Match Report: Liverpool 2 - 1 Wigan

Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Wigan in the week of the 50th anniversary of Bill Shankly's first match at the club would not have impressed the legendary manager but it was a welcome relief for current boss Rafael Benitez.

Young French striker David Ngog's 10th-minute glancing header from Fabio Aurelio's cross and Fernando Torres' second-half scrambled effort proved enough to see off a Latics side, for whom Charles N'Zogbia scored an injury-time consolation.

It was only Liverpool's fourth win in 16 matches and just their second at Anfield since September 26 but it will do much for the team's shaky confidence.

Although Ngog impressed in the first half the crowd eagerly awaited the arrival of substitute Torres for his 100th appearance, which eventually came in the 64th minute. The striker duly delivered with his 61st goal for Liverpool to wrap up victory.

Wigan have won two of their last 10 outings and are just two points clear of the relegation zone, having conceded more goals than any other Premier League team, with 17 in their last four away games.

In the absence of Torres, who was dropped to the bench after Sunday's defeat to Arsenal, Benitez switched to a 4-4-2 formation with Steven Gerrard playing in central midfield and Dirk Kuyt playing alongside Ngog.

Centre-back Daniel Agger sliced a 25-yard shot wide in the fourth minute while Aurelio's poor contact prevented him opening the scoring from 12 yards.

However, the pressure was building and Wigan cracked in the 10th minute.

Aurelio's inswinging right-wing cross was met by Ngog just in front of Kirkland and he glanced a header past the former Liverpool goalkeeper and into the far corner.

Wigan midfielder Paul Scharner headed N'Zogbia's cross straight at Jose Reina before Kirkland redeemed himself for his misjudgement on the goal.

His brilliant 17th-minute reaction save from Kuyt after Yossi Benayoun's quick throw had released Ngog down the right prevented Liverpool adding a second.

But having taken the early advantage the home side laboured to extend it with Wigan happy to sit back and compress play into a 30-yard zone from the edge of their penalty area.

Javier Mascherano received the full force of Mohamed Diame's clearance square in the face and staggered around the centre-circle like a punch-drunk boxer for a few seconds but was able to continue after treatment.

Aurelio was the heart of most of Liverpool's chances and, after almost picking out Benayoun at the far post two minutes before half-time, he then set up a chance for Ngog.

The Brazilian's pass deflected off Hendry Thomas into the penalty area but the Frenchman's shot rolled inches wide of the far post.

To mark the Shankly anniversary Liverpool paraded a host of his former players during the interval, including the likes of Ian St John and Kevin Keegan.

If it was meant to inspire the current squad the impact was lost on Benayoun, who should have done better in trying to get to Aurelio's teasing left-wing cross.

Wigan counter-attacked quickly from Liverpool's corner and although Reina spilled N'Zogbia's shot he had time to recover.

In the 51st minute Kirkland again displayed the talent which, were it not for his injury problems, would probably have him in Fabio Capello's England squad as he somehow tipped over Kuyt's first-time shot on the run from Ngog's cross.

However, the arrival of Torres in the 64th minute for Ngog was to change things.

The Spain international immediately won a corner but Agger completely missed a five-yard header from Gerrard's cross.

Wigan should have equalised in the 74th minute when Hugo Rodallega and Scharner prevented Reina claiming NZogbia's free-kick but Scotland, still to open his account for the club he joined in the summer, smashed a left-footed volley on to the crossbar and over.

Liverpool were gradually going backwards and their opponents sensed a chance to snatch a point.

However, that was snuffed out in the 79th minute by Torres. He was put clean through by Boyce's back-header from Jamie Carragher's punt and should have beaten Kirkland comfortably.

However, he miss kicked and Titus Bramble half-stopped the ball on the goal line but somehow Torres scrambled it over for his 49th goal in 69 league appearances.

That statistic alone underlines how important he is to Liverpool.

However, in the second minute of injury time N'Zogbia ran across the penalty area to poke home a consolation to highlight just how shaky the Reds' defence has become.

Torres Expects Benitez To Stay

Fernando Torres has expressed his disappointment with Liverpool's season but backs Rafael Benitez to stay at the club and turn things around.

The Reds have failed to make it through to the last 16 of the Champions League, while they are also out of the Premier League title race after slipping 13 points behind leaders Chelsea.

