The Real Madrid midfielder Brendan Rodgers wants as his Xabi Alonso at Liverpool

Liverpool are set to for a facelift under Brendan Rodgers, and the former Swansea boss is looking for a couple of additions to his squad to help implement his new philosophy at Anfield. One player Liverpool have already made a bid for is Real Madrid's midfielder Esteban Granero, and though Real rejected the initial sum, Liverpool could still come back with an improved offer. talkSPORT's Transfer Spotlight has more on the man Rodgers wants to be his Xabi Alonso...

Name: Esteban Felix Granero Molina
Date of birth: July 2 1987
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
Club: Real Madrid
Position: Central midfielder
International appearances: 10 (Spain under-21)
Honours: La Liga (2011/12), Copa del Rey (2010/11), UEFA U-19 Championship (2006)

What's the latest?
Real Madrid's wealth of talent means that Granero has been unable to secure a steady place in their team, despite being highly rated by manager Jose Mourinho. The midfielder did manage to establish himself as third choice behind Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira toward the end of the 2011/12 season, but it's thought that he wants more than just a bit-part at this pivotal stage in his career. Brendan Rodgers has made signing at least one more ball-playing midfielder a priority for his new-look Liverpool side, and though a reported initial bid of £6m from the Reds is said to have been rejected, an improved offer of £7.5m could be enough to convince Real, as the imminent arrival of Luka Modric means they need to sell.

Did you know?

1) Granero is one of the few Real Madrid youth-products to grace their current team, having progressed through every level at the club before becoming a key player for Real's B team, Castilla, in 2007.

2) After a successful spell with the Spanish Under-20 team in 2007, Real Madrid offered Granero a contract extension and place with their first team. In a bold move, the midfielder rejected the offer, believing his game-time would be limited and instead opted to move on loan to Getafe with the option of making the deal permanent should he prove successful.

3) Granero's time at Getafe coincided with one of the humble club's most successful periods, with the midfielder helping them to reach the quarter-final of the UEFA Cup. Following his valuable contribution that season, Getafe made his move permanent, though Madrid maintained a buy-back clause in his contract.

4) Following a second season with Getafe, Real activated their buy-back clause, paying around 4 million Euros to bring the midfielder back to the Bernabeu. That season, Granero won over new coach Manuel Pelligrini, making 36 appearances in all competitions, his most for Madrid's senior team to date.

5) Granero struggled to retain his place in Madrid's team under Jose Mourinho, with the Portuguese often opting for Sami Khedira ahead of the Spaniard. Despite this, the Real youth product managed to stake a claim towards the end of the 2011/12 season, with 14 of his 17 league appearances coming after the winter break.

He says
“Granero is finding his chances limited at Real Madrid. If he can't play at Madrid, he'll play somewhere else. He's keen for a move away – possibly to Liverpool.” Granero's former agent Teo Lazaro in January 2012

They say
“We have only made three or four enquires about players. Hopefully we can close out one deal this week, maybe two.” Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers on Liverpool's summer 2012 targets

Video evidence

Check out this compilation of Graner's range of passing against Espanyol

Could Esteban Granero emulate his Madrid team mate Alonso and become an Anfield hero? Have your say and comment below...