Former Liverpool defender John Scales is backing their move for Dnipro winger Yevhen Konoplyanka.Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre flew to Ukraine yesterday to try and seal a £16m deal for the Dnipro winger.

Scales is well aware of the Ukraine international and told the Daily Star: "He's a very talented player. He's got a very good reputation and people have seen what he's capable of playing against England.

"If you look at that Ukraine team he is one of two or three very good players. From what I've seen of him, I've been massively impressed.

"He's very much in the style of Arjen Robben in that he likes cutting in from wide areas.

"He's very quick and looks to me like an intelligent player.

"Look at Liverpool's attacking options. Iago Aspas might leave in the summer and Victor Moses is only on loan.

"It's certainly an area they are looking at strengthening and Konoplyanka is just the sort of player they do need to bring in.

"If he did come, he would be a great acquisition."