Cavalieri Passes Merseyside Medical

Reports from Brazil claim that Palmeiras goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri has already passed a medical at Liverpool and will make the switch official later today.

Brazilian newspaper Folha claims Cavalieri travelled to Merseyside in the last few days and has successfully completed his physical examination, with the signing to be finalised later today.

The keeper’s agent, Juninho Parmigiani, said: "We will conclude everything tomorrow. He's already had the necessary medical examinations, talked with some of his new team-mates and has been impressed by what Rafael Benitez had to say to him."

Palmeiras’ sporting director, Toninho Celilio, added: "I spoke to him today. He has completed the examinations and is very happy. There are some clauses still being discussed but nothing that can block the deal."

The 26-year-old’s arrival will effectively end the Reds’ supposed interest in Fulham shot-stopper Antti Niemi, while simultaneously signalling the departure of Charles Itandje to Fenerbahce.

It is believed Cavalieri will cost in the region of ₤3million, although no specific fee has been mentioned as yet.

Liverpool Boss Benitez States Valencia's David Villa Is No.1 Target

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has admitted that CF Valencia and Spain forward David Villa is top of his list of potential targets this summer after England striker Peter Crouch's transfer to Portsmouth.

26-year-old Villa excelled for Spain in the Euro 2008 Finals and, despite picking up an injury, scored four goals in the tournament to help Spain’s La Furia Roja win their first major trophy in 44 years.

Villa performed well in tandem with Fernando Torres in the EURO 2008 Finals in Austria/Switzerland last month and Villa could provide an excellent partner for Torres, who had a spectacular debut season for The Reds.

24-year-old Torres moved to Anfield last summer in a club record deal from Atlético Madrid and went on to become the Reds’ highest goal-scorer for the 2007/08 season, scoring 33 goals to set a new record for a foreign striker in his debut Premiership campaign.

Whereas the other Liverpool strikers – Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and Andrei Voronin - only managed a combined total of 17 goals last season, with Benitez desperate to bring in an out-and-out striker to Anfield.

"We have Torres, Voronin, Kuyt, Babel and Steven Gerrard, who can play as a second striker," said Benitez.

"But we will try to bring in another option.”

David Villa had another excellent season for Los Che, scoring 18 goals for the Primera Liga outfit, but there is competition to sign Villa, not only from Premiership sides Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, but also from the Continent.

Villa has already stated that he would feel comfortable with a move to Liverpool, saying recently to the Daily Mail: "Liverpool and Chelsea are both big clubs with lots of attraction.

"Liverpool have a Spanish coach and I have lots of friends there.”

Benitez has also now confirmed his interest, and knows the challenge ahead if he wants to convince Villa to make a move to Anfield.

"Villa we know all about. He is on our list. But maybe it will be difficult," said Benitez on Tuesday.

Liverpool FC Back In Talks To Seal Gareth Barry Move

Liverpool are in further negotiations with Aston Villa in an attempt to finally seal the transfer of Gareth Barry.

The Midlanders have sent their Anfield counterparts a letter outlining their demands for the England international midfielder.

It is understood the asking price remains at £18m, with Villa manager O’Neill prepared to lower that to £17m if Steve Finnan heads to Villa Park in part-exchange.

While Liverpool value Finnan at £2m, Villa believe the right-back is worth only half as he has already entered the final year of his contract.

Any agreement will also hinge on the method of payment, with Villa insistent that Liverpool follow the traditional Premier League structure of half the money down immediately and the rest in 12 months’ time.

Rafael Benitez has previously been unwilling to spend £18m on Barry, valuing the player nearer the £15m mark.

However, O’Neill is confident the situation will soon be resolved.

“Liverpool have come back to us and we have responded to their proposal with a letter,’’ said the Villa manager yesterday. “We’re still waiting to hear back from Liverpool after putting that proposal to them. It’s really up to Liverpool. I really don’t know how it’s going to work out at the moment.

“I’m sure there will be some sort of resolution at some stage or another.”

Villa have already made plans for life without their skipper Barry, with Steve Sidwell expected to be unveiled today after finalising his move from Chelsea.

Meanwhile, newly-promoted Stoke City are reportedly ready to raid Liverpool as they seek to bolster their squad for their first-ever Premier League campaign.

Manager Tony Pulis has been monitoring goalkeeper Scott Carson’s situation, although Moroccan international Nabil El Zhar is a more attainable target.

