O'Neill Blasts Benitez Over Barry Claims

Martin O'Neill has dismissed as "absolutely crazy" Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez's latest remarks in an escalating row over Gareth Barry.

Aston Villa manager O'Neill reacted angrily last week when news of Liverpool's £10 million bid for the England midfielder was made public.

Benitez yesterday claimed he was surprised by O'Neill's indignation because the pair had discussed the "idea" of a Barry transfer - which could include a player exchange - "20 days ago".

O'Neill today responded by saying: "What idea did I have? I've got absolutely no idea! I have no idea what he's talking about. It's absolutely crazy.

"It suggests this is a conversation that I wanted to keep going, to keep on the boiling pot. Absolutely not. It's a complete nonsense.

"This is not something I initiated and I certainly was not on the phone to him to ask him about his players either, which I think is something he's trying to refer to.

"That is not true. He mentioned players himself but I might not be interested in any of his players."

Benitez claimed yesterday that after the pair spoke, O'Neill told him he would discuss the matter with owner Randy Lerner and it could then be dealt with at the end of the season. Liverpool then made their official bid.

O'Neill reacted to this by claiming he was "particularly disappointed" with Liverpool's timing and by the fact it was made public.

He also revealed how unimpressed with the package he was by adding that Liverpool were not offering straight cash but "an offer involving a mish-mash of nameless player exchanges".

Benitez yesterday claimed O'Neill had known "everything about my idea and I knew about his idea".

However, O'Neill has rubbished suggestions that Benitez's remarks somehow expose their previous conversation.

He said: I'm absolutely astonished at this story, 'Rafa Exposes O'Neill'.

"I've never denied speaking to Rafa Benitez so how can you be exposed for something you haven't denied?

"I think Rafa is being very clever here. He gives the impression that there's been constant dialogue. That's simply and utterly untrue.

"He made a phone call to me - I did not initiate the phone call. He asked about Gareth Barry and I said: 'Well he's got a testimonial and two years left to run and he's our best player.' So what would the reaction be?

"I said that I would speak to our owner - obviously because he has a big, big say in the proceedings - and I assumed he would have the same answer as myself - that Gareth wasn't for sale.

"So I'm astonished to read this. The next conversation I had with Rafa Benitez was last Friday morning when Liverpool had put in a faxed offer to us which we received on Thursday afternoon."

Benitez: Barry And Alonso Can Play Together

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has poured cold water on reports that Xabi Alonso will have to make way if the club succeed in luring Gareth Barry to Anfield.

Liverpool have recently made a power-play by testing Aston Villa's resolve with a player-plus-cash offer worth £10million for their captain, who has become a key part of England's midfield over the past months.

The Reds’ sudden interest in central players has sparked speculation that Xabi Alonso – also linked with Juve – could leave in the summer, but Benitez's latest comments lend credence to the notion that they are simply seeking reinforcements for the two holding spots in his 4-2-3-1 formation.

"(Alonso) is our player, he has a contract," Rafa insisted.

"Barry can play in three different positions, so I don't think we need to worry about this."

Juventus will sure to be keeping close tabs on the Gareth Barry situation, as despite Benitez's insistence, the outcome of this should still have an affect on their chances of prising Alonso away.

Reds - Gerrard Bid Is Fantasy

Liverpool have branded rumours of a transfer bid for Steven Gerrard from Internazionale as 'rubbish and fantasy'.

Reports in Friday's press claimed that the Italian giants are readying a colossal offer for the England international.

However, the Anfield club has dismissed the rumours outright, with a spokesman saying: "The idea is complete rubbish, fantasy, there has been no approach and no bid."

Reds skipper Gerrard, meanwhile, has reaffirmed his long-term commitment to the club, while voicing his determination to ensure Liverpool soon become a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League title race.

"I cannot see myself ever leaving Liverpool now, and what I would dearly love is to lead this club to the next level that I believe we are capable of reaching," he told the club's official website.

"I have won trophies here but there is one I am missing and I want that before I finish playing.

"I do not want to look back and say I have never been in a title race. I can see that the team is getting stronger and stronger and I can see that we are going forward.

"I feel that we are getting closer and I really believe that. We always say this every year but it will be an important summer because we need to keep the momentum.

"The manager's signings will be important as they always are. I have been lucky as a footballer and I've won more things than most players, but I am greedy because I always want more. I want to win as many trophies as I can with Liverpool."

Gerrard Wants Title Bid Next Year

Steven Gerrard says he expects to finish his career at Liverpool but is desperate for the side to challenge for the Premier League title.

The midfielder has repeatedly been linked with a move, and the club have dismissed as "fantasy" last week's reports of a bid from Inter Milan.

