Liverpool target triple swoop

Roy Hodgson is lining up moves for three Premier League players as part of his summer transfer plans.

The new Liverpool manager has set his sights on former Chelsea playmaker Joe Cole and ex-Wigan Athletic defender Paul Scharner, both now free agents, and Scharner's former Latics team mate Maynor Figueroa, as key in spearheading his new look team.

However a move for Cole, 28, could prove tricky with North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur both eager to secure his services and willing to meet his wage demands despite bookmakers slashing odds on him securing a move to Anfield.

Colourful centre-back Scharner is viewed as the more achievable free transfer after Hodgson attempted to sign the 30-year-old, who can also deputise as a central midfielder, three times when he was at Fulham but was denied at every attempt.

Figueroa has also been lined up but is highly dependent on the future of Emiliano Insua, who rejected advances from both Fiorentina and Lazio last month in a bid to feature in Hodgson's first team plans, whilst Sunderland are also planning to table a bid for the Honduran left-back.

Promising Cardiff City midfielder Joe Ledley and Newcastle United centre-back Steven Taylor are also being considered but the agent of Roma striker Stefano Okaka, who played under Hodgson on loan at Fulham last season, has denied any approach from the 62-year-old.

"Interest from Hodgson at Liverpool? If only it were true," Domenico Scopelliti told Romanews.eu.

"Currently there are only just rumours, and I have not heard anything from an English club.

"Certainly we couldn't say no to Liverpool, and the boy would be enthusiastic to continue his adventure in England with Hodgson.

"There is also a friend there in [Alberto] Aquilani."

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