Xabi Alonso Distances Himself From Reports Of Real Madrid Move

Xabi Alonso has denied having been approached by Real Madrid’s presidential candidate Florentino Perez over a summer move to the Bernabeu.

Reports in Spain have claimed the Liverpool midfielder is one of several players Perez is promising will be captured as part of his campaign to be re-elected at the club.

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Lyon striker Karim Benzema are also of Perez’s shopping list.

Perez, who presided over the infamous Galacticos era at the Bernabeu between 2000 and 2006, is favourite to depose current president Vicente Boluda during the forthcoming Real Madrid elections.

It has been suggested Perez has already opened talks with his potential signings, but Alonso – currently preparing for his country’s World Cup qualifier against Turkey tomorrow – distanced himself from such talk yesterday.

“I’ve not had any contact with Florentino Perez,” said Alonso. “I don’t like to comment on speculation, but I’m used to these kind of rumours.

“At the present time I am only focused on Spain and on the game with Turkey.”

Liverpool went into the international break having closed the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester United to a single point.

United still have a game in hand and Alonso admits the Old Trafford outfit must still be regarded favourites for the title.

“It’s going to be difficult because we can’t afford to drop many points and we know that United have a very good team,” said the Spaniard.

“They are the main favourites, of course, but we are going to be doing our best to be challenging until the final weeks of the season.

“I think the pressure is on United. They are the champions. They are in the best position and they have that advantage. We have to do our job and try to make things difficult for them.”

Alonso believes Liverpool’s improvement in form has coincided with the Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard rekindling their partnership in attack.

At the moment the team is playing and defending well as a team,” he added. “The partnership between Stevie and Fernando is working well for us.

“Of course Torres is really important for us. When he’s fit he’s a threat for all the defenders and that’s a boost for us.”

Liverpool Defender Jamie Carragher Hails Lower League Academies

The Reds hero is urging people not to forget the grassroots work done at lower league clubs in developing players.

Jamie Carragher, himself a product of Liverpool's youth academy, has hailed the work achieved by small clubs in helping identify and develop young English talent, and has urged the powers-that-be to review the situation that sees clubs lose their Centres of Excellence when they drop out of the league.

Both Cambridge United and Wrexham had thriving academies until the senior sides were relegated from League Two, and Carragher feels that to allow such fine youth set-ups to simply disappear is far from a positive move.

"It is important that young players are getting the opportunity to show what they can do. If they can go on and take their opportunity is up to them, but first and foremost they have to be given a chance, like I was," he told Sky Sports.


"It is important that young players are not lost to the game. They need a chance not only at the top clubs but at the smaller ones as well because there are some good smaller clubs out there who work hard on developing young players."

And the former England international pointed to the example of his former team-mate Danny Murphy, now at Fulham, as evidence that lower league academies produce fine players.


"If you take someone I played with at Liverpool - Danny Murphy - he is the perfect example. He came through the Crewe Academy and went on to play for Liverpool," Carragher said.

"It is important that those type of opportunities are not lost to the game. There are some great smaller clubs out there, like Wrexham and Cambridge, who worked hard with youngsters but then saw their funding disappear when they lost their league status. It is vital that clubs like that are not forgotten."

Kuyt Keen To Turn Up Heat On United

Dirk Kuyt has vowed that Liverpool will give everything to ensure they win all of their remaining Premier League games of the season.

The Reds' recently impressive form, combined with back-to-back defeats for Manchester United, has seen the Merseyside club climb within a point of the leaders.

United, though, boast a game in hand, and Holland striker Kuyt is aware Liverpool must maintain their charge if they are to end a 19-year wait for the title.

He told Sky Sports News: "We know we have to win every league game from now. We have shown we are capable of that, but it will be very difficult. But we will give it a try."

Kuyt also feels that the current international break will work against United, adding: "You have to play your international games and everyone has the same problems.

"I think Man United are not in a great position, too. If you get beaten twice and everybody has to go and play for their country, it is not the best thing."

Kuyt went on to hail Reds captain Steven Gerrard, and backed the England midfielder to be land the Footballer of the Year awards.

"For me, he was always top class. He is the best midfielder in the world," said Kuyt.

"He has got everything. He has got pace, he can score goals, a great shot from outside the box, he can tackle, I could go on and on.

"Stevie is playing exceptional this year. He has made a lot of goals. He is so important for the team. So I think he deserves to win the player of the league."

