Ireland lined up as Liverpool transfer target

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is reportedly tracking Aston Villa's Stephen Ireland this month as he looks to strengthen his midfield.

Hodgson is desperate to add a spark to his under-achieving side and sees Ireland - who only joined Villa last summer - as a possible solution.

The former Manchester City starlet went to the Midlands club as part of the deal that took James Milner to Eastlands.

However, he has failed to hold down a first-team place since and - although rated by former Villa boss Martin O'Neill - does not seem to be on the radar of new manager Gerard Houllier.

As such, the 24-year-old Irishman could be up for grabs for as little as £4million - half his published price-tag for his involvement in the Milner transfer.

His age and previous Premier League form make him the perfect target for the Reds' new owners, who have previously stated they will only be looking at players who are young and cheap enough to demonstrate the potential for improvement during their Anfield stay.

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