Liverpool Debt Not A Problem, Say Bankers

The Royal Bank of Scotland has taken the remarkable step of writing to Liverpool supporters to explain its continued financial support for the club's unpopular owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

The bailed-out bank has faced severe criticism from Liverpool supporters angered at plans to extend the Americans' £350m credit facility with the RBS and Wachovia ahead of a 24 July deadline. Fans' protests coincided with revelations that Hicks and Gillett's parent company, Kop Football (Holdings) Limited, suffered a £42.6m loss for the year ending July 2008. However, in a response that effectively confirms the banks are content to refinance again next month, the RBS insists the club is "financially healthy", able to meet its debt obligations "comfortably" and revealed it hopes to continue its relationship with Liverpool "for many years to come".

It also stressed the government does not make commercial decisions for the bank since last year's rescue package. This follows attempts by a local MP, Peter Kilfoyle, to pressure the government into blocking the refinancing deal due to the absence of the proposed new stadium on Stanley Park and the repercussions for the regeneration of the area.

"The club does not suffer the burden of debt implied by a lot of the recent press reports and, in our view and that of the executive management of the club, it is financially healthy and able to service comfortably its debt obligations from cash flow generated by its playing and commercial activities," the RBS explained. "It is in our commercial interest to support the club in the manner described above so that it can continue to perform successfully on and off the pitch."

The debt on the club, according to the RBS, is lower than the debt on the parent company to ensure that Hicks and Gillett are legally responsible for the majority of the loans on Liverpool. Representatives of the Spirit of Shankly supporters group, however, claim a similar situation did not prevent Southampton falling into financial peril. The RBS states Liverpool are legally responsible for loans used to repay the debt Hicks and Gillett inherited following their takeover which, in February 2007, stood at £44.8m. "We took great care when making our original loan in early 2007 and when refinancing it last January to distinguish between obligations of the club and obligations of its parent company, the latter being secured by personal guarantees and collateral from the owners and a pledge of the shares they own in the club," added the bank.

Gillett and Hicks will be asked to increase their personal guarantees under the next refinancing deal, with the former agreeing a £333m deal for his stake in the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey franchise last weekend.

James McKenna, a spokesman for Spirit of Shankly, said: "We have been explaining our stance to the RBS about why they shouldn't refinance with Gillett and Hicks and we are very surprised with their response. We were expecting them to talk behind closed doors but the response gives fans a greater insight into how the debt is structured. Maybe if Gillett and Hicks had been more open the situation might be different, but it appears the only reason the RBS are happy is because of the interest repayments they are getting from Liverpool Football Club. The letter also claims the RBS attaches great value in being associated with Liverpool, but there are not many in Liverpool who want to be associated with Hicks and Gillett."

Andrea Dossena May Leave Liverpool To Keep World Cup Hopes Alive

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez may be witness to a busier transfer window than he had bargained for as the representative of Andrea Dossena has revealed that his client could express a wish to leave the club in order to cement his place in the Italian national side for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Dossena would therefore join Alvaro Arbeloa, who has been linked with a switch to Real Madrid, who have returned to their 'Galactico' style of spending.

Roberto La Florio is reported to have informed the press, “It would be easier for Marcello Lippi to follow him if he was playing in Serie A which is why I said we would consider a move from Anfield.

“But Andrea is tied to the Reds for the next three years and it is up to them to decide.

“Fabio Aurelio is out injured now so we need to take a decision pretty soon,” he concluded.

Should Dossena secure his departure, Benitez will need to suitably reinforce his left-flank, as well as perhaps replacing Arbeloa, who could be keen to join Real as he would be subject to a decrease in playing time due to the arrival of England international Glen Johnson.

Liverpool Flop Andriy Voronin Desperate To Establish Premier League Credentials

Liverpool forward Andriy Voronin, purchased by Rafael Benitez in 2007 on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen but failed to make a sustained impact in the Spaniard's first XI so was consequently farmed out on loan to Hertha Berlin, is eager to "conquer" the Premier League upon his return to Anfield.

He explained to the Daily Mail, "It wasn't a bad season in Germany but now I am coming back to conquer England. I'm a person who likes to face new challenges. It's time to prove to myself and to those people who think I can score a lot of goals only in Bundesliga, that it's not so.

"Liverpool is one of the world's strongest clubs. To play for it is a great honour for any footballer," he said.

"I know it's not going to be easy but I feel ready for a real fight to get into the first choice team," he declared.

Voronin has two years left on his Liverpool contract. During his one-year loan spell back in the Bundesliga he struck 11 times from 20 league appearances, contributing a host of assists, too.

Liverpool's Jermaine Pennant Could Move Abroad

Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant is set to consider his options this summer as his contract expires.

