are determined to thrash out a pre-contract deal with Keisuke Honda, ahead of a summer switch to Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers is desperate to add striking reinforcements within his Liverpool squad and he sees a deal for Honda as one that is too good to turn down for a player who can play in a variety of positions in the final third

The CSKA Moscow star is available on a Bosman free this summer, as the Russian giants failed to agree a new deal with the talented Japanese ace and they are now resigned to losing him:

‘We tried to extend his contract, but we can’t force him,’ confessed CSKA director Roman Babaev.

‘It is up to him what happens next.’ (Metro)

Honda has scored nine goals in twenty-two matches this season; the 26-year olds best return since arriving in Russia, and Liverpool can expect serious competition for the Japanese star’s signature.

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