Ablett Revamps Training Before Derby

Gary Ablett has overhauled reserves training in a bid to get their season back on track.

The second string go into tonight's mini-derby – a game you can watch exclusively live online through LFC TV – on the back of more intense training designed to guard against complacency.

It comes after the Reds began the defence of their Premier League title by gaining just three points from a possible nine.

Ablett told Liverpoolfc.tv: "As a staff we've been trying to put a few things right because we only lost one game last year and we've lost two already this time round.

"We've had to look at ourselves and the training methods, and look at the attitude of the boys to see if that's any different.

"Every now and again the boys need geeing up. The attitude of the majority is absolutely fantastic but they need to perform to their maximum day in, day out in order to progress at Liverpool.

"We've got to guard against complacency creeping in and we're looking at doing that by making training more competitive and intensive. They can't afford to relax if they want to get into Rafa's plans.

"We're now trying to set different scenarios in training. For example, we might play a game as if we're 1-0 down, or 2-1 up with 10 minutes to go. They have to think about whether to defend or attack. Another way we can do it is reducing the size of the area we play in to make it more intensive.

"We are better than what we've shown so far. There's a massive amount of room for improvement but the boys have showed they want to put it right."

Ablett led his team to a satisfying double over Everton last term.

The former defender believes this trick will only be repeating if his young guns keep their heads.

He explained: "If you ask our local players, they'll say it's one of the games they look forward to most. But since last year we've had a lot of players who aren't local and don't get caught up in the Liverpool v Everton stuff.

"That helps in terms of approaching the game more intelligently and playing with our heads rather than our hearts.

"That's the key to winning these kind of games.

"We've got a lot of players who've experienced this game and know what it's all about, but we've got some new players who we hope will approach it in the same way and not be overawed by the occasion."

Credit Crunch Concerns Dossena

Andrea Dossena admits the financial crisis in Britain has given him cause for concern.

The Italian joined Liverpool from Udinese over the summer, before the credit crunch began to bite.

The economic meltdown currently inflicting the world's economy has threatened to infiltrate football of late.

Clubs are being encouraged to investigate cost-cutting measures, while the possibility a salary cap being introduced has been touted.

At present Premier League clubs remain fairly stable, although the financial worries of top flight sponsor Barclays could yet have significant implications.

"Barclays lost a lot of money in a few hours," Dossena told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We are talking about one of the most important banks, and the sponsor of the Premiership.

"It is all difficult to understand.

"Had I known about certain things before I would have thought twice (about moving to England), I would have asked for more guarantees.

"But I feel good at Liverpool and I chose to move abroad because it was the best financial offer.

"Everything in England seemed secure, with the best organisation and club solidarity.

"But then you discover that West Ham are at risk and may have to sell and the big banks are in serious debt."

Lucas: Life Is Quiet Compared To Brazil

Lucas Leiva has spoken of his tough ordeal breaking into Liverpool's first team, and says life in England is quieter than in Brazil.

Lucas Leiva was considered hot property upon his arrival at Liverpool, along with Denilson the Brazilian pair were believed to have safeguarded the national team's midfield, but both have since been eclipsed by last season's form of Manchester United's Anderson.

Regarding his relationship with Denilson and Anderson, Leiva told Liverpool's official website: "I'm close to Anderson, because we used to play together at Gremio."

"I've not had much contact with Denilson, apart from when we've faced each other on the pitch. The fact we're all doing well over here reflects a change in the Brazilian mind-set."

Leiva also shared how different life is in England compared to his native Brazil: "Compared to Brazil, life is quiet here. We only train in the morning, and we can do what we want in the afternoons."

"On days off I try to visit new places. I've been to London, which reminds me of Sao Paulo, and to the Beatles museum. But the main focus is my career, so when one of our rivals is on TV, I stay at home to watch it," he said.

"I live with my girlfriend and a housekeeper I brought over from Brazil to help us cook - I didn't want to change my eating habits too much!"

"I also live near other Liverpool players - Fabio Aurelio, Alvaro Arbeloa, Yossi Benayoun, Pepe Reina and Fernando Torres - so it's a very good neighbourhood to live in."

On Liverpool's Champions League winning credentials, Leiva added: "It's too early to say at the moment, but we believe in our squad. The club have a great history in the Champions League, but a lot of other clubs think they can win it this season, too."

Gerrard Vows To Wow Capello

Steven Gerrard is determined to prove to Fabio Capello that he is England's top midfielder.

