Liverpool negotiating with at least five clubs

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson hasn't given up hope of a dramatic late swoop to bring in a striker before the transfer deadline closes at 6pm.

The Anfield manager was in talks today with at least five different clubs as he attempted to find back up for star centre forward Fernando Torres.

The Reds are trying to bring German international striker Mario Gomez in on a year long loan, and even though his club Bayern Munich are resistant to any loan deal, Hodgson is continuing to negotiation.

He has also made enquiries about West Ham striker Carlton Cole and Spurs forward Peter Crouch, and is prepared to offer winger Ryan Babel as a makeweight in any deal.

Liverpool have also made discreet enquiries about the possibility of a loan deal for Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz, even as the Paraguay striker was in talks with Lazio over a similar move.

Hodgson also hasn't given up hope entirely about persuading PSV Eindhoven to sell their highly rated centre forward Ola Toivonen, who has already scored six goals this season.

The Sweden international is valued at £12million by his Dutch club, but Liverpool want to pay almost half that figure, after a recommendation by Kenny Dalglish.

The Merseyside club have also made enquiries about young Dutch forward Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, the 21 year old Holland international forward.

He scored a hat trick for his club Utrecht against Celtic in the Europa League, and he is rated highly by his club.

Hodgson is also reported to have made enquiries about his former Fulham striker Bobby Zamora, and he will continue to push until the 6pm deadline in an attempt to bring in the striker he desperately needs.

The Reds boss has already tied up one deal, with Paul Konchesky arriving from Craven Cottage in a £3million deal which includes Anfield youngsters Lauri Dalla Valle and Alexander Kacaniklic going in the other direction, while defender Daniel Ayala has gone on a year long loan to Hull, with Stoke also trying to prise midfielder Lucas out of Anfield.

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