Richard Dunne 'targeted by Liverpool'

Richard Dunne's recent off-field bust-up with Aston Villa coaching staff has caught the attention of Liverpool and Manchester United, with both clubs said to be considering launching bids to sign the Irish defender in the summer.

Dunne has had two very public bust-up's at Villa, the most recent coming after drunken antics during a team bonding exercise. Both Dunne and teammate James Collins were fined two-weeks wages for the incident which happened at a training camp in Leicestershire.

Late last year, Dunne almost came to blows with coach Gary McAllister over a disagreement over tactics.

The Republic of Ireland international may be wayward of late, but a guiding hand could come from either Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool or Sir Alex Ferguson at United.

With an injury crisis striking at the heart of Manchester United's defence, Dunne could be a perfect stop-gap for the club as he nears his peak.

At 31-years of age, Dunne brings with him a wealth of experience, but also a tough tackling mentality which both managers will appreciate.

Although United reported a loss of £105million this week, they would be inclined to bolster defensive stocks which continue to lose players to either suspension or injury.

Liverpool may look to Dunne as a replacement for Greece international Sotirios Kyrgiakos, who may have fallen foul of Dalglish after he gave away a clumsy penalty in the Europa League against Braga.

The solitary goal was successfully defended by the Portuguese side at Anfield, earning their passage through to the quarter-finals.

Source: Metro

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