Gerrard said: "I cannot see myself ever leaving Liverpool now."

But he added: "I do not want to look back and say I have never been in a title race."

Gerrard has played in two Champions League finals with Liverpool, lifting the trophy in 2005, but the side have again failed to keep pace with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League.

"I cannot see myself ever leaving Liverpool now, and what I would dearly love is to lead this club to the next level that I believe we are capable of reaching," he told the club's website.

"I have won trophies here but there is one I am missing and I want that before I finish playing.

"I do not want to look back and say I have never been in a title race.

"I can see that the team is getting stronger and stronger and I can see that we are going forward. I feel that we are getting closer and I really believe that."

Liverpool have secured fourth place and Champions League qualification, but Gerrard is keen to see more players arrive over the summer to strengthen the squad.

"We always say this every year but it will be an important summer because we need to keep the momentum.

"The manager's signings will be important as they always are. I have been lucky as a footballer and I've won more things than most players, but I am greedy because I always want more.

"I want to win as many trophies as I can with Liverpool. That is why the summer is important.

"We are a young team with a lot of promise and if the manager can get the right support then we could take an important step forward.

"We are disappointed we did not maintain a challenge in the league for longer than we did. The points gap between us and the top two is not particularly pleasant viewing for anyone here at Anfield.

"The boss is on record as saying he wants some players and if we get some of the ones he wants, and if they can have the same impact that guys like Fernando Torres, Martin Skrtel and Ryan Babel have had.

"Their performances this season have seen us take a step forward. But I think there is a hell of a lot more to come from us."

Kuyt: I Am Feeling Good

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has revealed he is satisfied with his situation at Anfield following a disappointing patch earlier in the season.

The Dutchman seemed to be playing himself out of the club during the middle of the term, fans and pundits alike questioning whether he was good enough for Liverpool and why he was being favoured over Peter Crouch.

The former Feyenoord star had been struggling with personal issues, most notably the loss of his father, with whom he was very close.

But the 28-year-old has hit an excellent run of form over the last two months or so since being moved out to the right side of Rafa Benitez’s attack, and his recent efforts in the Champions League have garnered comparisons to Liverpool cult hero Craig Johnston.

And though Kuyt is disappointed that the Reds’ European dream was ended in the semi-finals by Chelsea, he insists he is happy on Merseyside and hopes to build on his good form next season.

"It is of course unfortunate that we again have not been able to achieve success in the final stages of the Champions League," he told Dutch station Radio 538. "But I feel good in myself.

"I knew an inferior period due to personal circumstances but I can now put that behind me.

"Now it goes nicely."

Kuyt has been named alongside Liverpoool team-mate Ryan Babel in a provisional Holland squad for Euro 2008, after being dropped from the team by coach Marco van Basten during their qualifying campaign.

Liverpool Intensify Behrami Interest

According to Swiss media reports, Liverpool are preparing to approach Lazio with a formal bid for their highly rated defender Valon Behrami.

Behrami, 22, has become a potential transfer target for a number of top clubs since even before his match-winning display against deadly rivals Roma in March.

Bayern Munich, Fiorentina, Milan, Liverpool, Valencia, Sevilla, West Ham, Portsmouth, Manchester City and Palermo are all said to be tracking the talented Swiss international, who is equally adept on the outside of defense or on the wing.

Asked about Liverpool's increasingly firm interest, Behrami's agent Alessandro Beltrami indicated that his client would be open to a move: "Maybe ... perhaps their interest will bring a rush for him."

Word is that the Biancoceleste are determined to hang on to Behrami, but would likely not turn down an offer in excess of 10m euro for the Kosovo-born wide-man, who still officially has three years remaining on his contract with the Italian capital club.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito will now have to make a full-court press in order to try to keep the player, who openly criticised him for leaving the stadium well before the whistle during the 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Milan earlier this season.

Benitez Still Has Scores To Settle

Rafael Benitez wants Liverpool to end the season on a high and add to their record of scoring more goals than any team in England this term.

The Liverpool boss also wants to ensure that goalkeeper Jose Reina retains his 'golden gloves' title as the best stopper in the Premier League.

Sunday's trip to Tottenham is seen by Benitez as a chance to destroy a few myths about his side and counter the criticism they have taken this season over style and entertainment.

Their goal scoring is a point in question.

Liverpool have scored 117 goals this season in all competitions - more than any other team in England. They are five ahead of Arsenal who also have one game to play.

Benitez also wants another clean sheet to aid Reina's cause, with the Spain international leading the race to claim the division's most shutouts.