Ajdarevic Completes Foxes Switch

League One leaders Leicester have signed Sweden Under-17 international Astrit Ajdarevic on loan from Liverpool until the end of the season.

The midfielder joins the Foxes following a spell on trial, which saw him included in the reserve-team that beat an English Colleges XI 3-0 last week.

Ajdarevic signed for Liverpool from Swedish second division side Falkenbergs FF in 2007 and in his first season with the Reds he helped them win the FA Youth Cup.

"We have taken the option to take Astrit on loan to give us the chance to take a further look at him. We will see how things progress," Leicester manager Nigel Pearson told the club's official website.

Terriers Sign Liverpool Defender

Huddersfield Town have landed highly-rated Liverpool youngster Martin Kelly on loan until the end of the season.

Terriers boss Lee Clark was delighted to sign the 18-year-old central defender, who recently signed a new deal at Anfield and believes it could help them land the player next season.

"I am delighted to have him here for the rest of the season, as it allows us to have a look at him with a view to a potential loan move in the future," Clark told the club's official website.

"He is from the Liverpool school so he is obviously comfortable on the ball, but he also has real pace and genuinely enjoys defending."

Alonso: Reds Can Pip United To Title

Xabi Alonso claims Liverpool have demonstrated they are superior to Manchester United in this season's two matches between the title rivals.

The Spanish schemer admits United are still favourites to retain their Premier League crown but the events of the past few weeks have certainly opened up the race.

Liverpool's sensational 4-1 victory at Old Trafford was followed by United losing at Fulham the following weekend, as Rafa Benitez's men thumped Aston Villa 5-0 to close the gap at the top to just a solitary point.

Earlier in the campaign Liverpool also stole bragging rights at Anfield as they claimed a 2-1 victory on Merseyside.

United still have a game in hand on their North West rivals, but Alonso sees no reason why a 19-year wait for the title could not be sated this season.

"We can win the Premier League. It is far more likely than a month ago when we were a lot of points behind," he told the Daily Star.

"Liverpool have demonstrated this season that they are superior to United in the two matches between the teams.

"Nobody could dispute that, but now it is a real race for the title.

"It is not impossible to imagine that we could win all of our next eight matches while United lose two.

"But we know that we need to remain calm and to play without any real pressure or fear.

"United know what it is like to play under pressure, but they have shown there are some cracks in the last two games, and we will be ready to pounce.

"Every game is going to be vital from now on."

Alonso concedes Liverpool must win their remaining eight league games in order to have a realistic chance of the title.

"In our dressing room we are trying to remain calm. We know we need to take 24 points from a possible 24 so we need to be ice-cool about it. That is our challenge," he added.

"Mentally we are prepared to fight for the league and Champions League.

"United are defending champions and I feel they will be more nervous.

"It could be a very emotional end to the season for us and after such a long time to win the league would be fantastic.

"I feel we deserve it by the way we have already played this season, particularly in the big games."

Liverpool Boss Benitez Offers Public Support At Launch Of Commemorative Hillsborough CD

The Reds boss hugged members of victims' families and affirmed the club's remembrance at the release event today for a new CD commemorating the dreadful events of 20 years ago.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was today attending an event to launch the release of a special CD - recorded by Liverpool-based musicians - that hopes to further raise awareness of the terrible incident that took place at an FA Cup semi-final almost exactly 20 years ago.

Nottingham Forest faced Liverpool at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough ground, and a horrifying terrace crush at the Leppings Lane end of the stadium resulted in the deaths of 96 people, a tragedy that changed the face of English football, leading directly to the creation of the Premier League and the advent of all-seater stadia.

Now, Liverpool musician Peter Hooton, formerly of 90's group The Farm, along with other Scouse musical luminaries such as John Power (formerly of The La's and Cast) and members of Echo & the Bunnymen, and Starsailor, have released a version of 'The Fields of Anfield Road', itself a reworking of the Irish folk song 'The Fields of Athenry', that includes a reference to the disaster amongst its verses paying tribute to Reds legends. All profits from sales of the track, also available in digital formats, will be donated to The Hillsborough Families' Support Group.

Featured on the single is the 'Kop Choir', consisting of former Liverpool players Kenny Dalglish, Phil Thompson, John Aldridge, Bruce Grobbelaar, Howard Gayle and Alan Kennedy, all adding their vocal talents to the choruses.

Benitez was on hand today to lend his support to the release, saying, "I think it’s important to show support for the fans and the families."

