Liverpool Finalize Capture Of Luis Suarez From Ajax For €27m

Liverpool have officially completed the signing of Luis Suarez from Ajax for a fee of around €27 (£23) million.

After a transfer deadline day which saw the headlines stolen by the moves involving Fernando Torres and Andy Carroll, the lack of confirmation over Suarez’s switch fell under the radar.

However, the deal has now been confirmed late on Monday, with the 24-year-old signing a five-and-a-half-year deal after agreeing personal terms, passing a medical and being granted a work permit.

A statement on the club’s website read: "The club agreed a fee of up to 26.5million Euros with Ajax for the transfer of the Uruguayan international on Friday.

"The deal was subject to the completion of a medical, which the player has now passed.

"Luis Suarez will wear the No.7 shirt for Liverpool."

The Uruguay forward is set to partner £35m British transfer record signing Andy Carroll in a new-look strike-force under Kenny Dalglish.

Suarez rose to global prominence by sensationally scoring 49 goals in all competitions for Ajax during the 2009-10 season – 35 of which arrived in the Eredivisie from just 33 league matches.

He built on that during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, netting three times for his country as they embarked on a surprise run to the semi-finals.

However, he will be best remembered for his deliberate goal-line handball in the quarter-final against Ghana, which denied the Africans a last-minute winning goal and saw him sent off.

Asamoah Gyan went on to miss the resulting penalty to allow the South Americans to subsequently progress on penalties. At the time, his action and subsequent celebration saw the incident billed as ‘the hand of the devil’.

Since then, the player has continued his fine form in the Netherlands, with the prolific front-man netting 111 goals in 159 official matches for the club overall since joining in 2007.

Liverpool fans will be hoping his proven goalscoring can help compensate for the loss of Fernando Torres to Chelsea.

Suarez has been handed the No.7 shirt at Anfield, which has been vacant since the departure of Robbie Keane back to Tottenham in 2009.

Liverpool Complete Club-Record Signing Of Andy Carroll From Newcastle United

Liverpool has officially completed the club-record signing of England striker Andy Carroll from Newcastle United.

After a sensational day of drama on transfer deadline day, the Reds have confirmed the 22-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal at Anfield.

The Reds were initially said to have made a £30 million bid for the player on Monday morning, which was promptly rejected by Newcastle.

A second offer of £35m plus add-ons was also initially said to have been rejected, but Carroll then decided to hand in a transfer request to force through the move and the North East club reluctantly accepted the proposal.

A statement on the club’s website said: "Andy Carroll has completed his transfer from Newcastle United to Liverpool FC and signed a five-and-a-half-year deal that will keep him at Anfield until 2016.

"The club agreed a record transfer fee with Newcastle earlier in the day for the transfer of the England international striker.

"The deal was subject to the completion of a medical, which the player has now passed.

"Andy Carroll will wear the No.9 shirt for Liverpool."

The former Newcastle forward will be expected to team up with fellow new signing Luis Suarez, who has joined the club from Ajax, in a new-look strike-force under Kenny Dalglish.

Carroll has burst onto the scene in the Premier League this season, netting 11 Premier League goals in 19 games and scoring a hat-trick against Aston Villa in August.

He made his international debut for England against France at Wembley in November.

Carroll’s sale will come as a bitter blow to Newcastle fans, who had idolized the powerful front-man and repeatedly heard assurances from the club that a January sale would not be sanctioned.

The striker is yet to play in 2011 due to a thigh injury, but he has passed a medical and is now officially a Liverpool player.

Andy Carroll Claims He Was Forced Out Of Newcastle United

Andy Carroll has claimed that he was forced out of Newcastle United after they accepted a £35 million bid from Liverpool, according to The Mirror.

Despite insisting that the player was not for sale throughout the transfer window and rejecting an earlier offer from the Reds, Newcastle sold Carroll with minutes to spare on deadline day.

In a series of text messages exchanged between Carroll and Toon Talk editor Steve Wraith while the deal was being concluded, the new Liverpool No.9 allegedly said he didn't want to leave.

“They have kind we don’t want u [sic], but want me to say I wanna go. And I said I don’t wanna go,” he said.

