Keith harris Claims Mysterious £500M Buyer For Liverpool

Keith Harris the Premier League’s top deal-maker, claims a mystery buyer is close to making a bid of up to £500million for Liverpool.

Harris, who has assisted in the sales of West Ham, Aston Villa and Manchester City, says he is representing a potential overseas buyer for the club who has already cleared the first hurdle of completing due diligence.

Moreover, he said it was different to any of the names that have already been bandied around, with current co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett making no secret of their need for outside investment.

The move comes just a week after Hong Kong businessman Kenny Huang pulled out of a bidding war.

However, Harris, who fronted an approach from Kuwaiti Nasser Al Khorafi two years ago before his client pulled out at the last minute, warned that this latest venture is also in danger of collapsing.

“The overseas buyer we represent has completed due diligence. A huge amount of work has been done,” he said. It is none of the groups mentioned in the press. The ball is now in our client’s court to make an offer. If the name of the prospective buyer comes out before the deal is done then probably it is never going to be done.

“In any takeover situation, when people resort to announcing it to the media, you have to question the seriousness of the offer.” Harris was in meetings yesterday afternoon and unable to comment on why, given the publicity-sensitive nature of negotiations, he had brought the possibility of a fresh bid to the attention of the wider world in the first place.

One suggestion is that it suits Liverpool that an authority such as Harris is hinting at a figure waiting in the wings just as the list of possible suitors has dried up. Huang was denied the chance to speak to the board exclusively about a deal and is understood to be holding on to negotiate in the absence of competition. Yahya Kirdi’s high-profile interest has been treated with scepticism from the outset.

But Harris pointed out that time is running out for Liverpool’s American owners. “I don’t think the deal will be done before the transfer window closes this month but the next pressure point is October, when some of the Royal Bank of Scotland loan of £237m has to be repaid,” he said. “It may happen then. But in the present climate these things are impossible to predict.”

Liverpool FC Targeting Loan Swoop For Bayern Munich's Mario Gomez

Liverpool has approached Bayern Munich about a possible loan for striker Mario Gomez.

Despite featuring in the Germany squad that finished third in this summer's World Cup, the 25-year-old finds himself behind compatriots Thomas Muller and Miroslav Klose as well as Ivica Olic in the pecking order at the Allianz Arena.

After PSV Eindhoven ended his pursuit of Ola Toivonen, Roy Hodgson is planning a move for Gomez and is hopeful of a move despite the player publicly ruling out any move away from the Bundesliga champions as he bids to prove his worth to Louis van Gaal.

He said: "I have made my position clear - there will be no transfer.

"I want to convince the coach that he will soon field me in his starting XI.

"Hard work will be rewarded, I am sure about that."

Reds Move For Konchesky

Skysports.com understands Liverpool is closing in on the signing of Fulham defender Paul Konchesky.

Reds bos Roy Hodgson has openly admitted bringing a new left-back is one of his top priorities this summer and it is believed he wants Konchesky to solve the problematic position.

Hodgson is a big admirer of Konchesy having worked with the 29-year-old for two-and-a-half-years prior to his switch to Anfield.

Liverpool is keen to bring in a new left-back before the close of the transfer window and had been linked with a move for PSV Eindhoven's Carlos Salicido.

However, it appears Liverpool have opted to go for Konchesky with the player having just a year to run on his contract at Fulham.

Konchesky's future at Fulham has been the subject of speculation all summer with Birmingham having seen one bid turned down eartlier this summer.

New Fulham boss Mark Hughes was keen to keep hold of the former Charlton man, but Konchesky is thought to have informed the Cottagers chief of his desire to be reunited with Hodgson at Anfield.

Liverpool are believed to be prepared to pay up to £3.5million to land Konchesky as Hodgson looks to finalise his rebuilding plans at the club.

Liverpool Make Shock Bid For England Striker

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has made a shock move for West Ham striker Carlton Cole - offering £6 million up front for the hit man.

The Kop chief has reacted swiftly to the meek and mediocre defeat by Manchester City by slapping in an offer for target man Cole that has surprised the Hammers.

