Liverpool and Manchester City are ready to bid for Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne.

The Times says the Chelsea defender's contract expires at the end of next season and both clubs are considering attempting to lure him from Stamford Bridge in the summer with the promise of more regular football.

Mancienne, 21, is due to hold contract talks with Chelsea at the end of the season, but it is by no means certain that he will commit his future to a club he joined at the age of 12.

He will listen to Chelsea's plans for him in the summer but will take an open-minded approach to other offers, particularly those from high-profile Premier League clubs.