SOCCER:BRENDAN RODGERS says he will have funds to address Liverpool's chronic striker shortage in January and already has a list of potential targets to ease the burden on Luis Suarez.
Liverpool’s fruitless end to the last transfer window has predictably cost the team and now Suarez is the only senior forward fit to face Reading tomorrow after Fabio Borini was ruled out for three months with a broken foot sustained while training with the Italy under-21 squad.
Rodgers was refused the money to sign Clint Dempsey by Liverpool’s owners, 24 hours after he allowed Andy Carroll to join West Ham United on loan, although the club claimed they would have been willing to pay a large fee to sign the younger Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea.
The Liverpool manager has again played down the prospect of recalling Carroll in January, but insists he has assurances from Fenway Sports Group he can sign players of his choosing when the window reopens. Arsenal’s Theo Walcott is one possible target.
“Summer was a real learning experience here for everyone. Everyone sees we need to add to the goal threat of the team,” said Rodgers, who will give goalkeeper Jose Reina a late fitness test on a hamstring strain before selecting his team to play Reading.
“It’ll always be the case that I’ll be able to bring in the players of my choice. Obviously, there’ll be money available to do that in January. The scouting team are out there now compiling lists and looking at targets that we can hopefully bring in if they are affordable and available.
“I’m confident of that. Myself and the scouting network are looking at players and whichever one we want to go for, then we will do that.”
As for requesting Carroll’s return, Rodgers, who said he doesn’t “do the desperation thing” when asked about the England international following the goalless draw against Stoke City, added: “It isn’t something I have considered, to be honest. Fabio’s injury has only just come up so we will assess it from there.”
Guardian Service