The Reds’ youngster Lucas Leiva has been included in Brazil’s squad for the Olympic Games football tournament next month in Beijing.

And with Javier Mascherano having already been named in the defending champions Argentina’s squad, it means Liverpool are poised to be without both their South American central midfielders for the start of the new Premier League season, which begins with a trip to Sunderland on August 16.

Yossi Benayoun: I’m Staying At Liverpool FC

Yossi Benayoun says he is determined to stay at Liverpool – because manager Rafael Benitez “loves” him.

Manchester City and Tottenham are both keen to recruit the Israeli international midfielder, but Benayoun believes there is no chance of Liverpool cashing in on him.

He said: “Even before the season ended, we determined that I would be staying.

“Benitez told me unequivocally that he brought me here, that I had a very good season, that he’s depending on me and that there’s no way I’ll leave Liverpool.

“I have very good chemistry with Benitez. He loves me. He bought me. I really enjoy being with him – moreover, I had an excellent season. I even surprised myself.

“Benitez didn’t want to hear and isn’t prepared to hear about any possibility of letting me go at any price.”

Benayoun scored 11 goals in 48 appearances in his debut season with Liverpool, although he regularly had to settle for a place on the bench.

But he says the only circumstance in which he would leave the club would be if he was told he was no longer wanted.

He added: “Liverpool is good for me, and it was always clear I want to stay and Liverpool wants me. I got better offers financially, but these tempting offers don’t change my mind.

“If Liverpool wouldn’t want me, I’d leave there in seconds. Even if I had a contract, if I understood they didn’t want me, I’d get up right away and leave. But I’m not leaving Liverpool.”

Meanwhile, Benitez has challenged the club’s youngsters to show him during pre-season they are ready for a first-team call.

The Reds boss knows the likes of Krisztian Nemeth, Damien Plessis, Emiliano Insua and Daniel Pacheco have made great strides over the last 12 months – now he wants them to take another step forward.

Their task will be made easier over the coming weeks as Benitez uses the full contingent of his playing staff during pre-season trips to Switzerland, Spain, Norway and around the UK.

However, a slight complication arises from the fact Nemeth, Andras Simon, Mikel San Jose, Dean Bouzanis and Peter Gulacsi will all be appearing in the European under-19 Championships in the coming weeks.

The manager said: “Clearly some of the young players will be involved in some of our games during pre-season and this is an opportunity for them to show what they can do, although some of them are so good they will play some games with their national teams.

“But we have a lot of confidence in them so if they can be with the first-team players and work with the coaching staff I am sure it will be good for them.

“It is important that they develop their experience at this stage of their careers and afterwards we will see, but it is clear that they have a chance.”

Hungarian trialist Zsolt Poloskei will spend a season-long loan at Liverpool, the club has confirmed.

The midfielder was one of three MTK Hungaria teenagers to arrive at Melwood for pre-season trials.

Having impressed staff, the 17-year-old has already been handed a loan deal and will battle it out for a place in Gary Ablett’s reserves during 2008/09.

Poloskei’s settling in process will be helped by the presence of Peter Gulacsi, Krisztian Nemeth and Andras Simon, who all arrived from MTK a year ago.

Benitez Admits: I'll Be Sorry To See Crouch Go But I Still Have Torres, Voronin, Kuyt, Gerrard - And Maybe Even Villa

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has admitted he wanted to keep Peter Crouch as the England striker prepares to complete his move to Portsmouth.

Crouch has completed a medical at Fratton Park and the finer points of his £11million move back to the south coast are almost complete with Pompey likely to formally confirm the move tomorrow.

But Benitez has preempted Crouch's final departure from Merseyside by saying: 'He is a good professional and a nice person, and we would have wanted him to stay. We offered him a new contract.

'But sometimes you have to understand the player. He wanted to play a lot more, and with Fernando Torres now first choice, that was always going to be difficult.

'I can understand Peter's situation. But he did very well for this club and we always supported him when people doubted the decision to bring him to Anfield.'

Benitez made it clear that he will now try to sign a replacement striker, and refused to rule out a possible move for Spanish star David Villa.

He said: 'We have Torres, Andriy Voronin, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and Steven Gerrard, who can play as a second striker.