The Spaniard also recalled the first time he attended a remembrance ceremony relating to the disaster, adding, "It was very emotional for me, for all the players, it was something we will never forget.

"I think you can feel it (the loss) in every single game, what it means for the fans."

Musician Hooton, a noted Reds fan of many years, was a keen follower of the club home and away in the 80's, also highlighted the project's positive aspects, saying, "A lot of people have volunteered to get involved. It is a reworking of a Kop classic and I hope it raises awareness of the Hillsborough disaster and is a fitting tribute to the 96 and the survivors."

The idea to produce the track came from the city of Liverpool's Lord Mayor, Steve Rotherham, who was at the game in Sheffield where the tragedy occurred, and he indicated his hopes for the project, stating, "Hillsborough affected so many lives, not just on Merseyside but across the whole of the UK. I attended the match 20 years ago and the passing years do not diminish the poignancy of the occasion.

"I approached a number of Liverpool’s music legends and they immediately offered their services for free.

"The Lord Mayor’s charity is funding the production costs and we aim to raise a much bigger sum to benefit the families of the 96 who died."

The single will be available from Liverpool's club shop and in digital formats online.

Hicks Looks To Strengthen Hold At Liverpool By Selling Baseball Shares

Liverpool's co-owner Tom Hicks has moved to strengthen his position at Anfield by putting part of his shares in the Major League Baseball team Texas Rangers up for sale.

The Texan recently reiterated his desire to remain at Liverpool, which he has owned alongside fellow American George Gillett since February 2007, but is struggling to meet the financial requirements of doing so, particularly as Gillett is reluctant to put any more money into the club and would rather sell up.

Hicks would ideally like to buy Gillett's 50% share and his announcement today that he is willing to give up some of his stake in the Rangers is believed to be geared towards seizing full control at Liverpool.

"I've been quietly looking for minority investors to come back into the ownership of the Rangers as a way to be prudent in a bad economy," said Hicks, who also owns NHL side Dallas.

"I'm doing the same thing with the Stars. At the end of the day, I'll still have 51-to-60% of the ball club and have new partners. That doesn't change anything. I own 95% of the Rangers. I started out owning 55% and over the past 10 years I've been slowly buying out partners that wanted to sell. There's no reason to own 95%. There aren't many owners who own 95%."

Tears Flow As Liverpool FC Stars Gather For Launch Of Hillsborough Anniversary Record

The world premiere of a song recorded to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster took place in Liverpool yesterday.

Former Anfield stars, musicians and families who lost loved ones in Sheffield gathered at The Picket club to listen to the first airing of The Fields Of Anfield Road.

The song, which has a specially-added Hillsborough verse, was played to an emotionally-charged audience.

There were tears in the eyes of ex-players John Aldridge, Phil Thompson and Howard Gayle, and the watching Hillsborough families, as they mouthed the words to the track.

The poignant video showed the singers in Liverpool’s Elevator Studios with Kenny Dalglish, Alan Kennedy and Bruce Grobbelaar all taking part.

Anfield manager Rafael Benitez also attended the launch and said: “I think it is important to show support for the fans and the families.

“When we went to the ceremony, it was amazing.

“It was very emotional and for me, for all the new players, it was something we will never forget.

“I think you can feel it [the emotion] in every single game, what it means for the fans. It is a very good song and Liverpool fans sing it better than anyone.”

On stage, Benitez hugged Pat Joynes, who lost her son Nicholas, 27, in the tragedy. She said: “He said to me he was pleased to meet me and it was a very good way to remember the 96.

“He said they will always be in Liverpool’s hearts.”

Ex-La’s and Cast singer John Power provided the lead vocal and said: “Musically, I am happy with the way the song came out.

“The most important thing is the 20th anniversary and the injustice which was committed.

“We are not looking to change the world, but it is a fitting tribute and the least we could do.”

The owner of the copyright to both The Fields of Anfield Road and the original Irish classic, Fields of Athenry, both waived a fee for the new single.

All proceeds from the record will go to the Hillsborough Family Support Group.

Denise Horn, who lost her brother Gordon, 20, at Hillsborough, said: “The song is really good and it is important to keep their memory going.

“I will be buying it and I am sure it will get to number one. It is poignant because Gordon would have been 40 yesterday.”

Peter Hooton, of The Farm, was at the forefront of the project and was joined by Mick Head, of Shack, Nick Kilroe, from Echo and the Bunnymen, and Rob Taylor, of the Troubadours.