The former Arsenal youngster spent the second half of the season on loan at Portsmouth, and his agent revealed there is interest from home and abroad.

Pennant's agent, Sky Andrew, told Sky Sports News, "Now he is thinking about what his next move is going to be, whether in England or abroad."

Rumours in January linked Pennant with a move to Real Madrid and Andrew confirmed there was a chance of Pennant joining the Spanish giants.

"We have the episode in January where there was a fee agreed with [Real] Madrid for him to go there but that didn't happen," he said.

Madrid seem to be looking to a higher calibre of player this summer after the record breaking signings of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, however, Pennant will doubtless have attracted several other clubs to chase him.

Carlsberg Clause Halts Liverpool's Search For New Shirt Sponsor

The Reds want to cash-in on a new, big-money deal, but they'll have to wait a while before they can ditch their current benefactors.

Liverpool's 17-year partnership with their major sponsor, Carlsberg, is one of the longest in the game, so much so that the beer giant's logo has become an iconic emblem for the Anfield club.

However, The Daily Express reports that the Reds, who are battling financial problems under the ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett, are now aiming to increase revenue by landing a more profitable shirt deal.

The Merseyside outfit currently collects around £10 million per year - plus performance-based extras - from the Danish brewery, a figure which pales in comparison to their main rivals.

Manchester United, for example, will rake in a mammoth £80m per season from their new sponsor, Aon, while Chelsea have a £50m deal with Samsung.

Unfortunately for Liverpool, though, Carlsberg holds an exclusivity agreement which prevents the club from even considering other options until July.

Only after that agreement expires will the scouse side's commercial director, Ian Ayre (pictured), be free to enter talks with other companies in view of attaining a more rewarding deal.

Liverpool's current contract with Carlsberg, which has been pushing to win the naming rights to the club's planned Stanley Park stadium, runs until 2010.

Robert Kraft: Lack Of A Salary Cap Stopped Me From Buying Liverpool

The man who owns the New England Patriots gridiron franchise has revealed that he thinks investing in English football just doesn't make sense in the absence of a salary cap.

Liverpool came very close to being owned by another American businessman a few years ago, but Robert Kraft, a man who has overseen the resurgence of the New England Patriots in the NFL over the last decade, didn't buy the club because he felt that there were too many flaws with the way football was run in England to make it worthwhile.

In particular he has identified the lack of a salary cap in the Premier League as a major factor in his decision not to buy the club. Kraft feels it makes the league a somewhat boring proposition in sporting terms, with teams unable to break the stifling grip of the top four clubs, something he perceives as basically unfair for the dedicated fans of remaining outfits.

"I wanted to do it," The Times reports him as saying. "I met with David Moores [the former Liverpool owner], who is a fine gentlemen, and we came very close to buying it very close. But in the end, my instinct was that, without a salary cap, I wouldn't do it.

"I'd like to see a salary cap come to the English Premier League. If it did, I'd buy a team in a minute. We think we know how to run a sports franchise, and if were playing by the same rules, then it's not just about who has the most [money].

"I loved the fans. Just like Patriot fans, they are loyal, passionate, which has zero book value on your balance sheet but is worth a lot. I wasn't sure how we'd build a stadium, but we built one in Foxboro [Massachusetts] in 18 months so we know how to do it. But the more important issue was the salary cap. If the salary cap was there, then we would have done it.

"Green Bay, Kansas City or Arizona who went to the Super Bowl last year have to believe that they can win. In the Premier League you can see that there will always be a few teams that are dominant, and I don't know that it's fair to the passionate fans in the other cities."

As it turned out, Kraft's fellow countrymen George Gillett and Tom Hicks ended up buying the Reds, to the chagrin of a significant section of the Anfield support, who feel that the debts the duo have run up since their purchase represent a severe weakening of the club.

Nevertheless, Kraft revealed that he could be tempted by another club, if they became available.

"I would be interested in other teams in the Premier League, but Liverpool was a unique franchise, with a great following," he added.

"The coach of my Major League Soccer team is Stevie Nicol, who played up there. We sort of have stuff sent to us all the time, but I think, deep down, until there's some sort of salary cap structure, I'm not sure it's a great business deal.

"I don't like to go into a team because of real estate. If you buy a team in a sports league, winning is the bottom line. You win, everything else comes. I want to be in a position to compete equally to win."

Liverpool FC Star Jamie Carragher Joins Campaign To Save Bootle Stadium From Demolition

Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher sent a clear message to Sefton council over the future of Bootle Stadium which is due to be demolished - "Re-open it."

Bootle-born Carragher last night joined more than 200 angry Bootle residents at a mass protest on the Maguire Avenue site and said he would be "devastated" if the campaign to re-open it failed.

He told the Bootle Times: "We need to make sure that the council reverses the decision and re-open the stadium for the people of Bootle. You can clearly see the strength of feeling at this turnout and it's only a Wednesday night.

