Reds prepare discount deal for Sampdoria star

Liverpool are being linked with a January raid for Sampdoria defender Reto Ziegler.

The Switzerland international full-back has been in good form for the Serie 'A' outfit this season, but with his contract set to expire in the summer Liverpool boos Roy Hodgson is thought to be interest in bringing the player to Anfield.

German 4-4-2 reports that the Reds will face competition from a string of clubs, including Juventus and Werder Bremen, whilst reports in Italian publication Tutto Mercato claim that Valencia are set to challenge the Merseyside outfit for Ziegler's signature.

An attack minded left-back, 24-year-old Ziegler began his career with Grasshoppers in his homeland, and after two seasons at the club signed for Spurs in the Premier League as a teenager.

An indifferent spell at White Hart Lane saw loan spells at Hamburg, Wigan and Sampdoria, with the defender moving to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on a permanent base in 2007.

Liverpool boss Hodgson has been promised money to spend by new owners NESV in the January window, and is thought to have a £35 million transfer war chest at his disposal.

Director of Football strategy at Anfield, Damien Comolli, is also thought to have a key say in the future transfers at Liverpool, and will be influential if a move for the player is made.

A fee in the region of €3 million has been touted as a potential figure for the player, although Liverpool could explore a pre-contract agreement option, meaning the player would join for free in the summer.

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