Torres 'Set To Lead Liverpool Exodus'

Fernando Torres is among four players set to walk out on Liverpool - including one who hasn't even joined the club yet - according to reports.

The brilliant striker is set to be the subject of a £38m bid from Barcelona, who believe he is eager for a move to the Nou Camp.

Javier Mascherano is also thought to be a Barca target, with Rafael Benitez's new club Inter Milan also interested.

And Milan Jovanovic, who had agreed to join Benitez at Anfield before his dismissal, may now choose to link up with the manager at the San Siro instead.

Meanwhile left-back Emiliano Insua is said to be keen on a switch to Fiorentina, with the club's haggling over his likely £4m transfer fee.

Toure Deal Will Increase Barcelona Interest In Liverpool's Mascherano

With Manchester City having all but signed Yaya Toure from Barcelona, the Catalan giants will intensify their interest in Liverpool's Javier Mascherano, according to Spanish daily AS.

It appears that the drawn out transfer of Toure may finally have been completed with sections of the Spanish media reporting that the midfielder will move to Manchester City for 30 million euros with only the formality of a medical outstanding. Spanish daily 'Sport' reports that "the agreement between the clubs is closed."

Meanwhile, AS speculates that the sale of Toure will speed up a Barcelona bid for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano. It had been thought that the Spanish champions were put off by a 30 million price tag, but given the sale of Toure, Barcelona will increase their interest in the Argentina captain, having attempted to prize him away from Anfield last summer. AS describes the deal now as "more feasible".

Should Barcelona attempt to sign Mascherano, it is thought that they will have to compete with Inter Milan for the 26-year-old's signature. Mascherano has spoken openly of his admiration for former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, now in charge at the San Siro.

Mascherano, widely regarded as the best holding midfielder in the world, played 47 games for Liverpool last season and is currently starring at the World Cup for Argentina.

Barcelona Weighing Up £38m Move For Liverpool Striker Fernando Torres

Barcelona are believed to be lining up a £38 million bid to secure the signature of Spain and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, according to the Daily Mail.

The Reds had a torrid campaign last season, with early exits in all cup competitions and a disaster in the domestic circuit that saw the club miss out on Champions League qualification.

The Merseyside club's biggest names have consequently been linked with moves away from Anfield since, with the Spanish heavyweights reported to have been keen on signing the hitman.

However, the Catalan club are believed to be unwilling to pay more than £38m to sign the forward, and believe that the Anfield ace is willing to join their ranks.

Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the prolific goal scorer, and it has been speculated that the Stamford Bridge coffers may open wider than the Spanish ones to sign the forward.

It is said that Barca believe that Torres' inclination to make a move to Camp Nou will see them pip their Premier League rivals in winning the race to sign the hitman.

Wolves Keen For Liverpool To Revive Hennessey Bid

Wolves are counting on Liverpool to revive their interest in goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

The Express & Star says Hennessey is among players being made available by Wolves this summer.

It is understood Liverpool lodged a £2m bid for Hennessey before Rafael Benitez’s departure as they sought back-up for Pepe Reina, and the keeper is known to be unhappy at his exile from the team.

Jovanovic Hints At Reds U-turn

Serbia international Milan Jovanovic has revealed he could pull out of his move to Liverpool.

The 29-year-old signed a pre-contract agreement with the Premier League giants in February as his deal with Belgian side Standard Liege was coming to an end this summer.

But the Reds then failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League and manager Rafael Benitez has since left Anfield and joined Inter Milan.

There has been speculation Benitez will attempt to hijack the transfer and take the striker with him to the San Siro.

And Jovanovic has claimed he may be able to pull out of the move, which was set to see him sign a three-year contract at Anfield.

"There is an agreement signed with Liverpool," he is quoted as saying on Tuttomercatoweb.com.

"But if either party wants to end it, it's not impossible."

AC Milan, Juventus and Valencia were all thought to be tracking Jovanovic when his agreement with Liverpool was initially announced.

And he has provided further evidence of his quality at the World Cup, scoring the only goal in Serbia's 1-0 upset of Germany.

Fear Of World Cup Failure Will Spur Us On, Says Steven Gerrard

Captain Steven Gerrard has said England will be driven on by the fear of failure in their make or break World Cup encounter with Slovenia.

And the Liverpool midfielder knows it is vital that Fabio Capello's side do not buckle under the pressure in Port Elizabeth.

Gerrard accepts England "stopped doing the things we're good at" during the goalless draw with Algeria in Cape Town on Friday.

Now they need a win against the current group leaders Slovenia to guarantee a place in the last 16.

