Liverpool hold 'boyhood dream' advantage in 10m Arsenal battle - reports

Liverpool and Arsenal are poised to go head-to-head this summer in the race to sign Birmingham defender Scott Dann.

The former England U21 international has been linked with a move away from the Blues' after their relegation from the Barclays Premier League last term, with Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish thought to be at the front of the queue to sign the player.

However, The Daily Telegraph claims Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has now joined the race for the £10 million-rated player, with the Frenchman eyeing the former Coventry City centre back as a defensive reinforcement this summer.

Chris Samba, Gary Cahill and Mamadou Sakho have also been linked with an Emirates switch in recent weeks, but now the Arsenal sights appear to have set on Dann.

After missing out on Phil Jones, both clubs are eager to land a player in the position sooner rather than later in the transfer window, with arguably the Gunners harvesting a greater need due to Champions League football next season.

Dann's childhood allegiance to Liverpool could be a key factor in his decision however, and the boyhood Red has previously stated that he may find it difficult to turn down a move to Anfield in the past.

With an aim of bringing young, British talent to the club, a point emphasised by the big-money signing of Jordan Henderson last week, Liverpool have targeted Dann as a younger player who could eventually replace the ageing crop of Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel.

With a left back, winger and striker also thought to be on the Merseysiders' agenda, it promises to be a busy month for the Liverpool boss with or without the signing of Dann.

It's claimed in the Daily Telegraph that the opportunity to play in Europe's elite club competition could tempt the player to Arsenal over the Reds, but it's sure to be a tough decision for the former Walsall youngster should both clubs continue their pursuits.

Source: GiveMeFootball

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