Liverpool Co-Owner Agrees $550m NHL Deal

Liverpool owner George Gillett has agreed to sell the NHL's Montreal Canadiens to the Molson family in a deal that could help lift the financial cloud over the Premier League club.

The deal to sell the NHL's most successful ever team is worth a reported $550m (£330m).

Gillett put the Canadiens up for sale earlier this year as he scrambles to find funds to meet obligations on debt incurred as part of his takeover of Liverpool in partnership with Tom Hicks.

The sale includes Gillett's 80% stake in the team, the Bell Centre arena, and the Gillett Entertainment Group. Brewing moguls the Molsons, who sold the controlling interest in the team to Gillett for around $275m (£165m) in 2001, already own the remaining 20% share.

''This is a very exciting time for our family and we are grateful to the many people and organisations who came forward to offer their collaboration in the development of our proposal,'' Geoff Molson said in a statement.

The sale must first be approved by the NHL's Board of Governors, and will likely not be completed for several more weeks.

The NHL's approval of the sale would, however, seemingly be only a matter of course.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman responded positively to the news of the deal, saying: ''I think to the extent that they've been able to find people who are obviously passionate about the game and structure a transaction that makes sense for everybody, that's a real plus for the franchise and the fans in Montreal.''

News of the deal comes a little over two weeks after Liverpool's accountants warned of ''significant doubt'' over the club's parent company's ability to continue as a going concern with debt repayments due on July 24.

The company formed by Gillett and Hicks suffered a loss of £42.6m ($70.5m) last year, largely on interest repayments. The pair took out a loan of £350m ($580m) when they bought the club in 2007.

While Hicks and Gillett have been seeking other investors for Liverpool, they have so far come back empty-handed, meaning funds from a sale of the Canadiens could be needed to help cover upcoming payments.

Hicks has also been seeking to sell off elements of his own sporting empire - which includes Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers and the NHL's Dallas Stars.

Hicks' situation is further complicated as the Hicks Sports Group in April defaulted on a £325m loan ($525m) relating to the Rangers and Stars.

The Canadiens, who are celebrating their centenary year, are the oldest continually run professional ice hockey team in North America. Their 24 Stanley Cup titles are the most in the NHL.

''Our family has been very proud to be associated with the Montreal Canadiens over the past eight years and particularly to be a part of their Centennial Season,'' Gillet said after confirming the deal.

''I am fully confident that the Molson brothers, who have been a great part of the heritage of the club, will ensure the preservation and development of this great sports institution.''

The Molson family first bought the team in 1978, although their involvement dates back to the 1950s.

Alonso Expects To Stay At LiverpooL

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has said that he is not planning to leave the club this summer.

The Spain international has recently been linked with a move to Real Madrid amidst rumours of a rift between himself and Reds boss Rafael Benitez.

Alonso did not rule out a move away from Liverpool but insisted that he is happy at Anfield.

"I am happy at Liverpool but in football you cannot close the doors on anything because you don't know what will happen. I do not plan to go," he told El Pais.

"With Sami Hyypia already gone, I am one of the senior players alongside Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard.

"There was strong interest in me from Madrid (in 2004) but Liverpool came and that is where I went. It was not a wrong decision, not for me anyway. I have played at Liverpool, a special club, and grown as a player and won titles."

The 27-year-old also denied that his relationship with Benitez has deteriorated in light of the manager's indecision over his future last year.

"Each one has his own point of view. He is the manager and I try to do the best with what he tells me," Alonso added.

"We have a good professional relationship. We speak normally, saying what he wants from me and what I can give. He makes the decisions and we try to execute them.

"Last summer there was certain indecision and I did not know what was going to happen. I finished up playing well, though. I have had two quite complete seasons."

Rafael Benitez Set To Lose Javier Mascherano

Football’s transfer tombola threatens to make Liverpool its grand loser as the game’s richest clubs tempt away Rafa Benitez’s most important players and outbid the Spanish manager for his own targets.

Benitez is close to conceding defeat in his attempts to keep Javier Mascherano after Real Madrid moved for the combative midfielder. He also fears that Fernando Torres could be lost to Chelsea in a £60m heist.

Barcelona were already courting Mascherano when Madrid entered the chase last week. Having set two high watermarks for transfer fees with the £56m purchase of Kaka from AC Milan and their £80m offer for Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo, new president Florentino Perez is prepared to pay £38m for the joint transfer of Mascherano and right-back Alvaro Arbeloa. With Mascherano — who is keen to move to either of Spain’s premier clubs — valued at £30m, the sum would be a record fee for a holding midfielder.

