Gerrard Still Wants Barry At Anfield

Steven Gerrard has reiterated his desire to see Aston Villa midfielder and England team-mate Gareth Barry make the move to Liverpool this summer.

And the Reds skipper admitted the next batch of signings made by Rafael Benitez will be crucial if they are to finally overhaul Manchester United in the race for the Barclays Premier League title next season.

Gerrard issued the "come and join us" plea to Barry during England's end-of-season trip to Trinidad 12 months ago only for Liverpool to stall on meeting Villa's £18 million asking price.

Now Barry is about to enter the final year of his current contract with speculation again already rife over his future.

And Gerrard is hoping he will finally get the opportunity at club level to reunite the partnership that has flourished under Fabio Capello ahead of the World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan on Saturday.

Gerrard said: "Would I still like to see Gareth Barry join Liverpool? Yes. He is a top player. Top players improve your team and squad. He is a Liverpool type of player.

"He is very clever but he is still an Aston Villa player and I don't want to disrespect Martin O'Neill. If it happens, then great.

"If it doesn't, hopefully we get players in of Gareth's standard.

"When you watch Villa, Gareth is their main man, their captain, their leader. He scores good goals, creates chances. I've enjoyed working with him at England.

"He is English and you need English players at your club now."

Gerrard admits he is hurting at Liverpool's failure to win a trophy during the 2008-2009 campaign but believes a few more quality players could end the wait to take the Premier League title.

He said: "Has the season been a success or failure at club level? I think failure is a bit strong but you've got to be realistic and look at the big picture.

"We've finished the season without a trophy which hurts. But from a Liverpool point of view, a lot of progress has been made.

"We are getting really close to becoming champions. Our next two or three signings as far as we are concerned are crucial to push on and try and go one better than this year.

"I am certainly not sitting here proud of not winning a trophy."

In addition to Barry, Gerrard would like more players to arrive of the quality of striker Fernando Torres at Liverpool.

He said: "How do we go to the next step? Get more players of Torres' level. He is a massive player for us. You saw the impact he made in his first season and how good he has been when fit this year.

"If we can keep Torres fit, and had a little bit more quality to our squad, we can become champions.

"Manchester United won the league because they had that spark coming off the bench, that little bit more strength in depth."

Gerrard is also confident that his former Liverpool colleague and close friend Michael Owen could still have an England future.

Owen has been overlooked by Capello after an injury-hit spell at Newcastle.

Gerrard said: "I'm a big fan of Michael Owen, a good friend of his. I'd love to see him get a move from Newcastle to a big club and get his England career back on track.

"I do believe he can play for England again. He has suffered a lot with injuries for the past couple of years but I believe a fit Michael Owen has got the ability to be involved in the squad.

"I'm sure he will be desperate to get back playing football again, staying fit and scoring goals. That is what he loves doing."

Kleber Claims Liverpool Are Trying To Sign Him

Cruzeiro forward Kleber has claimed Liverpool are attempting to sign him.

The Brazilian striker ruled out moving to Anfield on Sunday, but yesterday performed a u-turn by insisting negotiations were taking place and, according to local reports, the Reds would pay £6m for his services.

When SporTV channel asked him whether he was going to play for the Merseysiders in the Barclays Premier League, Kleber said: "I don't know yet. They are talking."

The player, however, would like to stay in his homeland.

"Cruzeiro have been made an offer," he added. "I've always said I wanted to play in Brazil and make history here because I know it is possible.

"But I also know the team need to transfer players as they have commitments. We'll see."

The 25-year-old, nicknamed 'Gladiator', was signed by the Belo Horizonte side from Dynamo Kiev when the Ukrainians paid five million euros plus Kleber for Guilherme.

"I want to stay, but if Cruzeiro can afford it," Kleber said.

Liverpool Star: We Played Better Than United

Jose Reina has become the latest Liverpool player to defy the Premier League table by suggesting they played better football throughout the season than Manchester United.

The Spaniard, recently called in the national squad along with Anfield colleagues Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres, Albert Riera, and full-back Alvaro Arbeloa told Setanta: “Sincerely, I understand that Liverpool played better football than United in the league, including during our huge win at Old Trafford.”

