Kenny Refutes Fergie Issue

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insists he has no problem with Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of this Sunday's mouth-watering clash.

The illustrious pair have known each other since the 1960s, and even played against one another when Ferguson was with Rangers and Dalglish was an 18-year-old upstart in Celtic's reserves.

The duo continued their rivalry into management in the 80s with Ferguson keen to knock Liverpool off their lofty perch, although he was unable to do so while Dalglish was in charge of the Reds.

United have dominated the domestic scene over the past two decades, but Dalglish, who lost an FA Cup tie at Old Trafford on his return to the hot seat in January, insists he has no problem with Ferguson.

"It's never been any different. If you read my book it'll tell you!" he joked on the club's official website.

"I've never had a problem with Fergie. I've got respect for the job he has done as a manager. I've never had a problem.

"I've known him for a long, long time. It must be 40 years or so since I first came across him. I don't have a problem."

Asked if he will share a bottle of red wine with the United boss to mark his 60th birthday, Dalglish joked: "Well, it's my birthday! He'll have what everybody else gets."

Dalglish Coy On Carroll

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has refused to rule Andy Carroll in or out of Sunday's massive clash with leaders Manchester United.

The former Newcastle United marksman, who joined the Reds for £35million before the transfer window closed, is yet to make his debut due to a thigh injury.

Carroll has been undertaking training with his new team-mates but, as he is yet to play a game for the Merseysiders, Sunday's contest could come too soon.

The availability of the club's record signing would give the Reds a huge boost following their disappointing 3-1 defeat to strugglers West Ham last weekend.

"Who we have and what we go with we don't know and that includes Andy Carroll," Dalglish said at Thursday morning's press conference.

"Andy's training is always progressing, but it's not progressed into a game yet. We said all along that we've been delighted with his progress.

"There's nothing that he's done that's not been encouraging. Whether he's involved on Sunday or not I'm sure Fergie would love to know.

"We don't know, so if he knows he's a better guy than us. He might not even be a substitute."

One player definitely out is right-back Martin Kelly with a hamstring strain, although Dalglish is hopeful the likes of Raul Meireles, Fabio Aurelio, Daniel Agger and Sotirios Kyrgiakos could feature.

"We're hopeful most of them will be fit," he continued. "We don't really know obviously. It's Thursday morning and we're a wee bit away from the game.

"Obviously Kelly won't play due to his hamstring strain and Jonjo Shelvey won't be available either. Everyone else's fitness is more positive then that.

"(Kelly's) been doing really well. To pull up with a hamstring injury will be hurtful for him, especially when he'd had a couple of games rested."

Liverpool Set For Bargain Buy With Champions League Transfer Coup

Copenhagen defender Oscar Wendt is a summer transfer target for Liverpool reports talkSPORT.

Reports in Sweden claim the 25-year-old international left-back currently tops the list of proposed replacements for Kenny Dalglish’s well known problem position after a series of impressive performances in the Champions League this season.

Wendt has also earned rave reviews in the Danish Superliga which has attracted the attention of other European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Barcelona, but Liverpool remain optimistic of bringing the player to Anfield.

The super Swede is available on a free transfer at the end of the current campaign when his Copenhagen contract expires, and as a result Wendt is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any club he wishes.

Since the sacking of Roy Hodgson, summer signing Paul Konchesky has been loaned out to Nottingham Forest – deemed not good enough for the Reds moving forward, leaving England international Glenn Johnson to fill in as a makeshift left-back.

Jose Enrique and Fabio Coentrao have both been linked with a move to Liverpool, and the Anfield chief appears certain to add a player in this position when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

After spending big in the January transfer window, Liverpool owners NESV are prepared to continue backing the club financially in a bid to return the Merseysiders to their former glories and are set to invest again on player additions at Anfield at the earliest opportunity.

Sport.co.uk claim that Jakob Friis-Hansen, the former Head Scout at Liverpool ran the rule over Wendt and has confirmed the club are making attempts to sign the defender on a Bosman transfer in the summer.

Liverpool Could Lose Out On Defender Rolando To Juventus

Liverpool is reportedly set to miss out on Portuguese defender Rolando.

