Scrap January Transfer Window And Make Managers Prove They Can Coach

There is a bit of the politician in all football managers. Most relish issuing the media with manifestos full of worthy pledges about raising coaching standards, enhancing youth development and eliminating financial waste from transfer budgets.

Such promises sound good but a mixture of human weakness and the English game's free-market system makes honouring them tough. Rather like some government ministers, certain managers are addicted to spending as many millions as possible and may find overseas scouting missions more enjoyable than less glamorous, mud‑on‑boots assignments overseeing young academy prospects.

Aware that improving existing playing staffs through coaching is arduous and time-consuming and is not always successful, some of the men placed in charge of our leading clubs struggle to resist the temptation to bet the farm on high‑stakes transfer-market gambles. With trading permissible during the summer and winter transfer windows, some are able to operate in an almost Trotskyite spirit of permanent revolution but, too often, all this upheaval either proves detrimental to their aims or makes little discernible difference to performance.

Take Steve Bruce. Since arriving at struggling Sunderland less than two years ago he has signed 19 new players – four have subsequently departed – while off-loading a similar number. The changes are dramatic; their impact superficial. Once again Bruce's team is fighting for Premier League survival and he is already planning another "major close-season rebuild".

There is a simple, yet intriguing, way to break this cycle of despair. Scrap the January transfer window and leave managers to rely on coaching and motivational abilities for an entire campaign, without the option of buying a way out of trouble halfway through.

In early 2011 this would have left fans fascinated by Kenny Dalglish's endeavours to put Fernando Torres's attacking game back together again at Liverpool. Similarly, Gérard Houllier could have shown us his mettle by steering Aston Villa away from relegation waters without the £24m injection of Darren Bent's goals.

Not that shutting the January swap‑shop alone would be sufficient to create a significantly spicier, much more meritocratic league. Its removal must be allied to a system that punishes all recruitment errors. This should involve clubs being heavily fined – potentially millions – for moving a player on within two years of acquisition. If a new defender, for instance, disappointed and was transferred for £2m 12 months after arrival, 75% of that fee could automatically be directed to a football‑related charity.

In an added twist designed to reduce talent wastage and avoid leaving erstwhile stars whose faces no longer fitted rotting in the reserves, further fines might be imposed on occasions where recent signings aged over 21 featured in less than 80% of a team's fixtures when fit.

By forcing managers to think twice before importing new players this would represent a huge incentive to offer bright academy prospects first‑team chances. The Harry Redknapps and Rafael Benítezs of this world may not approve, but watching such wheeler‑dealers subdue their trading impulses would provide considerable, intensely psychological human drama.

If Tottenham discarding the £15m David Bentley was suddenly no longer financially viable, rebuilding a right-winger once regarded as David Beckham's natural heir would be the manager's only feasible option. A similarly reformed Benítez may even start to regard the days when he signed 77 players in six roller-coaster seasons at Liverpool as his mid-life crisis.

Just as eternally restless householders with bizarre compulsions to paint their sitting rooms new colours every six months could make better use of all that time and energy, managers might learn that improving existing players – sometimes beyond all measure – offers far greater satisfaction than simply replacing anyone regarded to have the merest flaw.

Meanwhile realization would begin to dawn that in terms of raw, unpolished ability there are minimal differences between most Premier League players.

Equally importantly, the new regulations would also help prevent players and their representatives from routinely trying to break already generous contracts by agitating for increasingly lucrative transfers.

What could be better than a system destined to upset agents, restrict greed, improve coaching, promote gifted youth, minimize panic buying and, above all, reveal the identities of those who can and cannot really manage a football team successfully?

Comolli Comes To Front Line For £7m Wing Gem

Liverpool have been given a boost in their hopes to secure France international winger Dimitri Payet, according to reports.

The official Liverpool website has cited sources claiming that the winger, who is reportedly worth £7 million, has been fielding interest from big name clubs throughout Europe, with Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish keen to grow his attacking force.

And contract talks with AS Saint-Étienne and the star have also stalled, meaning that Dalglish might just get his way with the winger's signature.

