Rafa Benitez: Title Is Priority For Liverpool FC

Rafael Benitez has made ending Liverpool’s championship drought his priority for the forthcoming campaign.

The Anfield outfit last won the title back in 1990 and finished last season in fourth place, 11 points adrift of champions Manchester United.

Since taking charge four years ago, Benitez has led Liverpool to glory in the European Cup and Uefa

Super Cup in 2005 and the FA Cup the following year.

The Anfield outfit were also beaten finalists in the League Cup and World Club Championship in 2005 and the European Cup two years later.

However, the Premier League has become the holy grail for Liverpool, particularly as United’s most recent triumph has moved the Old Trafford outfit to within one of their record 18 championships.

And Benitez, who hopes to bolster his squad numbers further in the coming days, has revealed realistically challenging for the title is now his team’s primary target.

“I’m confident this is our best squad we’ve had during my time here,” he said. “We were looking for players to improve our weaknesses. I think we have found some of them, hopefully we can find some in a few days or a few weeks.

“At a club like Liverpool you want to win every trophy. If you said to me to put them in an order of priority, I’d say the Premier League, then the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup. We’ll try to win all of them.

“We have enough confidence. We are hopefully going to be better than last season. We must try to work as hard as before and get as close as possible. If we can challenge, then why can’t we do something more important?”

Liverpool’s best league finish under Benitez came in 2006 when they ended the campaign nine points adrift of champions Chelsea in third place.

The manager has already started reshuffling his squad, with Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena bolstering the full-back berths while John Arne Riise has joined Roma and Peter Crouch is poised to complete a move to Portsmouth.

“Everyone agreed that we needed to improve in the wide areas,” added Benitez. “We are looking for wingers and we’ve brought in two offensive full-backs in Degen and Dossena, who can go forward and give different options to the strikers.

“We are working really hard and are close to finishing some deals. We are hoping to progress with some big names and players who can improve us in the future.”

Liverpool are seeking a swift conclusion to the Gareth Barry transfer saga, although Xabi Alonso’s future is in limbo with the Serie A side considering their interest in the Spanish international.

Benitez is also tracking Robbie Keane and Valencia winger David Silva.

Juve Pull Out Of Alonso Deal

Juventus have reportedly pulled the plug on their pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, a decision which could have vast repercussions for both clubs’ transfer plans.

The Sun claims Juve have scrapped their plans to bring Alonso to Turin, despite the move appearing all but done after several weeks of negotiations.

Prior to EURO 2008, it seemed only a matter of putting to pen to paper but closing talks were put off during the tournament and have failed to pick up where they left off.

It is believed the Reds are now refusing to budge from their original ₤16million asking price, a figure the Old Lady simply will not – or cannot – meet.

Hence, the Bianconeri have turned to alternative targets such as Sevilla’s Christian Poulsen and Internazionale’s Dejan Stankovic – the latter of whose proposed move has met with angry protests from the Juve faithful.

But the situation at Anfield is even more interesting, as Alonso’s non-departure could effectively scupper Rafa Benitez’s hopes of landing Aston Villa wantaway Gareth Barry.

It is understood Benitez was to use the cash from the Basque playmaker’s transfer to fund the Barry deal, as Villa are demanding ₤18million for their skipper. The Merseyside giants have repeatedly denied that this was the case, but that stance will most certainly be tested now.

The timing of these happenings also leaves Barry in a particularly unpleasant situation, as the England midfielder effectively severed ties with Villa recently when he publicly declared his desire to join Liverpool.

As Villa have already secured a replacement in Steve Sidwell, the 27-year-old could be out in the cold if Benitez decides to drop the deal and focus on attacking reinforcements instead.

Rafa Still Chasing Silva

Liverpool are ready to step up their interest in Valencia winger David Silva, according to reports.

The Sun claims that the Merseyside giants are aiming to tie up a deal for around ₤16million as they seek to increase their flair options this summer.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez announced yesterday that he is keeping a very close eye on David Villa, the Valencia striker who scored four-goals at EURO 2008 last month to help Spain to their first major title in over four decades.

Benitez’s revelation sent up warning signals all across Europe, as many believed the wily Spaniard may have been using Villa – an obvious target, given his link with Fernando Torres for La Furia Roja – as a smokescreen for a more secretive deal.

