Liverpool Look To End Away Day Blues At Spurs

Midfielder Christian Poulsen knows Liverpool have to address their problems away from home - starting at Tottenham this weekend - if they are to mount a sustained challenge to get back into the top four.

Their record on the road is woeful, having taken just five points from a possible 21 away in the Barclays Premier League this season. However, it is a problem which has affected the team for some time as they have won only twice outside Anfield in the league since December 29.

"Tottenham will be a completely different game," said Poulsen. "We watched them against Arsenal (when they came from behind to win 3-2) and they played really well.

"The league is a little bit crazy at the moment and everyone is beating each other. We have to be 110% for the game in London to get something. I really hope that we can be better away, starting at Tottenham, but we have got to keep working on that. It will be a big test."

He added: "It's not only Liverpool who have had problems away, a lot of the teams are picking up their points at home."

Poulsen, who admits he has struggled to adjust to the Barclays Premier League after his summer move from Juventus, believes the team are improving after their early difficulties.

"As a team, we need to know where we are going," he said.

"It is a long season and I'm pretty sure that we are going to have to get better and better from game to game.

"I hope that we will end up in a higher position than we are now.

"The more I think about the team performance (against West Ham on Saturday) the more I think we are still in that developing stage.

"We know ourselves that we have got to be better and better."

Glen Johnson Pleased To Be Back In The Running For Champions League Spot

Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson has expressed his delight that his side has seemingly come through their sticky start to the season and are now in contention for European places in the Premier League.

After one win in their first eight games, it looked bleak for the Merseysiders, but a sharp increase in form, sparked by Fernando Torres, has seen them shoot up the league and is now just six points behind fourth-placed Manchester City.

Johnson told Sky Sports News: "We are still quite close to the top and, if we can keep going, then I'm sure we can be close to where we want to be.

"It surprises me that we are within sight of fourth place when you consider some of the points we have dropped."

Liverpool Want To Offload Ryan Babel To Tottenham If Ashley Young Deal Fails

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is reportedly determined to sell Ryan Babel in order to increase his purchasing power with Tottenham earmarked as a possible destination for him.

Although the Anfield club is finally under new ownership, it remains unclear as to how much money Hodgson will have to spend on strengthening his squad. He may be forced to sell fringe players and Ryan Babel is apparently the first name on the list.

The 23-year-old Dutchman has never been a regular first eleven player at Anfield since moving to Liverpool in 2007. He looked to be on his way out last season, but performed well during the second half of the campaign. Under Roy Hodgson though, Babel has made only five brief appearances for the Reds as a substitute in the Premier League.

There has already been speculation that Liverpool will look to use Babel as a makeweight in order to bring Aston Villa winger Ashley Young to Anfield. However, Villa boss Gerard Houllier appears adamant that Young will stay.

In the meantime, Dutch publication Elf Voetbal reports that if Babel cannot be used in a deal for Young, then Liverpool will approach Tottenham about taking the Dutchman to White Hart Lane. Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is reported to have previously made an enquiry about Babel's availability.

Liverpool's Wing Wizard Target Admits Desire To Move

Liverpool target Charles N’Zogbia has revealed he sees current club Wigan only as a ‘stepping stone’ and expects to move on soon.

N’Zogbia was linked with Birmingham during the summer but the Blues baulked at Wigan’s asking price and the Frenchman has gone on to become the Latics’ best player this season.

Liverpool has identified the left wing position as a priority for the January transfer window, with new signing Milan Jovanovic not pulling up any trees so far.

And, with Damian Comolli being appointing as Liverpool’s director of football strategy, it seems likely a number of French players will be moving to Anfield.

Liverpool will be boosted after the comments by N’Zogbia but Marseille will provide competition for Hodgson’s men.

“Wigan’s just a stepping stone. They know very well I’m not a player who is going to stay at the club,” N’Zogbia told the Daily Star.

“I give 100 per cent on the pitch, but, if there’s a bigger club that wants me, the manager and the president have always told me the door is open for discussion.”

Asked about a move back to France with Marseille, N’Zogbia stated it was “not something you refuse.”