Gerrard said: "The fear of not winning drives you on. The last thing you want is to go home in the group stages.

"We've come here to stay in this tournament to the end. It would be an absolute disaster for this group of players to go home after the group stages.

"We want more. We want a performance. The key is to try and live without fear. There is pressure and fear.

"You're playing for England and you have massive support. It doesn't help to go on to the pitch and play with that fear.

"You have to go on to the pitch and try and relax, be patient. The performance will come."

Gerrard acknowledges England will be favourites, despite their stuttering form, but feels the World Cup has proved nothing can be taken for granted.

He said: "On paper, we're massive favourites. They're a small nation compared to us.

"But every game in this World Cup, as has been proven, is difficult.

"They only need a draw, and the pressure is on us because we need to win the game. But we need to live with that, play with that on our shoulders and get on with it."

Gerrard is clear in his own mind what England have to put right if they are to overcome Slovenia.

He said: "We've stopped doing the things we're good at. We watched the game with Algeria in the team meeting, without anyone talking, and it was clear to see we weren't aggressive enough.

"We didn't play to our strengths. We didn't press high enough. We didn't win the ball back when we lost possession.

"We didn't run enough, press the ball enough. I don't think we made any big mistakes in the game.

"We kept a clean sheet and didn't lose the game. We did okay up until the final third, but then we didn't have the cutting edge to break that team down. We need to get that in this game."

Torres Ready To Go Distance

Fernando Torres believes he is ready to play 90 minutes for Spain after starting his first game of the World Cup finals on Monday evening.

The Liverpool striker figured for 70 minutes as La Furia Roja recorded their first win in South Africa with a 2-0 success over Honduras.

With a first start since undergoing knee surgery in April now under his belt, Torres insists he is ready to go the distance in Spain's next outing against Chile on Friday.

"I'm ready to play the full 90 minutes when the boss sees fit," he said.

"I played 70 minutes and the good news is I feel ready to last for 90 minutes for the first time since my recovery."

David Villa struck twice to help Vicente del Bosque's side to three points against the Hondurans, while the Barcelona newboy also missed a penalty during an absorbing encounter in Johannesburg.

The result means a win over Group H leaders Chile will see Spain successfully navigate their way into the last 16 of the World Cup.

"Once again we created plenty of chances," reflected El Nino. "We scored, but we missed a lot of chances. We still need to get the feel of the ball.

"Villa and I have said we understand each other perfectly and hopefully we can play together again, although we've always said that if we don't then it doesn't matter as long as the team works well.

"Jesus Navas got to the by-line well and we spent most of the game camped in their half. And scoring in the first-half helped the side a lot. Our gameplan is clear."

He added: "Our defeat against Switzerland was already water under the bridge, we talked about it and it's not logical to look back. We played in the same style as we played against Switzerland, we attacked and played short passes.

"This first group of games is very difficult, we still have a match to play against Chile. Being world champions is a long way down the road.

"Not just for any national squad, but in terms of time as well, there is a long time to go before the final and there are many matches to play before then. At the moment we are focused on Chile, beating them and moving on to the next round."

While England's frustrating World Cup campaign has come under the media microscope recently, Torres is eager to highlight the positive backing Spain are receiving back home.

He said: "We are very happy with the press back home. They have shown their support to the team since day one.

"The rest of the world are waiting for us to make a mistake, they doubt our style of play, but I don't feel that they have any reason to do so."

Liverpool Legend Jan Molby Believes England Captain Steven Gerrard Must Partner Wayne Rooney In Attack Against Slovenia

Liverpool and Denmark legend Jan Molby reckons Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard must partner Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney in attack to allow for an overall balance throughout the side.

Molby believes Fabio Capello must reinvigorate his England side for their Wednesday evening clash with Slovenia if he is to gain the necessary result that will see England through to the knockout stages of the World Cup competition.

"It's simple for me. I would go with a 4-5-1 system with Steven playing just off Rooney," Molby told Liverpool’s official website when quizzed about Gerrard’s on field position.

"I'd play Joe Cole on the left and play two central midfielders in Gareth Barry and Michael Carrick.

"Frank Lampard has had no impact on this World Cup whatsoever and it's now time for action if England are to make the last 16.

"Your job as a manager is to get the best out of your players and Capello is not doing that at the moment with Steven."

Gerrard, who has scored 17 goals in 82 international appearances for England, has scored the only goal of England’s World Cup campaign so far; the opening goal of their 1-1 draw with the United States on June 12.