An 18th blank at White Hart Lane will guarantee Reina, who been ever-present in the league, the title as the Premier League's best goalkeeper for the third successive season.

He will also win it if his nearest challenger David James, one clean sheet behind, is rested by Portsmouth ahead of the FA Cup Final.

Benitez, with fourth spot assured, said: "To achieve 76 points would be fantastic. You always want to win trophies but we want more than 117 goals and another clean sheet, which would make us happier.

"It can be an exciting fixture, hopefully on the last day it can be an open match with some goals and a good match.

"We would like to sign off with a win, score some goals and play well. It is never easy to play the last game away from home, the hosts always find such occasions easier.

"But we have hungry people who want to show what they can do, we want another clean sheet and we want to add to the 117 goals we have scored this season.

"We want three more points, we aim to be at our very best to end on a positive note. We will use players with commitment and passion. If they are young, okay, then we will use young players."

Benitez could include Harry Kewell for his last game for the club before he is released, while Peter Crouch - who started his career at Spurs - may also play in what could also be his last game for the club before a £15m-plus summer move.

Rafa Benitez: I Discussed Gareth Barry With Martin O'Neill 20 Days Ago

Rafa Benitez last night angrily hit back at Martin O'Neill for accusing him of being "disrespectful" and unsettling Gareth Barry.

And in another blunt message to one of his Premier League rivals, the Liverpool boss told Portsmouth's Harry Redknapp he will have to stump up £15million for Peter Crouch. Benitez was in fighting mood yesterday and revealed he rang O'Neill three weeks ago to declare his interest in Barry.

He was astonished when O'Neill claimed Liverpool were out of order for tabling a £10million bid and insists the Reds have done nothing wrong.

"I was surprised by part of his comments," said Benitez. "I had a private conversation with him 20 days ago.

"He knew everything about my idea and I knew about his idea. He said he wanted to talk with his owner.

"We needed to do an official movement and he knew that because I was talking with him."

Benitez has agreed to back off until the end of the campaign and plans more talks with Villa for Barry next week.

"He was very clear so we must wait until the end of the season and then we will try again," he said. "We will wait and respect his decision."

Benitez is also taking a tough line with Redknapp and dismissed his £8m offer for Crouch, claiming it is way below his valuation.

The Spaniard admitted for the first time that the England striker can go - together with John Arne Riise and the out-of-contract Harry Kewell - but only if the price is right.

He said: "Crouch wants to play every week. It's not easy here because Fernando Torres is on fire.

"So if we receive a very good offer - and when I say a very good offer, I mean £15m - we will consider it.

"But it won't be £8m because he's a big-name England international."

Sammy Lee Now The Frontrunner For Assistant Manager's Job At Liverpool

Rafael Benitez will appoint an assistant manager following Alex Miller’s departure from Liverpool – with Sammy Lee a front-runner to make an Anfield return.

It was announced yesterday that first-team coach Miller is ending a nine-year association with the club to become manager of Japanese side JEF United Chiba.

Benitez has operated for almost the whole season without a right-hand man since the surprise exit of long-time associate Paco Ayesteran in August last year.

While the Liverpool manager will promote members of his existing staff to fill Miller’s vacated position, he concedes a new assistant to “share the responsibility” is a priority.

And that could mean a role for Lee, who was part of Gerard Houllier’s coaching staff before leaving for Bolton Wanderers a few weeks after Benitez arrived in June 2004.

Of Miller’s exit, Benitez said: “It is very positive news for Alex. This is a very good opportunity for him to coach in Japan, and I want to wish Alex all the best in his new job.

“It means we will be promoting some of the existing coaching staff and also over the summer we will be looking to bring in a replacement.

“I am considering new staff for the new season. We are checking some names and will be in contact with them and see what we can do.

“I think it would be good to have an assistant manager to share the responsibility with me.”

Miller is expected to arrive in Japan on Saturday to start work at Chiba and will attend their league match against Kyoto Sanga.

The 58-year-old former St Mirren and Hibernian manager joined Liverpool in 1999 as chief scout but became first-team coach following the arrival of Benitez in 2004.

Miller, who enjoyed a 15-year playing career with Rangers before earning his European coaching licence, has already managed in Asia with South China AA.

Chiba are bottom of the J League standings after collecting two points from 11 games so far this season, a run which led to Croatian coach Josip Kuze being sacked on Wednesday.

And Chiba president Hirotake Miki said yesterday: “We are convinced that Mr Miller is a wonderful person who can improve our team.

“We, as the whole club, would like to work together with our new manager to focus on our games for the rest of the season.”

