Liverpool Keen On £6m Roma Centre Back Philippe Mexes

Liverpool are hoping to beat other potential suitors to the signing of Roma’s unhappy centre back Philippe Mexes. The French international has lost his starting spot at the Stadio Olimpico and is reportedly ready to quit the club and has made remarks in the past about being interested in a move to the Premier League.

Roy Hodgson is looking to improve his defence and could well see the 28 year old as the ideal candidate to steady the Anfield back line and the vastly experienced former Auxerre man may well be keen on a new challenge after six years at the Serie A side.

Claudio Ranieri has already stated that Mexes will be used as cover and that has led many clubs to become interested in making a move for the powerfully built Toulouse born battler. The likes of Arsenal and Juventus has been linked with a move for his services.

Some sources feel that a move of as little as £6m may be enough to snap up Mexes and given the new owners on board at Liverpool this fee should be easily covered.

Liverpool Set Sights On Barcelona's Nolito

Premier League side Liverpool are interested in securing the services of Barcelona attacker Nolito, according to reports.

TalkSPORT claims that the English side is one of five clubs keeping tabs on the Barcelona B player, who has been in scintillating form so far this season in the Segunda division. Fiorentina, Monaco, Benfica, Panathinaikos and Spartak Moscow have also been linked with Nolito.

The 24-year-old’s current contract with Barcelona expires in the summer and he can start talking to clubs in January.

Nolito joined the Spanish champions in the summer of 2008 and made his debut for the first team on October 3 when he came on as a late substitute against Real Mallorca.

Chelsea Planning Fresh Move For Fernando Torres

Chelsea are believed to be keen on making a fresh move for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

The Blues had been heavily linked with a move for the Spaniard during the summer, with reports claiming that the Reds had even turned down a £25 million move for the World Cup winner.

But the 26-year-old reaffirmed his commitment to the club at the time, putting an end to any speculation concerning a move away from Merseyside.

However, the Reds have begun the season in a disastrous fashion, as they were eliminated from the League Cup by League Two strugglers Northampton Town.

Torres' form has also been brought into question as he has made seven appearances for the club this season, but has managed to score only one goal so far.

With the recent takeover saga having come to an end following Tom Hicks and George Gillett having to let go of their grip on the club, The Times claims that Chelsea are in line to test the resolve of the new top bosses by making a move for the hitman in January.

It is thought that Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti believes that the Anfield ace can forge a successful partnership with Didier Drogba before eventually going on to replace him at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United Eye January Swoop For Fernando Torres

Manchester United are ready to test Liverpool's determination to retain Fernando Torres in January after being encouraged that the Spanish forward could be prised away from Anfield.

Real Madrid forwards Karim Benzema and Kaká are also on the Old Trafford club's radar with the club's owners, the Glazer family, acutely aware of the necessity to replace Wayne Rooney with another stellar name should the England forward leave.

Despite Sir Alex Ferguson's insistence that United will "leave the door open" for Rooney to reconsider his decision to leave, plans are already being drawn up to replace the former Everton striker if he is sold during the transfer window.

Although the prospect of enticing Torres from United's century-old rivals is likely to prompt acrimony and fury on the red half of Merseyside, the 26 year-old has emerged as a genuine target for Ferguson.

There is a growing perception within the game that the player is disenchanted at Liverpool and desperate to move elsewhere.

No player has moved directly between English football's two most successful clubs since the unheralded forward Phil Chisnall left Old Trafford for Anfield in 1964.

Paul Ince and Michael Owen have since represented both clubs, receiving condemnation from the supporters of their former employers in the wake of their moves, while Ferguson blocked Gabriel Heinze's attempts to leave United for Liverpool in 2007.

United are likely to face stiff competition from Chelsea and Manchester City should they pursue a move for Torres.

However, the impact and controversy generated by such a move is likely to be diminished should Rooney complete a potentially more explosive transfer from United to City.

Ferguson actively pursued Torres during the summers of 2006 and 2007 while the player was with Atletico Madrid, but with United moving for Carlos Tévez in 2007, Torres instead completed a £26.5 million transfer to Liverpool.

The complexities of United moving for Torres are rooted in the bitter rivalry between the two clubs, but the change of management and ownership at Liverpool in recent months has raised the prospect of a remarkable deal which would have been unthinkable during the management of Rafael Benítez.

Ferguson has already been told by the Glazers that Rooney's future is in his hands.

Similarly, any funds raised from his sale will be ploughed directly back into luring another A-list player to the club.

Kaká's failure to justify his £56 million transfer fee at Real has led to the Spanish club making it known that they would be open to offers for the Brazilian forward.

Rooney's reluctance to move to Spain would scupper United's hopes of a player trade, but Ferguson is a long-term admirer of the former AC Milan forward who, despite being 28, would be viewed as an immediate replacement for Rooney and a player capable of matching the England international's global appeal.

Kaká famously rejected a move to Manchester City in Jan 2009, opting instead to leave the San Siro for Real, but the player's struggles in Spain would now make him more receptive to a move to England.

Ferguson failed to thwart Real's move for Benzema last season, when the forward left Lyon for the Bernabeu following United's refusal to meet the French club's £35 million valuation.

The United manager made further inquiries as to Benzema's availability this summer, but the 22 year-old opted instead to remain in Spain.

Torres would tick several boxes for United should Ferguson be successful in his attempt to lure him from Anfield.

His signing would solve the goalscoring conundrum caused by the Rooney saga, but it would also signal a much-needed charisma boost for United at a time when the club and their owners require an emphatic response to the impending loss of their best player.

