Reina: Liverpool Won't Be Great Until We Learn To Kill Teams Off

Pepe Reina has blamed Liverpool's failure to win the Barclays Premier League this season on their inability to kill teams off.

Liverpool finished four points adrift of champions Manchester United despite beating Alex Ferguson's team home and away, but eleven draws proved costly.

Seven of those stalemates came at Anfield as Liverpool just fell short and Reina believes the 2008-09 campaign cannot be regarded as a successful season.

'To be honest, I don't think finishing the season at second can be considered a success for us because winning the league was our target and we really thought this would happen,' admitted Reina.

'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.'

But the Spain international, recently called up for the Euro 2008 winners' Confederation Cup campaign in South Africa, believes Liverpool can take confidence for the quality of their football over the course of the season.

'Liverpool played better football than United in the league, including during our huge win at Old Trafford.

'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.'

And Reina is confident manager Rafa Benitez can guide Liverpool to their first league crown since 1990 next season.

'The difference between United and us is very thin, just three or four points after 38 games is nothing, just a game. Our squad is capable of winning the Premier League title.'

Clock Ticking For Gerrard

The Golden Generation can hear the clock ticking against them as tournament after tournament goes by, World Cup after European Championship, yet still they don’t fulfil their once glittering promise. And Steven Gerrard admits even he has got one eye on Old Father Time now.

Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand, plus more than a few others in Fabio Capello’s squad, are well aware that South Africa 2010 might well be their last chance of a shot at the ultimate prize.

By the time Brazil 2014 comes around, there will undoubtedly be a new generation, the Gabby Agbonlahors, the Joleon Lescotts.

Old Father can be slowed, of course – David Beckham is still a key part of England plans as they go into the double-header against Kazakhstan and Andorra at the ripe old age of 34.

But Gerrard reckons Goldenballs is a one-off.

By the time Brazil comes around Gerrard will be 34, and he is not at all sure that he will be in the same kind of shape or form.

So there is no danger that Gerrard, and a significant number of this current squad, will be taking lightly what on paper are games that a multi-million-pound squad should win with ease, leaving them with a foot in the finals.

Euro 2004 slipped away from Gerrard and his team-mates; the 2006 World Cup was a massive disappointment, missing Euro 2008 an intense frustration.

Gerrard knows the opportunities for glory are running out. “This is probably the last chance for the players of my generation,” he said.

“Hopefully we will reach this World Cup. I will be 30 when it comes round, and for me it will be the last opportunity of doing well at a World Cup.

“And that is my motivation.

“I will certainly try for 2014, but you never look that far ahead as a player. For me, I am hoping to go into the next World Cup at 30 years of age, in my prime and very strong.

“I’m not sure I will be in that shape come 34. I won’t be taking any risks. I’ll be trying to get to one more World Cup.”

As for Beckham, who is in much better shape now after his stint at AC Milan, Gerrard said: “Of course he has managed to do it – but he’s Beckham, isn’t he!

“David is in fantastic condition. He’s certainly a role model for me and if I could be in his shape at his age I would love nothing better than to give the World Cup another go. You never know.

“You look at players such as Beckham, or Paolo Maldini at 40, and you think, ‘I would love to go on to that age’. I would love to play as long as I can for Liverpool and England. But I don’t look that far ahead. I’m concentrating on Kazakhstan.”

Gerrard said recently there could be no mistakes in these next two games, no slip-ups like the defeat in Northern Ireland under Sven-Goran Eriksson in the last World Cup qualifiers, the Euro 2008 qualifying defeats in Russia and Croatia under Steve McClaren, or the dismal draws in Israel and Macedonia.

There is more steel, a greater professionalism about England, Gerrard believes, which makes such catastrophes less likely.

“I am going on how we have performed of late since Fabio came in,” he said. “We are progressing well, getting stronger and becoming more of a team. We have been guilty of playing like individuals in the past but the manager is focusing a lot on the team. We’ve got the right mentality and we need to keep winning – that breeds confidence.

“The boss said he expected two goals from me in these games, so he added a little bit more pressure.

“It will be good to start them and if I can get a couple of goals and a couple of wins I’ll enjoy the three or four weeks off afterwards.”

According to Gerrard, the effect of Capello, the stern taskmaster with an unswerving vision of what he wants, is the key to 2010 success.

“Capello can make the difference. He could be the key to the side having a successful World Cup,” Gerrard said. “He is one of those managers in the handful that are the best. Managers who are that good can make the difference. They are focused, winners. And that has transferred itself already.

“But we don’t want to be carried away. There’s still a long way to go and a lot of improvement for this team to make. But I am confident we can do better than before.

“It’s difficult to say how far off we are, but its clear Spain are the benchmark. They have to be massive favourites for South Africa given how well they have been playing of late, and how well they played against us.

“It was good that we played them in that friendly [England lost 2-0 in Seville in February], to get an idea of how good they are and what we need to improve.

“We need to improve on everything. We need to be more difficult to beat, more ruthless in the final third. You can never stop improving and that goes for individuals and the team.

“We’ve got 12 months to become a force in the World Cup. That’s the challenge.”

And for Gerrard, it might well be the final one. ‘I feel strongly that this will be my last chance to do well at a World Cup’‘Capello is one of the best, and managers like that make the difference’’

Benayoun Confirms He's Received Offers To Leave Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun has revealed that he has received offers from clubs in England and Spain following his most productive season to date for the Reds.

The Israel captain has featured prominently for the Anfield side this term, contributing nine goals in all competitions. The 29-year-old netted important winners against the likes of Real Madrid and Fulham and played a total of 32 games over the course of the season.

With first team opportunities far from guaranteed under Rafael Benitez, Benayoun admits that clubs have been in touch.