The Anfield club is willing to pay a big chunk in one payment for Cole and odd up to another £6 million after games and achievements in the odd package.

Hodgson and Liverpool's money men are concerned about Cole's injury-hit past and would like to protect themselves with the offer, but also come up with a figure that will eventually suit the Hammers.

West Ham have already turned down bigger deals from Stoke and warned them off, but they may reluctantly let Cole go before the window shuts to give Avram Grant cash for other players.

In Liverpool's favour as the talks over figures begin Cole will be interested in joining them rather than the Potters - or potential rivals Sunderland.

Stoke still want Cole despite landing Kenwyne Jones but their chances are slim while Liverpool are heading the hunt for the England international.

Sunderland are in the same boat.

Cole could become a hero on Merseyside if he fills the striker's jersey, ideally beside Fernando Torres but possibly as his replacement if a massive bid comes in any time soon.

Hodgson wants to wheel and deal after a mixed start to the campaign.

Torres cannot be relied on to run the front line on his own again and some of the other options look short.

Kop Target New Mascherano

Liverpool will move for French ace Hatem Ben Arfa if Barcelona stump up £20m for Javier Mascherano.

Roy Hodgson would want to replace the Argentine before the transfer window closes and Marseille’s £7m-rated midfielder Ben Arfa is his top target. The new Anfield boss and his backroom staff are seething with Mascherano over his behaviour.

And they are prepared to tough it out if the Spanish champs do not meet their valuation. But Mascherano is believed to have already agreed a £5m-a-year wages deal with Barcelona president Sandro Rossell, who, according to reports, has spoken directly to the midfielder.

Werder Bremen has already made an offer for Ben Arfa, who Newcastle tried to nab on loan earlier this summer. And the midfielder said last night: “I want to play in the Premier League because my time in the French Ligue has passed.”

If Liverpool can get Barca to up their bid for Mascherano from £16m to £20m, then they could move swiftly for the 23-year-old Marseille star.

However, Hodgson would prefer to keep hold of Mascherano, despite the Argentine ace refusing to play in the 3-0 defeat at Manchester City on Monday.

An Anfield insider said: “He is clearly determined to join Barca, but Liverpool does not want to let him go on the cheap as the Spanish side want.”

Hodgson is certainly in no mood to be forced into selling, saying: “The fee we are being offered and the fee we think is the correct fee are very, very far apart.”

Liverpool Defender Sotiris Kyrgiakos Linked With Juventus

Liverpool defender Sotiris Kyrgiakos is the latest defender who's being linked with a move to Serie A side Juventus. A report in Corriere dello Sport claims that La Vecchia Signora are considering making a move for the Greek international before the end of the transfer window.

Juventus coach Luigi Del Neri is eager to add some more depth to his defence and the Turin side has been linked with players such as Andrea Barzagli, Salvatore Bocchetti and Thomas Manfredini in the past couple of weeks.

However, Juve have now apparently turned their attention to the relatively cheap Kyrgiakos. The 31-year-old defender joined Liverpool from AEK Athens in the summer of 2009, but has so far failed to secure regular first team action at the English side.

Kyrgiakos' current contract with Liverpool runs until the summer of 2011 and the Reds are supposedly ready to cash in on the defender during this transfer window in order to prevent him from leaving on a free transfer next year.

Barcelona Prepare Improved Bid For Liverpool's Javier Mascherano

Barcelona were preparing a renewed bid for Javier Mascherano after the coach Pep Guardiola admitted that he wanted to sign a defensive midfielder. The comment comes in light of Mascherano's refusal to play for Liverpool at Manchester City.

Barcelona's initial bid of €15m (£12.3m) with €5m more in add-ons was rejected by Liverpool. The Anfield club is understood to be holding out for a fee closer to €26m. That is a valuation Barcelona are reluctant to match but they remain hopeful of concluding a deal by offering players in return, and because of the determination of Mascherano who has made his position abundantly clear to leave.