Eccleston Brace Earns Point

Nathan Eccleston blasted home a double as Liverpool Reserves claimed a 3-3 draw in an enthralling encounter at Blackburn on Tuesday night.

The Reds started brightly and got off to a flyer when Danny Wilson and Eccleston (penalty) put them in the driving seat inside 25 minutes.

However, Josh Morris reduced the arrears with a stunning free-kick before two goals in three second-half minutes from Junior Hoilett and Matty Pearson turned the game on its head.

With time running out, John McMahon's men poured forward and deservedly snatched a share of the spoils when Eccleston steered home Wilson's clipped cross at the far post.

It capped a pulsating 90 minutes of football and brought an end to the second-string's run of two straight defeats.

Ahead of the clash, the Reds boss had urged his youngsters to add a ruthless streak to the inventive approach play that has earned them so many admirers so far this season.

Indeed, just five goals from their first five matches suggested the Reds needed to be more clinical in front of goal but their cause was aided by the return to the line-up of Spanish whizz kid, Suso.

The youngster has made a fine impression since coming to the fore during the summer and he made an immediate impact in Lancashire, setting up the opener on six minutes.

The diminutive No.10 sent an inviting right wing corner to the far post where Wilson ghosted in to power a header in off the crossbar.

It was the perfect start for the visitors and, after surviving a spell of intense Rovers pressure, they should have doubled their lead on the quarter of an hour mark.

A lightning break saw Suso play a sublime outside of the foot ball into the path of Tom Ince, allowing the left winger the time to size up the opportunity and crash a shot against the crossbar, with Mark Bunn well beaten.

The home side were clearly struggling to cope with Liverpool's pace on the counter attack and on 25 minutes the Reds put together a piece of play that led to their second goal of the match.

A flowing move down the left saw Ince test Bunn with a fierce volley on the turn and as Eccleston chased down the rebound he was brought tumbling to the ground by Gavin Gunning.

The referee pointed to the spot allowing the No.9 to step up and outfox the Rovers stopper with a composed finish that followed an 'Aldo shuffle'.

At this point the hosts would have felt hard done by given their dominance in the early exchanges, but they dug deep and pulled a goal back just two minutes later.

A free-kick was awarded on the left edge of the visitors' penalty area, providing Morris with the opportunity to fizz a stunning 25 yard effort beyond the despairing dive of Martin Hansen.

The goal revitalised the home side and, although Eccleston should have restored the two-goal cushion when he lobbed wide when sent clear, Rovers began the second period in the ascendancy.

Some good work on the right side of the penalty area by Hoilett saw the forward tee up Michael Potts but the midfielder's low shot cannoned back off the near post via the knee of Hansen.

The chance merely served to increase the pressure on the Reds' young defence and on 51 minutes the hosts drew level. Hansen misjudged Jackson Ramm's run into the area, allowing the substitute to square the ball across the six yard box for Hoilett to gleefully sweep it into an unguarded net.

If that was a moment to forget for the Reds stopper, then it got even worse just three minutes later when Pearson prodded home from close range after he had completely missed his punch following a right wing corner.

The attacking verve that had caused Rovers so many problems in the first 45 was now conspicuous by its absence, but just when it looked like a third defeat on the spin was on the cards for McMahon's men, they put together a move that dragged them level on 80 minutes.

A left-wing free-kick was only partially cleared by the Blackburn defence, giving Wilson the chance to pull wide on the right side of the box and send in a superb cross for Eccleston to steer home at the far post.

With time running out the Reds pushed for what would surely be a winner and, although Steven Irwin and Pacheco both went close, they could not find the finish to claim a famous victory.

Rovers Extend Gulacsi Loan

Tranmere have extended Liverpool goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi's emergency loan stay at the club by one month.

On-loan Manchester City stopper Gunnar Nielsen remains unavailable due to a shoulder injury, so Gulacsi, 20, will stay at Prenton Park.

Rovers boss Les Parry said: "Peter is a quality goalkeeper so I'm pleased to be able to keep him at the club for another month while Gunnar is injured.

"He has done well for us since he has come back, has a great attitude and is a good professional.

"I'd like to thank Liverpool Football Club for allowing Peter to spend another month with us."

Rijkaard On The Brink At Gala

Skysports.com understands Frank Rijkaard is on the brink of quitting Galatasaray.

The Turkish club are believed to have held an emergency board meeting on Monday to discuss Rijkaard's future after a disappointing start to the season.

Galatasaray are currently languishing in ninth spot in the Turkish Super Lig and the pressure has intensified on Rijkaard following the weekend defeat to Ankaragucu.

Rijkaard is believed to be ready to leave and is ready for a new challenge after a disappointing spell in Turkey.

The news is sure to fuel speculation that Rijkaard could be a contender for the Liverpool job, should Roy Hodgson lose his role at Anfield.

Former Barcelona coach Rijkaard was a contender prior to Hodgson's appointment.

And he is thought to be keen on the switch if the Reds' new owners end up losing patience with Hodgson with the club just one place off the bottom of the Premier League.

Liverpool Council Seeks Meeting With Liverpool FC Executives Over Stadium Plans

City council officials hope to meet with Liverpool FC bosses within a fortnight to discuss their stadium plans.

New owners New England Sports Ventures have yet to decide whether to build the proposed new stadium in Stanley Park or redevelop Anfield.

When NESV took over the Boston Red Sox, it invested in the baseball club’s existing Fenway Park home instead of building a new stadium.

Last night Liverpool council leader Joe Anderson said his preferred option was for the club to build a new stadium, as it would act as a catalyst for further regeneration of the area.

