Liverpool and Arsenal Set for Summer Battle over Jordan Obita

Liverpool and Arsenal are set to embark on a summer battle for Reading left-back Jordan Obita, according to the Mirror.

The 20-year-old has been in brilliant form this season and has received glowing reviews from all quarters for his performance. The defender has made 36 starts this season for the Championship club and has been heralded as a major prospect for the future.

The Reds are in dire need of a left-back with Jose Enrique struggling with a knee injury leaving Brendan Rodgers to have to deploy Aly Cissokho and Glen Johnson to cover in that position.

Liverpool have qualified for the Champions League for next season and need proper cover in that area if they have to challenge on all fronts, especially with other teams around them expected to strengthen.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also keeping a keen eye on the player and are pursuing him as a long term option in spite of being stocked in that position with Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs. However, persistent injuries to these players have forced Arsene Wenger to look for another option to complement his squad for a title challenge next season.

He will have to stave off competition from Rodgers' side who has made defensive restructuring his top priority for the summer.

The former Swansea manager has revealed that he is looking forward to facing off against Manchester United's new manager Louis van Gaal next season. The Dutchman has taken over from Ryan Giggs and will take charge of Old Trafford after the Fifa World Cup.

"First of all, it was really sad that David Moyes didn't get the opportunity," the Liverpool boss told talkSPORT.

"Obviously, with David gone, they were looking to appoint someone with experience and certainly Van Gaal is someone I have studied and looked at for many years.

"He has had great success and he has a way and a vision of how he wants the game to be played. He works with young players. Certainly his profile fits a club of Manchester United's history.

"As a young manager, I'm really looking forward to working against another great coach in the world game," he added.