Benitez is also concerned at the prospect of losing Torres, established as the Premier League’s most impressive striker since joining from Atletico Madrid two summers ago. Chelsea inquired about the 25-year-old earlier this year and Benitez believes the London club are now ready to offer as much as £60m. Fearing that Liverpool’s hard-up owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, might struggle to resist, Benitez has made inquiries about Almeira centre-forward Alvaro Negredo as a replacement. Negredo is half-owned by Madrid and available for £15m.

Chelsea are in the market for a marquee signing to launch Carlo Ancelotti’s reign as manager. Billionaire owner Roman Abramovich promised to top Madrid’s offers for Kaka this month, only for the Brazilian to decide that the Spanish club had a greater status.

While Torres is loyal to Benitez and will not agitate for a move, he recently signed an improved contract which takes him to 2013 without committing to anything more than the option of an additional year at Anfield. Asked about his future while on international duty last week, he said: “I’m very happy with my contract and wouldn’t leave just to earn a little more somewhere else where I wouldn’t be that happy. To want any more would be greedy and that is not me. As long as Liverpool want me, I will stay.”

Having fought to take control of transfer policy, at the expense of Rick Parry’s position as chief executive, Benitez finds his dealings hampered by the £350m loan Liverpool’s American owners have loaded upon the club.

Benitez has to make an economic case for every proposed transfer. Restrictions have already seen him lose Gareth Barry to Manchester City. Liverpool spent all last summer failing to close a deal and then City took just days to match Aston Villa’s asking price and radically improve the England midfielder’s personal terms. Benitez has bid for Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson, but more than a third of the England right-back’s £17.5m fee would be covered by money owed by Pompey on Peter Crouch’s move in 2008. Chelsea have also had an offer accepted, leaving Johnson to choose which club to join.

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso has given Benitez a further problem. Alonso has antagonised his manager by discussing personal terms with Madrid without official permission. The player admitted that the pound’s fall in value against the euro was a factor in considering his future. “Of course we think about it,” Alonso said. “When you see your contract down by 30% you cannot be happy.”

The pound is worth €1.18, but when Alonso signed a five-year contract in June 2007 it was worth €1.48.

Dirk Kuyt Says His Success Is Down To A Faith Healer from Holland

Dirk Kuyt has revealed the secret behind his status as the all-action King of the Kop.

Anfield boss Rafa Benitez called Kuyt "Mr. Duracell" last season, because of the Dutchman's non-stop running.

Now Kuyt has revealed: "Before every home game I have a natural healer called Henk de Gier fly in from Holland. He does a session with me and makes sure I go on the pitch in top condition.

"And Henk is not the only one who helps me. For quite a few years I have been using a haptonomist [a touch therapist]. I like to invest in my fitness and well being.

"I played more than 60 matches last season.

"The reason I was able to do that is because I let these healers fly in.

"It started after I had a bad spell at Liverpool in 2008. I even lost my place in the Dutch national team.

"Ever since Henk has treated me, I have been running like a steam train.

"Henk has a special treatment for me. He calls it 'the shaker'. He gets rid of all my physical problems and he loosens my body.

"He takes away not only injuries, but also stress and headache. He has helped me enormously." Kuyt accepts that the pressure is mounting on Benitez's men to end the 20-year wait for a league title.

He said: "The whole club is absolutely desperate to win the championship.

"If we do win the league next season, the city of Liverpool will have a month-long party in the town. It is 18-all in the titles race between us and Manchester United. The fans need us to take the lead again.

"And I have this incredible feeling that we are on the eve of another massive season with great things to come.

"In my trophy cabinet I only have one medal - for winning the Dutch cup. That has to change here and now - with Liverpool. I have signed a new contract until 2012 and have no intention of playing for anybody else before that time.

"I have had other offers from clubs in Europe.

"But this is not the time to leave a team that I have helped to build - we must finish the job."

Chelsea Join Chase For Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is reportedly attracting the interest of Carlo Ancelotti and Chelsea, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The unsettled Spanish midfielder has long been linked with a move away from Anfield, with Real Madrid in particular thought to be interested in acquiring the 27-year-old, and Chelsea now appear to have entered the hunt for his signature.

