Aurelio keen to prove fitness

Fabio Aurelio is ready to save Roy Hodgson a job in the transfer market by showing he can be Liverpool's first choice left-back.

The Reds' boss sprang a surprise last month when he drafted Aurelio - who had previously been released by Rafa Benitez - back to Anfield.

However, with doubts over Emiliano Insua's long-term future, Hodgson is exploring his options about bringing in cover for that position.

He has checked on Fulham's Paul Konchesky and Liverpool were exploring the possibilities of thrashing out a £5m deal.

Maynor Figueroa was also high on Hodgson's wanted list but the trail on that deal has gone cold, owing to the breakdown of Insua's move to Fiorentina.

What the future holds remains to be seen for Insua, who is currently in Dublin with Argentina's squad for tonight's friendly with the Republic of Ireland.

But Aurelio is determined to save Hodgson a headache by proving he can stand up to the rigours of a full-season and leave his fitness troubles behind.

Aurelio wore squad number 12 under the previous regime, to commemorate the date his two children were born.

Yet he has asked to change to the vacant six jersey - Dani Pacheco has taken over his old number - in the hope that his luck finally changes.

"Thankfully a big part of the deal was down to the boss and I really appreciate the part he played in bringing me back," said Aurelio, reflecting on shock return.

"Now my answer to that has to be on the pitch this season. That is where I hope to be most of the time. I want to put (the injuries) behind me.

"I know it doesn't feel like I am new signing for many people but for me it feels like it is a whole new beginning. That is why I have changed my squad number.

"I want to start everything new and hopefully we can do much better. When you are at a top side like Liverpool, it is always important to have confidence.

"I know they have been looking for another full-back but I am confident if I do my job and do the best I can do it, hopefully I can convince the boss I can be first choice."

It is no secret that Hodgson would like to bring in at least two new faces before the transfer window closes, with a striker high on his list of priorities.

One piece of business that should be completed at some point in the next 24 hours, though, is the signing of Denmark international Christian Poulsen.

Liverpool and Juventus have agreed a fee for the midfielder, who was given permission to withdraw from the Denmark squad that faces Germany tonight.

Poulsen underwent a medical at Melwood yesterday and his agent Joern Bonnesen was with him on Merseyside to go over some contractual issues.

Those talks will continue today but no problems are envisaged and the transfer is expected to go through in time for Poulsen to be considered to play against Arsenal.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.