A new stadium was also part of the city’s bid to be a World Cup venue in the event England’s 2018 bid is successful.

Anfield was included in the bid, but it was made clear at the time that this was seen very much as a back-up plan.

Council bosses had been due to meet the club in the past couple of weeks, but the meeting was cancelled while the future of the club was thrashed out. Planning permission for the new stadium runs out next year, although it could be extended fairly easily.
Cllr Anderson said: “We are committed to work with LFC on the future way forward.

“Our preference is for the club to build a new stadium as this would not only lead to a fantastic new venue, but would assist in regenerating the wider Anfield area.

“I hope to meet with the club within the next two weeks to explore all the options moving forward.”

Merseyside MPs gave a cautious welcome to the new owners after meeting with NESV principal investors John W Henry and Tom Werner on Monday.

Liverpool fan and Walton MP Steve Rotheram said: “They listened a lot more intently than the last two characters and were far more open to suggestions that they should look at the full regeneration of Anfield, not just the ground itself.

“He said the new owners were clearly looking at ways of using the stadium outside matchdays to create new income streams.

“My first impression was very positive. Although they are the same nationality as the last two owners, they are very different people.

“Their plans are to take the club forward in a positive manner.”

Wirral South MP Alison McGovern, also an LFC fan, said it was clear Henry wanted to listen and learn.

“We shared our concerns. The relationship with the fans has been really damaged and we need to take steps to put it back together. Although they were not going to commit to anything, they seemed genuinely keen to listen.

“We will all be obviously cautious, you can only take people by what they do and what they say.

“Ultimately it is going to be actions not words that we judge them on.”

She added: “The priority is putting the club on a solid financial footing so the same thing never happens again.”

John W Henry Facing Dilemma On Roy Hodgson's Future At Anfield

John W Henry may have spent his final few hours in Liverpool thanking the club’s fans for their sterling efforts in helping rid Anfield of Tom Hicks and George Gillett, but he will no doubt have boarded his flight back to Boston on Monday more concerned with the immediate future than the recent past.

Henry met a succession of fans’ groups at the club’s offices in Liverpool, asking for their accounts of the travails of the last three years and congratulating Spirit of Shankly, the supporters’ union, on the tireless campaigning which expedited the end of the debt-ridden regime of his predecessors.

“If it was not for yourselves and supporters doing what you have, we would not be here now,” the principal backer of New England Sports Ventures, Liverpool’s new owners, told the group.

It is part of an aggressive, effective PR strategy designed to highlight the differences between the club’s new American overlords and the two whose chaotic departure last Friday prompted such relief at Anfield.

So, too, consulting with five local MPs. “I was quite impressed with the way they conducted themselves,” said Steve Rotherham, the MP for Walton. “We all fired questions about what the future of the club will be and they were open and honest.”

With hearts and minds won, it is to that future that Henry and NESV must turn. They have made it clear that this is a long-term investment, that they see patience as a virtue integral to the business of sport, and that they are prepared to listen and learn. In the coming weeks, though, they must start to do.

The first move is likely to be the restructuring of the club’s board. Commercial director Ian Ayre, managing director Christian Purslow and Philip Nash, Liverpool’s financial director, are expected to retain their places, though chairman Martin Broughton will depart after “a transitional period”.

They are likely to be joined by Michael Gordon, an investor in NESV, and hedge fund entrepreneur Jeffrey Vinik, owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning NHL team and a minority owner of the Boston Red Sox. It remains unclear whether either Henry or Tom Werner, the Hollywood mogul and his partner in NESV, will be appointed chairman.

After raising the previously dismissed possibility of redeveloping Anfield rather than persisting with the club’s new stadium at Stanley Park, NESV must also begin to consider the issue of Liverpool’s home.

“We asked if there were any definite plans,” said Rotherham. “They said there are not any at the moment but that there will be a new stadium, whether that means a brand new stadium or a redevelopment on the present footprint.”

Henry, though, most likely did not raise the most pressing issue with Rotherham, his Westminster colleagues or any of the club’s fans. NESV, after all, has made it clear it will make no rash, knee-jerk decisions. After witnessing defeat in the Merseyside derby in his first game as the club’s owner, though, Henry will surely turn his mind to the matter of Roy Hodgson’s future.

The 63 year-old has managed just one Premier League win in eight games, condemning Liverpool to 19th place in the table. Should West Ham manage a point at home to Newcastle next week and Wolves avoid heavy defeat at Chelsea on Saturday, Hodgson may take his side into their game with Blackburn 24 hours later bottom. Such a performance is simply not good enough, either for fans who expect more or for owners so aware that success on the pitch translates to success off it.

Werner insisted before defeat at Goodison Park that Hodgson retained the new owners’ faith and that he would be given time, while the former Fulham manager himself remains certain he will not be sacked, insisting last Friday that his three-year deal would have to be paid up in full should NESV wish to replace him.

That, though, may not be the case. There remains some confusion at Anfield as to whether Hodgson’s contract, signed in July, contains a get-out clause in the event of a change in ownership. The manager denies it, but Broughton has intimated before that “certain provisions” were made for such an eventuality when Hodgson took charge.

NESV has set aside funding to be ploughed into the team during the January transfer window. The most important decision of the early days of its reign is who it allows to spend it. Henry may be determined that his first decision as Liverpool owner will not be a rash one. But it may have to be a quick one.