Although Guardiola refused to name the Argentinian directly, he did admit: "If a defensive midfielder arrives the needs of the team will be resolved. If one arrives I will be satisfied. I will only speak about [Mascherano] when he's here, if he comes."

Barcelona believes that is likely despite the fact that they are not in the best of financial health. The signing of David Villa for €40m was carried out by the former president Joan Laporta, amid criticism from the new president Sandro Rosell at what he described as the club's "stratospheric" debt – which he calculated at more than €400m.

Rosell's first act when he was elected in July was to seek a bank loan for €150m to cover players' salaries. He also admitted defeat in the pursuit of Arsenal's Cesc Fábregas, unable to offer a fee much in excess of €40m, and forced through the sale of Dimitro Chygrynskiy, even though Guardiola wanted to keep him.

Barcelona is prepared to offer Liverpool Alexander Hleb and Martin Cáceres in part exchange, to increase the bid beyond the current €20m. Pressure is building on the new president and sporting director from Guardiola to get the deal done.

Politically, they cannot be seen to have failed to provide reinforcements. Barcelona also believes they have a huge advantage because of Mascherano's willingness to fight for a move. Their hand is stronger, certainly, than during the attempts to sign Fábregas, when their bullish confidence, both from the former regime and the current one, turned out to be misplaced. arcelona did not count on such stubborn resistance from Arsène Wenger and could not raise sufficient funds to persuade Arsenal to sell and although Fabregas told the Arsenal manager that he wanted to leave, he was unprepared to publicly rebel.

Mascherano has asked not to play for Liverpool, while his agent has openly spoken about his desire to depart England for Spain. Some are criticizing the club for letting Yaya Touré go and effectively replacing him with the same type of player for much the same price. Touré fetched £24m. In total, the fee for Mascherano looks like settling at a similar level.

The situation, though, has changed: when Barcelona sold Touré, the Ivorian's agent had repeatedly spoken out in public about his client's dissatisfaction at being a substituted and contract renewal talks had also stalled. Barcelona also sold him in the hope of raising the funds for a bid for Fabregas.

Having failed to secure the Arsenal captain they now have a vacant slot in central midfield that Guardiola believes has to be filled.

Barcelona may have one problem, though, with sources suggesting that a late bid from Internazionale should not be ruled out.

Sky Sports Pundit Slams Mascherano

Former Liverpool captain Jamie Redknapp has slammed the behaviour of Javier Mascherano, claiming the Argentine should not forget where he was prior to his move to Anfield.

The 26-year-old allegedly refused to play against Premier League rivals Manchester City on Monday night in an effort to engineer his move to Barcelona, but Redknapp believes the midfielder owes Liverpool, and not the other way round.

Mascherano was brought to Anfield in 2007 despite suffering an underwhelming spell at West Ham United that at times resulted in him playing for the Hammers’ reserves, and Redknapp believes the Argentina captain would do well to remember what Liverpool have done for him.

The Sky Sports pundit told the Daily Mail: “Maybe Javier Macherano must have forgotten where he was when Liverpool came to sign him - in West Ham's reserves.

“They salvaged his career. How does he repay them? By refusing to play on Monday night.

“He's a good player, not a great one, but he's certainly not a good man.”

The latest reports suggest Mascherano has already agree personal terms with Barcelona, over an £85,000 a week deal even though the two clubs remain someway apart in their respective valuations of the tough tackling star.

Match Report: Man City 3 - 0 LiverpooL

Manchester City flexed their enormous muscles at Eastlands to delight the man who made it all possible and deliver their biggest beating of Liverpool since 1937.

Sheikh Mansour could not have picked a better night to watch the team he has spent £1billion on in a league game for the first time.

With James Milner enjoying an outstanding debut, City were far too good for a Liverpool side who have a week to get themselves into some sort of shape given Javier Mascherano's absence seems like the next step in a big-money move to Barcelona.

Milner set up Gareth Barry for City's opener before Carlos Tevez claimed to have got a touch to Micah Richards' goalbound header just after half-time.

A brilliant double save from Joe Hart snuffed out any chance of a revival before Tevez sent Pepe Reina the wrong way from the spot after Martin Skrtel had fouled Adam Johnson.

