Liverpool Are Closing The Gap On Manchester United - Rafael Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes the club are closing the gap between themselves and Manchester United in the Premier League.

The Merseyside-based club pushed United in the title race last year before eventually finishing runners-up, despite achieving more points than in any other season since the elite League's inception.

Benitez is optimistic that such advancements will lead to a prolonged period of success at Anfield.

"We are going forward, we are progressing. For the future this is good news and hopefully this is the beginning of something important." he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

Speaking about last season's title rivals, Benitez added that the strength in depth at Old Trafford was the difference between the two sides over the course of 38 games.

He continued: "We won against them (United) twice this year.

"We've shown we can beat anyone. Clearly we have enough quality in the team. The squad is good but against us United had Giggs, Scholes and Berbatov on the bench.

"Each year is different but we are closer, we have more confidence, and the experience of this year will be good for next season. You never know but it seems like we are reducing the gap."

Benitez celebrates five years in charge of Liverpool on Tuesday.

Liverpool FC £17million Glen Johnson Bid Accepted By Portsmouth

Liverpool last night had a £17m bid accepted by Portsmouth for Glen Johnson.

And the England full-back has told Anfield officials that he wants to join the Reds.

Chelsea and Manchester City have both been chasing the 24-year-old, but the player has told Pompey officials that Liverpool is his preferred destination.

The Reds are wary about making any official statement after their experience with Gareth Barry last month.

They believed they had finally secured a player they first targeted 12-months earlier, only for the England midfielder to have a last minute change of heart and join Manchester City instead.

But this time the Reds are confident the deal will go through.

The fee handed over, however, will be significantly less than £17m, with money still owed for last summer's transfer of Peter Crouch.

Reports today suggested that Liverpool would seek to make up the remainder by offloading Alvaro Arbeloa to Real Madrid for £8m and returning Andrea Dossena to Italy.

But no bids have been received for either player.

With Pompey's managerial and ownership situation still unclear, the Reds have been negotiating with Fratton Park chief executive Peter Storrie

"It is very hard to try and hold people back when they have a chance to play in the Champions League. I accept that," Storrie said.

"Glen has obviously had a fantastic season for us and has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the league. He’s cemented his place in the England team and obviously the World Cup’s coming up now.

"I’ve known Glen for a long time since his West Ham days so when I re-signed him we talked it over and he asked if one of the big four clubs, who were in the Champions League, came in for him would we stand in his way of a move.

"I said that I couldn’t do that provided the deal is good for Portsmouth and for Glen."

It appears that Portsmouth have now received a deal which is good for all parties.

Johnson started his career at West Ham before joining Chelsea for £6m in 2003.

However, his opportunities were limited at Stamford Bridge and he joined Portsmouth on a season-long loan in the summer of 2006.

In August 2007 Pompey secured his services on a permanent basis for £4million and over the past two years he has established himself as England’s first choice right back.

Torres Wants Reds To Sign David Villa

Fernando Torres believes Liverpool should do all they can this summer to sign Valencia striker David Villa.

The Spain international feels his international team-mate would be an ideal acquisition for the ambitious Reds.

The financial troubles which have hit the headlines of late could make a move impossible, with uncertainty surrounding how much funding will be made available to Rafa Benitez during the transfer window.

With Primera Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona also believed to be in the market for Villa, Liverpool would face a tough task to bring the highly-rated striker to England.

However, Torres refuses to accept that a deal would be impossible and has urged Benitez to snap up Villa should the opportunity present itself.

"Rafa Benitez makes the signings and I'm sure those who come will improve us," Torres said in the Daily Star.

"If it was me I would bring David Villa. But that may not be possible."

Torres has struck up a great understanding with Villa at international level, with the duo now considered by many to be the world's most lethal strike force.

That tag may be slightly exaggerated, but Torres admits the pair are among the best in the business.

"We play well together and link up so well," he added.

"It's a pleasure to play with him.

"I don't know if we are the best partnership in the world but we are European champions and that is almost the same."

Liverpool Boss Benitez Sets Dossena Price For Juventus

After a disappointing campaign with Liverpool, it seems that coach Rafa Benitez no longer considers defender Andrea Dossena a necessary component of the squad. The Spanish boss has revealed the price the left-back will cost any interested suitors, notably Juventus.

"Dossena is worth £6 million," which would convert to about approximately €7 million, according to Tuttosport.