Liverpool Director of Football Damien Comolli is a personal fan of Payet’s, with the 24 year old scoring twelve goals so far this season for Ligue 1 side Saint-Étienne, as well as setting up countless goals for teammates.

Comolli reportedly sees Payet as being able to supply the ball to dangerous Liverpool forwards Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Comolli praised Payet’s efforts in November last year, comparing him to star playmaker Luka Modric.

“On a natural class level, Dimitri is stronger than a player like Modric, (who) I saw very closely at Tottenham,” Comolli told France Football.

“It is a very high level. We never stopped repeating to him: 'It is only up to you to join a French team'.”

Payet had been linked to Liverpool on a number of occasions last year, and with the transfer period drawing closer, the speculation is no doubt going to grow around the Frenchman.

Agent Says Liverpool Should Contact Wolfsburg For Simon Kjaer

Simon Kjaer's agent has told suitors of the player to direct their interest to Wolfsburg if they wish to make an offer.

The Danish international has been a long-term target for a number of Barclays Premier League clubs, but moved to the Bundesliga instead of England last summer following a successful World Cup.

However, things have failed to work out in Germany after he left Palermo, with Wolfsburg fighting a relegation battle in a season that has seen Steve McLaren sacked as manager.

With the cub four points adrift of safety, relegation would almost certainly lead to the player's exit in the summer, although agent Mikkel Beck has told clubs to direct their interest to the club should they wish to secure a deal.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish was recently claimed to have made a personal trip alongside Damien Comolli to watch the player, while Chelsea scouts have also been tracking the player's progress.

Arsenal have also been linked, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger known to be in the market for a centre back and keen to make a permanent signing at the Emirates in the summer transfer window.

It's Liverpool who the agent referred to directly when speaking to Sport.co.uk though, despite the reported interest of other clubs such as Manchester City and Manchester United.

“Every club can see that Wolfsburg are struggling and therefore a couple of teams are following him a little closer ahead of the summer," stated Beck.

“If Damien Commoli called me I would tell him to contact the club (Wolfsburg). He must see if the club is willing to sell before approaching myself or the player. We are under contract until 2014 so anyone interested in Simon must contact the club.

“We will see what happens in the summer, but it would surprise if Wolfsburg were to sell Simon, as they want to develop the team. But it depends on the situation.”

Whilst a potential fee for the player is not discussed, recent valuations in Germany have placed the player at around the €12 million mark. Liverpool have the finances available should they wish to try and bring the player to Anfield, and owners Fenway Sports Group could be called upon to secure the deal.

Arsenal aren't short of transfer funds either though, and could make it an interesting end of season battle should they wish to pursue the player again.

Liverpool Looming Over Ligue 1 'Leader' Addition

Rennes captain Kader Mangane will become the subject of a summer transfer tussle between Liverpool and Aston Villa according to sport.co.uk.

The 28-year-old Ligue 1 star has established himself at the heart of the French outfit's defence since his 2008 move from Lens.

His commanding displays have been rewarded with the captain's armband in recent months, with his fine form attracting the interest of a number of potential suitors.

With Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish looking to strengthen his defensive department, the Reds boss wants to add a natural leader to his squad and has earmarked Mangane for a move to Anfield.

Currently contracted to Rennes until 2012, Mangane has made his intentions quite clear by stating his dream is to test himself in the Barclays Premier League.

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli has strong links to the French domestic league, and is thought to have utilized his contacts in a bid to gain comprehensive scouting reports on Dalglish's prospective target.

Having made 22 appearances for Rennes this season, Mangane has been one of the standout performers in Ligue 1 this campaign.

The Senegalese international is now hoping to capitalize on his fine form this year, and use it as a platform to move on to greater things.

If Liverpool step up their interest in Mangane they will likely face competition from Villa, with former Anfield boss Gerard Houllier also rumoured to be monitoring the player's situation.

He is also keen to bring a defender to Villa Park, as a potential replacement for James Collins who, ironically has also been linked with a summer move to Liverpool.

Liverpool's Serbian Stopper Search Stalls

Borussia Dortmund look set to keep hold of defender Neven Subotic after the club issued a 'hands off' warning to potential suitors.