How Joe Januszewski's Love Of Liverpool Helped Spark American Rescue Mission

Joe Januszewski, the senior vice-president who runs the corporate sales team at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, sent an email to John W Henry, owner of NESV, suggesting the company look into buying Liverpool.

“It was as a fan, really, but also as a businessman who follows sport,” he said. “I told him that we should take a look at this opportunity.”

Henry’s interpretation is rather more blunt: “I thought it was more like ‘save my club’!”

Januszewski’s is no passing fancy. His first game was a 1-0 Anfield defeat to Manchester United in January 2005 and, crucial to his credentials, he was in Istanbul five months later to see them win the Champions League. His support, though, is much more deep-rooted.

His interest in football springs from living in what was then West Germany during the 1974 World Cup, and his first connection with Liverpool came from seeing news footage of the Hillsborough disaster after his return to the United States.

“I remember my mother crying,” he says. “I do not have to tell you about the horrific imagery. There was a Liverpool emotional connection, as a child who grew up loving football and having a dad who loved The Beatles.

“Then, one night at university, I was in a bar with some English expats and they were extolling the virtues of the mighty Reds. You get wrapped up in the history. I am a sports fan. I love the passion that comes with it.

“My first game, [Wayne] Rooney scored a soft goal in front of the Kop.

"Everyone was screaming at him and he pulled the Shrek ears. I was in the Main Stand, hearing You’ll Never Walk Alone and thinking to myself ‘I’ve picked the right club’.

“People walk into my office at Fenway Park and there is a solid Liverpool representation on my wall. There’s souvenirs, tickets. They look at me to ask what the deal is, and I tell them baseball is my business but Liverpool is my passion.”

New Liverpool Owner John Henry & NESV To Spend Wisely'

Liverpool's new owner John Henry has warned he will not throw money at the club in a bid to solve their problems.

Henry, whose NESV group sealed a £300m takeover on Friday, watched the Reds slip to 19th in the Premier League with Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Everton.

"I don't have 'Sheikh' in front of my name," said the American, referring to Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour.

"When we spend a dollar, it has to be wisely. We can't afford contracts that do not make long-term sense."

He added: "We have to be smart, bold, aggressive."

The takeover of Liverpool by Henry's New England Sports Ventures (NESV) eliminated the acquisition debt placed on the club by previous owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

But on-field troubles persist and the derby loss at Goodison Park leaves Roy Hodgson's side second-bottom of the English top flight with only six points from their opening eight games and a goal difference of minus six.

Key players such as Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres have struggled for form, while summer signings Joe Cole, Christian Poulsen, Raul Meireles and Paul Konchesky have yet to make an impact.

Off the pitch, meanwhile, funding issues have delayed the start of work on Liverpool's proposed 60,000-seater stadium in Stanley Park.

But despite the club's current plight, Henry has refused to give assurances over transfer budgets or plans for the new stadium.

"What am I thinking? How much work this is going to be. How steep the learning curve is going to be. This is not going to be easy," said the 61-year-old, whose company NESV also owns the Boston Red Sox baseball franchise.

"We realize the challenge that lies ahead if we are going to go toe-to-toe with the other big clubs. We are not asking for a long honeymoon. This is a contact sport we are in and the going can get rough sometimes. We realize that.

"We are not going to make any promises but we are going to listen and consider."

NESV, Liverpool and their major creditors Royal Bank of Scotland were accused of an "epic swindle" by Hicks, claiming the club had been severely undervalued.

Henry, whose history with the Red Sox suggests there will be significant investment to come over the coming months, denied that was the case.

And although he may not have access to the same level of funds as City's owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group , he plans to make money and not waste it on interest payments as the previous owners did.

"There were big financial issues but in the end we made a decision we really wanted to compete at this level," Henry told the Liverpool Echo.

"I know some people are saying this was a cheap price. There is no way we look at this as a cheap price for this club.

"When we arrived at the Red Sox, the New York Yankees were a juggernaut and it wasn't that much of a rivalry. I believe we turned it into a rivalry where we have gone toe-to-toe with the Yankees even though they have got a much higher revenue. They keep going up but we have gone up faster.

"When we looked at Liverpool, the first thing that struck us was there are opportunities here to really build a winner.

"The revenue potentials around the world - it is a global football club - and especially with the financial fair play rules, it is really going to be revenue that drives how good your club can be in the future.

"That is one thing that we think we are good at."

NESV is backed by 17 investors and Henry stated: "I don't think any thinking individual buys a sports franchise these days - or an English football club - to make money.

"Maybe a few, but they should have their head examined. It's about competing at the highest level in the world's largest sport for us, that's why we are here."

On Monday, Henry and fellow co-owner Tom Werner met with local MPs and supporters' groups to discuss their plans for the club.

"It was great to finally get to work," said Henry. "We met with supporters' group. No, we didn't give any assurances. We are here to listen and to learn from them and we learned a lot today.

"I think the biggest issue was a sense of disenfranchisement and their sense of not being part of their own and that is what we discussed. This was a big first step today."

Charles N'Zogbia '£12m Liverpool Transfer' To Be Funded By New Owners

Liverpool are considering hijacking Charles N'Zogbia's proposed January transfer to Birmingham by improving on the Wigan winger's £9million price-tag from the summer.

Reds manager Roy Hodgson is set to be handed a 'significant' transfer kitty to improve on his squad after Christmas.

And although Birmingham are being tipped to rekindle their interest in N'Zogbia, the Frenchman's form so far this season is said to have alerted the Anfield scouts.

N'Zogbia almost completed a £9m move to St Andrews before the transfer window closed at the end of August, but the deal collapsed at the last minute.