'But we will try to bring in another option. Villa is a player we know all about and he is on our list. But maybe it will be difficult.'

Benitez now hopes to complete the drawn-out saga of Gareth Barry's move from Aston Villa, which the club still hope to have sealed by the weekend.

Whether that will be in time for Liverpool's first pre-season friendly at Tranmere on Saturday is debatable.

But Benitez would wish to have the midfielder on board for the training camp in Switzerland which starts on Sunday and includes three matches before a return to the UK ahead of the trip to play Rangers in Glasgow on July 26.

Peter Crouch Agrees Personal Terms With Portsmouth

Peter Crouch has agreed personal terms with Portsmouth and is expected to complete his £11 million move to Fratton Park in the coming days.

The Liverpool forward is expected to undergo a medical today before completing his move to the club he left in 2002. While the 27-year-old hopes the move will reinvigorate his England career, Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, hopes the influx of cash will allow him to secure his top targets.

Liverpool accepted Portsmouth's offer on Monday, of which £2m is conditional on his success at Fratton Park. And far from being worried by a perceived drop in class, Crouch, who scored 19 goals in 39 appearances in an earlier spell at Portsmouth, is delighted with the move, having been frustrated by Benítez's selection policy last season.

The striker believes that regular first-team football will help his England career, having yet to start a match under Fabio Capello, the manager.

Alonso Happy To Stay A Red

Xabi Alonso insists he would have no problem staying at Liverpool, as a proposed move to Juventus stalls due to the two clubs' inability to settle on a transfer fee.

The classy Spaniard was expected to tie-up a switch to Serie A at the conclusion of the European Championship after Liverpool intimated a willingness to sell.

Gareth Barry's long-protracted move from Aston Villa was thought to be reliant on Alonso's exit generating funds but the likely departure of Peter Crouch to Portsmouth would swell the transfer coffers significantly.

And should it be that Juve fail to match Liverpool's valuation, Alonso will be more than content to stay on Merseyside.

"I am very happy with Liverpool, the city, the people and they treat me very well," Alonso is quoted in The Sun.

"It's great to be European champion with my club and with my country but I'd love a league medal.

"It's the one that is missing."

Graeth Barry Would Be 'Crazy' Not To Join Liverpool FC

Former Wales international Mark Delaney claims Gareth Barry would be “crazy” not to move to Liverpool.

Delaney, who made 158 appearances for Villa between 1999 and 2007, believes the Champions League represents a career path too good to refuse.

“He has been Villa’s best player for the last four or five years and I am surprised it has taken this long for a big club to come along,” said the 32-year-old, who was capped 36 times for Wales.

“When that knock on the door arrived it was Liverpool and they are an unbelievable club.

“Gareth will be 28 in February. These are his ‘twilight’ years. If he goes he will win trophies and if he doesn’t go it will be crazy for his career.

“He has to give it a go. If he can’t go the opportunity may never arise again. Liverpool might not ask again.

“He has to grasp this with both hands. This choice is Champions League and England with Liverpool or the InterToto with Villa.”

Villa manager Martin O’Neill is demanding £18m to allow Barry to join the Reds, but

Delaney says O’Neill would have swapped Nottingham Forest for Liverpool in his playing days had the call come.

“Martin O’Neill knows Liverpool are a bigger club than Villa,” he said. “It hurts me to say that as a Villa supporter through-and-through. The club mean a hell of a lot to me.

“If he (O’Neill) didn’t say he would have done the same as a player he would be lying. Anyone would.

“Randy Lerner could probably match what Liverpool offer Gareth in terms of wages but this is not about money.

“And the reason Martin has probably reacted like he has is that he knows Gareth will be hard to replace.

“It is unfortunate for Villa but these things happen.”

Delaney, now a part-time coach with Villa’s Academy, admits he is a huge fan of O’Neill and the revolution that is taking place at Villa Park under Randy Lerner.

But he says Villa cannot yet hope to break into the top four.

“Gareth has been as loyal as any Villa player. The thing is, I cannot see them breaking the top four in his time,’’ he added.

“They exceeded all expectations last season. But can they do it again? I don’t know.

“If Gareth has a bad season in terms of form, or he gets injured, then there is no way Villa will get £18m.

“He loves Villa, as I do, but for his career this is the right move.”

LFC Rumourmill: More On Barry, Reds For Reira And Meir?