The Porto centre back is expected to make a move away from the Estádio do Dragão after impressing a number of clubs in recent months, with Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish thought to be one of those keen on signing the player.

However, reports in Portugal claim Italian giants Juventus are deep in negotiations over a move for the player, with the pair 'locked in talks' over a potential £12.8 million move.

The Portuguese Liga outfit is reportedly holding out for £15 million though, giving Liverpool hope as the bianconeri struggle to meet the asking price.

A former Belenenses player, Rolando has been an ever-present for Os Dragões this season and has earned nine caps for his country to date.

Liverpool are keen to strengthen their squad at the first opportunity, and Dalglish has hinted at summer additions for the Reds as the Scot looks to revamp his squad.

Defence is thought to be a major area of concern for the Liverpool legend, and the 25-year-old is seen as a potential long-term addition for the Anfield outfit.

Liverpool Plan 'Risk-Free' Reina Replacement

There are growing concerns that Pepe Reina will be tempted by a transfer to either Arsenal or Manchester United, if the 28-year-old’s £20m release clause is activated by a prospective bid this summer.

Amid those fears, Liverpool are drawing up a shortlist of candidates to replace the Spanish stopper and one surprise name on that list is the in-form Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson reports the Daily Telegraph.

Having won only a solitary trophy for Liverpool since leaving Villarreal for Anfield back in 2005, Reina was recently quoted as saying he is keen to play for a club capable of "fighting for titles," casting doubt over his long-term Reds future.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is confident his current number one will still be at Anfield next season however, but it is believed that Robinson is being considered as a possible replacement if a move ever materializes.

At 31, Robinson has an abundance of experience that can be called upon, and that is one of the main draws for the Liverpool coaching team.

The former England keeper is viewed as a risk-free option who, in addition to his international experience, has played in the Champions League during his time at Leeds United.

Robinson has shown glimpses of the form that established him as England’s number one since his £3.5million move to Blackburn from Tottenham Hotspur in 2008, with recent impressive performances said to be the main catalyst to put him in the frame for a move to Anfield.

Liverpool have also been linked with Maarten Stekelenburg, Manuel Neuer and Hugo Lloris as potential goalkeeping reinforcements.

But with only two years left on his current contract, Robinson is likely to be the least expensive option available to the Merseysiders if Reina decides to leave the club, and the player would welcome the chance to end his career at Anfield if Liverpool come calling in the summer.

Liverpool On Alert As £20m Transfer Target Made Available

Liverpool midfielder target Lassana Diarra is set to be made available by Real Madrid this summer.

The French international was heavily linked with a move to Anfield both in August and January, although Liverpool are thought to face competition from Manchester United, Manchester City and Spurs.

Kenny Dalglish has hinted that player additions will be made at the first opportunity in the summer, and a defensive midfielder is thought to be high on the agenda with Christian Poulsen yet to convince the Scotsman that he's the long-term answer at Liverpool.

A player with Barclays Premier League experience through time with Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth, Diarra is on the periphery at the Santiago Bernabeu and Jose Mourinho is thought to be considering allowing the player to leave.

Florentino Perez, president of Los Blancos, is ready to let seven players leave the Spanish capital, according to Spanish publication Sport, with Diarra one of those set to be offloaded in an effort to provide the manager with transfer money to play with.

A number of clubs are thought to be interested in the player who moved to La Liga for £20 million back in 2008, with Liverpool in the chasing pack for the former Le Havre starlet.

Whilst it's unknown how much Madrid will want for Diarra, it's thought that a fee in the region of €14 million would be enough to bring the player to Anfield or any of the other clubs interested.

Liverpool proved in January that they are willing to spend money in the transfer market, and Dalglish could once again turn to NESV in a bid to bankroll a number of key transfers.

Papiss Demba Cisse Would Love To Play At Anfield

Bundesliga star Papiss Demba Cisse would one day welcome a move to Liverpool but insists he is happy at Badenova-Stadion reports SkySports.com.

The Freiburg striker has scored 16 goals so far this season, and has attracted attention from inside Germany as well as further afield.