“Not finishing the work off in decisive moments was a blow. We conceded too many draws, and at the end of the day it made a difference compared to Manchester United’s campaign.”

“Right now it is time to analyse what went wrong, what is the reason why we are not the champions. Then, we will correct our mistakes and start next season like a rocket!”

“The squad cannot be happy with this vice-champion finish, as a trophyless season will always be a failure for The Reds.”

He added: “To my mind, the difference between United and us is very thin, just three or four points after 38 games is nothing, just a game. I want to say that our squad is capable of winning the Premier League title.”

Liverpool showed Championship winning form in the second half of the season, scoring more goals than Manchester United, while also losing fewer games.

They became the first club to lose just two games and not win the Premier League, yet still finished four points adrift of Manchester United.

Five Down, Two To Go In Liverpool Summer Exodus

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is set to face another summer without some of his top players with Spain and Brazil set to take part in the Confederations Cup in June.

The Spanish national side has confirmed that Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa, Albert Riera and Pepe Reina will all join up with Vicente del Bosque ahead of the South Africa based tournament.

Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas makes up the six English based contingent in the Spain set-up. It is also expected that Lucas Leiva and Fabio Aurelio will be named in Dunga’s Brazil side ahead of the showpiece tournament.

Egypt, New Zealand, Iraq, South Africa, Italy and the USA will also take part in the tournament which is scheduled for June.

Arranged every four years, the Confederations Cup is organised by FIFA and features the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships (CAF, CONMEBOL, UEFA, AFC, OFC, CONCACAF), along with the FIFA World Cup winner and the host country, to bring the number of teams up to eight.

Liverpool Fall Behind In Race For Tevez

Liverpool's negotiating position has placed them behind Manchester City in the pursuit of Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez. Rafael Benitez does not appear to be willing to match the £25.5m the Argentinian's representatives are seeking from United for the settlement of the loan of the player, under a deal which expires at the end of this month.

The wages being offered by City are also superior to Liverpool's which would seem to make them a prime contender for his services. Chelsea and Real Madrid are also understood to have matched the requirements of the investment consortium, headed by Kia Joorabchian, which holds the player's rights – though Chelsea's pursuit of Kaka reveals that Tevez could not expect to command the regular first-team football which he so craves.

There was still little optimism from Tevez's representatives yesterday that a meeting tomorrow with United chief executive David Gill may pave the way to a deal to secure the player's services permanently. If the player does not stay, United may reflect that £25.5m is better spent reinforcing the midfield which was so clearly outclassed against Barcelona last week.

Real Madrid Set To Offer Striker As Bait In Xabi Alonso Switch

Real Madrid are ready to use highly-rated striker Alvaro Negredo as bait in their attempt to lure Liverpool into parting with Xabi Alonso.

Speculation over Alonso’s future has intensified with Florentino Perez yesterday confirmed as Real Madrid president for the second time after no other candidate put themselves forward for election before the May 31 deadline.

As part of his campaign, Perez, who has appointed Villarreal’s Manuel Pellegrini as new coach, has vowed to sign a number of top names of which Alonso has become the most immediate priority.

Reports in Spain over the weekend suggested Gabriel Heinze, a former Liverpool target, could form part of a prospective deal worth around £23million.

But it has now emerged Negredo would be the more likely offering, with the striker having earned rave reviews while with Almeria during the past two seasons.

Real Madrid sold the 23- year-old to Almeria two years but are poised to activate the buy-back option they negotiated as a condition of the transfer.

Benitez, who is seeking to bolster his strikeforce in the summer, has previously assessed Negredo.

And the player admits his future is reliant on the Bernabeu outfit, while expressing his excitement at a possible move to Anfield.

"To play next to Fernando Torres at Anfield is a dream and any player would accept that," said Negredo.

"But I prefer to talk about reality and I have not spoken with Rafa Benitez, but I do know that some contact exists between the clubs. My future depends on Real Madrid, but I believe that this summer I will be out of Almeria.

"I am grateful to Almeria because they have given me my chance to play in the Primera Liga.