Liverpool's Steve Finnan could be used as a deal breaker in the on-going saga regarding Gareth Barry's future, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Liverpool are reported to be offering the Irishman to Aston Villa in a last ditch attempt to bring the 27 year old to Anfield next season.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is said to be a big fan of Finnan's and would need the £15 million in order to see through his own transfer target - Chelsea's Steve Sidwell.

And although Finnan has given no sign that he wants to leave Liverpool there is no doubt that if he has a fan in O'Neill he would be guaranteed a first-team place.

RUMOUR RATING: Three stars - something needs to happen to break the impasse between the two clubs; everyone knows the Barry transfer is going to happen - it is just how.

Liverpool are supposedly set to reignite their interest in Spanish winger Albert Riera according to reports in The People.

The Reds reportedly had a £9.5 million plus Sebastian Leto bid rejected for the Espanyol winger. The Spanish outfit are thought to be holding out for a deal closer to about £13 million. The 26 year old caught the eye of Rafa Benitez with his solid performances over the past few seasons which have also seen him earn several call ups to the Spanish first team.

It is still unknown whether Liverpool will up their bid to the La Liga outfit's asking price.

RUMOUR RATING: Three stars - Liverpool's interest is already known but how Benitez juggles his transfer kitty will hold the key to any deal.

Liverpool duo Steve Finnan and Scott Carson could be making exits from Anfield this Summer in order to make way for Gareth Barry and Diego Cavalierei.

Rumour site Football Corner says Gareth Barry's move to Liverpool is looking ever likelier as the England international was fined and asked to sit out of preseason because of his poor media relations over the past few weeks. Steve Finnan may be used in a player plus cash deal with Aston Villa in order to secure the signature of the 27 year old.

Diego Cavalieri is another player who may be brought in this Summer, as back up for Pepe Reina. With the introduction of the £3 million Brazilian shot stopper that will almost certainly see the end of Scott Carson's time at Anfield. Premier League new boys Stoke City are thought to have an interest in signing the previously £10 million rated keeper.

RUMOUR RATING: Five stars - there will be a number of comings and goings at Liverpool this summer with the Brazilian keeper expected to sign in this week.

Liverpool are eyeing Stuttgart defender Fernando Meir, reports Tribal Football.

His agent, Roger Wittman, said: "If the club puts him up for sale, everything will happen very quickly. There's always interest in a player of his quality."

RUMOUR RATING: One star - Liverpool would seem well blessed with defenders and given the priorities elsewhere in the team, another one might seem excessive.

Aston Villa Ready To Do Gareth Barry Business After Steve Finnan Sweetener

Martin O’Neill is ready to accept Liverpool’s £15 million offer for Gareth Barry now that Steve Finnan has been offered in a part-exchange deal. As Barry, the England midfield player, was expressing his disappointment at the controversial nature of his departure from Aston Villa, the manager was preparing to sign Steve Sidwell as a midfield replacement.

Sidwell is due to have talks with Luiz Felipe Scolari over the next 24 hours, when it is believed that the new Chelsea manager will confirm that the midfield player, signed from Reading on a free transfer last summer, will be told that he can join Villa for £5 million.

Villa head to Switzerland on a two-match tour today, with Barry left at home after being banned from preseason training in the wake of a critical interview in a Sunday newspaper that has left him as public enemy No 1.

Martin Laursen, the leading candidate to succeed Barry as Villa captain, has been on the phone to his friend. “I have spoken to him,” the Denmark defender said at the launch of Villa’s new kit yesterday. “He’s not happy with that [being cast as the villain]. I understand supporters want to keep their best player, but I hope that they can remember all he’s done for the club.

We’re talking about a guy who’s played here for ten years, become the youngest player to play 300 Premier League games, been our captain, done so many good things for the club. I’m sad that the fans are angry with him now and they should remember what he has done for this club.”

The £10 million sale of Peter Crouch by Liverpool to Portsmouth means that Villa can expect to receive half the fee for Barry up front, with half to follow in 12 months, while O’Neill will be delighted to acquire Finnan after being without a recognised right back last season. Liverpool will also pay add-ons if Barry wins the Champions League with them.

Laursen rates Barry highly but does not believe that he is irreplaceable. “Obviously, it’s a big loss,” he said. “He was a very good player, a nice guy, a good captain, but there are a lot of players who can do as good a job as he can. I’m sure we can bring in a player who is as good as Gareth.”

Rafa Benitez To Step Up Transfer Activity Following Peter Crouch Sale

Rafael Benitez is ready to step up his summer recruitment drive after Peter Crouch moved to the brink of a move to Portsmouth.

Crouch held talks with the Fratton Park outfit yesterday and underwent a medical after Liverpool accepted an offer for him.

The proposed deal will see Portsmouth make an initial payment of around £8.75million, a figure that could rise to almost £11m with add-ons and incentives over the course of Crouch’s contract.

“We have reached a verbal agreement with Portsmouth and have given them permission to speak with Peter,” confirmed a Liverpool spokesman yesterday.

While short of Benitez’s £15m public valuation, Portsmouth’s bid would represent a profit on the £7m Liverpool spent to sign the striker from Southampton in 2005.

Crouch, who has less than a year remaining on his present Anfield deal, has rebuffed Liverpool’s offer of a new contract and is keen to leave Anfield in pursuit of regularfirst-team football.

Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with Crouch, but the player has always preferred a move back to the South Coast and a chance to link up again with Harry Redknapp, his manager at Portsmouth during his previous stay at the club in 2001-02.

Crouch’s departure will signal the start of an intensive period of transfer activity at Anfield.

Benitez is hopeful the Gareth Barry saga can be concluded shortly, with Aston Villa having intimated they would take Steve Finnan in part-exchange. However, the Midlanders are still holding out for an overall deal of £18m, above Liverpool’s valuation of the player.

Robbie Keane is Benitez’s first-choice replacement for Crouch, but the manager is aware of the difficulties in prising the striker away from Tottenham Hotspur.

Benitez will also intensify his search for a winger.

Valencia’s David Silva and Espanyol’s Albert Riera are the prime targets, although both Spanish clubs would have to lower their demands if any deal is to become a reality.

Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri has arrived on Merseyside with Liverpool keen to finalise a £3m deal for the 26-year-old Atletico Mineiro man, who will become Pepe Reina’s understudy with Galatasaray still interested in Charles Itandje, despite the Frenchman’s excessive contract demands.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have confirmed the signing of 17-year-old Denmark youth international striker Nikola Saric on a three-year deal.

Reds Swoop For Danish Starlet

Liverpool have signed promising Danish youth international striker Nikola Saric on a three year deal.

The 17-year-old, who was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia, is an Under-18 international for Denmark.

The former Herfolge player was recently on trial with SC Heerenveen at the Otten Cup tournament, hosted by PSV Eindhoven.

In 2007 Saric was named Denmark's Under-17 Player of the Year.

Saric told Herfolge's official website: "Of course, I want to join Liverpool FC.

"I will get to train with the big names over there and develop in the reserves. It is a tremendous chance for me and I am very happy.

"Since I feel the time is right and that I am mature enough for a new challenge, we have been waiting for the right club to come with an offer."

Parry: We Will Benefit From Euro Group

Rick Parry believes Liverpool and English football will benefit from the creation of a new European Club Association, of which he has been appointed a board member.

The Reds chief executive is one of 15 board members at the helm of the ECA, which replaces the now-defunct G14.

The Association is charged with tackling the game's pressing issues over the next two years – and Parry believes it has far greater clout than its predecessor.

He explained: "This body has far greater credibility than the G14, both with fellow clubs and UEFA, because G14 was always seen as an elite group.

"Now we have clubs with widely diverging interests. We wanted a proper say in the issues that affect us most and it's important that there's an English voice on the board."

Rangers director John McClelland could not disguise his pride at also becoming a board member to represent not only Scottish interests but those of all other so-called second-tier clubs.

"It's very important that clubs of our size, those that were outside G14, are represented," McClelland said. "Now we have one solid voice, including many of the so-called two-tier clubs."

Five English teams are among the 103 ECA members: Newcastle, Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Liverpool Boss Benitez On Missing Agger, Hails Skrtel

Liverpool missed Daniel Agger during his injury problem, according to boss Rafa Benitez, who feels had the defender been fit the Reds would have had a chance of mounting the Premier League title challenge.

The Danish aided the side to have a brilliant start to last season’s campaign which saw them concede just two goals in their first seven matches. However, his season was marred with a broken foot which resulted in an early end to his season.