Liverpool Set To Swoop For England International Defender

Ryan Shawcross could be leaving Stoke for Liverpool after it emerged manager Tony Pulis is keen on Uruguay World Cup defender Mauricio Victorino.

The 28-year-old currently plays for Universidad de Chile in South America but is keen on a move to the Premier League.

And while Potters fans will be excited by the prospect of a World Cup semi-finalist at their club, supporters’ groups may not be so enamoured with losing star man Shawcross as a result.

The centre-back, 23, has been linked with Liverpool for several months, as well as Spurs and even a return to former club Manchester United, but it seems Roy Hodgson is heading the current queue.

However, Shawcross’ move depends on Pulis being able to draft in Victorino – or an alternative central defender – as cover in January.

The Uruguyan is highly-rated by several Premier League scouts and his price-tag is unlikely to be a stumbling block, given the finances available to the Stoke boss next year.

The club are desperate to retain their top-flight status and would be more than willing to sanction a £2million move for Victorino.

The only concern is Victorino’s stature – he’s 5ft 9in, which is considered to be very much on the short side for a defender in England.

Jamie Redknapp Urges Liverpool Bosses To Sign Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema reportedly wants out of Real Madrird and Jamie Redknapp is urging Anfield owners to purchase the 22-year-old Frenchman.

Benzema wowed the English crowd last week when he scored for France against England at Wembley last week. Such a performance has prompted Redknapp to urge the Reds to go after the young striker.

"Liverpool needs a striker and they should look no further than Karim Benzema," the former Liverpool midfielder wrote in the Daily Mail. "He played this game like it was his personal audition. He's started only one league game for Real Madrid this season and we could all see that he is better than that. Benzema enjoyed his night and put on a bit of a show.

"The new Anfield owners have their first challenge: sign him," he added.

Benzema joined Real for around $47 million (€30 million) but could reportedly be available to Liverpool at closer to $19 million (€12 million).

Pacheco Nets In Derby Draw

Liverpool Reserves maintained their three-point lead over Everton at the top of the Barclays Premier Reserve League after the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in the mini derby on Tuesday night.

Dani Pacheco's wonderful solo effort capped an impressive start by the Reds on 21 minutes, but the Blues quickly drew level through Victor Anichebe's close-range finish in an end-to-end encounter.

The contest remained open in the second half, but chances proved much more difficult to come by and both sides were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.

Liverpool had lost just one of their opening eight league matches - at home to West Ham last month - to ensure they found themselves perched at the top of the table heading into the clash.

And boss John McMahon named a strong starting XI as they endeavored to build on their impressive opening to 2010-11.

A week on from making a goalscoring debut for Scotland, Danny Wilson was deployed in the centre of defence, while there were also starts for Pacheco and Nathan Eccleston.

But the Blues also fielded several players with first-team experience, including Anichebe, Shane Duffy and Jose Baxter, ensuring an intriguing encounter awaited those gathered inside the Stobart Stadium.

The hosts made a strong start to the contest and Martin Hansen was tested twice inside the opening 90 seconds, first through Kieran Agard and then Jose Baxter, but the Reds' stopper was equal to the efforts on both occasions.

It was certainly a frenetic beginning to the evening in Widnes and only a fantastic last-ditch tackle from Jake Bidwell prevented Eccleston from a clear strike on goal after Pacheco's fine through-ball had sent the forward bounding down on Iain Turner.

Liverpool had seemingly weathered Everton's early onslaught and, with Pacheco pulling the strings in a central role, set about taking the game to their neighbours.

It was no surprise, therefore, that it should be the diminutive Spaniard who opened the scoring on 21 minutes.

Collecting Gerardo Bruna's quick-thinking free-kick just inside the box, Pacheco danced around Duffy before delightfully scooping the ball over Turner from a tight angle.

With Reds fans still sounding their appreciation, Eccleston then unsuccessfully appealed for a penalty after being sent crashing to the turf by the Blues 'keeper when play re-started.

But Everton drew level against the run of play after Agard punished a moment of hesitancy from Emmanuel Mendy on the left by supplying a low cross for Anichebe to turn over the line on the slide.