The idea first came from Lord Mayor, Cllr Steve Rotheram.

The extra Hillsborough verse added to the song goes: “Beside the Hillsborough flame, I hear the Kopite mourning. Why so many taken on that day? Justice has never been done, but the memories will carry on.”

The CD will be sold exclusively at Liverpool FC official stores priced at £2 and can be downloaded from iTunes from April 6 for 79p.

Pete Wylie, Elvis Costello and James Walsh have contributed B-sides.

Former Liverpool player Phil Thompson said: “Listening to the Kop sing this makes the hairs stand on the back of your neck.

“We did enjoy making it, but it was emotional and there were a lot of proud people in that studio.

“It is community – Liverpool FC is a family. We will keep together and stick together. We have not forgotten about Hillsborough and we still have not had answers.”

Chelsea's Frank Lampard Says He Can Work Wirh Liverpool FC Captain Steven Gerrard

Frank Lampard is ready to sacrifice his natural attacking tendencies to ensure that he and Steven Gerrard can finally work together in England’s midfield.

The Chelsea star has been playing a more disciplined holding role since Fabio Capello took charge of the national team 15 months ago.

It has allowed Gerrard to do more of the attacking, although he was asked to play out of position on the left wing in his last international appearances against Kazakhstan and Belarus.

Capello’s predecessors, Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren, both failed to find a way of utilising the pair but Lampard insists the Italian has found the key.

"The way Capello works is very authoritative," said Lampard. "Other managers will sit you down and ask how this or that is going, whereas he will just tell us how we’re going to do it. I am playing a different role. It is much more of a holding position, while Steven has been asked to play more on the left, but to be fair it’s worked.

"There had to be a re-jigging of the midfield because it wasn’t working. I do want to get forward because that is my natural game but I will try to adapt."

Steven Gerrard PFA Player Of The Year Award, Says Rafael Benitez

Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, believes Steven Gerrard should be named PFA player of the year. The team captain is has scored 21 goals this season to play a major part in the revival of Liverpool's title ambitions.

"For me Stevie is one of the best players in the world," Benitez said. "To say one is the best above anyone else is difficult because there are a lot of quality players about, but he is one of the best."

Benitez has also praised Gerrard, who is currently with the England squad for the forthcoming games with Slovakia and Ukraine, for his attitude to the game. "He has quality and always tries to improve in every training session," the Spaniard said. "That is very positive. You know when he is on the pitch you have more options to win."

Gerrard has claimed this week he would like to play for England in the 'second striker' role he has at Liverpool and Benitez argues that playing just behind Fernando Torres has seen his performances rise to even greater heights.

"He scored 23 goals one year and now he has 21 and can score more before the end of this season, so that is very positive for the team and also for him," Benitez said. "When Gerrard and Torres are together for us, the rest of the team has more confidence."

Gerrard Loyalty Impresses Liverpool FC Legend Rush

Liverpool legend Ian Rush has praised Steven Gerrard’s loyalty after the midfielder expressed his desire to stay at Anfield for the rest of his career.

Gerrard, 28, has two years left on his contract and revealed he would welcome the chance to sign a four-year extension.

Rush, Liverpool’s all-time leading goalscorer with 346 goals in 660 appearances, said: “It’s great for Liverpool and the supporters. Stevie is a fantastic player and the fact he wants to commit to the club is great news.

“He’s loyal and loyalty doesn’t seem to be in the game that much these days. He and Jamie Carragher are both loyal to Liverpool and it’s nice to see that. The supporters appreciate that as well.

“I’m not surprised because it’s a good time for Liverpool. If Gerrard commits long term it will give even more of a buzz to the place.”

Meanwhile, defender Alvaro Arbeloa would love nothing more than to beat Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals in order to “take them down a peg or two”.

Rafa Benitez’s men will meet Barca if they overcome Chelsea in the last eight and the Catalans beat Bayern Munich and that would be a dream encounter for Arbeloa who graduated from Real Madrid’s youth academy.

“We’re not doing badly in the Premier League, we’re there waiting to see if Manchester United fall,” said the Spain defender.

“And in the Champions League we’re waiting to see if we meet Barca, to see if we take them down a peg or two.

“Barca are favourites in the competition as they are playing a marvellous game.

“It’s not going to be easy. First we have to beat Chelsea. Barca are a strong rival, but Chelsea will be a difficult obstacle and we have to be prepared.”

