Tom Hicks Dissolves Hicks Sports Marketing Group

Tom Hicks, owner of Liverpool FC, the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Stars, has dissolved Hicks Sports Marketing Group (HSMG) and split its employees between the Rangers and the Stars. The Hicks Sports Marketing Group website is already offline.

HSMG was formed in 2006, primarily to sell corporate advertising and sponsorship for Hicks’ sports franchises. With finances forcing the American businessman into selling the Rangers - once a suitable buyer can be found - the group appears to have outlived its usefulness. That is certainly Hicks’ version of events: “It’s a natural progression where there isn’t a need for that service, so we’re streamlining the company,” he said. “This makes sense for a number of reasons.”

However, the impact the move will have on Hicks’ other franchises is unknown. He has admitted to serious difficulties attracting new investment in the franchises.

“You can’t continue to spend money if the team is losing money, “he said. “We are determined to create as much revenue as possible for each team, and that’s one of the reasons we have changed things. One of our biggest challenges right now is to find ways to market and sell our teams. “

Jim Lites, president of HSMG, is keen on being part of a takeover bid for the Rangers.

Liverpool Loan Youngster Ryan Flynn To Falkirk

Liverpool owned Ryan Flynn is said to be in the process of completing a loan switch to Scottish Premier League side Falkirk - according to the BBC website.

The 20-year-old wide-player had moved to Anfield from the Bairns in 2005, but now looks set to make a return back to his homeland.

The winger was afforded some time on loan to Wrexham last season, and the Welsh side had hoped to re-acquire his services again next term.

However, the young Scot was more interested in a move back home as he looks to hone his skills in a bid to break into Liverpool's first team.

Rafa Benitez Launches Kop Idol-style Talent Search

Rafa Benitez has launched a “Kop Idol” style search for new talent for Liverpool’s first team.

The Reds boss has called up half a dozen of Liverpool’s most promising youngsters to train with the first team squad – and challenged them to prove they are good enough to stay there.

Benitez is keen to see how much progress has been made by some of the Reds reserves during the last 12 months and is pitching them in with the senior stars in the early stages of Liverpool’s pre-season training.

Spanish trio Dani Pacheco, Mikel San Jose and Danny Ayala, Hungarians Krisztian Nemeth and Peter Gulacsi and locally produced central defender Martin Kelly are all being given a chance to stake their claim to stay with the big boys.

All six are rubbing shoulders with first team regulars including Jamie Carragher, Dirk Kuyt, Yossi Benayoun and Martin Skrtel as the Liverpool manager puts his players through their paces.

With fellow reserve regulars Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby already established in the first team set up, Benitez is keen to give some of the younger members of his squad the chance to shine ahead of the coming campaign.

Madrid Pessimistic On Alonso Move

Jorge Valdano admits Real Madrid are some distance away from Liverpool's valuation of Xabi Alonso.

Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for the Spain midfielder as part of their summer rebuilding under new president Florentino Perez, which has already seen the Primera Division outfit splash out almost £200million on Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol.

However, while Valdano admits Alonso remains one of their targets, the Madrid director general wants the price to be right.

"Xabi Alonso is a priority if he fits into our budget, and this doesn't seem the case. We are very far from the figures that Liverpool have set out," Valdano was quoted as telling Spanish radio station Onda Madrid.

Valdano added on Cadena Ser: "Liverpool have taken up a difficult stance over Xabi Alonso. I don't like to talk about the private details of negotiations.

"We are studying many alternatives. We want someone who can channel the play and there aren't many like that in the world."

With plenty of time before the transfer window closes and with a number of big-name signings already wrapped up, Valdano insists the Spanish giants have no great urgency to complete their summer shopping spree, though.

"After the great players who have arrived, we aren't in a hurry," he said.

"(We want) two signings, maximum three. That's the number with which the team will be able to cover all eventualities.

