Liverpool will once again be forced to battle it out with Tottenham as they attempt to persuade Genoa defender Andreas Granqvist to choose a move to Merseyside rather than north London.

The Reds missed out on two summer targets in Clint Dempsey and Glyfi Sirgurdsson as both midfielders decided to make the move to Tottenham.

Andreas Granqvist
Andreas Granqvist is challenged by England striker Andy Carroll [Reuters]

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was particularly frustrated at missing out on Dempsey as he had allowed Andy Carroll to join West Ham on a season-long loan, leaving him especially short of options in attack.

This time round the Northern Irishman will hope that he can persuade Granqvist that the right move is to join Liverpool as he hopes to bolster the club's options in defence.

The Sweden international had a short spell at Wigan five years ago but has since impressed while playing in Serie A for Genoa. He is also a regular for his country and played against England during the European Championships.

Granqvist stated back in October that he was pleased to be linked with a move to Liverpool after reported interest from Rodgers.

"I am happy in Genoa, but obviously I am flattered by the interest from the Reds. They are an historic and successful club," the defender told Sportbladet.

Despite his interest in Liverpool, it seems they will not be the only Premier League club vying for his signature as the Sun revealed that Tottenham has sent scouts to watch the defender in recent weeks.

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas already has a number of options in the centre of defence but there have been suggestions that Michael Dawson could leave, while William Gallas is coming towards the latter stages of his career.

The Sun believes that both club's would have to pay in the region of £5million should they attempt to lure him away from Genoa during the January transfer window.

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