Liverpool had been expected to mount a much stronger challenge for silverware on all fronts after an encouraging 2008/9 campaign and their miserable form has sparked speculation about the future of manager Benitez.

There have been suggestions that he could leave Anfield but Torres does not believe he would want to go out on such a low note.

"It looked like this was going to be our season, but it's turned out very differently from what we expected," the Spanish striker said in the Daily Star.

"I don't think Rafa will leave, especially halfway through the season.

"He still has four years to run on his contract, and he would not leave through the back door.

"Were he to leave, it would be with the team at the top. He's been given time, space and full control of every area of the club.

"Rafa wouldn't be able to enjoy the same benefits elsewhere."

Reports have also linked Torres with a move away from Liverpool but he has reiterated his commitment to the club.

The 25-year-old insists he will stay regardless of what happens with Benitez, although he would like to work under his current boss for as long as possible.

"I still have four years left on my contract and my future is here," he said.

"It's not linked to Rafa, but I hope that we can see out our contracts here together.

"Right now I don't see myself playing elsewhere.

"Now I just want to improve the side's current standing and hopefully we'll all remain here together."

Fernando Torres Can Win Trophies With Liverpool - Rafa Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has affirmed his belief that striker Fernando Torres can be successful with the Reds.

As the Merseysiders' season stumbles along, many have speculated that Torres may consider leaving the club if the chances of winning silverware decrease.

There is also a real fear that the Reds won't qualify for next season's Champions League.

But Benitez insists that the player is happy and as determined as ever to help turn things round at Anfield.

"Of course Fernando wants to win things, just as we all do, but I am sure he can fulfil his ambitions here," Benitez told his club's official website.

"He wants to be in the Champions League next season and I can guarantee he will, because I know we will finish in the top four.

"I am talking with Fernando and Stevie [Steven Gerrard] all the time and they know my idea for keeping this club going in the right direction.

"I have spoken at length with both players in the past week or two. We discussed how things are going and what we want to achieve this season, and both were very supportive and very positive.

"It was clear they share my determination to put this bad spell behind us and emerge as competitive as in previous seasons."

Torres is set to make his 100th Liverpool appearance against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night. He has scored 60 goals for the Reds since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2007.

"I think he was an amazing signing for the club," the manager added.

"The first year was fantastic. The second year he had some injuries, but still did well. This year, hopefully, he will give us the same as in the first year now that he is back from injury.

"We have to manage him properly and it depends on the fitness of the player. After each game we have to talk with him and see if he can play one or two games in a week.

Liverpool's Rafa Benitez Wants Real Madrid's Ruud Van Nistelrooy To Cover For Fernando Torres

As reported by Marca, Real Madrid striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy is on Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez's Christmas wishlist to serve as Fernando Torres' understudy.

Despite announcing his international retirement after the Euro 2008 tournament, the Dutchman would like to make the international team for next summer's World Cup, but in order to do so, he must find playing time; with Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain, Karim Benzema and Raul ahead of him, he is unlikely to find such minutes at Real Madrid.

Van Nistelrooy is still coming to terms with football again after a serious knee injury that ended his season after little over a month of play last year. The Dutchman has spent much of this season on the sidelines with varying ailments, the most recent of which was tonsilitis.

At the moment, Real Madrid has not expressed interest in selling any one of their players, although that could change should an attractive offer be put on the table. Chelsea, Blacburn Rovers, Arsenal, and Liga side Zaragoza have all reportedly expressed interest in the Dutch striker.

Andrea Dossena Unlikely To Leave Liverpool For Napoli - Agent

Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena is unlikely to leave Anfield for Napoli in January, according to his agent.

Dossena has not especially enjoyed his 18 month spell on Merseyside, struggling to make any impact on the first team.

A proposed move back to Serie A has been mooted for several months, with Napoli appearing to be favourites to land the Italian international.

However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis seems to be becoming a little impatient with how the proposed move is progressing and is ready to turn his attentions elsewhere, hinting at the player's wage demands being the snag which has halted the deal.

"I'm tired of hearing about Dossena. If they want to give him to us OK, otherwise nothing," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"What is the problem? If a player wants to relaunch, he cannot think only of money.

"However, I'm considering a number of names."

Dossena's agent Federico Pastorello also indicated that he is ready to bring negotiations to an end.

"I don't want controversy, I'm on good terms with the president," Pastorello told Sky Italia.