Liverpool Full Of Title Belief - Albert Riera

The Spaniard is convinced that the Reds can sneak the title but knows they'll virtually have to win every game from now on to do so.

Liverpool crushed Aston Villa 5-0 at Anfield last Sunday to move within striking distance of Manchester United. And with the pressure mounting on Sir Alex Ferguson's men, Reds winger Albert Riera says his side have renewed confidence in overhauling their bitter rivals by the time all is said and done this season.

"The feelings on the pitch are really well and we are in a great situation to fight, and when you are behind somebody I think the pressure is for the other team," boomed Riera on Sky Sports News.

"Of course we have to wait as they are still in front of us, but we have a lot of confidence in ourselves and really good feelings.

"They are one point in front of us and have to play one match more than us as well, but the next two months we have a lot of important matches in the Premier League and Champions League, matches with a lot of pressure and we will be there waiting that they will not win every single match.

"We have to win every single match and I promised a long time ago we would fight for the title and this is the promise we can do because to fight is compulsory and we will see at the end.

"We have a lot of confidence, a lot of good feelings and we will see what happens at the end of the season.

"Liverpool are playing really, really well in this moment," he added for emphasis, referring to the fact that their last three outings have resulted in staggering scorelines against Real Madrid, United and Villa.

"The season is really, really complicated and you have to play well. The reality is you have to play ten months at the highest level and sometimes it is very, very difficult.

"For example we started really well, we were on the top of the table. After December and January we had some problems making a lot of draws at home but not losing.

"I think we were just not playing really well and the other teams wanted to beat who was top of the table that we were before.

"Now we are in a different position, but in a great position to fight for the title.

"We are one point behind Manchester United and we are really confident that this is the most important time."

Boro Bait Taken As Rafa Benitez Back On Road To Glory

It may have fooled you, but of course I saw all this coming.

It was very obvious to me that, while succumbing to a desperately poor Middlesbrough side, we were just playing possum.

We might have laid it on a bit thick, St John’s Ambulance men being tempted to rush onto the pitch at times to resuscitate apparently lifeless players, but it worked: United put aside their steely ambition, opened up the picnic basket marked ‘complacency’, and gorged themselves on their own invincibility.

Now was the time for Rafa’s master plan.

Away went the straightjacket, the draft selections and the bits of paper carrying the life and times of Alex Ferguson.

Out came the mortar board, the first team and carefully-crafted dossiers on how to humble the alleged best teams in England and Europe.

A gentle warm-up against Sunderland, just to loosen the limbs and get into our stride.

And then the hounds were unleashed, led by Gerrard and Torres, to lay waste to opponents paralysed by fear and eventually slaughtered by ruthless execution. Obvious really.

It must be said we have been aided, according to certain sections of the press, by outrageous fortune. Real Madrid, despite coming off a domestic run of 10 wins in 11 games, were derided as the worst Real team in living memory. A worthless 4-0 victory then.

Next come Manchester United – champions of England, champions of Europe – their fans keep telling us, and on course for a quintuple of trophies according to the papers (every day).

But we catch them on a ‘bad day at the office’, several of their players who are apparently candidates for Footballer of the Year mysteriously suffering a catastrophic loss of form.

A 4-1 mauling this time. On then to Aston Villa, admittedly struggling for form but still with as many away wins as anybody in the league. They too are very poor, and so five more goals go in. It should be about now that even the dimmest journalist starts to spot a pattern emerging here.

Could it be that these teams perform badly because, perish the thought, they are being made to look poor?

Maybe Benitez is not cracking up after all; maybe this is a decent side, when key players are fit and rested? Nope, because that would spoil the easiest story to write on a quiet day. And if he was to sign a new contract.

Rafa could be forgiven a wry smile or two after the events of the last two weeks. Widely doubted and ridiculed, he’s emerged from his most trying period with his hand as strong as ever, his reputation as a master tactician enhanced and the apparent source of much of his ire, Rick Parry, vanquished.

Houdini-like, he’s wriggled free from his restraints and smuggled them onto Old Red Nose, who has now taken to issuing delusional statements from a secret bunker in Hogwarts: celebrating 4-1 defeats, claiming Wayne Rooney is a calm young man anxious to see free-kicks taken quickly, and setting his staff ludicrous tasks researching meaningless transfer information.

