The former Ajax and FC Twente man moved to the German side in the summer of 2009 in a deal worth £8M. It is understood the reds will pay around £13M to bring the player to Anfield.
At the end of last month it was understood that Juventus would capture the Liverpool target, but the player was rumoured to have been at Anfield to witness Liverpool’s victory over Bolton. His form this season has not impressed the Hamburg coach and the player himself, who in younger years had something of an attitude problem, is also keen on a move away.
Ironically any move for Elia may bring down the curtains on Ryan Babel’s Anfield career. The Liverpool owners have identified the player as one of a handful of individuals on excessive pay compared to their involvement on the field.
The Dutch press have backed up the link with Liverpool, however they believe that the deal is dependant upon Liverpool completing the sale of Ryan Babel first.