It capped a performance that proves City have the credentials and the talent to win the biggest prize they can this season, if manager Roberto Mancini can keep his vast squad happy.

Had he so wished, Manchester City's immensely rich owner could have had his pre-match meal at the new 'City Square' on Joe Mercer Way, part of the £20million stadium revamp that has taken place since he took control from the discredited former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Rather more costly were the players he has helped assemble.

Nine of them were part of Roberto Mancini's starting line-up - Richards and Hart the two exceptions - a sign of the revolution that has taken place in the past two years.

Long-standing City fans are still pinching themselves at having the opportunity to watch the likes of Yaya Toure and Tevez.

But down the years, they have taken a huge amount of pride in their academy, which has produced so many first-team players, Richards among them.

The level City is operating at now means continuing that work is going to be tough. Instead, pleasure has to be derived in different ways.

So to have the stamp "Made in England" embossed on their first Premier League goal of the season was an achievement to be noted.

That the goal came about because of a momentary failure from Steven Gerrard just brought added poignancy.

Johnson spotted Milner advancing just beyond the Liverpool skipper and found him with a smart pass.

Milner delivered the perfect cut-back into an area he hoped a team-mate had filled.

Barry obliged and did the business from 10 yards with a neat side-footed finish.

It was the high point of a one-sided first-half.

Tevez and Johnson both found the side-netting from an acute angle. Johnson had earlier driven a fierce shot wide and Milner's running was intelligent and incisive.

Liverpool could certainly not have complained if they had been further adrift.

Roy Hodgson's men struggled to retain any source of possession, which just confirmed the gaping hole Mascherano will leave should he get his wish to start another phase of his career away from Anfield.

Liverpool appear too deficient in too many areas for Hodgson to waste much time persuading someone intent on leaving that his future remains on Merseyside.

In a meagre first-half, the visitors created just a single chance, which the returning Fernando Torres set up for Gerrard, who wasted it.

The only time Liverpool got any nearer after half-time was in the flurry of activity that followed Gerrard's explosive free-kick that thudded against the post.

Hart was beaten on that occasion but not when David Ngog had a go.

England's new number one palmed that away, straight into Torres' path. It seemed a certain goal but Hart stood firm again, repelling the Spain striker with a magnificent save with his left hand.

That this all came after a second City goal, which Tevez claimed even though any touch to a Richards header from Milner's corner was so faint as to render it impossible to spot.

Reina could not keep it out anyway.

Nor did the goalkeeper do any better when Tevez sent him the wrong way from the spot after Johnson had been fouled by Skrtel.

All summer, the football talk around these two clubs has centered around breaking into that top four.

On this evidence, only City are capable of that. And, thanks to Sheikh Mansour's largesse, they are capable of much more besides too.

Roy Hodgson Rues Defensive Display

Roy Hodgson was left to rue his side’s defensive display in Monday night’s crushing 3-0 defeat at Manchester City.

“We defended poorly for the goals and they took their chances when we defended poorly,” Hodgson said.

“I thought Man City played solidly and strongly throughout. They were strong physically and took charge.

“We were always fighting to get back into it and sometimes you have to accept that on the night we weren’t able to produce the level performance necessary to get a good result.

“But I didn’t think we were under the cost to the extent that 3-0 might suggest.

“We were a little bit unlucky with that wonderful double save from Joe Hart that we didn’t get back into the game at 2-0.

“You are talking about two teams of similar level. We were playing away from home tonight and Manchester City played well.”

Hodgson handed Fernando Torres his first start of the season following the groin injury he suffered in the World Cup final.

The Spaniard was denied by a stunning save from Hart and Hodgson admits he’s still searching for match fitness.

“Torres still has a way to go but we knew that,” he added. “He is still in the middle of a preparation period.”

Roy Hodgson Admits He Does Not Want To Sell Javier Mascherano After Manchester City Humbling

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson still hopes to keep Javier Mascherano at the club after the midfielder was left out of the club's 3-0 loss to Manchester City.