He’ll be talking to the TV broadcasters through a dummy next. Still, no doubt he’ll re-emerge when his team start winning again, proclaiming them as the greatest of all time, despite their petulant and childish reactions when they don’t get their own way, despite their lack of humility, despite their lack of graciousness in defeat.

But maybe, just maybe, they’ll be celebrating only two second-rate trophies at the end of the season, and the real double will be heading towards the Reds from Anfield. Obvious all along.

Skrtel - United Can Slip Up

Martin Skrtel believes Manchester United could crumble under the pressure as his Liverpool side gain momentum going into the title run-in.

When the two sides clashed at Old Trafford nearly two weeks ago Liverpool faced the prospect of falling ten points behind their rivals having played a game more.

But a 4-1 win for Rafa Benitez's side put them firmly back in the title race and after United dropped more points away at Fulham on Saturday, coupled with Liverpool's 5-0 win over Aston Villa, the gap at the top is now down to a point.

The Red Devils still have their game in hand but the 24-year-old defender, who will play against England in the friendly with Slovakia on Saturday, is confident that the league leaders can slip up again.

"I think yes, because there are eight games left or so," he told deniksport.cz.

"They are also in the UEFA Champions League. A lot of points are still up for grabs, and although they have a match against Portsmouth in hand, they will not have it easy against them.

"I just hope that we will stay in-form, they will slip-up and we will jump over them in the table."

Despite thumping Villa at Anfield on Sunday, Skrtel insists Martin O'Neill's top four hopefuls can spring a surprise when they visit United after the international break.

"It will not be an easy game for them. Aston Villa are still aiming for a Champions League spot and will not give them anything easy," he added.

"We will see. It would be great if they could play better than against us and steal a point or three from United."

The Slovakian international also expressed his delight that Benitez had finally signed a new contract, after expressing his view that he had improved as a player under the Spaniard.

"It is good for us players as well as for the fans and the whole club, because Benitez has done a great piece of work during his time at Liverpool," he explained.

"He is enormously popular here and I think that he is a coach of great qualities. He has also helped me personally.

"He has taught me a lot. Thanks to him we work a lot on tactics and game discipline. I have improved in both aspects."

Agger - Reds Need Help

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger accepts that the Premier League title is still Manchester United's to lose.

The Reds have closed to within one point of the Red Devils at the top of the table, but Sir Alex Ferguson's men still have a game in hand on their North West rivals.

A recent wobble by United has helped to rekindle interest in the battle for top-flight supremacy, with the race now expected to go down to the wire.

Many are now tipping Liverpool's momentum to carry them to glory, but Agger knows that their fate is the hands of others as they hope to take full advantage of any more slip-ups from the leaders.

"It will be hard, because we are still behind United," the Danish centre-half told Sporten.

"But as long as there are points to play for, we will be going for the trophy.

"It was good that we beat United recently (4-1 at Old Trafford), but it was almost just as important that they lost to Fulham (2-0) in their next game.

"That's what we needed, but we need more help from other teams if we are to win the title."

Benayoun Risks Rafa's Wrath

Yossi Benayoun will defy Liverpool's wishes by turning out for Israel in their 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

The midfielder has been out of action for the last two weeks with a hamstring injury, ruling him out of domestic duties.

However, the 28-year-old is desperate to skipper his country in their crucial clash with Greece on Saturday.

He admits that he is running the risk of further inflaming his current problem, but insists the opportunity to help Israel take another step on the road to South Africa justifies his decisions.

"I had a little problem with Liverpool," said Benayoun.

"They didn't really want me to come to Israel.

"But as long as I know I will be able to give 100 per cent I will play, even if it means risking my health.

"I've been going through intensive treatment in the last couple of weeks and I'm almost fully fit, but sometimes it's still painful.

"Missing out on Saturday's match would be the biggest disappointment of my career.

"I'm feeling much better now and I hope that in a day or two I will be able to train with the team.

"If that happens, I will be able to play. Two weeks' absence isn't that significant."

David Silva Is Liverpool FC Transfer Target

Rafa Benitez is weighing up a summer swoop for Spanish star David Silva.

The Reds boss has identified the Valencia man as one of his top transfer targets – but will only do business if the price is right.

Valencia have hit massive financial difficulties in recent months and are set to sell crown jewels Silva, David Villa and Raul Albiol in an effort to bring their debt of 450m Euros under control.

It is Silva who has caught Benitez’s eye though, with the Liverpool manager on the lookout for a versatile attacking player who can figure in a number of positions behind Fernando Torres as he looks to add strength in depth to his squad.

