Liverpool insiders didn't have to look far for confirmation that there is better value for money in the European market when it comes to buying left-backs.
After Norwich City refused to budge on their £20million valuation of 22-year-old Jamal Lewis, the Reds' initial offer of £10million plus a substantial sell-on clause was quickly scrapped.
In a summer where any moves in the transfer market are going to have to be done quickly and decisively - the Reds will play in the Community Shield against Arsenal in just 19 days time - then it always made sense for the club to pursue a range of targets.
Which is why the Reds were making their move for Olympiakos left-back Kostas Tsimikas in the background as they tested the water on Lewis.
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