The recent speculation has recently led Alonso to insist he is happy at the club but, tellingly, he refused to commit his future to the Merseysiders, which the British tabloid claims has aroused the Blues’ interest.

The paper also claims that not only does manager Ancelotti admire Alonso greatly, but that he is keen to bring in younger midfielders to the club, and sees the Spaniard as the perfect choice.

The Blues are reportedly prepared to bid up to £18 million for Alonso, who is currently in South Africa with Spain taking part in the Confederations Cup.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, meanwhile, has repeatedly insisted that Alonso is not for sale.

The Spaniard has also enjoyed a fairly fierce rivalry with Chelsea during his time on Merseyside and would undoubtedly be loath to see Alonso quit Anfield for Stamford Bridge.

Carlo Ancelotti Ready To Launch Audacious Bid

Chelsea are ready to test Liverpool's resolve with a £50million bid for Fernando Torres.

Carlo Ancelotti has already targeted Torres' Spain strike partner David Villa, offering Valencia £35m. Now the Blues boss is ready to make an audacious attempt to unite Villa and Torres at club level.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will do all he can to block the move. But he is worried the huge sum offered by Chelsea could tempt American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

Liverpool's true financial state will be revealed over the coming weeks and Benitez is beginning to fear the worst.

At the end of the season Benitez was hopeful of landing 27-year-old Villa. Now he not only has to face up to Chelsea signing Villa but also targeting Torres.

Villa's proposed move to Real Madrid has not gone through because Chelsea's bid is £4m higher and is preferred by debt- ridden Valencia.

Now Blues owner Roman Abramovich is prepared to take advantage of Liverpool's own money worries by making the sort of offer he hopes Gillett and Hicks will not be able to refuse.

It is understood a tentative inquiry was made by a third party in April about how much it would cost to prise Torres away from Anfield.

The message from Liverpool at the time was that there was no chance of Torres being sold. Then in May the 25-year-old striker signed an improved deal to 2013.

If necessary, Ancelotti and Abramovich will settle for just landing Villa. But if there is even an outside chance of snatching Torres away from Anfield, they will take it.

We Don't Need To Spend Big To Win The Title, Insists Torres

Fernando Torres says no amount of spending by Manchester United and Chelsea during the summer will stop Liverpool's relentless quest for the Premier League title.

Before Spain met host nation South Africa in their final group game of the Confederations Cup last night, Torres revealed just how focused he is on breaking United's stranglehold on the title and emulating the great Liverpool forwards of the past.

The club's own finances are under serious scrutiny, with only a month left for joint owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks to find new ways of servicing a £350million debt, and Torres realises Liverpool's spending power may not match that of their rivals.

The evidence of that comes with Chelsea hoping to steal Portsmouth and England right-back Glen Johnson from the grasp of Rafael Benitez, and Xabi Alonso being lured to Real Madrid.

But Torres shrugged off those fears. 'We don't have the same money as United or Chelsea but that is not a problem for us,' he said.

'We will try to win trophies with money or without it, it doesn't matter to us. 'In the past two years, United have been the strongest team in Europe and we had to fight against them. This year they have lost an important player, so maybe it is our time.

'When I was a kid I was always looking up to Atletico Madrid strikers but when I came to Liverpool I saw DVDs of Robbie Fowler and Kenny Dalglish. They are legends of Liverpool. One day I would like to be close to them.'

Keeping the Spanish contingent together at Anfield remains a critical priority, however, especially with United losing Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. 'If we can play together for a lot of years it would be fantastic,' said Torres.

'It makes us more complete as players. We have to keep all our good players.' His one major disappointment since joining Liverpool for a club record £20m in June 2007 has been lack of silverware.

'When I signed for Liverpool the main thing was to win trophies for them. It has been frustrating for me because for a club like Liverpool to go two years without a trophy is too long. But I think it's coming.'

Having already ruled out any chance of swapping Merseyside for Manchester, Torres had some more bad news both for United and Chelsea - forget buying David Villa. The Valencia striker, says Torres, has already made up his mind to stay in Spain rather than be lured by a big money move to the Premier League.

With his present club heavily in debt, Villa looks certain to move in the next few weeks but Torres says both United and Chelsea are likely to miss out on his services. While he has no doubt Ronaldo will be replaced with quality players at Old Trafford, Villa will not be one of them.

