Crocked Gerrard Sent Home

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard's pre-season has been interrupted by a groin injury that has seen the midfielder sent home from the club's Swiss training camp.

According to the club’s official website the injury is not too serious although it will keep him out of action for the next week. Confirming the news Ian Cotton, the club spokesman, said: “Steven has a slight groin strain which will keep him out for between seven and ten days.”

Liverpool are currently in Switzerland ahead of the new season and are due to play Wisla Krakow this evening before facing German side Hertha Berlin next week. Gerrard’s injury will rule him out of both of these games and as such he has been sent home.

Cotton confirmed that the club captain had returned to England for treatment on the injury. Speaking about the midfielder he said: “He has left the training camp to return to Melwood where he will receive treatment on the injury.”

Liverpool began their preparations for the new season with a friendly against Tranmere last weekend. Although Gerrard didn’t start the game he replaced Damien Plessis after 65 minutes in a match which the Reds won 1-0, courtesy of a Yossi Benayoun strike.
The Anfield side then travelled to their training camp in Switzerland where they played FC Lucerne on Wednesday and managed a 2-1 victory, despite Gerrard not featuring in the game which saw Jamie Carragher captain the side in his absence.

Although the news will come as a blow to manager Rafael Benitez he will be hoping Gerrard can recover swiftly. Liverpool continue their pre-season preparations with friendlies against Villareal, Rangers, Vålerenga and Lazio before they open their Premier League campaign on 16 August against Sunderland.

Babel Hopes Against Rafa Olympic Fury

Ryan Babel hopes that heading off to the Olympics with the Netherlands won't negatively impact his Liverpool future.

Dutch winger Ryan Babel has confirmed that he's heading for Beijing and claims he doesn't have a choice in the matter.

Rafa Benitez is delighted to have Babel back after injury but is reportedly livid with Dutch Olympics coach Foppe de Haan for putting the 21-year-old at risk and keeping him out of Liverpool action.

Babel's commitments include an U-23 friendly against Belgium, the ING Cup in Hong Kong and the Olympics tournament itself, where the Dutch are tipped to be contenders.

Babel, who missed Euro 2008 due to ankle ligament problems, understands his duty to The Netherlands, even if Benitez doesn't. He told the club's official website: "I'm going to the Olympics. I know the manager would want me to stay but I don't think he will hold it against me.

"It's a normal reaction from the manager to want me to stay. Every manager wants to keep his players to play at the club.

"But it's not my choice and it isn't the manager's. I’m under-age; the federation needs me; I've been called up so I have to go. It wasn't a choice for me.

"I don't think it's going to affect my career at Liverpool. The boss here knows I didn't have any choice."

Thus, the fleet-footed wide-man is set to miss the first two games of the Premiership season and two legs of Champions League qualifying.

Babel made a long-awaited comeback against Lucerne in midweek - helping the team to a 2-1 win - and admits he's keen to get back on track.

"I feel okay. My game's not perfect yet, but the boss wanted to test me. I thought I did okay and felt confident enough. It's good to be back," he added.

"I've got over the disappointment of missing out on the European Championships. Every player wants to play in it, and when you miss out only two days before you're due to travel to the finals, it's extra disappointing.

"But I'm even more motivated than before, and all I want to do now is look forward."

Inter To Turn Attention To Liverpool's Alonso If Lampard Bid Fails

Inter Milan are to switch their attention to Spanish International Xabi Alonso of Liverpool, if they fail to sign number one transfer target Frank Lampard at Chelsea, according to reports in Italy.

The Nerazzurri have already had one offer of £7.95million (€10m) turned down by the Blues, but have reportedly made an improved bid believed to be £11million (€13.85m) in a final attempt to lure the England International to the San Siro to be reunited with former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho - the new boss at Inter.

Mourinho has been quoted recently as saying he wants to sign a midfielder, with a link up with Lampard being the preferred choice for the ‘Special One’. However, should Inter’s advances for the goal-scoring midfielder be rejected again Mourinho will turn to Alonso.

Alonso had been linked with a move to Juventus all summer, but La Vecchia Signora would not meet Liverpool’s valuation of the 26-year-old, with Juve ending their interest in the EURO 2008 Winner by opting to sign Christian Poulsen from La Liga side Sevilla.

Inter boss Mourinho recently failed in an attempt to prise Marek Hamsik from Napoli and will reportedly try to sign Alonso, who the Reds value in the region of £15million (€18.9m), should Chelsea decide to stand firm and not allow Lampard to leave Stamford Bridge.