Bianconeri sporting director Alessio Secco has already confirmed that the club are looking for a full-back and claims that "the name of Dossena is not a risk."

Dossena himself has already expressed that he is flattered by the consideration of the Turin giants.

"The interest of a great team like Juventus can only make me happy, this affair seems to be a good starting point. I've explained to my agent, Federico Pastorello, that I hope a deal can be realised, but all three parties must be in agreement," he concluded.

The Italian left-back is currently on international duty in South Africa at the Confederations Cup.

Steven Gerrard Has ‘Something Extra’ Over Barcelona Star Xavi – Fernando Torres

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard should be mentioned in the same breath as the best players in the world, according to Fernando Torres, who even deems the Reds' talisman to be better than Barcelona's Xavi.

Torres is currently on international duty with Spain, aiding his country's chances of progression through the Confederations Cup semi-finals with a hat-trick against New Zealand. The former Atletico Madrid striker has also been surprisingly linked with a move to Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, but he may be unhappy to leave his "friend" Gerrard at Anfield.

Torres is quoted by Sport as saying, "When people talk about the best footballers in Europe, they always single out [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but [Gerrard] is just as strong.

"I’m spoilt having a team-mate like him as I can count on him supplying me with perfect passes. You make the run into the space and however tightly marked he is, he finds a way to get the ball through. The highest compliment I can pay him is that he’s as creative as Xavi at Barcelona, with something extra as well.

"When you add his energy, toughness, leadership and goal scoring ability, the result is a fantastic all-round player. Maybe I am biased because he is my team-mate and friend, but Stevie does not get the credit he deserves either in England or with European fans.

"This can change in 2010, when he has a chance to confirm his class with Liverpool and in the World Cup."

Liverpool's Fernando Torres Denies Any Chance Of A Move To Manchester United

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has said he will never join Manchester United, following reports at the weekend that Sir Alex Ferguson was preparing a bid for the Spaniard.

It was claimed that United were to table a £45 million offer for Torres, but the 25-year-old says he has no intention of leaving Merseyside, least of all for a club considered Liverpool's biggest rivals.

Ferguson and Rafael Benitez were involved in a season-long war of words last campaign, and Torres, who has only recently signed a new contract, intends to stay with a manager he claims brings out the best in him.

"I don't know anything about United, just that it has been in the newspapers," he told the Star. "Listen, my team is Liverpool and this is very clear to me.

"This club has it all - the history, the prestige, the organisation. Liverpool Football Club is a phenomenon, with millions of fans who totally identify with everything the club stands for.

"It's a big responsibility to give the fans here the success they desire, but the challenge is always exhilarating and this is why I was delighted to sign a new contract."

With his future seemingly set in stone, Torres said his main focus for the upcoming season is ensuring Liverpool win trophies - and he knows just what they need to do it.

"We need to win the big trophies and we can trust Rafa Benitez to keep the momentum going for us," he continued. "[He] makes the signings and I’m sure those who coming will improve us - if it were me I would bring David Villa but that may not be possible.

"We play well together [for Spain] and link up so well - it's a pleasure to play with him."

Excited about the prospect of beating United to the Premier League title next campaign, Torres, who has scored 50 goals for Liverpool in 84 games, hit back at critics who claim foreign players in Britain are not as motivated to win titles.

"The rivalry with Manchester United is intense and the roof will come off at Anfield if we beat them to next year's title.

"Obviously the Champions League means a lot to Liverpool, but the English title is the one everyone wants in our dressing room.

"They say foreign players don't care as much as the home-grown, but we are very much aware that Liverpool haven't won the Premier League for 19 years and understand the supporters are desperate for us to put that right."

Steven Defour: Liverpool To Beat Aston Villa To £15M Belgian Playmaking Star

Aston Villa were expected to lead a host of Premier League clubs this summer in the race to sign Standard Liege’s Belgian starlet Steven Defour. However, with the impending rumours of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano’s likely exits, Liverpool have jumped to the head of the queue. There’s likely there’ll be a bidding war waged for the young playmaker due to the player being linked to at least 7 Premier League clubs.

The 21-year-old youngster certainly put himself in the shop window with his European displays against Merseyside giants Liverpool and Everton in Europe earlier in the season. He is also fiercely ambitious and declared in January he was ready to leave Standard.The Belgian international admitted, “I have achieved what I wanted to achieve with Standard.”

Before adding, “Maybe it is best for my career to make an upward step. I feel the time is right for me to move on.”

