Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier is planning a meeting with his Auxerre counterpart Guy Roux "at the end of the month" as he steps up his chase to sign Djibril Cisse and Jean Alain Boumsong.
Houllier knows he needs to buy proven quality this summer after Liverpool's failure to qualify for the Champions League. And striker Cisse and centre-back Boumsong would appear to be high on his shopping list, along with Fulham pair Steve Finnan and Steed Malbranque.
Cisse is a full France international while Boumsong is a France Under-21 international.
Houllier admits: "We have had an average season, we have underachieved. Now the time has come for us not to buy potential, we need proven talent.
"And we need to add flair and creativity, particularly in the area of link between midfield and strikers. If the club gives me money, I'd be glad to use it in this area."
PA