And Latics boss Roberto Martinez claims his value has increased off the back of the 24-year-old's string of remarkable performances - which included a brace of goals against old club Newcastle United at the weekend.

'Charles' value will go up because he is only 24 and playing for the national team,' said the Spaniard.

'But he's someone we don't want to lose.

'Last season Charles took his ability to another level, and this season he has carried on. He's improved a lot.'

N'Zogbia made his France debut in a friendly against Norway in August.

In addition to giving Hodgson more options on the left wing, N'Zogbia is also capable of filling in on the left side of defence.

Joe Cole Admits He Is Struggling To Find His Form

Joe Cole believes it is up to Liverpool's players to find a way to grind out a victory after admitting his lack of form and the club's struggles are unfamiliar territory for him.

The former Chelsea midfielder was expected to make a significant impact after his summer arrival but has found himself involved in the club's worst start to a season since 1953-54. Under that pressure, very few of the players have reached anywhere close to their best but Cole insists the squad are united behind the manager Roy Hodgson, who has endured a difficult time since replacing Rafael Benítez in July.

"The right thing to do is try to grind out the first win, then take it from there," Cole said after the 2-0 Merseyside derby defeat extended the run of matches in all competitions without a win to six.

"We are right behind the manager. We all believe in the team and in the club. We have just got to stick together. We are doing a lot of things right but we have got to cut out what we're doing wrong.

"It's disappointing to lose such a big game but in these situations, the worst thing you can do is start pointing fingers at each other. We have got to look at ourselves.

"It's encouraging now that the club has got a direction to go in [after the £300m takeover by New England Sports Ventures]. We are happy with that. The thing is to keep going and keep our heads. We have got to do better – everyone at the club."

Defeat at Goodison Park was Liverpool's fourth in eight Premier League matches, leaving them in 19th place with six points and only escaping the ignominy of being bottom by West Ham's inferior goal difference.

In his post-match comments, Hodgson said the second half against Everton was the best they had played in his short reign. But Cole admits the team – and him personally – are a long way short of what is expected.

"We are not playing well. I'm not playing well. I know that. I expect better from myself," he told the Liverpool Echo. "I'll just try to do what I can do to get back to it. I need to find my form somehow. I'm sure I will and it will come soon.

"Every minute of every day I'm thinking about how I can get there again. I'm desperate to do well for Liverpool. I've never had a period like this before and it is all new territory for me but it is a challenge and life is never easy."

How Much Time Will Liverpool's New Owners Give Roy Hodgson To Save His Job?

Liverpool's new owners insisted on Saturday that Roy Hodgson's job is safe and vowed he would be given time to turn around the club's dismal start to the season.

After hearing their manager describe Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Everton as "our best performance of the season", John W. Henry and Tom Werner could be forgiven for already changing their minds.

So much for the feel-good factor in the red half of Merseyside, so much for that fresh start and stability after the end of a courtroom drama to rival anything that could be dreamed up in Hollywood.

This was reality brought into sharp focus for everyone who cares about Liverpool. The club's dire straits on the pitch will take more than a change of ownership to resolve – certainly a change of playing personnel and maybe a new manager.

Werner, the chairman of New England Sports Ventures, who bought the Merseyside club for £300 million at the end of last week, has already talked about providing Hodgson with funds to invest in the side when the January transfer window opens.

But just how long does the former Fulham manager have to arrest a depressing slide that leaves his team 19th in the Premier League on six points, having recorded just one victory from their eight league outings this season.

The trope coming out of the NESV camp ever since their bid for the club was first made public just under two weeks ago is that they are 'winners', that second best is not enough. How does a relegation battle sound, then?

'Going down, going down' chanted the gleeful Everton supporters, all the more poignant a reminder to Henry as he sat in the stands of his new acquisition's bitter local rivals. Maybe he bought the wrong Merseyside club.

Nearly a quarter of the season gone and Liverpool are down there cavorting with the likes of West Ham, Wolves and Birmingham. Even a baseball fan must know they are in a relegation scrap.

When NESV bought the Boston Red Sox in 2002, they wasted little time in firing the general manager and the manager, a ruthless decision but one that set them on the path to two World Series victories after 86 years in the wilderness. More results like this and surely Henry's hand will start twitching on the trigger. The question is, how long can he afford to wait?

People say that little can be gleaned from local derbies, but it is not the result that will be worrying Liverpool supporters but the performance. No ideas, no inspiration, no guile and limited passion, despite a to-be-expected rally after they fell two behind.

What needs to be ascertained is who is more to blame; the manager or the players.

Hodgson certainly does himself no favors by suggesting that performances like Sunday's are in any way impressive. As individuals the players tried to battle, but as a collective team there was a distinct lack of passion, drive or spirit.

It was an approach to the game that allowed Everton to swarm all over their visitors in the first 30 minutes like bees after honey, denying the Liverpool players time to play the ball and build moves together. After a few half chances early on, Cahill's opener was almost inevitable.

That Hodgson cited his side's comparatively gung-ho approach in the second half also demonstrates a misunderstanding of the game. Everton were quite happy to sit deep, soak up the pressure and play on the counter-attack, asking Liverpool if they had a way past them. The answer was emphatic: they didn't. Never did Tim Howard's goal look under any serious threat as Steven Gerrard and Co. toiled to no avail.

To his credit, Hodgson made his substitutions earlier than in previous matches, but he needs to take note of what everyone keeps telling him; that Liverpool are not Fulham, that draws are not good enough, that uninspiring defensive tactics are not acceptable. He may be a veteran at 63, but the best managers, even the oldest and wisest, are able to adapt.