"I would be devastated if it wasn't re-opened because I know how important it is to the community and especially the children in the area. I know because I'm from Bootle and I used to use it.

"I played football here and I was always down here using the facilities when I was a kid. My dad had football teams down here.

"I know a lot of people are now in need of the facilities and they have to look elsewhere: My wife's uncle (Peter Hart) has been affected by the closure and he can't use it. There is nothing here now and this was the only sports centre in this area for the kids.

"My boxing trainer (Tommy Ferrigan) from when I was growing up wanted to start a boxing club here and he can't do that either. These are the reasons why it needs to be re-opened."

He added: "If it was re-opened it would be giving the kids around here something good to do and get involved in because it offered so much - there were so many activities you could do like use the gym and play badminton. It was fantastic.

"Its closure means there is less chance that today’s kids to go on and do what I did.

"And at a time when every council is talking about child obesity being an issue and we're making sure that they eat healthily then that is all the more reason to re-open it.

"The stadium should be saved. It would be a waste if it goes. We need to keep it open. It's very important for the people of Bootle."

The site, off Southport Road, offered a variety of activities such as squash, basketball and trampolining and also provided facilities for sports teams using the playing fields opposite the building.

Last week, the Bootle Stadium Community Group Ltd had a £1.9m lottery bid for funding rejected.

The group’s chiefs think the bid failed because their plans were too detailed.

Calling on the council for help will be a tricky task in light of last week's revelations that Sefton plans to cut back its budget by £10m by April next year as the recession bites.

The council decided the stadium should be bulldozed in April this year following safety concerns, but the decision to close it was taken in 2006 by the Lib Dems and the Tories.

Leader of Sefton Council cllr Tony Robertson (Lib Dem) said the closure was prompted by budget cuts and because they could only fund five leisure facilities across the borough. They were: Bootle Leisure Centre, Maghull, Crosby, Formby, and Southport.

But Labour leader Peter Dowd said the site should not have closed: "We opposed this from the start and the Lib Dems and Tories decided to close it along with five other facilities in Bootle, including a youth club. But the council only needed £70,000 to keep the stadium running over the course of a year. It was only a small amount of money and they decide to close it."

Despite money being a council drawback cllr Lord Ronnie Fearn admitted yesterday the demolition will cost £200,000.

But treasurer of the Bootle Stadium Community Group, Charlie Dagnall, 63, is still hopeful the mass gathering can sway the minds of the borough's cabinet chiefs. He said: "All the people here show the level of support we have and many couldn't make it down here. We hope they get the money because we all need it.

"Having Jamie here increases the profile of the cause."

Carragher’s sentiments were echoed by many people who once ran sports clubs at the stadium.

Caroline Armstrong, an organiser of a trampoline group, said: "The kids came from everywhere for the trampolining and now they can't. I would love for it to be open again."

Colette Nielsen of Crosby Stuart girls, said: "If this building is demolished then there are no facilities for our girls."

Bernard Delorenzo of the Trojans baseball team said: "We played here for 20 years because it has a diamond for us to use. American baseball is not a regular sport in England and this was the only place we could play at. We played teams from all over the country and now we can't because it's closed. It needs re-opening."

Cab driver John Seddon, 34, said: "The cab drivers used to play badminton here but we now can't. Everywhere is fully booked up and we can't get in anywhere."

Joan Kielty, 68, of the over 50s club said: "The facilities here were great but now we go elsewhere and it's just not the same."

Nikki Brady, secretary of Bootle Stadium Community Group Ltd, said: "The police have told us that crime in the area has increased since the closure of the stadium. That's a great reason to re-open it."

Frankie Meadow, 50, has spent 25 years in youth football and explained the facilities elsewhere are poor: "What we have now is not very good for the 24 teams we have. We need changing rooms and a toilet for the girls. The stadium is ideal and it should re-open."

Would-be stadium boxing trainer Tommy Ferrigan, 56, said: "There is nothing wrong with the building. The brickwork is great. Why knock such a good building down when it had everything? It had youth clubs and a function room. It should be kept open."

Season Shape-Up - Liverpool

WHAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has found himself in the position of fending off interest in his stars rather than bring in new players. Benitez has seen a number of his top names linked with moves away from Anfield with the Spaniard fighting to keep hold of midfield pair Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.

Alonso, who was arguably Liverpool's player of the season last term, has again found his future on Merseyside the subject of conjecture for a second successive summer with big-spending Real Madrid hoping to lure the Spanish schemer back to his homeland.

Real and Barcelona have both been linked with Mascherano leaving Benitez facing the horror of losing his first-choice midfield.

Benitez is determined to keep the pair having already seen long-term target Gareth Barry slip through his fingers with the England international heading to cash-rich Manchester City.

