Dalglish battles Wenger over defenders

Liverpool and Arsenal are set to go head to head over Birmingham defender Scott Dann and Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill.

The Reds have been strongly linked with Dann ever since Birmingham were relegated from the Premier League and after a difficult pre-season have intensified their interest in the 24-year-old.

The former Coventry captain was a season ticket holder at Anfield and has indicated that he would like to return to the Premier League as quickly as possible.

Liverpool conceded 15 goals during the summer and manager Kenny Dalglish is aware that after sufficiently strengthening his midfield he now needs to address his back four.

Birmingham rate the defender at £10million and would certainly not want to lose him for any less having already been forced to part with fellow centre-back Roger Johnson who left for Wolves.

Arsenal have also shown an interest in Dann and have the ability to offer Champions League football - should they safely navigate the qualifying stage - as well as a chance to battle for regular first team football.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is desperate to add a commanding defender to his side and after watching both Thomas Vermaelan and Kieran Gibbs pick up injuries against Benfica on Saturday.

Wenger has also had two offers for Everton's Phil Jagielka turned down and could instead turn his attention to Bolton and England centre-half Cahill.

Bolton have been left frustrated at the lack of offers for the defender while speculation has continued to suggest that both Liverpool and Arsenal will bid for the former Aston Villa man.

The 25-year-old has firmly established himself in Fabio Capello's England squad and has earned a reputation as one of the most promising defenders in the country.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal have been strongly linked with the player but would have to be prepared to part with at least £17million for a commanding defender who has made more than 100 league appearances for Bolton.

Cahill's defensive partner Zat Knight yesterday revealed that he felt the club would be powerless if a big offer comes in for the player.

"You don't want to lose your best players and Gary is fantastic," said Knight. "As yet, no one has come in for him, which is a blessing. We want to keep him but there are a lot of bigger clubs out there and if someone comes in for the right money, no one can stop him."

With the Premier League season kicking off on Saturday both managers will have to work quickly if they are to bring a new defender to the club.

Source: Sportsvibe.co.uk

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