More January transfer news now, and this time over at Liverpool where Hodgson is scouring the world for players who can turn his fortunes around – with the help of his director of football strategy whose name seems to be everywhere in relation to Liverpool transfer targets, Damien Comolli. It has emerged today that Liverpool are the front runners to sign both Keisuke Honda of CSKA Moscow, and Danny Sturridge of Chelsea, as both players are reportedly keen to play at Anfield.
Keisuke Honda represented his country, Japan in the 2010 World Cup and scored a couple of goals thanks to his amazingly powerful free kick technique. He currently plays his club football in Russia at CSKA Moscow, but his agent has suggested a move to Liverpool could be on the cards. Honda had previously been linked with a move to Arsenal, but a Liverpool switch is far more likely. Kees Ploegsma, the players agent, said that the move was only speculation at the moment, as the Reds have not made a firm bid, but Liverpool and the Premier League is where he wants to be:
“If he could move to a club like Liverpool it would be great, but the two clubs must come to an agreement first. The Premier League is a great competition which he would like to play in.”
The situation with the young Chelsea striker, Danny Sturridge is less clear, but it is thought that the 21 year-old has requested a loan move away from Stamford Bridge, with his preferred option being Liverpool. The former Manchester City player has made only 11 substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring in none of them, and a good run in a team would do his confidence – and goal rate the world of good.
Once tipped to be the player of his generation, he is now a bench warmer for Chelsea, and seeking a temporary move away to prove he can handle the Premier League. No doubt he has potential, but if he isn’t given the chance to show it, his talents will have been wasted. Roy Hodgson will be keen to strengthen his attacking force, and with Honda being an impressive attacking midfielder and Sturridge being a classy striker with bags of potential, Liverpool will be moving in the right direction with these two signings.
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