'I think he will play in Spain,' said Torres. 'It's his decision but I think Barcelona and Real Madrid are trying to sign him and he will join one of them. 'I think for his abilities and qualities he is better for the Spanish league - he scores over 25 goals every season. I'd obviously prefer it if he played in Spain if he doesn't come to Liverpool.'

Another concern, says Torres, is the tax system in Britain combined with the weak pound, but he says players like himself should be prepared to compromise and sacrifice their pockets for the experience of competing at the top level every week.

'When you are a top player, you will get a good contract,' he insists. 'You should not be scared to lose a little bit of money.'

Xabi Alonso Warns That Tax Will Drive Top Players Away

Even footballers have turned on the government. Xabi Alonso believes Gordon Brown's economic policies have weakened English football and that the Premier League's star players could be forced to the Continent to escape the weak pound and the incoming 50% tax rate.

Alonso is refusing to commit himself to Liverpool next season, with Real Madrid eager to to take him to the Bernabeu, and with Alonso estimating he is losing a third of his earnings he is edging closer to a return to Spain.

"Of course we footballers think about it; we are not stupid, we keep an eye on it," Alonso said. "When you see your contract down by 30 per cent you cannot be happy. I cannot do anything – it must be Gordon Brown or David Cameron.

“I think the weakness of the sterling is not helping the Premiership because for those competing and fighting against the European teams it is a big weak point. Hopefully over the next few months and years it will get back to what it was not so long ago."

Liverpool are determined to keep Alonso despite Real Madrid's very public interest, but having just published worrying financial results and with Rafael Benitez having to work with a restricted transfer budget, the Anfield club might be forced to sell, especially if the player wants to leave. Alonso, in South Africa with the Spain squad for the Confederations Cup, pointedly refused to answer questions about his future at Liverpool.

His Anfield colleague Fernando Torres admitted he was concerned about losing his Spain team-mates Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa to La Liga but insisted that playing for a club with the traditions of Liverpool should count for more than a decline in your net income.

"I worry about losing my team-mates, of course," Torres said. "But when you play for a team like Liverpool you don't have to worry about that. You are a top player and you will get a good contract. You don't have to be scared to lose a little bit of money."

That depends on your definition of 'little'. Alonso signed a five-year contract with Liverpool in 2007 worth an estimated £65,000 a week. At the time there was €1.48 to the pound so he was on €96,200 per week but due to the weakness of the pound that has fallen to €76,700 a week. When the 50% tax rate comes in next April that will drop to €69,000 a week, so he could be losing €27,200 every week compared to what he was earning back in 2007. Overall, Alonso fears he could end up losing nearly £1.2 million per year.

Alonso is not the only player unhappy with the British tax system. Andrei Arshavin, of Arsenal, claimed he had an "unpleasant surprise" when he opened his first pay packet and saw how much he was paying in tax. The Russian international is now trying to renegotiate his £80,000 a week contract to ensure he has a higher net earnings.

Clubs across the country are concerned that foreign players are using the weak pound as an excuse to get a pay rise.

Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, predicted back in April that "the domination of the Premier League will go" because of the government's tax policy and the fact that the United Kingdom has been hit particularly hard by the financial crisis. His prophecy seems to have been realised.

Accountants working with footballers and clubs are trying to come up with all sorts of ways of avoiding paying the top tax rate. One option being explored is paying players in interest-free loans which would attract a much lower tax rate. But ultimately, it seems the power base has shifted to the Continent.

That is particularly true of Spain, who can set up foreign players as 'company executives' who have a preferential 23 per cent tax rate for the first six years. David Beckham was on this kind of deal and Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka will be on a similar scheme. Obviously this gives clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona a real competitive advantage in the market.

Sam Rush, whose WMG agency look after Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard, believes English clubs will have to bear the brunt of the cost as foreign players will increasingly demand to have contracts net of tax.

"If clubs want to keep top players they are going to have to push the boundaries of their financial parameters," he said. "In Europe sums are offered net of tax. That's ultimately what's going to happen here in the UK."

Liverpool's Jermaine Pennant On Sunderland's Radar

Sunderland are planning to pounce for Liverpool's Jermaine Pennant during the close-season, according to a report in the British tabloid The Sun.

The 26-year-old's contract at Anfield is due to expire this summer, so the Mackems will be able to land him on a free-transfer.

The former England Under-21 international fell down the Reds' pecking order last season and was allowed to join Portsmouth on loan in January, however, the south coast club have decided not to make his switch permanent.