"But it is logical that I am interested in playing in the Premier League and especially Liverpool. I believe that playing in England would be a great chance for me as this league is a sensational place for forwards."

Liverpool Could Replace Dossena With Juventus' De Ceglie - Agent

Carlo Pallavicino, the agent of Juventus starlet Paolo De Ceglie, has revealed that Liverpool may bring in the 22-year-old to replace the unsettled Andrea Dossena.

Coincidentally, Juventus are reportedly interested in signing the Liverpool left-back, so a swap deal could be in the works.

"De Ceglie is of real interest of Liverpool," he explained to Radio Gol on Monday. "You will see that if they cede Dossena, they will replace him with De Ceglie.

De Ceglie, who can also play in midfield, is considered a rising talent in Europe and has been included in the Italy Under-21 side that will play in the European championships in Sweden in the summer.

Meanwhile, Dossena endured a difficult inaugural season with the Reds, only making 16 appearances in the Premier League in 2008-09 and failing to make an impact under coach Rafa Benitez.

The former Udinese man has spoken about his desire to return to Serie A throughout the course of the campaign.

Fowler: Next Title Will Be Liverpool's

Robbie Fowler accepts Manchester United deserved to equal Liverpool's record of 18 league titles, but the former Kop hero is hoping Rafael Benitez's side will be able to go one better next season.

While disappointed to see United draw level courtesy of this season's Premier League title, Fowler admits it was nothing less than United deserved.

"It kills you to admit that but obviously Manchester United have a very good team and I think that what they've achieved has been fantastic," Fowler SAID.

"Hopefully Liverpool can get that one league title ahead of them next year. That's what I'm hoping anyway."

Liverpool have failed to land a league title since 1990 but Fowler is confident the long drought could soon come to an end.

"I think they surprised a few people. They were better this year than they've ever been in the Premier League," he added.

"I've mentioned it before that some of the silly points that they dropped at home against the so-called weaker teams...if they could turn those draws into wins, we could be talking here now of Liverpool as champions.

"The reason that Manchester United are champions is that they don't draw those games, they win them. If Liverpool can put that right, and I can definitely see them doing that, then I think that next year will be Liverpool's year."

But while he remains passionate about his former club, Fowler expects to be watching them from afar after signing a two-year deal with Australian side North Queensland Fury.

After leaving Blackburn last December, Fowler listened to a number of offers before deciding on the A-League newcomers, who are based in the tropical outpost of Townsville.

"I'd left Blackburn and I got the call from the North Queensland manager (Ian Ferguson) asking if I would be interested," explained the 34-year-old Fowler, who is in Singapore for North Queensland's friendly match against S-League side Tampines Rovers on Sunday.

"I went over and I was very impressed with what the manager and chairman had to say. I went around the place and really liked it and I was really keen to sign the contract."

Fowler has been designated as the club's 'marquee' player - meaning his wages are excluded from the salary cap imposed on the club - but the former England international insists he wants no special treatment.

"The marquee is just a title," he added. "I'm going to be treated just the same as every other player and I'll go into the season wanting to do as well as I can.

"I wouldn't be treated any differently and I wouldn't expect to be treated differently.

"I'm not going to go on about being the big marquee player because I don't want to invite any extra pressure on myself.

"There might be a little bit of added pressure but I think I can handle it."

Liverpool FC Must Go For Quality Not Quantity

When you look at what is needed at Anfield this summer in the transfer market then the emphasis must definitely be on quality rather than quantity.

Rafa Benitez has put together a really strong team and there aren’t too many gaps to be filled.

The name that keeps on being mentioned is Gareth Barry and for me he would be an excellent acquisition because he has got so many qualities.

Not only is Barry a proven international, he is also versatile and can fill a number of positions well, he has a good character and he is English.

All in all, you would have to say that he is exactly the kind of player that Liverpool need to be bringing in and after a proposed deal broke down last summer hopefully he will finally make the move to Anfield this time around.

There is a lot of speculation about Xabi Alonso and like most Liverpool supporters I really don’t want to see him leave.

