Fulham hope to sign former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Jari
Litmanen on a free transfer.
The 36-year-old was Finland captain under Hodgson, but had his
contract terminated at Swedish side Malmo last summer because of an
ankle injury.
Litmanen, who won the European Cup with Ajax, is training with
Fulham.
"We know he's got the quality. It's just a question whether the
six- or eight-month lay-off has made a major difference to him,"
Hodgson said.
"My theory is great players don't forget how to play. If they are
fit enough, they can do what they are good at.
"I am very optimistic he will be able to join us."
The Finnish Football Federation had earlier reported that the
Premier League strugglers were close to finalising a deal.
"Jari has been working hard lately and he is fighting fit," Hodgson
was quoted as saying by the FFF website.
Fulham have already signed Norway defender Brede Hangeland in the
transfer window and have agreed a fee of £5m with Watford for
striker Marlon King.
They are also reportedly still keen to sign Rangers striker Daniel
Cousin, despite having a £2m bid rejected by the Glasgow
club.
