Liverpool 'to hijack' Arsenal swoop

Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign German international defender Per Mertesacker.

The Werder Bremen centre-back appeared destined for a move to Arsenal in the summer, but after failing to land the player Arsene Wenger was again in the market for the player this January, tabling a bid in the region of £8.5 million for the player.

However, reports now claim that Liverpool have joined the race for the highly-rated 26-year-old, with Roy Hodgson keen to bring the player to Anfield.

Director of Football strategy for Liverpool, Damien Comolli, is thought to have watched the player last month and taken an interest in a potential January signing despite interest from their Premier League rivals the Gunners.

Hodgson is thought to have money to spend following the arrival of NESV as the Anfield outfit new owners in the summer, and with Comolli's blessing a Liverpool move for the player now appears likely.

This could force Arsenal to up their offer for the player, with the Bundesliga outfit hoping to receive in the region of £10 million for the former Hannover 96 star.

A Liverpool move could hinge on the sale of Danish international Daniel Agger, who is reportedly wanted by a number of clubs across Europe, whilst the Reds are also thought to be keen on Ryan Shawcross and Gary Cahill.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Cahill, along with a number of European defenders as Wenger looks to strengthen his back-line at the Emirates.

An injury to Thomas Vermaelen has left the Gunners vulnerable in the centre back position, and the French boss is reportedly ready to spend in January as he looks to strengthen Arsenal in the core position and sustain a challenge for numerous trophies this season.

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