If you are going to challenge for the title then you have to build on the quality that you already have and Alonso undoubtedly falls into the category.

One of the problems Benitez will have is encouraging top class players who play week in week out for their current clubs to come to Anfield and become part of a squad where that isn’t always possible.

Players want to play all the time, that’s just the way they are and if you are trying to bring in a top class forward he is bound to look at Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard and wonder how much playing time he will get.

But the big selling point at Rafa’s disposal is that it is Liverpool Football Club and it is also a club that is going places.

This is why he can go after the top players who are available and hopefully he will have the finances to do so.

In an ideal world the two players I would love to see brought in are Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema.

They would both cost a lot of money but they undoubtedly have the kind of quality that Liverpool are looking for and they would give us greater strength in depth in attack and on the wings than we have had for quite some time.

But time will tell. I’m just hoping that when the new season kicks off in August that Liverpool have made the kind of quality signings that could make all the difference.

Fabregas Wants Liverpool Star Alonso To Form Spanish Midfield Pairing At Arsenal

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has urged Arsene Wenger to sign Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso this summer.

The north London club expressed an interest in the Spain international last summer when it appeared his services were no longer required at Anfield.

A deal never materialised and Alonso stayed on Merseyside before enjoying his best season with the club.

But, his future is once again in doubt with Liverpool renewing their interest in Aston Villa's Gareth Barry and Arsenal could make a move for the classy midfielder.

And Fabregas believes his fellow countryman would be an ideal singing for Arsenal as they bid to close the gap on the top three.

'We need someone in the middle to make competition and make a difference, plus give us a new dimension,' said Fabregas.

'I think that is all we need. The rest is perfect.

'Xabi (Alonso) would be great. He's experienced and can score goals. I'm sure the boss is aware of that fact.'

Liverpool 'Accept' Real Madrid's £22m Xabi Alonso Bid With Gabriel Heinze Set For Anfield

Xabi Alonso has agreed a £22million move to Real Madrid in a deal that could see Gabriel Heinze move to Liverpool, according to reports in Spain.

Forget Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka or Franck Ribery, Alonso will be the first 'Galactico' of Florentino Perez's second stint as Bernabeu president, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

Perez is set to re-take his job as early as Monday - two weeks ahead of planned elections - after none of the other prospective presidential candidates was able to stump up the cash guarantee required.

The 62-year-old is only likely to sign one from the trio of Manchester United star Ronaldo, AC Milan's brilliant Brazilian Kaka or Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery.

But he has reportedly already reached an agreement for Spain midfielder Alonso. The paper says the Anfield star had agreed to a deal in principle weeks ago and that Liverpool accepted an offer on Friday.

But there remain a few variables to sort out. Former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze could go the other way in part-exchange, with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez a long-term admirer of the Argentina international.

Benitez is also said to be keen on striker Alvaro Negredo. Madrid sold the 23-year-old to Almeria but have a buy-back option and Liverpool are said to have wanted him as part of the Alonso deal.

However, the £13m price-tag quoted is too much for Liverpool as they would prefer the cash to target Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

Rafael Benitez Claims No Real Madrid Deal For Xabi Alonso

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has rejected all claims that the club have reached an agreement with Real Madrid to sell Xabi Alonso.

The news comes after Sport revealed, this morning, that a deal worth €25 million was set to go through.

The midfielder has long been linked with a move to the Spanish giants, but Benitez has stated that he does not want to sell the international.

Speaking to Liverpool's official website, Benitez said, "The situation is clear, we do not want to sell our best players and that includes Xabi.

"He had a very good season for us and can be an important player in the future. There is no agreement with Real and we want him to be part of our plans going forward.

"Xabi himself told our club magazine, only two weeks ago, that he was looking forward to his sixth season as a Liverpool player. Why should he want to leave now?

"Xabi's agent came to see me recently to talk about the future. It was a surprise for me and I pointed out to him there were three years left on Xabi's contract.

"I asked him if the player was happy in Liverpool and he said yes. It was a short meeting."

The 27-year-old has been at the club since 2004 and has made 143 Premier League appearances, scoring 14 goals.