Asked what was going on, Carroll replied: “I don’t know mate. Gutted tho. They said they wanted the money. Gutted to be leaving my home club but I was practically told to go. Don’t want to leave. That’s why I signed five-year deal.”

Magpies boss Alan Pardew had insisted from the day he took the Newcastle post on December 9 that the England international would not be sold and that the striker was one of the main reasons he decided to join the club.

Newcastle are currently eight points above the relegation zone and their Premier League future could be in doubt as they failed to bring in a replacement for their star striker, while having two late bids of up to £12m rejected by Wigan Athletic for Charles N'Zogbia.

Alan Shearer: Andy Carroll Will Face Backlash From 'Angry' Newcastle Fans

Alan Shearer believes Newcastle’s supporters will be in uproar at the club’s decision to sell striker Andy Carroll to Liverpool.

Carroll put the finishing touches to a big-money deal taking him to Anfield on Monday night, effectively as replacement for Chelsea-bound Fernando Torres.

Shearer recognized the offer for Carroll, thought to be around £35million, was difficult to turn down. But the Newcastle legend believes fans will nevertheless be fuming about the deal.

‘I think they’ll be angry. They’ll feel hard done by. He’s just recently signed a new contract,’ said the legendary No.9.

‘And after listening to Andy say he wants to stay at Newcastle, and listening to the chief executive and the owner and the manager saying he was going nowhere, I think they’ll be disappointed.

‘But from the club’s point of view, you’ve got to say that £35m, or whatever it is, is just a massive amount of money.

‘If you’re inside the football club you can see why they’ve had to accept that.’

Shearer was surprised by the deal, saying: ‘I think it’s an incredible amount of money for a guy that’s had half a season in the Premier League, albeit he’s done very well.

‘The potential is there, he’s now a full international, but it’s an incredible amount of money.’

Shearer suggested Carroll has ‘carried the team at times on his own’ at Newcastle this season, adding: ‘There’s no doubt they’ll miss him.’

The former England striker, who played under Reds manager Kenny Dalglish in Blackburn’s Premier League-winning team, believes the Scot will make the best of Carroll’s ability.

‘He’s going to a club that has to win trophies, is expected to win trophies,’ he added.

‘He’s going there with a great manager who I’m sure will get the very best out of him.’

Chelsea Snap Up Fernando Torres In €58.5m Deal

Chelsea have officially completed the sensational £50 million signing of Spain star Fernando Torres from Premier League rivals Liverpool.

The 26-year-old World Cup winner was the subject of rumours and speculation throughout transfer deadline day, but has now put pen to paper on a five-year-deal at Stamford Bridge.

The transfer saga began in earnest last week when the Reds declined an offer from Chelsea and then rejected a transfer request from Torres, insisting the player would be required to honour his long-term contract at the club.

Despite this, negotiations between the clubs continued and a conclusion was reached on Monday, allowing the forward to undergo a medical and agree personal terms with the reigning league champions.

A statement on Torres' official website said: "Spain international Fernando Torres will defend the Blue shirt of Chelsea after joining the London club on the January transfer deadline.

"The striker has signed for the reigning Premier League and FA Cup champions for five and a half seasons.

"After Liverpool and Chelsea had reached an agreement, the player travelled down to London where he successfully passed his medical before agreeing personal terms. Fernando Torres then put pen to paper on a deal that will see the forward remain at Chelsea until June 2016."

Torres had joined Liverpool from boyhood club Atletico Madrid for a fee of around £25m in July 2007 and bagged 33 goals in all competitions during a stunning debut campaign.

The striker went on to play a total of 142 times and score 81 goals in three-and-a-half successful personal seasons on Merseyside.

Despite enjoying a close relationship with the club’s fans, a lack of trophies and the Reds’ inability to challenge for major honours haunted the player, who has long been linked with an Anfield exit to various destinations around Europe.

The fact he has joined another English club will be a bitter pill for Liverpool fans to swallow in a deal comprehensively becomes a new British transfer record.

Torres, who is yet to win a major honour in club football, has already amassed 82 caps for Spain, scoring 26 times.

Fernando Torres Receives Death Threats From Liverpool Fans

Fernando Torres has received a series of death threats from Liverpool fans after completing his record £50million move to Chelsea while supporters have been burning his shirt on the streets of Merseyside.

Chelsea confirmed the signing of the Spanish striker minutes after the January transfer window closed yesterday night after Torres agreed to a five-and-a-half year deal at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to Chelsea TV, Torres said: ‘This is the target for every footballer - to try to play for one of the top clubs in the world and I can do it now. I have to be very, very happy as I am.’

Liverpool fans, however, are not so happy for the 26-year-old, and have taken to Torres’ Facebook fan page to abuse the striker over his decision to join Chelsea.

One fan menacingly wrote: 'You'll never walk alive', while another added: ‘Torres u r a disgrace- and the most hated player in Liverpool’s history- u sly b***ard -lfc not big enough 4 u.’

A further comment on the official page read: ‘Traitor... You'll regret being a Blue, and you'll walk alone forever. NO ONE is bigger than Liverpool.’

Liverpool fans were pictured burning Torres replica shirts on Monday evening after it was confirmed Chelsea had been successful in their attempts to sign the Spaniard.

Conor Thomas Moves To Liverpool FC

Coventry youngster Conor Thomas has completed a surprise loan move to Liverpool until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent move, the npower Championship club has confirmed.

Thomas, 17, is the hottest young prospect on the books at the Ricoh Arena and has represented England at Under-17 level.

But his development has been relatively low key, with no suggestion of interest from England’s top clubs and his move comes out of the blue.

The central midfielder made his full Sky Blues debut in Saturday’s 3-2 FA Cup defeat by Birmingham, just weeks after his first-team bow as a substitute in the third-round victory over Crystal Palace.

He will be based with Liverpool’s reserves at their Academy in Kirkby.

Daniel Ayala Forced To Wait Until February To Seal Derby County Loan

Liverpool’s Daniel Ayala will not be joining Derby County on loan until later in February according to the Rams official website.

The defender, who has been on loan at Hull City earlier in the season, was expected to join the Rams until the end of the season but he is still recovering from a hamstring injury so any deal will be delayed.

Derby manager Nigel Clough confirmed that he was still interested in signing the centre half but he was prepared to wait until he had returned to full fitness.

"We still want Daniel to join us and we are pretty confident that will happen, albeit later in February,” Clough told the club’s official website.

"We have had him checked over and the advice we are getting is that he won't be ready to play for a number of weeks yet.

"It makes sense for everyone involved that Daniel continues his rehabilitation with Liverpool at Melwood.”

And Clough praised the work done with Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, and that he was looking forward to working with the player once he returned to full fitness.

"Liverpool has been tremendous to deal with throughout this process and I would like to thank Kenny Dalglish and Damien Comolli for their help and willingness to allow Daniel to come to Derby County,” he continued.

"The player himself is a great character and the time we have spent with him today showed us he is the right type of person and player we want to bring to Derby County."

Suarez Passes Liverpool Medical

Luis Suarez is on the brink of joining Liverpool from Ajax for £22.8 million after passing a medical with the Anfield club.

The 24-year-old striker, who has scored 111 goals in 159 games for Ajax, will become Kenny Dalglish's first signing since taking over from Roy Hodgson.

"Luis Suarez has successfully passed his medical and personal terms with the player have been agreed," Liverpool said in a statement. "We expect to complete the remainder of the paperwork tomorrow."

It remains to be seen whether Fernando Torres will be around to partner Suarez, with Chelsea thought to be preparing another bid before the transfer window slams shut on Monday evening. Carlo Ancelotti's side has already seen one offer rebuffed by the Reds.

Torres has handed in a transfer request at Anfield and, although the club insists they will resist any bids for the striker, reports have suggested a fee of £50m could seal the deal.

Liverpool Want Newcastle United Forward Andy Carroll

Liverpool are believed to be interested in acquiring the services of Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll as a replacement for Fernando Torres, who has been widely reported to be on the verge of joining Chelsea.

According to The Sun, the Reds will move in on the young forward with a £30 million bid and a triple-your-wages offer to prise him away from the clutches of the Tyneside outfit.

Carroll has made a seamless transition from the Championship to the Premier League, scoring 11 goals in the process. And the 22-year-old also made his debut for the senior England squad in an international friendly.

Liverpool has also been linked with deadline day moves for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young and Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam.

Liverpool Plan Improved Offers For Ashley Young And Charlie Adam

Liverpool is beginning to plan for life without Fernando Torres as they look to spend the money generated from the World Cup winner's departure.

Liverpool’s softening stance on Torres’ departure has alerted Chelsea, who look set to increase their bid of £35million on Monday.

The west London club are still not willing to pay the £50m that Liverpool seem to be after but they are hopeful of finding a resolution after the Red’s indicated they would be favourable towards a cash plus Nicolas Anelka deal.

The Frenchman is not keen on the move to Liverpool, according to Sky Sports, but Chelsea have been encouraged by Liverpool’s supposed willingness to negotiate on Torres’ transfer.

According to the Guardian, Liverpool will increase their bid for Blackpool’s want-away captain, Charlie Adam, on Monday. The Merseyside club have had a £4m bid rejected by the Lancashire club but are willing to bid up to £10m to get their man.

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has indicated previously that an offer of £10m would be considered by the club who paid 20 times less than the proposed selling fee.

Liverpool is also looking into the possibility of signing Aston Villa’s England international Ashley Young. The winger’s contract runs out at the end of next season and has thus far refused to sign a new deal which may force Villa’s hand if they receive a suitable offer.

The Reds are reportedly ready to offer £18m for the player to test the resolve of Gerard Houllier and Villa owner Randy Lerner.

Jose Enrique Targeted For Anfield Summer Swoop

Liverpool are expected to bid for Newcastle defender Jose Enrique in the summer, according to reports.

The Spanish full back has impressed in the Barclays Premier League this season, and the Sunday Mirror reports that Liverpool will launch a summer bid to bring the player to Anfield.

Manchester United are also thought to be interested in bringing the player to Old Trafford, and the pair could start a bidding war at the end of the season.

Liverpool are thought to be in the market for a full back after Paul Konchesky failed to settle on Anfied. The former Fulham defender is being heavily linked with a return to Craven Cottage, leaving the Reds to search for a replacement.

Glen Johnson is currently covering in the position on Merseyside, but manager Kenny Dalglish is thought to see this as a short term solution and will look to invest some of the Liverpool owners’ cash in a new player.

NESV have already shown their willingness to invest with the accepted bid for Luis Suarez, although Dalglish will have to wait until the summer if he wishes to bring Enrique to Liverpool.

25-year-old Enrique is yet to sign a new deal at St James' Park, with his current contract set to expire next summer. Manchester United have also sensed an opportunity to sign the player, and are also thought to be looking for a left back.

Patrice Evra has been heavily linked with an Old Trafford exit, although Manchester United have strenuously denied reports of the Frenchman's exit. Real Madrid have been linked with the player, and Enrique would be an ideal replacement for the player should he leave.

The Toon will almost certainly try and persuade the player to sign a long-term deal at the club, but that is unlikely to prevent either Liverpool or Manchester United making an offer for the player should the opportunity arise.

A former Valencia and Villarreal player, Enrique won Spanish international honours at U21 level and would be an ideal addition for Liverpool should the opportunity arise.

Torres Trains Alone As Kop Board Cave To Striker's Sulk

It is a sentence every reporter is loathe to write, but yesterday on the lonely expanse of Liverpool’s training ground, a picture really did paint a thousand words.

As Fernando Torres trailed forlornly around the Melwood pitch, alone except for the shadow of one of the coaching staff, the image perfectly summed up his last few months at the club and his last day in the historic red shirt.

He has cut an increasingly isolated figure as this disappointing season has unfolded, his frustration and anger eventually settling into a petulant sulk that was framed in body language screaming of discontent and a desire to be elsewhere.

It is that image that stuck with Liverpool’s American owners over the weekend, as they pondered their options in the face of Chelsea’s continuing interest in the Spain forward.

They had a choice, take the money on offer, or make Torres stay until at least the end of the season. The prospect of keeping such a visibly unhappy, potentially disruptive influence makes that a simple decision in the end.

Torres has a clause in his contract that will kick in at the end of the season allowing him to join any club tabling an offer of £50million. It is that, combined with his attitude, which made the Anfield owners realize there was no value in forcing him to stay, even if morally, they must have been tempted to do so.

Put simply, Liverpool cannot get more than £50m for him in the summer, and if that figure is offered now, they have to take it, because to refuse would leave them open to the risk that they could miss out on the money at the end of the season if Torres gets a bad injury in the meantime.

A massive financial gamble for no gain. Keeping him for the next three and a half months provides no benefit either, given his shocking form in all but a handful of matches this term.

He would almost certainly simply sulk further, possibly damaging team morale.

That is why Torres was forced to train alone at the Melwood ground yesterday, because manager Kenny Dalglish does not want any poison to seep into the minds of the players committed to the future of the club.

Torres was told to report for training after the main session involving the first-team squad. That session dragged on longer than expected, and he was made to wait alone until every player had left, being kept completely apart from his team-mates.

With reports coming in around the same time yesterday afternoon that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had sanctioned the offer for Torres to go ultimately to the £50m that will land the player, it was essentially a done deal, barring the usual last-minute formalities.

Torres may well have known that when he trundled around Melwood.

That he can look forward to signing a £150,000 a week contract with Chelsea – £7.5m a year – and have a shot at winning the Champions League this season would no doubt have softened the blow of his enforced isolation.

His behaviour over the past few days and weeks, and particularly in playing so badly and still having putting in a transfer request will rankle with Liverpool fans.

They will not mourn his passing, not least because of the suspicions aroused by one of the few ­performances – perhaps the only real one – he put in this season just happening to be against Chelsea.

There is also talk among some supporters that Torres picked up his form a little in recent weeks only because he was proving to the London club he still retained the ability that once made him the world’s best striker.

That will cause nothing but anger from a fanbase that believed Torres’ claims that he loved Liverpool, and was steeped in the club’s history.

Paul Konchesky To Move To Nottingham Forest On Loan

Liverpool full-back Paul Konchesky looks set to move to Championship side Nottingham Forest on loan after a proposed move to his old club Fulham fell through.

Konchesky had looked set to move back to west London, but they were unable to offload Carlos Salcido who has failed to settle in England since his summer move from PSV Eindhoven, which could see the left back move to Forest for the rest of the season, according to The Times.

The Englishman was bought by previous manager Roy Hodgson and was the focus of much criticism during the early part of the season.

He has however not figured for Liverpool since Kenny Dalglish took over the reins with the Scot favouring even Glen Johnson to play out of position rather than Konchesky.

Fifa rules stipulate that no player can play for three different clubs in a single season and Konchesky has already played for both Fulham and Liverpool.

However Konchesky’s move would be treated as an emergency loan and as such the rules do not come into force, much to the relief of the defender who has been out in the cold for a number of weeks now.

A three month loan deal is expected to be confirmed on Monday however there is no suggestion as yet that the move will include an agreement for the player to join permanently at the end of the season.

Liverpool Player Describes Fernando Torres' Efforts This Season As Laughable

A Liverpool player has labelled the Prozone stats of Chelsea target Fernando Torres as “laughable” and accused the want-away striker of playing for himself, according to the Daily Mail.

In a week in which Torres demanded the route be cleared for his Anfield exit, the un-named player also said the personality of the World Cup winner sometimes raised eyebrows at the training ground.

The source told the paper: “His efforts for the team this season under Roy Hodgson made everyone notice.

“His Prozone stats for some games were laughable for a Premier League striker.”

Torres, who reached the 50 goal mark in just 72 games for Liverpool, was forgiven for his selfishness as a result of his undoubted ability, according to the source.

“On the pitch he'd definitely play for himself rather than the team," the source said.

“Even the real pros like Stevie Gerrard and Jamie Carragher noticed it but when Torres is on top form you'd forgive him anything.”

The report goes on to say that Torres is self-absorbed and not loved by his team-mates in the same way compatriot Pepe Reina is.

“He has always been a complex character," the unnamed player added. "He is so naturally gifted he's always been totally self-absorbed.

“For the first year we'd put his quietness down to a lack of fluent English, but then he'd come out with something word perfect, which made you realize he understood what was going on all the time.

“He has always been admired by his team-mates, but not loved. He hasn't endeared himself in the way that Pepe Reina has, for example.”

The 26-year-old submitted a transfer request on Friday evening and is expected to complete a move away from Anfield by Monday if the Reds can thrash out a deal with Chelsea.

Hansen Reveals How Kenny Trains

Alan Hansen has lifted the lid on the training methods which may be responsible for Liverpool's resurgence.

The Reds rose to seventh in the Barclays Premier League this week following victories over Wolves and Fulham.

Fans have noted a greater willingness to commit men into opposition territory under temporary gaffer Kenny Dalglish.

The attractive football Dalglish likes his sides to play manifested itself in a 31-pass move which culminated in Fernando Torres's ninth strike of the season in the dying moments at Molineux last weekend.

The last few games have prompted Hansen to recall his own days playing under our greatest ever No.7.

"As soon as Kenny went in there he wanted his Liverpool team to move better," the former centre-back told LFC Weekly magazine.

"He told Steve Clarke what he wants to see and that's a return to the traditional pass and move Liverpool values.

"We used to do this function at Liverpool, one of the few training functions we ever did, where the man in possession had to move after passing the ball.

"If he didn't move a foul was awarded and the team he was playing for lost possession.

"You wouldn't believe how many times players got caught out for not moving, but it became a natural thing for us to do after passing the ball.

"It was drilled into us that when a man is in possession, if people are moving then it is easier for him to play a pass. That is exactly what has been missing from Liverpool, especially away from home, and it's what Kenny is trying to restore."

One player who is crucial to the implementation of Dalglish's ideas is Portugal international midfielder Raul Meireles, according to Hansen.

"At Wolves, Meireles in particular showed what a class player he is," said the 55-year-old.

"I've always said that if Liverpool can get some impetus and momentum we will see the true value of Meireles because he really is a good player who has needed a bit of time to adjust.

"His passing, movement and attacking play at Wolves were excellent and Torres benefited from him, Kuyt and Rodriguez being given the freedom to go and play."

Liverpool Negotiating With Chelsea Over £50m Fernando Torres Bid

Liverpool have asked for Nicolas Anelka to be included in Chelsea's £50 million bid for Fernando Torres as a stunning deal before the transfer window closes grows more likely, Goal.com UK can reveal.

Contrary to Liverpool's public stance that Torres is not for sale, the club is willing to negotiate with the Londoners as they fear the negative consequences of keeping a player who has publicly revealed his desire to move on.

Torres submitted a written transfer request on Friday night which was rejected by Liverpool, but that has not deterred Chelsea from making a second offer for the Spaniard of £40m in cash plus Daniel Sturridge, the England Under-21 striker.

With Torres, 26, pushing both clubs to negotiate over a move before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Monday, Liverpool have asked for Frenchman Anelka, not Sturridge, to be included in the deal to meet their £50m valuation.

Anelka is considered a proven goalscorer who can slot into the Liverpool side immediately and a more suitable partner for Luis Suarez, who is on Merseyside to complete a £22.8m switch from Ajax.

Anelka spent a loan spell at Anfield in the 2001-02 season and could be open to a return as Torres' arrival would cast doubt over the 31-year-old's future at Stamford Bridge. He played the full 90 minutes for the Londoners in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Everton in the FA Cup fourth round but has played for eight different clubs in his career, including Liverpool on loan in 2002.

Chelsea would still prefer to offload Sturridge, who has failed to spark since joining from Manchester City in 2009 and attracted interest from Liverpool last month but is considered as a prospect for the future rather than someone who is ready to deliver now.

Liverpool turned down an opening £35m offer from Chelsea for Torres on Thursday and are determined that their star striker will only leave under their terms, despite the player's desire to leave Anfield.

“Fernando is under long-term contract and the club expect him to honour the commitment he made to Liverpool FC and its supporters when he signed the agreement,” said the club in a statement on Friday night.

There are conflicting reports as to whether or not Torres' contract, which expires in summer 2013, includes a buyout clause that will allow him to leave if a club offers £50m after the end of the season. Goal.com UK revealed on Friday that he has made up his mind that he will not be playing for Liverpool by the start of next season.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is determined to complete a deal for the World Cup winner, who he also tried to sign last summer but was rebuffed by the Merseyside club.

When contacted by Goal.com UK, a Liverpool spokesman said: "We don't comment on transfer speculation."

