Roy Hodgson Eyes Costa Rican "Weasel" As the Next Big Liverpool Striker

At last, the newly appointed Liverpool manager, Roy Hodgson, has turned his attention to one of his long term targets— Bryan Ruiz Gonzalez, the 24-year-old Costa Rican striker.

Hodgson, who has reportedly been a huge admirer of the current FC Twente player, had tried to lure Ruiz to Craven Cottage, only to find that he was beyond Fulham's range.

The five million Euro striker, who is also known as "the weasel" for his pace and control of the ball while accelerating, has been quite sensational after joining the Dutch outfit a year ago, scoring 24 goals for the side.

With a total tally of 74 goals to his name, Ruiz has attracted attention from Sevilla, Villareal, as well his former boss Steve McLaren's new club, Vfl Wolfsburg. Liverpool are reportedly trying to sell Ryan Babel and David N'gog to finance a potential deal for Ruiz, essentially shedding the deadwood from the Anfield outfit to bring in new blood.

Ruiz has already scored nine goals for his national team and is quite a star in his country. If the recent reports are believed, Hodgson will make a play for Ruiz even if Fernando Torres stays on.

With their star's status uncertain, any rumour which could be fueled due to Hodgson's interest in the striker should be kept at bay.

However, this latest link certainly seems to be one of a kind, and shows Hodgson's intent on getting a striking partner to Torres, a cover which Liverpool missed so badly last season.

Keeping Ruiz's record in view, he could surely be a better partner or cover than N'gog for Liverpool. But he would come at 10 times N'gog's price. Then again, the asking price of 12.5m for the striker is somewhere near the sum of Babel and N'gog's transfer fees together.

Considering the erratic form of Babel and the frustrated performances by N'gog last season, the Liverpool fans would be relieved if Ruiz is bought—as long as he lives up to his recent form at FC Twente.

For the records, Ruiz had been declared as the 10th world scorer in the 2009-2010 season by IFFHS, above the proven world class goal scorers like Frank Lampard, Diego Milito and David Villa. Could it get better ?