Villa and Liverpool head chase for playmaker

Sport.co.uk can confirm that FC Nuremburg attacking midfielder Mike Frantz looks set to leave the Bundesliga club in the January transfer window.

The Barclays Premier League quintet of Aston Villa, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Fulham, and Everton considering a move for the 24-year-old midfielder.

Frantz has made 14 appearances in the Bundesliga this term scoring twice and has impressed helping FC Nuremburg to  11th in the table ahead of the likes of Werder Bremen and VFL Wolfsburg.

Frantz, who is considered in the same light as other German youngsters Mezut Ozil and Thomas Muller only signed a new deal in 2009, however the current deal expires in 2013.

According to the player's representative Guido Nickolay, Frantz is keen to move on from the Bundesliga however Nickolay would not reveal the clubs interested or if their had been any firm offers.

"Mike (Frantz) will be making a move. There are clubs interested but there is particular demand from England and the Premier League." Nickolay told Sport.co.uk.

When asked if he could confirm the Premier League interested he replied:

"I cannot name specific clubs at this time, but he should be leaving FC Nuremberg."

Aston Villa and Liverpool are leading the chase for the playmaker with scouts from both clubs watching the player, however Newcastle United, Fulham and Everton are also monitoring the playmaker who could move in the January transfer window if FC Nuremburg decide they want to cash in on the future German international.

Nickolay, the player's agent  also added: "He is a young player with great quality and he wants to play in England.

"It would fit his game to play in England and we will work on this so he can play in the Premier League.

"I have already spoken to two English clubs and they are very keen to see how he develops.

"Frantz will be playing for Germany within two years - I am sure of that."

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