Alan Hansen: Liverpool Playing In Europa League Final Would Be 'Fantastic Way To End The Season'

Liverpool may sit in sixth place in the Premier League table, keeping them from playing in the Champions League tournament, but that won't keep the club from finishing on a strong note.

Former Reds defender Alan Hansen believes that a Liverpool appearance in the Europa League final would still be a respectable way to help close out the season.

"If Liverpool did get to the final in Dublin it would be a fantastic way to end the season, as it was 10 years ago when we won the competition and had a great time in Dortmund," Hansen told LFC Weekly.

"The Europa League is not the Champions League, but the winning mentality and togetherness that Kenny [Dalglish] has installed will continue to build the further we go in the competition."

Hansen also adds that although the game isn't crucial, it's still an important one to the coaches.

"In the dressing room before that match, Joe Fagan was absolutely insisting that the meaningless league game was the most important one we would ever play."

Suarez Returns To Amsterdam To Say Goodbye

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez has this weekend returned to Amsterdam to say goodbye to his former club and team mates at Ajax.

The Uruguayan left the Dutch side for a fee of around £22m in the January transfer window after 3 and a half years at the Amsterdam Arena.

Suarez, taking advantage of Liverpool’s free-weekend and having not played in the Europa League last week, was accompanied by his family as he watched Ajax take on VV Venlo. He will attend a party with team mates after the match and say his farewells.

The Ajax fans sang ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ in recognition of Suarez’s move to Liverpool.

Juve Expect Aquilani Talks

Juventus boss Giuseppe Marotta fully expects to make the loan signing of Alberto Aquilani permanent in the summer.

The Italian is on loan from Liverpool, where he made a £20million move from Roma in 2009, and has rediscovered his form since returning to his homeland.

Aquilani has previously stated his desire to remain with the Turin giants and that now appears likely as Marotta plans a meeting with the Reds in the near future.

"Aquilani is a player of value and is doing very well, we're happy," said Marotta.

"He has to feel comfortable because the fact that we took him on loan didn't mean that we had to evaluate him.

"His qualities have been known since he played in the youth of Roma and in the national team.

"In due time we'll meet with Liverpool and we will do everything to keep him with us."

With doubts surrounding the future of club legend Alessandro Del Piero, whose contract expires this summer, Marotta has calmed fears the veteran could leave.

"The doors at Juventus are open for Del Piero," Marotta said of a possible contract renewal.

"Alex is a great professional, our captain, and has given so much to Juve. We are discussing the economic aspects but we are making progress and we are optimistic.

"Del Piero is not out of shape, in addition to the technical qualities he also possesses human and professional qualities."

Liverpool's Comolli Watches Town

Liverpool’s director of football strategy Damien Comolli was at Portman Road on Saturday to run the rule over Town striker Connor Wickham. Liverpool has long been linked with the 17-year-old, although Spurs, who were also represented at the 1-1 draw with Hull, are understood to be the frontrunners for the youngster's signature.

Tottenham’s academy manager John McDermott and their assistant technical coordinator Chris Ramsey watched the match along with former Town coach Charlie Woods, who also now works at White Hart Lane.

Meanwhile, one of Sunday morning’s papers reports that Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are also continuing to keep tabs on the England U21 international.

Elsewhere, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has praised the quality of players coming through in the Championship: “It looks more and more that there are many good young players coming out of these clubs too.

“Look at Nottingham Forest for example – they are all good young players. Derby too, and Ipswich, who we played recently, have produced Connor Wickham. So there are good young players down there.

“Maybe the academy rules help them too, because teams cannot take young players from other clubs’ areas.”

Liverpool Plot £7m Move For West Bromwich Albion Winger

Liverpool’s interest in bringing in natural wide men to complement their new strike pairing of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll has led to their interest in West Brom wide man Chris Brunt, a player they look likely to bid for this summer.

The 26 year old left winger has been at the Hawthorns for three and a half years and a move to Anfield will greatly interest the Northern Ireland international who may feel that the summer would be the right time to move on, not least if the Baggies fail to avoid relegation.

Successive Liverpool managers have failed to find effective players to provide attacking support from the wings. The likes of Dirk Kuyt, Maxi, Milan Jovanovic and Joe Cole have been failed to fill the slots adequately as did Dutch international Ryan Babel, before he was offloaded to Hoffenheim.

