Liverpool turn attention to Arsenal contract rebel Clichy in cut-price deal

Liverpool are weighing up a £5million bid for Arsenal's Gael Clichy as their search for a new left back intensifies.

The France international is heading into the final 12 months of his contract at The Emirates Stadium but will not sign a new deal.

Clichy, 25, is one of a number of options being considered but is considerably cheaper than £9million-rated Aly Cissohko of Lyon and Osasuna's Spain international, Nacho Monreal.

He fits the identity of the type of player Liverpool's owners FSG are aiming to recruit, as his fitness and disciplinary records are excellent.

Barcelona, Real Madrid and Roma have all shown interest in the France international, however, Liverpool are ready to put Arsenal's resolve to the test with a firm offer this week.

Manager Arsene Wenger was confident towards the end of the season that he would be able to persuade Clichy to commit to a new deal but, despite the promise of big spending this summer, their poor finish to the season and growing discontent among other squad members has cast doubts over his future.

Clichy is Arsenal's longest serving player after making his debut for the club in the 2003-04 season following a switch from Cannes but Wenger knows he could be forced to cash in rather than risking the player running down his contract.

Liverpool are making a determined effort to rebuild their squad into a title force and that could prove an attractive challenge. They would also be willing to give him a considerable pay hike on his £55,000 a week salary.

Wenger has already considered Celtic's Emilo Izaguirre and Newcastle's Jose Enrique as possible replacements.

Source: Daily Mail

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