"I think there aren't conditions for continuing negotiations with Napoli."

Benitez Praises Higher Quality

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes the additional competition for Champions League places this season will actually help his stuttering side.

The Reds are currently seventh, five points outside the top four, after a dismal run of only two wins in their last nine Barclays Premier League matches.

However, despite their recent poor form, they have not been cut adrift from Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City, the other teams realistically chasing Champions League qualification.

And, with leaders Chelsea having lost three times and United and Arsenal four, the Liverpool boss believes there will be plenty more opportunities to reclaim lost ground.

"It is easier to lose games for the top four because the other teams are stronger, too," said Benitez, whose side faces a must-win match at home to 14th-placed Wigan on Tuesday night.

"You can see Aston Villa, Tottenham or Manchester City can beat anyone, too, so maybe it will be better for the competition.

"Now we are in a bad position but it can help us because, if other teams continue to lose points, there are 22 games to play so we have to be positive."

Benitez believes his side is close to turning a corner but admits that confidence is the key.

Liverpool were well in control against Arsenal on Sunday, leading 1-0 at half-time, but an unfortunate Glen Johnson own goal sent shockwaves running through the players and the belief visibly drained from them as the Gunners fought back to win 2-1.

"If the confidence is not high a goal can affect the players and that is the situation now," said Benitez, who claimed the current mentality was the only difference between this season and the squad that finished second in the Barclays Premier League in May.

"You can do some things in training to send the right messages.

"People criticise the team and the squad but the majority of players were here last year.

"We have scored 22 goals at home (in eight matches this season) but we are conceding goals, too.

"We have to improve in attack if we can but we have to improve in defence.

"We had three clean sheets in a row and I was really pleased and then we conceded against Fiorentina and then Arsenal.

"But the team is much stronger now, we are stronger at set-pieces and we are defending set-pieces better."

Benitez is confident his side will improve in the last six months of the season, starting at home to the Latics on Tuesday night.

"Every game for us is a game we have to win," said the Spaniard.

"If Wigan come here, play well and get a point, maybe they will be happy but, for us, we will try to do our best and try to win.

"I have to have confidence in my team and I am sure we can do it because I know we are better than the team you are seeing on the pitch.

"I can guarantee we will finish in the top four."

Liverpool Co-Owners George Gillett And Tom Hicks To Gain Around £124m From Share Deal

Liverpool co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are closing in on a deal that will see them sell a significant share in the club to a new investor for around £124 million, Telegraph Sport can disclose.

Gillett was in London last week to hold talks with potential investors, and Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow is understood to have held talks with a number of candidates interested in taking an equity stake in the club.

A long-list of around six serious investors has been compiled with two or three proposals thought to be particularly strong, offering the owners around $100 million (£62 million) each for a share in the club.

It is yet to be decided precisely what stake the two owners are willing to sign over to a new investor, but they are expected to each offer the same share so that they retain parity on the new board.

Hicks and Gillett have been searching for fresh equity all year but the process has gathered pace in recent weeks, with Gillett keen to strike a deal in the near future.

His visit to London last week was significant. Last month he sold his ice hockey franchise the Montreal Canadiens for C$575 million (£333 million), a windfall that should enable him to reduce the level of debt across the family businesses, although it is unlikely any of this money will go towards Liverpool.

In London last week he made it clear that he was keen to strike a deal soon, and urged any potential investors not yet at the table to make their interest know quickly.

A key issue in negotiations will be price and the share on offer. The American co-owners consider the club to be a massively undervalued asset and may seek a price above the current market valuation of around £500-£600million.

They are known to believe that the club's value and profitability could double when the new Anfield development, stalled by the credit crunch, is completed, and may demand a premium for investors who would enjoy the upside of that.

Since buying the club, revenue and pre-tax profits have increased threefold, evidence say the Americans of the attractiveness of the investment.

The new investors will also have to establish a working relationship with the co-owners, whose sometimes fractious relationship has been a distraction in recent seasons.

Both men are keen to break the deadlock with a fresh face at the boardroom table, but they will not want to relinquish control.

A key question for supporters will be what use the Americans put any fresh investment to. The owners have indicated in the past that the intention is to use the money to pay down some of the club's debt, which currently stands at around £240million, and kick-start work on the new stadium development.

