Sampdoria star linked

Swiss international Reto Ziegler is emerging as Roy Hodgson's top left-back target as the new Liverpool boss looks to fill the spot.

Hodgson has made the defensive position one of his main priorities after releasing Fabio Aurelio and agreeing the sale of Emiliano Insua to Fiorentina at the weekend.

Sampdoria star Ziegler, who starred in the group stages of this summer's World Cup, could be available for a cut-price fee of around £6million as reports suggest he is keen to leave the club.

The 24-year-old Swiss star has some Premier League experience from his time at Tottenham, as well as a loan spell with Wigan in 2006.

"We are short (at full-back) and that is going to be one of the priorities," Hodgson said.

"We need to find a replacement for Emiliano and Fabio. That is one job we will have to do.

"As far as we understand, the deal (for Insua) has been completed between the clubs and his agent is sorting out personal terms.

"Maybe it was the right time for him to move on."

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