The Blues almost took the lead just shy of the half-hour mark when Hansen initially flapped at Magaye Gueye's corner, but recovered well to thwart Agard when a goal appeared inevitable.

The Danish custodian was needed to push the ball around the post moments later after Wilson had inadvertently deflected Nathan Craig's cross towards his own goal following a speedy Everton counter-attack.

Momentum was now back with the home side, and Anichebe's stinging low drive required Hansen to execute a flying one-handed stop as half-time loomed.

There had barely been time to draw breath in a pulsating first 45 in Widnes, and the second half started with a similar intensity as Gueye headed Luke Garbutt's cross straight at Hansen when unmarked.

Mendy spurned a headed opportunity of his own when the defender nodded Pacheco's dangerous corner wide, but Everton hit back and Gueye's stinging drive brought a flying stop out of the Reds' 'keeper.

McMahon was forced into a change on 55 minutes as Michael Ngoo replaced the injured Amoo - and the U18s striker almost made an immediate impact as he cannoned Eccleston's pass against the outside of the post.

Anichebe clipped a free-kick inches wide with time beginning to ebb away, but opportunities were beginning to prove more and more elusive - though substitute Conor McAleny was millimetres away from netting for the Blues when he steered wide from close quarters.

With five minutes left on the clock, Pacheco danced his way into the box before curling the wrong side of the upright prior to Wilson heading off target from a corner.

The Scot then pulled off a fantastic block to frustrate Agard after the Everton striker had found a yard of space inside the box following a rare slip by the Liverpool defender, meaning the two teams would have to make do with a point apiece.

Henry: Major Signings Unlikely Before Summer

Liverpool owner John W Henry has hinted that he is unlikely to splash the cash in the January transfer window, indicating instead that the squad will be rebuilt at the end of the season.

Henry challenged Liverpool's existing players and manager Roy Hodgson to make the most of what they have for now, pointing to the club's 2-0 win over Premier League leaders Chelsea as evidence of what is possible if everyone pulls in the same direction.

But he also called for patience from fans, particularly when judging Hodgson and his team, claiming it will take time to return Liverpool to the top of English football.

Speaking to fan website Red and White Kop, New England Sports Ventures figurehead Henry said: "The club has gone through a very difficult period and the period has not ended. We saw a certain team on the field against Chelsea last week that showed what they can do. We also know how competitive the EPL is this year. There are no guaranteed matches any longer for any club. This club can be better. Blaming the manager or any one particular player is simply wrong. This club needs to play up to their potential every match. If they don't, they won't win.

"That said, we have work to do and must invest in this club to improve it on the field. Can that be successfully done in January? A number of people I've talked with doubt it. Most people seem to think it will be the summer before we can really begin to improve. So the players - all 11 each week - have to be on the same page every match and have to live up to the history and respect this club has engendered - no matter what."

Henry explained that he has moved to appease concerns from players that the club can no longer match their ambitions.

He said: "I've been greatly impressed by them personally. They are all exceptionally bright and they all want to be here. The question they have had, rightfully so, is whether or not the club is going to go in the right direction. They all want to see that. I have been very forthright about our philosophy and about what we are going to try to achieve. Some would prefer a quick fix. Others prefer to focus on the long-term and that is very difficult for most players."

Henry said he is expecting Damien Comolli, the club's first director of football strategy, to help the club's long-term prospects through improved output from the club's academy.

"We need 'top four' young players," Henry said. "They will not produce a quick fix but our philosophy in football will be based on the long-term. That is what has made Arsenal and Manchester United so strong. They understand something we understand in Boston - to be consistently strong on the field you must have a consistent flow of young talent that has been nurtured and developed the right way. We will focus on that. That is also the philosophy of Damien Comolli."

Roy Hodgson Expects Joe Cole To Return In Time For Tottenham Clash

Roy Hodgson has confirmed that he expects to see midfielder Joe Cole back in action when Liverpool take on Tottenham.

The former Chelsea player joined the Reds on a free transfer during the summer, and made seven appearances in the Premier League before succumbing to a hamstring injury.

And after being sidelined for the club's last five games, the 29-year-old is in line to return to play against a team managed by his former boss Harry Redknapp.