"With the arrival of Benzema, we are not going to sign (Valencia striker David) Villa. We are happy to have got the Frenchman. He is 21, powerful, and is enthusiastic and eager."

Mathieu Valbuena: Rafa Targets Marseille’s Midget Gem To Replace Alonso At Liverpool?

Liverpool and Wigan have been named as interested suitors of Marseille playmaker Mathieu Valbuena according to his agent Christophe Hutteau.

He told skysports.com, “Mathieu would very much be interested in playing in England as the Premier League is the best in Europe.”

“Wigan are interested in Mathieu, but I think Mathieu would like to go to a big team in England.

“Liverpool are also interested in Mathieu, but so are teams in Spain, Germany, Italy and Russia.

“I think Mathieu will leave Marseille and I think it is very possible he could play in England this season.”

The French midfielder enjoyed an excellent 2008/09 season as Marseille narrowly missed out on the title by 3 points to eventual champions Bordeaux.

However, the arrival of Didier Deschamps as new coach has unsettled the player according to Valbuena himself.

He told L’Equipe, “Deschamps told me he knows I have played on the flanks in the past, but he feels I don’t fit into his tactical approach. He believes I cannot operate as a winger.

“I have been told I could play a few minutes towards the end of matches, but I want to leave.

“I have received his message. I understand my future is not at Marseille anymore. I wanted to stay here, but that cannot happen.

“I am very disappointed, considering everything I have experienced here with the fans. They will understand me.

“I won’t stay in these conditions. It hurts and I will be leaving against my will.”

Valbuena’s agent Hutteau confirmed the clash of personalities. He revealed, “Mathieu is a player that needs to be motivated to give his best.”

“The arrival of Didier Deschamps has changed everything.

“So far the Marseille officials have always been happy with Mathieu and have always rejected the approaches of other teams.

“It seems as though other great European coaches do not have the same opinion as Deschamps.”

The 24-year-old was born in Bruges, Gironde and began his career as a youth team player with Bordeaux.

Valbuena was eventually rejected for being too small but it failed to stop the 5 ft 5 midfielder from joining Libourne in 2004.

The diminutive midfielder scored 10 goals in 55 league appearances (43 starts) before Marseille made their move in June 2006.

Valbuena failed to make an impact in his first season after picking up an injury which held back his progress. In fact, he made just 15 league appearances that season (2 starts).

However, the following season saw a turnaround for the midfielder due to him maintaining his fitness and the exit of star man Franck Ribery.

This included 29 league appearances (18 starts) and 3 goals. He also scored in Marseille’s 1-0 Champions League group win at Anfield which brought him to Rafa Benitez’s attention.

Last season Valbuena played in 31 league games, starting 25 and scoring 3 goals.

However, his time at Marseille seems to have come to an end with the introduction of Deschamps. The midfielder has yet to play at international level despite a call-up to the French squad to face England and Mali. Unfortunately for Valbuena, he missed the matches through injury.

Liverpool may be in the market for the player nicknamed ‘Le Petit Velo’ or the little bike in his homeland. Xabi Alonso continues to be linked to a move Real Madrid so Rafa Benitez may be on the lookout for a new playmaker and although small in stature, Valbuena is a big talent.

Real Madrid To Offer Liverpool €6M For Alvaro Arbeloa

Real Madrid are hopeful of pushing through a deal to sign back Alvaro Arbeloa from Liverpool for just €6 million next week, according to a report.

The Reds may be struggling to fend off the advances of the Spanish giants as Real attempt to prise Xabi Alonso away from Anfield; but they are prepared to do a deal for the defender.

Arbeloa is keen to return to the club where he rose through the ranks after joining them from Real Zaragoza, and with Glen Johnson's arrival from Portsmouth he will be allowed to leave, The Mirror states.

Liverpool have yet to name their price for the former Deportivo La Coruna full-back, but Madrid are preparing an opening gambit of €6m (£5m) and hope that talks will push a deal through.

