Rodgers fears few bargains in January sales

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits it will not be easy to find players to sign in the January transfer window despite having funds to strengthen his squad.

The Reds boss brushed aside speculation linking him with a move for Arsenal forward Theo Walcott, who is out of contract next summer.

And while much has been made of a suggested clear-out of the high-earning, out-of-favour stars like Joe Cole and Stewart Downing, Rodgers conceded his primary focus was on strengthening his squad.

“There is nothing to say (about Walcott). He is an Arsenal player and it is all speculation about many players at the moment,” said Rodgers.

“We’ll have funds and I’m in talks with the owners at the moment, along with our recruitment team.

“January is always a difficult window. You don’t get too many top, top players.

“Clubs will be unwilling to move on players but we have to scour the country and the world to try to get the types of players that are going to be available and correct for our model of play.

“Obviously we are limited in what we can bring both in terms of availability of players and financially but there is no doubt we need to do that.

“Our scouting team are working hard to identify those talents and who might be available.”

Tomorrow’s visitors Newcastle have led the way with their recruitment policy, under the guidance of the well-respected Graham Carr, and Liverpool have regularly been linked with Magpies striker Demba Ba.

Rodgers acknowledged the work which has gone on at St James’ Park since Alan Pardew took over.

“Scouting at any club is very important. Obviously Alan has gone in there and Graham Carr, as chief scout, has had a big responsibility in getting the players in,” he said.

“I think they have bought in really well. (Yohan) Cabaye is a terrific player, an excellent passer of the ball, and the boys up front (Ba and Papiss Cisse) have done well for them.”

Referring to Cole, Rodgers added: “Joe is like every other player. I’ve have good communication with Joe and we speak regularly.

“He along with the other players are working hard to find their way into the team and Joe is like everyone else.

“At this moment in time it really is about reinforcing the group rather than looking too much at people going the other way.”

Rodgers’ immediate focus is the fitness of goalkeeper Jose Reina, absent for four matches with a hamstring injury, and defender Glen Johnson, also a doubt for the weekend with a similar problem.

“Pepe Reina and Glen Johnson are still receiving treatment,” said Rodgers.

“Glen has been out on the pitch so we’ll see how he goes over the next couple of days. Pepe will be likewise.

“We can’t rule them out at this stage but I can’t say they are fully fit as yet.’’