Roy Hodgson wants to build Liverpool FC team around Dirk Kuyt

27 August 2010 02:00
LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson insists he wants to build his team around people like Dirk Kuyt and has no intention of selling him.[LNB]The Dutchman's agent claimed yesterday he wanted to join former Reds boss Rafael Benitez at Inter Milan.[LNB]However, the 30-year-old showed no sign of that as he worked hard in the 2-1 Europa League play-off second leg victory over Trabzonspor, scoring the second goal.[LNB]'Dirk Kuyt is not for sale so excuse me for not understanding the speculation of being happy now he has said he is staying because I never doubted he was staying,' said Hodgson.[LNB] 'Dirk is an important part of Liverpool, I've made it clear we don't welcome any offers for him and he's not for sale.[LNB]'As far as I'm concerned he is someone I believe in, someone I count on, and it is important we improve the team around the Steven Gerrards, Fernando Torres's, Jose Reinas and the Kuyts and not sell them and start all over again.'[LNB]Hodgson said there had been no movement on Javier Mascherano's situation, who is a target for Barcelona, and dismissed suggestions Inter Milan had entered the bidding with a faxed offer to the club.[LNB]'I saw a fax the other day but I think it was sent tongue-in-cheek to be honest,' he revealed.[LNB]'The offer was so unbelievably far from a valuation it seemed to me the sporting director was putting the fax in to maybe satisfy people at the club.[LNB]'We didn't even bother to answer it, that is how ridiculously far from a serious offer it was.'

Source: Liverpool_Echo