Not that it looks like happening any time soon. “It is insulting to suggest that because you move to a new club, your methods suddenly don’t work when they’ve held you in good stead for 35 years and made you one of the most respected coaches in Europe,” said Hodgson earlier this season. “It’s unbelievable.”

Hodgson will argue that he needs time – eight games is not enough to put his stamp on the team – and more importantly a transfer window to turn the club's fortunes around.

Liverpool ‘Flop’ Alberto Aquilani Is Reborn As Juventus Revival Continues

On the weekend where the crisis of England’s most successful club went from bad to worse with yet another defeat to Everton in the Merseyside Derby, a result that sees Liverpool floundering in the relegation zone, out-on-loan Reds midfielder Alberto Aquilani poured yet more salt into an already sore wound with an indomitable performance for an increasingly improving Juventus side.

While there is no doubt that Liverpool erred in splashing out €20 million on a player who has had more injuries than a Nigel De Jong torture victim, especially as he was signed as Xabi Alonso’s replacement, all this talk of the 26-year-old being an unmitigated ‘flop’ is rather, well, premfaced. Not only did Aquilani play very well in virtually all of his admittedly low number of 26 games for Liverpool last season, more importantly the 2007 Champions League finalists are crying out for a commanding midfielder of his ilk just now.

Juventus were already laughing all the way to the bank when they managed to sell the worst player to represent the Bianconeri for at least a decade – Christian Poulsen – to Liverpool for €5.5m, their merriment increased even further when they were handed Aquilani on loan in return, with the option to buy him permanently. In the space of a few months Liverpool have gone from a midfield of Mascherano-Aquilani-Gerrard to one including Poulsen, the equally awful Lucas and Raul Meireles. No wonder they are in the relegation zone.

The Roman has gradually been implemented into the Juventus starting XI, and the last few weeks has demonstrated that if he can stay fit he will be a top-class – potentially world class – midfielder for the Old Lady. He confirmed his impressive showing against Inter a fortnight ago with another super display in the 4-0 thrashing of Lecce yesterday afternoon. Aquilani opened the scoring with a 25-yard thunderbolt, and controlled the middle-of-the-park alongside fellow reborn team-mate Felipe Melo.

The Brazilian had an horrific first season in Turin last term, following his big-money move from Fiorentina where he had been the best midfielder in Serie A in 2008/09, but Luigi Del Neri has rediscovered the 27-year-old. Melo tucked away the non-existent penalty Juve were awarded yesterday with an impudent ‘Panenka’ chip down the middle of the goal, an execution that symbolised his form and confidence. As well as his renowned defensive work, Melo was even surprisingly spraying 50-yard Michel Platini raking-passes around the pitch.

With Milos Krasic once again unstoppable on the right flank, and centre-back duo Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci blossoming to earn a second clean sheet in a row, there is no doubt that Juventus are growing in stature. Finally, the Bianconeri have a recognizable system and style of play.

It is unlikely that the Old Lady will challenge for the Scudetto this season. There are still far too many weaknesses such as the full back positions, the left midfield role, and the absence of a top-class forward. But, if Juve maintain their current form then a top four spot at least should be a guarantee. And that will enable them to fill these holes with Edin Dzeko-calibre stars and really challenge for major honours from 2011/12.

Just like Liverpool now, Juventus recently hit rock bottom both on-and-off-the-pitch. But the signs are there, with a new president who shares his grandfather’s values, a new stadium on the way, a ‘new’ group of promising players such as Aquilani, Melo, Krasic and Bonucci, and a new, clear system, that Italy’s most successful team are on the road to success again sooner rather than later.

Match Report: Everton 2 - 0 Liverpool

Liverpool's new owners were left with no doubt about the size of the task ahead as Everton emerged victorious from the 214th Merseyside derby.

John Henry, head of New England Sports Ventures, was at Goodison Park to witness first-hand a fiery encounter which Everton dominated for long periods and deservedly won.

Goals from Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta did the damage either side of half-time as the hosts outplayed and outfought their near-neighbours.

The defeat left Liverpool stuck in 19th place in the Barclays Premier League, with only a solitary victory over West Brom in eight games.

And their worst start to a season since 1953/54 - when they were relegated - undoubtedly got worse with defeat against a team who were only a place above them before the start of play.

One thing is certain and that is the new American owners, who invested heavily in the Boston Red Sox when they acquired the baseball team in 2001 prior to two World Series wins, will have to come up with funds for manager Roy Hodgson to strengthen in January.

All the focus, as it had been for the preceding week, will be on Liverpool's failure but Everton were worthy winners, ending a run of three successive derby defeats.

The opening 45 minutes were in keeping with most Merseyside derbies, with the first late tackle coming after just 11 seconds and several more proliferating the half.

Maxi Rodriguez and Raul Meireles earned themselves yellow cards while Cahill was booked for Everton as World Cup final referee Howard Webb tried to exercise restraint.

The actual football action was very limited with Arteta hitting a 20-yard free-kick into the wall and Everton centre-backs Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin both having half-chances with shots from inside the box.

Prior to Everton's opening goal it was the visitors who had come closest to scoring with their first attack - although it took them 23 minutes to create one.

Joe Cole's left-wing cross picked out the fit-again Fernando Torres at the near-post and his flicked header forced Tim Howard to tip over his crossbar.

Meireles had a 25-yard piledriver blocked by a wall of blue shirts from a half-cleared corner but that was the most Liverpool threatened.

It was just after their all-too-brief best spell of the first half that Liverpool went behind.

