Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Liverpool Target Poised For Dream Summer Switch

Liverpool playmaker target Keisuke Honda is reportedly heading for a CSKA Moscow exit.

The Japanese international is currently representing his country in the Asia Cup, but that hasn't stopped agent Kees Pleogsma playing up the chance of a move away from the Russian Premier League outfit.

Former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson was heavily linked with a move for the player before he got the axe at Anfield, although new manager Kenny Dalglish is also thought to be keen on the player.

"A number of clubs have expressed their interest," Pleogsma told the Qatari media.

"At this stage, we are waiting for a serious offer. I'm really hoping that something can happen, but we'll have to wait and see."

Liverpool are thought to be one of the clubs who have shown interest, as have Aston Villa and Arsenal, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger describing the player as a 'genius' during the World Cup.

Spanish side Atletico Madrid are thought to be the current favourites in the race to sign the player, meaning Liverpool may have to move fast if they wish to secure his services before the chasing pack.

New owners NESV have pledged a transfer war chest in the region of £35 million, and Dalglish is thought to have presented a shortlist of player targets to the Liverpool board as recently as last week.

It's unknown if Honda was on the Anfield list, but Liverpool would have to pay in the region of £9 million to secure the player's services on Merseyside.

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