Fernando Torres has been linked with a shock move to Manchester United in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo's impending departure from Old Trafford, but it is certain any approach for the Spanish hit-man would be given short shrift.

Liverpool have enjoyed success in the transfer market already this summer beating title rivals Chelsea to the signing of Glen Johnson from Portsmouth.

Both clubs agreed fees with Portsmouth for Johnson, but Benitez got one over Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti by persuading him to make the move to Merseyside rather than Stamford Bridge.

Johnson has agreed a £17.5million switch to Anfield and although Benitez admits he has paid over the odds for the England international the full-back will add to Liverpool's defensive strength.

Benitez has claimed Liverpool have funds available for one more big signing without selling and Valencia winger David Silva is thought to be his top target.

WHAT THEY NEED

Not much. There are not too many changes needed to the Liverpool squad with just a little tinkering required to transform Benitez's side into champions.

The spine of the team is strong with just a couple of additions needed to provide cover in case of injuries.

Liverpool led the way in the title race for much of last season, losing only twice all campaign, but they still saw arch-rivals Manchester United match their record of 18 league titles.

Their biggest problem last term was that they ended up drawing more than Rolf Harris and these dropped points ultimately cost them the championship.

Benitez has addressed the need to enhance the right-side of the team with Johnson adding to the defensive and attacking options of the starting XI.

The full-back was one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League last term and his buccaneering runs down the right will provide a major outlet for the Reds' midfield.

A striker to provide cover for Torres is a must, with the Spaniard sorely missed when injured last term.

A move for Robbie Keane failed to work with the Irishman cutting a hasty return to Tottenham after less than six months at Liverpool.

David Ngog is still too raw to be seen as a replacement for Torres and Benitez must add to his attacking options to take the goalscoring burden off the shoulders of Torres and Reds skipper Steven Gerrard.

With sides defending in numbers against the Reds at Anfield, Benitez needs that someone who can produce that little something different to open sides up.

A new left-sided winger could be brought in as Albert Riera went off the boil in the second half of the season after a bright start to his Liverpool career.

Valencia winger Silva has been continually linked with a move to Liverpool, with Benitez not hiding his admiration for the Spanish international.

Silva is expected to leave cash-strapped Valencia this summer, but Liverpool could find themselves priced out of a move for the talented wide-man.

WHAT THEY WILL GET

Benitez has already got one of his top targets in the shape of Johnson and who else he gets will depend on how much money is left for him to deal with. Cash is believed to be in shortage in the Anfield coffers, with Benitez maybe being forced to raise his own funds by offloading some of his fringe members.

The likes of Andrea Dossena, Ryan Babel, Andriy Voronin, Sebastien Leto, and Philipp Degen could all be offloaded to try and boost Benitez's transfer kitty.

If money can be raised then a move for long-term target Silva could be made as Benitez looks to bring in the winger to provide the ammunition for Torres and co.

Middlesbrough forward Tuncay Sanli has been mooted as a possible target with the Turkish ace providing a cheaper option to his other striking targets.

Benitez's targets could change depending on the futures of Alonso and Mascherano. Should either pair move on Benitez could have substantial funds given to him to bring in a replacement.

Athletic Bilbao starlet Javi Martinez could be an ideal replacement for Alonso if Real Madrid get their way and tempt Liverpool into selling the midfielder.

A new defender may be drafted in as a replacement for Sami Hyypia, but with Daniel Agger agreeing a new contract this is not a major priority.

Liverpool Hold Out For Real Madrid To Increase Bid For Alvaro Arbeloa

Liverpool have rejected a €5m (£4.23m) bid from Real Madrid for Alvaro Arbeloa, but will allow the defender to return to the Bernabéu providing they recoup £5m for the Spain international.

Real, who have also lined up a €30m offer for Xabi Alonso, made their first official move for the Liverpool right-back following talks with the player's agent, Manuel García Quillón. The bid was instantly rejected by Rafael Benítez, who is also represented by Quillón, but Liverpool are likely to settle for a marginal increase with Arbeloa approaching the final 12 months of his Anfield contract.

The 26-year-old has also made no secret of his desire to sign for Real, where he failed to make an impact on the first team before leaving for Deportivo La Coruña in 2006. "I am especially proud of what the club is doing," Arbeloa reiterated. "It is a big project with the return of Florentino [Pérez, as president] and obviously if Madrid is fixed on you it makes you proud."

Arbeloa has proven an astute ­purchase since joining Liverpool for £2.6m in January 2007 but will be usurped as the club's first-choice right-back by Glen Johnson. Benítez is looking to offset the £17m cost of the England international, who has passed a medical at Liverpool and will sign a four-year contract on his return from holiday, by selling the likes of Arbeloa and Andrea Dossena, while Portsmouth will write off the £7m they owe for Peter Crouch as part of the Johnson deal.

