THEREDS: Liverpool join Napoli in chase for Auxerre ace

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  Liverpool have joined Napoli in the race to sign Auxerre's Slovenian playmaker Valter Birsa.

  The 24-year-old is the heartbeat of the Auxerre side that qualified for this season’s Champions League after eight years without playing in the compeition.

  And Birsa also starred at the World Cup during the summer as Slovenia caught the eye alongside England in Group C.

  But with his contract at the Burgundy-based club set to expire in June, Birsa could cost potential buyers as little as £2m in January.

  According to reports in France, Auxerre have confirmed that scouts have been tracking the player, who has refused to rule out a January move.

  "It is normal that as professional football player I want to improve," he said.

  "I do my work and if it turns out to be slightly interesting it will be in hands of the club."