• Transfer News

Tearful Agger 'begged Rodgers for exit'

Daniel Agger will reportedly be allowed to leave Liverpool after breaking down in tears on their pre-season tour of America and begging Brendan Rodgers to let him go.

According to the Daily Mirror, Liverpool's vice-captain had an emotional exchange with his manager and is now set to be granted his wish with a £12 million move to Barcelona mooted.

Daniel Agger is said to have been granted permission to leave Liverpool's pre-season tour of America © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Liverpool ask after PSG's Cavani
  
• News: Liverpool make Falcao inquiry
  
• News: Wenger: I don't want to sell Vermaelen to United
  
• News: Liverpool sign Manquillo on loan
  
• News: Liverpool's Origi is like Kluivert - he can be world class
  

Agger's exit from Anfield could then set in motion Thomas Vermaelen's switch from Arsenal to Manchester United.

Arsene Wenger would reportedly prefer to sell his defender to Barcelona rather than strengthening a rival by sanctioning his departure to Old Trafford, but if the Spanish club seal a move for Agger then the Arsenal manager may have to relent on Vermaelen's wish to join United.

Agger, who made just 23 appearances in all competitions last season, is said to have told Rodgers during a heart-to-heart in the Liverpool dressing room on tour that he fears he won't be able to win back a place in the first-team, particularly given the £20m summer acquisition of centre-back Dejan Lovren.

Rodgers is believed to have been sympathetic towards Agger, who had to be consoled by some of his senior Liverpool team-mates after breaking down, even allowing him to fly home from America after the 29 year old asked for permission to go.

Signed from Brondby in January 2006, Agger assumed the Anfield vice-captaincy after Jamie Carragher's retirement but found himself on the periphery of the first-team as Liverpool challenged for the title last season.

Agger only signed a new four-year contract in 2012 but is now said to be desperate to leave before the end of the transfer window and is not in Rodgers' plans for the new season.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd