Pennant Out, Bentley In - Report

Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has been added to the casualty list at Anfield this summer, as Rafa Benitez prepares a summer overhaul of his squad.

The 25-year-old was told yesterday that he is free to leave and can start talking to other clubs, joining the likes of Andriy Voronin, Peter Crouch and Scott Carson on Rafa’s scrapheap.

The former Arsenal man is a long-term target of both Newcastle and West Ham, and they may have to fork out in the region of ₤7 million as Benitez seeks to recoup what he paid Birmingham City for the player in 2006.

Pennant has impressed in spurts during his time on Merseyside, an excellent run of form during the second half of the 2006-07 season culminating in a brilliant showing during the Champions League in Athens, where the Reds lost 2-1 to AC Milan.

But injuries have ravaged Pennant’s season, as he suffered dual stress-fractures in his shins earlier in the term and has struggled to regain his place since due to the all-action efforts of Dirk Kuyt on the right side of attack.

The former Notts County youth did impress recently in Liverpool’s lame-duck league fixtures, putting in a match-winning performance against Fulham and a match-saving turn against his old club at St Andrew’s.

But he was absent from the squad for the final two games of the season against Manchester City and Tottenham, signalling the almost-certain demise of his Anfield career.

Pennant has been offered as a makeweight in Benitez's bid to bring Gareth Barry to Anfield, but his exit could also facilitate a move for fellow Arsenal product David Bentley, who has long been linked with Liverpool.

Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes remains steadfast in his desire to keep hold of his star winger, and Benitez may have to devote a hefty portion of his transfer budget to secure the England international, ₤15 million being touted as the going rate.

Reports: Dossena Set For Reds

With Rafa Benítez having already lined-up one new full-back in Swiss right-back Philipp Degen, the Liverpool boss is now linked with another in Italian left-back Andrea Dossena.

26-year-old Dossena made his one-and-only international appearance for the World Champions in a friendly against South Africa last October, getting the assist for Lucarelli’s only goal of the game. Italy coach Roberto Donadoni still hasn’t named his squad for the Euro 2008 finals and is giving little away as to who might be in it, but the Udinese number 8 will consider himself a possibility.

Tottenham have been linked with the Udinese defender too, but are no longer believed to be interested. The fee quoted in reports linking him with Spurs was £8m. Reports in the Italian press claim a deal with Liverpool is close, saying Liverpool have already agreed personal terms with the player’s agent, Federico Pastorello, and are now talking to Udinese about the fee.

Udinese director general Pietro Leonardi played down the links yesterday: “We have always said that we will not change the team. For Dossena to Liverpool there is nothing concrete, he has a contract with us until 2012 and the rest is speculation.”

Dossena has been with Udinese since 2006, and has had two red cards so far in this Italian season, which ends tomorrow. Udinese visit AC Milan who are hoping for three points and favours elsewhere to get them a Champions League qualifying spot. Udinese will finish in at least seventh place and have already qualified for the UEFA Cup.

With Liverpool set to release John Arne Riise and Fabio Aurelio’s Anfield career so far suffering numerous injury-related interruptions the need for a quality left-back isn’t in doubt. Emiliano Insua is still considered one for the future, but can expect more involvement next season than this.

John Aldridge: Time For Liverpool To Make The Also-rans Pay

Liverpool may not have won any trophies in the season just ended but they can take great consolation in the fact that they made plenty of progress this season.

Everyone picks out statistics to prove their point of view but for me the one that stands out is that Liverpool lost fewer games in the league than Manchester United.

It's a long time since that happened and you have to go back many years to the last time Liverpool only lost four games in an entire season, and that suggests to me that they are not all that far away.

The only thing that prevented a genuine title challenge was that they had too many draws.

When you play teams from lower down the division, the likes of Wigan and Birmingham, you have to make the most of your superiority by making sure you beat them.

If you manage to do that then you give yourselves a platform to build from and it also helps create a momentum which can carry you all the way to the top.

That's what United are so good at. If they play an inferior side at Old Trafford they invariably beat them and that gives them an advantage in the race for the title.

The big problem for Liverpool was that they had a sticky spell just after Christmas where they drew far too many games which they should have won.

If Rafa Benitez and his players think back to this run they will know in their hearts that they should have picked up more than just four points from away games at Manchester City and Middlesbrough and home games against Aston Villa and Wigan.

Had Liverpool turned their dominance of these fixtures into points it would have made a major difference to their season.

That's how small the gap is between success and failure at the top level and if you don't make your superiority pay you can be sure that someone else will make you suffer for it.

But the progress has been there for all to see and the spine of this Liverpool side is among the best around.

Now the challenge for the manager is to build on what he has accomplished so far and do whatever it takes to ensure Liverpool are in the shake up for the title at the absolute least next season.

It is easy to identify the parts of the team that Rafa Benitez must strengthen this summer - the wide areas.

That has been the main weakness of this Liverpool side for some time and if Benitez can address this problem I believe it will make a massive difference.

In the last 12 months HeBenitez has recruited really well with the likes of Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano and Martin Skrtel coming into the side and making a real difference.

Lucas and Ryan Babel may not have done quite as well, but they are young players who will hopefully fulfil their potential in the years to come and the only really disappointing signing has been Andriy Voronin, who just hasn't got going.

Benitez knows that if he has another good summer in the transfer market it could make all the difference to his team and I've got no doubt he'll pull out all the stops to bring in the players he has identified.

It will be another interesting close season at Anfield and I'm sure there will be a few going as well as coming in, but if Benitez gets the balance right it could set things up nicely for next season.

When it comes to naming Liverpool's player of the season there is one man who stands head and shoulders above all others - Fernando Torres.

And what a tribute that is when you consider Torres features in a team with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Javier Mascherano.

He has been showered with tributes all season long and quite rightly so because you have to be something special to achieve as much as he has in his first season in English football.

And the best thing is I'm convinced Torres will only get better.

What a terrifying thought that is for Premiership defences and what a brilliant thought it is for Liverpool fans.

Holidays On Hold As Rafa Benitez Eyes Liverpool Transfer Targets

Rafael Benitez will put his summer holidays temporarily on hold as he oversees Liverpool’s squad rebuilding plans.

With his team’s season having finished at the weekend, the Anfield manager is hopeful of securing at least two new signings during the next fortnight.

Swiss international right-back Philipp Degen is already set to join Liverpool on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund when his contract expires in the close season.

And the move for Gareth Barry could come closer to fruition in the next day, with Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill and owner Randy Lerner set for discussions with the player.

Barry, who is desperate to play Champions League football, is expected to tell Villa that he cannot pass up the opportunity of a move to Anfield.

Villa would then be left with no option but to consider Liverpool’s offer of a cash-plus-player deal worth £10m, with the Midlanders given a choice of Jermaine Pennant, Scott Carson or John Arne Riise.

When Benitez finally drags himself away from his desk, he admits it will be rather more difficult to part him from his mobile phone.

However, the Spaniard reckons he could be left retrieving it from deep waters if his wife Montse finds him conducting deals while on holiday.

“I don’t tend to have too much time away from football, but I will try to switch off for a bit,” said Benitez. “I will have to try to hide my mobile phone, and if my wife can’t find out about it I’ll try and keep it on me.

“But if she finds it, I’m sure she will throw it in the swimming pool!

“I don’t like the beach too much, but I don’t mind being around a swimming pool or maybe going up in the mountains.”

Even when Benitez manages to find a quiet place to relax, it has previously proven impossible to totally escape the attention of Liverpool fans.

“When you are at such a big club as Liverpool, everybody knows who you are and it’s not easy to get away from people on holiday,” said the Spaniard.

“Last summer, I was by the swimming pool and a kid was playing football wearing a Liverpool cap. He passed the ball and it came to me, so I tried to dribble it past him, and we were playing for five minutes.

“After we’d finished, his father spoke to him and said ‘do you know who that is?’ The kid says ‘is it a Liverpool player?’ and his dad replies ‘no, it’s the manager!’.

“So after that he was with me playing football the whole week! He was the only one who hadn’t recognised me, and he was wearing a Liverpool cap!”

Meanwhile, Fernando Torres has paid tribute to the Liverpool fans at the end of his record-breaking debut season at Anfield.

The Spain international capped a brilliant first campaign at the club with his 24th league goal of the season at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday to make him the country’s most successful ever foreign debutant.

And Torres said: “The supporters back the players, regardless of who is out on the pitch. They enjoy watching their key players play, because Liverpool has great players, but Liverpool will always be a team.

“The fans get behind the side even when things are not working out, and they are always there until the death.

“That is the major difference with football back in Spain. If a team is not doing well, then it is because the players do not deserve to be wearing the club’s colours.

“At Liverpool, if a player is wearing their shirt, it is because he deserves it. The fans ask for effort and dedication, and their support is something special, something that stays with you.

“Luckily, everything has worked out well from day one, and my team-mates have helped out, and I owe them all an awful lot.”

Rafa Benitez Insists That New Assistant Lee Has More To Offer Than Just Anfield Connections

Rafael Benitez insisted it was more than just the Scouse connection that secured Sammy Lee the job as his assistant manager.

The Liverpool manager said that Lee, who was unveiled as his number two yesterday, was his first choice regardless of the fact that he became an Anfield legend both as a player and as a coach.

“He is a very experienced and very well respected coach in his own right and his reputation in football made him the outstanding candidate when we knew we were looking for a new member of our coaching staff,” Benitez said.

“We are very pleased because he is someone who knows the club really well.

“He also knows about the passion of the club and about the standards that we set here so that will make it much easier for him to settle into his new role.

“But we have not brought Sammy back simply because he used to play for the club and used to work here as a coach.

“He will add something different to what we already have and it will be good to work with him.

“I already have a good relationship with him and I will be looking to build on that in the weeks and months to come.”

Lee had been out of football since Bolton Wanderers sacked him as their manager in October.

He returned to work as Liverpool held their final training session of the season at Melwood yesterday and said: “When a club the size of Liverpool comes in for you, and when a manager of the magnitude of Rafael Benitez wants you, then you cannot say no.

“When I found out they were interested in me I was really thrilled.

“After the sabbatical I have had I just wish the season was starting tomorrow, but the players have had a long, difficult and demanding season and they need to get away and get their batteries recharged.

“I have been around the Melwood training ground this morning and seen a lot of old faces but a lot of new faces as well.

“I have shaken hands with everyone and introduced myself. There are some great people here and I cannot wait to get working with them. It is so nice to be back.”

Lee also insists he has no regrets about his ill-fated first foray into management after being promoted to take over from Sam Allardyce at Bolton last season.

He added: “I was very honoured and privileged to be given the position as Bolton manager.

“The pride and the honour I felt to be their manager was only outweighed by the sheer disappointment that it did not go well. I have to say the Bolton fans were fantastic towards me. I have not had the chance to say that before but I want to thank them.

“Even when results were not going well they were very supportive towards me and, most importantly, to the players.”

Three Trophies But Ablett Wants More

Despite bringing a hat-trick of trophies to Anfield this season, Gary Ablett has insisted there's room for improvement from his reserve team next year.

The young Reds landed the Reserve League North title at the end of an impressive campaign before securing the National title with victory over Aston Villa at Anfield.

With the Dallas Cup also added to the trophy haul for the season Ablett could be forgiven for praising his players for a perfect year - but he still wants more.

"I would probably give them seven and a half out of ten for the season," he said. "Maybe that's slightly cruel on them given the season they've had but I can see a lot more potential to come from some of them. Hopefully next season they can fulfil that potential and break into the first team.

"There is always room for improvement. We know we have good young players who are on different levels of the learning curve. It's our job next pre-season to make sure we give them the right information and the right coaching to give them the best chance of moving into Rafa's plans.

"It was a good season and we achieved what we wanted to achieve in terms of winning trophies, but I want to see more of them playing more first team games. We've had Insua and Plessis play for the first team towards the end of the season but the challenge is for the others to also make the breakthrough."

Alonso - I Won't Quit Reds

Talk of an Anfield exit for Xabi Alonso is well wide of the mark, the Liverpool midfielder has exclusively revealed to skysports.com.

The Spaniard has had his preparations for the European Championships interrupted by reports emanating from both Spain and Italy suggesting his time on Merseyside could be drawing to a close.

Both Real Madrid and Juventus have been credited with holding a long-standing interest in Alonso, with talk of Gareth Barry's possible arrival at Anfield doing little to silence the rumour mill.

Rafa Benitez has spoken of how Barry's signing would be to complement rather than replace existing members of his squad, with the Reds boss alluding to the fact Aston Villa's captain is capable of occupying various positions and not just the central midfield berth favoured by Alonso.

It was only in June of last year that Alonso signed a contract extension that binds him to Liverpool until 2012 but to his exasperation, Spanish press repeatedly intimate that a return to his homeland is on the cards.

Alonso though remains fully committed to Liverpool and has no intention of swapping the Premier League for La Liga or Serie A any time soon.

"It surprises me because I know the real truth," Alonso told skysports.com, when quizzed on reports of an approach from Real Madrid.

"There has been no movement from Real Madrid, whether official or otherwise.

"At the moment I am with Liverpool, I have a contract with Liverpool and I want to be at Liverpool.

"I have been surprised and very disappointed to read that I want to leave Liverpool.

"The people who write these things have clearly not done very rigorous research."

Martin Agrees New Reds Deal

Liverpool reserve team goalkeeper David Martin has agreed a new deal at Anfield.

The 22-year-old is now tied to the Reds until 2010 as Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez bids to maintain an English core on Merseyside.

Martin, whose father Alvin played for West Ham, joined Liverpool from Milton Keynes Dons in January 2006.

He has yet to make his debut for Liverpool's senior team, but he was named among the substitutes for the League Cup clash with Reading at Anfield in October 2006.

Martin has made one England Under 20 appearance and he was loaned to Accrington Stanley in February 2007, where he made 10 appearances.

Hobbs Keen On Reds Extension

Jack Hobbs has set his sights on a new deal with Liverpool after a three-month loan spell at Scunthorpe.

The 19-year-old centre back spent the final half of the season on loan at Glanford Park and although he acknowledges it will be difficult to force his way into boss Rafael Benitez's plans, he admits he would love to remain at Anfield.

He said: "I'm sure something will happen this summer. They will either extend my contract or sell me. I want to stay, but ultimately it comes down to playing first-team football.

"I'm at the age where I want to get out there and make a name for myself. It would be ideal if that was at Liverpool, but we will have to wait and see."

Pompey Deny Being In Talks Over Crouch

FA Cup finalists Portsmouth have denied reports that officials from the club are in negotiations with Liverpool about signing England striker Peter Crouch.

Although Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is thought to be keen to bring Peter Crouch back to the South Coast, it seems rumours that talks between Pompey and Liverpool are already underway are premature.

Crouch played for Redknapp before during an earlier spell at Portsmouth, and also at Pompey's Hampshire rivals, Southampton.

But Portsmouth's chief executive, Peter Storrie has been quoted today as saying: "It's a lot of nonsense to say we were negotiating to buy him last night.

"We are all concentrating on the FA Cup final."

Espanyol Not Keen On Swap Deal With Liverpool

Espanyol would like Liverpool's Sebastian Leto, but are less keen on the idea of a swap deal involving their midfielder Albert Riera, it appears.

Liverpool are planning a move for Espanyol's Albert Riera, according to reports in Spain, with manager Rafa Benitez, thought to be a keen admirer of the Spain international, considering an ofer of £8million plus winger Sebastian Leto.

Leto, who signed at Anfield in 2007, is a player wanted by the Barcelona-based club. But they would prefer to keep any deal involving 26-year-old Riera separate, and not linked to a Leto bid.

Former Liverpool scout Paco Herrera, who is now at Espanyol, has revealed that his new club are unwilling to accept a part-exchange offer.

"It is certain that we are interested in Leto, but our idea is to prepare a separate deal for Riera," Herrera said.

Meanwhile, Spurs and Fiorentina are also being linked with Riera.

Lee Delighted With Anfield Return

Former Bolton Wanderers manager Sammy Lee has spoken of his delight after returning to Liverpool as the club’s new assistant boss.

Lee has had previous spells as a player and coach at Anfield and now returns to the English giants for a third spell after replacing Alex Miller, who left Liverpool last week to try his hand in management with Japan.

Lee, who has also been involved in the coaching of the England national team in the past, said that it was a great pleasure to return to Anfield.

"I've been away for a while but everyone knows what this club means to me and it's a great pleasure to be back," he said to the club’s official website.

"When a club the size of Liverpool comes in for you and when a manager of the magnitude of Rafael Benitez wants you then you can't say no. When I found out they were interested in me I was really thrilled.

"After the sabbatical I've had I just wish the season was starting tomorrow, but the players have had a long, difficult and demanding season and they need to get away and get their batteries recharged.

"I've been around Melwood this morning and seen a lot of old faces but a lot of new faces as well. I've shook hands with everyone and introduced myself. There are some great people here and I can't wait to get working with them. It's so nice to be back."
Lee had an unsuccessful spell as a Premier League manager while at Bolton, but the experienced coach says that he has no regrets about trying his hand at the management side of the game.

"I was very honoured and privileged to be given the position as Bolton manager. The pride and the honour I felt to be their manager was only outweighed by the sheer disappointment that it didn't go well," he stated.

"I have to say the Bolton fans were fantastic towards me. I haven't had the chance to say that before but I want to thank them. Even when results weren't going well they were very supportive towards me and, most importantly, to the players."

After returning to his boyhood club, Lee is keen to play a major role in helping the Merseyside club win some more significant silverware after a strong period of improvement.

"I think the club has made great progress over the last few years and they were so close to having a great season this time around. Hopefully we can keep improving and get to where we all want to be – winning silverware," concluded Lee.

Xabi Welcomes Competition From Barry

After recently confirming he's staying at Anfield, Liverpool's Xabi Alonso has gone one better, insisting he would welcome the competition from transfer target and his mooted replacement, Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.

Alonso, 26, has not enjoyed his best season with the Reds. Injuries have played their part in ruling him out during the season and he has failed to hit top form, with new signing Lucas Leiva beating him to a first team place at one point in the season.

He has been strongly linked with a move away from Anfield this summer - most speculating it would be abroad, back to Spain - but he has insisted he is staying at Anfield.

Speaking to the club's official website, he revealed he feels very at home and could remain at the club for "many years" yet.

Strong speculation linking with the club with Gareth Barry - another central midfielder - does not perturb the Spanish international either; he insists he would welcome even more competition. Though he, like his manager, stressed that Barry can play different positions, which suggests that the 27-year-old, who has gotten so used to being given the freedom of the park at Aston Villa, may well be tied down to a more specific role under Rafael Benitez - whether he sees this as a 'demotion' of sorts remains to be seen.

"I think I will be here next season even if Barry comes," revealed Xabi.

"He would bring good competition and he would be more than welcome. He can play different positions and if he plays in midfield then I could play with him. I have no problem with that.

"At the moment I feel I could stay here for many years. I have been here for four seasons already; why not seven or eight?

"As long as I am performing well and the club wants me to stay then I will."

Alonso also moved to clarify that there are no problems between he and Benitez, with rumours persisting that a rift between the compatriots was partially responsible for Xabi's impending departure.

"There is no problem between me and the manager and I would like to clarify that," added Xabi.

"I have read that we have had an argument but our relationship is the same as it has been since I joined Liverpool.

"I spoke to the manager only the other day. He has never said that he wants me to leave."

Rafa: Reina Better Than You Think

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has once again sung the praises of his goalkeeper Jose Reina, who won the Golden Gloves award again this year.

The Spanish tactician believes that because Reina plays for a top side, he is not called into action as much and therefore unable to show just how capable he is in goal.

The former Barça boy has won the Golden Gloves award for the third time for keeping an impressive 18 clean sheets this season.

"Pepe is a 'keeper in a top side, so he has less to do," explained Benitez. "If he played for a lesser team he would be fantastic because he'd be involved all the time. He is a very good goalkeeper."

Reina has won the award three out of the four years it has been in existence, with Chelsea's Petr Cech picking up a solitary award.

Benitez continued, claiming such a record did not surprise him, and even hailing Pepe as the best in Spain - at least when he signed him - though Real Madrid and Spain's No. 1 Iker Casillas may have something to say about that.

"I am not surprised," said Rafa of Reina's hat-trick of awards. "When you see the performance of Pepe in every game, and also the team in defence, you can understand why he normally doesn't concede too many goals. I am really pleased to be here again.

"When you talk about three seasons in a row, it means he is doing a good job. Always I say the same: for me, when we signed him he was the best 'keeper in Spain. He's really good, a good worker, he wants to learn – everything is positive now and for the future.

"Everyone likes to see strikers scoring goals but your 'keeper is always a key part of the team. When you don't concede many goals you always know you can win because you always create chances."

Rafa also blasted critics for highlighting defensive errors and not commending enough good work done by his team.

"It's something that you know is normal in football," he sighed. "People just talk about one or two mistakes and not the performance of the team during the year."

Liverpool End Of Season Player Review

Despite not winning a trophy again this season I think Rafa is moving the team foreword and we will be in the title race come March next year. We registered the least number of losses under him in the league (4) and there used to be an old adage that if you avoided losing more than 4 games a season you would win the title, so one has to put it down to too many draws which could easily have swung our way on many occasions.

In my head I can think of where the title chase was lost, 8 minutes from time at Anfield against Arsenal, the ridiculously one sided 0-0 at Man City etc etc. And in all honesty although we lost to Chelsea this year in the Champions League, it was the first time we actually competed with them. We registered wins more easily towards the end of the season when the pressure was off so perhaps we need to enjoy our football more instead of talking about our title desperation around the players week in week out.

So here is my player review for the season. Marks out of 10 in Football Manager style and whether I think they should leave or stay.

Steve Finnan (6/10)
One of the best right backs in the Premiership, Finnan's only negative for this season was his injury problems. Clearly one to stay. As long as he gets back to full fitness for next season there is no reason why he won't be crossing frequent dangerous balls from the right all game. Perhaps we need move cover from an attack minded youngster.

Sami Hyypia (7/10)
After Agger's superb season last year Hyypia clearly began has our 3rd choice centre back. Many said due to his age and therefore pace he had lost it. Going on to make 44 appearances and storming back in the New Year after an average Autumn period. The goal against Arsenal in the Champions League was one to remember and he again will provide vital experience next season

Daniel Agger (6/10)
Unfair to comment really. 6 appearances due to injury. One hope's it isn't a chronic problem. If back to full fitness next season our centre back choices are looking superb.

John Arne Risse (6/10)
Struggled to hit top form this year and ignoring his own goal (which ironically was his only one of the season) perhaps it is time for him to move on. A great buy for £3m but is questionable if he is ever to hit top form again. Never been a great full back in my view defensively and always played better at Left Midfield. Though with the new formation 4-2-1-2-1 there isn't much space for him anymore in the attacking positions. Can see him going to Villa.

Harry Kewell (4/10)
What can I say? I was shocked to see he made 15 appearances this year. Felt more like 5. No goals once more and is clearly not worth the wages. Time to let him move on I'd say and count our losses. Like many Aussies will probably end up in Putney so Fulham looks like a good destination!

Steven Gerrard (8/10)
Linked up superbly with Torres for their first season together and contributed 21 goals of his own. A lot of bottle for the pen against Arsenal as he has missed a few over the years. Consistently driving the team forward as per usual. Legend!

Fernando Torres (9/10)
Breaks Van Nistolroy's record in his first season for most goals in the Premiership for a debut season from a foreign player. Finally we have a top class striker scoring 30+ a season! I love how unlike other strikers who demand the red carpet treatment and have all the arrogance he just gets on with the job with humility. Amazing season.

Andriy Voronin (5/10)
In some ways, your ideal fourth striker. I like the fact he hasn't moaned despite being benched on a regular basis. Started off the season being our best player in pre-season and the first 6 weeks well too. We almost got the feeling we had a bargain on our hands. Wastes too many chances however for the rest of the year and a return of 6 goals from 28 appearances just didn't cut it. Could be our fourth striker again but only because he doesn't complain.

Yossi Benyoun (6/10)
His goal rate was respectable and times was very useful off the bench. Though far too many times his inability to keep the ball has been frustrating. Was painful to watch against Chelsea in the second leg despite the run which did create our goal. Will be in the side again next year but more effective against the smaller teams than the top half ones. Dquad player at best.

Fabio Aurelio (7/10)
Sporadic appearances, but his form in the New Year was the best we have seen. Does not score from free kicks so I wish he would stop taking them but has been a decent full back for when Risse hasn't been up to scratch. I feel we need another full back in the left position but Aurelio has proven that a run in the team proves dividends.

Xabi Alonso (5/10)
For his standards, Xabi has had a shocker this year. We now play with 2 players in the DM positions and Alonso has too often been the weak link when on the pitch. His passing has been off, especially his decision making. Very often gets his tackling off the pace and too add to all that he has had growing injury problems. Rumour has it Spanish clubs will offer £10-£15 million. At that price we should definitely sell and Barry would be an ideal replacement.

Peter Crouch (7/10)
When called upon Crouch has done very well. Consistent when starting and effective from the bench, he showed his abilities with 11 goals from 36 games and one can`t help he could have been utilised to break the number of deadlocks we were in. I would like him to stay but he has to cope with the rotation policy and I'm not sure whether he wants to.

Jermaine Pennant (6/10)
Actually been a good squad player this year. Can get MOM performances against his former clubs Birmingham and even played well against Arsenal too at the Emirates. Too often ineffective against the other big teams. Strong enough to stay in the team on rotation.

Alvaro Arbeloa (7/10)
Able to play in both full back roles Arbeloa has been strong on many occasions this year. Tries to get foreword and is consistent defensively. Very useful to the defence.

Dirk Kuyt (7/10)
With all that hard work and constant running it just frustrates me he doesn't cross well and take his chances often enough in front of goal. Was in top form toward the end of the year after a poor patch in the middle. You can't fault him for effort and next year will be a great utility player.

Ryan Babel (7/10)
Brilliant debut season, would have got an 8 from me if he performed when he starts. It always seems that he is better off the bench as he proved against Arsenal. Okay starting against the lower table sides but needs to build up his stamina over the summer. Great potential.