The German club, runaway leaders in the Bundesliga, is expected to be raided this summer after an impressive season and Subotic is one of a host of names being linked with such a move.

Liverpool were tipped to be the front runners for his signature but Dortmund chief Hans-Joachim Watzke says the club have no intention of parting with the defender.

"Neven Subotic is not for sale, not for any price," Watzke told Ruhr Nachrichten.

"He is contracted to us until June 2014 and he is an important part of the club's first team as much as for the future of this club."

Kenny Dalglish, who is expected to be given a permanent deal at the club as well as plenty of money to spend this summer, has been charged with building a Liverpool squad capable of challenging for Champions League places and eventually, for the Premier League title.

Having signed Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez in the January transfer window, its clear Dalglish will be trusted again in the summer window to attempt to sign players capable to match such ambitions, alongside Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli.

Poulsen Poised To End Miserable Liverpool Stay

Liverpool flop Christian Poulsen is on the verge of ending his Merseyside misery with a return to former club FC Copenhagen.

The midfielder, signed by Roy Hodgson during his disastrous six month reign at the start of the season, has made just nine league starts for the club after costing £4.5m from Juventus in the summer.

The Denmark international was made a scapegoat for Liverpool's poor start to the season after failing to fill the gap left by Javier Mascherano as the club's deep-lying central midfielder.

Reports in the Danish press claim the 31-year-old has already signed a one-year deal with the Champions League side with a further year on offer if the former Schalke man impresses the Superliga champions.

Kenny Dalglish: Alberto Aquilani Could Come Back To Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish has revealed that Liverpool would welcome Alberto Aquilani back into the fold should he not make a permanent move to Juventus.

The Italian joined the club during Rafael Benitez's reign in 2009 as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, who had left for Real Madrid.

But the former Roma midfielder failed to recover quickly from an ankle injury that he had been carrying since his time at the Italian capital, and struggled to make much of an impact on Merseyside.

The appointment of Roy Hodgson last summer saw the 26-year-old being sent out on a season-long loan to Juventus, with the Turin-based club having the option of a permanent transfer this summer.

However, it is believed that Juve are not keen on coughing up about £14 million for the midfielder's services, while Dalglish has maintained that the Reds would be happy to have Aquilani back next season.

"When people talk about next season, I’m surprised they don’t give Alberto a mention," he said. "Everyone seems to have forgotten about him.

"I know he has done really well at Juventus this season. When the loan finishes at the end of the season, he reverts back to being a Liverpool player.

"Nothing is cast in stone and he could be coming back to play for Liverpool. He could be a valuable asset here next season. He’s still our player."

Dalglish added: "He certainly didn’t have the best of luck last season.

"At times he did really well and at other times he didn’t do quite so well but you can say that about most players. What I do know is that he’s had a fantastic season at Juventus."

Jovanovic Regrets Reds Move

Out-of-favour Liverpool midfielder Milan Jovanovic admits he regrets moving to England last summer.

Jovanovic joined Liverpool on a free transfer after seeing out his contract at Belgian side Stanard Liege.

The Serbian international has found it difficult to make an impact at Anfield and has hardly figured since Kenny Dalglish took over from Roy Hodgson in January.

The 29-year-old, who has been strongly linked with a move away from Liverpool in the summer, admits he is unhappy with his current situation.

Asked if he ever regretted his move to England, Jovanovic told Sportske."If I'm completly honest, I must say that I regularly think about this. If I would move to Italy or Germany I would be happier than in England - my life would be nicer.

"And also for my career it would be better to play in Serie A or the Bundesliga.

"In Belgium I was living in an area where there were so many people from Serbia and my life was different, more dynamic.

"Liverpool is such a different place. I'm here alone, without anybody. I'm just a very lonely stranger.

"In my months here I haven't met anybody from my country. If I wouldn't have my wife and my kids I just couldn't speak Serbian with anybody.

"But Liverpool is of course a club which you can't refuse."

Jovanovic was signed by ex-Reds boss Rafa Benitez, but the Spaniard left Liverpool before the attacker's arrival on Merseyside.

The Serbian admits Benitez's departure has affected his own situation feeling he would be playing more if the Spaniard was still in charge of Liverpool.