"Joe should be back for Sunday," Hodgson told the club's official website. "We were hoping he would be back to face West Ham, but it has taken that little bit longer.

"Joe is not that far away really, so hopefully he will have recovered in time for Tottenham.

"Hamstring injuries are tricky and I'm afraid we can only rely on what the Sports Science people tell us, and if they say he needs more time we just have to wait."

Roy Hodgson Scouts Eden Hazard And Gervinho At Lille

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson travelled to France at the weekend to watch Lille defeat Monaco in order to cast an eye on Eden Hazard and Gervinho .

According to the Daily Mail, Hodgson attended the game with Liverpool's France scout Laurent Viaud. Apparently, at the end of the game, Hodgson was asked if he was watching Ivory Coast international Gernvinho and replied that he wasn't Lille's only good player. Belgian midfielder Hazard is the French side's outstanding prospect.

Gervinho is a skillful player who knows where the goal is. Using his great dribbling and speed, he can play in any forward position. Gervinho showed glimpses of his abilities at the World Cup, particularly when he came on as a substitute against Brazil.

He has scored six goals and set up two for Lille this season, following his 18 goals and two assists last term.

Both Gervinho and Hazard have been linked with Liverpool before. 19-year-old Hazard scored against Liverpool in the Europa League last season and the talented playmaker was voted as the best young player in France in 2008-9.

With the club finally under new ownership, there has been much speculation over who Roy Hodgson might add to his squad at Anfield. However, both Gervinho and Hazard are also being monitored by several of Europe's top clubs.

Spain Ace Signs Pro At Liverpool

Spanish youngster Suso has signed his first professional contract to keep him at Liverpool until 2013.

The forward - who can also play in midfield - put pen to paper after turning 17 on Friday.

The news will be welcomed by anyone who has watched the reserves this season, with Suso excelling against older and more experienced pros.

A highlight of his fledgling career to date came with a 25-yard belter against Newcastle Reserves.

Noted for his fine first touch and ability to pick out a pass, Suso featured briefly in our pre-season friendly against Borussia Monchengladbach and got his first taste of playing at Anfield in the second half of Jamie Carragher's testimonial.

Glen Johnson Tells Friends That Rafa Benitez Wants To Sign Him For Inter In January

Liverpool full back Glen Johnson has told friends he wants to join European champions Inter in January. The under-fire Nerazzurri coach Rafa Benitez is desperate to sign the England international as he aims to strengthen his squad after a disastrous start to the season.

Johnson still wants to leave Anfield following public criticism from manager Roy Hodgson, despite both men playing down the dispute.

The ex-Chelsea man knows that Benitez is preparing a January bid for him and would jump at the opportunity to make the switch and re-unite with his former Reds boss.

Tottenham are also interested in the 26-year-old but are highly unlikely to pay his transfer fee or match his current wages, which are in excess of £90,000-a-week.

The former West Ham United terzino was heavily linked with Inter during the summer but Benitez was believed to have dropped his interest after Brazilian full-back Maicon stayed at the San Siro despite interest from Real Madrid.

But Johnson, who cost Liverpool £18 million when he signed from Portsmouth in June 2009, expects Benitez to try to make another bid for him when the transfer window opens in January and will tell Liverpool he wants to make the switch.

Goal.com understands that Johnson, who has been learning Spanish, would welcome the opportunity to ply his trade in another country for personal as well as professional reasons.

“Glen thinks he's going to Inter in January and wants to leave Liverpool if he gets the chance,” a friend of Johnson's told Goal.com.

“He is more content at Liverpool than some people have suggested – but he's not happy. It's not that he has a massive problem with Hodgson, but Glen doesn't think he rates him and was understandably angry that he was criticized so publicly.

“He thinks throughout his career he has always performed best under managers who he knows have faith in him.”

Johnson has two-and-a-half years left on his Liverpool contract and believes the club would be prepared to sell him as they begin their rebuilding process under their new owners, New England Sports Ventures.

The main stumbling block to a possible transfer centres around whether Inter sanction Benitez's wish to sign Johnson. With starlet Davide Santon already a backup to Maicon, and an injury crisis in central defence and midfield, it is highly likely that these two areas will be the priority to strengthen.

