Liverpool Transfer Prospects: Which Left Back Should Roy Hodgson Go For?

With just six weeks until the start of the Premier League season, Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has his work cut out for him.

His most important task after tempting star striker Fernando Torres and club captain Steven Gerrard to stay is signing a quality left-back.

Liverpool sold Andreas Dossena for £7m in January and have also released left-back Fabio Aurelio. Reports are ripe that Emiliano Insua is also close to securing a £3.5m move to Italian side Fiorentina.

This could mean that Hodgson may well sign not one but two left-backs. There have been a few names being touted in the press Among them are Honduran left-back Maynor Figueroa and a surprise name, Cardiff utilityman Joe Ledley.

Maynor Figueroa:

Figueroa is a hugely experienced left back, having played 69 internationals. He moved to Wigan Athletic in January 2008.

Since his arrival two years ago, he has been an ever present figure in the Wigan defense. He is very solid defensively and has been one of the stand out players for Wigan in the last two seasons.

Because his ability to defend Figueroa is equally good going forward, his consistent over lapping runs cause real trouble for opponents. In addition, he is a good setpiece taker and has a Rory Delap-like long throw.

Figueroa also has one more weapon in his armoury: his stinging left-footed strikes. In December last year, he scored a free kick from inside his own half that arrowed into the net. Some thought that was the goal of the season.

His estimated price tag is about £6m.

Joe Ledley :

Joe Ledley's name being linked with Liverpool may have surprised some. The utilityman has been linked with moves to Blackburn Rovers, Celtic and Stoke City.

Not a natural left back by trade, Ledley more often plays as a central midfielder or a left winger. Nonetheless he has the ability to play at left back.

Ledley was linked to a host of Premier League sides 2 years ago. He decided to stay at Cardiff instead.

According to reports, Hodgson has marked him as a potential back up option for the left-back place. Ledley has played 32 international games for Wales and has played as a left back in the national side too.

He may not be a big or renowned name but he certainly can do the job.

Liverpool will have to pay a compensation fee of close to half a million pounds to Cardiff to secure his services.