The Sunday Mirror reports that both Liverpool and Everton are looking at Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland. According to the paper, Villa manager Gerard Houllier is set to listen to offers for the former Man City player after having made just 12 appearances for the club since his move back in August as part of the James Milner transfer. Houllier has confirmed Ireland wants to leave in January:

“There is a discrepancy between what I see in training sometimes and what I see in the games. I told his agent that is his problem, he has got to sort that out. I like the man, I like the player, he has got a skilled touch, he has got an eye for the pass, but he has got to adapt to modern football as well. He said he wanted to go in January. He said that to his agent. I am not so convinced about that. Have I told him to move? No, no, no. Once a player wants to go, he goes. Simple as that. I think we will be looking to get the same kind of money back. The club probably would.”

Celtic are said to be in pole position with the Scottish club set to offer a six month loan deal for the player but there is also interest from Liverpool and Everton according to the paper.