Reds manager Rafa Benitez is already on record as saying he needs to sell players before he can add to his Anfield squad, with it believed that the sale of Alonso will enable him to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa finally and bring Robbie Keane to Liverpool from Tottenham Hotspur.

Kuyt Hails Pacheco Impact

Dirk Kuyt admits he is not surprised youngster Daniel Pacheco has been hitting the headlines during the club's pre-season trip to Switzerland but insists he is just one of a group of young guns who are knocking on the first-team door.

The Dutch forward has been impressed by the way the Spaniard has handled the step up from reserve team level to the senior squad and thinks his performances have given boss Rafael Benitez food for thought ahead of the 2008-09 season.

"I think Pacheco has done really well for us," Kuyt told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"He's shown everyone what he is capable of here in Switzerland and has worked hard.

"But it's not just him, I also think some of the other youngsters have done really well - and that's not just what you are seeing in the games, they are also impressing during training too."

Kuyt appeared as a second-half substitute in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Wisla Krakow - a result that ended the Reds' 100 per cent pre-season record.

He admits it was the toughest test they have faced yet but feels the hard work they have put in during matches, and at the pre-season training camp in Interlaken will pay dividends ahead of what promises to be a long and hard campaign.

"Yeah I think it was the toughest test yet," he said.

"I only played for 20 minutes but it was tough and Krakow looked very sharp. Okay we had a few chances to win the game but sometimes in pre-season we work hard in training and we get tired.

"It's been really good in Interlaken this week. The weather's been okay, we've had a few showers but we've got a good big pitch to train on and we have been working really hard.

"We've got a good group and some young new players who are doing well."

Kuyt also had encouraging words for the likes of debutant Andrea Dossena and the club's other new boys, Philipp Degen and Diego Cavalieri.

"They are all good lads," he continued.” I haven't spoken too much to them because I've only been with them a few days but they are nice lads and have done well in training too. Hopefully they can enjoy a good first season with the club."

Mascherano Targets Special Season

Javier Mascherano believes Liverpool have the winning mentality to end a two-year spell without a trophy and has identified Fernando Torres as the man to fire them to what he feels could be a 'special' season for the club.

The Argentina international - who was speaking after the Reds' 1-1 draw with Wisla Krakow in Switzerland - wants Rafael Benitez's side to improve on their fourth-placed finish last time out and feels the hard work they have put in at the club's pre-season camp in Interlaken will go some way to helping them succeed in the future.

"We are working hard in pre-season which is an important time," Mascherano told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"We all want success at this club and we all feel we can do better than last season. We have some great players and we all have a winning mentality.

"If you look at Fernando (Torres) you can see he is a special player. He is a key player for us like Steven Gerrard and if you want to win things it's important for us to have players like them. We hope this year will be good for us and them.

"For me, I always try to give my best for the team and hopefully this can be a special season for us."

The tough-tackling midfielder came on as a second-half substitute against the Polish champions, in a match that also saw his compatriot Emiliano Insua feature for the Reds.

The attack-minded full-back enjoyed a superb season with the Reserves last year and although the arrival of Italian full-back Andrea Dossena has increased competition for the left-back berth, Mascherano is confident the youngster has a bright future with the club.

"He is a very good young player and he is doing well," he said. "He is working hard and wants to do show people what he can do.

"When he has played for the first team he has always done well."

Reds Held By Krakow As Dossena Debuts

Andrea Dossena yesterday made his long-awaited debut for Liverpool, who settled for a 1-1 draw in their friendly against Wisla Krakow.

Dossena arrived from Udinese earlier this month but had not yet featured due to some minor clearance problems. But the Italian defender finally took his bow in Krakow last night, lasting 60 minutes before being replaced by Argentine youngster Emiliano Insua.

Andriy Voronin, who struck the winner in the Reds’ last outing against Swiss side Lucerne, was on target again the Polish side, mopping up his own rebound to eventually slot home after some excellent interplay between Lucas Leiva, Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun.

It took only six minutes for the Merseyside giants to take the lead, and it took only six more before the hosts were level once again. Reds goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri, recently signed from Palmeiras, let in his second goal in as many games as Tomas Jirsak found the net with a low shot.

Each side had chances to take the lead – Voronin in particular should have doubled his tally – but neither could break the deadlock and the game finished 1-1.

Liverpool will travel to Germany to face Hertha Berlin in their next pre-season friendly on July 22.