Inter sporting director Marco Branca also holds more power than Benitez in the transfer market, and will have to okay the move even before president Massimo Moratti. Both Branca and Moratti are rumoured to have doubts about Benitez's past transfer deals.

There is also no guarantee that Benitez will still have a job in January, as his side are without a win in five games and are now nine points behind league leaders Milan after two successive defeats. The Spaniard has been tipped to get the sack if Inter fail to beat Twente in the Champions League in midweek.

Johnson capped an impressive individual performance with a goal in Saturday's 3-0 win over West Ham on his return from injury.

He admitted that he has himself been disappointed with his form this season, playing down the criticism from Hodgson earlier this month in which the former Fulham boss said his right-back did not deserve to be in the England squad to face France.

Liverpool is expected to be active in the January transfer market and would welcome cash to re-invest in the squad if they feel it will benefit the team.

Hodgson has recently watched Rennes right-back Rod Fanni in a clear sign that the Reds are preparing for Johnson's potential exit.

Academy product Martin Kelly, 20, is also very highly rated in the Liverpool set-up and is expected to become an England international in the future.

Christian Poulsen Believes Liverpool Recovery Will Take Another Four Months

Christian Poulsen has warned Liverpool may not reach their best form for another four months.

Despite being 14 games and three months into the campaign, the Danish international has said supporters may have to wait until February or March to see the true Liverpool.

The Reds returned to winning ways on Saturday with a comprehensive 3-0 win over West Ham, after a dire performance against Stoke the week before.

Poulsen is happy with the side’s progress, but warns they may only be playing attractive football early next year.

"I hope and I think that we will be better from game to game," Poulsen told reporters.

"If we work hard and keep listening to the things that the boss wants to do, I'm sure that we will be a much better team when we come to the games in February and March."

The 30-year-old has had a difficult start to his Liverpool career and endured the ire of the fans in recent weeks for below-par performances.

The Dane had his best showing in a red shirt against the Hammers however, and he hopes to maintain this for the coming games.

"It was good for me to play again. It has been a hard start so it was nice to be in the starting XI in an important victory," he said.

"We have struggled and I have struggled to get into the team so it was nice to play. I got my chance and I was happy but three points was most important."

In the absence of captain Steven Gerrard and Lucas who was suspended, Poulsen played alongside Raul Meireles - who admits he is happier playing centrally - for the first time.

In a game where Liverpool were rarely troubled, the two midfielders put in a commanding performance.

Roy Hodgson Says Blackpool And Northampton Defeats Have Done 'Untold Damage' To His Liverpool Legacy

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson believes the defeats against Blackpool and Northampton Town will stain the legacy of his side's performance this season.

Despite a comprehensive win against West Ham over the weekend, Liverpool lost dismally at Stoke the week before in a performance that mirrored their home defeat to Blackpool earlier in the season.

Now Hodgson thinks that, regardless of what Liverpool achieves this season, it will be remembered for the Blackpool loss and the League Cup exit against lowly Northampton.

The 63-year-old has had to cope with a barrage of criticism from the media and sections of the fans and he feels these defeats will be ammunition for his detractors, in spite of their circumstances.

"There are two games this year which have done us untold damage," Hodgson told reporters.

"The first was when a total reserve team - although it does not seem to have been noticed we had 14 first-team players who didn't play - lost to Northampton in the Carling Cup.

"The other was the disastrous defeat to Blackpool at the end of a three-match week when we played in Europe.

"Those two defeats were costly for us because they encouraged people to make bold conclusions but we've lost one defeat in eight."

The Reds boss hopes the victory against West Ham will give the side the confidence to kick on.

He said: "There are still a lot of things to do but what pleased me against West Ham was the shape, discipline and organization of the team.

"If we can keep that going with the quality of players we have got we can have a good season.

"Don't ask me what a good season is because I don't know but after the start we have had where we are now is making us feel pretty pleased."

Hodgson: Liverpool FC Still Have Midfield Competition, Despite Steven Gerrard Injury

Roy Hodgson believes the absence of Steven Gerrard can prompt an increased competition for places in Liverpool’s midfield.