Fulham and Birmingham were recently linked with a move for the player in the January transfer window, but Liverpool’s reported interest has captured Cisse’s imagination most of all.

The Senegalese international has admitted his admiration for Liverpool in a recent interview having followed the progress of two of his compatriots when they moved to Anfield back in 2002.

"Liverpool is a dream club. Salif Diao and El Hadji Diouf have played there. But to be honest I am happy here at the moment,” he said.

Despite the January signings of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, Liverpool are rumoured to be in the market for further striker reinforcements and Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has pinpointed Demba Cisse as a potential target.

Liverpool Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli is constantly on the lookout for rising talent, and the 25-year-old’s recent form can’t have gone unnoticed.

Although reluctant to fully commit himself to a summer move, Cisse did leave speculation open to interpretation saying:

"I am delighted with my season so far. But you never know in football - things can develop quickly."

Valued at £12.5million, it will take another substantial bid from Liverpool owners to make the move happen.

But if recent activity in the transfer market is anything to go by then NESV will not be put off by the price tag so Demba Cisse could well be on his way to Anfield in the summer.

Liverpool In Pole Position To Sign Sissoko

Liverpool are winning a transfer tug of war with Manchester United and Tottenham in the battle to sign the highly rated Toulouse youngster, reports the Daily Mail.

Sissoko, 21, has been on the radar of number of Premier League clubs over the past few seasons and was close to joining Spurs last summer but the north London club couldn't agree a fee.

The move is thought to be on the recommendation of Damien Commoli, Liverpool's director of football strategy. Commoli was the man leading the bid for Spurs and it seems he has similar desires on bringing the player to Anfield in the summer.

Sissoko is understood to favour a move to Anfield despite turning them down previously.

Sissoko said: "I had contact with several English clubs, notably Liverpool but I preferred to commit myself to Toulouse, the club where I have been educated, to get more experience. It is up to me to go on improving, to become a world class player."

Sissoko is a strong, dynamic player comfortable in a number of positions in midfield.

Reina Looks To Improve

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has vowed to raise his game following an uncharacteristically below par display against West Ham.

The Spaniard has been a consistent performer for the Reds over recent seasons, but was unhappy with his individual showing in Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Upton Park, during which he made several blunders.

The setback followed a run of six clean sheets in seven games for Reina, and the 28-year-old is determined to rediscover that form.

He told Liverpool's official website: "Keeping those clean sheets was about not making mistakes, first of all.

"I did a couple of them on Sunday and I felt really disappointed with my performance individually.

"I won't hide behind any team-mates - I was poor and I have to recognize this and keep learning from the mistakes."

Liverpool has enjoyed a resurgence since the arrival of Kenny Dalglish as manager, and Reina has hailed the impact the Reds legend has had on the club.

He said: "It speaks for itself. He was a great footballer for this football club. He knows exactly what the people are thinking in each moment and that's what he tries to explain to us.

"His comments about football are always about the philosophy of Liverpool and how when we face any rival it depends on us. He tells us to trust ourselves and to be positive at all times so the people are with us.

"Training is realistic and you find that what you've prepared during the week is what happens on a Sunday. That's important. We are prepared."

Liverpool host Manchester United on Sunday in a Premier League clash that could make or break the visitors' season.

And extra spice could be added to the encounter if the Reds' £35million signing Andy Carroll makes his long-awaited debut.

Reina is expecting Carroll, who arrived at Anfield from Newcastle in January but has been kept on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, to thrive on Merseyside.

He said: "I hope it turns out like we all think it will. He's a great player, a top striker and he will score a lot of goals for Liverpool.

"He has that physical condition. He is massive as a unit and a tough bloke to deal with. I know from my own experience how difficult it is to face these kinds of opponents."

Carroll Could Make Debut Against United

Andy Carroll is in line to make his Liverpool debut against Manchester United on Sunday while Raul Meireles, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio could also play.

Liverpool's £35million January signing Carroll has been injured since the turn of the year but he trained fully with the first-team for the first time on Tuesday after recovering from his thigh problem.

