Hodgson chasing Twente striker Ruiz
New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is thought to be eyeing up FC Twente striker Bryan Ruiz, if Fernando Torres decides to quit Anfield this summer.
With uncertainty surrounding the future of Torres, Hodgson appears to have already lined up Ruiz as his replacement after the Costa Rican fired 24 goals last season to help the Dutch club to their first Eredivisie title under the guidance of former England manager Steve McClaren.
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Legendary former Belgian goalkeeper Michel Preud'homme, who took over from McClaren in the close season, has admitted he would entertain offers of around £11-million for the 24-year-old Liverpool target.
"The uncertainty for Twente is annoying, but we have to wait to see what happens," Preud'homme told the Dutch press. "If he (Ruiz) gets an interesting offer from Spain or England, he will have to think about it."
Ruiz is thought to have his heart set on a move to a top club in England or Spain, but Liverpool need to sell before they can sanction any big-money signings.
Torres, who has struggled for form with Spain at the World Cup, is attracting the interest of Barcelona and Chelsea after the Merseyside giants failed to qualify for the Champions League this season.
Newspaper reports emerging today suggest Stamford Bridge boss Carlo Ancelotti is going to test Liverpool's resolve with a £30-million bid for Torres over the coming days which, if Liverpool accept, will open the door on Ruiz’s switch to Anfield.
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By James Martini
Gary Parkinson is a freelance writer, editor, trainer, muso, singer, actor and coach. He spent 14 years at FourFourTwo as the Global Digital Editor and continues to regularly contribute to the magazine and website, including major features on Euro 96, Subbuteo, Robert Maxwell and the inside story of Liverpool's 1990 title win. He is also a Bolton Wanderers fan.