Reds rival Sunderland for Wigan man

New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is ready to do battle with Steve Bruce over Maynor Figueroa, according to reports.

Black Cats' boss Steve Bruce failed with two attempts to land the Honduras international last season, but is thought to be ready to renew his interest in a player who would fill the problem left-back position.

However, even if Bruce can convince former club Wigan Athletic to part company with Figueroa, it now seems he faces competition for the defender.

Hodgson has also identified the left as an area which the Reds need to strengthen with Fiorentina target Emiliano Insua having struggled for form during his time at Anfield.

Having worked with Figueroa while in charge at the DW Stadium, Bruce will be hopeful of getting his man.

The Sunderland boss used his Latics links to land Lee Cattermole last summer, but came under fire from Athletic chairman Dave Whelan after twice returning with bids for Figueroa.

That won't prevent Bruce from testing the water once again, with the Black Cats manager believed to have already made a tentative approach for Figueroa's Wigan team-mate Charles N'Zogbia.

Former Newcastle United man N'Zogbia is understood to be keen on a move away from the DW Stadium.

However, Whelan and Latics manager Roberto Martinez are likely to want to keep hold of one of their star players.

That could mean a high asking price being set for one or both players, with a bidding war in the offing should Hodgson step up his interest.

However, Bruce has insisted he will not pay over the odds for players.

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