And in Silva, who also featured prominently in Austria and Switzerland, he has a player who will cost half the price – in both wage and transfer fee – of his Mestalla team-mate and would bring some much-needed versatility to Liverpool’s attack.

Although usually classed as a winger, the 22-year-old is an elusive playmaker who can works all across the park and in between the lines, making him a perfect candidate to slot into either wide role in the Reds’ 4-2-3-1 shape.

Los Che may not necessarily be amicable sellers but their current financial state means they must offload either Villa or Silva, their two most bankable stars, with whom Barcelona have also been linked.

Villa Frustrate Liverpool Over Gareth Barry

Gareth Barry is facing up to the prospect of another weekend in limbo as Liverpool and Aston Villa continue to haggle over the finer points of his proposed move to Anfield.

Despite a busy day of transfer activity at both clubs yesterday, Barry remained in the West Midlands after Villa wrote to Liverpool outlining their demands to agree to the sale of the England international. Having already rejected bids of up to £15 million for Barry, the letter is understood to ask for £17 million, to be paid in full in the next 12 months, plus defender Steve Finnan.

Yet negotiations remain deadlocked as Liverpool rate Finnan at £2 million while Villa, who were last night in talks with Chelsea's £5 million-rated Steve Sidwell, a likely replacement for Barry, believe the full-back is only worth half of that figure as he enters the final year of his contract.

Rafael Benitez remains optimistic his main summer target - fined and banned from Villa's training ground for criticising manager Martin O'Neill - will sign but the delay in his arrival is a cause of frustration for the Liverpool manager as he prepares for his squad's departure for their Swiss training camp on Sunday.

With Peter Crouch due to complete an £11 million move to Portsmouth in the next 24 hours, Liverpool's money men could easily bow to all of Villa's demands but they insist that the second city club must meet their valuation of Finnan.

While Barry's arrival remains on ice, Liverpool will today officially unveil defenders Andrea Dossena, an £8 million acquisition from Udinese, and Swiss international Philipp Degen, signed on a free from Borussia Dortmund. Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri has undergone a medical and should complete his move from Palmeiras within days while Benitez has spoken of his admiration for Valencia's David Villa, who scored four times during Spain's triumphant Euro 2008 campaign.

"He is on our list but maybe it will be difficult, said Benitez, who fears he may be without Ryan Babel for the start of the season. Fit after missing Euro 2008 with an ankle injury, Babel could be selected by Holland for the Olympics.

Liverpool Fury At Losing Ryan Babel

Rafael Benitez is set to lose a third first-team squad member for the start of the new season after it emerged that Ryan Babel is almost certain to compete at the Olympics.

The Holland international has worked hard throughout the summer to overcome an ankle injury that ruled him out of Euro 2008 at the last moment.

Babel has now returned to full training with Liverpool at Melwood, and the Dutch are expected to name him in their squad for the Beijing Olympics.

Benitez said: “Obviously, we are really pleased that Ryan is coming back to training because he is an important player for us and he has worked hard to recover from the injury he suffered with Holland. But we are really worried because after getting him fit it is likely that we could lose him again if he is selected for the Olympics. This is a big problem – we prepare him, then he goes away with the national team.”

Benitez has already lost Lucas to the Brazil squad and fellow midfielder Javier Mascherano as an over-age player with Argentina, who are also likely to call up left-back Emiliano Insua after Real Madrid put a block on Gabriel Heinze’s participation.

Lee Delighted With Reds Role

Former Bolton boss Sammy Lee has declared he is delighted to be back in football since returning to Liverpool in the role of assistant manager.

Lee said: "I hated it. Since leaving school that was the longest time I had out of football.

"When you are in the game, any time you spend out of it is not a happy time. I just found it incredibly frustrating.

"I was able to go and watch matches, but I wasn't the best around the house and you tend to become a pain to the people closest to you.

"The new season can't come quick enough for me."

Lee also feels his tenure as Bolton manager in 2007 will help him with his coaching future.

He added: "My time at Bolton will certainly help me to become a better coach.

"I was very proud and honoured to be given the job and it was only heavily outweighed by the sense of disappointment I had of it not going well.

"Yes, I would have liked longer - you always do - but the facts are I got five points from nine games. I understand why I lost my job. But the Bolton fans were superb to me, my family and the players while I was there.

"I'm still fairly young and the short experience hasn't diminished my ambitions for management.

"But I am focused entirely on Liverpool now and I want to be a part of the success here."

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.”