This will encourage the reported interested Premier League sides which consist of not only Liverpool and Aston Villa but also the likes of Arsenal, Everton, Portsmouth, Blackburn and Sunderland who have all had the midfielder watched.

It’s of little surprise as the 5 ft 8 playmaker’s career has gone from strength to strength. Defour is now a permanent member of the Belgian national side with 20 caps and 1 goal to his name despite his tender years. He also captains the Belgian champions Standard (two successive titles) as well as won the 2007 Golden Shoe Award as most outstanding player in the Jupiler League.

Defour began his career at Racing Genk where he made 30 League appearances (25 starts) and scored once. Despite breaking into the side at just 16-years-old the playmaker was soon one of the integral members of the side and his ambition led to a move to Standard. His departure caused such a commotion at Genk that the Chairman at the time Jos Vaessen stood down from his post.

Defour had this to say at the time, “At Genk things became too easy for me. At Standard I may not play in every match at this stage, but I would rather have 20 good matches and start on the bench 14 times, than play 34 moderate matches. Even in training I’ve become a better player by working with players like Conceição and Rapaić. They give me advice, but they also listen to me. I’ve already criticised Conceição. Sérgio accepts my criticism as he realises I am a good player.”

This comment provides an example of the ambition of the youngster and explains why he’s been such a success at Standard Liege. He led the club to the Belgian championship for the first time in 25 years in the 2007/08 season and has now made 84 League appearances for the club (79 starts) and scored 9 goals. His form has attracted the attention of a number of European clubs and is reported to be available for £15m which may rule out a move to Villa with Martin O’Neill quoted as saying he won’t be paying over the odds for players this summer. O’Neill had this to say, “I don’t mind paying over the odds for some people if you think that player will develop and become an asset for the team and be money well spent.”

“I did that with Ashley Young, but if I was told that a player I value at £7m was for sale at £15m, then I would not be able to do that.”

Defour’s former team-mate Marouane Fellaini was sold to Everton for £15m last summer and if anything Defour is rated as the better prospect. Standard also possess another exciting youngster Alex Witzel who is only 20 but being heavily tracked by both Manchester United and Man City. Defour is contracted to Standard till 2013 which will enable the Belgian side to maintain their stance that he won’t be leaving on the cheap.

He would be ideal for Villa who perhaps lack the guile of a playmaker in their midfield to unleash the pace and power of the likes of Young, Agbonlahor and Carew whilst he could be an excellent alternative to Xabi Alonso at Liverpool if the Spaniard were to depart to La Liga. Sunderland have reportedly got the funds to spend big and if Everton continue to slowly improve their squad after the success of Fellaini at Goodison, Moyes may fancy reuniting the pair. Defour was expected to cost in excess of the £15m that Fellaini left for. However, the current financial climate may lead to a reduction in the fee.

Whichever club he moves to, England is looking the likely destination for Defour with so many clubs currently watching him, so expect him to join his former team-mate Fellaini in the Premier League this summer.

The £3M Croatian ‘New Boban’ Chased By Liverpool, Celtic & Villa

The latest Croat star to be linked with a move to the Premier League is 22-year-old NK Rijeka midfield star Anas Sharbini. Celtic reportedly made a tentative enquiry in January month but Liverpool and Aston Villa are strongly linked in the Croatian press. The player should also be available at a knock-down £3m as his contract expires at the end of the 2009/10 season.

Sharbini’s talent was brought to public attention in the 2007/08 season after a superb campaign in which the attacking midfielder scored 11 goals in 28 League appearances (27 starts). This superb form led to a call up to the Croatian national squad as a reserve in case of injuries for Euro 2008. He’s yet to play for his country at full international level but recently earned a call-up after impressing in the U21 side.

The young star has enjoyed another excellent season this time out with 14 League goals in 27 League appearances but is reported to be desperate to leave the club. Sharbini’s goal tally is only bettered by two other players this season. Dinamo Zagreb are said to be keen but offers from the Bundesliga, Premier League and the SPL may sway a summer move with the player available for nothing at the end of next season.

Sharbini is a technically gifted, quick, two-footed playmaker and could prove a bargain buy for a number of clubs needing to add creativity to their ranks for a knock-down price. Rafa Benitez is looking to strengthen his midfield options with bargain buys and the fact the youngster can also play in Steven Gerrard’s 2nd striker position is an added bonus. Then there’s Villa who are looking to build on their performance this season as well as provide a replacement for Gareth Barry at a knockdown price.