And the Liverpool captain has pledged to bring his club form to the international arena if coach Capello sticks by him.

"I'll be honest, I haven't always hit my Liverpool form for England but it's not through a lack of trying. I'm desperate to play well for England." said Gerrard.

"He (Capello) wants me to emulate my form for Liverpool for England and he is prepared to help me. That's what I want. I don't want a manager to give up on me for club or country. I want them to keep trying to make me better.

"I have delivered but I need to make that more consistent. That's the next challenge for me, to try to stay in the starting XI and perform as consistently for England as I do for Liverpool. But I believe we are getting to where we want to be."

Gerrard, who describes life under Capello as "not scary, but exciting", insists his preferred role is as an attacking midfielder, although he accepts there are times when he has to be more disciplined when playing in partnership with Frank Lampard.

He said: "While I've still got that burst of energy I want to make the most of it. I still feel I've got a lot of years in these legs yet.

"Long term, well into my 30s, I can see myself going further back, probably ending up at right-back or left-back where I started."

Liverpool For The Title - Cisse

Djibril Cisse is hoping that former club Liverpool can bag the Premier League title come May.

Djibril Cisse left Anfield in the summer of 2005 to sign for homeland club Marseille amidst claims that Rafa Benitez was forcing him out.

The injury-plagued, flamboyant hitman never did see eye-to-eye with the no-nonsense Spanish gaffer, but 27-year-old Cisse isn't bitter.

In fact, Cisse, loving life back in the Premier League with Sunderland, will be rooting for the Reds this term, hoping they can finally bag the Premiership crown.

“I would like Liverpool to win the league, for having played there,” he told Setanta, “But Chelsea are going to be tough adversaries for them.”

However, even though he understands the Blues' power, he isn't feeling blue himself. He's taken to Wearside and Black Cats gaffer Roy Keane, who reportedly wants to make the on-loan l'OM man his first £10m signing in the summer.

Gerrard: I Fear For My England Future

Steven Gerrard has appealed to England manager Fabio Capello not to give up on him.

The Liverpool captain admits he has struggled to bring his superlative club form to the international arena but believes he and Frank Lampard can still make a success of the midfield partnership which has struggled so often for England.

Gerrard, who is likely to start out wide on the left in the World Cup qualifier against Belarus on Wednesday, in a variation of the 4-4-2 formation which finished the 5-1 victory against Kazakhstan on Saturday, puts his lacklustre performances down to trying too hard.

But he believes Capello is the right man to unlock the real Gerrard, the one who single-handedly turned around the 2005 Champions League final and rescued Liverpool in the 2006 FA Cup final.

Gerrard said: 'He (Capello) has spoken to me before each game and told me what he wants me to do. He's said he wants me to emulate my form for Liverpool for England and he is prepared to help me.

'That's what I want. I don't want a manager to give up on me for club or country. I want them to keep trying to make me better.

'I've got every confidence in this manager and the set-up he's got behind him to improve my form.

'I'll be honest, I haven't always hit my Liverpool form for England, but it's not through a lack of trying.

'I'm desperate to play well for England. I believe we are getting to where we want to be.'

Gerrard accepts accusations, aimed at him in the past by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, which at times he has tried to be Roy of the Rovers, running around with huge energy but not always great focus.

He said: 'I have tried to improve that. That was a criticism from Rafa. He's helped me to become slightly more disciplined and I feel I can play either role - either attacking or if we're up against a good side when you need your two midfield players to be disciplined, I can do that now.

'You can't afford to be Roy of the Rovers all the time against top sides. If I'm wandering off all over the place my team-mates will come unstuck.'

The fact, however, is that Gerrard's inability to do for England what he does in the famous red shirt of Liverpool has become one of football's great conundrums.

It is one that weighs heavily with the 28-year-old. Is the answer simply that he is trying too hard?

'Maybe that's right,' Gerrard said. 'Sometimes I think I am thinking about it too much, trying too hard.

'Before the game you say you want to take the game by the scruff of the neck, be the main man, make it happen. And sometimes if it doesn't happen for you, you try to force passes and you get frustrated, that's normal.

'I think that's where I am at the moment. I am putting too much pressure on myself and trying too hard. Maybe I do have to relax.

'I'm more relaxed at Liverpool because maybe I can afford to have a one-off bad game for Liverpool because there'll be another game around the corner, whereas if you play badly for England it may be a long time before you can correct it.'