Rafa Benitez Tells Liverpool Owners: Move Fast In Transfer Market

Rafael Benitez has made it clear that he wants Liverpool’s owners to "work quickly" in the transfer market as he plans for a summer of upheaval at Anfield.

And the Liverpool boss also claimed that a "final solution" was close in the battle for boardroom control.

Benitez’s stance came on the day that he lost first-team coach Alex Miller to a managerial job in Japan, slapped a £15million price tag on Peter Crouch and confirmed that Harry Kewell would be released at the end of the season after rejecting a new contract on less money.

Former Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee, sacked earlier this season as boss of Bolton, is an early front-runner to replace Miller.

Benitez also revealed that he had held "private" talks with Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill over Gareth Barry’s future - Liverpool having a £10million bid rejected last week - while confirming that he would discuss John Arne Riise’s future if a good enough offer was received.

But it is Benitez’s proactive stance on the club’s future that will raise eyebrows.

He said: "All I can add about the boardroom situation is that I am in contact with both of them (co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett) and we are trying to progress with different issues that we have.

"I do not know exactly everything about shares, but in terms of what is my responsibility, we are progressing and I am doing my job.

"Everybody knows the club needs to be well organised and everybody knows what they have to do. Who will be in charge? Maybe the final solution will be soon."

Benitez added: "We work like I did before. If I have any ideas about signing players I tell them, the owners, and also Rick Parry (chief executive), and if they say yes then we progress.

"Normally I do not ask about difficult things, normally they say yes, both of them say yes.

"I want transfer business to be done as quickly as possible. If you sign a player at the end of July you do not have much time, it is better to sign players as quickly as possible.

"How many we sign depends on the market. We have offers (in) for some players, maybe we can sell as well as buy. I am really pleased and happy with the squad, maybe we need to bring in two or three new players, but if we need to sell then we will buy new players."

Benitez was clearly determined to show he is keeping his side of the bargain struck last month with the owners about the future.

He said: "We are working hard to get closer to our targets. We need to wait but I will try to talk to the owners, I will try to talk with Rick Parry and if we have the green light we will progress with our targets."

And Benitez was also quick to underline his position over Barry, Crouch and Riise.

"Martin O’Neill is clear about the situation and we have agreed to wait until the end of the season," he added.

"He was telling everyone (about our offer), but we are willing to wait and we will try to talk again about the possibilities.

"I was talking privately with Martin before (the offer) and he knows our ideas, clearly.

"Harry has talked with his agent and we were trying to reach an agreement, but we could not get that so he will be released at the end of the season.

"Riise has one year more on his contract. He is not playing at the moment but he knows that if we receive an offer that is good for him and good for us, okay, we will talk.

"But at this moment he is our player. I am really pleased with him because he is a fantastic professional."

On Crouch, Benitez revealed an irritation with the situation, saying: "We offered Peter a new contract.

"Nobody was talking about him when we signed him from Southampton and then everyone was criticising him because he was not scoring goals.

"But I supported him. Now he wants to play every week. We know that Portsmouth are always in the media, talking, every time. But we have had no official offers, just talking.

"But if we receive an offer, £15million or more would be reasonable, I want the best for Crouch and the best for my club.

"I talked to him before and I have talked to him two days ago. He knows my position and I know his position, we are professionals we want the best for each of us.

"But now he is a different player, he is a big name. For the last month we have heard that he wants to play, he wants to leave and that there are other clubs who would like to sign him.

"We will now wait and see whether there are any offers. Then we will talk with him. Clearly we would want a big price."

Juventus Prepare £15million Bid For Liverpool's Xabi Alonso

Juventus are considering a £15million bid to prise Xabi Alonso away from Liverpool – as Rafael Benitez slapped a similar price tag on Peter Crouch.

The Anfield manager, who has urged the club’s board to “work quickly” in the transfer market, anticipates a summer of change with a number of high-profile departures.

While Benitez has no immediate plans to include Alonso in that group, Liverpool’s interest in Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry has cast doubt over the midfielder’s long-term future.

And Juventus, having already taken Momo Sissoko from Anfield this season, are preparing to test Liverpool’s resolve by launching an official bid for the Spain international.

Barcelona are also contemplating a move for Alonso, with new coach Josep Guardiola – who will replace the departing Frank Rijkaard in the summer – a boyhood idol of the 26-year-old.

Benitez, though, said yesterday: “Xabi is our player, he has a contract. Barry can play in three different positions, so I don’t think we need to worry about this.”

The Liverpool manager also responded to criticism from Martin O’Neill over the offer for Barry, claiming to have been in talks with his Villa counterpart for almost three weeks.