Newly-appointed Black Cats manager Steve Bruce is thought to be an admirer of the right-sided winger having signed him from Arsenal for Birmingham City in 2005.

It is claimed that Madrid rivals Atletico and Real are also interested in acquiring Pennant's services, but he is apparently reluctant to move abroad.

It is thought that Sunderland will offer him a three-year contract worth around £65,000-a-week.

More Transfer Frustration For Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez's summer plans may not be as straightforward as he would have wanted as it seems he faces another transfer battle.

Having spent the last couple of weeks fending off interest in midfielders Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano from Real Madrid and Barcelona, it now appears Chelsea are competing for the signature of Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson.

The Merseysiders were in pole position to bring in the England international for a fee, which includes money still owed to them from the transfer of Peter Crouch to Pompey, believed to be around £17million.

However, with Fratton Park chairman Peter Storrie confirming a second club, understood to be Johnson's former side Chelsea, had lodged an identical bid there is now serious competition for the 24-year-old's signature.

Having seen Gareth Barry, Benitez's number one transfer target last summer, complete a surprise move to Manchester City earlier this month the Liverpool boss will not want to be pipped at the post again.

Liverpool remain confident they are Johnson's preferred choice and it has been reported the player is to cut short a holiday to have a medical over the weekend.

'The matter will come to a conclusion at the beginning of next week. I do not have a preference over the move, it is up to Glen,' said Storrie.

'The deals are almost identical so it really is down to him and what club he prefers, which one is going to pay him more money.'

With Madrid's interest in Alonso seemingly still alive and Barcelona reportedly considering a move for Jose Reina to replace goalkeeper Victor Valdes, signing Johnson would be a welcome relief for Benitez.

At least he can rely on star striker Fernando Torres, who signed an improved contract last month.

The Spain international also believes much of the speculation about his club-mates, although unsettling, will not be too damaging.

'A lot of players committed themselves to Liverpool this summer with new contracts and players don't do that unless they think they can have their ambitions met,' he said.

'There is a lot of belief at the club and a lot of trust in the manager.

'I'm very happy with my contract at Liverpool and wouldn't leave just to earn a little more somewhere else where I wouldn't be that happy.

'To want any more would be greedy and that is not me. As long as Liverpool want me, I will stay.'

Recent comments by Liverpool's auditors about the level of debt at the club - American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are in the process of renegotiating a loan of £350million - have only increased speculation about departures from Anfield.

Torres, however, believes the majority of the squad will remain and dismissed suggestions Mascherano was unhappy on Merseyside.

'Javier loves it at Liverpool, that is all I can tell you," said the striker.

'In the summer people like to make a lot of noises about world-class players - and Javier is a world-class player.

'He has said himself that he is very happy at Anfield and there is no reason for him to want to leave.'

The future of left-back Andrea Dossena could be finalised next week as the Italian's agent believes Juventus will soon make a decision on whether to make a bid.

'I don't know if you can call it an ultimatum, but I think that Juve will decide what to do within the next week,' agent Roberto La Florio told Calciomercato.it.

'The left-back position is a necessity for the Bianconeri and the directors are not willing to drag this on.

'However, I still think it's a two-horse race between Andrea and (Fabio) Grosso.

'Andrea has subtly expressed his desire to join Juve in recent days, but he also said that he loves it in Liverpool.

'We'll definitely know more about it next week and Juve remain the most likely destination for him.'

Liverpool FC Confident Of Beating Chelsea To Glen Johnson Signature

Liverpool are set to score their first victory of the new season over Chelsea – by clinching the signature of Glen Johnson from Portsmouth.

Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie has confirmed that the England full-back had been given permission to speak to TWO clubs.

“Glen has got permission to speak to two clubs and I think that is what he is going to do,” he said.

“The matter will come to a conclusion next week. I do not have a preference over the move, it is up to Glen and his agent. The deals are almost identical so it is really down to him and what club he prefers.”

Liverpool, however, remain confident that the £17m defender has made up his mind on a move to Anfield.

He is expected to cut short a holiday to have a medical this weekend.

Barcelona Preparing Bid For Liverpool's Javier Mascherano

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mail, Primera Division giants Barcelona are readying an offer for Liverpool's Javier Mascherano.

It is claimed the combative midfielder has decided to leave the Merseyside outfit because his wife is keen to leave England having failed to settle.

