South Korea international striker Cho Jae Jin could be set to join Premier League side Fulham.
Hodgson keen on sealing deal for Cho Jae Jin
South Korea international striker Cho Jae Jin could be set to join Premier League side Fulham.
The player has been on trial at Craven Cottage during the past week and Roy Hodgson has been impressed with what he has seen.
Jin has attracted the attention of numerous European clubs in the past, including Ajax, Utrecht, West Ham and Portsmouth, but has never been able to secure a move from his current side Shimizu S-Pulse.
Hodgson, though, is keen for a deal to be struck to bring the player into the Premier League strugglers' squad and has admitted that talks will be held with the striker in the next few days.
Interesting player
"I don't think a player of Cho Jae Jin's quality needs to be called a trialist," he said.
"He is a South Korean international who has done really well in the J-League.
"He is a very interesting player and this week we'll be sitting down with him and talking about the future.
Time to settle
"When new players are coming, especially from the other side of the world, it has got to feel right for him as well.
"There is no point in us being interested in him if he feels he will take three or four months to settle in the country.
"We need someone who is going to be able to adapt very quickly, get into the team and help us win matches."
Not appropriate
Hodgson, who is looking to rebuild a side which sits second from bottom and five points adrift of safety, refused to blame his predecessor Lawrie Sanchez for the dismal predicament the club currently finds itself in.
"It is not appropriate to comment on what I thought the previous manager was doing," he said.
"Each manager tries to put together a squad he believes in, that will work in the way he wants them it work and that will adhere to the philosophy he sets down.
No judgement
"When a new manager comes in certain players will be what he wants and certain won't.
"I have no criticism or judgement on what has gone on before. Instead, it is up to me to work as hard as I can with the players who are contracted to the club.
"But more importantly at the moment I must try to use this transfer window to bring in some players who will help me make the team even better."
