Kenny Dalglish Cautious Over Steven Gerrard's Liverpool Return

Kenny Dalglish will not hurry the Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, back into action before he is ready, promising before Thursday's Europa league tie against Sparta Prague to "think a bit longer term than just one game".

Gerrard has missed Liverpool's last two games due to a groin problem and Dalglish is anxious not to bring him back into the fold too soon. The manager told the club's website: "Steven is almost there. Whether he gets there in time or not remains to be seen but we're not going to push somebody into a game that's not quite ready.

"Much as Steven would love to play and we'd love to have him, I think we've got to think a bit longer term than just one game. But if he's fit and well, he'll come under consideration like everybody else.

"I think it's important we adopt the same philosophy as we've had before with the likes of Jay Spearing, who could have carried on a little bit longer with his injury but we wanted to get it done and dusted and get him looked after.

"Daniel Agger was the same, Martin Skrtel got a rest last week [in the first leg against Sparta], Martin Kelly got a rest, so I think we've got to be consistent in our approach to things and, if there is any doubt whatsoever, if we can get by without Steven, then we will do. Daniel is fit now, so he's up for consideration."

As for Liverpool's record signing, Andy Carroll, Dalglish says he is still some way off being considered for action but is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a thigh injury.

"He has done everything that has been expected of him up to this time," Dalglish said. "The medical people and ourselves on the football side are delighted with his progress. He's still got a bit to go before he'll be considered for a match but he's probably a little bit ahead of schedule rather than behind schedule."

Danny Wilson Relishing His Spell In Liverpool FC’s First Team

Danny Wilson confidently declared ahead of Liverpool’s return clash against Sparta Prague: “I relish playing on the big stage!”

The teenager could be given the nod again by Kenny Dalglish tomorrow night for the tie against the Czechs.

The defender gave a solid display last week in the Generali Arena when the Reds played out a 0-0 draw in the Europa Cup.

And if selected again, Wilson insists he will relish the big European atmosphere at a sell-out Anfield.

The 19-year-old said: “I found the atmosphere in Prague fine.

“I’ve played in big games like that before - Steaua Bucharest and others.

“So nothing like that really phases me. I just enjoy it.”

If Dalglish’s men do progress, they will face either Lech Poznan from Poland or SC Braga from Portugal in the last 16 of the competition.

Wilson was satisfied with Liverpool’s discipline in Prague last week, but is sure a far more attack-minded Reds will be on show tomorrow.

He said: “Last Thursday, we were happy not to concede a goal, and get into the next match.

“These matches are won over two legs, not the first leg, so we had to make sure we were still in the tie.

“We’ve done that by getting the 0-0, so we’re just looking forward to opening up at Anfield.”

Liverpool Centre Back Pair Linked With £14m Exit As Anfield Club Listen To Offers

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is a summer transfer priority for Wolfsburg, according to reports in Germany.

The Bundesliga strugglers, who sacked former England manager Steve McClaren earlier this month, have identified the Dane as the man they want to shore up their defence.

And it is reported that the clubs have already been in contact about a possible deal in the summer with Wolfsburg prepared to pay Liverpool around £9m for the 26-year-old.

Agger, who is an integral part of Kenny Dalglish’s side, signed a contract extension in 2009 which would keep him at Liverpool until 2014.

Meanwhile, 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 are reportedly ready to test Liverpool with a bid in the region of £5 million.

Cole: My Liverpool Pledge

Joe Cole admits his debut campaign as a Liverpool player hasn't gone to plan so far - but revealed his determination to play an integral role as Kenny Dalglish's contingent chase success in the remainder of the season.

A red card on his Barclays Premier League bow for the Reds coupled with a series of niggling injuries have restricted the England playmaker to just 20 appearances so far in his maiden term as Anfield's No.10.

However, Cole made his first appearance under Dalglish as an early substitute for Fabio Aurelio during last week's goalless Europa League draw with Sparta Prague - and the 29-year-old has pledged to do all he can to regain the sort of form that made him one of Europe's most sought-after players in the second half of 2010-11.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It was good (to play against Sparta). It was important for me to get a game under my belt as I'd only trained twice, so it was nice to come on early.

"I didn't expect that and it was good to get going again. Hopefully all the little niggles and injuries I can put behind me and I can concentrate on the end of the season.

"It's not gone how I would have liked, but that's life. Things like that happen and you've just got to push on through the difficult times. I've had plenty of good times in my career and I've had my share of difficult times, and I'll always come through.

