The Daily Mirror reports that Liverpool scouts are tracking Valencia forward Juan Manuel Mata in the hope of making a bid for the schemer in January.
Although Joe Cole signed on a free transfer during the summer, Hodgson’s Liverpool have still often looked blunt in attack, devoid of the creativity necessary to break down the massed ranks of Premier League defences.
Mata is thought to be the solution to such problems. The deal, the Mirror reports, is subject to the takeover being completed.
Metro.co.uk reports that Hodgson is planning to use out-of-sorts Ryan Babel as a bargaining chip. He hopes that landing Mata would be a good way to bolster his squad and placate the fans.
Reports on Spanish radio says Hodgson is preparing to table a £10m bid for the 22-year-old, using Babel as a make-weight.
According to imscouting.com papers claims that Liverpool have been “exerting strong pressure” on the La Liga leaders over the player.
Mata, who plays primarily as a left winger is highly regarded in Spain and was a member of the squad that won the World Cup in South Africa during the summer.
He has scored three goals in nine appearances for the Spanish national team, while he has been a prolific scorer from midfield for Valencia in La Liga in the last three seasons.
Mata, who began his career as a trainee at Real Madrid, would cost the Reds around £12 million.
Read more: Juan Mata player profile (The Mirror)
Read more: Player profile (Goal.com)
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