Manager Kenny Dalglish has indicated that the club signed Carroll with a view to what he can offer as a long-term replacement for Chelsea signing Fernando Torres but he will still be eager to inject the former Newcastle striker into his team after West Ham ended their eight-match unbeaten run on Sunday.

If Carroll is cleared to face United at Anfield he will almost certainly start on the bench. If either Agger (leg) or Aurelio (abductor) can prove their fitness before Sunday, however, they will likely be inserted straight into the team to cover the left back position vacated by Glen Johnson, who will move to the right in place of Martin Kelly. Impressive young right back Kelly is out for a month after injuring his hamstring against West Ham.

Meireles, who joined Kelly in limping off early during the 3-1 loss at Upton Park, is another who will need to be passed fit later in the week if he is to line up against United in a match that will influence the Premier League title race. Meireles has been in hot scoring form for Liverpool so his inclusion would be a boost for Dalglish's injury-hit team.

Path Set To Be Cleared For Liverpool To Sign £10.5m Croatian

Liverpool target Vedran Corluka could reportedly be available for transfer in the summer.

The Tottenham defender will seemingly fall down the pecking order at White Hart Lane next season after The Times revealed that Harry Redknapp will make Kyle Walker his first choice right-back when he returns from a loan spell at Aston Villa.

It was reported last month by the Daily Mail that Liverpool had made an approach for Corluka during the transfer window and tribalfootball went on to claim that the Anfield club had been 'encouraged' to swoop for the Croatian.

Along with Liverpool, Juventus have also been previously tracking the 25-year-old who - despite being valued by transfermarkt.co.uk at £10.5 million - is likely to available for a reduced sum.

Liverpool are known to be in the market for defensive reinforcements when the transfer window reopens in June and the versatile Corluka would be able to provide cover at full-back or in central defence.

However, with Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Sotirios Kyrgiakos vying for starting berths in the centre - while Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly fight for the right-back slot - Liverpool may be unable to offer Corluka the regular first team football he so craves.

Liverpool has also been linked with Birmingham's Scott Dann and Villarreal youngster Mateo Musacchio in their pursuit of new recruits.

Liverpool 'Make Offer' For £9m Midfield Warrior

Liverpool has allegedly make an offer for Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila.

According to sources in France - as reported by tribalfootball - the Reds have tabled an offer in the region of £9 million for the Frenchman and are now awaiting a response from the Ligue 1 club.

Liverpool is understood to have been monitoring the 20-year-old for some time in their pursuit of a combative midfielder to add extra steel alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard and Raul Meireles.

The acquisition of Christian Poulsen by the previous Liverpool regime can fairly be deemed a flop and - while Lucas Leiva has enjoyed arguably his best season at Anfield thus far - the Merseyside club are thought to be keen to bring in another tough tackling midfielder.

M'Vila would certainly provide Liverpool with extra midfield protection and - at his young age - would have the potential to develop into an integral member of the Anfield set up.

The France international's style would seemingly be suited to the Barclays Premier League - something he readily admits himself.

"Which league do I watch on TV? The Premier League! It matches my game," he told L'Equipe.

"I'm a big fan of the English state of mind and tackling.

"It is a warrior's game, where you have to show plenty of fighting spirit.

"I like to watch Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, but also Manchester City."

Liverpool Defender Target 'Considering' €18m Move

Liverpool defender target Micah Richards is reportedly considering a summer switch from Manchester City.

The England international defender is thought to be wanted by a number of Barclays Premier League teams, with Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish one of those keen to sign the player.

Daily Mail reports claim the right back is questioning his future at Eastlands amidst long-term fears at the club, with the paper going on to claim that the Manchester City defender's representatives have made contact with a number of clubs.

It's thought that Liverpool would face competition from Arsenal and Spurs in the race to sign the 22-year-old, and a fee in the region of €18 million would be needed to secure the signature.

Dalglish has hinted at player additions on Merseyside in the summer, with the Liverpool legend looking to spend big again following over £55 million worth of striker additions in January.

NESV, the new owners on Merseyside, proved that they are willing to back the manager financially and are expected to do so again when the Liverpool manager highlights the player's he wants to sign.