Liverpool: Cavalieri, Dossena, Carragher, Agger, Darby, Leto, Plessis, Leiva, Benayoun, Voronin, Babel. Subs: Hyypia, Pennant, Aurelio, Pacheco, Insua, Kuyt, Mascherano, Skrtel, Spearing, Hobbs, Martin.

Pre-Season Pleases Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed he is happy with the club's pre-season preparations so far.

The club kicked off their pre-season with wins against Tranmere and FC Lucerne, matches which saw a number of fringe players given the chance to impress the boss.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.tv, Benitez admitted he had been pleased with what he had seen so far and singled out a number of players for praise. He said: “Voronin played really well the other day and Lucas did well. It is also very positive to see Daniel Agger playing again. It's very positive for us to see the likes of Pacheco, Lucas and Voronin playing really well.”

With two wins under their belt already and with friendly games against Hertha Berlin, Villareal, Rangers, Vålerenga and Lazio to come, Benitez admitted the players were working hard. The manager revealed: “All of the players are training very well and really hard. They are enjoying the training we are doing and that is the balance that you are looking for - to work hard and also to enjoy it.”

The Reds open their Premier League campaign against Sunderland on August 16th and the Liverpool manager admitted he hoped the hard work the players were putting in now would mean they were ready in time.

“They are working really hard and you need to push them. We have been doing some tactical and technical work and we have also had the players in the gym as well,” he said before adding, “The physical level of the players is getting better and better after every training session.”

After their excursions at Euro 2008 a number of the Liverpool squad have been given extended breaks including Dirk Kuyt, Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Pepe Reina.

However, Benitez admitted he was looking forward to getting all of his players back together. Benitez said: “We still have the four Spanish players on holiday and Dirk Kuyt arrived with us on Wednesday. When we bring all of the players back together it will be good for us because the understanding between them will be much better.”

The Liverpool manager also went on to speak about a couple of his new signings. Phillipp Degen and Andrea Dossena arrived at Anfield this summer and Benitez admitted hat his new defensive duo were settling in well.

“It is totally different for them because it is a new language,” he admitted before adding, “I was talking today with Philipp and Andrea and we were speaking in English and trying to encourage them. I think they are trying to settle down quickly.”

They are unlikely to be the last signings at Liverpool this season. The club have been strongly linked with moves from Gareth Barry and Robbie Keane and Benitez admitted new developments may still occur.

“My mobile is always on and it must be like this at this time,” he said before concluding, “If we can find the targets then that will be good.”

Liverpool To Enter Eto'o Frame

Samuel Eto'o could make a surprise move to Liverpool if the Premier League club fails in their bid to prise Robbie Keane away from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Cameroonian striker is being offered to Europe's major clubs and many have already previously made contact to ask about his annual salary and transfer fee.

While all those enquiries have failed to lead to a single concrete offer, Barça are determined to sell Eto'o this summer and may lower their demands in the coming weeks.

That would allow Liverpool to make their move and Rafa Benítez believes that the powerful 27-year-old could form an incredible partnership alongside Fernando Torres.

Finances at Anfield may be tight, but following the sale of Peter Crouch to Portsmouth, there maybe some room for negotiation with the Catalan giants.

Manager Rafa Benítez is said to want Keane, but Tottenham will not let their captain go cheaply and his asking price could even rise above the amount Barça are requesting for their striker.

Eto'o has flown back to Barcelona after a promotional trip to Uzbekistan and is due to return to pre-season training with the Blaugrana on Saturday.

Talks are set to be held between the player, his agent, José María Mesalles, and Barcelona and they are predicted to not be easy as the striker has done nothing himself to push for an exit.

Liverpool would be a destination that could attract Eto'o, however, and the promise of Champions League football is the key thing in his list of priorities of any would-be suitor.

Pep Guardiola has stated that if no deal can be done and the goalscorer remains then he will have no problems incorporating him into his squad for the new season.

Barcelona's board have said on various occasions that they want to off-load the forward, who joined the club four years ago from Real Mallorca, and buy a replacement.

Lee Ready For Liverpool Start

Liverpool assistant, Sammy Lee, is desperate for the new season to get underway so that his side can start competing.

Former Kop player and current coach Sammy Lee, 49, has revealed on the clubs official website that he is 'desperate' for the new campaign to get underway.

Lee has been impressed with what he has seen so far in training, and sees no reason if the squad continue in the manner they have started, why they cannot transmit this optimism and enthusiasm onto the pitch.