Liverpool In Race To Sign Roy Hodgson Before England Are Tempted

Liverpool hope to agree a deal with Roy Hodgson to become their new manager before England's make-or-break game against Slovenia tomorrow, despite concerns the appointment will prompt Kenny Dalglish to reconsider his future at the club.

Anfield officials had been confident of appointing the Fulham manager as successor to Rafael Benítez by the end of this week, only for the uncertainty over Fabio Capello's position should England fail to qualify from their World Cup group to hasten their approach. Hodgson is considered a strong candidate for the England job should Capello quit.

Mindful of a potential rival for their first choice to replace Benítez, the Liverpool board is now looking to secure an agreement from Hodgson before England's fate in Group C is determined. The 62-year-old is well aware of Liverpool's interest and his likely transfer budget at Anfield but may prefer to delay a decision on his future until after the game in Port Elizabeth.

An added complication for the Liverpool hierarchy, and particularly the managing director, Christian Purslow, is Dalglish's opposition to Hodgson's appointment and his disillusionment with how the process of identifying the new manager has unfolded.

In a statement confirming Benítez's departure this month, Liverpool announced that Dalglish would work alongside Purslow in the search for the club's next manager. Since then, however, Dalglish has made it known that he wants the job due to what he perceives as a lack of better qualified and available candidates.

He is a long-time friend of Hodgson but feels his recommendations to the board have been ignored and that the Fulham manager is not the right man to take Liverpool forward at a critical juncture in their history. The Scot is likely to reconsider his role at Liverpool, which is officially that of a club ambassador with input into the club's youth academy, should Hodgson be installed as manager this week.

New Liverpool FC Manager Will Decide On Who Stays Or Goes

Nobody will be leaving Liverpool until the club has appointed a new manager, according to Christian Purslow.

The Anfield managing director has responded to speculation linking Emiliano Insua with a move to Fiorentina.

The Serie A club are pursuing the youngster but Purslow insists decisions on any departures will be made by Rafael Benitez’s successor as and when he is installed.

“At this moment the only objective of the club is to find a new coach and then to evaluate the whole roster of players with him,” said Purlsow, who is leading the club’s search for a new manager.

“I cannot confirm the interest of Fiorentina for Insua, even if in Italy he is highly regarded, for example at Lazio who often came to see him in person last season.

“I don’t think the player wants to leave Liverpool.

“When and where he’ll do this request, regardless of the difficulties of the club, we’ll talk.”

Purslow knows that Liverpool have more chance of attracting their top managerial targets with the current playing staff in place.

That means moves for the likes of Chelsea target Yossi Benayoun and midfielder Javier Mascherano, who is being linked with Barcelona as well as Inter Milan, will not be sanctioned while the manager’s office remains vacant.

However, Liverpool could be faced with a battle to appoint Roy Hodgson should England fail to make the last 16 at the World Cup tomorrow.

Odds have been slashed for the Fulham manager to replace Fabio Capello, who is expected to be sacked or resign as England manager if his team slip up against Slovenia.

Hodgson heads Liverpool’s shortlist but the 62-year-old is said to have told friends he would accept the England role over any club job in the twilight of his career.

Royal Bank of Scotland Turn Up The Heat On Liverpool FC Owners

The Royal Bank of Scotland are ready to turn up the heat on George Gillett and Tom Hicks to pursue a quick sale of Liverpool Football Club.

Liverpool supporters bombarded RBS Chief Executive Stephen Hester with an email campaign recently, aimed at getting the bank to reconsider the financing deal they have in place with the Reds’ co-owners.

A substantial part of Liverpool’s £237m debt is owed to the government-owned RBS and Hicks and Gillett were forced to re-negotiate an extension on the terms of the deal back in spring.

The RBS have made it clear they are prepared to be patient to maximise Liverpool’s hopes of obtaining a successful sale of the club but they do not want it dragging on unnecessarily – as they want to see the Reds flourishing.

An email to one Reds’ fan from Roger Lowry, the RBS’ head of public affairs, read: “We are confident that the Chairman and the Board will be mindful of the need to avoid any unnecessary delay in concluding a sale, as it is in no one’s interest to risk deterioration in the performance of the Club prior to it being sold.

“Our common goal is the long-term success of Liverpool Football Club and the Bank’s primary objective is to ensure financial stability, so that the Club can continue to perform both on and off the football pitch.

“There is little more I can add at this juncture, only to reiterate we are supportive of the steps that have been taken and we hope to have the opportunity to continue our financial support for the Club under its new ownership, once determined.”