Michel Bastos, Jose Enrique and Fabio Coentrao have all been linked with Anfield in recent weeks, although Richards plays on the opposite side of the defence and will offer Liverpool a separate option to the other three.

Reds Hopeful Over Meireles

Liverpool are hopeful that Raul Meireles, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio will all be fit for Sunday's showdown with Manchester United at Anfield.

Meireles hobbled out of last weekend's defeat at West Ham in the early stages of the second half having damaged a knee in a challenge with Scott Parker before half-time.

The injury was a blow for Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish following the Portuguese playmaker's five goals in seven matches prior to the loss at Upton Park.

But first-team coach Steve Clarke has revealed that the substitution was only a precautionary measure and that Meireles could face Premier League leaders United.

"We're hopeful," Clarke told Liverpool's official website.

"He had a little problem with his knee and as a precaution at the start of the second half we thought it was better to take him off.

"That gives him a better chance of being ready for the next game.

"He'll get three or four days on the easier list and then hopefully towards the end of the week we'll be able to put him back in the preparations for the weekend."

Aurelio could be available to face United as the Brazilian is expected back in full training before the end of the week after recovering from an adductor injury.

Dalglish may also be able to call on Agger, with the injury-prone centre-back set to return from the problem which forced him off in the Europa League win over Sparta Prague

Clarke said: "They are both on the easy list at the moment and we're almost sure Fabio Aurelio will join us (in full training) on Thursday, and we're hopeful Daniel will join us on Thursday or Friday at the latest."

Liverpool Contemplate Controversial Gamble On £15m Nomadic Midfielder

Wolfsburg midfielder Diego is never very far from the newspaper headlines, often for as many antics off the pitch as on it.

But the 25-year-old Brazilian international is in the news again, this time the subject of increased transfer speculation linking him with a summer move to Liverpool.

The Reds’ Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli is said to be a big fan of Diego, who began his promising career in South America at the tender age of 16, making his debut for Santos after graduating from their academy alongside fellow Brazilian stars Elano, Robinho and current Chelsea defender Alex.

Moves to Porto and Juventus never worked out for the eccentric Diego, who has commanded in excess of £40m in transfer fees during his short career, but has by and large failed to live up to his billing.

However, Liverpool have expressed an interest in the player who has showed signs of what he is capable of with his most impressive season coming in the Bundesliga for Werder Bremen where he scored an impressive 22 goals in 39 games.

That sort of form is exactly what Kop fans will be hoping they will see should a move to Anfield be orchestrated.

However, Diego’s off the field antics have tarnished his reputation somewhat and he is seen as a disruptive influence in the dressing room, which may cause Liverpool to approach a potential deal with caution.

Just two weeks ago SkySports.com reported how Diego was suspended by Wolfsburg after defying orders during a recent 1-0 defeat to Hannover when he stepped up, and missed a penalty for his side despite not being the designated taker.

Having said that, he is known for his flair and ability to pull the strings, setting up play for his teammates. A tremendous passer, Diego is also very skillful with the ball at his feet – something that Kenny Dalglish is rumoured to be a huge admirer of.

The Liverpool chief is looking to bring an attacking midfield talent to Anfield to sit behind his newly acquired attacking partnership of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll and the Merseysiders are preparing to table a £15million bid in the summer.

Udinese Keeping Tabs On Liverpool Midfielder Christian Poulsen

Udinese are reportedly closely monitoring Liverpool midfielder Christian Poulsen with the aim of possibly signing him during the summer transfer window.

According to a report in the Liverpool Echo, the 31-year-old is being followed by the Bianconeri, in the hope of joining the Friuli-based club, as a possible replacement for Gokhan Inler, who is linked with a move away to Napoli.

The Denmark international recently stated he would consider his options at the end of the season, but is happy at the Reds despite getting little game time since Kenny Dalglish took over the team.

The Friuli side is ready to make a £3 million offer for the player. His contract with the Merseyside club is set to expire in June 2013.

Poulsen joined the English side last summer from Juventus for £4.5m.

Reds Suffer Defender Injury Blow

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly has been ruled out for a month with a torn hamstring sustained at the weekend.