"My only regret is, that the coach, who brought me at Anfield, left the club even before my arrival," he said.

"If Rafa Benitez would have stayed in Liverpool I believe everything would be different for me.

"There were 15 other clubs which followed me but I chose Liverpool and make a mistake."

Reds Go Top After Baggies Win

Liverpool U18s moved to the top of Barclays Premier Academy League Group C with a 2-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday afternoon.

A dominant Reds performance saw Krisztian Adorjan fire Rodolfo Borrell's men into a first-half lead.

Adam Morgan doubled Liverpool's advantage in the second period, netting for the 14th consecutive game - 13 of which have been for the U18s.

It means the Reds moved to the summit of the table, level on points with Everton but with a vastly superior goal difference.

Furthermore, Borrell's side has a game in hand with four left to play - though the Blues are next up on Tuesday morning.

Dalglish Contract Key To Liverpool Star Stay

Pepe Reina has hailed the influence of Kenny Dalglish in the Liverpool dressing-room and hinted that should the Scot be handed the long-term reins at Anfield he could well be persuaded to stay at the club.

The Spanish goalkeeper has been the subject of intense speculation over the last 12 months with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal thought to be keeping tabs on his contract situation.

While the former Villarreal man is tied to the Reds until 2016 it had been suggested he could follow compatriots Rafael Benitez, Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa out of the club if a suitable offer was forthcoming.

Speaking about the new optimism on Merseyside, Reina told the Liverpool Echo why he thinks Dalglish heralds a new exciting era at Anfield:

“We all want him to stay. If he stays here on a long-term basis, I would be very happy. Like the rest of the lads.

“We have improved since Kenny became manager. We have beaten all of the big teams. But it is important as players to repeat that in every game. We need to be consistent; with the aggression and commitment, everything.

“We cannot just perform against the top sides because a season is 10 months long. If we get the balance right, we’ll be a lot, lot closer to where we want to be. We started this season, and the last one, not the best. Next time, we need to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Reflecting on Dalglish's connection with the Liverpool fans, following a stellar playing career at Anfield, Reina continued: "It is important that Kenny knows the club. He is a legend in Liverpool – and I mean a legend because sometimes that word is used too much for other people.

“Kenny knows exactly what people think, and what the supporters want to see.

“Because he was a great player himself, he understands the point of view of a player, and that means he knows how to set standards and what is acceptable to us. He makes everything much easier for us.”

Liverpool's New Deal For Steve Clarke Gives Kenny Dalglish Fresh Boost

Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, have given another indication that Kenny Dalglish will be offered the long-term manager's position at Anfield by opening talks with Steve Clarke over a new long-term deal.

Clarke was appointed first-team coach until the end of the season within days of Dalglish's return as temporary manager in January. The Scot has spoken of his desire to continue working alongside Dalglish and that wish is almost certain to be granted after FSG approached the former Chelsea and West Ham United coach over extending his stay.

Dalglish has held talks with John W Henry and Tom Werner, Liverpool's principal owner and chairman respectively, over succeeding Roy Hodgson on a long-term basis, although his widely anticipated appointment is yet to be finalized. Both Dalglish and Clarke are likely to be handed three-year deals having rapidly transformed the club, with Liverpool's owners aware that any return to English football by José Mourinho could result in the Real Madrid manager offering Clarke, who was his right-hand man at Chelsea, the chance of a reunion.

Clarke said: "Every manager I've worked with – you pick up good qualities from all of them and so far, in a short space of time, I've seen a lot of great qualities from Kenny. I hope to continue the work into the future.

"Anyone watching us play right now can see the spirit is high, the confidence is good and the performances have been decent. Now we need to continue it. If you are working well as a group and working well day in, day out in training – you can see they're taking that on to the pitch right now. If you've got that togetherness it goes a long way in any team sport – especially football."

Jamie Carragher is expected to continue at the heart of the Liverpool defence against Birmingham City on Saturday despite being carried off with concussion in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday. Andy Carroll and Fábio Aurélio joined an already extensive injury list at the Emirates with knee and hamstring problems respectively and are doubtful for the home game but Carragher has recovered well from the second-half collision with his 18-year-old team-mate John Flanagan. There is also no stipulation from the Football Association that any player who suffers concussion has to remain sidelined for a specified period of time.