"I'm determined to be a success here. I'm working hard every day. The main thing is the club - it's all about Liverpool.

"I'm pleased it (team's form) has turned around and we're going in the right direction, and if Liverpool can keep going there, I'd love to be part of it."

Despite enduring a testing first seven months as a Liverpool player, Cole has no regrets about deciding to uproot from London, where he had spent his entire career, and move to Merseyside.

And he maintains a belief that his hard work and endeavours at Melwood will soon pay off.

He said: "I've enjoyed moving up here and living where I am. I haven't enjoyed the football because I haven't felt as though I have done myself justice or got myself right. I have been frustrated with the injuries. But that's all going to change.

"I'll just keep going, keep training hard and it will turn the corner sooner rather than later.

"The fans and the people of Liverpool have been great with me. I've played for West Ham and Chelsea in my career and you can tell by the way I speak that I am a London boy, so when I came up here it was a shock to people. I'd had offers in London, but I wanted to come and test myself and you have to go through difficult times.

"I'm fired up, still positive and still got enough energy - I want to be a success at Liverpool and I want to be part of this club. I joined because I knew I was joining a massive club with great history.

"It still gets me excited when I go to Anfield. I haven't played there for a long time, but I just want to get out there on the pitch and play."

Since arriving on a free transfer from Chelsea last summer, Cole has seen a number of radical changes take place at Anfield.

The acquisition of the club by Fenway Sports Group in addition to the instalments of Dalglish, Steve Clarke and Damien Comolli mean today's Liverpool look very different to the one that opened the campaign back in August.

Cole is confident the changes will have the desired impact on the Reds' fortunes - but he acknowledges he's faced his own off-the-field battles since pitching up in L4.

"It's been business as usual for me, really," he said. "Trying to keep myself fit has been the battle for me this year.

"New owners, new manager, new coaches, new football director...it's a complete change.

"But I came in from a club in Chelsea where we had gone through a few managers as well over the last few years, so I am used to it.

"I think continuity is so important in football. Now we've got Kenny, Damien (Comolli) and Steve (Clarke), who are as good as you'll find at doing their jobs - their track records are proven.

"It's about continuity now. The club needs that for Liverpool to move forward and for us to progress. We need to stick together.

"I've been in successful teams and I've been in unsuccessful teams in my career. What we're doing now is the recipe for success, I 100 per cent believe that. If we keep going in the way we're going, with the structures that have been laid down we'll continue to progress and see how far as players we can take the club."

The appointment of Dalglish in January has served to inject a new lease of life into Liverpool's season.

Cole feels the methods implemented by the manager and first-team coach Clarke in training are proving successful on the pitch and admits the players are relishing playing under the tutelage of the iconic Scot.

"Obviously things have changed tactically," he said. "We've changed formation, training is a lot different and is more match-pace orientated - Steve Clarke is someone I'm used to working with from Chelsea.

"The lads are enjoying it, a weight seems to have been lifted and we seem like we're going in the right direction."

He added: "I think he (Dalglish) just wants me to get fit. I haven't got myself going - injuries and things have blighted my season, so I just need to get myself fit, get ready and get my body feeling good. I'm looking forward to the end of the season."

Cole played under high-profile managers such as Jose Mourinho, Fabio Capello and Carlo Ancelotti prior to joining Liverpool.

But what sets Dalglish apart from any of his previous gaffers?

"His man management - he likes to go around and have a chat with the lads," said Cole.

"He is very much liked and he's in to getting the lads together and building team spirit. He's good at that and he's lifted the place.

"The lads are coming in now with a smile on their face and looking forward to training, and that can only be a good thing."

Following his 53-minute run out in the Czech Republic last week, Cole is hopeful of figuring in the return meeting with Sparta at Anfield on Thursday.

Though Liverpool were held to a goalless stalemate in Prague, the winger is confident they can set up a last 16 meeting with either SC Braga or Lech Poznan.

And Cole in unequivocal in his desire to go all the way in the tournament and help the Reds clinch the Europa League in Dublin in May.

"I think we didn't do ourselves justice over in Prague," he said. "The game was there to be won, but it was a tough game on a difficult pitch.

"They were good tactically, but I feel we've got enough to go and win the game. European games are always special at Anfield and if we can stick together, pass the ball and have a good start to the game, we can make it an easier night for ourselves. I feel we've got enough to go and win the game."

