Liverpool hope to complete the signings of defenders Mamadou Sakho from Paris St-Germain and Sporting Lisbon's Tiago Ilori in the next 48 hours.

The Anfield side are in talks with both clubs and hope to reach an agreement on the respective deals over the weekend.

Sakho, 23, who can play in central defence or on the left, has 14 France caps and is likely to cost £13m.

Both Sakho and Ilori, who is 20, are expected on Merseyside for medicals and further talks in the next 24 hours.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is also keen to add an attacking player to his squad before the transfer window shuts, with Chelsea's Victor Moses a loan target.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given could also join the Reds on a one-year loan deal as back-up to Simon Mignolet.

Kolo Toure

Kolo Toure was carried off during Liverpool's Capital One Cup win against Notts County

Liverpool have prioritised defensive recruitments with Aly Cissokho joining Sebastian Coates on the sidelines with a long-term injury ahead of Sunday's match against Manchester United.

Cissokho sustained an ankle injury in Tuesday's 4-2 extra-time Capital One Cup second-round victory over Notts County at Anfield, in which he was making his first start since joining on a season-long loan from Valencia.

"He could be four to six weeks, which is a blow because he came in and trained really well last week," said Rodgers.

"But he is on crutches at the moment and we'll look at that over the coming weeks. He certainly won't be available [against Manchester United]."

There was, however, better news on fellow defender Kolo Toure, 32, who was carried off on a stretcher with a groin problem against Notts County.

"Toure's injury is nowhere near as bad as we thought," added Rodgers. "We will assess that over the next 24 to 48 hours. We were all thinking he might be out for longer but he's made an excellent recovery.

"The diagnosis isn't anywhere near as bad as we thought, so we'll see how he is for this weekend. If it's not this weekend, then after the international break he won't be too far away."

Meanwhile, midfielder Joe Allen, 23, who also suffered a hamstring injury in midweek, will be back in action soon.

"It was only a grade one strain, so he may be doubtful for the weekend but certainly after the international break, he'll be fine," said Rodgers.