Liverpool Target €8m French Defensive Midfielder Amidst Lucas Exit Talks

Liverpool are once again being linked with a move for French international midfielder Blaise Matuidi.

The Times reported last week that the St Etienne player was being targeted as Liverpool struggle to agree a fee for Charlie Adam, with an €8 million move mooted.

Director of Football strategy at Anfield, Damien Comolli, is a known admirer of the player after holding a similar position at the Ligue 1 club. His connection with the player is thought to hold the key with regards to a Liverpool bid.

Matuidi started his senior career at Troyes in 2004, but moved to his current employees at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in 2007. His impressive recent form has also led to international recognition, with Laurent Blanc handing the player his first Les Bleus cap against Bosnia.

Lucas Leiva joined the Reds in 2007, and after a tough couple of seasons at the Merseyside outfit the Brazilian has established himself in the Liverpool midfield with some fine displays this season.

However, Villarreal striker Nilmar has said that his compatriot was interested in a move to the Yellow Submarine and has encouraged him to consider a switch to La Liga, as reported by talkSPORT.

"Lucas was interested in the club," said Nilmar.

"He would be a great player for our team. He plays very well, and he would fit in well with our style at Villarreal."

Matuidi would occupy a similar role to Lucas should he move to Liverpool, with the defensive midfielder adding some bite for the club in the centre of the pitch and allowing skipper Steven Gerrard to push forward.

Kenny Dalglish is thought to have been advised by Comolli to make a move for the player, although Liverpool would have to move fast if they are to add to the addition of Luis Suarez.

Carlo Ancelotti In Dark About Chelsea's Fernando Torres Transfer Bid

Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he has no idea whether Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will become a Chelsea player this month.

The Blues had a £35 million bid for the World Cup winner rejected earlier in the week, but are now said to be preparing an improved offer after Torres submitted a written transfer request at Anfield.

Liverpool's public stance remains that the former Atletico Madrid man is not for sale and Ancelotti revealed he had not heard anything to the contrary, when quizzed about the proposed transfer after Chelsea's 1-1 draw at Everton on Saturday.

'I don't know, we will have to wait,' said the Italian.

Ancelotti could have been forgiven for having his mind on other things after his side produced another poor performance in the FA Cup fourth round tie at Goodison Park.

The holders looked to be on their way out when Louis Saha gave Everton a deserved lead shortly after the hour mark, but they secured a replay thanks to a 75th-minute Salomon Kalou goal.

Ancelotti admitted the Toffees had been the better team, but insisted he was pleased with his players.

'Everton have a special kind of football, play a lot of long balls and they like to fight in the box on set-pieces,' he said.

'But we showed a good attitude and spirit even though we did not play well.'

Charlie Adam's Father Brands Blackpool 'Cheap-Skates'

In the wake of Blackpool's rejection of Liverpool's second official bid for midfielder Charlie Adam, the player's father, also called Charlie, has branded his son's team "cheap-skates" for saying no to the bid.

Liverpool's second offer is believed to be around the £6.5 million mark, around £2.5m more than the initial bid.

Charlie senior was enraged at the decision and made his thoughts known to the Seasiders and their chairman Karl Oyston, claiming it was rejected as a "revenge attack" due to the bad blood between player and club.

He said: "Blackpool are such a cheap-skate club.

"I don’t even think this is about money. It’s because Charlie took them to a tribunal over the bonus they owed him. This is their pay-back. They are saying ‘you won’t make anything out of this, we have got you under contract’. "Liverpool’s offer is THIRTEEN times what Blackpool paid for Charles. And they are turning it down? They have been more than compensated for him already.

"Mr. Oyston has got to realize it is somebody’s life and future that he is dealing with here. I think it is petty. This should be a time for common sense to prevail."

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish improved the offer in an attempt to bring in the Scottish international before Monday's deadline closes in, but it is believed that Blackpool want a deal starting at around £12m.

Adam has already handed in a transfer request that was dismissed by his club, but the midfielder is demanding that Blackpool and their manager Ian Holloway sell him on and claims he is being 'blanked'.

Adam senior claimed Holloway had told his son that Liverpool was an ‘exception’ to his rule about where he could go.

He added: “Blackpool have been looking at other players. They could do without Charlie and be safe."