Reds to fight Man United for Ghana midfielder

Liverpool are ready to challenge bitter rivals Manchester United for Rosenborg midfielder Anthony Annan in January, Goal.com UK can reveal.

Roy Hodgson, the Liverpool manager, first registered his interest in the Ghanaian star three weeks ago and is now preparing a £6 million move when the transfer window opens.

But the Reds could face competition from long-term admirers United, although Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to be hesitant because Annan would be cup-tied for the Champions League.

The 24-year-old has also been recommended to Chelsea by Michael Essien, his international team-mate, although there are no signs of Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti preparing a move at this stage.

Annan is looking for a January transfer to the Barclays Premier League after being denied a summer move by Rosenborg following an impressive World Cup in South Africa.

He is considered one of the most highly-rated talents in Europe and a move to Anfield would have the support of the club's director of football strategy, Damien Comolli, as his signature would represent a low-risk investment at a value-for-money price.

The defensive midfielder has previously declared his desire to join United but Goal.com UK understands interest from Old Trafford has blown hot and cold and the player would also be extremely interested in a move to Liverpool.

The Reds are looking for players who are young and talented to fit in to the philosophy of the club's new owners, New England Sports Ventures.

Annan could arrive at Anfield as a like-for-like replacement for Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen, who Liverpool are ready to sell despite only signing him in the summer from Italian side Juventus.

Comolli has been looking at a number of midfielders and the Frenchman could also be ready to raid his homeland for Lille's Eden Hazard of Yann M'Vila of Rennes.

Annan cost Rosenborg £1.2m when he signed from IK Start in summer 2008 and has been the star of Norwegian football ever since with consistently dominant displays.

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