Hodgson claims Inter victory

Hogdson: To retain star duo

Roy Hodgson understands that Inter Milan will not be signing any of Liverpool's players before the transfer window closes.

The European champions have been linked with Javier Mascherano and Dirk Kuyt following Rafa Benitez's appointment at Giuseppe Meazza this summer.

Mascherano was believed to want a move away from Anfield and re-join Benitez in Milan, however, it now seems that will not happen.

Liverpool had been holding out for around £25million for the Argentina international, a price tag the Italian giants appear unwilling to meet.

Clarify

Hodgson has now sought to clarify the future of his star duo by speaking with Inter supremo Massimo Moratti and he has been assured they will not try to prize any players away from the Merseysiders.

"I spoke to Massimo Moratti about the fact they are not going to buy Liverpool players," said Hodgson.

"I believe they were only interested in two of our players and they are not going to buy them.

"Moratti said they are not going to do that."