A slack piece of defending by Lucas Leiva and Paul Konchesky in the 34th minute allowed Seamus Coleman to run to the byline and cross for Cahill to hook home at the near post.

It immediately sparked chants of 'going down' from the home fans.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov replaced Leon Osman for the second half, which was only four minutes old when Everton went 2-0 up.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos' headed clearance only reached the edge of the penalty area where Arteta was lurking to smash home a brilliant swerving volley.

Hodgson had spoken in the build-up of his hope of seeing his side not have to chase a game - which had cost them in previous matches - but now they had a mountain to climb.

Meireles' 30-yard shot failed to cause Howard any difficulty while Torres' effort from inside the area landed in the top tier of the Gwladys Street stand.

Joe Cole's inability to control a pass from Reina, allowing the ball to run out of play, summed up Liverpool's performance.

Everton continued to create the chances and Jagielka fired over from a corner in the last 15 minutes before substitute Jermain Beckford had claims for a penalty turned down after falling under a challenge from Martin Skrtel.

By contrast, Gerrard was woefully off target when teed up by substitute Ryan Babel on the edge of the penalty area while Torres shot straight at Howard when he should worked the goalkeeper more.

Beckford had chance to finish in style in added time but drilled his shot over.

This derby was billed as the most significant in three decades, considering the clubs' league positions.

Seasons do not succeed or fail on such occasions but it will prove a useful point of reference for Liverpool's new owners.

Hodgson Refuses To Panic

Roy Hodgson admitted after the defeat to Everton that the only way to shake off the term 'crisis' was to start winning games.

The ownership of Liverpool was finally resolved this week when New England Sports Ventures seized control from Tom Hicks and George Gillett, but there are still concerns on the pitch following a poor run.

The Reds remain in the relegation zone after going down 2-0 to Merseyside rivals Everton at Goodison Park, with Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta scoring the decisive goals.

Hodgson is refusing to panic and saw signs of encouragement in Sunday's clash, but accepts that difficult questions will continue to be asked until results improve.

He told Sky Sports: "I don't think it is a crisis, I thought the way we played today was not the level of a team in the bottom three.

"On the other hand it is six points from eight games and that is a very poor return.

"We need to start winning to climb the table and until we do the word 'crisis' will continue to be bandied around."

The new owners were in attendance at Everton, having already given their backing to Hodgson as the right man to turn around the situation.

"It is always nice to get a vote of confidence," said Hodgson.

"Whenever you lose a couple of games in a row these days your position is going to be questioned, so the new owners making it clear they thought I was the right man to do the job, you are always very happy to hear that."

He added with a smile: "Whether that has changed after today I don't know."

Reflecting on the match itself, Hodgson was satisfied with the effort of his players despite the disappointing scoreline.

He said: "We fell behind to a deflected block which fell kindly for Cahill so

I thought at half-time we were a bit unlucky to be a goal down because we had got back into the game well.

"In the second half we did everything the team could possibly do, we played well, created chances, we limited them to very few and put them on the back foot."

Star striker Fernando Torres again drew a blank but Hodgson believes he is just low on confidence rather than suffering from a physical problem.

"I don't think he is physically unfit, I think he showed that today, he did plenty of work and we don't have any injury problems with him," said Hodgson.

"He got battered during the World Cup and mentally he is probably a bit low and he needs a goal or two to get it back. Certainly today I would have no qualms about his performance."

Liverpool's New Owners Rule Out Groundshare With Everton

Everton manager David Moyes might be interested in the option, but Liverpool's new owners have rejected the idea of a groundshare with their city rivals.

"Groundshare seems to be controversial. From what I have heard it does not look very appealing to most people," said new Liverpool co-owner Tom Warner.

"There is an option to redevelop Anfield but we have to explore everything."

Moyes said Friday that a groundshare was something Everton would seriously consider.

Torres Suffering Crisis Of Confidence, Says Hodgson

Liverpool have welcomed new owners to Anfield but until they find the Fernando Torres of old, England's most successful club are likely to continue to struggle on the pitch.

The Spain striker has scored once in 10 appearances this season, a statistic that goes some way to explaining why Liverpool are second from bottom of the Premier League after losing 2-0 at Merseyside rivals Everton Sunday.

Torres is by no means the team's only problem, but Liverpool are sorely missing his assured finishing and ability to create goals out of nothing.

He scored 22 times for the team last season but, after suffering injury problems returned only in time to play a bit-part in Spain's World Cup triumph.

"He got battered in the World Cup for his performances for Spain and I think mentally he's a little bit low and he needs a goal or two to get his confidence back," Hodgson told Sky Sports.

"Certainly I had no qualms about his performance (against Everton). The chance at the end, if that had gone in, maybe that's the catalyst he needs to take him over the edge and get him playing at his very best.

"Fernando is going through a bad time, his confidence is low, he needs a goal, so if you are talking about him, I would have to agree."

It contrasts sharply with previous seasons. In 2008-09, Liverpool finished second to Manchester United and Torres scored 14 times in the league.

Liverpool's new owners, John W Henry and Tom Werner of New England Sports Ventures, were at Goodison Park for the derby defeat and it might not be long before Hodgson is asking them to release funds for players.

"The January transfer window is still two and a half months away and there is a lot of football to be played before then," Hodgson told reporters.

"We have the squad of players we have and, hopefully, they will work and win some games."

Henry Walks Into The Storm

At the end of a week of legal victories, Liverpool lost in the people's court. As Goodison Park bayed with delight, Liverpool discovered to their horror that they had left all their silk in the English High Court.

