Rodgers hopeful of late transfer business

FA Cup Fourth Round: Oldham v Liverpool

The Reds, who have already signed striker Daniel Sturridge this month, have been heavily linked with Inter Milan playmaker Philippe Coutinho but no deal has yet materialised.

Wales captain Ashley Williams, of Rodgers’ former club Swansea, has also been mentioned as a potential target while Blackpool winger Tom Ince has long been the subject of rumours suggesting he could return to Anfield.

Rodgers said: “We hope to do some business between now and the end of the month.

“The owners have been brilliant in supporting [me], we knew we were maybe a little bit short in the summer.

“We all agreed this was a month we would try to reinforce, if we could.

“Very quickly we got Daniel Sturridge in and he has made a big impact, proving the owners were right to fund the money for him.

“We know we still need one or two additions.”

Rodgers, whose side visit Oldham in the FA Cup fourth round tomorrow, would not give any names.

He said: “It is all speculation and I would only comment once we get a player in the door.”

Liverpool’s transfer policy came under scrutiny after they allowed Andy Carroll to join West Ham on loan and failed to sign Clint Dempsey.

Rodgers, who only took charge last summer, believes the situation at the club is different now.

He said: “It was difficult all-round in the summer. A new manager with no recruitment staff, the lines of communication — it was difficult. We were so busy in pre-season.

“But I have got to say from that moment on — we got the recruitment team in, the lines are very clear and everyone has an understanding of where we are at.’’

Rodgers is likely to make changes for the trip to Boundary Park as he keeps an eye on the midweek game at Arsenal and next weekend’s visit to Manchester City.

Yet Rodgers will not be taking the tie lightly as he recognises how important it is to bring silverware to the club.

He said: “We want to go as far as we possibly can, without taking away from the two very important league games coming up.’’