Liverpool set to seal double swoop
Liverpool set to seal double swoop
New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is hoping to complete the double signing of Paul Scharner and Taye Taiwo
By David Brenchley July 13, 2010
Roy Hodgson is reportedly set to complete his first piece of business as Liverpool manager with the double signing of Paul Scharner and Taye Taiwo.
Scharner is available from Wigan Athletic on a free transfer after his contract expired at the end of the season.
With a limited budget available if he wants to keep hold of his players, Hodgson will be looking for bargain players who are proven in the Premier League.
Valentin Hobel, Scharner’s agent, recently said: “Roy Hodgson and Paul Scharner - this is a special relationship.
“Liverpool would be a dream, of course, but we are in contact with several clubs. Because he is a free transfer, he can choose.â€
The former Fulham boss sees the Austrian as a central midfielder rather than defender, which could see him replacing Lucas Leiva.
Lucas is reportedly the subject of an offer from Palermo and could be joined out of the Anfield exit door by fellow holding midfielder Javier Mascherano – with Inter Milan the likely destination for Argentina’s captain.
Taiwo, who currently plies his trade in France with Marseille, would also be a replacement – for the Fiorentina-bound Emiliano Insua.
Tottenham are also interested in the £8.5 million-rated Nigerian international left-back and it would be a straight choice between the more prestigious Liverpool or Champions League side Spurs.