Clarke said: "Fábio has picked up another little strain. Hopefully it's not too bad. We have to keep positive with him because he's a terrific player, as he showed in the Man City game. Carra seems OK and with Andy Carroll, at the moment we're waiting on some news from the medical department."

Reina Looks To The Future

Jose Reina believes Liverpool must hit the ground running next season if they are to re-establish their top-four status in the Premier League.

The Reds are likely to miss out on UEFA Champions League qualification for the second season running after suffering a disastrous first half to the campaign.

Kenny Dalglish's return as manager has somewhat steadied the ship, however, with the Scot guiding the side to wins over Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Sunday's draw at Arsenal also provided a creditable result, but Reina believes they must rediscover their knack for beating teams further down the table.

"We cannot just perform against the top sides because a season is 10 months long," he told the club's official website.

"If we get the balance right, we'll be a lot, lot closer to where we want to be," added the Spaniard, whose team has lost to Blackpool, West Ham and West Brom under Dalglish.

"We started this season and the last one not the best. Next time, we need to make sure that doesn't happen.

"We need to be consistent with the aggression, commitment - everything.

"We have improved since Kenny became manager. We have beaten the big teams. But it is important as players to repeat that in every game."

Reina believes the word 'legend' is used all too often but insists that is not the case for Dalglish, whose man-management skills he rates highly.

"He's a legend in Liverpool - and I mean a legend because sometimes that word is used too much for other people," he said.

"Kenny knows exactly what the people (of the city) think and what the supporters want to see.

"Because he was a great player himself, he understands the point of view of a player and that means he knows how to set standards and what is acceptable.

Liverpool Considering Move For Roger Johnson

Roger Johnson has emerged as a target for Liverpool after director of football Damien Comolli ran the rule over Birmingham City's centre back.

Kenny Dalglish is in the market for a defender this summer and Johnson, who was recently called up to the provisional England squad, is nearing the end of a second impressive season at St Andrew's.

The 27-year-old, who has only one year remaining on his contract after signing from Cardiff for £5million in 2009, is refusing to talk about contracts until Birmingham's Barclays Premier League future is secured. Coincidentally, City face Liverpool on Saturday.

Fresh Twist In Liverpool Pursuit Of £10m Winger

Newcastle have entered the race for reported Liverpool target Balazs Dzsudzsak, it has been claimed.

The Hungarian winger has been in fine fettle this season - scoring 16 times in 31 appearances - and has been one of the focal points of PSV Eindhoven's ascent to the summit of the Eredivisie.

According to talkSPORT, Newcastle are interested in signing the £10 million-rated 24-year-old, but they are likely have to beat off interest from Merseyside, with both Everton and Liverpool said to be monitoring his progress.

Liverpool has been linked with the attacker for some time, and were alleged to have made an enquiry over a proposed deal in January.

Dzsudzsak, however, opted to sign a new deal with PSV - instead of making a switch to Liverpool.

"The most serious teams were Lille, Wolfsburg, Liverpool and Juventus," the player's agent, Jozsef Vorosbaranyi, told origo.hu.

"Some of them made a concrete offer but Balazs decided to stay in Eindhoven."

Liverpool are known to be in the market for more potent wide options, and are also reportedly pursuing Ashley Young and Eden Hazard.

Royston Drenthe Emerges As Anfield Target

Liverpool are reportedly considering a summer move for Dutch international midfielder Royston Drenthe, according to reports.

The versatile 24-year-old Real Madrid player, who can also play in defence, joined Hercules on loan in the summer and is helping the La Liga strugglers in their fight against relegation.

With opportunities at the Santiago Bernabeu limited, Drenthe was keen to seek playing time elsewhere and has been linked with a permanent exit from the Spanish capital on a number of occasions.

Liverpool was first thought to be considering a move back in the summer, and was once again reportedly courting the player in December under former boss Roy Hodgson.