Cole continued: "I play football to win. I'm not here to make up the numbers - I want to be winning trophies. The only opportunity we've really got is the Europa League now.

"It's a big trophy - it's a massive, European trophy and I'd love to lift it. The fans deserve it.

"You talk to Liverpool fans and they can reel off five Champions Leagues, three UEFA Cups, 18 leagues - and everyone knows it.

"This club is measured on the pots it brings in. Other clubs are measured on where they finish in the league and if they survive, but the standards are high at this club and I don't want to be a player who comes here and doesn't win anything.

"I want the big days - I want to go to Dublin, I want to go to Wembley - that's what I play football for."

Meireles Believes Carroll/Suarez Partnership Is A Recipe For Goals

Raul Meireles can’t wait to see Liverpool’s new strikeforce in action when Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez are available to start matches together.

The Portuguese midfielder has been hitting the back of the net regularly himself in recent weeks but he believes the Carroll/Suarez partnership is a recipe for goals.

“For me, Luis Suarez was man of the match against Wigan,” said Meireles in an exclusive interview with LFC Weekly this week. “Straight away he played very well and showed his quality. He wants to help the team and he has the right spirit, which will be good for us.

“And when Andy Carroll is fit to play again he will also be a big player for us as everyone knows his potential. This will be great for us as they are two fantastic strikers.”

Suarez’s immediate impact was underlined when the Kop sang their new Suarez song to the tune of ‘I Just Can’t Get Enough’ by Depeche Mode, but he isn’t the only player to be immortalized in song recently.

At the Wigan game a new tune to hail Meireles was also in evidence.

“I haven’t heard them (the songs) but of course it is very good for any player when you have the supporters singing your name,” said Meireles. “It shows that they like the job we are trying to do. Did I have a song in Portugal? At Porto every player had a song, some had big songs and some players had more of a cantic (chant).”

Juventus May Snub Purchase Of Alberto Aquilani

Juventus could decide not to take up the option to sign Alberto Aquilani from Liverpool on a permanent basis this summer, according to the Italian club’s former director of sport.

The Italian midfielder is currently on a season-long loan at the Stadio Delle Alpi, after spending one injury-plagued season at Anfield, and the Turin giants can sign the 26-year-old permanently for an agreed £12m fee in the summer, should they wish to.

Alessio Secco, though, believes the former Roma man has done little to justify such a large fee, and has suggested that Juventus will look to pursue other options, such as fellow loanee Fabio Quagliarella, from Napoli.

Seccio, who left Juventus last summer, said: “In my opinion, aside from the injury he suffered, Juventus will opt to sign Quagliarella from Napoli.

“It's true that he's coming off a rather serious injury, but in the end I think that his abilities as a player are not up for discussion and that Juventus will do everything to sign him.

“Instead, I think it'll be hard to see Juventus sign Aquilani. The player hasn't given the quality necessary to help the Bianconeri make that jump in class.

“Aside from the game against Lecce (a 2-0 defeat) on Sunday, in which the entire team played in a mediocre fashion, I think that Aquilani hasn't had a great season and that signing him for €16m seems a very exaggerated figure.”

Aquilani was signed for £17.1m from Roma by Rafael Benitez in the summer of 2009, but a serious ankle injury delayed his debut at Anfield, and he made just 26 appearances for the Reds throughout a stop-start campaign.

Since returning to Italy, he has featured 22 times for Juventus – scoring twice – but with Luigi Del Neri’s side languishing sixth in Serie A, and in danger of missing out on next season’s Champions League, doubts are now surfacing as to whether Aquilani will complete his anticipated switch to Turin.

Liverpool Ponder £2.5m Bid For Preston's Adam Barton

Liverpool is weighing up a £2.5million bid for Preston North End midfielder Adam Barton.

Liverpool scouts have watched the 20-year-old extensively this season and assistant manager Sammy Lee made another check last Saturday as Barton helped Preston recover a draw against QPR.

The former Blackburn trainee, who has been capped by Northern Ireland, is rated at £5m by Preston - but they may struggle to command that figure if they go down to League One.

Skrtel Denies Wolfsburg Talk

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has insisted that he wants to stay at the club and denied any interest from Wolfsburg.

The Slovakia international has been an ever-present this season at centre-back in the Premier League for the Reds, making 27 appearances and scoring one goal.

Despite being a mainstay in Liverpool's backline, Skrtel has come in for criticism due to some lacklustre showings.