Casillas Hates Talk Of Torres Rivalry

Spain and Real Madrid shot-stopper extraordinaire Iker Casillas has revealed that he feels unhappy whenever there is discussion of his rivalry with Fernando Torres for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

The Spanish international goalkeeper is one of the hot favourites to scoop up the European Footballer of the Year accolade later this year and his case has been further boosted with continually impressive displays.

After helping La Furia Roja to a 0-3 win at Estonia last Saturday, the 27 year old has now kept 710 consecutive minutes worth of clean sheets – a new Spanish record – and he is only three games away from beating the current record held by a certain Gianluigi Buffon.

One of Casillas’ competition for the Ballon d’Or is expected to be fellow Spaniard and Liverpool hotshot, Fernando Torres and the campaigning that has been apparent in the media has made it look as though there’s a personal rivalry between the pair.

“I have spoken with Fernando regarding the Ballon d’Or. He is a teammate and a good friend of mine and there’s nothing more important than that,” he said during an interview with Spanish daily, As.

“We have clarified everything between us and that is the end of the controversy,” he continued.

Casillas was then asked if he fancied his chances of picking up the award.

“Man, all of us would like to win something like that and so would I.

“But for me, the Ballon d’Or is not an obsession. I believe in doing things well on the field and whatever happens after that, happens.

“The best thing is that this year, there are several Spaniards on the list. And after finally winning the Eurocopa after so many years, I would like to see someone from the national team win it because we deserve it,” he concluded.

Xabi Alonso Attracted By Move To Juventus

XABI ALONSO has left the door open for a possible summer move to Juventus.

The Liverpool midfielder came close to signing for the Serie A side in a £16million deal during the transfer window.

However, Juventus instead opted to sign Sevilla’s Christian Poulsen, with coach Claudio Ranieri last week claiming Alonso was “too slow” to accommodate the limitations of the Italian team’s other midfielders.

Coupled with Liverpool’s failure to prise Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, Alonso has subsequently played an integral part in the Anfield outfit’s unbeaten start but, quoted speaking in the Italian press yesterday, the 26-year-old has expressed his continued interest in Juventus.

“To be honest, for my part, the attraction has remained intact,” said Alonso.

“One thing I can say is that I personally appreciated the honesty of the club executives.

“They told me their tactics on the pitch were different and that is why they chose Poulsen and not me. These are things that happen in football and its fine. I could have gone but I didn’t because, in the end, they chose someone else.

“Juventus are Juventus, the most prestigious club in Italy, but you cannot be disappointed when you play for Liverpool.”

Dossena Relishes Azzurri Role

Liverpool full-back Andrea Dossena has finally broke into the Nazionale and played the full 90 minutes in Sofia. He explains to Tuttomercatoweb how he ended up in England this summer.

The 27-year-old moved to Anfield over the summer after a breakthrough season at Udinese and was given the nod by Marcello Lippi to control the left channel in the World Cup qualifier with Bulgaria at the Levski Stadium, due to a spate of injuries that have hit the national side, including Lyon's left-back Fabio Grosso.

"I strongly want to keep my place in this squad and keep movng on," he told the website specialized in transfer gossips.

Dossena has met up with several former Udinese teammates at Coverciano, as Lippi opted to put trust in the Friulani attacking trident, with Fabio Quagliarella now also joining debutant Simone Pepe and diminutive marksman Antonio Di Natale for the Stadio Via Del Mare game with Montenegro next Wednesday.

"Pepe has improved a lot and he has lots of qualities," he enthused.

"As for Totò [Di Natale], we linked up well at the Stadio Friuli, I know what he will be trying to do before the ball even gets to him."

It was suggested that other Italian clubs were in the frame to land Dossena over the summer, such as Fiorentina, but he plumped for an experience abroad in the end.

"Liverpool are a prestigious club and I was willing to try my hand in England," he asserted.

"I don't really think the Viola approached my agent, and to tell you the truth, I am somewhat astounded that Italian sides did not make a move for me."

Reds Rubbish Stadium Rumours

Liverpool have dismissed rumours they have shelved plans to move to a new stadium and are looking to expand Anfield.

Reports had suggested the club's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are struggling to raise the funds to finance a switch to a new ground in Stanley Park.

The Reds confess the New LFC Stadium has been affected by the current worldwide credit crunch, but a statement on the club's official website insists plans are still in place.

"The story is completely wrong" said a club spokesman.

"No-one has been asked to look at increasing the capacity of Anfield with a view to us staying at the present ground.