The Croatian star’s father was born in Damascus but moved to Rijeka in the 1980’s, therefore Sharbini could have opted for Syria at international level but instead chose the country of his and his mother’s birth. At 5 ft 11 he is not as lightweight as Luka Modric so may settle quicker in terms of the physical nature of British football. He is also renowned for his set-piece capabilities and has been tagged the ‘new Boban’ by the Croatian press which is high praise indeed.

Gerrard Could Quit In 2013

Steven Gerrard has admitted that he could retire at the end of his current contract, which runs until 2013.

The Liverpool skipper will be 33-years-old by then and accepts that he may decide to hang up his boots.

The England international claims he will take great pride from the fact that, should he call time on his illustrious career at that juncture, he will have spent his entire career at Anfield.

Gerrard was a boyhood Liverpool fan and has become the heartbeat of the Merseyside outfit over the years.

He has revealed that he came close to leaving the club when Chelsea came calling in 2005, but is delighted to have remained loyal to his roots.

"I will be 33 at the end of my contract in 2013 and I don't know if I will go any further," Gerrard told France Football.

"If I do retire, then I will know that from the start to the end of my career I only had one club. And I don't want to think about wearing any other shirt in the future.

"I was close to leaving in the past, maybe twice, most notably in 2005. That year we (Liverpool) were a long way off the Premier League title and Chelsea's interest turned my head.

"It was a difficult moment for me. However, now when I look back I am very happy that I chose to stay here. It has given me real pride."

Liverpool fell narrowly short in their efforts to land the Premier League crown last term and were pipped at the post by North West rivals Manchester United.

However, Gerrard believes the club are heading in the right direction and is backing the Reds to be a stronger force in the 2009/10 campaign.

"I believe the experience of defeat that we felt last season will be useful to us next term," he added.

"The team has greatly improved over the last year or so. Today we are much closer to winning the title than we have been in the past.

"Manchester United's squad is deeper than ours, we know that, and we have to be realistic.

"But if we can add two or three quality players to what we already have, we will be at their level. The summer reinforcements will be essential."

Dossena Flattered By Juve Link

Liverpool full-back Andrea Dossena is flattered by Juventus' interest in him but insists he is happy at Anfield.

The defender is currently on international duty with Italy ahead of their Confederations Cup opener against the USA in South Africa and is keeping an eye on transfer activity in Europe.

Dossena, who joined the Reds last summer from Udinese, has caught the attention of Juve and the Serie A outfit have been linked with tabling a bid for the 27-year-old.

Dossena maintains he is content with life on Merseyside but the defender is happy to be attracting interest in his native land.

"I will always have a special eye out for Italy and it's always pleasing to be wanted by a club like Juventus," he told Sky Italia.

"Liverpool are a great club and I am happy to be playing here. I am having a good experience in England.

"But if there was to be a deal between my agent, Juve and Liverpool, then I would certainly consider the proposal."

Ipswich Town Looking To Take David Ngog On Loan From Liverpool

New Ipswich Town boss Roy Keane reportedly has his sights set on under-utilised Liverpool striker David Ngog.

According to News of the World, the ex Manchester United boss is hoping to convince Rafa Benitez to loan out the 20-year-old, who has barely got a look-in at Anfield since his £1.5 million move from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

Keane has made a new forward his first priority as Jon Stead, Pablo Counago and Kevin Lisbie are currently the only recognised strikers at Portman Road.

Reports suggest that Ipswich scouts were at the recent Toulon tournament to watch the France under-21 international first-hand and that the Irish manager has now decided to make a move for him based on their reports.

Despite barely playing him last season, Benitez recently went on record as saying that he is convinced Ngog will go on to become an important player for Liverpool.

Liverpool Assert Again That Xabi Alonso & Mascherano Will Stay

Liverpool have confirmed that both Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano will be staying at the club, despite rumours that the pair were set to leave Anfield for Spain.

Alonso has recently been heavily linked with a big money move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, with the midfielder said to be one of Madrid president Florentino Perez's top transfer targets this summer.

Meanwhile, Alonso's Anfield team-mate Mascherano has been the subject of a proposed move to Madrid's arch rivals Barcelona, with manager Pep Guardiola set to offer the Reds around £30 million for the Argentine's services.

However, both players have been told by the Reds that they will be staying at Anfield, and despite recent media reports, the club say no offers had been made for either player.