Gerrard will be missing for the next four weeks after suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty with England last week.

The skipper watched from the Anfield directors’ box on Saturday as Liverpool bounced back from their dreadful defeat at Stoke City the previous week with a routine 3-0 win over rock-bottom West Ham United.

With the suspended Lucas Leiva and injured Jay Spearing also missing, Raul Meireles and Christian Poulsen impressed in central midfield against the Hammers.

And Hodgson reckons Liverpool have shown they can learn to cope without Gerrard for the short term.

“Steven Gerrard is important, he is decisive, and if we are to have a good season we are going to need him,” said the Anfield manager. “But I think it’s very good for the players who came in and took his and Lucas Leiva’s place.

“It increases competition for places but, most importantly, it stops people accusing us of being a one or a two-man team. It was also nice to see Fernando Torres doing so well. He didn’t get a goal but he was a constant thorn.

It was a good team performance with some very good individual performances. I suppose it will be written off a little bit because West Ham are not having a good time but we can’t change that. We can only play against the opposition in front of us.”

Meireles was Liverpool’s most impressive performer while Poulsen, a target for the boo boys in recent weeks, earned the praise of his manager.

“Poulsen has not had a good time,” said Hodgson. “He’s been criticized and not played up to his potential. Often he’s played in a team that has not done well. But he gave an outstanding performance and showed his mental strength.”

Defeat for West Ham increased the pressure on their beleaguered manager Avram Grant, who had to endure chants from the away fans calling for his sacking.

“I do have sympathy,” said Hodgson. “It’s not easy when you are watching your team play and you don’t see where a goal is going to come from but you can see your team conceding a lot more. It’s a very unpleasant situation.

“They came up against a good Liverpool.”

Of the barracking Grant received from West Ham fans, Hodgson – who has suffered similarly at the hands of certain sections of the Liverpool support this season – added: “You get that. We have to learn to live with that these days I’m afraid.

“When I first went to Switzerland in the early 1990s we used to watch French football and I was astounded by how often a team was booed off at half-time if it was losing or the cat-calls that came at the end.

“I remember saying to my wife ‘That wouldn’t happen in England’. Here at Anfield in particular I remember seeing away teams applauded off after winning, which may have been a one-off, but today all of that has gone out of the window.

“Today you know what’s coming. It’s not nice but you live with it.

“I’ve got to say I thought the West Ham fans were quite humorous in what they were singing. To be fair to them, they travelled a long way to watch their team here.

“They came with high hopes and they’ve watched their team given very little hope of getting anything out of the game, so I suppose they found their comfort where they can.”

Niko Kranjcar's Spurs To Liverpool Transfer To Be 'Hijacked By Hamburg'

Niko Kranjcar has been offered a January exit route from Spurs, but it is to Hamburg rather than Liverpool, according to a report.

The Croatia midfielder has indicated he wants to leave Tottenham in search of first-team football after dropping down the pecking order at White Hart Lane following the arrival of Rafael van der Vaart.

Liverpool was thought to be leading the race for his signature, amid rumours that the Anfield club is planning a £7 million bid.

However, German website 4-4-2 reports Hamburg have already opened talks with Spurs about Kranjcar's availability.

According to IMScouting, the negotiations centre on a proposed deal that would see the 26-year-old move to the Bundesliga club on loan in January.

Harry Redknapp recently admitted he understood why Kranjcar may want to leave, but warned clubs chasing the ex-Portsmouth midfielder's signature that Spurs would demand big money.

'We're not going to give Niko away - he's a top player in my opinion,' said the Tottenham boss.

Hodgson Pleased With Response

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson admitted his side's 3-0 victory over West Ham was as comfortable as it gets for a manager, despite the absence of injured captain Steven Gerrard.

The match was won in the first half after goals from Glen Johnson, Dirk Kuyt from the penalty spot and Maxi Rodriguez, taking the Reds within three points of the fourth place currently occupied by Bolton.

Rock-bottom West Ham was woeful in the first half at Anfield and improved only slightly after the break.

"It was important to win and I think we did it in some style," said Hodgson.

"We knew what we had to do today. We were concerned we would have to do it without Steven and Lucas Leiva (who was suspended) but the players selected today did really well.