"Global market conditions may have delayed the project, but the club remains committed to building a new world class LFC stadium on the site in Stanley Park. Those plans have not changed."

Foreign Invasion Worries Carragher

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has gone public with his concern at the growing number of foreign players coming through the academy ranks of professional clubs, believing that it could be demoralising for the home-grown talent hoping to make their way in the game.

Over the last decade the number of overseas players plying their trade in England has rocketed, and with an increasing number of clubs in the Premier League currently owned by foreign investors, that figure could continue to grow.

At Liverpool, Steven Gerrard is the last English player to break into - and earn a regular place - within the first-team, and Carragher believes that the almost 10-year drought will continue should clubs fail to look to develop players themselves rather than cashing in on overseas clubs’ hard work.

This is a view shared by Uefa President Michel Platini, while the head of Fifa, Sepp Blatter, is another to concur with the belief that clubs should look to produce home-grown players rather than importing them.

"The foreign player issue has to be addressed. At all clubs,” Carragher told the Sunday Times. "Don't get me wrong, good foreigners are great for the Premier League but what worries me is when we get foreign kids in at 16, 17.

"There has to be something to stop that, to help clubs keep their identities. I think about when I was that age. If I'd been 18 and Liverpool had brought the Spain Under 18 captain into my position it would have been deflating.

"I always thank my stars I came in just as the foreign invasion was starting. I wasn't Stevie (Gerrard) at 18. I was a very good player and would have always had the mental strength to take my opportunity, but I wonder whether I'd have been given it.

"I don't know when the next Liverpool lad will break into our first-team and I don't think the academy system is what it should be."

The experienced defender also took the opportunity to reiterate his desire to see out his career at Anfield, insisting that he only has ambitions to play for his home-town club.

"For someone to ask, 'Who did you play for?' and to be able to answer a single name, 'Liverpool', that would be brilliant. I don't think I'll ever leave," he added.

Carragher also shed some light on manager Rafe Benitez’s man-management style, insisting that the harsh nature of his control is for the benefit of the team.

"Rafa is always on your back," the former England international continued.

"Some players can't handle that. Me, I don't like it but I'm the sort of person who responds.

"You've always got that thing in the back of your mind with Rafa, 'Does he actually think I'm any good?' You're always wanting to prove yourself. He hasn't got much good to say about anyone, Rafa. . . even other managers.

"He's the person who always thinks he knows best for you - and is usually right. There are times you want to tell him to . . . but later you think, 'That was good for me'."

Carragher: We're Not Hull, Benitez Is Turning Liverpool Into Baresi's Milan

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is surprised at the reaction to the Reds start to the Premiership campaign, with the player insisting that the Merseyside club should expect them to be where they are.

Rafa Benitez’s side are joint-top of the Premiership with Chelsea on 17 points after seven games, which is Liverpool’s best ever start to a Premier League season and has seen them talked about as genuine title contenders.

However, while Carragher is happy with Liverpool’s good start the former England International has claimed that the Reds should be there and they are not surprise package Hull City.

“People should stop saying we've made a great start, though,” Carragher said on the club’s official website.

“I'm thinking, 'We've only played seven games and we're Liverpool. Shouldn't we be up there? Am I missing something?' We're not Hull.

“If we're still up there in March we can talk about it, until then we'll focus on doing our best in every game. Actions speak louder than words.”

Far away from being compared to the Tigers, Carragher reveals that Benitez has taken the defence at Anfield to a new level and is trying to impose the style of Franco Baresi’s AC Milan.

“Rafa has taken defence to another level," he added.

“He goes into every detail, tiny little things like body positions, how to react when the opposition use different formations. Basically, he's trying to copy the AC Milan of Franco Baresi.

“He can change systems five times in a game. In Robbie Keane's first match he ended up on the left wing because Rafa noticed something about Lazio which made him want three in the middle – and that was just a friendly.”

Agger Scores As 12 Reds Feature

Daniel Agger scored a penalty as Denmark beat Malta 3-0 in their latest World Cup qualifier.

The 23-year-old, who was one of 12 Reds involved in international action on Saturday night, netted on 28 minutes during a 90 minute outing.

Israel skipper Yossi Benayoun also converted a penalty as they beat Luxembourg 3-1.

Elsewhere, both Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso lasted the pace in Estonia as Spain prevailed 3-0. Albert Riera came on for the last 12 minutes.

Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel started as supporting wingers for Holland, who won 2-0 in Iceland. The latter was replaced after 69 minutes.

