Wigan Athletic striker Emile Heskey is angling for a return to Liverpool.

The Mirror says Heskey wants to go back to Liverpool - and Rafa Benitez is trying to sign him in a bargain-basement move this month.

Wigan's England striker has told close friends he is keen to go back to the Kop and be part of their trophy-chasing squad.

Aston Villa and Tottenham are interested, but Heskey, 30, has his heart set on a return to Anfield - the club he regretted leaving just before Benitez arrived.

Insiders claim Heskey will definitely join Liverpool in the summer for nothing - and that gives the Merseysiders the chance to broker a cut-price deal now.

Benitez wants Heskey for as low as £1.5m, with Wigan valuing him in the region of £4m.