Although since Kenny Dalglish took the reins following Roy Hodgson's dismissal he has looked a stronger player.

Wolfsburg, who recently sacked former England coach Steve McClaren and sold star striker Edin Dzeko to Manchester City, are reported to be keen on landing the uncompromising 26-year-old.

However Skrtel, who moved to the Reds from Zenit St Petersburg in January 2008, insists he is happy at Anfield and has no intention of moving on.

"I have learned about the interest of Wolfsburg only from the internet and don't even know how true this news is," said Skrtel, who has three-and-a-half years of his contract left to run on Merseyside.

"One thing is for sure, though - I have a valid contract with Liverpool, I am happy there and if they are happy with me, too, I am not going anywhere."

Skrtel was introduced for the final six minutes of Liverpool's dour goalless draw with Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday, but was happy with Dalglish's decision not to play him from the start.

"It was the manager's decision not to have me in the starting line-up and I fully respect it. I didn't try to find out why he had decided that way," Skrtel continued.

"The manager changed the defensive system to three centre backs late in the game as we expected Sparta to send long balls out to (Leonard) Kweuke and (Tomas) Pekhart."

He was also positive ahead of the second leg at Anfield on Thursday, believing that his team has more than enough to make it to the last 16.

"He took down one striker and sent me on, out of which it was clear we did not want to concede a late goal to keep it 0-0. I think this result is good for us for the second leg, but we need to be more offensive," he added.

"I believe that we will score some goals and advance. We had expected the long winter break to show on Sparta, but it did not show on their game and they could have won.

"From Sparta I was impressed most by Kweuke, who is strong on the ball and in my eyes he was their best player."

Rush Opens LFC School

Anfield legend Ian Rush was the special guest as Liverpool Football Club launched their first soccer school academy in Northern Ireland last week.

In his role as the Reds' Soccer School Ambassador, our all-time record goalscorer was on hand at the University of Ulster sports campus in Jordanstown to oversee the club open the first of what will be many first football academies outside of Merseyside.

Over 100 primary school children from across the region attended the three-day clinic, which was ran by coaches from the Liverpool Academy complex in Kirkby in front of the watching Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson.

Of course, Rushie himself was only too eager to don his boots too and take part in the sessions.

"Our aim is to do something different to other Soccer Schools because I believe Liverpool Football Club is something different and something special," he said afterwards.

"There is fantastic support for Liverpool FC here in Northern Ireland, and that's why we looked at bringing the Soccer School here.

"With it being such a stronghold of Liverpool supporters, I think it's fitting we should come here to do the first soccer school outside of Liverpool."

Liverpool Are Being Rewarded For Their Attacking Philosophy

Liverpool’s more adventurous approach under Kenny Dalglish is paying dividends, and Daniel Agger believes it could lead to European glory.

The Reds ground out a ‘Liverpool of old’ goalless draw against Sparta in Prague last week, and will look to finish off the job at Anfield on Thursday.

But whilst, defensively, the Reds look a different proposition these days, Agger says it’s not all about the lads at the back.

As they prepare for Thursday’s Europa League clash, Agger says: “You have to look at the team which is exactly the same (as under Roy Hodgson). Kenny came in with new ideas, and they made us really happy about playing football.

"That has been the main reason why we've improved defensively because we're keeping the ball going forward."

He continued: "We will approach Thursday like we do every home game. Try to get forward and keep the ball, playing attacking football, and at Anfield if we play well, it will be difficult for every team.

"So we've got a good chance, but it's not easy, it's never easy in the knockout stages."

Agger's notched seven goals since joining Liverpool from Brondby, helping to forge a reputation as one of the game's most cultured centre backs.

"Getting forward and scoring goals is a big part of my game," he said. "I like to have the ball and play with the ball. For me, that's football.”

Liverpool Lead Race To Sign Nigerian International

Reports in Nigeria have claimed that some of Europe’s top clubs including Liverpool and Tottenham have been following the progress of Marseille left back Taye Taiwo.

Liverpool apparently sent talent scout Damien Comilli to watch Taiwo in the recent friendly against Sierra Leone and view the player as a ready made fit for the problem left back position.

The Nigerian Tribune also claims that Tottenham have watched the player along with Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus, but their headline made it clear that it is Liverpool that are the clear front runners.

It would be strange for Tottenham to go after the player, they already appear to be set with left sided players, the same to a certain degree applies to Manchester United, the same however cannot be said about Manchester City, they will but almost anybody.