Steven Gerrard played all 90 minutes of England's 5-1 victory over Kazakhstan, while midfield partner Javier Mascherano did the same as Argentina beat Uruguay 2-1.

Andrea Dossena also lasted the pace after starting for Italy in Bulgaria. The left-back helped keep a clean sheet but the evening ended in a disappointing goalless draw.

Sami Hyypia played the entire game as Finland recorded a 1-0 win over Azerbaijan, while Nabil El Zhar was substituted after 80 minutes as Morocco thrashed Mauritania 4-1.

'Pool Target Already Unsettled Bentley?

According to reports, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is ready to raid Tottenham in January for David Bentley, a recent summer signing.

White Hart Lane was the place to be this summer, with several high-profile stars signing up for Juande Ramos' Lilywhites revolution.

Now, it's the place to leave after a shockingly poor start to a season which was supposed to end with Champions League football.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, though, is hoping to profit from his countryman Ramos' misfortune. He found David Bentley's £15million price-tag excessive in the summer and allowed the ambitious winger to move from Blackburn to Spurs.

However, according to The People, Rafa believes Spurs will be forced to give him up for less in January, especially considering the 24-year-old's unhappiness at present.

Underperforming Bentley was axed from the latest England squad as Spurs languish in the Premiership drop-zone. The man touted as the 'new David Beckham' is far from living his dream, it would appear.

In fact, Bentley has blamed Ramos for his England snub and has admitted to feeling humiliated by Spurs' dismal early form.

It remains to be seen whether Bentley will cut his losses and seek an Anfield switch, or show some character by helping to dig the capital side out of their rut.

Fernando Torres Speaks Of Delight At Awards Nomination

FERNANDO TORRES has declared his delight at being named among the favourites to win this year's European footballer of the year award – admitting he never thought it would happen.

Liverpool’s Spanish striker is among several of the world's best players up for the award, including Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Torres insists he thought the Ballon d'Or was for players “from another galaxy” and that winning the title would be like “climbing to the top of Everest and touching the sky”.

He said: “When I have watched the Ballon d'Or presentation on television I saw the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho and Kaka.

“I told myself that trophy was for players from another galaxy - now I am among the candidates, and I cannot believe it.

“Winning the award would be like climbing to the top of Everest and touching the sky.”

After scoring 33 goals in his debut season at Anfield, Torres said his form has been down to how well he has settled.

He added: “I am at ease in England. I wanted to play there so strongly, to discover the Premier League.

“At Liverpool I have started a second life. It is great.”

Torres also strengthened his claims with the starring role he played as Spain won Euro 2008, scoring the winning goal in the final against Germany.

Liverpool Owe Successful Start To Rafa Benitez, Says Alvaro Arbeloa

Alvaro Arbeloa believes Liverpool's success this term is down to Rafa Benitez's no-nonsense approach.

Defender Arbeloa insists the Reds' start - they are joint top on 17 points along with Chelsea - could not have happened without Benitez constantly getting on his players' backs to perform.

He said: "Although we are winning, Rafa asks us for more and more. He insists you cannot relax if you want to win a league as hard as this one."

Arbeloa was linked with a summer move, but he says he could not be happier that he opted to stay at Anfield. He added: "I am now living the best moments I have had since I came to Liverpool."

Carra: We Understand What It Takes

Jamie Carragher believes he and his teammates now have a better understanding of what it takes to win the league – but he wishes everyone would 'stop talking about our great start'.

The 30-year-old points to the way 10-man Liverpool launched a last-minute smash and grab on Man City as proof they now have the killer instinct to be contenders.

The result sealed our best ever start to a Premier League campaign but, despite recognising some positive signs, Carragher is keen to keep things in perspective.

"We scored the winning goal after Martin Skrtel went off and it was 10 v 10," said the vice-captain. "We had no centre-back, it was just me.

"We could easily have dropped Xabi Alonso back but a few lads said, 'No, we'll keep men forward and go for it. We're aware, now, you've got to go for wins in this league. Draws kill you.

"People should stop saying we've made a great start, though. I'm thinking, 'We've only played seven games and we're Liverpool. Shouldn't we be up there? Am I missing something?' We're not Hull. If we're still up there in March we can talk about it, until then focus on doing our best in every game. Actions speak louder than words."

Meanwhile, Carragher has revealed some of the defensive secrets which have helped Pepe Reina win the Golden Glove award for most Premier League clean sheets three times.