The stadium plans have been drawn and planning permission has been granted, and the owners are waiting for a thaw in the credit markets before proceeding. New investment will help start that process, and may inspire some confidence among potential lenders.

Supporters will want to see at least some of the new money used to pay down debt, though there will be concerns that it might be diverted into more troubled parts of the Hicks and Gillett empires. Both men have considerable quantities of debt across their business empires.

The counter-argument from the owners is that actually Liverpool's debt burden is manageable in contrast to some of their rivals, most markedly Manchester United, which carries almost £700million secured against the club and Glazer family interests.

The proposed investment could also affect the future of Rafael Benítez, under huge pressure following a dismal run of results and elimination from the Champions League.

The Spaniard has played off the two Americans expertly during the last three years, securing a £20million new contract and unprecedented control at the club.

Failure to finish in the top four would be a huge blow to Liverpool's self-esteem and finances regardless of the new investment. He will hope that the new investor at the boardroom table has more faith in his abilities to turn the club round than some already there.

United Arab Emirates' Ruling Family Set To Buy Into Cash-Strapped Liverpool

Liverpool could be set for a badly-needed cash boost from the ruling family of the United Arab Emirates.

According to reports from the Middle East, members of the Ras al-Khaimah family are seeking talks with the club's owners to discuss possible investments.

They want American co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks to fly to the UAE to open negotiations about buying into the ailing club.

A senior official close to the Ras al-Khaimahs said representatives from Liverpool "may be coming next week".

Ian Cotton, Liverpool's director of communications, refused to be drawn on the reports, saying: "At the moment, we are not commenting on this speculation."

Liverpool would welcome investment as the club's borrowings stand at £313m.

Just last week manager Rafa Benitez had said that managing the club's huge debts was proving to be difficult.

Hicks and Gillett have been courting investment from the Middle East for months and Gillett recently visited Saudi Arabia.

Ras al-Khaimah's royal family is the latest Gulf investor to be linked with Liverpool and in September, Saudi Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Al Saud was said to be keen to invest, but nothing came of the interest.

Tom Hicks Club Takes Step Closer To Selling Major League Baseball Franchise

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks today moved a step closer to selling his Major League Baseball franchise – in a move that could free up funds at Anfield.

Hicks found a number of interested bidders for the Texas Rangers, and late last night selected a group led by Pittsburgh lawyer Chuck Greenberg to enter exclusive negotiations.

Hicks now has 30 days to agree a deal with Greenberg before submitting plans to MLB for approval. The banks that hold Hicks’ debt must also approve.

The deal would see the Hicks family retain a small share of the team which could fetch up to £300m.

In a statement, Hicks said: “Our family has chosen to negotiate with the group we believe will be best to protect and ensure the long-term positive future of this franchise. We understand that this is more than a transaction. You never really own a baseball team; you just have the right to be the trustee of a public institution.”

Hicks has been working to sell the Rangers due to the debts held by his Hicks Sports Group, which defaulted on debts attached to the Rangers and Dallas Stars hockey back in May.

Earlier this month, Liverpool’s other co-owner George Gillett completed a deal to sell the Montreal Canadiens NHL franchise but is yet to invest any of the £333m into Liverpool.

Eccleston Agrees Reds Stay

Skysports.com understands Liverpool's promising striker Nathan Eccleston has agreed a new three-and-a-half year contract.

The former Bury trainee had been out of contract at the end of the season, but will now commit his long-term future to the Premier League giants.

The 18-year-old, who has been in impressive form with six goals in ten reserve team outings, is currently away with Liverpool's second string in Spain and will put pen-to-paper upon returning to England.

Eccleston had reportedly been attracting interest from Premier League rivals, but has ended fears he could jump ship by agreeing to stay until the summer of 2013.

The youngster has broken into Rafa Benitez's side this season after appearing in Carling Cup action against Arsenal while he also made his Premier League debut off the bench against Fulham.

Benitez is believed to be willing to loan out Eccleston in January in order to further his education with both Blackpool and Nottingham Forest keen on bringing him to the Championship.

Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs. Wigan Athletic

Liverpool head into their midweek Premier League clash against Wigan Athletic hoping to bounce back from a disappointing weekend - and not for the first time this season.

Rafael Benitez had touted Sunday's date with Arsenal as a chance for his side to start the season anew, and come half-time they certainly looked a team reborn. Then Glen Johnson put through his own net and Andrey Arshavin struck an unstoppable winner to send the Reds boss back to the drawing board.

The loss leaves Liverpool rooted in seventh spot, five points shy of the Champions League places, and it has become abundantly clear that they will have to work mighty hard to retain their membership to the so-called 'Big Four'.

Veteran defender Jamie Carragher said recently: "Wigan is a massive game for us. We'll just attempt to get three points and then move on to Portsmouth. We have to look at ourselves and realise we have to do much better."

The Latics, meanwhile, come into the clash on the back of a 2-2 draw at Stoke City; but one look at their results so far in this campaign will tell you that form means nothing when trying to gauge this team.

Roberto Martinez's men have shown themselves capable both of conquering the best in the business, and of succumbing to the most humiliating of thrashings.

They defeated league leaders Chelsea in September, only to lose at Hull City the week after; they became the first team to beat Burnley at Turf Moor this season, and followed up with a 4-0 drubbing by rock-bottom Portsmouth; and then there's that famous nine-goal implosion at Tottenham Hotspur, immediately after which they proceeded to down Sunderland.

It is impossible to say which Wigan will turn up on Merseyside this week, but the fact of the matter is that Liverpool cannot afford to lose to either – assuming they plan on playing among Europe's elite next term.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Dec 13: Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
Dec 9: Liverpool 1-2 Fiorentina (Champions League)
Dec 5: Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Liverpool
Nov 29: Everton 0-2 Liverpool
Nov 24: Debrecen 0-1 Liverpool (Champions League)

Wigan Athletic

Dec 12: Stoke City 2-2 Wigan Athletic
Dec 5: Wigan Athletic 2-3 Birmingham City
Nov 28: Wigan Athletic 1-0 Sunderland
Nov 22: Tottenham 9-1 Wigan Athletic
Nov 8: Wigan Athletic 1-1 Fulham


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Fernando Torres cleared the cobwebs off his boots to make his first start in over a month on Sunday, completing the full 90 minutes. He'll be expected to feature on Wednesday, unless boss Benitez has one of his infamous selection shocks in store.

Alberto Aquilani managed 20-odd minutes against Arsenal, coming on for Javier Mascherano in the second period. With the Argentine battered and bruised, 'Aquaman' has half a chance to make his maiden Premier League start.

Last starting XI (v Arsenal): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun, Torres.

Wigan Athletic

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland should start in goal at his old hunting ground, having shrugged off back pain to reclaim his place between the posts on Saturday.

Meanwhile, midfielder Hendry Thomas returns the squad after missing the trip to Stoke through suspension.

Last starting XI (v Stoke City): Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, N'Zogbia, Diame, Scharner, Koumas, Gomez, Rodallega.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool - Glen Johnson

The England wing-back suffered his worst half in a Red shirt on Sunday evening, first conceding an own goal and then letting Arshavin have just enough room to fire a bullet past Pepe Reina. That was a blip in what has otherwise been a fine individual campaign, so every Kopite will be praying he bounces back in style on Wednesday.

Wigan Athletic - Hugo Rodallega

The Latics have had few constants this term, but this man's endeavour has been one of them. Possessing both ox-like strength and a penchant for the sublime, the Ecuadorian forward is the one Wigan will look to for that match-winning moment of magic.

Anfield To Remember Bill Shankly Before Liverpool FC's Match With Wigan Athletic

Liverpool are to stage an emotional parade of legends at Anfield tomorrow to mark the 50th anniversary of Bill Shankly’s first game in charge of the Reds.

Shankly Boys including Ian Callaghan, Kevin Keegan, Phil Thompson and many more will take to the pitch at half-time during the game against Wigan to pay homage to the Scot.

The game provides the nearest date to Shankly’s opening match, a 4-0 defeat to Cardiff on December 19, 1959.

The sounds of ‘Amazing Grace’ – Shankly’s favourite hymn – will reverberate around Anfield to mark the historic anniversary.

Fifteen former stars from the 1960s and 70s, along with nine members of Shankly’s family will be introduced at the interval and a mosaic on the Kop will be unveiled.

Club stalwart and former captain Tommy Smith, who played under Shankly throughout his time in the Liverpool hot-seat, says paying homage at Anfield to the man from Glenbuck is a fitting way to mark the anniversary.

