Hodgson set to beat Fergie to £6 million World Cup ace

Liverpool are ready to take advantage of Manchester United's faltering interest in Ghana World Cup star Anthony Annan and sign him for just £6 million, according to Goal.com.

Annan impressed in South Africa and looked certain for a move to the Premier League during the summer but no offers were forthcoming.

Manchester United were the most prevalent team interested in the 24-year-old and Annan admitted he would jump at the chance to move to Old Trafford.

However, now Sir Alex Ferguson's interest has blown hot and cold, after the Scot revealed he did not want to bring any more new signings to Manchester United in January, plus the fact Annan is cup-tied for the Champions League matches, and Liverpool have moved into pole position.

The Anfield side have already drawn up a shortlist of potential targets for the forthcoming transfer window and Annan, along with Saint Etienne's holding midfielder Yann M'Vila, is heading that list.

Roy Hodgson is now expected to fly to Norway and watch the Rosenborg ace.

Liverpool's new director of football strategy Damian Comolli is thought to have alerted Hodgson to Annan's availability and the relatively low transfer fee would enable the club's new owners to bring another, more expensive, world class player to Anfield as well.

Annan has previously announced his interest in a move to the Premier League, saying: "I think if I have opportunity to play there [England] I would be very grateful. If not Germany, Italy, Spain, everywhere. I think I will be ready to play over there."

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