While Johnson will become the English side's regular right-back, Sergio Ramos will have to compete with Arbeloa for the same position in Manuel Pellegrini's new-look defence.

The former Sevilla star can also play in the middle, but with Raul Albiol's arrival he will find that earning a place next term is more difficult than it has been since he joined Madrid.

Daniel Agger Reveals Admiration For Liverpool Team-Mate Martin Skrtel

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger may be in competition with Martin Skrtel for a place at the heart of the Reds' back-four, but that doesn't stop him admiring the Slovak tremendously for the assets that he has brought to the side since his move from Zenit St. Petersburg in January 2008.

Agger made 26 appearances for Liverpool last season, as Jamie Carragher and Skrtel established a solid partnership at the back. Despite not playing regularly, he still signed a new contract recently, and believes that the strength in depth at the club is a sign of good things to come at Anfield.

"Martin is a top, top player. I was surprised when he came just how good he was," Agger told LFC Magazine.

"I have to be honest and say I don't know much about the Russian Premier League, so I did not really know what to expect when Martin came to the club.

"But he's a really good player and, just as importantly, he's a really good guy to have in the dressing room too. He's a guy who's good to talk to away from the pitch and who I admire a lot because of the way he plays on it.

"If you play all the time, if you get the chance to play week in, week out, then you must be a good player. I don't care if Martin and I are rivals for a starting place, he's still a friend of mine and I'll still tell the world how highly I rate him.

"He's an excellent defender and will keep getting better. We are competing with each other, maybe, to play in the team, but it's not a rivalry. Both of us play and train to the best of our ability and then the manager makes the decision."

Liverpool FC Boss Benitez Closing In On Teenage Prospects

Liverpool FC have been linked with two more of Europe’s brightest prospects - and boss Rafa Benitez has challenged Anfield's youngsters to make an impact at the club.

Benitez also has to contend with continued speculation about the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, with strong rumours from Spain that Barcelona have lodged a £35million bid for the Argentina captain in the past 24 hours.

Liverpool FC declined to comment on that piece of speculation on Tuesday, but the Merseysiders are believed to be on the brink of confirming the addition of two more teenage stars to their ranks.

They have been linked with Danish 16-year-old Nikolaj Kohlert, from Esbjerg. The under-17 international had a trial at Anfield recently and is likely to sign a three-year contract.

Liverpool FC are also closing in on Paris St. Germain youngster Chris Mavinga on a similar three-year deal. The defender has already been capped by France at under-18 level.

Such acquisitions underline Benitez’s policy to search Europe for the best youngsters.

And as Liverpool approach their first warm-up game away to Swiss club St.Gallen on July 15, it is clear that Benitez will be running the rule over the club’s current crop of potential talent.

Spaniards Daniel Pacheco, Mikel San Jose and Daniel Ayala, Hungarian duo Krisztian Nemeth and Peter Gulacsi along with local defender Martin Kelly are training alongside Anfield’s senior players after the Reds returned to work at Melwood this week.

Benitez is urging the youngsters to make the most of their chance and stake a claim for first-team involvement next term.

It is a similar policy to last season when the likes of Jack Hobbs, David Ngog, Emiliano Insua, Stephen Darby, Damien Plessis and Jay Spearing were given opportunities in the early warm-up matches.

Benitez said: "We have already had conversations with the likes of Pacheco, Ayala and San Jose and we have told them that it depends on them.

"They are now training with the first-team squad and this is their chance to show what they can do ahead of the new season."

Real Madrid Give Liverpool Two Week Deadline For Xabi Alonso Deal

Real Madrid have set Liverpool a deadline of two weeks for the Xabi Alonso transfer to be concluded.

Amid all the stars coming in to the Bernabeu, Los Merengues have been trying without success to secure Alonso's arrival.

Now, according to Football365.com, 'Pool have been given two weeks to name a price for Alonso, so that Madrid, who are yet to put in a bid, can decide whether or not to match it.