Lavezzi Ready To Snub Reds

Argentina striker Ezequiel Lavezzi wants to remain at Napoli despite reported interest from Liverpool.

Lavezzi, who joined the Naples-based side in the summer of 2007, has scored seven goals for the Serie A club this season.

"Liverpool's offer? I want to stay at Napoli," said Lavezzi.

"I hope everything will be made clear but it depends on the club not on me.

"I reiterate that my wish is to remain at Napoli."

The 24-year-old is under contract with Napoli until June 2012.

Napoli failed to qualify for European football next season having finished a disappointing 12th in Italy's top flight.

Fernando Torres: Premier League Is Still Toughest In The World

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has stated that the Premier League is still the most competitive league in the world.

Premier League champions Manchester United were beaten in the Champions League final by Spanish Primera Division champions Barcelona on Wednesday, leading many to question the dominance of the English league.

However, Torres feels England's top flight is the world's toughest league, with all clubs capable of beating each other.

The former Atletico Madrid player has also stated that since his move from his homeland, he has developed as a player, and feels the Premier League has had a lot to do with that.

The Spain international believes that players in Britain are becoming stronger, and feels that more players are moving to England.

Speaking to Liverpool's official website, Torres said, "It is difficult to say which league is better, but the Premier League is more competitive because the British are becoming stronger and players are coming to England."

The 25-year-old also said that the English league has greatly improved him as a player.

"I have improved a lot," he continued. "I managed to score more goals than any other foreigner in his first year in the Premier League and was third in the Golden Ball."

Torres moved to Anfield in 2007, and has since made 83 appearances for the club, scoring 50 goals.

Steven Gerrard Confident That Liverpool Will Fight For Trophies Next Season

Liverpool's talismanic captain Steven Gerrard is convinced that his side will be a much improved unit next season that will be competing for silverware, and points to their league record this campaign as evidence that they are a fine team that only requires minor tweaking in order to collect some tangible rewards.

"You look at the points tally," he stated to Sky Sports News. "We finished the season with 86 points. Usually that's enough to be crowned champions.

"But Manchester United have played at a terrific standard this year and unfortunately we've finished runners-up. But we're very close.

"I'm sure the manager will want to strengthen the team and the squad over the summer.

"I don't think there's many changes that need making, but we need to freshen things up like all the other teams do, and I feel as if we can fight for all the big trophies next year."

The England international refused to be drawn on which areas that the Reds need to improve, preferring to trust his manager's judgement, although he didn't think that too much change was required.

"I think that's for Rafa to answer," he affirmed. "I'm sure he's already working on what part of the squad needs strengthening. I think if you look at Manchester United's squad and Chelsea's squad and you look at how strong their benches are, and even how strong the players are that aren't even making their eighteens, then we're off that at moment.

"We're maybe two or three players away from having a squad on a level par with them two. I feel that's how close we are."

Liverpool Players Tell Rafael Benitez To Sign Michael Owen

Michael Owen could be set for a shock return to Anfield, according to a report in the Sunday People.

The British tabloid claims that senior Liverpool players have urged manager Rafael Benitez to sign the Newcastle United striker who is out of contract at St James’ Park.

The players reportedly believe that Owen is worth a gamble, particularly as he is available on a free transfer, and that he would be warmly welcomed back to the club by the fans.

Owen spent eight years on Merseyside, winning an FA Cup, two League Cups and the UEFA Cup before moving to Real Madrid in 2004.

However, since returning to England with Newcastle, he has been plagued by injury and has struggled for his best form this season as the Magpies dropped out of the Premier League.

The striker looks certain to walk away from Tyneside this summer and make an instant return to the top-flight, with both Everton and Tottenham Hotspur both linked with the player.

Whilst Owen would no doubt welcome a return to Anfield, Benitez has previously insisted he is not interested in signing the Newcastle man.

However, the Sunday People insists that Owen could still return to Liverpool with the players seeing him as a perfect back up for striker Fernando Torres.

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard: I Am Still Improving As A Player

After receiving the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award at a gala dinner in London on Friday, Steven Gerrard suggested that he is yet to reach his peak.

