Rumour: Liverpool and Southampton chase Cardiff City defender Steven Caulker

Steven Caulker of Cardiff City celebrates after scoring their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City at The Hawthorns

Liverpool and Southampton are lining up moves for Cardiff City centre-back Steven Caulker, according to the Daily Mail.

Caulker and his Cardiff side were relegated on Saturday after losing 3-0 to Newcastle at St.James Park. The Welsh side have gone down at the first time of asking and it is reported Caulker, who has been Cardiff’s standout player in his first season at the club, will be looking for pastures new.

Liverpool and Southampton are keeping tabs on the defender, with ex-club Tottenham also reportedly interested in Caulker.

The colossal figure has been the heartbeat of the Cardiff squad this season and is expected to move out of Wales as there is a release clause in his contract which means he can move for a fee of £6 million.

Liverpool have had a fragile back-line all season, with the likes of Johnson, Sakho, Toure and Agger having come under intense scrutiny. The title has slipped away from the Merseyside outfit and Rodgers will be keen to reinforce his back-line.

Mauricio Pochettino is also looking to bolster his defence with only Dejan Lovren and Jose Fonte his capable first choice centre-backs.

Speaking after the game, Caulker said he was willing to stay in Wales to help the side come back up: ‘I signed a four-year deal here so I’ll be looking to get us back promoted next season.’