Liverpool and Swansea target Gylfi Sigurdsson given deadline to secure transfer

Hoffenheim have given midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson a deadline of June 30 to secure a move to the Barclays Premier League.

The Iceland international had been set to complete a return to Swansea, where he spent the second half of last season on loan, for a club-record £6.8million fee.

However, the departure of manager Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool halted the deal before the 22-year-old could have his medical and Anfield now seems to be his preferred destination.

Last week Rodgers admitted he would be interested in signing the midfielder but stressed the player had to first speak to Swansea - who appointed Michael Laudrup as their new boss on Friday.

Sigurdsson's German club, who began pre-season training today, have granted extended leave in order for him to complete a move to England.

"Gylfi Sigurdsson will not be with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim for the start of pre-season," said a statement on the club's website.

"He has, after consultation, obtained a prolonged holiday until 30 June.

"The club wants the 22-year-old to continue to secure a future in the Premier League."

Hoffenheim head coach and former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel said it was best for all parties if the player had the time to sort out a move.

"Gylfi wants to stay in England and is in negotiations there," he said.

"Thus it makes no sense for both sides for him to return to Hoffenheim, perhaps only for a few days.

"If, by the deadline on June 30, he has done nothing then he will return to his pre-season with us.

"We have agreed this with him."

Sigurdsson is contracted to Hoffenheim for another two years but despite impressing in his first campaign in 2010/11 he dropped down the pecking order last season, forcing his loan to Swansea where he scored seven goals in 19 appearances.

It has been reported Liverpool will have to pay a fee in the region of £8million as Swansea had negotiated a lower figure as part of their loan deal.

PA