New Real coach Manuel Pellegrini is keen to sign a defensive midfielder, but is not willing to spend much more time waiting for Alonso. Therefore, he has instructed the club not to pursue the matter beyond July 19.

That is the day that Xabi returns for pre-season training, so Rafa Benitez will have to make a decision before Liverpool fly out for their summer tour of Asia.

Liverpool Unlikely To Accept Barcelona's Initial Mascherano Bid

Barcelona are ready to submit an offer to Liverpool for Javier Mascherano, but it still may not be enough.

According to The Times, Barca have prepared a €30 million bid, but that is unlikely to seal the deal straight away.

Liverpool are holding out for a fee closer to €40m, and it is unclear as yet whether the Blaugrana will be willing to raise their offer.

Mascherano is believed to be keen on a move to the Camp Nou, but with Xabi Alonso also in serious demand from Real Madrid, the Reds are not going to let either of their defensive midfielders go for anything less than top dollar.

Liverpool Consider Bid For Portsmouth's Sylain Distin

Portsmouth could be set to lose another defender to Liverpool, as Rafa Benitez mulls over a move for Sylvain Distin.

Having already signed Glen Johnson from Pompey, Benitez is now ready to claim another one of their defenders.

According to French daily Le Figaro, Liverpool are preparing a €2 million bid for Distin. Portsmouth's transfer activity is currently shrouded in uncertainty due to their takeover situation, and Benitez is hoping to take advantage by snaring an unsettled Distin.

He has been at Pompey since 2007, making 74 league appearances.

Phil Thompson: Jamie Carragher Can Cut It As Coach

Jamie Carragher started preparations for his 14th season as a top flight footballer yesterday – but respected judges believe he should soon be preparing for life as a manager.

Liverpool great and former Anfield assistant-manager Phil Thompson believes Carragher has all the qualities needed to break into the cut-throat world of football management.

Carragher is currently taking his coaching badges, and Thompson declared: “I would think he definitely has what it takes to be a manager one day.

“He’s got passion, enthusiasm and organisational skills. He loves his football and that's the biggest thing you need in order to carry on after playing. He has a real desire and love for the game in abundance.

“He’s also a student of the game. When Gerard (Houllier) and I were here, and I'm sure Rafa has noticed this too, it was clear that Jamie watches everything football-wise.

“He’ll watch Football First on a Saturday night and analyse other teams. He wants the knowledge and he wants to understand the game.

“And he’s learned from the likes of Gerard and Rafa how all the fine details need to be spot on.”

But Thompson admitted it was only when a player experiences the intensity of a dug-out on matchdays that he will discover whether he has the clear-headed thinking necessary to make it as a manager.

“You can have all the enthusiasm you want, but you also need a cool head to make decisions,” he added.

“You might say, 'How can Phil Thompson talk about cool heads?' But we will only see if Jamie's got that once he becomes a manager.”

Carragher was among a host of senior Reds players who reported back to pre-season training yesterday.

Amongst them were promising youngsters Stephen Darby and Jay Spearing, who have agreed new three-year contracts, while Israeli international Yossi Benayoun is also set to become the latest Liverpool star to commit his future to the Reds.

Although Glen Johnson remains Liverpool’s one signing so far this summer, Benitez has retained the services of Reds stars Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt with all four having committed themselves to new long term contracts.

Benitez said: “We had to guarantee the future of the club first and then afterwards if you can improve then you must try to do so.

“This meant that the first thing we had to do this summer was to guarantee the futures of some of the players who are already here and we are happy that we have been able to do this in so many cases.”

The majority of the first team squad returned to Melwood for a series of drills and tests ahead of pre-season trips to Switzerland, the Far East, Spain and Norway.

Johnson will join up with his new teammates for the first time tomorrow. He will take part in his first Melwood training session having been allowed an extra few days off, along with Steven Gerrard following their efforts on international duty with England.

