Monday, July 05, 2010

Liverpool Boss Hodgson Set To Offload Mascherano For Transfer Fund

Roy Hodgson is likely to have to sell before he is able to make significant signings at Liverpool with Javier Mascherano the likeliest big name Anfield exit.

According to the News of the World, Hodgson has been given £12million to spend but will have to raise funds from future sales in order to add to his kitty. Apparently, the £5.5million received by Liverpool from Chelsea for Yossi Benayoun will not be reinvested in players, but will instead go towards paying off former manager Rafa Benitez and compensating Fulham for Hodgson's departure.

Albert Riera is likely to leave Liverpool, having repeatedly criticized the club and failed to so far return to pre-season training. However, the Spanish winger is unlikely to attract big money offers.

The News of the World claim that Hodgson will do what he can to keep Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres at the club, with the pair prepared to remain at Anfield for the coming few weeks in order to see what progress Hodgson makes.

Argentina captain Mascherano is therefore the most likely star to leave Liverpool in order to raise funds. The midfielder is rumoured to be a prime transfer target for Barcelona, especially given that Yaya Toure has just finalized a move to Manchester City, leaving room for another defensive midfielder at the Nou Camp.

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