Javier Mascherano (8/10)
Despite his moment of madness, it epitomised his die hard style. Fantasitc tackling and is so important in front of the back four. Gerrard would never be able to get foreword and support Torres for all their goals so Javier could easily be given an assist for each one. Why West Ham let him rot in the reserves is a complete mystery!?

Lucas Leiva (7/10)
Good debut season. He is young, from abroad and learing the ropes so therefore his 32 appearances were a sign of success in itself. Replaced Gerrard against Everton and had Phil Neville decided not to play in goal for a moment would have had the winner. Incidentally was the cause of 3 points though! Seems settled and come out of his shell a bit more next season.

Jamie Carragher (9/10)
Pure class. Made more appearances than Reina. 55 games of last ditch tackles and vital headers. Will lead the defence again next year and with another season of few goals conceded and most clean sheets in the Premiership you need look no further. Versatile playing at right back effectively too.

Pepe Reina (9/10)
Clean sheet trophy 3 years running and always reliable. Rarely makes a mistake and when he does you know he can recover mentally

Martin Skrtel (8/10)
Skrtel has filled in amazingly well following his January move. Considering he was bought as cover at a time when Agger was set to come back in February he has adapted very quickly. Many say it takes 12-18 months to settle into the Premiership though it took him about 4 weeks! 20 appearances, always tries his best and scary as hell to play against. Him an Agger will form an effective partnership in years to come I'm sure!

So Risse, Kewell, Alonso and Crouch set to go over the summer. Would be interesting to see our replacements!?

In my view we now have a winning formation, a good nucleus in the squad, we just need 3 to 4 world class additions and I'm confident next season will be a good one!

New Doubt Over Reds Stadium Move

Fresh doubts have been raised over Tom Hicks' ability to fund Liverpool's ground move after he delayed the building of a stadium in Texas.

Hicks has admitted he has been unable to secure financing for the Glorypark mixed-use development in Arlington, Texas that was scheduled to open in March 2010.

The $500million venture has been put on hold because of the credit squeeze and troubled retail market.

Hicks said in an interview with the Dallas Morning News: "We are in the most difficult credit crunch I have seen the last 20 years."

That revelation will give more hope to prospective buyers of Liverpool, Dubai International Capital, who have long believed Hicks - and his estranged co-owner George Gillett - have found it virtually impossible to raise further loans to facilitate the move from Anfield.

It is believed Hicks must find funding over the next few months to build the club's new £350million stadium in Stanley Park.

But if his Hicks Holdings group have been unable to find the cash in the current market for their Arlington plans, critics in the UK will wonder how the money for the move will be raised in the current financial climate.

Hicks' announcement over the Arlington stadium comes a week after a Dallas hotel project in which he is also involved was delayed.

Construction was scheduled to start this spring on the Glorypark project adjacent to the Texas Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, and close to the Dallas Cowboys new 1.1 billion dollar stadium.

Hicks owns the Rangers baseball club as well as the Dallas Stars ice hockey team.

The completion of Glorypark, which would have included restaurants, retail, residential and office space, had been delayed at least twice previously.

Last week, Liverpool gained their third planning permission for the revised Stanley Park scheme.

Hicks said at the weekend: "Site work will start in September and actual construction in late October/early November, with completion in time for the season starting in August 2011."

Some money, around £60million, was set aside from the January re-financing of Hicks and Gillett's loans to buy Liverpool, to allow the stadium work to start.

But it is believed Hicks has been unsuccessful in raising further loans from the London and US financial markets in recent weeks.

DIC believe the financial pressures on Hicks will eventually lead to his return to the negotiating table after he pulled the plug on a planned buyout earlier in the year.

The impasse with Gillett is no nearer a solution.

But Gillett, having made it clear he will not sell his 50% stake in the club to his partner, significantly flew to London last week for informal talks with DIC.

It has emerged that are unlikely to test the validity in court of Hicks' veto over any move by Gillett to sell his stake. Problems over certain clauses in the original contracts have arisen which make such a move difficult.

However, few observers now expect the troubled ownership of Liverpool to be resolved this summer, with the saga likely to drag on into the autumn.

Under the current proposals, the stadium work should have started by then.

Carson Calls For Realistic Price Tag

Scott Carson has called for Liverpool to place a realistic price tag on his head as he revealed his desire to sort out his long-term future.

