Liverpool target Juan Mata

Roy Hodgson is planning a transfer swoop for Valencia’s Juan Mata, with out-of-sorts Ryan Babel to be used as a bargaining chip.

Liverpool have made their worst league start since 1953 and manager Roy Hodgson is under pressure to turn things around.

Mata certainly has the talent to turn Liverpool's fortunes around. He hit 14 goals last season in La Liga and racked up more assists than any other player in the league, except Barcelona's Xavi.

According to reports on Spanish radio, Hodgson is preparing to table a £10m bid for the 22-year-old, using Babel as a make-weight.

Left-winger Babel has never really settled since his move from Ajax in 2007 so the deal might well be an attractive one for him.

It would also give hard-up Valencia some much needed cash.

President Manuel Llorente recently revealed that the club was £500m in debt.

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