The 62-year-old is believed to be in the market for a
left-back, a midfield player, a winger and a striker, but while he
is currently rooting through the bargain bin, he may soon be able
to afford to shop at some of Europe’s best boutiques.
Brede Hangeland (Fulham)
Hodgson may have suggested he would not return to Fulham to strip
his former team of players, but Hangeland would provide the aerial
prowess Liverpool have lacked since the departure of Sami
Hyypia.
Fabio Coentrao (Benfica)
Though he impressed at the World Cup as a left-back, the
22-year-old is equally capable of playing in a more advanced role.
Currently way beyond Liverpool’s means, but that would change with
the arrival of Huang and his backers.
Mesut Ozil (Werder Bremen)
The undisputed star of the World Cup, Ozil looks set to leave
Werder a year before his contract ends. Manchester United are
thought to be considering an offer, but the new Liverpool would be
able to blow their old rivals out of the water.
Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
The Ivorian made it clear at the start of the summer that he would
welcome the chance to play with Fernando Torres. Kenny Huang’s
takeover, should it succeed, may afford him the opportunity to do
it in red, rather than blue.
Steven Defour (Standard Liege)
One of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders for two years, Defour
will leave Belgium this summer. Hodgson is a known admirer but the
£12 million asking price is currently out of his reach.
Steven Pienaar (Everton)
Few on Merseyside would expect the deal to go through, but the
South African would provide the width Liverpool require, providing
Everton are prepared to do business.
Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
Arguably the world’s finest midfield playmaker, if Hodgson has
access to an almost unlimited fund, few signings would signal
Liverpool’s new-found ambition more than one of Barcelona’s two
magic dwarves.
Carlton Cole (West Ham)
Though the wealth Huang would bring to the club may be
unprecedented, Hodgson still requires English players to meet the
Premier League’s home-grown quota. Cole, available from West Ham,
would provide a foil for Torres.
James Milner (Aston Villa)
The England international is rumoured to harbour ambitions of
playing for Liverpool and, with his move to Manchester City
stalling, Hodgson may be tempted to gazump the Eastlands side’s
offer.
Luke Young (Aston Villa)
Perhaps, with almost £300 billion of assets behind them, Liverpool
may finally be able to afford the former Charlton man’s wage
demands.