Konchesky set for Hodgson reunion
Fulham left-back Paul Konchesky is set to link up with former boss Roy Hodgson at Liverpool after the two sides agreed a deal. The deal includes Liverpool youth player Lauri Dalla Valle – an 18-year-old Finnish striker.
The deal was set to go through at the weekend but a glitch in Dalla Valle’s medical at Fulham has held up the switch, although Hodgson is confident it will go through before Tuesday’s 6pm deadline. He explained: "I'm sincerely hoping it's just a technical hitch and that Paul (Konchesky) will sign in the next couple of days." It’s certainly a transfer the Liverpool boss needs to go through, as his left-back options are decidedly short at present. Indeed, Daniel Agger, who is prominently a central defender, has been the preferred option in the left-back berth so far this season – something he is not altogether at ease with. Fabio Aurelio has been Hodgson’s only other alternative but despite re-signing the Brazilian following his release in the summer, he clearly feels he’s not the answer to his problem and will be used more as a squad player this season.
Meanwhile, Konchesky has been a mainstay in the Fulham side for three years now, but at 29, is looking for a final crack at the big-time. Having spent his entire career in London, at Charlton, West Ham and a loan spell at Tottenham respectively, the chance to sign for such an illustrious club in Liverpool, and the chance to join up with former boss Hodgson – for whom he enjoyed possibly the best form of his career – proved too alluring. He does represent a gamble for the Merseysiders though, as he has largely been a consistent performer for mid-table Premier League sides, rather than a regular at a club as big as Liverpool. That’s not to say he won’t succeed, he just won’t set too many pulses racing amongst the Anfield regulars on arrival.
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