“I was surprised with part of his comments,” said Benitez. “I had a private conversation with him, he knew my idea and needed to talk with his owners. In the end, we needed to make an official movement. I don’t have any problem waiting, we must respect his decision, and then talk again with him. I was talking with him 20 days ago more or less, and he knew everything. He knew my idea and I knew his idea.”

Definitely leaving Anfield in the summer is Harry Kewell, while Crouch and John Arne Riise, who both have a year remaining on their current contracts, have been told they can speak with other clubs.

Crouch’s decision to not yet take up the offer of a new deal at Anfield has already prompted interest from potential suitors, with Portsmouth ready to offer £8m. But Benitez believes Crouch is worth almost twice that figure and claims to have no problem keeping the England international at Anfield next season – despite the striker able to leave for nothing in 12 months’ time.

“Peter is a different player now to the one we bought from Southampton,” said Benitez. “He is a big name, an international player and everybody talks really well about him.

“Peter said in December that he wanted to talk about a new contract, but then his representatives said they wanted to wait, so now we will see the situation.

“If we receive a very good offer, and by that I mean £15m, we will consider it. I’m reading about £8m, but if we only receive that then I’d rather keep the player. And don’t forget he is an English player, which is really important when you consider the market.

“Peter is a player with an agent who will be working to do the best for him, and we will be working to do the best for us.

“If that means I need to keep the player, I will keep the player. We’ve offered him a new contract, we like the player and we want him to stay. But we cannot offer him a guarantee he will start every game every week. We need to resolve this situation, and that won’t be with an £8m offer.”

Benitez also underlined the situation regarding Kewell and Riise, with the latter being tracked by a clutch of clubs including Newcastle United and Villa.

“Riise has one year left on his contract and we know there are some clubs interested in him, and we will wait until the end of the season and try and do the best for him and the best for us,” said Benitez.

“I was talking with Harry’s agent, we didn’t have any agreement and we decided to release him at the end of the season.

“Everyone knows Harry is a very good player. The question is whether we could do something with him, and in the end we couldn’t so we had to forget about it and think about the future.”

As he presses ahead with his transfer plans, Benitez has been reassured by an improvement in communication with the club’s owners.

But having been frustrated in the past by perceived hesitancy in the market, the Spaniard is eager to wrap up the majority of his summer dealings as soon as possible.

“I’ve been in contact with the owners and Rick Parry, so they know our idea and the things that we want to do” said Benitez. “Now we must wait to see if they approve or not. The situation now is much better than before, because I can talk with them. I want transfer business to be done as quickly as possible. If you sign a player at the end of July you do not have much time, it is better to sign players as quickly as possible.

“But the plan is not just to buy. It’s also to sell. But because we don’t have any concrete offer on the table for any player, we will just have to wait a little bit.”

Liverpool Set Sights On Keita

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is reportedly planning a ₤10 million swoop for Sevilla midfielder Seydou Keita.

The Mali international moved to Andalusia last summer, and has impressed during his debut season in Spain.

The 28-year-old has already garnered significant interest from Juventus, who are also chasing his Sevilla team-mate Diego Capel.

And according to The Sun, Benitez is prepared to splash out ₤10 million – a third of his projected transfer budget – on the defensive midfielder, thus activating a release clause in his contract.

An inside source said: “Rafa has Keita very high up on his list for this summer and may well make a bid for him.”

Liverpool have already been strongly linked with Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry for the same amount, but Villa boss Martin O’Neill has claimed it may take near double that to prise him away from the Birmingham club.

The Reds’ sudden interest in central players has sparked speculation that Xabi Alonso – also linked with Juve – could leave in the summer, but it could also mean that Benitez simply seeks reinforcements for the two holding spots in his 4-2-3-1 formation.

Kuyt Targets Euro 2008 Place

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt is aiming to continue his recent good run of form to cement a place in Holland coach Marco van Basten's Euro 2008 squad.

The 27-year-old was on Tuesday included in Van Basten's provisional 30-man group, which will be trimmed down to 26 players on May 16 and then cut to 23 by May 28.

And he is keen to still be involved when the finals get under way next month.

"I first hoped to be part of the first 30 players. Now I of course want to go to Euro 2008 too," Kuyt told Radio 538 show Evers Staat Op on Wednesday.

"I hope Marco van Basten will keep on thinking about me now. I must show it on the field and I think I did that in the last games.

"But it is of course not easy for the coach. We have many good strikers, but I think I am a fine addition to the squad."

Kuyt admits, however, that he has not had contact with Van Basten for some time and discovered he was part of the provisional Oranje party on Teletext.

"That has happened for years," he said. "Through Teletext you hear if you are in or out.

"It seems that he (Van Basten) was at the Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Liverpool. He did speak with Ryan Babel afterwards, I missed out on him."

