Liverpool in double swoop for Meireles and Konchesky

Liverpool are on the verge of completing a double deal for FC Porto star Raul Meireles and Fulham left-back Paul Konchesky.

With Javier Mascherano heading to Barcelona, supporters were anxious to see whether Hodgson would be given the chance to reinvest the substantial fee the club will receive for the Argentine.

That is most certainly the case as Mierles, one of Portugal's stand out performers at the World Cup finals, will plug the gap left by Mascherano's departure and Konchesky will provide the cover Liverpool have required at left-back all summer.

Konchesky, who the ECHO first reported was a target for Hodgson on July 31, is expected on Merseyside in the next 24 hours to wrap up a deal that could eventually cost Liverpool £5m.

A former England international, Konchesky scored one of West Ham United's goals against Liverpool in the 2006 FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, when his arcing cross from the left flank deceived Pepe Reina.

But it is the swoop for Meireles that excites most; a combative player with excellent repertoire of passing, the 27-year-old has been courted by a host of Europe's top clubs.

Capped 38 times by his country, Meireles will cost Liverpool £10.7m and his move will be made official once he has completed the formalities of passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.

Hodgson, whose side return to Premier League action against West Brom at Anfield tomorrow, is then expected to make one more addition to his squad before the transfer window closes at 6pm on Tuesday evening.

He wants to bring in cover for Fernando Torres and Sweden international Ola Toivonen is high on his wanted list; discussions remain ongoing with PSV Eindhoven but the manager does have other options to turn to if they are not successful.

It will be a busy few days for Hodgson as a side from bringing players in, there are expected to be a number of departures as he gets his 25-man squad in order.

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