Liverpool Set To Appoint Roy Hodgson As Manager On Wednesday, Kenny Dalglish Ponders Exit

Liverpool are desperate to tie up a deal to bring Fulham manager Roy Hodgson to the club as their new manager before England's key World Cup game against Slovenia on Wednesday, according to a report from The Guardian.

However, that move may signal the end of Kenny Dalglish's involvement with the club, as the Scot apparently does not see Hodgson as the man to take the Reds forward at a vital point in their history.

Dalglish, who apparently enjoys a friendly relationship with Hodgson, is known to want the Anfield manager's job himself as he does not believe that there are any better qualified candidates around.

Currently employed as a club ambassador, in a role which also allows him input into the club's youth academy, it is felt Dalglish may decide to leave the club altogether should Hodgson be appointed.

Hodgson himself is aware of his likely transfer budget at Anfield but is also a reported priority target for England should the Three Lions fail to reach the second round the World Cup and current coach Fabio Capello resign from his post.

With England's make or break game against Slovenia on Wednesday, Hodgson is understood to want to wait and see what transpires with the national side before making a firm commitment to Liverpool.

Purslow - Insua Wants To Stay

Liverpool general director Christian Purslow has revealed that Emiliano Insua does not want to leave the club, despite speculation over his future.

The 21-year-old left-back has not had the best of times since moving to Anfield in 2007, and has an uncertain future at the club now that Rafa Benitez has left.

A new Reds manager has yet to be unveiled, and Purslow insists that any discussions on Insua's future will have to wait.

"At this moment the only objective of the club is to find a new coach and then evaluate the whole roster of players with him," he told calciomercato.com.

"I cannot confirm the interest of Fiorentina for Insua, even if in Italy he is highly regarded, for example at Lazio who last season often came to view him in person.

"I don't think the player wants to leave Liverpool. When and where he'll do this request, regardless of the difficulties of the club, we'll talk.

"I exclude at the moment that everything can be resolved within a few days."

Insua, an Argentina international, moved to Liverpool from Boca Juniors but has not set the Premier League alight since his transfer.

Liverpool Hierarchy Confident They Can Keep Fernando Torres At Club

Liverpool chiefs remain confident that star striker Fernando Torres will spurn Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City to stay at the crisis club for one more season.

The Spain international striker has been at the centre of transfer rumours since the Anfield outfit laboured to a seventh placed Champions League finish last term. With no Champions League football on offer and debt of £351.4 million, a sale had been reported to be on the cards.

According to the News of the World, Torres has been in regular contact with the Reds hierarchy and is happy to welcome expected new manager Roy Hodgson next week. The 26-year old loves life on Merseyside and wants to give Liverpool one more year to sort out their troubles before he seriously considers his future.

Birmingham City Prepare Fresh Bid For Liverpool Winger Ryan Babel

Birmingham City are set to return to the negotiating table to bring Liverpool winger Ryan Babel to the club, according to skysports.com.

Alex McLeish has had a long-term interest in the Holland World Cup 2010 star and had a £9 million move rejected in the New Year. With first team opportunities at a premium at Anfield, a fresh push for the player is now on the cards.

The Blues have been frustrated in their attempt to land Wigan Athletic's Charles N'Zogbia and are seemingly set to switch targets.

Liverpool are understood to be ready to sanction Babel's exit to raise funds for their incoming manager after the Dutchman failed to push on from a promising first season at the club.

Reds Aid South African Charity

A team of 12 UK police officers took time out of their duties at the World Cup to support a local charity.

The group visited the TLC orphanage in Eikenhof, a town 20 kilometres from Johannesberg, to provide the local children with gifts donated by the likes of Liverpool, Stoke City, Manchester City, Tranmere Rovers, Newcastle United and Shrewsbury Town.

UKFPU coordinator Tony Conniford said: "I had the honour of meeting people associated with the TLC orphanage last year when we were working out logistics during the Confederation Cup.

"Through the FA and the UK Football Supporters Federation we were able to link up with two English volunteers who were working at the centre. I knew when we came back for the World Cup that we needed to do something for these kids.

"Most of them have been abandoned, some left in fields and the work done here to care for them and get them adopted is just amazing. Doing this is just a world away from the work we've been doing here around the World Cup and it really just brings you back down to earth."

Chief Superintendent Dave Lewis, from Merseyside Police said: "It was a privilege to visit and bring some happiness to some lovely children who we all hope have a successful future. Their carers do a fantastic job and we wish them well.

"Football is an international game and the children here, like those in Merseyside, love it. They were absolutely delighted with the football gifts that were donated from our local clubs. I've no doubt that they will be wearing the shirts for months to come."

