LIVERPOOL are closing in on a deal for Denmark international Christian Poulsen as Roy Hodgson admitted he was increasingly resigned to losing Javier Mascherano.

Talks have already taken place between Anfield officials and Poulsen’s club Juventus over a possible £6million transfer. For the latest LFC updates, follow us on Twitter.

The 30-year-old was given his big break by Hodgson a decade ago while at FC Copenhagen, and has since gone on to star for Schalke and Sevilla before moving to Serie A two years ago.

And Hodgson believes the defensive midfielder would be a more than useful addition to the squad.

Hodgson said: “I know that one of our representatives went on Tuesday to Italy to speak to Juventus.

“Poulsen is a legitimate transfer target if it can happen. He’s a player I know well. I kick-started his career some years ago now and I’ve followed him closely ever since. If we could get him from Juventus for a price I consider to be reasonable, he will be a very good addition to our squad.”

While Poulsen moves nearer to Anfield, Mascherano edges closer to leaving.

The Argentina international is missing from tonight’s Europa League game against FK Rabotnicki having not been included in the 25-man squad submitted to UEFA for the tie.