In the Liverpool Daily Post, Benitez is quoted as saying: “I think it cost us early in the season. We conceded goals at the end of games which finished as draws because Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher were playing too many games in a row.

“We were using Jack Hobbs in some games and Alvaro Arbeloa as a centre-back and clearly we missed Daniel Agger.

“He is a centre-back but good on the ball and a threat for the other team too.

“We missed Agger.”

The Spanish tactician reinforced the defence in January transfer window bringing in Martin Skrtel from Zenit St Petersburg.

Benitez added: “We knew this player (Skrtel) when he was 18. It was funny because some people were going to see Everton against Zenit and were saying this player really has ability.

"But we already had four or five videos of him which we liked. We had already sent our people over there and we knew he was the player for us.

“It can be difficult to settle down in this country but Martin has been really good.

“We know the players we want whenever the window opens and we try to sign the players we want at the right price.”

Star Names On Merseyside Trains

Four trains are being named after legends from Liverpool’s sport and music scenes after being chosen by ECHO readers.

Blues’ star Dixie Dean and former Liverpool Football Club manager Bob Paisley will now both be immortalised on Merseyrail units.

The Beatles will also be recognised.

The first train officially named following the competition organised by the ECHO and Merseytravel pays tribute to three times Grand National winner Red Rum.

The nameplate is expected to be unveiled in a ceremony at Southport station on July 14.

“Rummy” used to train on the sands at nearby Ainsdale beach.

Merseytravel chairman Mark Dowd said: “These four trains have been named by the people of Merseyside and that’s what Capital of Culture is all about – getting people involved and leaving a lasting legacy of a special year.

“All four trains have been named after true icons of this great region and as a lifelong Blue I'm obviously delighted Dixie Dean has made the final four.

“I'd like to thank everyone who took time to make their choice. They should be able to spot these trains across the network very soon.”

Rail Service chairman Chris Blakeley said: “These trains will forever be linked to these great icons. They are your trains, named after people – or horses – you’ve chosen.

“It's nice to see both football clubs represented too. Dixie Dean and Bob Paisley are two famous sporting personalities who have forever left their mark on this region.

“As for the Beatles, well their mark is indelible.

“The first train being launched will be Red Rum, a local horse, but famous across the world.”

Thousands of votes were cast in the online competition organised as part of Capital of Culture year.

Readers were asked to choose from a list of 20 leading men and women from the region in the fields of sport, music, politics, acting, comedy, business, health, invention, religion and war heroes.

Among those on the list were Harold Wilson, war heroes Noel Chavasse and Captain Johnnie Walker, Sir Simon Rattle, John Peel, Frank Hornby and Arthur Askey.

Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun: “No Way I'll Leave Liverpool”

Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun has rubbished all reports claiming that he is heading for an exit from the club.

The Israeli insisted that leaving the club is not at all part of his plans as he loves the club and the manager Rafael Benitez simply “loves” him.

Benayoun has been linked with a move to a number of clubs over the summer but the midfielder has been quick do deny any such linkups claiming he was delighted to be a part of the Reds side and also went on to reveal his relationship with boss Benitez.

"It seems the media in Israel and England are in a contest to see who's more bored during the slow summer months," he told Ha'aretz.

"The media in England published a story [on] Friday that Rafael Benitez told me finally that I'm staying at Liverpool. These reports are the work of the writer's imagination because, even before the season ended, we determined that I would be staying.

"Benitez told me unequivocably [unequivocally] that he brought me here, that I had a very good season, that he's depending on me and that there's no way I'll leave Liverpool.

"I have very good chemistry with Benitez. He loves me. He bought me. I really enjoy being with him, moreover, I had an excellent season. I even surprised myself.

"Benitez didn't want to hear and isn't prepared to hear about any possibility of letting me go at any price.

"Liverpool is good for me and it was always clear I want to stay and Liverpool wants me. I got better offers financially but these tempting offers don't change my mind.

"If Liverpool wouldn't want me, I'd leave there in seconds. Even if I had a contract but I understood they didn't want me, I'd get up right away and leave.

"But I'm not leaving Liverpool."

Stoke City Linked With Liverpool’s Carson As Aston Villa Focus On Signing Tottenham’s Robinson

Newly-promoted Premiership outfit Stoke City is reportedly interested in Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson, who had spent the last season on loan at Aston Villa.

