sign Alves

Alves has been a long-term target of Liverpool's Rafael Benitez

Sevilla have reluctantly agreed to sell defender Daniel Alves to Liverpool, but say the Reds have yet to match their asking price, believed to be £8m.

The 23-year-old's agent Jose Rodriguez said his client was very interested in a move to Anfield.

"Daniel is happy where he is but he wants to improve like anyone else," Rodriguez told AS newspaper.

"I do not want to say he does not want to stay at Sevilla but it is clear he is attracted by a move to Liverpool."

Alves is a long-term target of Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido said: "We're already talking big money but Sevilla don't want to lose Daniel.

"He has let us know the offer from Liverpool is the most important. But he has not put pressure on us and we don't have a harsh relationship with him."

Brazilian Alves has been at Sevilla for four years now and impressed during their Uefa Cup success in 2006, most notably in the 4-0 demolition of Middlesbrough in the final.

Liverpool are thought to have already made a £7m bid for the player, which was deemed too low by his current employers.

Del Nido added: "Liverpool have not yet made us an offer which is acceptable. Until they meet our asking price, there's no deal."