Wanderers are desperate to convince Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing to join them on loan at the Reebok after finally sending Carlos Sanchez packing.

Contact has been made with Anfield over the 23-year-old, who must now decide where his immediate future lies after being left out of the squad by new boss Brendan Rogers in Saturday's 3-0 defeat at West Brom.

Owen Coyle is in serious need of midfield bite, which was clearly lacking in their 2-0 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor.

A last ditch attempt to bring Colombia international Sanchez on board was abandoned on Friday after the player again turned up late for his meeting. One of his representatives was also delayed on a flight into the country – leaving Wanderers with no option but to send him back home.

Spearing is one of a few names now being sounded out by Coyle but sources claim the Wallasey-born ball-winner will leave his decision as late as possible in the transfer window to try and win back his place in the Reds team.

The young midfielder made 25 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool last season and has already represented them twice in the Europa League this time around.

But there are doubts about whether he will fit into Rogers' new-look side, and with the Northern Irishman also looking to recruit another midfielder before the close of the transfer window, Wanderers' offer could look more appealing in the not too distant future.

Coyle admitted that the position is one he wants to fill – but said it had little to do with the poor performance at Turf Moor.

“We still need to bring that type of player in but that didn't affect the game,” he said.

“If we have any aspiration of going back to the Premier League, we have to play much better than we did there.

“They have to learn quickly and I have stressed that. They might not think they will face the same quality as they would in the Premier League but there are good players here, and teams come with a tremendous work ethic.

“Burnley had an extra couple of per cent because of what was perceived as 'us coming back' but we have to stand up to that. We have to be ready to start on the front foot.”