Hodgson launches bid for former Spurs star

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has already identified one January target with the former Craven Cottage chief looking to sign Sampdoria left-back Reto Ziegler.

The Switzerland international has already played in the Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur after joining from Grasshoppers Zurich and Wigan Athletic.

The 24-year-old was scouted by Frank Arnesen now of Chelsea in August 2004, with the left back signing for the club and competing under Martin Jol with Timothee Atouba for the left back spot.

Due to a lack of first team opportunities the youngster had loan spells at Hamburg, Wigan Athletic and Sampdoria, who he eventually joined in 2007 after Gareth Bale arrived at White Hart Lane.

However Roy Hodgson believes the youngster still has a bright future ahead of him following a number of consistent displays in Serie A as well as establishing himself for Switzerland at international level.

The Swiss international was the subject of intense interest from Zenit St Petersburg and Liverpool in the summer, however Hodgson opted to re-sign Fabio Aurelio and Fulham defender Paul Konchesky.

Reports in Italy suggest Hodgson is eager to bring the international to Anfield to provide competition for what has become a problem position on Merseyside.

Hodgson is having the defender watched by scouts ahead of a possible January offer.

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