£7m rated Brunt is an old fashioned style winger who apparently interests Kenny Dalglish and the former Sheffield Wednesday man’s ability to consistently put good crosses into the box as well as his set piece abilities could well be of good use to the Merseyside outfit.

One sticking point to such a move could be the fact that former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is not in situ as Baggies boss but he may well still not look to stand in Brunt’s way should a decent offer come in for his services.

Liverpool Plot Move For United Target After Dalglish Scouting Trip

Liverpool is reportedly ready to join Manchester United in pursuit of Celtic defender Emilio Izaguirre.

It was initially reported by the Mirror that the Barclays Premier League leaders had been monitoring the Honduran and now it appears their great North West rivals are also keeping tabs on the 24-year-old.

Click Liverpool reports that Reds boss Kenny Dalglish watched Izaguirre in action as Celtic beat Rangers 3-0 on Sunday and is considering launching summer bid to bring him to Anfield.

Izaguirre is one of a number of left-backs Liverpool is thought to be eyeing as they look to fill the problematic position in the summer.

Paul Konchesky was brought in by the previous regime last August but was subsequently loaned out to Nottingham Forest after failing to make a lasting impression at Anfield, while Fabio Aurelio appears to be out-of-favour with Dalglish.

The Liverpool manager is instead persisting with Glen Johnson - naturally a right-sided player - in the seemingly problematic role but a more long-term solution is expected to be acquired when the transfer window reopens.

Newcastle’s Jose Enrique has emerged as a leading candidate to fill the position at Anfield and – like Izaguirre – the Spaniard is also a reported target for Manchester United.

And, after learning of the reported interest in his signature Enrique revealed he would be open to a move in order to enhance his career.

“It is flattering that Liverpool is interested. I’ve also heard that Manchester United and Aston Villa have asked about me," he said, according to imscouting.com.

“They are both big teams and I’m not closing the door on anyone. I’m ambitious and want to play in the Champions League. I want to win things. I’m OK at Newcastle but I aspire to more."

Enrique was initially seen as a potential replacement for United full-back Patrice Evra who had been linked with a summer move away from Old Trafford.

However, the Frenchman is set to end speculation that he could leave United for Real Madrid by penning a new four-year contract on Monday.

Martin Skrtel Linked With Summer Wolfsburg Switch

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is being linked with a summer Anfield exit.

The Slovakian centre back has been in-and-out of the side at Liverpool under Kenny Dalglish, and now Wolfsburg are reportedly keen to add the player to their ranks.

Bundesliga champions under Steve McLaren just two seasons ago, the German outfit have struggled since, but have money to spend after the sale of Edin Dzeko to Manchester City.

Skrtel has been targeted as a player who can bolster the club’s defence, according to the Star on Sunday, and the club is reportedly ready to test Liverpool with a bid in the region of £5 million.

A former Zent St Petersburg player, Skrtel move to Merseyside in 2008, with former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez bringing the 26-year-old to the club for £6.5 million.

The left-sided centre half formed a solid relationship alongside Jamie Carragher during his first few seasons at Anfield, and has made over 100 appearances for the club in all competitions for Liverpool thus far.

It’s unknown if Liverpool legend Dalglish will consider letting the player leave for the reported price in the summer, with the club relatively short on cover in the position at the current time.

The additional transfer funds could go towards ‘King Kenny’ revamping the Liverpool backline as the Scot looks to put his own stamp on the team, and a sale would suggest that the manager is keen to make several key changes at the club.

Deschamps Reveals Reds Offer

Didier Deschamps claims he was offered the opportunity to take over at Liverpool last summer but felt he had to stay loyal to Marseille.

Deschemps admits he was flattered to be interesting a club with such rich history, but he had given his word to Marseille that he would see out his contract at Stade Velodrome.

Deschamps, who won 103 caps for France, had another year on his contract with Marseille and was not about to walk out on the club early.

With the Ligue 1 pre-season just around the corner he felt the timing of his possible exit would have been a hammer blow to the club.

"I was immensely flattered to receive Liverpool's offer but there are two principal reasons that made me stay at Marseille," he told The Sun.

"I thought about it for more than two seconds, I won't lie to you. Believe me. It's not every day Liverpool come knocking on your door.

"It was not an easy decision, I tell you, not easy. But I had given my word here.

"I had a year left on my contract and committed myself to staying, giving my promise to the president, the fans and the players.

"There were players who came here for me. Then Liverpool's offer came two days before we started pre-season at the end of June.

"As I am a man of my word, I couldn't do it.

"At the same time we also had the controversy of the French team at the World Cup in South Africa and I couldn't see myself adding to that by dropping Marseille in it two days before pre-season and saying 'That's it, I'm going to Liverpool'."

Ian Rush: No Top Four For Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish can’t propel Liverpool to a dream top-four Premier League finish – despite turning the Reds’ season around.

That’s according to Kop legend Ian Rush, who says Champions League qualification is beyond the Merseysiders this term.

But he insists that the appointment of Dalglish WILL ultimately lead to glory.

Dalglish has galvanized Liverpool since replacing Roy Hodgson in January and the Anfield side is hovering on the fringes in sixth place – just behind Chelsea after a run of four league wins and a draw.

The results included a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge after selling Fernando Torres to the Blues for £50million.

Dalglish spent the cash on Newcastle ace Andy Carroll and midfielder Luis Suarez from Ajax.

But despite a new mood of optimism at the club, Rush says thoughts of a speedy return to the Champions League are premature. “For me it is too much to expect a top-four place this season,” said the former Wales hitman.

“It’s something that will probably be beyond Liverpool but that doesn’t mean what Kenny has done isn’t fantastic.

“The fans must be patient and remember that it wasn’t long ago people were talking about a relegation battle,” said Rush, who hit 229 goals in 469 games for the Reds.

“But without doubt Kenny is the right man and I’m sure Liverpool can still have a say in who wins the title.

“We have still got to play Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Spurs.

“And it’s such a crazy league with everyone capable of beating everyone else you can see the influence they could have on the destiny of the title.”

And former Wales striker Rush reckons Liverpool’s owners – John W Henry’s New England Sports Ventures – have shown their intention of making a bigger impact next season by splashing the Torres cash.

“It is a massive statement of intent. A top-four finish is unlikely to happen this year but I’m sure we’ll be in with a shout next time.”

Jamie Carragher has also issued a reality-check message to fans convinced Dalglish is about to bring the good times back.

A draw with Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday night and an FA Cup Fifth Round weekend without any football indicates where Liverpool currently stand.

Carra says there is a lot of hard work ahead and said: “Liverpool get a lot of criticism.

“People say we live in the past – that we should be winning this and that.

“But the truth is Liverpool have not won the league for the past 20 years.

“Kenny did a fantastic job in his first spell but Liverpool was already steeped in success. In the two years before his appointment they had been to two European Cup finals.

“I hear people criticize Gerard Houllier and Rafael Benitez, saying they are failures because they didn’t win the league. – yet I have to disagree with that.

“But if Kenny can get us back to where we were when he left in 1991, that in itself would be a brilliant achievement.”

Kuyt Tips Reds For Euro Win

Dirk Kuyt insists Liverpool will triumph over Sparta Prague next week at Anfield.

A much-changed Liverpool team failed to take advantage of the fact their opponents have not played a competitive game for two months, due to their winter break, during Thursday's goalless first leg.

However, the Holland striker was able to extract some positives from the result - most notably the fact they did not concede.

"You always want to win and that's what we wanted," said Kuyt.

"It's always important to score an away goal in Europe but it is never bad not to lose.

"It was a tough game, they defended well and we struggled with the pitch and the weather - it was a bit difficult.

"I think the positive thing is the clean sheet.

"Where we could, we tried to score but unfortunately that didn't happen but I think we are in a great position to win next week.

"We're playing well at Anfield, we have to win. It is always difficult for European teams at Anfield, the crowd will be behind us and we'll definitely play at a higher tempo.

"The ball can be moved more quickly and I've got a lot of confidence that we can go through next week."

Juventus Will Pay Only €6m For Alberto Aquilani

Juventus have told Liverpool that they do not intend to meet Alberto Aquilani’s hefty €20 million price-tag, and that the Reds will have to renegotiate his €12m buy-out clause if they want Juve to take the Italian off their hands on a permanent basis – according to a report in The Mirror.

Former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson loaned Aquilani to Juventus for the current season at the start of the campaign, as the midfielder sought match fitness following a difficult first year at Anfield in which he suffered repeated set-backs through injury and failed to find his form.

The ex-Roma star struggled to settle into life on Merseyside, but has recently enjoyed a decent spell with Juventus, and will potentially make his move to Turin permanent.

However, the Serie A side has told Liverpool that they will need to reduce significantly the €12m buy-out clause inserted into the loan contract. Juve's financial constraints mean they are only prepared to pay €6m for Aquilani.

But Liverpool now have a new manager at the helm in Kenny Dalglish, who may decide to recall the 26-year-old, reintegrate him into the Reds' squad and make use of him in his future plans.

Johnson Happy Seeing Liverpool Kids Involved In Euro Tie

Liverpool fullback Glen Johnson was happy seeing so many of their youngsters involved in their 0-0 draw at Europa League opponents Sparta Prague.

Johnson had words of comfort for the youngsters who made the trip to Prague as Dalglish included Conor Coady, Jack Robinson, Raheem Sterling and John Flanagan in his squad. Coady made the bench.

"They are good lads, they want to learn and they are pleased to be involved with the first team and all of us made them feel really welcome," he told liverpoolfc.tv.

"They have been training well and they deserve to be a part of it."

New Deals For Dirk Kuyt And Pepe Reina At Liverpool

Liverpool is ready to hand keeper Pepe Reina a £10,000-a-week pay rise to keep him out of the clutches of Manchester United.

And Dutch star Dirk Kuyt is poised to sign a new deal that will keep him at Anfield for the rest of his career.

It’s the clearest sign yet that caretaker boss Kenny Dalglish WILL be handed the role full-time by American owner John Henry, who is delighted with the Scot’s impact since he replaced Roy Hodgson.

Reina gave Kopites a major scare last week when he refused to rule out a summer move, confessing he is desperate for regular Champions League football. United, searching for a long-term successor for soon-to-retire Edwin van der Sar, head the queue of clubs in the running for one of Europe’s best keepers.

But the Spaniard’s agent Manuel Garcia Quilon is to meet Liverpool’s top brass next month to discuss a pay rise that will see Reina pocket £110,000 a week.

That’s hugely reassuring for Kopites, who have already seen one hero-worshipped Spaniard – Fernando Torres – leave Anfield this year.

And the feelgood factor will be increased by the news Kuyt wants to finish his career on Merseyside.

The Dutchman, 30, said: “My contract has one more season to go after this but there are things happening.

“We have had some talks and I can only say it looks positive.

“I feel at home in Liverpool and I don’t want to leave here.

“It has been a difficult time for everyone at the club with the changes that have happened since last summer but now I can sense something good is happening – I think Liverpool is on the way back.”

Fairclough Likens Meireles To McDermott

Liverpool icon David Fairclough has likened Raul Meireles to former teammate Terry McDermott.

The Kop legend is a big admirer of Liverpool's No.4 and he has no doubt that playing the midfielder in a central role will always bring out the best in him.

"Meireles is a class act, there's no doubt about that," Fairclough told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"We have to be really impressed by his form in front of goal at the moment. I like his desire to get into the box and the runs he makes.

"The run he made for the goal against Chelsea was fantastic because he was on the halfway line and he showed a fantastic desire to get into the box which is so important.

"Getting forward is a regular feature in his game now and he looks very comfortable playing under Kenny.

"I think it is very favourable to make comparisons with Terry McDermott and Raul does remind me of him.

"Terry scored some spectacular goals for Liverpool, some of the best in our history, and he made these trademark runs.

"Meireles makes similar runs and he is a big asset for our team."

Comolli Role Under Scrutiny At Liverpool

Liverpool football chief Damien Comolli's position is coming under intense scrutiny.

The Daily Mail says when Kenny Dalglish is confirmed as the permanent Liverpool manager, insiders are standing by for a power battle with director of football strategy Comolli.

Dalglish has an old-school managerial attitude of liking to be in sole command.

So how he copes with Comolli will be an intriguing sub-plot, especially as Dalglish has expert knowledge himself of European football.

Youngsters Hit Four Past Stoke

Raheem Sterling grabbed a brace and Conor Coady hit a thunderbolt as Liverpool U18s made it six straight wins with a 4-1 triumph against Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds' skipper fired home an unstoppable volley to open the scoring on 28 minutes before the winger everyone is talking about tapped home the second after a superb run and cross from Brad Smith.