The Spain defender is currently in South Africa for the Confederations Cup and admits his future will be resolved after the tournament ends on Sunday. Arbeloa added: "I would be lying if I said I was sure to start the season with Liverpool. I'll be able to think about all this by next Monday."

Pepe Reina: Don't Compare Me With Liverpool Legend Ray Clemence

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has asserted that comparisons between him and the great Ray Clemence are a little premature, despite the clutch of records the Spaniard has broken over the last year, and added that he would rather develop his own reputation, rather than live in the shadow of legends.

"You will hear people talking about different eras and likening successful sides of the past to successful teams of the present," he told LFC Magazine.

"I'm not sure it's fair to do that. I'm not even sure what system Liverpool used when Clemence played or whether teams were attacking more or less than they do today.

"There are so many things that you have to consider.

"What I do know is that Clemence was probably the best goalkeeper in Liverpool's history. Of course, my aim is to achieve just half of what Clemence did with Liverpool. If I manage that it will be a successful time for the club."

Reina became the quickest goalkeeper in the Reds' history to reach 100 clean sheets, taking just 197 games to reach a milestone that took Clemence 200 matches. The Spanish international modestly shrugs off the plaudits that have been directed his way in recent times though, and prefers to highlight the contributions of his team-mates to that extraordinary shut-out record.

"I appreciate all the nice things people have said about me," he added.

"I feel I have improved many things in my game during the four years I have been at Liverpool. But I still have plenty of things to clear and am still young in terms of being a goalkeeper.

"I am only 26 so still have a pretty long way to go. Hopefully that will be with Liverpool.

"I'm pleased to go into the history books alongside someone like Clemence. You have to be pleased with that. But it's not all down to Pepe Reina. It has to be shared with my team-mates and especially the defenders.

"It's down to all the lads and the people who play in front of me. They make my job a lot easier so full credit to them.

"Where a striker is always looking to score, defenders and goalkeepers are always wishing to keep a clean sheet. It is better to win 1-0 than 2-1."

Reds Explore Options In Setanta Demise

Liverpool have stressed they remain committed to the club's television channel despite the collapse of Setanta, the platform on which it was broadcast.

The Irish company went off the air just before 6pm having gone into administration earlier.

Liverpool will continue to broadcast via their website and are hopeful of getting the channel back on television screens as soon as possible.

"LFC TV is currently broadcasting as normal and will continue to do so until further notice," said a club statement.

"However, following the announcement that Setanta GB is no longer trading, there may be some disruption to our service for UK television viewers.

"While we continue to produce live and pre-recorded content for the channel as normal, we are urgently investigating all possibilities available to us in returning to broadcasting in the British Isles as quickly as possible.

"We're continuing to monitor developments but wish to point out that our online and international viewers should remain unaffected and that Liverpool Football Club remains committed to the future of LFC TV."

Lionel Messi Asks Liverpool FC's Javier Mascherano To Join Barcelona

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has maintained the pressure in the tug-of-war for Javier Mascherano by reiterating his desire for the Liverpool man to join him.

Argentina captain Mascherano is a major target for Barcelona and even though manager Rafael Benitez is insisting the player is happy at Anfield and that he does not want to sell him.

Messi has spoken in the past of his wish to link up with his international team-mate at club level and he repeated that sentiment yesterday.

“Of course I would like him to join, who would not want to play with great players like Javier,” Messi said. “I hope he can come here.”

There has been speculation suggesting Mascherano wants to become one of Liverpool’s highest earners and that his wife has not settled on Merseyside.

But the player himself spoke in glowing terms about Benitez and the relationship he has with the manager who rescued him from a miserable spell in West Ham’s reserves just over two years ago.

Benitez is determined to keep the combative Argentinian but it appears Barcelona are not yet ready to give up their pursuit of the 25-year-old.

The Liverpool boss is facing attacks on all sides from Spanish clubs with Real Madrid stepping up their bid to sign Xabi Alonso.

Rumours of a £30m bid have been circulating as returning Real president Florentino Perez continues to try to spend his way to success.

Sean McGuire: Liverpool FC Must Wake Up To Financial Reality

George Gillett’s sale of his 80% stake in an ice hockey franchise in order to raise enough cash to support Liverpool’s banking requirements should be a huge wake-up call for the club.

And it is a problem that cannot be answered simply by buying more players or extending Rafa’s contract or doing any of the other easy things that clubs do as a kind of sporting default.

The club’s auditors, KPMG, recently expressed grave concerns over the financial viability of the business, and it is that aspect of the life of the club – not what happens on the pitch – that needs immediate attention.

It is crazy that a club like Liverpool cannot generate much bigger global revenues to support the football operation and grow the value of the whole business.