The TLC orphanage was set up over 17 years ago and cares for 70 children; from the day of their birth right through to the age of 17. It is one of the few orphanages in South Africa that takes on children with disabilities and more than 10 per cent of its children are HIV positive. It is run by a small team of volunteers, many of whom have adopted children themselves.

Carra - It's All My Fault

Jamie Carragher has offered one reason for England's World Cup woe - his own return from international exile.

The Liverpool veteran had last played for England in June 2007 but was lured out of international retirement by Fabio Capello amid injury concerns in defence.

Carragher replaced Ledley King at half-time in the Group C opener against the USA, when the Three Lions had to settle for a 1-1 draw before turning in a dismal display against Algeria.

A 0-0 draw on Friday means England, among the pre-tournament favourites, must now beat Slovenia to be sure of just reaching the second round.

Carragher is suspended for the game having picked up a second booking against Algeria, but the 32-year-old joked that could be a blessing following England's stuttering start.

"It's very difficult to put your finger on," he said.

"We did really well in qualifying so I think maybe I'm the problem coming back!

"They seemed to be fine when I was watching the qualifying. It's just not happening at the moment.

"Obviously we have a chance to put it right after two disappointing results and two disappointing performances. There's still all to play for."

England face Slovenia in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday and a point would be enough for the surprise group leaders to book their place in the last 16 having beaten Algeria 1-0 before drawing 2-2 with the USA.

Blues Back In For Babel

Skysports.com understands Birmingham are ready to rekindle their interest in Liverpool's Ryan Babel.

Birmingham tried to sign Babel during the January transfer window, but failed to agree a deal with Liverpool.

Blues boss Alex McLeish is thought to be a big admirer of the Dutchman and is ready to revive his attempts to lure him to St Andrews.

McLeish has been frustrated in his attempts to sign Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia and could now turn his attentions to Babel to fill the left-sided midfield role.

Babel's future at Liverpool looks uncertain with the 23-year-old failing to live up to expectations at Anfield.

Liverpool could be tempted to cash in on Babel to help raise funds for potential new signings for whoever becomes the club's new manager.

Pepe: We Can't Live Off Past

Pepe Reina insists Spain have to work hard in order to kick-start their World Cup and not live off past glories.

Fernando Torres and co take on Honduras with their only thought on winning the game after last Wednesday's shock opening defeat to Switzerland.

"This side has been playing for five years together, I think we've been doing things well and doing a good job but we can't live off our past," said Reina.

"We have to prove again more than ever that we can be in that group of teams who can win the World Cup and we have to recover from that incident (the Switzerland defeat) the other day.

"After that game against Switzerland we just wanted to get straight out there again to show that we can do a good job and play some good football."

Daniel Agger Struggles To Find Positives After Denmark's Win Over Cameroon

Denmark may have got the three points that put their World Cup campaign back on track, but defender Daniel Agger felt that was one of the few positives his side could take from their 2-1 victory over Cameroon.

With both sides having lost their opening Group E games, Denmark and Cameroon each knew they needed to get something out of Saturday night’s clash in Pretoria.

It was Cameroon who made the first breakthrough, captain Samuel Eto’o putting his side ahead in the 10th minute following a mistake by Christian Poulsen, but Denmark bounced back to take the victory thanks to goals in either half by Nicklas Bendtner and Dennis Rommedahl.

However, Denmark rode their luck on occasion as Cameroon pushed forward at every opportunity in a bid to avoid becoming the first team to be knocked out of the tournament, while at the other end Morten Olsen’s side missed a couple of great chances to wrap the game up in the second half.

Agger, who was named man of the match, admitted it was far from the perfect display from Denmark but pointed out that getting the win was the main thing.

In a frank and honest assessment of his side’s showing, Agger said: “Particularly in the first half, it was one of the worst performances we’ve given in a long time, our transitions were poor, we didn’t cover well.

“If they’d been a bit more clinical they would have scored more goals and we would have been out of it in the first half, but to our credit we do fight.

“We tried to stand together and we scored two goals. We had other opportunities as well, but sometimes it became a bit of a kick-and-rush game, going up and down and up and down, and that’s not really the way we want to play.

“But we’ve got three points, that’s the most positive thing I can say.”

Echoing the thoughts of his coach, who was not overly impressed by his team’s display either, the Liverpool centre-back added: “We know it was a really bad game, especially in the first half, we didn’t play like a team.

“We didn’t play like we have to if we want to progress. Clearly it wasn’t good enough but if you can still win playing like that it’s a positive.

“We are a team, we stand together as a team, and to our credit we did come back in the match.

“It didn’t look too good at one point, but the positive thing is that we did fight back.”