Liverpool 'start negotiations' with Honda

Liverpool's interest in Japanese star Keisuke Honda is apparently leading to action, as the team is reportedly commencing negotiations with the CSKA attacker.

Honda, who is valued at $19 million (12 million pounds), can play in any attacking role - midfield, on the wing, or as a second striker - and is one of the world's best set-piece takers.

His performances in the World Cup were so impressive that Arsene Wenger called him a "genius" and "the best player in the competition." Still, it is Liverpool -- not Arsenal -- that appear to be favorites to land him, while AC Milan is in the mix as well, according to GiveMeFootball.com.

Sankei Sports has reported that CSKA management is willing to part with Honda for the right price. "We will not lock our players in. If the bid is fair, we respect the players' will," they have said.

Honda has long been assumed to be on the move to a bigger club.

There are, however, questions about the 24-year-old's game. His waifish figure may have trouble adapting to the physicality of the Premier League game, and for such a pacy, creative player, his goal rate of six goals in 38 appearances for the Army Men isn't particularly impressive.

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