On their Switzerland training camp, Lee said: "The boys are applying themselves very well and the facilities are fantastic. The hotel is excellent, the playing surface is terrific... it's nice to change the environment and the players appreciate this."

On their current priorities concerning preparation, the former Bolton boss mentioned: "Pre-season is primarily to do with fitness but I think when you wear the Liverpool shirt, the result is always important. You don't want to go anywhere and get beaten. We have other objectives: working on fitness; tactical awareness; getting the understanding between players and ensuring the members of the squad all get playing minutes."

Speaking on his relationship with head coach Rafa Benitez, Lee spoke warmly: "We are trying to develop and hopefully that will evolve over the years. He is a great person to work with and I've said before that his attention to detail is fantastic. I feel privileged to be back at Liverpool."

He concluded by mentioning his ambitions for this squad: "We have to believe we can be better than the others top teams - not just as good as them. Liverpool Football Club doesn't accept second best. Everyone is working tirelessly to get where we believe we should be."

Liverpool face a friendly game in Poland on Saturday, against Wisla Krakow.

Adios Voronin, Hola Barry?

Newspaper speculation suggests Benitez is ready to sell Voronin in order to finance the Barry move.

The long-drawn out transfer story involving Gareth Barry has taken another twist today. Press focus has shifted back toward Liverpool, with the Daily Mirror suggesting that the Anfield club are ready to offload Voronin, in an effort to raise funds to meet Aston Villa's valuation of their captain.

The midlands club are holding out for £18million, and refuse to settle for anything less for their number 6 who has been with them since 1997.

The sale of Voronin is likely to bolster Benitez's kitty with an extra £3million. With Peter Crouch's Portsmouth move also granting Liverpool an added £11million, they may be able to land the man they deem perfect to partner Gerrard, in a three-man midfield anchored by Mascherano.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will be assessing his squad over the next few weeks as his side see through their pre-season regime.

On Saturday 19th July they face Wisla Krakow, in Poland.

Pellegrino Pleased With Anfield Return

Mauricio Pellegrino, who played at Anfield for a brief spell as a defender, has returned to Liverpool as a first team coach.

The Argentine had a brief and fairly forgettable experience on Merseyside in 2005 towards the end of an established career in which he played for an unbreakable Valencia side as well as Barcelona.

Having retired in 2006, he has been called upon by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez for a third time. The tactician favoured him at Valencia, then brought him to Anfield and will now be requiring his services in a coaching role.

"I am really proud and pleased because for me it is a nice opportunity to work for this club again," Pellegrino told Liverpoolfctv.

"Rafa has shown his trust in me once again and I'll try to do the best for the club and do my best to repay him.

"It was a surprise to get the call because I was training with the youth team in Valencia and studying to finish my qualification to become a professional trainer.

"But when Rafa got in touch I knew I had to act quickly and after I had talked to my family and they told me they understood, it was a great opportunity that I could not turn down.

"I will try to do as much as I can for this club and I hope to enjoy working with the Liverpool players.

"It has changed a lot since I was last at Liverpool.

"There are maybe 15 new players but the medical staff and people who work in Melwood are the same.

"There's still the likes of Gerrard, Carra, Sami, Alonso and Finnan - but the rest are new faces.

"It's a different sensation for me. My work has changed completely, my role at the club is very different and every day I am thinking about how I can improve our team; whereas before, when I was player, I would just focus on what I was doing in the session."

Hammill Ties Up Blackpool Loan

Blackpool have completed the signing of Liverpool youngster Adam Hammill on a six-month loan deal.

Skysports.com confirmed earlier on Friday that Hammill was set to move to Bloomfield Road following interest from a clutch of clubs.

The winger, who spent last season on loan at Southampton, had been keen to gain further experience away from Anfield.

Hammill admits that Blackpool had always been his preferred choice and he is looking forward to playing for Simon Grayson's side.

"We've known for the last few weeks that this is the club I wanted to join," Hammill told the club's official website.

"There's been a lot of interest, but I met Simon a few weeks back and he come across very pleasant - and we decided this was the best club for me.

"He told me about his plans for the season, his ambitions - and I was in them - that was enough for me.

"I'm just looking to have a successful season here and I can't wait til the season starts and gets the ball rolling."

Baggies Confim Carson Deal

West Brom have completed the £3.25million signing of England international Scott Carson from Liverpool.

As revealed by skysports.com, Carson has signed a four-year deal at The Hawthorns with the club having the option of adding another year to the deal.