A statement on the club's official website reads:

"Despite repeated media speculation on the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, Liverpool has received no official approach or offer from any club regarding the players.

"Neither is for sale and furthermore Liverpool has no interest in the long list of Spanish based players being linked with a move to Anfield as part of any deal."

Both players are viewed as vital in Liverpool's quest for a first Premier League trophy, and should have a significant part to play in next season's campaign.

Fernando Torres Determined To Bring Glory Days Back To Liverpool

Fernando Torres says he is hell-bent on lifting the Premier League title with Liverpool.

The 25-year-old Spanish sensation has firmly established himself as a fans' favourite since joining the Reds for around £20 million from Atletico Madrid in 2007, scoring 50 goals in 84 appearances.

However, despite helping the Merseyside outfit finish runners up in the Premier League this season, El Nino has not been able to attain any silverware during his short spell at Liverpool.

Some say the Reds' lack of a homegrown core is at the root of their title drought, but the Madrid-born 25-year-old couldn't agree less.

"They say foreign players don't care as much as the home grown, but we are very much aware that Liverpool haven't won the Premier League for 20 years and understand the supporters are desperate for us to put that right," Torres told the club's official website.

"The rivalry with Manchester United is intense and the roof will come off at Anfield if we beat them to next year's title. Obviously the Champions League means a lot to Liverpool, but the English title is the one everyone wants in our dressing room.

"Liverpool Football Club is a phenomenon, with millions of fans who totally identify with everything the club stands for. They are at one with the players and that's why the backing we get at Anfield and from the away support is second to none," added Torres.

"This club has it all: the history, the prestige, the fans, the organisation. It's a big responsibility to give the fans here the success they desire, but the challenge is always exhilarating and this is why I was delighted to sign a new contract."

The Spain international striker recently put pen to paper on a new four year deal which will see him remain at Anfield until 2013 at least, with an option to prolong his stay by a further year until 2014.

Manchester City's Micah Richards Set For Cut Price Liverpool Transfer

Manchester City central defender Micah Richards is the subject of a bid from Premier League rivals Liverpool, according to News of the World.

The Reds have reportedly put in a £5 million bid for the youngster, a bid that is likely to be rejected by the Manchester based club.

City value the 20-year-old at around the £20 million mark and are unlikely to accept anything less than that.

However, City boss Mark Hughes is believed to be willing to let the central defender leave the club.

The pair reportedly had a training ground bust up earlier in the season, and Hughes is apparently willing to let the defender go, but not for such a low price.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has a restricted transfer budget this season and is looking to pick up a few bargains in the summer transfer window.

Richards has already broken onto the international scene and has won 11 England caps in his short career, he is expected to gain more under England coach Fabio Capello.

Benitez is looking for signings to bolster his squad, so that they can mount another serious Premier League title challenge, and it is believed that the lure of Champions League football could persuade Richards to move to Anfield.

Liverpool's Fernando Torres Reveals World Cup Final Dream

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has stated that he and team-mate Steven Gerrard dream of meeting each other in the World Cup final.

The Spanish striker is currently on international duty at the Confederations Cup, and is confident that Spain could overcome England if they met in the final of the biggest football competition.

Both Torres and Gerrard are set to feature in next year's World Cup in South Africa, after La Seleccion and the Three Lions recorded 100 per cent records in their respective qualifying groups for the tournament.

The two teams met in a friendly in February, with Spain running out easy 2-0 winners, and Torres has revealed his frequent conversations with Gerrard over meeting in the final next year.

Speaking to The Sunday Mirror, Torres said, "It's a good rivalry, we talk about it a lot and dream about what might happen in the future.

"To play against England is special for me. Already, I noticed in the friendly in Seville how big it was and to do it in an official competition would be enormous.

"England are one of the candidates to win the World Cup in 2010, without doubt. Stevie and myself have often spoken about our teams.

"Our dream would be for England and Spain to play in the final in South Africa. But Spain might win it."

Torres Hits Hat-Trick As Spain Rout New Zealand

Fernando Torres bagged a hat-trick as European champions Spain crushed New Zealand 5-0 to open their Confederations Cup campaign in emphatic style on Sunday.

The Group A victory, their 13th consecutive win, extended their unbeaten run to 33 games as they look to overturn Brazil's world record 35 matches without defeat between 1993 and 1996.

