by the Liverpool Echo

Philip Degen has been told his Anfield career is over.

The Liverpool defender, who has underwhelmed during the two years he has been at the club, does not figure in Roy Hodgson’s plans for the new campaign.

A handful of clubs on the continent have already expressed an interest in Degen – who made just 12 first team appearances – and Hodgson believes it would best for all if he finds pastures new.

“Philipp didn’t get a look in last year and will find it hard to get a look in this year,” said Hodgson.

“If he wants to play regularly, he needs to find a club that will say you are our number one man.

“He’s not going to be the number one man here with us, so does he want another long season playing on the bench not getting any games?



“He’s too old to play for the reserves, he’s an ex-Swiss international and if he wants his international place back, then he is going to have to look elsewhere.”

With Emiliano Insua, Yossi Benayoun and Fabio Aurelio all gone, Degen on his way and Albert Riera soon to follow, Hodgson’s overhaul of Liverpool’s squad is well under way.

“Degen has been involved here because he is one of the few senior players over here,” Hodgson, whose side face FC Grasshopper tonight, continued.

“But he won’t be as involved when the other players return. We have had one or two clubs expressed an interest and it would be better for him to move on.”