DAMIEN COMOLLI believes Liverpool will be able to pick up a few bargains during the January sales.

The Reds’ director of football strategy has been busy compiling a list of possible signings ahead of the transfer window opening.

January is traditionally a bad time to buy but Comolli says the financial problems of many top clubs in Europe means there is value to be had.

“My feeling about it is that in this economic recession there are so many clubs that are in trouble abroad, more than England,” he said.

“These clubs are under enormous pressure to sell. So this January window could be a very different window from what we have seen previously.

“Players that we would never have thought would be available could be. So that’s why we are working away, thinking that if there is the right opportunity we should do it. Strange things could happen.”

Comolli insists if the price isn’t right Liverpool will wait until next summer to strengthen. New owner John W Henry has already warned that cash won’t be splashed simply to win over supporters.

“I think the owners are clear minded enough to step back from that pressure,” he added.

“We are going to do what is right, not just for now, but what is right for the club in the next three or four years.

“Roy (Hodgson) is totally onside with that. Why do it if it’s not right? If it’s right in the summer we’ll do it then.”

Comolli reiterated that Hodgson will have the final say on who should be bought.

“It is about collaboration,” he said. “A lot of people ask: who is going to make the final decision? I can guarantee you 100% that in this job – especially in England – I have never signed a player without the manager agreeing to it.

“Never, ever. I don’t care what people say. And it won’t happen here. If you sign a player that the manager doesn’t want you are just throwing money into the bin.

“We had a very long meeting last week with Roy about the window. We went through the list and there was one player who Roy said ‘This one, I really don’t like him, I know him well and I’m not comfortable with him’. So we take him off. It is not an issue.”

Comolli also revealed that the owners’ long term plan is to build a new training ground. They want to address the issue that the first team are based at Melwood, while youngsters are based at the Academy in Kirkby.

“The first time I went to see the academy with John Henry we said it at pretty much the same time – it should be together,” Comolli said.

“We have discussed it and, in the long term, want to do something about it.

“Melwood is great but if you want to create a culture in the club you need a single entity, a single facility.

“I was involved with planning the new training ground at Spurs and I am sure they will have the best in the world when it is finished. If we build one here it will be better.”