The 20-year-old has been an ever-present on the right side of defence in the Barclays Premier League since Kenny Dalglish took over as manager in early January.

However, the academy graduate limped off in Sunday's 3-1 defeat at West Ham and will be sidelined for four weeks.

The only consolation for Kelly is that March is a relatively quiet month for the Reds and he is likely to miss Sunday's visit of Manchester United, both legs of Europa League last-16 tie against Portugal's Braga and the trip to Sunderland on March 20.

Reds Bolster Youth Ranks

Liverpool has bolstered their youth ranks by signing 14-year-old Bradford City defender Nial Heaton.

A deal was agreed with the League Two outfit on Tuesday. The Bantams will receive payments based on the teenager's progress.

Youth team coach David Wetherall admitted disappointment at losing such a fine prospect but sees the move as evidence of Bradford's success.

"We have to be realistic about the situation. Part of the success for us is producing players of this quality that benefit the football club financially," he said.

"We are trying to get ourselves in a situation where we no longer have a real need to sell but it’s difficult to stand in players’ way when clubs such as Liverpool come knocking.

"Although myself and Pete [Horne, manager of Bradford's Centre of Excellence] are obviously disappointed that these players won’t be wearing the claret and amber, we’ve a sense of pride that clubs with the quality of Liverpool are interested in them. We’ve got clubs who are interested in other players as well."

Heaton is the third Bantam's youngster to join Liverpool in recent years following Calum Pilkington and Andre Wisdom.

Kenny Dalglish To Work Hard To Repair Damage Of West Ham Defeat

Kenny Dalglish returned to the training ground with Liverpool today on a mission to carry out the “repairs” needed in the wake of his side’s defeat at West Ham.

The preparations will start for Sunday’s crunch clash with Premier League leaders Manchester United at Anfield.

Top of the list will be subjecting his players to a re-run of their miserable performance against the Hammers in a bid to iron out the errors which proved so costly.

No midweek game at least gives the manager the benefit of a full week at Melwood to prepare the Reds for the showdown with United.

“We will sit down and the players can go through the game,” Dalglish said.

“We will have a look and make sure we learn from the mistakes that were made.

“We will look to see where we went wrong and try to repair it.

“The pleasing thing was that the fitness and desire to get back in the game was still there. In the last 20 minutes we played well.

“Collectively we will move forward but we won’t dismiss it. We will get back in and see where we are on Tuesday. A week’s training will do us no harm at all.”

Dalglish will hope for positive news on the injury front. Fabio Aurelio and Daniel Agger both missed last weekend, while Martin Kelly and Raul Meireles limped off at Upton Park.

Liverpool And Arsenal Remain In Hunt To Sign Gervinho

Liverpool and Arsenal have been boosted in the race to sign Ivorian striker Gervinho.

The 23-year-old Lille hitman has been on the radar of a number of Barclays Premier League clubs in recent seasons, with former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson thought to be keen on the player back in the summer.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has also expressed an interest in the past, with scouts from north London sent to watch the player at the Stade Lille-Metropole on a number of occasions.

It's Liverpool who has most recently been linked with the player though, with IM Scouting reporting that an offer was made at the end of December in an effort to bring the player to Anfield.

"I do not know what will happen at the end of the season, but it is normal that I want to improve and grow as a player," Gervinho told French radio station RMC.

"But now my goal is to fight for Lille to help us qualify for next season's Champions League."

With under 18 months left on the player's contract, talkSPORT reports that Les Douges will do business for a fee in the region of €12m.

This is a similar fee to the one reportedly put on the table by Liverpool back at the end of 2010, although at the time the Ligue 1 outfit were reportedly holding out for €15 million.

It's unknown if Arsenal are in the market for a striker, although injuries at the earlier part of the season exposed a threadbare strike-force at the Emirates.

Robin Van Persie has returned to form, but injury still plagues the Gunners' hitman and Wenger is thought to be unsure over his other Arsenal options.

Both clubs could go head-to head in their efforts to bring the player to England, and it remains unclear as to whether Liverpool or Arsenal appeals most to the player.