One thing is becoming clear, that Liverpool will be very active in the transfer window come the summer as they continue the rebuilding process at Anfield.

Carroll Could Make Debut Against West Ham

Andy Carroll could be in line to make his first appearance for Liverpool against West Ham United this weekend, after making a rapid recovery from injury.

There had initially been fears that Carroll - signed from Newcastle United for £35 million on transfer deadline day in January - would miss the remainder of the season with a thigh problem he was already carrying when the transfer was completed. But after taking part in some training drills at his new club on Monday, there is now a chance the tall striker could be involved in the matchday squad for the trip to Upton Park.

Carroll has not taken part in any contact drills with the rest of the players as yet, but was included in the recent trip to the Czech Republic for the Europa League clash with Sparta Prague to hasten his assimilation into the squad and improve his bond with team-mates.

Although the game against West Ham is a possibility, the following weekend's visit of Manchester United seems a more probable opportunity for the 22-year-old to make his bow - and in front of a supportive Anfield crowd.

Manager Kenny Dalglish has repeatedly said he is confident the expensive signing will be a huge hit on Merseyside, and is looking to get him on the pitch as soon as possible.

"The fans will really relate to him once he gets fit and starts to play for us," Dalglish said prior to the weekend. "Going to Prague was just so he could continue his rehabilitation.

"We just wanted to get Andy in amongst the boys so he will recognize a couple of faces."

Dirk Kuyt: I'm In Talks Over New Liverpool Contract

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has confirmed he is speaking to the club about signing a new contract.

The Dutchman's current deal runs out at the end of next season but he has been convinced by the Anfield club's recent revival that his future lies on Merseyside.

Last season, Kuyt was wanted by former manager Rafael Benitez at Inter Milan.

However, the 30-year-old now appears set to lengthen his stay in England since signing from Feyenoord in 2006.

'My contract has one more season to go after this but there are things happening,' he said.

'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.'

The need to sign Kuyt to a longer deal has become apparent after he took over as the dressing room DJ.

Since having the role, Liverpool has not lost a game with the Dutchman claiming his choices of Kings of Leon, The Killers and Amy Winehouse have inspired the team during their revival.

It is also being reported goalkeeper Pepe Reina could be offered a new deal, with Manchester United believed to be interested in securing his signature to fill the impending void which will be left when Edwin van der Sar retires at the end of the season.

Raheem Sterling Doubles Up As Liverpool Under-18s Make It Six Wins In A Row

After his five-star FA Youth Cup show, Raheem Sterling helped Liverpool under-18s make it six of the best with a 4-1 victory over Stoke City at the Kirkby Academy on Saturday.

Rodolfo Borrell’s side made it six wins in a row and stretched their unbeaten run to nine matches as they continue their quest for honours on two fronts.

Fresh from last week’s superb 9-0 victory over Southend in the fifth round, when Sterling scored five, Liverpool continued their fine form.

Captain Conor Coady, who was also on target in the Youth Cup and joined Sterling and Jack Robinson on the first team’s Europa League trip to Prague, opened the scoring.

The 17-year-old, who was on the bench against Sparta on Thursday, fired home a brilliant volley into the top corner of Stoke keeper Dave Parton’s goal to open the scoring on 28 minutes.

Seven minutes later Rainhill schoolboy Sterling tapped in a second from close range.

The visitors reduced the arrears just before half-time when Liverpool defender Patrik Poor headed into his own net.

Liverpool restored their two-goal lead as Krisztian Adorjan’s through ball put Sterling in on goal and despite being forced out wide by Parton, he unselfishly squared to Adam Morgan, who scored at the second attempt.

Within five minutes Sterling made it 4-1 and the 16-year-old almost had his second hat-trick of the week, but keeper Parton superbly tipped his curling shot over the bar.

Liverpool are now up to fourth in the Group C table, nine points behind leaders Everton, although they do have two games in hand on their neighbours.

Steven Gerrard Foundation To Benefit Merseyside Charities

Steven Gerrard has launched a charitable foundation to help disadvantaged children – and picked two Merseyside charities as its first beneficiaries.

The England and Liverpool FC star, who grew up on the Bluebell Estate, in Huyton, visited chosen charities Claire House hospice and Fairbridge Merseyside for the launch of the Steven Gerrard Foundation (SGF).