Sections of the British press ran a quote from Drenthe on a facebook page claiming he'd already signed for Liverpool back in June, comments which the player would later state did not come from him.

"I will soon be joining Liverpool FC. I hope I will have a good season," read the statement, which was then declared untrue by his agent days later.

However, fresh reports from SportsVibe claim Kenny Dalglish has revived the Reds' interest in the player. Damien Comolli, director of football at Anfield, is also said to be an admirer.

Juventus and Inter Milan will provide Liverpool with competition for the player, with the Serie 'A' pair also thought to be interested in the former Feyenoord star.

Liverpool And Valencia In Pole Position For Spanish Full-Back

Valencia have joined the race to sign Martin Montoya from Barcelona, reports Goal.com.

The Spanish under-21 international is currently applying his trade with the Barcelona B team and is rumoured to be seeking a move away from the Nou Camp.

But their La Liga rivals Valencia have bid £2.6 million for the full-back in the hope of securing his signature before Liverpool hold talks.

Barcelona has reportedly offered a contract to Montoya, but the 20-year-old is refusing to make a decision until after June's Under-21 European Championships.

Liverpool is known admirers of the defender, and after being linked with the player earlier in the year are sure to keep tabs on Valencia's bid for Montoya.

Meanwhile, talkSPORT are reporting that Fulham will also join the race to sign Montoya, as they look to snatch the defender away from Liverpool and Valencia.

Mark Hughes is keen to replace the outing John Pantsil and the west-London club will attempt to hijack any bid for the defender this summer.

Juventus Expect To Sign Aquilani

Juventus are hopeful they will soon reach an agreement with Liverpool over Alberto Aquilani's permanent move to Turin.

Aquilani, 26, is on a season-long loan with Juve, having failed to impress during his debut campaign at Anfield after joining from Roma in summer 2009.

Juve have the option to purchase the Italy international at the end of the season and general manager Giuseppe Marotta is confident a deal will be agreed.

"We have a good rapport with Liverpool and we think we can reach an understanding," Marotta said in Gazzetta dello Sport. "Alberto has proved to be an important player and we knew him already from his time at Roma.

"We have an option to buy his contract which is quite high for us, but we will soon try to find a solution with Liverpool."

Aquilani has scored two goals in 29 league appearances for Juventus this season.

FIVE Bosman Deals For Comolli And Dalglish To Pursue

With the news that Jean-Marc Bosman, (the Belgian footballer whose court case changed football’s financial clout), is now out of work and living on benefits, I thought it would be a good opportunity for us to look at potential free transfers this summer.

Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich) – I know that we have big Andy and the tricky Suarez, but all top clubs have 3 top class strikers fighting for a starting position so why wouldn’t we take a look at him? Klose’s goal scoring record for Germany is simply phenomenal, and while at 32 he isn’t going to be around forever, he would still be a great signing for a couple of years. Only managing one goal for Bayern this season explains why he is available for nothing this summer. If the German media is to be trusted then Juventus, Benfica and Tottenham have already submitted offers for him. We could do a lot worse than offering him a one year deal.

Cesar Delgado (Lyon) - Also available on a free, this skilful Argentinian winger could be a great addition to our South American flavoured squad. He did score that horrible last minute goal against us after only being on the pitch for 5 minutes, but we cant let that get in the way can we? Whilst I don’t think that he has the necessary class to drive us forward to title contenders as a first team player, he is a battler and could certainly do a job, both on the wing or behind AC if Suarez gets injured.

Taye Taiwo (Marseille) – Why we haven’t already tried to sign this guy on a pre contract agreement, I don’t know! A few years ago he was recognized as one of the best left backs in Europe and at just 25 years old he would definitely add the class needed to our full back berth. Allegedly favouring a move to the San Siro, hopefully King Kenny can convince him that the Anfield project is where he should be. Strong, quick and with good vision I’d love to have him in the squad. Would be a definite starter in the left back position and offers so much both in defence and going forwards. According to the player he has signed a deal with a new club, but hopefully this is just another negotiation tactic!