The Anfield Iron admits it could be an emotional occasion for all involved – one he hopes will inspire the current squad.

Smith said: “It is something we should do every week as far as I am concerned.

“It is amazing how quickly Shanks turned things round at Liverpool Football Club and I can’t remember any other team winning as much as we did under him in so little time.

“Shanks was a great manager and I can’t say anything bad about him – the only thing was he didn’t like leaving anyone out and wouldn’t do it until the very last minute.

“He left me out of an Arsenal game and I wasn’t too pleased, but the next day it was forgotten.

“Shanks is the greatest manager football has ever produced and getting together to remember him like we are doing will be an honour for every one of us who were privileged to play under him.

“It will be fantastic to step back out at Anfield with so many great players from the club’s past – and so many great friends too.”

Other players who will once more step out in memory of their old manager will be 60s legends Tommy Lawrence, Roger Hunt, Ian St John, Gerry Byrne, Ron Yeats, Chris Lawler, Willie Stevenson, Geoff Strong, Ronnie Moran and from the 1970s, Keegan, Thompson, Steve Heighway, Gordon Milne and a member of the late Emlyn Hughes’ family.

No Liverpool Move For Barcelona Starlet Keirrison

The agent of Barcelona striker Keirrison has told ESPN Soccernet it is highly unlikely that his client will be joining Liverpool on loan in the January transfer window.

Recent reports in the English media had claimed that Keirrison, 21, could cancel his unproductive loan spell with Benfica in order to sign for Rafael Benitez, who was linked with a move for the striker before he joined Barcelona in July 2009.

The Spanish champions paid 14 million euros to recruit the highly-rated Keirrison from Palmeiras and quickly loaned him to Benfica. However, his progress has slowed and he has made only five appearances this season with Javier Saviola and Oscar Cardozo striking up a prolific partnership for the Portuguese club.

Keirrison's agent, Naor Malaquias, feels Fernando Torres would represent another formidable barrier to regular first-team football at Anfield, making it unlikely Barca would sanction the move, and in any case has heard nothing from the Liverpool hierarchy about a possible transfer.

"That would be a very nice place to go but I think that we should talk directly with Barcelona to see if they have the interest to loan him to Liverpool," Malaquias told ESPN Soccernet. "I don't have any information about [interest from] Liverpool but it could be a pleasure to play in this club.

"It is difficult because the position of Keirrison at Benfica is hard because Cardozo and Saviola are doing a very good job. He is young, he arrived at the club and now he doesn't have many opportunities to play.

"I don't think that going to Liverpool will change this position because Liverpool is a very big club with very good strikers so I think that the same situation could happen. So I don't think that for Barcelona that would be a very nice change. They want a club that he could have minutes to play and I don't think that Liverpool is this club."

Keirrison arrived in Europe with a burgeoning reputation after topping the goalscoring charts in Brazil in 2008 when scoring 21 times for former club Coritiba. At Palmeiras, he scored five times in seven league games before Barcelona came calling.

Both Santos and Vasco da Gama are believed to be interested in bringing the striker back to Brazil but Malaquias has explained that prising Keirrison from Benfica will prove a tricky prospect for any club.

"I think that is a difficult transfer right now because Keirrison has a contract with Benfica and Barcelona has a contact with Benfica," Malaquias said. "They don't have the interest right now to change the player. I think that it would be a very difficult transfer. There is no club that has made a real offer to Barcelona or to Benfica."

Benitez 'Guarantees' Top Four Finish

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says he "guarantees" that they will finish in the top four despite their poor form so far this season.

Having begun hoping to challenge for the title Liverpool lie seventh in the table, 13 points behind leaders Chelsea and out of the Champions League.

"I am sure we can do it because I know we are better than the team you are seeing on the pitch," said Benitez.

"I can guarantee we will finish in the top four."

On Sunday, Liverpool lost 2-1 at home to Arsenal, despite scoring first.

That result, their sixth league defeat of the season, left them five points adrift of the Champions League places. And it extended their run of poor results to only three wins in the last 15 games, their last home victory having come against champions Manchester United on 25 October.

Benitez is facing the most difficult period of his five years in charge at Anfield, but insists he will not compromise his principles to get out of an uncomfortable situation.

"For five years I think we were doing well," he said. "So we have to keep going in the same way because the club is stronger now in everything: the squad, the value of the club is better than five years ago.