The foundation will work with the Consortium for Street Children (CSC) to provide grants to good causes nationally and internationally – but will have a particular focus in Liverpool.

The SGF says it aims “to provide relief to children and young people in need, whether through illness, family breakdown, disability, involvement in the streets, financial or educational disadvantage”.

Gerrard said: "I am delighted to launch this Foundation. The money raised will help give thousands of disadvantaged children a brighter future here in the UK and beyond. I am looking forward to working with SGF's partners and helping make a lasting difference to children's lives."

He said he enjoyed seeing “the smiles on the kids’ faces” and that it was “fantastic” to see their reactions.

He added: “There’s a big pleasure in giving something back to my city. I’ve been to different organizations in Liverpool that are in desperate need of money and I feel I’m in a position where I can raise a lot.

“I think if you’re a footballer and you’ve enjoyed the kind of success that I have, the least you can do is give that back to people who need it.”

He said: “I want my children to get involved in the Foundation as part of their education. I want them to see there are people in this city who are struggling, who have major problems, who need help. My attitude is that it’s never too late. You can always turn things round. But we need to help these kids realize that.”

Fairbridge Merseyside manager Jayne Wilson said: “Steven is a real inspiration for young people, and was an absolute star on his visit. With his background, he can really engage with youngsters and he encouraged them to focus on education and the idea of respect. We are delighted that Fairbridge Merseyside is one of the first charities he has chosen to support.”

Yvonne Cave, area fundraiser at Claire House hospice, said: “Steven Gerrard has lifted the spirits of everyone here at Claire House, the excitement he generates is palpable. He was very hands on chatting to the children and keen to see what went on here at Claire House. He was very impressed, as were we with him.”

Liverpool Plot €10m Swoop For Serie A Strike Ace

Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Inter Milan striker Goran Pandev.

The Macedonian's chances have become limited at the San Siro since Jose Mourinho left Milan for Madrid and the acquisition of Giampaolo Pazzini from Sampdoria last month has further dented his future prospects.

Reports in Italy - most notably from calciomercato.it - suggest Liverpool are now considering launching a summer bid for the 27-year-old as they look to further add to their goalscoring options at Anfield.

According to caughtoffside.com, Liverpool are on the lookout for a more experienced forward to interchange with young bucks Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll and, thus, have identified Pandev as someone who could potentially bolster their striking ranks.

Valued at around €10 million, Pandev is renowned for his creativity rather than his goalscoring prowess and could provide Liverpool with an interesting extra attacking dimension.

Liverpool appears to be keen to add variety to their attack and Napoli's Ezequiel Lavezzi - himself and inventive second-striker - has also been linked with a summer move to Anfield.

Spurs Ready For £10m Summer Battle With Liverpool

Harry Redknapp has hinted that Tottenham may reignite their interest in Liverpool target Charlie Adam.

The Blackpool captain was the subject of intense interest from both clubs during the January transfer window but their respective pursuits were ultimately fruitless.

Liverpool had three separate offers for Adam rejected by Blackpool last month as relations between the two clubs threatened to reach breaking point.

Adam, 25, even handed in a transfer request in attempt to force a move to Liverpool but this was also rebuffed by the Seasiders who were adamant the Scotland international would not leave unless their demands were met.

A fee of £10 million was rumoured to be the valuation Blackpool had placed on the midfielder and - with Liverpool falling way short with their proposals - Tottenham agreed a fee with the Tangerines as the transfer deadline approached.

However, Tottenham registered their interest too late on deadline day and failed to sign Adam by a number of minutes.

Liverpool are expected to launch a renewed bid for Adam when the transfer window reopens in June and Redknapp admits Spurs will face plenty of competition if they too decide to re-enter the race.

"Do I want to buy Adam in the summer? It's difficult, it depends what they [Blackpool] want to do with him," the Spurs boss told talkSPORT.

"He made the right decision to stay with Blackpool for the rest of the season. Blackpool have been good to him and I think he probably owes that to Blackpool, to try and keep them up this year.

"I'm sure at the end of the year there would be plenty of clubs who would be interested in him.

"He's a good player. He looks a good sort of lad as well, people who know him tell me he is a real student of the game. His dad was a professional, and he looks like he has a real love of football.

"He plays with passion and understands the game, and he has been an outstanding player in the Premier League - he has done great."

Manchester United have also been linked with Adam and – should they register their reported interest – it is sure to be a fascinating summer battle between themselves, Liverpool and Spurs.

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."