ANTON Ferdinand is being lined up for a shock move to either Liverpool or Manchester United, according to reports this morning.

West Ham have reportedly put the 23-year-old defender up for sale as they look to trim the wage bill at Upton Park.

And that has alerted two of the Premier League's 'big four' teams.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez could make a move for Ferdinand after recently revealing his concern at the number of goals his team conceded from set pieces last season, while there is also the uncertainty at Anfield over the future of veteran Sami Hyypia.

Premier League champions United need a replacement for Spanish youngster Gerard Pique, who moved back to Barcelona earlier this week, and could be tempted to take Ferdinand to Old Trafford to link up with big brother, Rio.

Meanwhile, Spurs are also showing an interest in the former England U21 international - they had a bid knocked back by the Hammers in the past - although the north Londoners look more intent on snapping up Manchester City's Richard Dunne.

Ferdinand is the longest serving member of the Hammers squad, having made 163 appearances since making his debut in 2002.

But, with six senior centre-halves on the books and the emergence of promising youngster James Tomkins towards the end of last term, Irons boss Alan Curbishley may just feel that Ferdinand's time in east London has run its course.

It would take in the region of about £5 million to prise him away from Upton Park.