The Reds Spanish contingent do not return until July 19 following their involvement in the recently concluded Confederations Cup.

Yossi Benayoun Extends Liverpool Contract

Yossi Benayoun has marked his transformation at Liverpool by agreeing terms on a new contract that will tie him to Anfield until 2012.

The Israel international has two years remaining on his current deal but, following an impressive ending to last season, has been rewarded with a pay rise and a 12-month extension by the manager, Rafael Benítez. An agreement is in place with the 29-year-old and the contract will be signed ahead of the new season, underlining the extent of the midfielder's rapid recovery at Anfield.

"I am very happy that we have reached an agreement," said Benayoun. "Of course, to be at a club like this is a dream come true and I want to keep playing here. Hopefully now I can concentrate on the hard work that needs to be done and try to play better and better and win some silverware."

Benítez said: "You know that our idea was to extend the contracts of some players and Yossi was one of these players. He has been really good for us over the last year, scoring crucial goals and getting assists, so we wanted to keep him and I'm really pleased with the extension."

Benayoun instigated talks on his Liverpool future with Benítez only in January amid concern over his lack of first-team opportunities. He responded to the manager's assurances with the finest spell of his career on Merseyside, scoring seven goals in the final four months of the campaign, including the winner at Real Madrid in the Champions League, and playing an influential role in Liverpool's lengthy pursuit of Manchester United for the Premier League title.

The midfielder is the fifth senior player to commit his future to Liverpool in recent months, following Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger, and Benítez admits stability in his squad – currently threatened by Real Madrid's and Barcelona's interest in Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano respectively – was a prerequisite for this summer.

"We had to guarantee the future of the club first and then afterwards if you can improve then you must try to do so," the Liverpool manager said. "This meant that the first thing we had to do this summer was to guarantee the futures of some of the players who are already here and we are happy that we have been able to do this in so many cases."

Harry Kewell: I Rejected Barcelona To Join Liverpool

Harry Kewell says he rejected the chance to join Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona, as he prepares to play under the new Galatasaray manager this season.

Kewell joined Liverpool from Leeds United in 2003, and he has now told Galatasaray TV that he not only turned down Rijkaard’s approach but a number of others in order to play for the English giants.

“While he was at Barcelona, Rijkaard asked me to transfer there,” Kewell said. “It would have been a great event to play for Barcelona and to be part of that team.

“But I preferred Liverpool. I’ve rejected many bids to stay at Liverpool.

“It was my decision.”

Though initially successful, the latter part of Kewell’s Liverpool career was hampered by injury problems, eventually leading to his departure from the club at the beginning of last season.

Seemingly out of favour with manager Rafael Benitez, the former PFA Young Player of the Year moved to Turkey, where his career was rejuvenated with Istanbul giants Galatasaray.

With his injury worries now behind him after a season of consistent first-team football, European competition and more than ten goals to his name, Kewell is now looking forward to playing under UEFA Champions League winner Rijkaard.

A world-class player in his day, the Dutchman made his name as a manager during a highly successful spell with Barca, where he led the club to a Champions League title and two league and cup triumphs.

Rijkaard forged a reputation for attractive football while at the Camp Nou, and Kewell says he is relishing playing in the coach's preferred 4-3-3 system as he looks to back-up from a successful debut season in Turkey.

“I think 4-3-3 is a very good system,” Kewell said. “Rijkaard successfully implemented this system at Barcelona.

“With everyone in the right position in the system, Galatasaray will be successful with it.”

It appears, however, as though Rijkaard will not be favouring the same man he coveted while he was at Barcelona, having brought in Cote d’Ivoire international Kader Keita from Olympique Lyonnais.

The 27-year-old will likely be in direct competition with Kewell for a starting place in the Galatasaray first team, though the Australian has welcomed the challenged.

“There is always competition,” he said. “Last year I was competing with Arda [Turan]. Competition is good.