Kuyt was overlooked by Van Basten when he struggled for goals at Anfield earlier in the campaign but, if selected, would relish the opportunity to shine in Austria and Switzerland this summer.

"It happens only once every four years. It was no fun to me to not be selected for some games after three years. But I still hope to be there," he said.

While the former Feyenoord frontman may have a European Championships to plan for, he admits he is disappointed he does not also have a Champions League final to look forward to following Liverpool's semi-final exit at the hands of Chelsea.

"It is of course a shame that we could not make it again into the final of the Champions League," he said. "I myself feel I am in good form. I had a lesser period, because of personal things. But I have put that behind me and it's going fine again now."

Gerrard: Two Signings Can Win Us The Title

Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool are only two signings away from creating a title-winning team.

‘We’ll do it next season’ has been an all too common catch-cry for Liverpool supporters over the last 17 years or so.

The most decorated club in England have failed to win the league title since 1990, when Kenny Dalgish steered them to their 18th league championship.

A return to the glory days appeared imminent when current boss Rafael Benetiz lead the Reds to a remarkable Champions League triumph in 2005, and yet the Merseyside giants have failed to finish higher than third during Rafa’s reign so far.

They will finish fourth this season, comfortable ahead of fifth-placed Everton but some ways behind third-placed Arsenal, in a season where many expected them to finally challenge for a maiden Premier League crown.

But Reds skipper Gerrard believes the team showed glimpses of what they are capable of this season, insisting that progress has been made and all that is needed is two more top-notch signings.

“We have proved this season that we are not as far behind the leaders as the table suggests,” the 27-year-old said. “We’re disappointed we didn’t maintain a challenge for longer.

“But hopefully we will invest in a couple of quality additions. We’re getting closer.

“I’ve been lucky and won more things than most but I’m greedy and want more with Liverpool.”

Liverpool Linked With Udinese Duo - Report

Liverpool have been linked with Gokhan Inler and Andrea Dossena of Udinese as they look to strengthen their squad this summer.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez has insisted on numerous occasions he needs at least three or four new players this summer as he looks to put an end to his side's trophyless run.

Though the financial war with co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett is ongoing, and plans for a new £300 million stadium in Stanley Park have just been approved, it is thought the former Valencia coach will be given adequate funds to acquire new players over the summer, although some of his spending will have to be financed by the sale of current squad members.

John Arne Riise, Jermaine Pennant and Peter Crouch are three expected to see the exit doors at Anfield this summer, who between them, may raise between £15-20 million.

Benitez has been linked with several names, with a move for Borussia Dortmund full-back Philipp Degen said to be confirmed with the player having signed a pre-contract.

Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry is reportedly high on Rafa's wishlist, though it may take an offer of £15 million or more to coax the England international away from Villa Park.

Among many other names - Eric Abidal, David Bentley and Rafinha, to name a few - are Udinese's Gokhan Inler and Andrea Dossena.

The two have played key roles for the Zebrette in a season which is seeing them outside contenders for UEFA Cup qualification. Reports in Italy suggest that the two may be prised away from Udine this summer, with Liverpool said to have made contact with the club.

Inler was signed just this season from FC Zurich. The 23-year-old midfielder is viewed as one of the best signings in Serie A this season.

Dossena, 26, has been at the club for three years, though he spent a season on loan at Treviso. The defender impressed early on in the season and won his first cap for Italy in a friendly against South Africa on November 17.

Rafa On Crouch: We'll Do What's Best For Both Of Us

Rafael Benitez has said that he will try to do what's best for both Liverpool Football Club and Peter Crouch this summer, but that the player will ultimately decide where his future lies.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has hinted that Peter Crouch could leave Anfield before next season, if the England striker decides it is time for a move elsewhere.

Crouch revealed on Wednesday that he has not yet been offered a new contract by Liverpool, for whom he has started just nine League games since Fernando Torres arrived last summer.

Crouch has nevertheless racked up an impressive 13 goals in all competitions this season, said he would seek talks with Benitez after Sunday’s final game of the season at Tottenham.

Meanwhile Benitez has revealed that both parties have had 'positive' talks, but with the two of the player's former clubs - Portsmouth and Aston Villa - showing an interest interest, Crouch could go.

“I was talking with him the other day and the conversation was positive,” Rafa told The Liverpool Post.

“But we need to do what is best for him and best for us.

“He has one year on his contract. We know some clubs are asking about him but we need to wait and then do the best for him and for us.”

Taylor Ignores Reds Rumours

Birmingham goalkeeper Maik Taylor is ignoring rumours linking him with a surprise move to Liverpool.