Indeed, the Liverpool captain hinted that he will only continue to become a better player, insisting that he is still improving in training as he strives to realise his potential.

"The coaches are always driving me on, trying to improve me as a player. I’m 29 now and I still feel I can get better," Gerrard, who celebrates his birthday on Saturday, was quoted as saying by The Guardian on Friday.

"I am still learning every single day in training, working on parts of my game, am still very hungry and ambitious.

"There is still a lot to achieve for me personally, for Liverpool and England, so hopefully next year is going to be a lot bigger for me trophy wise."

Meanwhile, England head coach Fabio Capello urged the attacking midfielder to take his club form into the World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra in June.

"Steve, you have played a fantastic season, and scored a lot of goals. Now, please, just two more to help us towards South Africa," Capello remarked.

Fernando Torres: Liverpool Should Sign Valencia's Villa & Silva

Fernando Torres has urged Liverpool to sign Valencia duo David Silva and David Villa during the close-season.

It is thought that Los Che may have to cash-in on a number of their most prised assets this summer in order to help ease some of the huge debts they have reportedly accrued.

The 25-year-old is confident that his team-mates at international level would provide the Reds with that extra bit of quality required to mount a serious challenge for silverware on more than one front next season.

"Villa and Silva would complement Liverpool greatly," Torres told Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

Following Barcelona's victory over Manchester United in the Champions League final on Wednesday, the debate has continued over which league is stronger; the Premier League or Primera Division.

"It is difficult to say which league is better, but The Premiership (sic) is more competitive because the British are becoming stronger and players are coming to England," Torres remarked.

The 6ft 1in striker also insisted that should Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez ever move to Real Madrid, there is no chance that he will follow.

Torres says he is happy to continue playing for the Merseyside outfit before returning to Los Blancos' local rivals Atletico Madrid, who he represented between 2001 and 2007 after rising through their youth ranks.

"I would not follow in his [Benitez's] footsteps, It would be important to end my career where it started [at Atletico]," Torres added.

"I have improved a lot [at Liverpool]. I managed to score more goals than any other foreigner in his first year in The Premiership and was third in the Golden Ball."

Real Madrid & Liverpool Reach Xabi Alonso Agreement

Liverpool and Real Madrid have reached an agreement over Xabi Alonso, and the player will be presented next week, according to reports.

According to Sport, the two clubs have settled on terms and all the remains is the player's signature. The initial transfer fee is €25 million, but the fee could increase depending on whether or not Liverpool can come to an agreement with Gabriel Heinze, who could be part of the deal.

Alonso is expected to sign a five-year contract and will be presented next week, when he will be in Madrid for the Spanish training camp ahead of the Confederations Cup.

It is believed that Liverpool also tried to involve Alvaro Negredo in the discussions, but that was not a viable option, since Madrid would have had to pay €15 million just to exercise their buy-out clause with Almeria.

Rumours are also suggesting that Florentino Perez will present his new coach next Monday, with Manuel Pellegrini the overwhelming favourite.

Alonso is likely to be the first of many signings over the summer, with Perez expected to spend in excess of €300 million.

Pierpaolo Marino: Napoli Not Interested In Liverpool Bids For Lavezzi

Napoli sporting director Pierpaolo Marino insists he has have never received an offer from Liverpool for Lavezzi, and he has no intention of selling the hitman.

The Argentinean has been hotly tipped to make the move to the Premier League this summer and, according to reports, Liverpool are keen to land him.

Lavezzi's agent Alejandro Mazzoni claimed his client could be leaving the San Paolo for Anfield, but Marino has other ideas, contrary to opinions which have been expressed so far.

"I have never received offers from Liverpool, and we are not interested in receiving any," Marino told Il Corriere Dello Sport.

"I know the rules of the game, and I will not fall into the trap of commenting on something which doesn't exist.

"We have never thought about parting company with Lavezzi or [Marek] Hamsik."

Reports suggested Liverpool had made a bid for Lavezzi, only to have it turned down, but Marino's words imply that the Italian side have not been tempted by the Reds.

Lavezzi's Napoli future seems safe for now, but the speculation is likely to continue.