I won’t be splashing money about says Liverpool FC boss Roy Hodgson

ROY HODGSON has warned Liverpool supporters he will not “start splashing money around” during the current transfer window – even if new owners take over before the end of the month.
The Anfield outfit are seemingly heading towards a takeover with a number of interested parties having expressed their interest in buying the stake of co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
Such a change in ownership could mean an improved transfer budget for Hodgson, who last night saw his side ease beat FK Rabotnicki 2-0 in his first home game in charge.
But the Liverpool manager admits any new funds would come too late to spend in the next four weeks, with his scouting department having already earmarked and working on prospective arrivals.
“We have made some signings so far,” said Hodgson. “Milan Jovanovic was signed before I came but we have brought in Danny Wilson and Joe Cole, and we hope to bring in a couple of other players.

“The danger would be in a late takeover that money would be made available but we wouldn’t really have had a chance to research the players during this transfer window.
“We are targeting players in this transfer window that the club is able and capable to buy and if one day an enormous amount of money is made available, as it was for Manchester City once upon a time and Chelsea, so be it – that will be nice.
“But we will still have to do a lot of research and background work before we start splashing that money around. It is not a question of how much a player costs, it is how good he is.”
Hodgson yesterday saw a £2million bid for Middlesbrough goalkeeper Brad Jones rejected by the npower Championship side.
The Liverpool manager has targeted the Australia international as backup to Pepe Reina, casting doubt over the long-term Anfield future of Diego Cavalieri.
But having seen his initial offer turned down, Hodgson – who remains hopeful of sealing a £6m deal for Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen – said: “I don’t know at this stage if we will go back to Boro over Jones, we have to assess the situation.”
Liverpool’s victory last night ensured a 4-0 aggregate success against Macedonian minnows Rabotnicki and puts their name in the hat for the Europa League qualifying play-off draw this lunchtime.
David Ngog, who scored both first-leg goals in Skopje last week, sent the Anfield outfit on their way with a 21st-minute header and won the penalty from which Steven Gerrard scored the second five minutes before the break.
“Ngog was responsible for both goals,” said Hodgson. “The important thing is he’s up there to be involved and was unlucky not to add to his tally.

“He provided the focal point for attacks that people like Joe Cole and Gerrard behind him need.”
Cole was impressive on his competitive debut since signing on a free transfer having been released from Chelsea.
And Hodgson said: “Joe is a very enthusiastic, effervescent player. The more he plays the happier he is. He wants to play every minute of every game. Whether that’s possible I don’t know but it’s a great attitude to have. He had a really good home debut.
“It’s great that Joe, on his debut in front of a big crowd, showed he will give them a lot of joy this season. He can play a lot of positions and it depends where we need him most and where he will fit in best with the others.”
Of his own Anfield bow, Hodgson added: “It was a special moment for me, a nice occasion and I am as happy as the players and hopefully the fans will be.
“I am perfectly satisfied, I thought they were both good games. Today there was some very attractive football and lots of chances.
“We could have had more but one more than the opposition’s always enough.”