The Liverpool football club have completed the signing of Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen, paving the way for the possible departure of Argentina captain Javier Mascherano.
Poulsen, the 30-year-old Denmark international, has joined the Reds on a three-year deal for an initial fee of $NZ 9.9 million.
Poulsen's arrival could be the first step in the eventual departure of combative midfielder Mascherano, who asked Hodgson for a transfer on the day he returned to pre-season training after an extended break following the World Cup.
Mascherano is keen to be reunited with former Reds boss Rafael Benitez at Inter Milan, although the Serie A club appear unwilling to meet Liverpool's transfer fee demands.
Barcelona are also believed to be interested in the 26-year-old having failed in their bid to sign Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas.