Yet despite Spain being the world's number one ranked team and packed with star names, the Royal Bafokeng Stadium here was half empty, something that will worry FIFA with the World Cup in South Africa less than a year away.

The match was always going to be a David versus Goliath battle and it was all Spain, with Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and Valencia's David Villa also getting on the scoresheet.

"We did what we had to do, we started with a good rhythm and played good football and were leading 4-0 after 24 minutes," said Spain coach Vicente del Bosque.

"The second half was a question of saving energy for our next match."

Torres said it was a fantastic start for the team.

"It was great for the team and for me it is always important to score. I got three so I'm very happy," he said.

They opened their account after six minutes when Fabregas slotted the ball to Torres on the edge of the box and he cooly curled his shot into the top right hand corner.

It was 2-0 eight minutes later after Villa cut the ball back for Torres, who side-footed it past flailing goalkeeper Glen Moss.

The Liverpool striker collected his hat-trick inside 17 minutes as the one-sided game threatened to become an embarrassing rout.

Joan Capdevila crossed from the left and Torres outjumped the defence to powerfully head the ball home for his 22nd international goal.

It was the second hat-trick for his country - the other coming against San Marino in a 2006 World Cup qualifier.

New Zealand's confidence was shattered as their defence, missing injured Blackburn star Ryan Nelsen, was run ragged.

With Spain keeping possession and pressing forward, Fabregas got their fourth on 24 minutes with a simple tap-in after Capdevila squared the ball into his path.

The only other time the two teams have met was at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1997 when Spain won 13-0 and All Whites coach Ricki Herbert looked a worried man in the dugout with another double-figure demolition appearing possible.

He took off striker Jeremy Brockie, replacing him with Jeremy Christie to shore up the defence, and the tactic worked with the score remaining the same at the half-time whistle.

But it didn't stay that way for long with Villa scoring the fifth just three minutes after the restart following a comical miskick from defender Andy Boyens gifted him the ball and the Valencia striker made no mistake.

Torres was substituted with 20 minutes left as Spain took their foot off the gas, conscious that they have another game on Wednesday.

"The first 25 minutes were very tentative and on the world stage against the world's top team we got punished for a lot of things," said Herbert.

"I made some changes and we grew a bit in the second 45 and were more disciplined."

With hosts South Africa drawing 0-0 with Iraq, Spain top Group A with three points.

They next meet Iraq in Bloemfontein while New Zealand look to salvage some pride against South Africa on the same day in Rustenburg.

The top two from the group qualify for the semi-finals.

Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing Puts Hopes On Loan Move

Middlesbrough midfielder Stewart Downing has asked the club for a year's loan, with a view to making a permanent move away from the Riverside next summer, according to The News of the World.

The England international is currently recovering from a foot injury, but is still set to be out of action for at least six months.

This has ruined his chances of a summer move from the relegated club, but he is hopeful they can reach an agreement for a year's loan.

This would help the north east club as it would ease their wage bill as he recovers from the injury.

A deal is then reportedly wanted by Downing for him to move to a bigger club, with a fee thought to be in the region of £12 million.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur for the last couple of years, and it looked as though this transfer would actually go through in January, when Downing handed in a transfer request, which was refused by the club.

Boro were relegated on the final day of the season, leading to rumours of a quick fire sale of their top stars, but so far, no offers have yet come in, but Downing does still want a move away from the Riverside.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is also thought to be a big admirer of the English winger, and a bidding war, possibly in January of next year, could well take place.

Sir Alex Wants Torres To Be The New Ronaldo

Sir Alex Ferguson is planning an audacious raid on Liverpool for Kop striking hero Fernando Torres.

Armed with the £80 million windfall from Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid, the Manchester United boss is determined to make his own impact in a transfer market which is becoming bloated with money from the big clubs.

Liverpool hitman Torres is the shock target, as Sir Alex knows that a bid of around £40m would have to be seriously considered by United’s title rivals who have severe cash problems.

If Ferguson could pull off the coup, it would be a slap in the face for Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who was involved in a war of words with the Scot during the second half of the season.

Liverpool, who paid £20m to bring Torres from Atletico Madrid, would fight tooth and nail to hang on to the Spaniard but a British transfer record offer would give the Anfield boardroom serious food for thought.

In the meantime, Ferguson will pursue what could turn out to be more realistic targets – Lyon’s French striker Karim Benzema, Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o, Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero, Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery and Valencia’s David Silva.