"We got the three points we needed and we got it with not only a good performance but a thoroughly professional performance.

"I don't think the words comfortable and relaxed are words us managers use too often but if you're not comfortable 3-0 up at half-time and they've not had a shot on goal you're never going to be."

Johnson, who missed the last three matches with a groin injury, was criticised by Hodgson nearly a fortnight ago for failing to display the form which had made him an England international.

Apart from his goal, the right-back showed that had taken on board what had been said and was starting to rediscover that form.

"It was very good. I think Glen profited from the fact he has been obliged to undergo an enforced rest with the injury but has been fit and trained hard all week," added Hodgson.

"He was full of running, enthusiasm and energy and scored the important first goal.

"Today his performance, as for all of the back four, was pretty-nigh perfect."

Asked whether he thought the criticism of Johnson had sparked a response

Hodgson joked: "If that is the case I'd better get you (the media) to stir up a bit more mischief.

"I'll start it with all the players if it can get the best out of them.

"Glen is a top-class player and it was nice to see him playing so well."

Liverpool Line Up Move For Fenerbahçe And Turkey Star Emre Belözoglu

Liverpool are lining up a move for Fenerbahçe and Turkey star Emre Belozoglu, according to German reports.

The 4-4-2 Web site says that the Reds want to sign the 30-year-old playmaker in January and are willing to part with €7 million plus left-back Fabio Aurelio in exchange for his services.

Emre is a vastly-experienced, technically gifted player who possesses a rare touch and vision, and a stinging left-foot shot.

The former Galatasaray, Inter Milan and Newcastle United player has scored four goals and provided one assist so far this season.

Benitez Attempts To Scupper Liverpool Move For Teenage Sensation

Inter Milan are in talks with Swiss sensation Xherdan Shaqiri, according to reports.

Italian sources are quoted in a report from German website 4-4-2 suggesting that Inter are prepared to pay 7 million euros for the 18-year-old Liverpool target.

Shaqiri's stock rose considerably after he scored a stunning goal for Switzerland in their 3-1 Euro 2012 qualification defeat against England in September.

The Basel winger has since been linked with a move to a £2 million January move to Anfield, with Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson allegedly a key player in any potential deal.

Hodgson, 63, was the Switzerland national coach between 1992 and 1995 and is understood to still retain potentially influential contacts in the country's footballing hierarchy as he pursues the highly sought after Shaqiri.

A deal for Shaqiri would represent a coup for new Liverpool owners NESV and Hodgson who are want the Reds to be competing with the top clubs in Europe once again.

Hodgson commented recently that it is the vision of himself and John Henry that Liverpool will be competing for players with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona - and Shaqiri would certainly fall into that bracket.

The Liverpool manager said: "We want to be attracting the players that Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter are chasing. It would be nice to think that we can shop at a high level."

Liverpool have been linked with moves for an array of young talents including Israeli starlet Omri Altman and Shaqiri’s teammate Valentin Stocker in what is sure to be a busy January at Anfield.

Liverpool Join Race For Paris St Germain Centre-Back Mamadou Sakho

Liverpool are reportedly interested in highly-rated French centre-back Mamadou Sakho, who has also been linked with Arsenal, Juventus and AC Milan.

Sakho became the youngest ever captain in Ligue 1 when he was given the armband by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a game in the 2007/8 season when he was just 17 years and eight months old.

Sakho is a very complete defender able to play all across the backline. He is pacey, extremely strong and has excellent aerial ability. He is renowned as a very determined and hard working player. Sakho made his international debut against England at Wembley last week.

Sakho is contracted to PSG until the end of the 2011/2012 season, but he is currently in talks with his club about a new deal. In the meantime, Arsenal and Italian sides Juventus and AC Milan have been linked with a move for the 20-year-old.

According to Italian website Tutto Mercato, Liverpool is now also interested in Sakho. With the Anfield club finally under new ownership, speculation persists over what additions Roy Hodgson will make to his squad. It is unclear as yet how much money new owners NESV will make available to Hodgson. However, given Liverpool's shaky start to the season, a solid centre-back such as Sakho could be a possibility.