Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Liverpool Face Competition From Chelsea In Eljero Elia Battle

Chelsea have joined the race for Hamburg winger Eljero Elia, according to reports.

The long-term Liverpool target is reportedly unsettled at Hamburg, and is again being linked with the Imtech Arena exit door after a turbulent second season with the Bundesliga outfit.

Former Reds boss Roy Hodgson was first linked with a move for the player in the summer of 2010, with his form for the Dutch national side in the World Cup alerting a number of sides throughout Europe.

Hodgson's successor at Anfield, Kenny Dalglish, was also linked with a move for the 24-year-old back in January, with Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli believed to be an admirer of the player.

After securing the services of Jordan Henderson for £20 million, the Liverpool boss is targeting a left back, striker and winger to bolster the club's ranks on Merseyside, and Elia is one of the widemen linked with a move.

Ashley Young, Eden Hazard and Charles N'Zogbia have also been speculatively placed on the Liverpool radar, and with money to spend Dalglish is likely to make a move for one of the targets sooner rather than later.

However, The Metro claims Chelsea have now joined the race for Elia, who is valued at £17 million according to the paper.

The arrival of Frank Arnesen at Hamburg is believed to give the Blues an advantage in the race for the player, with the west London club's former sporting director heavily involved in transfer activity at the club.

Arnesen has already raided the Stamford Bridge outfit for players and staff in the last month, and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will be hoping the former Denmark international might return the favour over Elia.

The former FC Twente star has previously confessed to being interested in a move to England, and may have options at his disposal should both Liverpool and Chelsea pursue their interest further.

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