A £20m deal to take Wigan’s wide right sided player Antonio Valencia to Old Trafford will be finalised in the next few days.

United believe they will lose Carlos Tevez to neighbours Manchester City but are more confident of fighting off the interest in unsettled defender Nemanja Vidic, who is being monitored by Barcelona and AC Milan.

Liverpool Set To Land Javier Saviola

Liverpool hope to be able to wrap up a deal that will see them rescue Javier Saviola from Real Madrid, after the two clubs agreed a fee for the Argentinian striker, according to reports.

Rafa Benitez believes that the 27-year-old could resurrect his career at Anfield by pairing up with Fernando Torres and the Merseyside outfit have held negotiations with Los Merengues.

A deal worth around £5 million (€6m) is believed to have been settled upon, media in Spain and England claim, and an official announcement could be made later this week.

Saviola has had few chances to impress during his two-year stint at the Santiango Bernabeu, after joining the club on a free transfer from Barcelona, and has been told he can leave this summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival has already signalled that he would be shunted even further down the pecking order as the Portuguese star has registered the trademark CR9, Saviola's current shirt number.

Early reports suggested that any deal would include Xabi Alonso, but it is now believed that the clubs are making the transfer of the goalscorer a separate issue.

Benitez is confident that he can draw the best out of the player that was once tipped to be the best young striker in Argentina when he was impressing with River Plate.

Even in his first few seasons at Barcelona, Saviola stood out and scored regularly for the Catalan side before being pushed down the pecking order and eventually loaned out to Monaco and Sevilla.

Liverpool FC Can Take Advantage Of Man Utd Losing Cristiano Ronaldo To Real Madrid

A reason to celebrate or a major blow to the Reds' hopes of knocking Manchester United off their perch next season?

The news that United have accepted a world record bid of £80million from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo has divided opinion among Liverpool fans.

Of course ex-United stars have been queuing up to hail the deal as a masterstroke.

Apparently, the champions no longer need a "petulant" and "egotistical" winger who had become too big for his boots.

Funny, because they didn't seem to mind those qualities when the Portuguese was banging them in from all angles and winning games almost single-handedly in recent seasons.

Anyway, the argument goes, selling Ronaldo has paved the way for Alex Ferguson to embark on a £100million summer spending spree to land Carlos Tevez, Lyon forward Karim Benzema, Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Wigan’s Antonio Valencia.

Pundits have likened the situation to the departure of David Beckham in 2003. After he went to Real Madrid, United blossomed but there is one crucial difference.

Beckham was 28 at the time and his best days were behind him,

Ronaldo is only 24 and yet to reach his peak.

Few neutrals will shed any tears about Ronaldo leaving the Premier League.

His play acting and histrionics made him public enemy number one at most grounds but his contribution to United's success cannot be overlooked.

In 2007/08 he scored 42 goals, topping the previous club record for a midfielder held by George Best, as United won the Premier League and the Champions League.

Inside the last seven months he has been crowned European Player of the Year and FIFA World Player of the Year.

This season he was United's top scorer again with 26 goals, taking his tally for United to 118 in 292 appearances.

Ferguson may have cash to splash but they are huge boots to try and fill.

And as United fans have found following the £30million spent on Dimitar Berbatov, big money signings don't always deliver.

Added to the mix is the fact that with United almost £700million in debt and having to shell out over £60million in annual interest payments, there are no guarantees Ferguson will get all that transfer money to spend.

The Glazers have insisted the decision to sell Ronaldo was taken solely by Ferguson but that's some turnaround by a man who last December declared he would not "sell that mob a virus”.

Of course Real Madrid's part in all this also has implications for Liverpool.

The election of new president Florentino Perez has ushered in a return to the 'galacticos' era.

And having shelled out £136million on Kaka and Ronaldo, his next target could be Xabi Alonso with Perez having already admitted he wants to take him to the Bernabeu.

Rafa Benitez has insisted the midfielder is not for sale but any offer upwards of £30million could force a rethink.

Benitez knows his greatest challenge this summer is not attracting star names but keeping his squad together.

Yes, the Reds boss doesn't have much cash to spend but as he admitted this week having come so close to glory this season he knows he just needs to add one or two new faces.

His best bits of business have already been done by getting Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger to agree new deals. Liverpool only need to take a small step forward if they are going to win the Premier League next season and the sale of Ronaldo could leave a gaping hole at Old Trafford that the Reds can take full advantage of.