Liverpool Football Club would be favourites to sign Stephen Ireland should he be made available.

The Irish midfielder was a star for Manchester City last season, when he won their Player of the Year award, but he has failed to nail down a regular start this term.

It has been widely reported that Roberto Mancini could be ready to sell the 23-year-old, and he has already been linked with a shock move to Manchester United.

However, Rafael Benitez is also interested in Ireland, and the Sunday Mirror claim City would rather sell him to the Anfield club than their fierce rivals and neighbours.

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