The visitors did pull one back just prior to the interval when Patrik Poor headed into his own net but Adam Morgan and Sterling both added second-half goals to seal the points.

Ahead of the clash Rodolfo Borrell included Coady and Sterling in his starting XI despite their exertions with the first-team squad in Prague.

It was clear the Reds coach was eager not to lose focus following the emphatic 9-0 success over Southend in the Youth Cup but it was the away side who made most of the early running.

On 11 minutes a right-wing cross from Michael Clarkson was met on the run by Flo Cavalier, but the midfielder guided his controlled volley wide of target.

The Potters skipper was proving to be a thorn in Liverpool's side and he was unlucky not to earn a penalty soon after when Stephen Sama appeared to bring him down in the area.

The hosts had struggled to get in behind the Stoke rearguard but snatched the lead just shy of the half hour mark when Coady caught a volley that arrowed into the corner of the net with Dave Parton rooted to the spot.

It was a goal of the season contender from the 17-year-old and capped a week that had seen him net at the Kop end as well as appear as an unused substitute for the first-team's Europa League draw in Sparta Prague.

The opening goal seemed to help the Reds settle and seven minutes later they doubled their lead.

Matty McGiveron played in Smith down the left flank. The Australian showed great control to take the ball on the run before delivering an inch perfect centre for Sterling to guide home from inside the six yard box.

The Reds were now in complete control but they were given a warning of Stoke's threat just before half-time when a high ball into the box was flicked into his own net by Poor.

Borrell's charges would have been well aware of the Potters' threat having been beaten in Staffordshire early in the campaign and the Reds coach would have called for his side to start the second period with renewed desire.

They did just that too and restored their two goal advantage on 52 minutes.

Krisztian Adorjan produced a through ball that sent Sterling speeding in on goal. The winger was driven wide by Parton but showed great awareness to pick out Morgan, who slid home at the second time of asking after Andy Hall had blocked his initial effort.

The Reds suddenly had the bit between their teeth and five minutes later it was all over as a contest.

Another sublime pass from Adorjan sent Sterling through again. The youngster hit a low shot that Parton got a big hand on but despite the efforts of Hall to clear off the line, the referee's assistant awarded the goal.

The diminutive forward then came within a whisker of netting his hat-trick but his teasing curler was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Parton.

It was one of the last acts of the day for one of the club's emerging talents as he was replaced by Tom Walsh on 64 minutes. It brought to an end six sensational days for the No.7 who netted seven times and was involved in Kenny Dalglish's Europa League squad.

His absence did little to quell the tide of Liverpool pressure as the hosts continued to play champagne football.

Substitutes Josh Sumner and Tom Walsh both had chances to add to the margin of victory late on but it wasn't to be.

Reds Are Taking The Europa League Very Seriously Indeed

Although it isn’t the best competition to take part in, the UEFA Europa League offers Liverpool a great chance for silverware and a platform on which to build for next season.

Despite last night’s draw against Sparta Prague, the Reds still have a good opportunity to progress all the way to the final should they take this competition seriously. While it may not have the glamour or prestige of its big brother, the UEFA Champions League, it is a competition that holds special memories for the Merseysiders and has provided as many memorable moments in years gone by.

Under its former guise, the UEFA Cup, they have won it a joint record three times and their most recent success in 2001 is still fondly remembered as much as any other triumph in Europe over the years. Not only did they beat the likes of Roma and Porto, they also managed to overcome Barcelona in the semi-finals before taking part in one of the most dramatic finals in recent history, defeating Alaves 5-4 after extra time.

With that in mind, everyone connected to Liverpool should see this year’s competition as a chance to put some much needed silverware in the Anfield cabinet, which has been gathering dust for almost five years when they last won the FA Cup. After all, the philosophy of England’s most successful club is to win trophies so why turn down the chance to win the Europa League if that is the case?

Should Liverpool defeat Sparta Prague next week and then prevail against Braga or Lech Poznan, they will surely fancy their chances in a competition with few favourites.

Although Manchester City with their vastly expensive squad and capable of the odd excellent performance, they have rarely set pulses rating with their inability to defeat teams such as Aris on Tuesday night. Plus, their defeat to Lech Poznan in the group stages showed that Mancini’s men are vulnerable when teams attack them.

