Pennant’s Convinced He’ll Stay At Liverpool

Jermaine Pennant is convinced he will begin the season as a Liverpool player.

The winger’s future has been the subject of much speculation during the transfer window as Rafael Benitez attempts to reshape his squad.

It is thought the Anfield manager would be willing to listen to offers for Pennant to raise funds for squad strengthening.

Blackburn Rovers are one of several clubs to have been linked with the 25-year-old who cost £6.7m from Birmingham City two years ago.

But Pennant says he has not been told he is up for sale, while revealing his determination to secure silverware with Liverpool.

“The boss hasn’t come to me and said any other club is interested,” he said. “There’s always going to be speculation about someone who isn’t playing as much, but I’m not going anywhere.

“I still have a contract, I’m not asking to leave, I haven’t told the boss that I want to leave and he hasn’t told me that he wants to get rid of me.

“Liverpool isn’t a club you leave easily, if you stay here you are more than likely to win things.”

After playing a key role in the team that reached the European Cup final in his first campaign, Pennant missed almost two months of last season after suffering a stress fracture and made only seven starts after his return to fitness in January.

And the winger accepts that the coming campaign could prove pivotal to his Liverpool career.

“With Rafa using the rotation, then no player is guaranteed a place in the team,” said Pennant, who played the second half of Liverpool’s 1-1 friendly draw against Wisla Krakow in Fribourg, Switzerland on Saturday.

“Every position is up for grabs and you have to take your chance when you get it.

“The second half of last season was a disappointment for me. My injury played a massive part, having three months out on the sidelines. By the time I came back, the team were playing well and it was difficult to get back in.

“I think this could be the most important season of my career. Every season is important to me, although I don’t know about this being a make-or-break one for me.”

Pennant will be hopeful of providing the ammunition for Robbie Keane, who is expected to complete his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur this week.

And the winger has warned Premiership sides to beware a potentially devastating strike partnership between the Republic of Ireland international and Fernando Torres.

“Robbie is a great player, he’s sharp around the box and is a great finisher,” added Pennant.

“If he does sign and is up front with Fernando Torres, it could be as good as anything in the Premiership.

“Robbie has done well in the past four or five years with Tottenham, and Torres was remarkable last season. If they both carry on in that form, it would be a great partnership.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool are closing in on the signature of 19-year-old Paris Saint Germain striker David N'Gog.

N'Gog was told last week he could leave PSG after refusing to sign a new contract with his current deal due to expire in less than 12 months.

Ablett: Pacheco Can Shine Under Rafa

Gary Ablett believes rising star Daniel Pacheco will continue to shine under the guidance of Rafael Benitez.

The 17-year-old Spanish striker arrived from Barcelona last season and enjoyed a superb debut year as he helped the reserves to a unique treble under the command of Ablett.

The reserve team boss, who watched on television as Pacheco set up a goal for Lucas against Lucerne last week, admitted he has been impressed with the way he has handled the step up to first-team level during pre-season.

Ablett believes he is a player with a bright future.

"Dani is a young lad with a lot of potential," Ablett told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"Last season was his first here with us and he more than played his part in what was an exceptional campaign.

"I have always said our main goal is to get players through to Rafa's first-team squad and it is pleasing to see Daniel doing well in the games he has played in pre-season.

"People have to remember, though, that he is only 17 and not to expect too much too soon, but there is no better man than Rafa to help him to achieve what he wants in the game."

Rafael Benitez Confident Of Robbie Keane Deal

Rafael Benitez remains confident of reaching a successful conclusion in his attempt to complete the £20 million signing of Robbie Keane, the Tottenham Hotspur forward, despite last week's angry attack on the Liverpool manager by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.

Benitez and Liverpool believe Levy's decision to report the club to the Premier League will come to nothing and that a deal will be struck that will permit Keane to join Benitez's squad within the next week.

The manager is also hopeful of completing the £18 million transfer of Gareth Barry from a reluctant Aston Villa and with Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso due to report back on Friday for the first time since helping Spain to Euro 2008 success, Benitez's pre-season preparations will begin to gather momentum.

The latest stage of those - Saturday's 1-1 with Polish side Wisla Krakow in Switzerland - was overshadowed by the return of captain Steven Gerrard to England for treatment on a groin problem that will keep the midfielder sidelined for around 10 days.

Gerrard’s Injury Not A Concern For Benitez

Rafael Benitez has played down any fears over Steven Gerrard’s fitness for the start of the season.

The Liverpool skipper returned home early from the club’s training camp in Switzerland after suffering a groin problem.

Gerrard sat out the 2-1 win over FC Lucerne in Grenchen on Wednesday and was back on Merseyside for the 1-1 draw against Polish champions Wisla Krakow in Fribourg on Saturday.

The midfielder has already been ruled out of tomorrow’s friendly in Germany against Hertha Berlin but is likely to return for the trip to Villarreal the following week.

“Steven has a groin problem, it’s not serious but he cannot train and he wouldn’t be available for this game so we decided to send him back to Melwood for training,” said Benitez.

“He should be okay in about a week. It’s not serious but there’s no sense to keep him here being unable to train or play.”

Philipp Degen also missed Saturday’s game due to a groin problem, but is expected to be available tomorrow night.

Liverpool’s other new full-back signing, Italian international Andrea Dossena, was cleared to make his first appearance for the club at the weekend.

The £6m arrival from Udinese played 62 minutes against Wisla, and Benitez said: “Dossena did okay but it was a difficult game for the full-backs.

“Wisla were good in wide areas with overlaps, but it was only his first game so I thought he was fine.

“It was important for him to play his first game. He is a good player and a good professional.

“He needs to understand our system and the way we play and he will get better with the more games he plays.”

Benitez added: “I think we did really well in the first half. We had really good possession, the understanding between the players was good and we showed an attacking mentality.

“We were playing against a team that was well organised and it was a step up in fitness for us.

“We had some chances but they did too so a draw was probably a fair result.

”Of goalscorer Voronin, Benitez added: “He was good, and played well the other day, so we know his quality.”

Reds Keen On PSG Ace

Reports in France claim Liverpool have made a bid to lure Paris Saint Germain young striker David Ngog, cousin of Jean-Alain Boumsong.

Ngog, 19, was told last week by head coach Paul Le Guen he can move on subject to a suitable offer be made and it has been claimed that Rafa Benitez has made an offer to sign the Frenchman.

The Reds’ French scout Laurent Viaud, a former Monaco player, is believed to have suggested the club sign the youngster.

The athletic attacker appeared 19 times in the top flight last season, scoring once at Parc des Princes.

Ngog refused to sign a new deal with the capital club and is under contract until 2009. He was not called up to play the friendly with Clermont last Saturday.

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."