Reports have suggested Liverpool are considering a move for the Northern Ireland international in the summer.

Taylor is a free agent in the close-season and is an attractive proposition for a number of clubs.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is thought to be in the market for a new goalkeeper as back-up to Jose Reina as he has not been impressed by Charles Itandje.

Birmingham have put off all contract talks with Taylor until the end of the season and it remains to be seen if he will be offered an extension.

The 36-year-old says he is in the dark regarding interest from Liverpool and says he is only focusing on this weekend's crucial clash with Blackburn, as Birmingham look to secure their Premier League survival.

"I don't know anything about it [Liverpool] but obviously I'm out of contract and would like my future sorted," Taylor told the Birmingham Mail.

"But we have a big game on Sunday and that is the only thing on my mind right now."

Dalglish: Rafa Will Find Formula

In an interview with UEFA.com, Kop king Kenny Dalglish has backed Rafa Benitez to eventually find the formula which will win Liverpool their 19th league title.

The legendary Scot also explained why he doesn't think it is wise to compare the partnership between Stevie G and El Nino with the one he enjoyed with Ian Rush.

Did you think that once Liverpool had scored at Stamford Bridge to equalise at 1-1 and 2-2 on aggregate, they would go on to beat Chelsea?

They did show a lot of resilience because in the first half Chelsea were the better side. Liverpool picked it up and looked a better side in the second half. Fernando Torres's goal was deserved and it was a great finish after great work by Yossi Benayoun. Unfortunately, they couldn't finish it. Once the third goal went in, it was always going to be a big ask. But credit to them, they hit back and made it 3-2. They just couldn't get the third goal which could have taken us through.

How hard is it for a player to get over a defeat like that?

It is not hard to lose a game against a quality side. Chelsea are top of the league along with Manchester United. They were playing a very, very good side. Of course you should be disappointed when you lose a Champions League semi-final, but you should be disappointed when you lose any game. You have to recover, but they are quite right to feel disappointed. The sad thing was that they scored two away from home but it still wasn't enough.

What positives can Liverpool and Benitez take from this season?

Torres is a huge positive. In his first year, he hit over 30 goals – a magnificent return. He is finding the position that Steven Gerrard likes to play in. So that's two pluses. I think that every day that goes by, every game that goes by and every season that goes by, you learn something, and I'm sure Rafa learnt a lot from this year. Next year they'll be looking to improve on it.

What do you think Liverpool need to change in order to compete in the Premier League as well as in the UEFA Champions League?

They can compete in the Premier League but they are just not competing at the level they'd like to. I think they had a bad November when they drew too many games and I feel they threw away too many points against the top teams and fell too far behind.

How does the relationship between Gerrard and Torres compare with the one you had with Ian Rush?

I don't think a comparison should be made because it would give them the wrong identity. There is no point comparing Gerrard and Torres with Ian Rush and myself. Everybody's different, they are all individuals and they form a very good partnership. The contribution both of them have made this year has been massive for Liverpool. But I don't think it's fair to compare them to myself and Rushy.

Who do you think will win the UEFA Champions League?

I think it's difficult to shout who is going to win it. It depends on who is going to be fit come the final. It depends on whether the Rooneys and Ronaldos will be fit. There's little to separate the two sides in the league and I think it's going to be a great final. I also think it's a great credit to the Premier League to have three teams in the last four.

Reserves Crowned National Champions

Liverpool Reserves have been crowned National Champions after powering to a resounding victory over Aston Villa in an entertaining play-off final at Anfield.

Gary Ablett's men produced the type of performance typical of their all-conquering campaign, combining attractive, flowing football with some gutsy, determined defending to clinch a 3-0 win courtesy of goals from Krisztian Nemeth, Jordy Brouwer and Lucas Leiva.

It caps a remarkable season for the Reds' second string, who can now add the national title to both the Dallas Cup and the Northern Division championship, to complete what is a superb cup treble.

On a rare sun-drenched evening at Anfield, it was Villa who settled the quicker of the two sides, but for all their good approach play Liverpool manufactured the game's first real moment of note when Krisztian Nemeth's cute back heel was deflected away by the last-ditch boot of Isaiah Osbourne, to deny Lucas a clear run at goal.

The Brazilian was in the side in place of the injured Jay Spearing and provided some South American rhythm at the centre of the park against Kevin McDonald's experienced Villa outfit that included first-teamers such as Stuart Taylor, Wayne Routledge, Shaun Maloney and Marlon Harewood.

In truth, the visitors enjoyed the majority of the possession throughout an entertaining first-half and went close through Chris Herd's 20-yard snap shot before the hosts took the lead courtesy of a familiar marksmen.

