Reds make Stelios bid

Liverpool are reported to have made a bid for Bolton's Stelios Giannakopoulos.

Reports in Greece are suggesting that a deal is close to completion with a two-year deal on offer for the Greek international.

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is keen to keep his squad together but knows the lure of playing for the European champions would be hard to turn down.

Rafa Benitez has previously been linked with an interest in the 30-year-old, but he is now thought to have stepped-up his pursuit with a firm offer.

The former Olympiakos man is thought to be keen to move to Anfield to return to UEFA Champions League football.

The Trotters have recently captured El-Hadji Diouf from Liverpool and his arrival could pave the way for Stelios to move in the opposite direction.

The Greek press are reporting that an announcement will be made in the coming few days as the transfer is though to be well in advance.

Benitez knows that he needs new recruits for what could be a long season for Liverpool, starting with the defence of their European crown in mid-July.

Stelios would bring a wealth of experience with him from his Olympiakos days, along with his Euro 2004 success with Greece.

Perhaps more importantly, Stelios has also proven himself to be more than useful in The Premiership for Bolton.