VFB Stuttgart plan Degen swoop

Stuttgart are set to rekindle their interest in out-of-favour Liverpool defender Philipp Degen.

The Bundesliga outfit have been tracking the 27-year-old since January but failed to table a formal offer before the close of the winter transfer window.

But Die Roten are now hoping to finally get their man by using funds from the imminent transfer of defensive midfielder Sami Khedira to Real Madrid.

The 23-year-old did not travel to Norway for Stuttgart's 3-2 win over Molde in last night's Europa League qualifier in anticipation of the move, which will see his hometown club net €10million (£8.3M).

Persistent injury and last summer's capture of Glen Johnson have curtailed Degen's Anfield career with the attacking full-back restricted to just 13 appearances since arriving on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund two years ago.

New Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson told the Swiss international last week that he is free to look for a new club after being deemed surplus to requirements.

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