The Argentina international was not included in the squad and not present at Eastlands as Hodgson revealed prior to the game that his mind "isn't right" following speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona.

But Hodgson still wants to keep Mascherano on Merseyside, and hinted offers for the player are thus far below the club's valuation of one of their most prized assets.

"It'll get resolved as quick as it can get resolved, I would like Mascherano to stay, that's my wish, that's my hope," he told Sky Sports.

"We don't want to sell him, certainly we don't want to sell him for the type of fee that's being suggested at the moment.

"I'm hoping, maybe hoping against hope, but still hoping that Javier Mascherano will still play for us because he's such a good player and he'll make us into a better team."

One player definitely staying with the club for another season is Fernando Torres, who made his first start of the season in the disappointing away defeat.

Hodgson admitted the Spain striker is far from full fitness currently, and believes the best is yet to come from him.

He said: "We are forcing him [Torres] back into action earlier than we would have liked.

"He showed moments of what he's capable of but of course he's way below the type of performance he'd want to give and we know he can give, but we've got that to come."

On the game itself, in which Liverpool succumbed to two Carlos Tevez goals and a strike from Gareth Barry who nearly joined the club before settling for City, Hodgson felt his side did not deserve to lose by such a wide margin.

"I thought we were a little unlucky to get beaten so heavily," he said. "I don't think we really deserved to get beat by three goals.

"Pepe Reina wasn't called into action that often, I thought we had one or two good spells in the game and we played against a very strong and effective Manchester City side and of course they scored the goals at the right time.

"The second goal from the corner made it an uphill task for us. [Joe] Hart made that incredible double save, at 2-1 it might have put some more life back in the game.

"In the end of course we paid the price for conceding the penalty...and there's not much else to say but to congratulate Manchester City on a good performance and a good win.

"I thought we lacked the cutting edge in the box. I thought we passed the ball around quite well, I thought we lacked the cutting edge and unfortunately we lacked the organization I would have liked to prevent them getting through us down that left-hand side."

Despite the demoralizing defeat, the former Fulham boss insisted it is too early in the new Premier League season to start reading his players the riot act.

Muntari Rejects Reds Swap Deal

According to reports in the Italian press, Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari has rejected the opportunity to move to Liverpool despite the reigning European champions offering the Ghanaian international in part exchange for Duch international Dirk Kuyt.

While speculation in the British tabloids has suggested that Roy Hodgson is unwilling to sell Kuyt, it appears that former boss Rafael Benitez has not given up hope of doing a deal for the versatile attack-minded midfielder and has come up with a variety of plausible deals to tempt the Reds into selling.

25-year-old Muntari had initially been dangled as bait in an attempt to appeal to Liverpool’s midfield squad shortage. However, the former Udinese and Porstmouth man still feels he has unfinished business at the San Siro having struggled to hold down a first team place under Jose Mourinho.

It is believed that Inter are now ready to offer approximately £8 million in cash for Kuyt although the Anfield hierarchy are eager to hold out for a fee in excess of £10 million. Last week the World Cup star’s representative Rob Jansen hinted that he was indeed considering his future on Merseyside with the prospect of testing himself in Italy obviously inviting.

Kuyt’s current contract sees him tied to Liverpool until the end of next season, although unlike Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard has yet to publically confirm his desire to stay at Anfield.

Lille Full-Back Mathieu Debuchy Coveted By Liverpool

Lille are bracing themselves for an approach from Liverpool over full-back Mathieu Debuchy, L’Equipe reports.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson apparently feels that his defence is lacking competition on the right hand side and he sees Debuchy as the kind of player who would act as a good back-up to Glen Johnson.

At 25-years-old, the Fretin-born player has never featured for any club side other than les Dogues, whom he joined when he was only eight. Debuchy’s development has been impressive, however, and he can frequently be found as a useful attacking outlet down the right flank, with his start to this campaign particularly bright.

Often going unheralded, Debuchy received recognition for his efforts earlier this month when Laurent Blanc called him into the France squad to face Norway, though he would not get an opportunity to showcase his talents in a side deprived of all of its World Cup stars.

