Poulsen move edges closer

Liverpool's bid to land Christian Poulsen has moved a step closer after the midfielder was given permission to withdraw from Denmark's squad for the friendly with Germany.

Poulsen's adviser Joern Bonnesen confirmed last week positive negotiations had taken place with the Reds and suggested his switch from Juventus could be finalised in days.

And now Denmark coach Morten Olsen has allowed Poulsen to pull out of his squad for the friendly in Copenhagen on Wednesday night.

The 30-year-old is expected to arrive on Merseyside in the next 48 hours for further discussions and Roy Hodgson will be anxious to wrap up a deal quickly.

Should everything go to plan, Poulsen could even be hurried into making an instant debut against Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.

Javier Mascherano's future is still up in the air, while Lucas - who has done well during pre-season - has just been recalled into Brazil's squad.

They face USA in New Jersey on Wednesday and the earliest Lucas will be back at Melwood is Friday morning.

Hodgson, who is on the lookout for a striker, will be hoping to make progress in the market and is expected to go back to Middlesbrough with an improved off for keeper Brad Jones.

Meanwhile, Glen Johnson is targeting a top four finish with Liverpool this season after the full-back celebrated another England call-up.

The full-back believes the arrival of Hodgson and new signings such as Joe Cole have brought renewed optimism ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Johnson also hailed the decision by striker Fernando Torres to commit his future to the club and is now relishing the opening fixture when the Reds host Arsenal on Sunday.

"I was always hoping Fernando would stay," said Johnson. "We have kept our best players. That's a statement in itself.

"I've known Coley for years and it's nice to have another Cockney voice around the place. He opens defences and I think he will be a great player for Liverpool.

"It definitely feels like a new start. We are hoping it will be better this year - everybody wants to get back into the top four. Fourth is the benchmark."

"Roy is putting his thoughts to the team and knows what he wants. He concentrates on the organisation and how we defend."

Philipp Degen has finalised his season-long loan move to Stuttgart - as the Reds have been linked with bringing Peter Crouch back.

The Swiss full-back arrived in the summer of 2007 but failed to hold down a regular place in former manager Rafa Benitez's team.

Signed on a free transfer, international Degen has featured just 13 times for Liverpool's first team since his arrival so moves to Germany in search of games with the Bundasliga outfit.

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