It is thought that manager Rafael Benitez understands the 48-time capped Argentina international's predicament and is ready to grant him a transfer, provided his valuation is met.

Apparently, the Reds boss is holding out for at least €41.5 million (£35m) in exchange for the 25-year-old's services.

Although La Blaugrana are expected to meet Liverpool's demands, they may well test the Premier League club's resolve with a bid of €23.7m (£20m) plus a player, possibly highly-rated young striker Bojan, in the first instance.

Glen Johnson Can Be A Liverpool FC Wide Boy

Rafa Benitez doesn’t do favourites.

But if he did, Alvaro Arbeloa would probably figure pretty high on that list.

Rafa may be the master of the rotation policy, but the Spanish full-back has been his most consistent selection for the last two years.

He managed 43 starts last season, despite injury and suspension. The previous season he started 38.

Which all makes the £17m bid for Glen Johnson so surprising.

Even if a large portion of that fee isn’t handed over because of the outstanding monies owed by Portsmouth from Peter Crouch’s transfer, it’s still a hefty outlay for a full-back. Especially one for whom defending is far from a strong point.

Johnson’s recent performance against Kazakhstan was typical.

Taken to the cleaners time and again by a lively left winger, the first after barely 15 seconds, he then produced a mesmerizing run to put a goal on a plate for Wayne Rooney.

So maybe Rafa doesn’t plan to use him as a right-back at all?

Genuine width down Liverpool’s right side has been a problem ever since the wildly successful experiment to use Steven Gerrard out there was abandoned after 25 goals.

Glen Johnson may offer that width and penetration, without sacrificing Alvaro Arbeloa at all.

But where does that leave Dirk Kuyt?

It promises to be an intriguing summer at Anfield.

Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard Is Worth More Than Cristiano Ronaldo - Jan Molby

Former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby believes that the expected £80 million transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo from Premier League champions Manchester United to La Primera giants Real Madrid would not be enough to land Steven Gerrard who, he believes, would never be up for sale.

Molby spent a dozen years at Anfield picking up two league titles and two FA Cups, and further revealed on the club's official website that he was the subject of a transfer bid from Real's competitive rivals Barcelona, but the deal fell through unexpectedly at the last minute.

Regarding the valuation of Gerrard, who has spent much of the last season in a secondary striker's position supplementing Fernando Torres, Molby said, "It's almost pointless putting a transfer fee on Gerrard because there are certain players who will never be for sale, and he falls into that category, whereas I feel Cristiano Ronaldo will probably be up for sale again at some point.

"But all of us at Liverpool know how valuable Gerrard is to the club and he would be worth more money than Cristiano Ronaldo," he opined.

On his conversations with the Catalunya outfit during his own playing days, Molby confirmed, "In November 1990 the transfer appeared set to go through. Liverpool had accepted a £1.6 million bid from Barcelona and I played in what I thought was my last game for the club against Luton.

"However, while I was away on international duty with Denmark the deal fell through. It would have been a nice experience to have played for Barcelona, but instead I stayed at Anfield for another six-years and that wasn't too bad!"

We Want Signings Not Sales, Says Carragher

Jamie Carragher is hoping that big-name arrivals rather than departures will be the story of Liverpool’s summer.

A number of the Anfield club’s high-profile names have been linked with big-money moves abroad, with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid keeping a close eye on the financial situation at Liverpool.

But the Reds insist that signings, not sales, are the priority as Rafa Benitez looks to build a squad that can finally conquer the Premier League.

Carragher admits it is vitally important that stance is backed up, with Liverpool looking to go one better than last season’s second-place finish.

He said: “I’m like any fan, I get excited about who we might bring in. The players are exactly the same as the man on the street, you pick up the paper hoping you are going to see you’ve signed someone.

“But this summer there has been a bit of speculation about players moving on, so at the moment I’m hoping that doesn’t happen rather than people come in.

“We have got a great side at the moment, and I’m sure the manager will make a couple of additions, but we don’t want to lose anyone.”

One of those linked with a summer exit is Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso, but Carragher hopes those reports prove wide of the mark.

“He and Stevie Gerrard were probably our best two players last season. I think Stevie won Footballer of the Year, but if you asked the fans I think they would maybe say that Alonso was our best player last season, so he is certainly someone we don’t want to lose,” he said.