The finest QCs in England couldn't overturn a result greeted with a verdict often heard in court. "Going down,'' chanted the ecstatic members of David Moyes' People's Club.

In football's jungle, there is no law that states such an august institution as Liverpool are exempt from the threat of relegation. They are in a dogfight and must start scrapping for their lives. Quickly. Up next are Blackburn, Bolton, Chelsea and Stoke.

The January transfer-window cavalry is a long way off but Liverpool must start planning. Pepe Reina, Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres need proper support. At least four of Roy Hodgson's starting XI, Paul Konchesky, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Lucas and Maxi simply don't deserve to wear the famous shirt.

Liverpool's new owner, John W Henry, once spent $50m on a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and he needs to lavish a similar sum on a striker, a winger, a holding midfielder and a left-back. For starters. Otherwise his investment will atrophy.

Henry met with Hodgson after the match and the manager's position remains safe, although comments such as "I refuse to accept we were outplayed or in any way inferior'' are insulting to the eyesight of his new employer and to the Liverpool fans forced to endure this derby humiliation.

What yesterday really highlighted is that Henry must rebuild the squad before even considering rebuilding Anfield or constructing a new stadium.

On buying a property, it's always polite to pop across to see the neighbours and Henry was royally entertained by Everton's chairman, Bill Kenwright. That was as far as the hosts' largesse extended. Do have some tea, seemed the gist of Everton's welcome, while we have the points.

Welcome to Merseyside, welcome to the Premier League and welcome to Liverpool's myriad problems. Henry stood in the directors' box at half-time, surveying one of the grand old stages of English footballing theatre, home to some of the quickest wits in sport.

"John, John,'' shouted an Everton fan from the cheap seats.

Henry turned and waved politely. "You bought the wrong club, John!'' came the reply to general merriment. At the final whistle, Everton fans unfurled a banner that read 'God Bless America', chorused "going down'' at the vanquished and serenaded Hodgson with "you're getting sacked in the morning''.

Unlikely. He has meetings planned with Henry to discuss what the team needs. It won't be a short meeting.

Henry, who sounds sensible, has promised no knee-jerk reactions but he must have been horrified by this supine display and thoroughly deserved defeat. Liverpool lacked all the adrenalin and passion patently coursing through their opponents' veins.

Everton's spine was strong and unbreakable. Sylvain Distin was immense at centre-half, a mobile road-block in Torres' way.

Tim Cahill was everywhere, scoring Everton's first and selflessly dropping back from his role in the hole to assist midfield and defence. Yakubu, resembling a swarm of particularly muscular bees, was outstanding up front, constantly embarrassing Kyrgiakos and Martin Skrtel.

Powerful through the centre, Everton also impressed out wide. Seamus Coleman was terrific driving down right midfield, creating Cahill's goal, while Leighton Baines was tireless on the left, tackling and creating.

If Moyes engendered a far more competitive mood in his charges than Hodgson achieved with his, Everton's manager also comprehensively out-thought his Liverpool counterpart.

Gerrard had no room to move such was the pressing of Cahill and company. When Liverpool finally awoke with 20 minutes remaining, Moyes simply sent on Jermaine Beckford to make a nuisance of himself, harrying Liverpool.

If Henry wanted to observe the depth of the Premier League drama, as well as the breadth of Liverpool's problems, he succeeded. The floodlights were on at lunch-time on a sunny day, ladies in historic costumes threw confectionery into the crowd and the sound of 'Z Cars' filled the air, closely followed by caustic ditties about certain stars. Welcome to English football, John.

And then the match started, the tone set after 11 seconds when Yakubu flattened Kyrgiakos. The whole sturm und drang of the English game was on parade. Carragher and Torres exchanged angry words as Liverpool came under immediate pressure. Raul Meireles was racing around, putting out fires, putting in important tackles. Still Everton dominated, Phil Jagielka and Yakubu going close.

Uncertainty coloured Liverpool's actions. Gerrard caught Mikel Arteta and was fortunate to escape a caution, fortunate that Howard Webb sought to manage the passion play with a mixture of understanding and authority.

When Maxi dived in on Baines midway through the half, Webb reminded the players of the presence of his yellow card. Overall, Webb handled a traditionally tricky fixture well.

For a brief period, Liverpool seemed to have walked through the storm.

Gerrard released Joe Cole, who delivered his one decent ball, lifting in a cross that Torres met with a flicked header only to be denied by Tim Howard.

But the force remained with Everton.

Their industry was rewarded when Coleman embarked on a marvellous run, eluding the hapless Lucas and then Konchesky.

Coleman's cutback was met perfectly by Cahill, whose shot flew into the roof of the net, lifting the roof off Gwladys Street. In derby collisions, the very least fans expect is commitment. Hodgson is a good manager but he singularly failed to motivate his men at the break.

Instead, Everton extended their lead. When Diniyar Bilyaletdinov swung over a corner, Kyrgiakos headed out but Liverpool were too slow to deal with the continuing threat.

As Meireles and Carragher dived in vainfully, Arteta neatly controlled the dropping ball and then sent it flying past Reina. Mikel the Merciless.

Hodgson could point to absent friends, notably Dirk Kuyt and Glen Johnson, but Moyes could simply list the names of Jack Rodwell, Marouane Fellaini, Steven Pienaar and Louis Saha.

The emotion Everton stir in everyone from players to chairman to supporters was embodied as the injured Fellaini headed to the exit, hugging stewards and fans after a famous victory.

As Everton climb the table, Liverpool have some work to do -- a lot of work -- to stop the rot.