“We want our players to be ambitious. Football is not an individual game, it is a team game.

“The club will win the league as a result of this competition.”

7 Games To Make His Season

In two weeks our pre season begins with 5 games against poor opposition, this is the time of the year when Krisztian Nemeth and Co have a chance to impress Rafa after a difficult season in the reserves.

Last season saw competitive minutes given to Jay Spearing, Nabil El Zhar, Steven Darby and Martin Kelly. This year should be no different with the likes of Nemeth, Pacheco and Dominguez eager to impress the gaffer.

Friendlies against St Gallen and Rapid Vienna will take place before our Spaniards return from holiday after the Confederations Cup.

And for Nemeth more than anyone this is a huge opportunity to show what he`s made of under Rafa`s management.

The Hungarian forward was loaned out to Blackpool at the start of the year to gain some vital experience, this loan however, only lasted a month as Rafa planned to bring the youngster back and harness his talent in the remaining games of the season.

Nemeth`s first and only game for Blackpool ended badly, with a broken cheekbone, and our number 29 didn`t play again till the Liverpool Senior Cup final where he scored the only goal of the game to clinch the trophy.

Last pre season, Nemeth featured in a 0-0 draw with Villarreal, where he came closest for Liverpool with a shot just over the crossbar. He also played a vital role 3 days later against Rangers where he had a fierce shot parried with Yossi tapping in the rebound. Nemeth also was brought down in the area after a great piece of work, and Xabi Alonso scored the resulting penalty. Except featuring as a substitute against Valerenga and Lazio, these where his only games playing for Rafa Benitez.

For those of you who haven`t seen him play, he has skill in abundance, a fantastic touch, great pace, brilliant vision and that striker`s instinct that sees him find the back of the net regularly, and he`s well known for his trademark back heels.

The striker already has the hopes of his nation resting on his shoulders; after defeat against Sweden in World Cup qualifier, the national sports newspaper headlined with a picture of Nemeth, the paper then went on to beg the coach to play him. The Hungarian coach, Erwin Koeman, has begun to integrate Nemeth into the squad as he has more goals than games to his name in youth categories for the national side.

Benitez is aware of Nemeth`s talent, shown when he was questioned about our lack of forwards after the sale of Robbie Keane, he named Nemeth along with his Spanish strike partner Dani Pacheco as quality youngsters that can step up to the plate, but neither where to make their first competitive start.

It`s becoming less and less likely that we will bring in another striker, meaning that this could be a big season for Nemeth, beginning with these pre season friendlies, games against the teams of less quality means that minutes are almost guaranteed for Nemeth, but our 5th and 7th friendlies are against quality opposition in Espanyol and Atletico Madrid and are a chance for the Hungarian to really show what he`s made of.

Nemeth partnering David Ngog in our attack could become a familiar sight in our Carling Cup and early round FA cup games, with this brilliant prospect receiving rave reviews from all that have seen him play.

I for one will be keeping a close eye on the youngster over the up and coming pre season period as it`s not a case of if he will make the step up, it`s a case of when. At 20 years old this is a fantastic chance for Nemeth to prove himself prior to one of Liverpool`s most important seasons; his talent could become extremely useful in landing number 8 in both the FA and Carling Cup and most importantly Number 19 in the league.

Liverpool Close In On Starlet

Liverpool are on the verge of singing Esbjerg youngster Nikolaj Kohlert on a three-year deal, according to reports in his native Denmark.

The 16-year-old is scheduled to discuss personal terms when he returns from holiday next week but neither club are willing to confirm the switch.

The Denmark Under-17 international underwent a trial at Anfield last month and impressed so much that the Reds are anxious to get him tied down to a contract.

The midfielder is yet to make his debut for Esbjerg and should he sign for Liverpool he will continue his footballing education with the club's academy.

If Kohlert progresses as the club hope, he will gain a place in the reserve team squad during next season.