Carragher also believes that Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-breaking move to Real Madrid will help the chasing pack to close on champions Manchester United next term, but admits the Premier League champions will still be a force to be reckoned with next season.

He added: “He’s a great player and I think he will be a big miss for the Premiership. He makes a big difference to Manchester United, even though they have a lot of other great players, and I think he was the one for them.

“But I’m sure Sir Alex Ferguson knows what he is doing.”

I’d Love To See Rafa Emulate Shankly

Liverpool old boy Ian Callaghan reckons Anfield boss Rafa Benitez has a hint of Bill Shankly in his make-up.

But the former Kop favourite, who saw at firsthand what the legendary Scot achieved at the club, says the Spaniard will never be held in similar esteem even if he does finally end Liverpool’s wait for the Premier League crown next season.

“A lot of progress has been made over the past five years and Rafa is emerging as a fantastic manager in the club’s history,” said Callaghan, who made a record 857 appearances for the club.

“I really admire him and what he has achieved so far is exceptional.

“He has won the Champions League and the FA Cup, got to another Champions League final and just missed out on the title.

“This is the best league in the world and it’s very difficult when you’ve got other big clubs spending a great deal of money.

“But we came so close last season and if he can keep the squad together we only need a couple of additions.

“The Premier League has to be the number one priority because that’s what all the fans want. I’m looking forward to watching us make the next step.”

Callaghan knows all about gifted tacticians wrestling control of the club having been at Anfield during Shankly’s reign.

He signed as an apprentice in 1960 – just a few months after the Scotsman had taken over – and stayed for 18 years.

In that time the club were transformed from Second Division strugglers into champions of Europe.

Shankly resigned in 1974 after his 15 years in charge had yielded the Second Division title, three First Division championships, two FA Cups and the Uefa Cup.

“Like Bill Shankly, Rafa is a strong personality but you can’t really compare them,” Callaghan said.

“No disrespect to Rafa, but there will only ever be one Bill Shankly.

“He was in charge for 15 years and what he achieved was unbelievable. I was privileged to play under him

“Liverpool were a Second Division club going nowhere when he took over in 1959.

“We really needed someone who was very strong and outgoing to turn the club around because we weren't going anywhere until Shanks arrived.

“The foundations were laid by Shanks and Bob (Paisley) carried it on. Shanks turned the club around and got us back into the top division.

“It took a few seasons to get what he wanted but he changed everything. Liverpool are where they are today thanks to him.

“I would love to see Rafa go on to emulate what Shanks achieved.

“It’s been far too long since the club won the title and hopefully Steven Gerrard will finally get his hands on the trophy next season.”

Fans may still be waiting for the Reds’ first new signing to be paraded – but it has already been a summer of change at Anfield.

Celebrating his fifth anniversary this week as Liverpool boss, the Spaniard knows his position has never been stronger.

Benitez has finally secured the kind of influence he has always craved, his frustration at the Reds’ failure to complete transfer deals eased by the departure of chief executive Rick Parry.

Now Benitez has a much more hands-on role in securing targets.

Just like Bill Shankly when he walked into Anfield nearly 50 years ago, Benitez has a vision.

And he won’t be afraid to make difficult decisions which he believes will benefit Liverpool in the long term.

Nikola Kalinic: ‘The Future Of Croatian Football’ Perfect As Torres Understudy At Liverpool

Liverpool are one of a number of Premier League clubs looking to strengthen their squads with new strikers this summer as Rafa Benitez looks to bring in an understudy to main man Fernando Torres. One such target may well be a relative unknown to English fans but who has started to make a name for himself throughout Europe. That played is 21-year-old striker Nikola Kalinic.

The youngster is arguably one of the most highly-rated players to emerge in Croatia in the past 10 years and is beginning to make clubs around Europe sit up and take notice with his goalscoring exploits. The Hajduk Split frontman finished 2nd in the scoring charts in his country with 15 goals in 28 League appearances for his club. This followed on from a superb 2007/08 campaign which led to Kalinic being called up to Slaven Bilic’s Euro 2008 squad.

The young striker is so highly regarded in his homeland that Bilic described him as “the future of Croatian football” which is high praise indeed. The 2007/08 season saw Kalinic came of age in the Hajduk first team after returning from successful loan spells at Pula and Sibenik.

