A report in the Daily Mirror this morning claims that "Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is lining up a shock move for Marseille skipper Lorik Cana - in case Xabi Alonso is sold in the summer."

Alan Nixon adds that: "The Kop chief has contacted Anfield old boy Bolo Zenden to ask about Cana's personality and the Kop spies have also been compiling a hefty dossier on the combative and clever midfielder."

Cana has established himself as one of the most important cogs in the Marseille side this season who are currently top of Ligue 1. The 25-year-old midfielder joined OM from PSG at the start of the 2005/2006 season.

This campaign, Cana has made 34 appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist. He was sent off in the 2-1 win at Lorient recently in the 88th minute of the match.

The 6.1ft central midfielder has made 36 appearances for the Albanian national team, is thought to be worth around 7.5 million euros and is contracted to Marseille until the end of the 2011/2012 season.

IMScouting’s network of scouts in France describe Cana as "a true leader on the field and in the locker room. One of the supporters’ favourite players. He can also play as a central defender if there are injuries to the defenders."

Video evidence of Lorik Cana in action can be seen below.