"Yes, it is a bad moment but I still think we can improve.

"I think it is very important for any manager, but especially here in England, to be strong.

"You have to show you have an idea, you have your own people that you can talk with and analyse things and say 'This is the way to do things' and we have to keep going.

"The main thing for me is to come here early in the morning, do my job, go home still working a little bit and try to be ready for the next day.

"That is the way to do things and that is an example for the players - and they are doing the same thing.

"Everything can be improved and if we make mistakes we keep going.

"There are still 22 games to play so we know we have to change our target. Now it is to get three points against Wigan and then start thinking about Portsmouth (at the weekend)."

Rafa Benitez ‘Set For Huge Transfer Market Boost’

The huge windfalls that George Gillett and Tom Hicks, the co-owners of Liverpool, will collect from the sales of their American sports properties could be pumped into the English soccer club, according to English press reports.

'Under-fire Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez could be handed substantial transfer funds next month thanks to a cash windfall for American co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks,' reports the Daily Express.

'Gillett has already banked a £180 million profit from the sale of his ice hockey team Montreal Canadiens. And Hicks is days away from being £150m richer after his baseball side Texas Rangers was put under the hammer.'

However, sources close to both men suggest the money is unlikely to be spent on Liverpool.

Indeed, Hicks has already stated that business at the Rangers will not affect his actions at Liverpool.

In a piece of good news for the club's fans, though, the American added last month that the club's Champions League exit will not force it to sell any of its players.

Liverpool Defender Jamie Carragher Prays For Good Times

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is praying that there are good times around the corner as the off-colour Reds look for an upturn in fortune.

Sunday's luckless 2-1 home defeat by Arsenal means that Liverpool have now won just three times in 15 matches.

"I pray that we win the FA Cup, Europa League and get in the top four," Carragher told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"But between now and the end of May it's going to be a grind at times and we have to stick together."

Liverpool have a good chance to get back in contention from their next three games.

Starting with Wednesday night's home clash with 14th-placed Wigan Athletic, they face successive games against teams currently in the bottom four - at backmarkers Portsmouth this Saturday (19 December) before the Boxing Day clash with Wolves (26 December).

They then round off the festive period with a trip to Birmingham to take on one of their main rivals for a Champions League place, Aston Villa (29 December, 1945 GMT).

And Carragher does not accept, despite all the flak they have received in the media for their poor run of results since the end of September, which the Reds are on their knees.

"Every night I'm praying that at the end of the season they'll be something worth what we've gone through," added the former England defender.

"Statistics like that are not good. But before the Fiorentina game we hadn't lost in six.

"Statistics can change quickly and we want to make sure we can start changing those stats, starting Wednesday.

"We've got to move on now. Wigan is a massive game but it's a perfect game for us.

"When you have a disappointing result you want to get back on the pitch as soon as possible."

Liverpool fought hard last season to finish Premier League runners-up as they failed to clinch what would have been a record 19th league title - instead allowing Manchester United to equal their haul of 18.

But the Reds vice captain believes that, despite Xabi Alonso's summer departure, they still have a strong enough squad to challenge.

"With the quality of the players we've got and the stature of the club we realise we should do better," said Carragher.

"It's tough at the moment for everyone associated with the club, but we've been here before.

"It's not always great times here at Liverpool. Part of playing for Liverpool is having big character and that's what's we need at the moment.

"Then we can dust ourselves down and at the end of the season say it wasn't so bad in the end."

Yossi Benayoun: Liverpool Must Get Winning Habit Back

Liverpool winger Yossi Benayoun has challenged himself and the rest of the Reds squad to rediscover their winning mentality and embark on a run of victories.

The Israeli feels that recording a few back-to-back wins would see the confidence return at Anfield, along with a more optimistic outlook.

"We need to win three or four games in a row and try to get our confidence back up," Benayoun told his club's official website.

"We always seem to win one, but then we don't follow it up with a result in the next match. We need to keep working hard in training and try to start winning, beginning against Wigan Athletic. We know we need to be in the top four and that is our target.

"If we can do that and have a good run in both cups our season will improve."

Liverpool welcome Wigan to Anfield on Wednesday night. They currently trail fourth-placed Aston Villa by five points in the Premier League table, with the prospect of Martin O'Neill's men extending that lead against Sunderland on Tuesday night.