Carson spent the 2007-2008 campaign on loan to Aston Villa in a £1.5million deal after having previously experienced similar spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill is considering his goalkeeping options for next season with Thomas Sorensen poised to leave now that his contract has come to an end.

But, wherever his future lies, 22-year-old Carson wants a fair price to be asked by the Reds for his services.

There has been speculation that Rafael Benitez will be asking around £10million for Carson.

The England keeper said: "It's too much (Liverpool's valuation). It's stupid money really. You pay £10million for a goalkeeper who is 27, 28 and the finished article.

"To be honest, I'm far from the finished article. I have got another five years of learning.

"I don't think Liverpool are stupid. They know what I'm worth. They would have recouped what they paid for me in loan fees over the last couple of years.

"So hopefully, they can help me out and if there is a sniff of going somewhere, then hopefully they will respect my wishes and help me that way."

Carson added: "I would like to get settled but it's not up to me. Whether it's Villa or anyone else, it's up to them to try to sort it out.

"I haven't got a clue what's happening. I haven't even spoken to Liverpool.

"But I want to play football. I have played football for the last two seasons and I don't think I will be content with sitting on the bench.

"I still don't know what's around the corner. I have got a couple of weeks now to think about what's going to happen.

"As it stands, I go back to Liverpool but I want to be playing first-team football. Liverpool have got a great keeper in Pepe Reina and he's going to take a lot of shifting.

"It might be the time for me to move on but I don't know Rafa's thoughts and I don't know if anyone is going to agree a fee with Liverpool. It's going to be an interesting couple of weeks."

Liverpool Set To Snap Up Malouda From Chelsea For £10m

Liverpool have made a shock move to sign Chelsea winger Florent Malouda for around £10million.

Preliminary talks with Malouda's people have been positive enough to convince Kop boss Rafa Benitez the player will leave.

The France international almost joined the Reds last summer before Chelsea outbid them and offered £60,000 a week wages.

But reports in The Sun suggest Benitez plans to move Ryan Babel to a more natural position on the right or behind Fernando Torres to free up the left attacking-midfield slot.

But the move is very much dependent on a takeover by DIC.

Meanwhile, Anfield flop Andriy Voronin is wanted by German side Stuttgart.

Voronin, 28, signed on a free last summer from Bayer Leverkusen and scored six goals.

The pony-tailed Ukraine striker is under contract until 2011 but Liverpool are prepared to let him leave on the cheap.

Liverpool To Swap Leto For Riera - Report

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is said to be eyeing up the possibility of bringing Espanyol's Albert Riera to Anfield this summer.

DiarioSport reports that the Reds are after sealing a swap deal for Espanyol's tall winger.

Benitez is considering the possibility of a cash-plus-loan deal, where they would pay up front for the 26-year-old and also loan promising youngster Sebastian Leto out to los Periquitos so he may gain some vital experience, as well as buying time to clear up alleged passport problems.

Leto had been linked with a loan move to Argentine giants River Plate, only for Benitez to opt out of the move, and Spanish side Racing Santander also expressed interest in the player, but soon gave up their pursuit.

This new deal would be a win-win move for Liverpool, and with Riera reportedly keen on a move to England, it could materialise sooner rather than later.

Tottenham Hotspur had been linked with the player earlier in the season, who of course enjoyed a fairly unsuccessful loan spell at Manchester City in 2006.

Liverpool Legend John Aldrige Confident That Fernando Torres Will Continue To Terrorise Rivals

John Aldridge is confident that Fernando Torres will be even more vicious in his attack and continue to be a threat to Liverpool's rivals next season, even though his opponents will now be closely scrutinising his game-play.

In his debut season Torres shattered a number of records netting 33 goals for Liverpool.

"People talk about players not performing in their second season after a great first year, but I don't think that will apply to Torres," said Aldridge.

"He has scored so many goals coming in from the left and then dragging the ball past the defender - like his strike at Tottenham at the weekend - and I think that is just impossible to defend against. You just can't stop it. If you block that route down the outside off then he'll just cut in and whip the ball into the net.

"I think he'll be as good, if not better, next season. Whether he can score the same amount of goals again remains to be seen because what he's achieved in a first season has been fantastic.

"What he does best, and this is something I rave over, is make goals for himself out of nothing. A lot of strikers, myself included, needed a supply into the area, but he doesn't. He gets the ball and you wonder what he's going to do - the next thing the ball is in the net.

"He's a very special talent and the partnership he has struck up with Steven Gerrard has been immaculate. The new formation the manager has settled on suits the both of them perfectly."