Debuchy’s contract expires in 2012, but Liverpool is expected to make an official approach in the coming days.

Juventus With €16.5M Alberto Aquilani Option

Alberto Aquilani is set to complete the final stage of his medical at Juventus today and it has emerged that the Turin club have an option to purchase the Italian in their loan agreement with Liverpool.

The 26-year-old will, as expected, have his wages paid by Juventus. However, should the Old Lady be happy with Aquilani’s impact then they will be able to send €16.5M over to Anfield to make the deal permanent.

Aquilani’s arrival at Juventus has been greeted with delight amongst the club’s fans and the former Roma midfielder remains rated, when fit, as one of the finest in all Italy. For Aquilani the loan is a chance to push his way back into the Azzurri picture and also convince Juventus to make the move permanent.

With Liverpool set to lose Javier Mascherano before the transfer window slams shut, the decision to offload such a highly rated midfielder on loan will surely be the subject of further scrutiny before the season is out.

Liverpool Want €30m Cash For Javier Mascherano

Liverpool have told Barcelona that they want £24.5 (€30) million in cash for Javier Mascherano after rejecting the Spanish club’s opening player exchange offer.

Despite reports that Barca’s opening bid was £12m, Goal.com UK understands that the Primera Division champions offered £18.8m plus Aliaksandr Hleb for the 26-year-old Argentine.

But Liverpool is adamant that they do not want a player-plus-cash deal and will only consider a straight cash offer for the midfielder.

Barcelona are expected to return with a second, improved bid in the next 48 hours as they close in on a transfer that they hope to complete by the end of the week. It is understood that the player has already agreed personal terms with the Catalan giants.

Liverpool sources say the club accepts that Mascherano has played his last game for the Merseysiders – the 1-1 draw against Arsenal eight days ago – and appreciate that the player’s value will only diminish if he is held at Anfield against his will until January or next summer.

The Argentina captain told Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson that he did not feel his mind was right to figure in Liverpool’s Premier League match at Manchester City.

Manager Roy Hodgson said before the game: “He's not here because obviously there is some speculation about his future and at the moment his mind isn't right, so it wasn't correct to select him.

"Hopefully matters will get resolved, certainly before the end of the transfer window and I'll have a chance to pick him again, but Monday night would not have been a good time to select him."

Hleb has been offered as a makeweight in the deal after failing to make an impression at the Nou Camp following his switch from Arsenal two summers ago.

The Belarus international was told last month that he has no future under Barca coach Pep Guardiola after spending last season on loan with VfB Stuttgart.

'Roy Hodgson Biased Toward English Players,' Blasts Chris Mavinga

Liverpool youngster Chris Mavinga has expressed his disappointment at his lack of opportunities he is being given by Roy Hodgson and says he wants to leave the club.

"I am disappointed. I thought that with the success [of France's Under 19s Championship triumph] and my performances there I would be given the opportunity to train with the first team and play parts of games," the 19-year-old French defender told France Football.

"But a new coach arrived. Roy Hodgson, who replaced Rafael Benitez, and he is changing the organization of the club, trying to encourage English players at the expense of foreigners, unlike his predecessor. He clearly stated he wants to remake Liverpool as an English club. You already feel it in the reserves, although it's a choice, we must respect."

Mavinga said he tried to talks to Hodgson about the situation, but to no avail.

"Yes, I spoke with him briefly, but he did not say much," he said. "The problem is that there are too many players training with the first-team squad, 28! So, while Rafael Benitez allowed me to train with the pros during the second half of last season, I have now returned to the reserves."

"I am disappointed and angry. So I want to leave, why can't they loan me out? I love this club, but if the situation requires me to go, I will."

"I'm not asking to get straight into the first-team. I just want a fair opportunity to train with them," he continued. "I hope to find another club."

However, Mavinga vowed to continue to work hard even if he doesn't secure a move away from Anfield.

"It's difficult, given the market situation. In addition, Liverpool are not keen on loaning me out. If I don't leave this summer, I hope I can do it in January," he said. "But I will not stop working even if I stay with the reserves. I want to reach a good level."

