Roy eyeing Cole and Figueroa

Roy Hodgson is ready to go head to head with Sunderland counterpart Steve Bruce in a £6million battle to sign Wigan left back Maynor Figueroa.

The new Liverpool manager has also revived their interest in Tottenham and Arsenal target Joe Cole.

Bruce made repeated attempts to prise Figueroa away from his old club last season, as revealed in Sportsmail, but was thwarted.

He is also interested in Wigan's Charles N'Zogbia.

He faces competition from Liverpool for Figueroa after Hodgson identified the left of his defence as a prime area for strengthening.

Left back Emiliano Insua is a target for Fiorentina and has struggled for form.

Bookmakers' odds on Cole joining Liverpool were slashed yesterday, although Cole's agent remains in talks with all three interested parties while his client is on holiday. 

Liverpool would still be unwilling to pay him more than their offer of £80,000 per week, however.

Hodgson is monitoring Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley's talks with West Bromwich Albion and Stoke as he contemplates a move.

Espanyol and Malaga are keen on Liverpool midfielder Daniel Pacheco, 19.

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