Benayoun knows that a win is a must if Rafa Benitez's men are serious about a top-four finish this season.

"After you lose you want to play the next game as soon as possible," he added.

"We are lucky we have the game on Wednesday and we will try to play good football and win the game for our supporters. We owe them a lot because we haven't played well this season.

"There's never an easy game. We have already seen this season that anyone can beat anyone. The top four teams from last season have lost a lot of points. We know it will be difficult against Wigan at home, but we need all three points. Anything less would be a disappointment."

Mark Lawrenson: It’s Up To Rafael Benitez To Give Liverpool FC Players Their Belief Back

The belief seems to have gone from Liverpool at the moment – and it needs to come back quickly.

In short, the players need to realise how good they are again.

Rafael Benitez won’t find the answers to the current problems by looking for money in the January transfer window or by taking any notice of anything the likes of Jurgen Klinsmann or Graeme Souness say.

They are just pundits paid to give an opinion, it’s what they do.

What football managers do is pick their best team and send them out motivated and up for it.

That’s all Benitez needs to concentrate on now – don’t worry about anything else.

It seemed to have worked to a tee against Arsenal with the way Liverpool started against them on Sunday.

They were at it from the start and I think if the first half had been 10 minutes longer they would have more than one goal up.

But if it only takes one goal to completely knock you off your stride then a second goal is essential, but it also underlines the fact that there are definitely issues with confidence.

At 1-1 a game is still there for winning, but Liverpool seem to lack the conviction to recover from setbacks at the moment.

The Glen Johnson own goal is just the kind of scrappy, nothing goal they could benefit from themselves at the moment, but when those things aren’t going for you, you need to make them happen.

And Liverpool are still good enough to do that without a doubt.

Once the sharpness of Fernando Torres is back, Benitez has his strongest squad to choose from and now is the time to instill into them how good they are as players.

Even Torres and Steven Gerrard will need to be told that – just to give them that extra boost of inspiration and a spring in their step. Those things are important when the mood among the players is a bit down during a dodgy run of results.

It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s called good mean-management and Benitez needs to demonstrate that to his players now to start getting the best out of them again.

Come out against Wigan on Wednesday like they did on Sunday and the tide could finally turn.

One thing Benitez has in his favour – and perhaps one thing that some would argue mean he is lucky to be at Anfield – is that the crowd are understanding and want to back the team.

They know that this current Liverpool side is much better than the results this season indicate and they know the players have it in them to turn it round.

Those results need to be forgotten about now as does any other issue surrounding the club.

Benitez needs to pick his best players, look them in the eye and remind them how great they are.

Hosting Wigan gives them the perfect chance to prove it.

And sometimes it only takes one game and one good result and ‘bang!’ You’ve bounced back.

Suarez Reiterates Ajax Pledge

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has reiterated that he will not be leaving Ajax before the World Cup finals.

The 22-year-old is the leading scorer in Holland by some margin, with 18 to his name already this term.

This has seen the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United linked with him, though Chelsea are believed to be leading the chase for his services.

But despite interest from Carlo Ancelotti, Suarez does not want to think about moving ahead of the World Cup finals.

"I am not going to move anywhere for the moment. I thank any team that is interested but my idea is to stay at Ajax at least until the end of the current season," said Suarez to Radio Carve.

"Maybe when this season ends I will accept a move somewhere.

"Chelsea? There is nothing at all.

"I don't know from where the press gets some information.

"If it's true, I thank them that they are interested.

"I have said to everyone at Ajax that I want to stay here because I nearly always play and I want to be in good shape for next year to play for Uruguay in South Africa. I am going to stay at Ajax at least until June."

Liverpool In £6m Swoop For West Ham United's Scott Parker

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is reportedly set to capitalise on the financial worries dogging West Ham United with a £6 million move for Scott Parker, according to The Sun.

The tabloid claims that the Reds are ready to seal the deal once the transfer window opens in January, particularly if the alleged takeover bid from David Gold and David Sullivan does not go through.

The 29-year-old midfielder - who was voted Player of the Year for the Upton Park outfit last season - is said to be a stop-gap replacement for Javier Mascherano, who is tipped to leave Anfield if the Merseyside club fail to finish in the top four this season.

Parker, who joined West Ham from Newcastle United in 2007, earns more than £50,000 a week plying his trade for Gianfranco Zola's side.