Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of Standard Liege's Bosman prospect Milan Jovanovic.

The classy forward has vowed to stay in Belgium until the end of the season but there is speculation a pre-contract could be agreed with the Merseysiders, who crashed out of the FA Cup on Wednesday at the hands of Championship strugglers Reading.

After being voted Belgian Player of the Year, the Serbian is rumoured to be in England discussing a potential transfer, says the News of the World.

Over Christmas, Jovanovic revealed: "I will be a Standard player until June.

"News that I have already said yes to AC Milan are not correct. I am still waiting, I haven't decided.

"Also because AC Milan are not the only club interested in me. There is also Liverpool and another big European club.

"I repeat - my options are still very open."