Exclusive: Liverpool target £1m Bristol City defender

Rafa Benitez is pondering a shock £1million move for highly-rated Bristol City defender Liam Fontaine.

The 22-year-old centreback, who can also play leftback, was in the side beaten by Hull at the weekend in the Championship Play-Off Final.

But Fontaine could yet end up in the Premier League with Liverpool as Benitez has had glowing reports on the former Fulham, Yeovil and Kilmarnock star.

City boss Gary Johnson could struggle to hold on to the player, with the club having to resign themselves to another season in the Championship.

Versatile Fontaine - who has played 94 times for the Robins and scored two goals - has even played in midfield in the past.

But it is believed that Anfield chief Benitez views the player purely as a defender.