Roy Hodgson Wants Money To Spend

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed he would like funds to strengthen his squad.

The Merseysiders have been busy in the transfer market this summer with Joe Cole, Christian Poulsen, Brad Jones, Danny Wilson, Milan Jovanovic, and Jonjo Shelvey all joining.

However, the ex-Fulham boss knows that with just one week left before the transfer window closes, the time left to strengthen is not the best period in which to splash the cash.

Hodgson does not believe he has fully assessed the talent and potential in the club's squad and academy and is against making a big-name signing if they already have a gem ready to be unearthed.

"I'd like some money to spend if I could research where that money could be spent wisely," said Hodgson.

"Giving me a lot now and telling me to go out and buy some players with one week of the transfer window left would not be particularly advantageous.

"I've only been here for five weeks or so and I'd want to make sure I had assessed absolutely everyone, including those at the academy, just in case we have an outstanding 17-year-old.

"We might have a Javier Hernandez there so I don't want to go out and spend £50million on buying another one."

Liverpool To Make Ambitious £4m Move For Serie A Veteran Goal Machine

Roy Hodgson will look to secure a deal to bring Juventus forward David Trezeguet to Anfield and hopes that deals that brought Alberto Aquilani to Turin and Christian Poulsen to Merseyside will help in potential negotiations for the 32 year old former French international to the club.

The veteran forward is set to be nothing more than a squad player in the coming season under new boss Luigi Delneri and Hodgson will at first be looking to seal a deal to bring the former Monaco man on a loan deal which could be just what the Serie A side is looking for as they look to trim their squad due to the rapid addition of new faces at the club.

If a loan offer fails he could pick up the ageing front man for a relatively small fee with his valuation appearing to be somewhere in the region of £4-6m.

In his decade plus at the Italian giants Trezeguet has netted 170 times but has found himself increasingly surplus to requirements behind the likes of Amauri, Alessando Del Piero and Vincenzo Iaquinta.

Hodgson is looking to bring in new attacking options before the transfer window closes and he may persuade the Frenchman to take one last challenge before he hangs up his boots.

Liverpool 'Face Competition From Italy Over Roque Santa Cruz Transfer'

Roque Santa Cruz will leave Manchester City before the end of the transfer window, but after Liverpool expressed an interest in the striker last week it seems they now face competition from Lazio and Fiorentina.

The Paraguayan is surplus to requirements at Eastlands, and looks set to be excluded from Roberto Mancini's 25-man squad - especially after their signing of Mario Balotelli from Inter Milan.

Roy Hodgson is keen to add another striker to his squad as back-up for injury-prone Fernando Torres, and is thought to have made a preliminary approach for Santa Cruz.

However, in light of the interest from the Reds, both Lazio and Fiorentina from Serie A - as well as Werder Bremen from Germany - are rumoured to have joined the race.

Santa Cruz has said he is happy to remain at City for the foreseeable future, but that could change if he is left out of the streamlined squad for the opening six months of the Premier League season.

West Ham is another club who are said to have made an enquiry about the 29-year-old's availability, but so far City are yet to open formal talks over a transfer fee.

Liverpool Reject €20 Million Javier Mascherano Bid From Barcelona

Barcelona have reportedly tabled a bid of around €20 million for wantaway Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano but it has been rejected by the Merseysiders according to radio station RAC1.

Over the weekend Reds coach Roy Hodgson intimated that he was informed by Massimo Moratti that there would be no approach from Inter for the Argentina captain but it appears that the Catalan outfit is still in the race to prise the 26-year-old away from Anfield.

The offer tabled by the Blaugrana is believed to be an initial €15 million payment with a further €5 million in variables but Liverpool are understood to have placed a value of €26 million on Mascherano. Hodgson has already gone on record as stating that the defensive midfielder is aware that he will not be leaving the club if an appropriate fee is not received.

Despite Hodgson already declaring that 'Masch' would be in contention to feature against fellow title hopefuls Manchester City on Monday night, AS has claimed that he will not play at Eastlands as talks between the clubs continue.