However, after registering his most satisfactory campaign to date, the former Ajax youth team player has no intention of leaving Merseyside.

He is quoted as saying by Israeli radio, "This has been the best season of my career. I have played a lot of games and scored some important goals, and I am very happy with that.

"At the moment, I am a Liverpool player, and unless something surprising happens, I will remain one. But after such a good season, I have had some offers from England and Spain. You have to give that some consideration, so there will probably be some discussions with Liverpool.

"I have had a great two years at Anfield and enjoyed every minute. I have long since accepted that, with one or two notable exceptions, there is no such thing as an automatic choice at Liverpool.

"Unless you are Steven Gerrard, you are going to sit out one or two games, but that is no problem. Stevie is exceptional, and the rest of us accept that.

"The good thing is, I have been playing more, and I hope it continues that way. To be honest, it could be Real Madrid knocking on my door, and I would still rather stay at Liverpool four more years."

Gerrard Eyes Signings Like Torres

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is eager for the club to sign players of "Fernando Torres' level" in order to win the Premier League title.

The 29-year-old believes that although Liverpool made progress last season in finishing runners up to Manchester United summer recruits are needed.

"We've finished the season without a trophy, which hurts," said Gerrard.

"How do we go to the next step? Get more players of Torres' level. He is a massive player for us."

The 25-year-old Spanish striker scored his 50th goal for the Reds on the final day of the league season and signed an improved contract with the Anfield outfit in May.

Torres also has 58 caps for his country and played a starring role when Spain won Euro 2008.

Gerrard, who believes Chelsea will be stronger next season after appointing Carlo Ancelotti as boss, insisted the title could head to Anfield for the first time since 1990 if manager Rafael Benitez is able to bring in the targets he wants.

"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," he stated.

"If we can keep Torres fit and add 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 with that little bit more strength in depth."

Pepe Reina Wants To Stay With Liverpool

Pepe Reina has moved to commit his future to Premier League club Liverpool having been linked with a return to Spanish giants Barcelona recently.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper graduated from La Blaugrana's youth team to make 30 first-team appearances between 2000 and 2002 before being sold to Villarreal.

It has been speculated that the 6ft 2in shot-stopper is after a return to the Nou Camp as last Tuesday he was quoted by Sport as saying, "Every footballer would be delighted to play for Barca. Regarding the fact that I know the club pretty well, it would please me."

However, the 13-time capped Spain international insists he is only focused on helping the Reds win their first English championship since 1990.

"My future is here, with Liverpool," Reina told Setanta.

"Obviously, transfer speculations are part of the game, especially at this period of the year, but I am not after a move to Spain, as my dream is to win the league with this football club."

The Madrid-born 'keeper also stated that he does not have a clue whether manager Rafa Benitez is planning to bring any big name signings to Anfield this summer.

"Do we need to strengthen our squad? It is not up to the players, but to the coach," Reina continued.

"Rafa Benitez is a top manager and he perfectly knows his squad. As far as the squad is concerned, we have no idea if he plans to make signings or not."

Liverpool have been linked with a host of Reina's team-mates at international level, including Valencia trio David Villa, David Silva and Raul Albiol, as well as Almeria's Alvaro Negredo.

Liverpool Launch £15m Bid For David Silva

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has launched his bid to sign Valencia forward David Silva - but could face a battle to keep Javier Mascherano.

Spain's Euro 2008 winner Silva tops the Anfield wanted list and Valencia may have to sell cheaply because of their dire financial problems.

Liverpool are believed to have made an initial offer of £15million plus misfit forward Andriy Voronin.

But Real Madrid are waiting in the wings for Silva and also fancy midfielder Mascherano.

Real are willing to pay £18m for Mascherano and could offer ex-Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze in the package.

Reds Target Lavezzi Hurt By Disrespectful Napoli

A fall-out between Ezequiel Lavezzi and Napoli could accelerate a summer move to Liverpool.

Lavezzi, an electric attacker who has won the hearts of all Napoli fans, has been approached by one of The Premier League’s top four according to his agent.

The player himself is happy at Napoli, but has been angered by the conduct of sporting director Pierpaolo Marino, who did not even discuss the potential move with Lavezzi.

Agent Alejandro Mazzoni is furious, and he revealed Lavezzi feels let down by the club.

Mazzoni told calciomercato.com: "There is a very real offer from a team who are playing in the Champions League and where he would earn much more than here.

"Marino has not respected anything of what he promised. I don't think that we will hear from him. I have never seen anything like this - a club receives an offer for a player and doesn't sit down at the table to discuss it.

"They didn't even ask the player for what he thought about it. I find it incredible.

"The lad wants to stay at Napoli. But for him what's more important is dignity, which is above contracts, national teams, money - above everything."

Liverpool Star Steven Gerrard Fears Ancelotti At Chelsea

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is concerned that Carlo Ancelotti's appointment as Chelsea manager will make the Merseysiders' attempt to end what will be their 20-year title drought next season much more difficult, although he concedes it will make the competition even more appealing for fans of the two clubs.

"I think it's a good appointment for Chelsea, I'm not so sure its a good one for Liverpool though, we will have to wait and see," Gerrard smiled to reporters at a press conference at England's training camp, where they are preparing for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra.

"He is a fantastic manager, one of the best in the world.

"We played two Champions League finals against him when he was at AC Milan, won one on a fantastic night in Istanbul, but the second time around they beat us and he was spot-on tactically in the second game."

The attacker also felt that his club boss Rafa Benitez would rise to the new challenge posed by the Italian at Stamford Bridge.

"They are both fantastic managers and it will make the Premiership even more exciting," Gerrard added.

"These managers love going head to head against each other, to test each other, so I am sure Rafa and Ancelotti are looking forward to testing themselves again."

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.