"Rafa has taken defence to another level," said the centre-back. "He goes into every detail, tiny little things like body positions, how to react when the opposition use different formations. Basically, he's trying to copy the AC Milan of Franco Baresi.

"He can change systems five times in a game. In Robbie Keane's first match he ended up on the left wing because Rafa noticed something about Lazio which made him want three in the middle – and that was just a friendly."

Rafa: Kuyt Is The Key

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has paid tribute to Dirk Kuyt who he has claimed is an integral part of his team.

The Dutchman is often criticised for his lack of goals, however he has been finding the back of the net in recent games, much to his manager's delight.

His last minute winner against Manchester City sealed an impressive comeback for the Reds and he also opened the scoring against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

Yet speaking to Liverpoolfc.tv, the Reds manager explained he was a vital part of the team and how impressed he was by the hard work he put in.

“His teamwork is amazing,” said the Spaniard, “When you talk about a team, that's the most important thing.”

Kuyt’s goal against City was his first in the league since last November and Benitez admitted it was an important goal, not just for the team, but for the player too.

“He was scoring goals in the Champions League and now he's scored in the league. I think it was important for him and in the end it was important for us too,” admitted the Liverpool boss, “Everyone, especially all his teammates, will be really pleased for him because it is amazing how he works every day, every training session and every game.”

Whilst Kuyt was initially signed as a striker, Benitez has employed the Dutchman in a deeper role and he admitted it was a position he performed well. The Spaniard explained: “If you have players with offensive mentality, you need players who can do the ugly jobs. You need to work hard in defence. As a striker, Kuyt is doing his defensive work very well and also scoring important goals.”

Benitez also admitted that whilst Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard usually stole the headlines, Kuyt’s hard work was just as important. He concluded: “Players like Kuyt are key. You can use the quality of people like Fernando Torres or Steven Gerrard, but you always need players working really hard.”

Fernando Torres Could Leave Liverpool If Rafa Benitez Isn't Given New Deal

Liverpool's failure to offer Rafa Benitez a new contract is offering encouragement to rival clubs that Fernando Torres can be prised from Anfield.

Manchester City have been linked to a bid, following summer speculation that Chelsea also wanted Torres.

There hasn't been any hint from Torres or his advisers that he has any interest in a move. But there is concern among Liverpool's Spanish contingent that their manager's long-term future has not yet been secured.

Liverpool's fans also fear American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett may have to cash in on their most prized asset because of credit-crunch pressures and their failure to secure financing for the proposed new stadium at Stanley Park.

The Americans have to find about £20million every year just to service the £250m debts they took out to buy the club.

Sunday Mirror Sport reported last month that Liverpool had failed to deliver on Hicks's promise to hand Benitez (below) a new deal. In a strange twist to the saga, a source close to the Texan said all questions regarding the manager's future should now be directed to chief executive Rick Parry.

"Tom has asked me to pass back any enquiries regarding the manager to the club and Rick Parry," said the spokesman.

That represents a major U-turn on Hicks's stance earlier this year, when his call for Parry to step down from his position was backed up by the vow to extend Benitez's contract by a further 12 months.

One theory is that the Americans are now resigned to selling the club after months of fighting off interest from Dubai International Capital and want to leave Benitez's future in the hands of new owners.

But with Juventus now keeping tabs on Benitez's situation as the pressure on current coach Claudio Ranieri increases, which would be a major gamble to take.

It's a policy that also threatens to cause unrest in the dressing-room and undermine Liverpool's excellent start to the season.

Torres showed City last week what a reported £200,000-a-week salary would buy, scoring twice as the Reds came from 2-0 down to win at Eastlands.

City have since distanced themselves from claims in Spain that they made contact with Liverpool.

But agents claiming to be working on behalf of the Blues did make enquiries about Torres's availability - and were rebuffed by the player.

Yet while Benitez's future remains unclear it is likely that those clubs coveting Torres will not go away.

Liverpool Youngster Set For Latics Switch

Liverpool under 18`s captain Joe Kennedy is currently training with Wigan Athletic giving Latics boss Steve Bruce the opportunity to cast his eye over the 17 year old centre back with a view to a permanent switch to the JJB.

Kennedy is in his 2nd year with Liverpool and highly regarded by youth manager Hugh McAuley who says:

'Joe is a local lad and the captain. He came a long way in his first year with us last season. His game improved tremendously and he is very quick for his size.

'Joe works hard in training and there is a real honesty about his game. He always tries hard and gives 100 per cent. He is an example to the young players here both in terms of attitude and behaviour on and off the field.'