Although usually deployed behind the strikers Kohlert proved while on trial that he is more than capable of playing as a central forward.

Tykes Submit Hammill Offer

Barnsley manager Simon Davey has made a bid for Liverpool winger Adam Hammill.

The Anfield academy graduate spent the final two and a half months of last season on loan at Oakwell after a spell at Blackpool earlier in the campaign.

Davey is keen to sign him on a permanent basis but revealed that Liverpool are currently assessing Hammill before making any decision on his future.

Davey told the club's official website: "We have made an offer for Adam and were told that Liverpool wanted to have a look at him through pre-season.

"Our offer is still on the table but we cannot just wait around and we have to make sure we have other targets in mind if that answer is a negative one.

"On the other hand it is not going to blow our budget if we get the right answer on Adam two days before the start of the season."

Mascherano Would Be Welcome At Barcelona, Says Busquets

Liverpool FC's Javier Mascherano would be welcome at Barcelona, despite increasing competition for places, says midfielder Sergi Busquets.

Barca have been closely linked with a move for Liverpool FC’s Mascherano as coach Pep Guardiola looks to add reinforcements to his all-conquering squad.

If the European champions do manage to persuade Liverpool FC to part with the Argentina captain then it will add further competition to an already impressive midfield contingent at the Nou Camp.

One of the players whose position could be most threatened by the arrival of Mascherano is the 20-year-old Busquets, but the Spain international is not looking at it like that.

Asked if he was worried by the possibility of Barca bringing in Mascherano, Busquets said: "No, the more players that come the better, and they will be welcomed.

"He is a magnificent player and hopefully he can be added.

"The most important thing is that the signings will add to the squad," said Busquets, who believes he has slightly different attributes to Mascherano anyway.

"He is also a defensive player, but perhaps he moves around a lot more conducting play and I maintain my position more and play the ball quicker."

Torres Had To Leave Spain To Thrive - Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry believes that Fernando Torres has always been a great player but he had to go to England to realise his potential at the highest level.

The Frenchman is a big fan of the Liverpool striker and claims that the ability that has been allowed to come out at Anfield, was there during his time with Atletico de Madrid too.

Torres is now considered to be one of best goalscorers in the world, but some observers thought he was going stale at his boyhood club and moving abroad was the best thing for him. Henry agrees.

"Torres is outstanding. He was already like this but people in Spain didn't realise it until he went somewhere else - then they saw how great he was," he told French reporters.

"He is a fantastic player with speed, power and great control. Torres can finish with his left foot, or his right, and he's really cool in front of goal.

"Liverpool were crying out for a player like this to help them win the league and now they have it. There are a lot of amazing strikers in the Premier League but Torres, at the moment, has an edge on the others."

Roy Evans Believes Liverpool Can Win The Premier League

Liverpool's experience of having come so close to winning the Premier League last season will stand them in good stead for the coming campaign, believes former Anfield gaffer Roy Evans, who sees no reason why Rafa Benitez's men can't go one better and end the club's twenty season wait for a league title.

"I think, as a player, when you've come so close and you've been in the title race, then you know you're capable of going all the way and winning it," Evans told the club's official website.

"You gain confidence from that - not only in yourself, but also in the players around you.

"That's something you can never buy. No matter how great a footballer is, you have to learn to be a winner.

"We've done it in cup ties and competitions in recent years, but when it comes to the league it's over a longer period of 38 games and you've got to be consistent - that's exactly what we were last season."

Liverpool finished as runners up to Manchester United in last season's title race, despite losing fewer games and scoring more goals, and the disappointment of still conceding the title to their bitter rivals will provide a useful lesson to Benitez's men, according to Evans.

"Having played so well and amassed so many points, Liverpool will be disappointed they didn't win the title, but they should take confidence from that, rather than any negatives," he added.

"We could not have come any closer last campaign and I am very optimistic for next season."