Sylvain Marveaux (Rennes) – Constantly linked with the Reds, this is the speedy out-and-out winger that we so desperately need. Imagine the scene. Reina saves, rolls the ball out to Taiwo on the edge of the penalty box, silkily he goes past the ageing Giggs before spotting Marveaux on the wing. Playing a simple ball to him, Marveaux controls first time before going on a run that sees Fabio left for dead. The cross comes in and who’s there to power home? Andy “the destroyer” Carroll. Ok, so maybe I’m getting ahead of myself but we need a winger and getting one for free is a good way for us to strengthen the other areas of our squad.

Luis Garcia (Panathinaikos) - Yes I know Luis is 32 and has had a few tough years both in Spain and more recently for Panathinaikos, but I know I’m not the only red that holds a place in his heart for the diminutive Garcia. Get him back on a pay as you play option, with a view to coaching. Ok, so not going to happen but I wish you the best LG.

An article by: James Dempster at Live4Liverpool

FA Will Not Charge Dalglish For Swearing At Wenger

The FA has confirmed that Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will not be charged for using unprofessional language towards Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

The two bosses clashed when the Reds were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time, with the Frenchman believing that his players had been hard done by the decision, and TV cameras caught the Scot swearing at the Gunners manager.

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney received a two-match ban for his usage of offensive language into a camera lens, leading to accusations of double standards.

But a spokesman for the FA is quoted by The Mirror as saying: "We are quite clear that the context of the Rooney incident was wholly different to the other recent incidents cited."

Meanwhile, the FA's director of football development, Sir Trevor Brooking, hopes that the issue of swearing and subsequent punishments will be clarified after Dalglish was not charged.

"It was totally different [from Rooney]," he said. "The reaction straight into the camera [from Rooney] was the difference.

"I can understand why the incident at the West Ham match led to action being taken, but in this one unless it was exactly like that, which I gather it wasn't, I don't think there is any comparison.

"Wherever I've been since the Manchester United versus West Ham game I don't think I've met anyone who thought it was anything other than the right decision.

"If anyone is still unsure why the action was taken then we should clarify it so that it's consistent. There has to be a clear understanding. Clarification would help us avoid a continued debate."

Clarke: It's The Way He Talks

Steve Clarke believes the way Kenny Dalglish talks to his players has been a key factor in Liverpool's revival in 2011.

Manchester United is the only team to have tallied more points in the Barclays Premier League since the Scot re-took the reins on January 8.

And the Reds have continued to gain positive results of late despite a lengthy list of injuries.

Clarke points to Dalglish's treatment of teenage defenders Jack Robinson and John Flanagan at the Emirates on Sunday as an example of how the gaffer gets the best from his players.

"Before Jack went on Kenny was making a joke and trying to relax him going onto the pitch," said the first-team coach. "Obviously it's a very nerve-racking moment for a young player and Kenny was trying to take the edge out of the situation. It was the same with John.

"When you've got someone as experienced as Kenny who says the right words at the right time, it can only help.

"Every manager I've worked with - you pick up good qualities from all of them and so far, in a short space of time, I've seen a lot of great qualities from Kenny. I hope to continue the work into the future."

Dirk Kuyt fired a penalty with the last kick of the game to clinch a point for Liverpool against Arsene Wenger's title-chasers before being mobbed by every one of his teammates.

For Clarke the scenes were another illustration of the team spirit within Liverpool ranks.

"The way our lads responded, they knew they had very little time left but they still wanted to get the equalizer," he said.

"Anyone watching us play right now can see the spirit is high, the confidence is good and the performances have been decent. Now we need to continue it.

"If you are working well as a group and working well day in, day out in training - you can see they're taking that onto the pitch right now. If you've got that togetherness it goes a long way in any team sport - especially football."

Liverpool's comeback - secured just minutes after a Robin van Persie spot kick put Arsenal in front - was all the more laudable from the fact Andy Carroll (knee), Jamie Carragher (concussion) and Fabio Aurelio (hamstring) had to be withdrawn due to injury.

Clarke added: "Fabio has picked up another little strain. Hopefully it's not too bad. We have to keep positive with him because he's a terrific player, as he showed in the Man City game.

"Carra seems okay and with Andy Carroll, at the moment we're waiting on some news from the medical department."