He finished 3rd top scorer in Croatia in 2007/08 with 17 goals in 25 League appearances (23 starts) despite his club finishing 5th in the 12-team division. This earned him a call-up to Euro 2008 despite being uncapped prior to the naming of the squad. Since then Kalinic has made three senior appearances (all as substitute) without scoring against Moldova (friendly), Poland at Euro 2008 and Andorra in World Cup qualifier.

Kalinic was born in the small town of Solin and made his top division debut for Hajduk aged just 17 in the 2005/06 season. The young striker made 6 League appearances that season (2 starts). Even though he failed to score, his talent was there for all to see.

The following season Kalinic was sent out on loan to fellow Croatian side Pula where he scored 3 goals in 12 League appearances and was dubbed by their manager Krunoslav Jurčić as Croatia’s version of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He then joined Sibenik on loan where he managed to score 3 goals in just 8 League appearances prior to returning to Hajduk for the 2007/08 season when his career took off.

Kalinic has represented his country at every level from U17 to the seniors and is tipped by many in his homeland to follow in the footsteps of arguably the greatest Croatian striker in history - Davor Suker. However, he has a lot to live up to as Suker scored an incredible 45 goals in 69 internationals so any comparisons may be unfair. At U17 level Kalinic scored 16 goals in 20 appearances, at U19 level he scored 11 goals in 12 games and at U21 level he scored 3 goals in 3 games.

At 6 ft 1 he is built for Premier League football and would surely be of interest to a number of clubs searching for a striker who may soon be out of their League if he continues to impress. He would be the perfect young back up to the established striking talent of Fernando Torres at Anfield.

Rafa Benitez Wants Emergency Talks To Persuade Alonso & Mascherano To Stay At Liverpool

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mail, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is looking to hold emergency talks regarding the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.

Alonso has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer, while Mascherano is said to have caught the attention of Barcelona.

Perhaps more worrying, if true, is the claim that both players are hoping to leave Anfield during the close-season.

On Thursday, Alonso spurned the opportunity to commit his future to the Reds in an interview, while it was reported on Wednesday that Mascherano's agent had flown to Catalonia to speak to Barcelona officials.

It is said that Benitez hopes to meet with the duo's representatives to tell them that he wants their clients to honour their three-year deals at the Merseyside outfit.

However, while it is thought that the 49-year-old does not intend to sell Mascherano at any price, due to a breakdown in relations with Alonso, the Spain international may be allowed to join Los Blancos provided they make an offer close to €35.2 million (£30m).

Fernando Torres Backs Michael Owen's Ability, Wants Glen Johnson At Liverpool

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has featured intermittently in Newcastle United's first-team over the past few seasons as his career continues to be plagued by a series of injuries, yet Fernando Torres believes the diminutive hotshot will return to the exemplary form that he is best known for.

Torres, currently on Confederations Cup duty with Spain, also stated that he would welcome the addition of England's first choice right back Glen Johnson at Anfield. Johnson is a player who, says Torres, had a grand season with Portsmouth.

Speaking of Owen, Torres told the Daily Mail, "I know that he is a big part of the history of this football club and that the fans at Anfield loved him. I have no idea where he will be playing next season, but I am convinced that he still has a lot to offer.

"He has been unlucky with injuries in recent years and I know how frustrating that can be, but he has a natural instinct in front of goal and you don't lose that just because you have been injured."

Liverpool face a three-way fight along with Chelsea and Manchester City to bring Johnson to the club. The roaming full-back, who has firmly established himself in the first-team plans of Fabio Capello's Three Lions, is likely to command a pricey £18 million fee.

"We have total trust in the boss and we will trust whoever he brings in, but yes, Glen Johnson has had an excellent season.

"He is now in an England team playing very good football.

"He is used to playing top-four football, so there would be no issue about him making the step up."

Tevez Rules Out Reds Move

Carlos Tevez has ruled out a summer move to Liverpool, Sky Sports News sources have learned.

The Argentina international, who has spent the last two seasons on loan with Manchester United, has emerged as a transfer target for a quartet of Premier League clubs.

United have first option to sign the striker, whose registration is owned by a company rather than another club, but Tevez has indicated he is not happy at Old Trafford after seeing his starting options restricted this season.

That has caused a scramble for his services with Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea all credited with an interest in the former West Ham favourite.

However, Sky Sports News sources have been informed that a move to Anfield is not an option for Tevez.

That leaves the Red Devils, their local rivals City and London outfit Chelsea battling it out to secure the energetic forward's signature for next season.