Swedish sensation sends out message to Hodgson

PSV Eindhoven hotshot Ola Toivonen scored twice last night as the Dutch club ran out 2-1 winners against Sampdoria in the Europa League.

The 24-year-old has been monitored by Liverpool for some time and continues to impress at PSV with 12 goals and two assists so far this season.

His recent performances will have no doubt caught the eye of Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson as he looks to bring another striker to Anfield to take the goalscoring burden away from Fernando Torres.

There were suggestions during the summer that Hodgson and Liverpool assistant Sammy Lee had both been on scouting missions to view Toivonen at close quarters.

The Swedish marksman gave a clear indication of his talents by netting five times in two games while Lee was observing, and he also scored in an international friendly against Scotland; which was witnessed by Hodgson.

Indeed, it was soon confirmed that Toivonen was on the Liverpool radar.

"We have discussed his name, that's true," Hodgson told Sky Sports. "Like all teams, we are looking at a lot of players.

"I do know the player and think he is a good player, but can't give you any further indication.

"That doesn't mean we are going to rush in and buy him tomorrow. But he is a player who has come up, we have watched him and we know about him."

Liverpool are understood to be considering stepping up their interest in the £10 million-rated Sweden international in January in a bid to reinforce the striking ranks at Anfield.

Toivonen's compatriot Johan Elmander and Japan star Keisuke Honda have been linked with New Year moves to Anfield as Liverpool continue their pursuit of more potent goal threats.

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