The mad cash merry-go-round of the Premier League is fine when the money is in the bank, but when costs start to exceed revenues there is a much bigger problem than just scoring goals or winning matches.

Liverpool need to act on this with a sense of urgency and a credible plan for sustained revenue growth, and perhaps, a wee bit of sensible cost control thrown in.

This includes avoiding too many more transfer dealings that see £17m spent on a player who is only marginally, if at all, better than the player leaving for around £5m.

United Legend Envious Of Liverpool’s New Signing

Manchester United legend Paul Parker, a man replaced by Gary Neville at Old Trafford, believes Liverpool have signed one of the best right-backs in world football Glen Johnson.

The former West Ham and Portsmouth defender is rated by Parker as potentially the best in his position in the world.

Parker told The News: “Glen Johnson is not only the best right back for England – he's also the best in the league.”

“In fact, I'd go so far as to say he could be the best in the world. I really think that. Some people rave about Ashley Cole being one of the best in the world but Johnson on the other side has all the attributes to be even better than him.”

“People also go on about European and South American full backs, but Glen beats them all for me.”

“As a former right-back, I watch him and I can tell you he is one of the very, very best there is and the lad can only keep on improving.”

“I'm trying to think of a Premier League right-back who comes close.”

“Sir Alex Ferguson raves about Rafael De Silva but he is nothing more than a prospect at the moment. Then there's Joe Bosingwa, who is an excellent player but not the same standard as Glen.”

“As for English rivals, I thought Micah Richards was going to go on but he's really gone off the boil.”

“Then there's Wes Brown, but he is not going to give you enough going forwards and is always a better centre half.”

“For me, Glen is comfortably ahead of all of them.”

Benitez Faces Fight For Alonso

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez still faces a fight to keep hold of midfielder Xabi Alonso, with Real Madrid apparently reluctant to take no for an answer.

The Reds boss has insisted he does not want to sell the Spain international - but with reports of a potential £30m offer looming, he may have to reconsider.

Benitez has admitted he has the finance available for one more transfer until he can free up some more money by selling on players.

Alonso would not be on the manager's list of potential departures, because his partnership with Javier Mascherano - a transfer target for Barcelona - is integral to the way the team plays.

But 27-year-old Alonso is one of Liverpool's most saleable assets and Benitez must weigh up what difference the cash from any deal with Madrid would make to his squad - who ran Barclays Premier League champions Manchester United very close last season.

"We have a plan. We can sign one more player if necessary, but that's without any players leaving," said the Liverpool boss.

Benitez hopes to generate funds with the sales of Sebastien Leto and Andriy Voronin - both loaned out last season - left-back Andrea Dossena, who could return to Italy after just one season at Anfield, and possibly Alvaro Arbeloa.

Arbeloa's position has come under threat from the £17m arrival of England right-back Glen Johnson from Portsmouth, with the deal expected to be formally completed in the next couple of days.

Benitez would be happy for the Spain defender to stay. But with Real's general manager Jorge Valdano expressing an interest, the quietly consistent defender may be offloaded.

"Alvaro Arbeloa has had a very good season but he has one year left on his contract," Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.

"If he signs that will be good because we will have more competition, but if we get a good offer we will have to consider it."

Valdano seems confident of being able to sign Arbeloa, telling Spanish newspaper AS: "The lad only has a year left on his contract with Liverpool, and this gives us more possibilities.

"He can play in two or three positions, and this versatility is good. He is another option to evaluate."

Mascherano has seemingly tried to play down speculation of his unhappiness at not having parity with some of the club's top earners - by speaking of his admiration for Benitez.

"(He is) excellent. He's a perfectionist, working down to the smallest detail that you can imagine," said the Argentina captain, whom Benitez has valued at £50million in an attempt to ward off European champions Barcelona.

"Fortunately he has renewed his contract, meaning his ties to the club continue - and this will give more calm to everybody.

"I feel comfortable at Liverpool, but it's always good to know that teams like Barca and Madrid are interested in you."

It seems Liverpool's new managing director Christian Purslow's first major job will be to help finalise the refinancing of the £350m loan taken out to buy the club by American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Purslow, appointed only on Monday, has a background in finance and private equity - and reports yesterday suggested negotiations with the RBS, one of two banks involved, are at an advanced stage.

The American duo have until July 24 to agree a new deal - although it is expected they will be asked to provide additional security under new, more stringent, terms.

Fernando Torres Has No Fears Of Burn-Out Despite Confederations Cup Success

Fernando Torres has reassured Liverpool fans he has no fears about suffering burn- out next season – despite a grueling summer schedule which will see him take just a three week break from football in almost 12 months.

Spain are through to the semi- finals of the Confederations Cup and play USA tomorrow, seeking a record-breaking 36th unbeaten game in international football.

