Hodgson Planning Crouch Anfield Return

Liverpool are preparing an offer for former striker Peter Crouch as they plan to strengthen their squad with ' five or six' new players, according to the Daily Star. The former Fulham boss has admitted he is looking for many new players to add strength in depth to his squad and Crouch has emerged as a top target. Another £10 million striker Hodgson has been linked with recently is West Ham 's Carlton Cole, despite the fact he is currently second choice at Upton Park. Crouch, who spent three disappointing years at Anfield between 2005-2008, moved to current employers Tottenham for £9 million and has just eight league goals in 48 games – including the decisive goal last year that propelled the White Hart Lane club into the Champions League. And now Hodgson has earmarked Crouch as Fernando Torres ' new understudy as he bids to breathe new life back into Liverpool 's season after the Merseysiders started poorly. Hodgson has identified the lack of strike options at Anfield as a potential problem and will look to rectify that in January. "I'm prepared to accept that a number of players we're looking to sign do make five or six – but I don't wish to specify positions other than one is obviously a front player, " the Anfield gaffer said. "In January we should be really looking to solve one or two situations. We are desperately short of players. Front players. Having three front players at the club, and that 's if you include Ryan Babel, is nowhere near good enough. "If Fernando isn't playing one week, you have got to get someone in who has got the same level of quality. "