Carson has decided to leave Liverpool after dropping further down the pecking order at Anfield following the signing of Brazilian keeper Diego Cavaleri.

Stoke made the first move for the former Leeds man after agreeing a fee with Liverpool, but pulled out of a deal after learning that other clubs had also joined the race for Carson.

Carson is Baggies boss Tony Mowbray's seventh signing of the summer following the arrivals of Roman Bednar, Luke Moore, Do-heon Kim, Graham Dorrans, Gianni Zuiverloon and Marek Cech.

The 22-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, will battle it out with Dean Kiely for the No.1 shirt at West Brom this season.

Pool Close To Keane Capture?

The Liverpool Echo reports that the Reds are close to landing Tottenham Hotspur vice-captain Robbie Keane.

The Reds have had a busy summer thus far and made few friends in their pursuit of Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry.

As that move looks to have broken down due to the Reds demanding too much from Juventus for Xabi Alonso - the man Barry was set to replace - their attentions have since diverted to bolstering their forward line, with Keane thought to be top of the billing.

The Irishman has become a fan-favourite at White Hart Lane - essentially captain due to Ledley King's constant string of injuries - and has been prolific in front of goal throughout his time in London, particularly alongside Dimitar Berbatov, who is also being chased by one of the Big Four - Manchester United.

The Echo reports that a deal for the player to move to Merseyside is just 48 hours away from completion, as Spurs coach Juande Ramos is resigned to losing a star player or two this summer in order to balance the books.

Keane, thought to be a boyhood fan of Liverpool, is said to be eager for the switch, which would likely bring the total value of his transfers throughout his career well over £50 million.

West Brom Wait On Carson As Blackburn Linked With Liverpool Keeper

West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Mowbray has disclosed that he is yet to hear from Scott Carson having held talks over a possible transfer for the Liverpool goalkeeper.

The 22-year-old England international, who spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, is expected to leave Anfield this summer as he has already had a chat to Baggies’ rivals Stoke City as well, while fellow Premiership outfit Middlesbrough are also linked.

Blackburn Rovers are also said to be in the frame as doubts mount on Brad Friedel’s future at Ewood Park with Manchester City and Aston Villa linked.

Baggies boss Mowbray, meanwhile, is waiting for the answer from Carson as he prepares the squad for the top-flight football.

"I'd go down the road of saying nothing is done, nothing is agreed," said Mowbray in the Birmingham Mail.

"We've had conversations but we can’t say any more as it may come to nothing more - we don't know.

"There is nothing to comment on at the moment.

"We haven't set a timescale and we may hear no more about it.

"Things will either move along or they won’t”

Mowbray also dismissed the link with Bolton defender Abdoulaye Meite after constant reports claimed that the Ivorian was a top target for the Baggies.

"There's nothing happening there," he added.

"If comments have come out of Bolton then that's disappointing but it's just speculation and no more."

Liverpool Keen To Push Through £20m Deal For Spurs Striker Keane

Liverpool are ready to make an improved bid for Tottenham striker Robbie Keane after failing with an initial offer of Peter Crouch plus £5m.

Eager to avoid a repeat of the protracted Gareth Barry saga, they will table a package that - with add-ons - will match Tottenham's £20m valuation of the Republic of Ireland international.

While their pursuit of Aston Villa midfielder Barry is likely to drag on, Liverpool hope to secure Keane's signature by the start of next week.

Plans for an improved bid came as Spurs boss Juande Ramos gave a clear indication yesterday that he will listen to offers for Keane and Manchester United target Dimitar Berbatov.

Speaking from the club's Spanish training retreat, Ramos said: 'The idea is signing young players and if important offers for older players are made, studying it to see what is best for the club.

'We are talking about two very important players. For the moment they are with us. There are some big clubs who have spent a lot of money over many years and have a certain advantage.'

Reports from Spain suggested United might face competition from Barcelona for £30m-rated Berbatov, having failed with a £20m offer.

Meanwhile, Ramos has denied any interest in Espanyol striker Luis Garcia.

Kuyt: Future's Bright, Future's Red

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt believes the future is bright at Anfield after observing the performance of a host of youngsters during the side’s 2-1 friendly win over Switzerland side FC Lucerne.

Manager Rafa Benitez stated last week that several of the young prodigies would be handed their first-team opportunity to “show (him) what they can do”, and the midweek game saw the likes of Jay Spearing, Emiliano Insua and Damien Plessis feature.

