Liverpool are leading the race to sign German World Cup centre back Per Mertesacker. The 26-year old tall defender has been made available by his current employers – Werder Bremen, after they were eliminated from the Champions League. Bremen have indicated that the bidding for the defender would have to start at £10 million.
Liverpool’s director of football Damien Comolli was in the stands watching Mertesacker as his side went down 2-1 to Kaiserslautern in their last game before the winter break. The lanky stopper has 73 caps for Germany and 127 caps for his current side and would be a perfect fit for the Premier League.
Mertesacker’s move to Anfield could spell the end of Daniel Agger’s stay at the Merseyside club. The Danish international has fallen out of favour under Roy Hodgson and the Reds are hoping to cash in on him before signing Per.
Arsenal have shown interest in Mertesacker in the past and could enter into a bidding war with the Reds. The Gunners, though, have targeted Gary Cahill of Bolton in the last window and Liverpool could have a clear path if Arsenal overcome Chelsea in bidding for Cahill.
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