The England international returned to the Merseyside at the end of the last season as Villa did not take the option of a permanent move.

The 22-year-old has been apparently valued at £10million that has forced Villa boss Martin O’Neill to look elsewhere with Tottenham’s £5m-rated Paul Robinson said to be the prime target.

Neverthless, the Potters manager Tony Pulis is looking to bring in an experienced custodian and could jump at the chance to sign Carson, who is looking to leave Anfield for regular football.

Keane Told He Will Not Join Liverpool

Just like every other Tottenham striker, Robbie Keane has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane this summer. Berbatov is reportedly chased by Manchester United and Arsenal while Darrent Bent is wanted by a host of mid-table clubs.

Robbie Keane is wanted by Liverpool, but he has been told to forget about those rumours because he will not be allowed to leave.

“My first task at pre-season last week was to pin Robbie to the wall and tell him: ‘You’re staying!’” Said Gus Poyet, according to The People.

“I was shocked when I heard him being linked with Liverpool - he’s a very important player for us.”

Robbie Keane was thought to be interested in a move to Anfield where he could give himself a shot at the big club. But Tottenham have done everything they could do to ensure that Keane stays put.

According to the report, the 27 year old would cost potential buyers about £20 million and it is thought that Liverpool do not have that kind of money to spend on a striker who is on the wrong side of his 27th birthday.

Torres Is A Revelation - Thomas

Former Liverpool midfielder Michael Thomas has described current Liverpool hero Fernando Torres as a “revelation”, believing that the striker and Steven Gerrard’s partnership could see the club end their Premiership title drought.

The 24-year old moved to Anfield from Atletico Madrid in a £22 million deal last summer, and despite doubts from several leading pundits, went on to score 33 times for The Reds in his debut campaign.

‘El Niño’s’ link-up with Gerrard, who manager Rafa Benitez used in a withdrawn role behind the striker, was a rewarding one, with the pair scoring a combined total of 55 goals.

And Thomas believes that the Spain international, who also scored his nation’s winning goal in the Euro 2008 final against Germany, will only improve over the coming years.

"I've been to watch a lot of Liverpool games recently and Torres has been a revelation," Thomas told LFC magazine.

"The Newcastle match - where he scored the second and made the third - showed exactly how good he is. They couldn't stop him that day.

"I'd heard some people say he wasn't a natural striker and they were surprised by his goalscoring ability. I'm not.

"I already knew a bit about him before he moved to England and he's got everything; pace, power, technique, touch, vision. He really is the perfect centre forward.

"His partnership with Steven Gerrard has been devastating and if they continue to play together like that then the team should get better and better."

Another of Benitez’s recruits, Ryan Babel, struggled to make as much of a mark as Torres, though Thomas saw enough in the young Holland forward to believe that he too could prove to be a major hit on Merseyside.

"I really like the look of him," he said.

"It's probably fair to say he had a slow start in the Premier League when he was obviously adjusting to a different style of football in a new country.

"But as the campaign progressed he started to do really well, especially when coming off the bench.

"I honestly believe he's got everything you need to be a top attacking player.

"And if he continues to develop and improve I can see him eventually moving out of a wide position to play as a centre-forward, maybe even alongside Fernando Torres. That would be a great combination."

Juve Set To End Alonso Chase

According to reports in Italy, Juventus are set to drop their interest in Xabi Alonso after growing frustrated at the lack of progress during negotiations with Liverpool.

The Bianconeri are well known to be in the market for a top class centre midfielder, and they have been heavily linked over the past several weeks with Roma’s Alberto Aquilani, Napoli’s Marek Hamisk, Inter’s Dejan Stankovic, as well as Sevilla midfielder Christian Poulsen.

With deals for Aquilani and Hamsik impossible, and Stankovic also unlikely due to fan protests, Alonso had emerged as Juve’s new first choice signing.

The Old Lady have been attempting to negotiate a transfer fee with Liverpool for the player, but have grown increasingly frustrated at the failure to reach a compromise, with the Merseysiders said to be demanding €20m and Juve only prepared to pay €15m.

Over the weekend Ranieri stated that Alonso was not the only centre midfielder that Juve were interested in, and according to latest reports in Italy, the club have become so fed up with proceedings that they are ready to end their chase for Alonso.

Alonso signed for Liverpool in 2004 from Basque Country-based Spanish side Real Sociedad.