Full-back Degen was informed by Roy Hodgson in the wake of the new manager's arrival at Anfield that he did not feature in his first-team plans and that he was free to look for a new club. Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart acted quickly and former Borussia Dortmund player Degen is interested in a return to Germany, meaning a deal will now need to be agreed with Liverpool. Marseille winger Andre Ayew has also decided on personal terms but, according to Stuttgart's director, Jochen Schneider, the French club want to keep the Ghana international. Schneider told BILD: "We have reached an agreement with the player (Degen). The player wants to join our club. "It is the same with Ayew, the player wants to move to us. However, Marseille are keen to keep him and have offered him a new contract in time."
