Liverpool target can leave

Liverpool defender target Reto Ziegler has been told he can leave Sampdoria, if a club can meet their asking price.

The 24-year-old Swiss international has Premier League experience with two clubs, and Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is keen to take advantage of the player's desire to leave Serie 'A' and return to England.

Everton are also thought to be interested, creating the potential for a Merseyside battle between the Blues and Reds in the race to sign the former Grasshopper left-back.

Ziegler left his homeland club for Spurs in 2004, but struggled to hold down a regular starting spot for the White Hart Lane outfit. After loan spells at Hamburg, Wigan and Sampdoria, the player made a permanent move to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in 2007.

Heavily linked with a move away from the Italian outfit in the summer, Ziegler has lost his first team spot with i Blucerchiati and is now expected to move in January. Liverpool are known admirers, and club president Riccardo Garrone admitted a move is more than possible.

"He can leave for his actual market price," talkSPORT report Garrone as saying.

With concerns over the future of Glen Johnson at Anfield, Liverpool are thought to be watching a number of full-backs in preparation for the England defender's potential exit.

Hodgson is thought to have a wish list of 'five or six' players for the Merseysiders, drawn up alongside Liverpool Director of Football strategy, Damien Comolli.

It is not known if Ziegler is on that list, but his valuation of €5 million makes him an affordable option for Liverpool.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.