If successful, Spain would play in the final this weekend, just days before Liverpool restart pre-season training.

Torres and other players involved on international duty like Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina, Alvaro Arbeloa, Javier Mascherano and Andrea Dossena will be given an extended break, but will still be expected to return in time for Liverpool's high profile tour of Thailand which kicks off on July 22.

Both Pepe Reina and Albert Riera picked up minor knocks in Spain's final group game against South Africa on Sunday. Riera was given a precautionary X-ray on Monday morning but was immediately cleared by the doctors and allowed to resume training.

But Torres, who has started all three group games, said: "We will return for the new season with plenty of energy. It is going to be an exciting season for Liverpool and also for Spain, as there is a World Cup at the end.

"After our holidays are over, we have to join up with the team for Liverpool's Asian tour.

"We can't wait for the tournament to end so that we can go on holiday, with the Cup, so as to get some rest."

Victory tonight could set up a dream final of Spain versus Brazil. Torres added: "It's not the same playing against Brazil as it is playing against any other team. They are currently playing well, scoring goals; they have great players and this may well help give the tournament the importance it deserves.

"A Spain-Brazil final would be a match the whole world would like to see and a match that everyone would want to play in. I'm sure it would be a game full of good football."

Torres admitted he has been overwhelmed by the level of support he has encountered for both Spain and Liverpool in South Africa.

"Since arriving, I have seen a lot of people with Liverpool banners and wearing Liverpool shirts with my name on the back," said the 25-year-old, who with three goals is the tournament's joint top scorer alongside strike partner David Villa.

"To tell the truth, it came as a surprise because I didn't expect this so far from Spain and England. I have not grown tired of signing autographs as it's a delight to have so many fans so far from my own country. It's surprising to see how people with just the minimum resources available have more drive and enthusiasm than anyone. The children, for example, come up to you wearing a smile from ear to ear."

Why I Had To Splash Out On Glen Johnson - Liverpool FC Boss Rafa Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admitted today that his £17m capture of Glen Johnson was more than he wanted to spend on a full-back.

But he also revealed that the huge outlay does not signal the end of his summer spending.

With Chelsea also willing to pay Portsmouth’s asking price for the England defender, Benitez admitted: “Sometimes you have to spend a little bit more.

“You can’t compete in the top four of the Premier League unless you spend some money.

“We were looking for a player of quality and also somebody who is British because of the new Champions League rules.

“Glen Johnson fits both categories.”

The player has agreed a deal with the Reds and is expected to formally put pen to paper in the next 48 hours.

And he may not be the last new face at Anfield this summer.

“We have a plan,” added Benitez. “We can sign one more player if necessary, but that’s without any players leaving.”

Benitez is bracing himself for a bid from Real Madrid for Alvaro Arbeloa. but he is also concerned by the increasing speculation surrounding midfielders Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.

The Reds boss has made it clear that he would not welcome bids for either player, but while Real have publicly stated their interest in Alonso has ended, Barcelona are refusing to give up on Mascherano despite Benitez’s very firm hands-off warning.

First to leave, however, could be Arbeloa.

“Alvaro Arbeloa has had a very good season but he has one year left on his contract,” said the Reds boss. “If he signs that will be good because we will have more competition, but if we get a good offer we will have to consider it.”

Benitez is also hoping that on-loan players Sebastien Leto and Andriy Voronin could bring in more transfer funds, while a return to Italy for Andrea Dossena is also on the cards.

The Reds also completed the signing of two junior players yesterday.

Spanish press reported the signing of 15-year-old Jesus Joaquin Fernandez from Cadiz.

The Reds are said to have beaten off competition from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Sevilla and Villarreal for the midfielder’s services.

Liverpool have also sealed the signing of teenage striker Aaron King from Rushden and Diamonds.

King, 16, impressed during a recent trial period at Anfield and has now signed a two-year scholarship agreement.

“We are all absolutely thrilled for Aaron – this is a brilliant achievement for everyone involved in his development throughout the five years that he has been with us,” Rushden’s head of youth development Paul Driver said.

Liverpool Star Lifts Lid On Benitez Management Style

Javier Mascherano, who this morning linked with a move to Real Madrid and Barcelona, has spoken about Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and his incredible work ethic.

The Argentina national captain, himself something of a industrious worker on the football pitch, told Spanish publication Don Balon: “He is a perfectionist - he works harder than anyone could imagine.”

“Luckily, he has renewed his contract, which has helped to relax us all.”

Despite today suggesting he was happy to be linked with a move to Barcelona and Real Madrid, the former West Ham player suggested he shared an excellent relationship with Benitez.

Mascherano continued: “It is excellent (relationship between player and coach).”

