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Hodgson 'unlikely' to sell Lucas, wants a striker

Roy Hodgson believes it is unlikely he will have enough time to replace Lucas Leiva should the Brazilian be sold © Getty Images

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Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has reiterated his desire to sign a striker but admitted he is running out of time before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night.

Hodgson watched his current leading marksman, Fernando Torres, score his first goal of the campaign in a promising sign of things to come as Liverpool beat West Brom 1-0 at Anfield on Sunday. But Torres' injury-filled three seasons at the club and back-up David Ngog's inability to adequately fill his scoring boots when called upon has Hodgson keen to add more depth up front.

The 62-year dismissed suggestions PSV Eindhoven's Sweden striker Ola Toivonen could move to Anfield but he has also been linked with a move for West Ham's Carlton Cole. Hodgson admits he is looking for a particular type of player but Toivonen does not fit the bill.

"We've got space to add a player. We'd like another striker, we've said that all along and there's no point me denying it,'' said the Reds boss. "But we still haven't found the right man and time is running out for us.''

Asked if Toivonen could arrive he said: "No. Unlikely. He's a good player but not the profile I'm looking for.''

A deal for Fulham left-back Paul Konchesky should be completed in the next 24 hours, with Liverpool reserve team striker Lauri Dalla Valle heading in the opposite direction. And although Hodgson may be looking for one more acquisition up front he is not planning to offload any more of his first-team squad, despite the latest speculation suggesting midfielder Lucas Leiva could be on his way.

"If someone came in and offered us £20million for him and he wants to go we would consider it but it is a bit late in the day, that's for sure,'' Hodgson said. "I'm not anxious to be getting rid of any players this late in the day. I'm certainly not looking to move anyone out now because if they are moved out now the chance are they won't be replaced because the transfer window is nearly closed. ''

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