The lively Nabil El Zhar ran at the heart of the Villa defence and fed a neat ball through to Jordy Brouwer who in turn laid an instant flick to Nemeth on the right, with the Hungarian showing great composure to flash a shot from just inside the penalty area into the far corner to give Liverpool the perfect start.

It was a magnificent team goal and all the more fitting that the yellow-booted forward was the man on target, having been irrepressible in front of goal throughout a superb season with the reserves.

It gave the Reds the lift they needed and El Zhar drilled a long range strike over the cross bar before Jordy Brouwer wasted a great chance to double the home side's advantage on 24 minutes.

Ryan Flynn showed great determination to outpace his marker and fire in a dangerous cross from the left and although no one was on hand to finish off his superb wing play, El Zhar took up the baton on the far right and surged beyond Nathan Baker before cutting the ball back to Brouwer who side-footed a weak effort straight at Taylor from eight yards out.

However, it was as good as it got for the Reds in the first period and Villa began to dominate the proceedings as they pushed forward in search of the equaliser.

The first opportunity for the visitors to level fell to Marlon Harwood, who had already scored at Anfield during a 2-2 draw against Rafael Benitez's senior side earlier in the season, and he will feel he should have repeated that feat on 26 minutes, after lashing a fierce 25-yard strike just over Peter Gulacsi's crossbar.

The pace of Routledge was a cause for concern for Gary Ablett's men throughout the match and just seconds later Villa had carved Liverpool open down the right once again, but this time Herd somehow contrived to hit the post from 10 yards out after Harwood and Moloney combined to put him clear.

The Reds continued to look a threat on the counter-attack but it was the away side who again went closest to scoring prior to the interval when Mikel San Jose reacted brilliantly to clear Maloney's stabbed effort off the line after Gulacsi had dropped Routledge's right-wing cross.

It was a similar story after the break too, but Villa's fortune in front of goal continued to desert them as proved on 57 minutes when Moustapha Salifou saw his long range volley crash back off the crossbar with Gulacsi well beaten.

El Zhar and Nemeth offered some brief respite for the Reds rearguard with the former seeing his run and shot well blocked before the latter stung the fingertips of Taylor with a rasping 25-yard drive.

With both sides creating a series of good openings, something had to give, and after Maloney wasted a glorious chance to pull the Villains level, Liverpool struck the killer blow on 66 minutes.

Emiliano Insua won the ball deep in Villa territory allowing Nemeth to seize on the loose ball and play in Brouwer, who raced into the penalty area before hammering the ball, low into the bottom left-hand corner to send the Kop into raptures.

It was a strike that seemed to deflate the away side and on 76 minutes the Reds wrapped up victory when substitute Daniel Pacheco's delightfully disguised pass sent Lucas clear and the Brazilian made no mistake to ensure the 7,580 supporters packed into Anfield went home happy.

Liverpool Reserves: Gulacsi, Darby, Insua, San Jose, Huth, Plessis, El Zhar (Simon 86), Lucas, Brouwer (Pacheco 73), Nemeth (Lindfield 80), Flynn. Unused subs: Bouzanis, Kelly, Simon.

Aston Villa Reserves: Taylor, Lund (Bannan 74), Baker (Delfouneso 46), Osbourne, Clark, Lowry, Salifou, Routledge, Harewood, Herd, Maloney (Albrighton 77). Unused subs: Bevan, Collins.

Liverpool Given Go-Ahead For New Stadium

Liverpool have been given the go-ahead by the city council to build their new 60,000-seater stadium in Stanley Park, adjacent to current stadium Anfield.

The Anfield site is over a century old and has become infamous in the footballing world and almost sacred to many Liverpool fans, but the club are now moving on as they aim to compete with Europe's top clubs.

The new stadium will open in August 2011, featuring an 18,500-seat single-tier stand for the Kop, 5,000 more than the Anfield Kop.

This is the third different design for the new stadium so far, and reduces the capacity by 11,000 from the last scheme in order to reduce costs, though the current design is 'future proofed', and thus additions could be made to the stadium in the future.

In January, co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett completed a £350 million refinancing package on the loan used to purchase the club, and £60 million was earmarked for the new stadium. However Hicks, who has since been involved in a feud with Gillett, has said that he is still working with investment bank Merril Lynch on raising the funds.

Liverpool feel the expansion is needed sooner rather than later, as rivals Manchester United have expanded Old Trafford to 76,000 seats and Arsenal built their brand new, 60,000-seat Emirates Stadium to replace the 38,000-seat Highbury. The Anfield site restricts Liverpool's development, hence the move to Stanley Park.