Reports this morning suggested Mascherano was unhappy at Anfield and was seeking pay parity with some of the club’s top earners. Although he was obviously delighted with the alleged interest from La Liga, the midfielder suggested he remained happy at Anfield.

“I feel happy at Liverpool, but it’s good for me to have these two teams interested in me.”

Christian Poulsen: £4M Great Dane Ideal To Replace Mascherano At Liverpool

Javier Mascherano’s future at Liverpool remains in the balance despite the club’s declarations he is staying. However, the player continues to invite attention from Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. The Argentine star is reportedly unhappy with his current wages and his family has struggled to settle on Merseyside. If Rafa Benitez was to cash in on the £30m rated defensive midfielder an extremely cheap alternative is readily available, that player would be the Danish hardman Christian Poulsen up for grabs for just £4m.

The Juventus midfielder has suffered from a poor first season in Serie A where he has failed to establish himself as a fixture in the first eleven and the club are trying to offload him with German outfit Hamburg and Turkish side Fenerbahce showing a strong interest.
In January he was strongly linked to a loan move to Fratton Park but the player himself rejected any move. He said, “As far as I understand, there has been interest from several clubs, but it is nothing I have considered,” Poulsen told Onside.dk.

“I signed a four-year contract and I am happy to be at the club. I have no plans to run away after six months.

“I have the patience and confidence that I will get enough playing time at the club.”

However, the 29-year-old Dane may not have a choice this summer as he has not enjoyed the best of times since joining the Turin giants in the summer amidst protests from the clubs fans. He is also one of the club’s high earners so new Juventus coach Ciro Ferrara may want to offload the midfield man to lower the wage bill.

There’s no doubting the Danish international’s pedigree after an impressive career which has now spanned four countries. However, Poulsen only made 23 league appearances this season (14 starts) and has not had the impact he was hoping for in Serie A.

Poulsen faced a difficult start to his Juventus career after his own fans displayed a banner that branded the midfielder ‘rubbish’ at the club’s pre-season training camp in Pinzolo. Much of this ill-feeling towards the Dane is due not only to his high wages which are only surpassed by Buffon, Del Piero, Trezeguet, Amauri and Nedved but also due to past incidents with Italian players and clubs.

Poulsen was involved in an incident with Roma’s Francesco Totti at the 2004 European Championships which ultimately led to the Italian receiving a 3-match ban after being caught on camera spitting at the Dane. Totti gave a full public apology but still claimed that Poulsen had provoked him. There was also an incident with AC Milan in the 2005/06 Champions League whilst the Dane was a Schalke player. Poulsen was heavily criticised by Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti who branded him a ‘coward’ for his rough marking of Kaka in the first match between the two teams. In the second game Poulsen was once again involved in controversy after Gennaro Gattusso goaded him at the final whistle as Milan won 3-2.

These are not the only incidents in the Juventus midfielder’s career which includes stamping on Spurs midfielder Jermain Jenas’ head whilst with Sevilla and punching Sweden’s Marcus Rosenberg in the stomach in a Euro 2008 qualifying match. The Dane was subsequently red carded and a penalty awarded which led to a supporter running onto the pitch and attacking the referee who subsequently abandoned the game. The match was thus awarded as a 3-0 win for Sweden.

So Poulsen may come with a reputation which is backed up by the number of cards he has received in his career. In 111 League appearances in the Bundesliga, the Dane hardman received 34 yellow cards and 4 reds. In Spain he also received 18 yellow cards in just 62 League appearances.

Despite his poor discipline at times, the Danish star is also a winner. He’s won the Danish title, the German League Cup, the European Super Cup, the Uefa Cup and the Copa Del Rey. He has also been crowned Danish Player of the Year twice in 2005 and 2006.

Poulsen has made 63 appearances for Denmark (5 goals) and played in the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004. His aggressive style makes him a perfect candidate for replacing Mascherano at Anfield. The Danish international will have a point to prove after such a poor season and at such a low price-tag would surely be one of the bargains of the summer.

Liverpool Keeper Charles Itandje Linked With Malaga

Malaga have reportedly made contact with Liverpool regarding making a move for misfit goalkeeper Charles Itandje, a man whom many Reds fans felt had disgraced himself by his somewhat inattentive and light-hearted behaviour at the sombre Hillsborough memorial service at Anfield in the spring.

With Pepe Reina and Diego Cavalieri above him in the pecking order, the Frenchman, who has been with the Reds since 2007, has found it all but impossible to force his way into Rafa Benitez's first team.

Malaga are keen to find cover for first choice glovesman Francesco Arnau, according to Sky Sports, with Inaki Goitia recently departing for Real Betis. They had been considering moving for Real Madrid's Jordi Codina, but suspect Itandje may be easier to snare.

Scouts from the Spanish club were apparently sent to England to monitor the player in recent months, and a bid can be expected shortly.