Liverpool fear being priced out of a deal for Udinese midfielder Gokhan Inler.

The Daily Mail says Liverpool have targeted Inler to reinforce their midfield once they lose Xabi Alonso.

With Real Madrid only delaying their offer for Alonso, and Barcelona still keen on Javier Mascherano, manager Rafa Benitez knows he must fill the breach.

But he has been alarmed at Udinese's £18million asking price for Switzerland midfielder Inler.

Benitez is reluctant to bid more than £10m.