It was, however, the performance of 17-year old forward Daniel Pacheco that caught the eye, the Spaniard slicing open Lucerne’s defence to set up fellow apprentice Lucas Leiva for the opening goal.

The performances caught the eye of Kuyt who believes that the group’s inclusion will aid their development at Anfield.

“The tour is important for everyone to get to know each other but this is also a big chance for the young lads,” the Holland international said.

"They did very well tonight and with a bit more luck we could have had four or five goals."

The 27-year old also admitted that he is relishing the hard-work which lies ahead during pre-season as the squad look to regain their fitness ready for the start of the Premiership in August.

"This was my first day back but the lads have told me they've been working very hard this week,” he added.

"The most important thing at this stage is not the result, it's working hard and making sure we are fit for the season.

"The Swiss league starts next week and Lucerne showed they were ready, so it was a good test."

Leiva Looking For Goals

Liverpool youngster Lucas Leiva has set his sights on the opposition goal as he looks to improve his goal tally during the coming season.

The 21-year old Brazilian, who made his senior international debut last summer, found the net just once last campaign, against Havant and Waterlooville in the FA Cup.

The player, who has been included in Brazil’s Olympic squad, opened his account for The Reds on Wednesday, albeit in a friendly against Lucerne.

And after a solid debut season at Anfield, the £6.5 million signing from Gremio is looking to take advantage of manager Rafa Benitez’s instruction to push forward as he looks to replicate the goal-scoring prowess he demonstrated in his homeland.

"It's always nice to score a goal, and it was a good goal and a good win for the team, so I'm happy about that," the midfielder said.

"We know we have to work hard in pre-season because we have a long season ahead and we are trying to put the things we are doing in training into practice in the matches.

"The manager has given me more freedom to go forward and that suits because that is my style.

"I think my form and fitness are improving every day even though it has been tiring because pre-season has been hard but I am happy with my goal.

"I am confident that I can score more goals. Last season I got only one but in Brazil I scored quite a few so I have the belief that I can score more for Liverpool."

The player’s midweek goal was set-up by a defence-splitting pass from fellow prodigy Dani Pacheco, the 17-year old Spaniard, and Leiva feels that the pair can play a key role as Liverpool look to mount a serious title bid.

"It was good for us to win because it helps with our confidence but it wasn't vital at this stage,” he added.

"It is more important for us to get our form and our fitness and that is what we are working really hard to do.

"But Andriy's goal gave us the win and it was a very good goal. He did really well to score because he spotted the keeper off his line and chipped him - he will be pleased with that.

"Also, it was a great pass from Pacheco for my goal. He is a very intelligent player and he is getting better and better all the time.

"He is only 17 but I think he has a good future because he is already showing his qualities for Liverpool."

Liverpool Have Option On Hungarian Loanee

The agent of Hungarian goalkeeper Zsolt Poloskei - who has joined Liverpool on loan - claims that the Reds have the option of signing him on a permanent deal.

Tibor Pataky, agent of 17-year-old Zsolt Poloskei, says Liverpool could exercise an option to sign the goalkeeper on a permanent basis.

Poloskei has signed on a one-year loan from Liverpool’s feeder club, MTK Budapest, becoming the fourth youngster from the Hungarian club currently at Anfield.

Krisztian Nemeth, Andras Simon and Peter Gulacsi are already on Merseyside with the Reds.

"Liverpool officials have seen his performances a couple of times in the last two years and spoke highly of him so it was expected that he would get a contract," Pataky told the Hungarian press.

"He arrived at Liverpool with an injury but the club have been confident about their willingness to sign him, after some days Poloskei could begin training. Liverpool have the option to buy the player permanently after one year."

No Stoke Switch For Carson

The Premier League new boys had looked favourites to sign the goalkeeper at the beginning of the week, after having had a reported £4m offer accepted by Liverpool, but evidently negotiations with the player did not have the desired results.

"We can announce that we are no longer pursuing Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson," read an official Stoke statement.

"The club will continue to look to improve the squad and remain hopeful of closing in on several new signings ahead of the Barclays Premier League campaign."

Middlesbrough and West Brom will especially be encouraged by the news, and Liverpool can count on at least equal to Stoke's offer from both of them.

Carson would almost certainly favour a move to Boro, however, as their immediate prospectives as a club are inevitably far greater than his two other suitors, who were both just promoted to the Premier League.

The fringe England international spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, who were eager to make the move permanent until the Reds all-out offensive for Gareth Barry soured the relationship between both clubs.