Liverpool have joined the race to sign Almeria star Alvero Negredo, who admits he would love the chance to move to Anfield.

Negredo has been one of the real stars of La Liga this term with 19 goals for unfashionable Almeria.

In his two seasons with Almeria he has now bagged 32 goals and his exploits have not gone unnoticed.

Fulham made an unsuccessful effort to sign him in January, while Aston Villa are also keeping a watching brief.

Liverpool are now ready to make a move for the player, although his situation is somewhat complicated in that Real Madrid have first option on him until the end of June.

He was with Real Madrid - albeit mainly their second team - before he joined Almeria, but they inserted a buy-back clause of £4.4million which they are now likely to activate.

This will mean they can sell him on, with reports suggesting they would want £9.8million and it seems Liverpool would be willing to pay this sum.

Negredo, at just 24, represents real potential and Benitez is keen on taking him to England.

The player himself has revealed that Liverpool have made contact.

"To play next to Fernando Torres at Anfield is a dream and any player would accept that," he told skysports.com.

"But I prefer to talk about reality and I have not spoken with Rafa Benitez, but I do know that some contact exists between the clubs."

Negredo concedes that Real Madrid will ultimately decide where his future lies.

"My future depends on Real Madrid, but I believe that this summer I will be out of Almeria," he continued.

"I am grateful to Almeria because they have given me my chance to play in the Primera Liga.

"But it is logical that I am interested in playing in the Premier League and especially Liverpool.

"I believe that playing in England would be a great chance for me as this league is a sensational place for forwards."