Thursday, October 28, 2010

Liverpool Target £22m Benfica Pair

Liverpool are preparing a January move for Benfica pair Fabio Coentrao and Oscar Cardozo. Roy Hodgson is keen to bring in new additions when the transfer window reopens and has set his sights on the Lisbon based duo but knows that he may struggle to persuade both to make the move unless by the time the transfer is open they are firmly back in the hunt for a top six spot.

Fabio Coentrao was one of the few bright spots of Portugal’s World Cup campaign and the left wing-back helped Benfica to the Portuguese title last term and has been targeted by a number of Europe’s elite and the 22 year old appears to be a player Hodgson greatly admires.

The second Benfica player earmarked as a target may well be a very tricky signing secure. Paraguayan international Cardozo has been a huge success at the club since his move to the Stadium of Light in the summer of 2007. Last term the rangy striker netted an astonishing 38 goals in all competitions. including three against Liverpool in the Europa League.

Hodgson has been looking to sign a target man to play alongside Fernando Torres but failed in last ditch moves to sign Roman Pavlyuchenko and Carlton Cole in August. He may see the tall 27 year old as an ideal foil for Fernando Torres.

The pair would set the Merseyside club back around £20-22m to secure and the Anfield boss has reportedly been promised a significant injection of funds to improve his decidedly average squad.

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