Liverpool line up move for Bridge

Tottenham's hopes of a £6million deal for Bridge were dashed when he accepted a two- year extension to his contract and tied himself to his home club until 2006. Southampton were also unhappy at the way Spurs snapped up their manager Hoddle and then centre back Dean Richards.

Liverpool will not be deterred, though, and it is believed that Southampton would be prepared to talk to Anfield officials if they offer a fee in excess of £7m and act with greater speed than Tottenham during their protracted pursuit of Richards.

Apart from a lucrative financial package, they can offer Bridge the incentive of a place in the Champions League.

While Southampton would be reluctant to part with one of their brightest prospects, they are aware of their squad's inadequacies in other areas and may be forced to concede that a bumper fee for Bridge could be used to fund new manager Gordon Strachan's transfer needs.

Liverpool are also keeping an eye on the increasingly uneasy relationship between Sir Alex Ferguson and Mikael Silvestre at Old Trafford.

Ferguson only just pipped Houllier for the £4m signature of Silvestre from Inter Milan two years ago but has become dismayed by the 24-year-old French defender's criticism of recent team selection and tactics.

While the Liverpool manager remains an admirer of the versatile Silvestre, he accepts that bitter rivals United are unlikely to sanction a move to Anfield.

Bridge, who has also attracted interest from Aston Villa and Leeds, has done enough to convince Houllier that he has the credentials to provide Liverpool with an orthodox left back for the first time in years.

Jamie Carragher has filled in on the left over the past two seasons - and even played there for England against Sweden on Saturday - but his natural position may be on the right.

John Arne Riise has also been called on, even though his attacking qualities are more suited to a wing back role.

Bridge's arrival would provide a lasting solution and increase Liverpool's growing contingent of top young English players.

After signing England Under 21 goalkeeper Chris Kirkland from Coventry at the start of this season, Houllier said: 'I like English players. I like their attitude and commitment and if there is an opportunity to bring more to this club, I will do my best to take it.'