Another side that are seen as potential favourites, FC Porto, continue to impress under Andre Villas-Boas having gone through the group stages unbeaten and most recently defeating Sevilla 2-1 away from home last night. Should they carry on their rich vein of form then they will surely be favourites to reach the final in Dublin in May.

But there is still a lot of football to be played between now and then, and a lot can change. Should Liverpool reach the final, then it will surely be considered an achievement given the difficulties they have endured during the course of this season.

Ibrahim Afellay Linked With Summer Anfield Swoop

Liverpool are reportedly preparing a summer swoop for Barcelona winger Ibrahim Afellay.

The Dutch wing wizard is out-of-favour at the Nou Camp after joining the La Liga outfit in the summer, and Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is reportedly keen on bringing the player to Anfield.

Afellay was linked with a Liverpool switch in the summer as his PSV Eindhoven contract ran down, but the player moved to Spain instead in a bid to further his career.

However, times have been tough at the Catalan outfit, and talkSPORT claims that Pep Guardiola may be tempted by an offer from the Merseysiders.

Barca landed the player for €3 million, but Liverpool will have to pay more than that to bring the player to the Barclays Premier League.

NESV proved that they are willing to back the manager financially in January, spending £55 million on striker additions at the club in the shape of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.

Dalglish has hinted that Liverpool will spend again at the end of the season, and the winger who can also play in a secondary striker role could be the ideal purchase.

Georginio Wijnaldum Is A Transfer Target For Liverpool

Highly rated Feyenoord winger Georginio Wijnaldum is a transfer target for Liverpool reports insidefutbol.com.

The 20-year-old midfielder is one of the hottest prospects in Eredivisie and has attracted the attention of a number of leading European clubs including AC Milan, and Real Madrid.

But it is Liverpool who have registered the firmest interest with sources in the Dutch media claiming Anfield scouts were in the stands to watch the Feyenoord ace in action against Heracles in a recent league encounter.

Wijnaldum is a product of the youth system at De Kuip and made his senior debut for the outfit as a teenager back in 2007.

The Holland under 21 international is considered by many to be a 'rough diamond' - desperate to be developed into a superstar under the right tutelage; something he could achieve at Liverpool.

Kenny Dalglish has already demonstrated the influence he can have over his players, with the confidence instilled in the Liverpool squad the driving force behind their recent charge up the Barclays Premier League table.

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt could also prove to be a key figure in the quest to bring Wijnaldum to Anfield, with the former serving as a mentor to the latter during his time at Feyenoord.

"Dirk Kuyt is my role model. He left Feyenoord when he was the best, I am not that far," said Wijnaldum.

Liverpool Locked In Battle For £7m Sensation

Aston Villa are reportedly ready to join the race for Liverpool target Xherdan Shaqiri.

The fleet-footed winger's profile rose dramatically after he scored a stunning goal against England as Switzerland fell to a 3-1 defeat in the Euro 2012 qualifier in September.

He has since been linked with a move to a number of top European clubs - most notably Liverpool and Juventus - and, according to talkSPORT, Aston Villa are also closely monitoring his progress.

The 19-year-old helped FC Basel to the league and cup double last season in his rookie campaign and - should Villa beat Liverpool to his signature - the Swiss would only add to the battery of young talent currently on display at Villa Park.

Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has been keen to blood as many youngsters during his brief spell with the Villans - something which Villa wideman Marc Albrighton was keen to pay tribute to.

“You can see what he’s doing here. He’s giving all the youngsters a chance and it breeds confidence throughout like he did with the lads at Liverpool," he told talkSPORT.

“When he was there he brought through some great players and he’s doing exactly the same here, he’s developing the young players.

“All we want to do is learn and become better players and hopefully we can do that on the Premier League stage.”

However, Villa are likely to have to fight off the advances of several suitors if they wish to sign Shaqiri - who is good enough to compete at the highest level, according to Basel's sporting director.

Ilya Kentsing said: "Shaqiri is a player for a big team and he could play for any top club," Kentsing said. "But we have no agreement yet with any club."

Shaqiri himself is thought to be keen on a move to England - and to Liverpool in particularly - and it was reported in December that he was hopeful the Reds would revive the interest they had shown in him during Rafa Benitez's tenure at Anfield.