The 23-year-old certainly fits that bill and Liverpool have already made tentative enquiries about his availability.

They will only follow up their initial interest if Valencia are realistic about their valuation of a player who has won 21 caps for Spain.

Reports in Spain suggest the La Liga outfit are holding out for a fee in the region of £25m for Silva and with Barcelona and Juventus also both believed to be interested in snapping him up the battle for his services could be hard fought.

Liverpool are unlikely to be willing to pay that kind of asking price but Benitez will move fast it a compromise deal can be struck.

Reds chief scout Eduardo Macia – who took Silva to Valencia when the attacking midfielder was a teenager – was recently dispatched to Spain to check on Silva’s availability and was not discouraged by what he learned.

Silva was one of the stars of Spain’s victory at Euro 2008, operating in a left sided attacking role which allowed him to support Torres and Villa at every opportunity.

An ankle injury has stopped him from making as many appearances as would have been expected for Valencia this season.

But the midfielder returned to action in January and is currently training with the Spanish national squad ahead of this weekend’s World Cup qualifier against Turkey in Madrid.

Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano believes he is getting back to his best after struggling to reach top form earlier in the season. He said: “I think in the last two months I have been getting better and should be back to my best soon.”

Liverpool FC Boss Mulls Over Move For Raul Albiol

Rafael Benitez is contemplating a summer move for Valencia defender Raul Albiol – should Daniel Agger refuse to sign a new contract at Liverpool.

The Anfield manager has been assessing his centre-back options with Agger yet to commit his long-term future at the club.

And Spain international Albiol has emerged as a leading alternative, despite Valencia having slapped a prohibitive £18m price tag on the 23-year-old.

However, with his former employers a reported £400m in debt and desperate to raise funds, Benitez is confident the player could be captured for half the asking price.

While Valencia are desperate to hold on to crowd favourites David Villa and David Silva, the departure of Albiol would not cause a furore among the Mestalla faithful.

The defender was at Valencia while Benitez was in charge and climbed through the youth ranks under the guidance of Eduardo Macia, who is now chief scout at Anfield.

Benitez remains keen to keep Agger, but the longer the Dane’s new contract remains unsigned the less likely it is he will remain at Anfield beyond the summer, with his current deal expiring at the end of next season.

The Liverpool manager ended speculation over his own future by signing a new five-year deal, but Agger admits that will not affect his own decision.

“I’ll sign with the club, not with Benitez,” said Agger. “That’s something I must keep in mind.”

Italian duo AC Milan and Juventus are among several clubs tracking the Denmark international, who cost £5.6m from Brondby in January 2006.

Benitez continues to shape his squad for next season and is poised to offer Sami Hyypia a new 12-month deal in the summer after another impressive season from the 35-year-old.

And Jamie Carragher has hailed the Finland international veteran, who has proven an inspired signing since arriving from Willem II for £3m in May 1999.

“Sami’s been here nearly 10 years now and has always played a large portion of the season, hardly ever missing a game,” said Carragher.

“He rarely has a bad one either – and even on the times when he does, he never allows it to affect his form.

“He’s had his critics on a couple of occasions, but has always had the character to come through those periods.

“Top players always bounce back when they have suffered a knock – and Sami is one of those players.”

Hicks Plans Rangers Sale

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has confirmed that he is ready to sell part of his share in baseball team Texas Rangers.

Hicks, who holds a 95 per cent stake in the Rangers, co-owns the Anfield giants with George Gillett and has further sporting interests in NHL outfit Dallas Stars.

Hicks revealed his plans at Rangers' spring training camp and admitted he was also looking to sell minority shares in the Stars.

"I've been quietly looking for minority investors to come back into the ownership of the Rangers as a way to be prudent in a bad economy," he told Major League Baseball's official website.

"I'm doing the same thing with the Stars. At the end of the day, I'll still have 51-to-60 per cent of the ballclub and have new partners. That doesn't change anything.

"I own 95 per cent of the Rangers. I started out owning 55 per cent and over the past 10 years I've been slowly buying out partners that wanted to sell. There's no reason to own 95 per cent. There aren't many owners who own 95 per cent."

Earlier this week it was reported Gillett was considering selling some of his sporting assets, which also include the Montreal Canadiens NHL franchise.

Gillett later made it clear that despite assessing his assets, he had no plans to sell his stake in Liverpool.