Reds move for Dutch World Cup star

Liverpool's American owners are set to back under-fire boss Roy Hodgson in the transfer market, starting with the signing of Dutch winger Eljero Elia from Bundesliga side Hamburg.

The 23-year-old wide man has fallen out of favour with his current employers after failing to hit the heights of his debut campaign in Germany following a 2009 move from Steve McClaren's FC Twente.

His slump in form has led to reports he would make the switch to Wolfsburg, currently managed by McClaren, in a bid rekindle the form that earned him rave reviews in Holland.

However Hamburg daily newspaper Morgenpost has suggested today that Liverpool have made a bid in the region of £13million for a player who has previously been compared with current Anfield man Ryan Babel.

With Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard both suffering with injuries over the course of the current campaign, Hodgson's team have struggled for a spark and often appeared one paced.

Elia would certainly rectify that and it is understood that Liverpool are keen to tie up a deal quickly in a bid to maintain momentum from the last-gasp weekend win over Bolton.

The 23-year-old has, according to German press, already agreed personal terms with Liverpool. Elia has made 10 Bundesliga appearances this season, scoring twice. He was a member of Holland's World Cup squad, coming on as a 71st-minute substitute in the final for Dirk Kuyt.

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