Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is planning an audacious swoop to hijack Juventus' £5million move for Manchester United left-back Gabriel Heinze

The 29-year-old is currently on international duty with Argentina at the Copa America and was expected to tie up his move to Juve upon returning.

But Benitez has now registered his interest in Heinze according to reports and the Anfield boss could pull off the deal if he is prepared to pay United's asking price.

Heinze is said to be happy in the north-west and would welcome the chance to stay in the area, although he may not want to risk the wrath of United's fans by joining their fierce rivals.

He said of the interest in him: "My head is with the Argentina team to play the Copa America.  After that and a holiday, I will know better where I will play next season."

Benitez has struggled to find a regular left-back for Liverpool and reportedly sees Heinze, no longer first-choice at Old Trafford, as the ideal candidate to fill the role.