Reina Pledges Future To Liverpool

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has declared his intention to stay at Anfield next season, claiming the club is ready to compete for trophies once more.

Reina's future has been the subject of speculation and he appeared to be dissatisfied by Liverpool's struggles earlier this season. But the club have regained their status as a Premier League force since Kenny Dalglish took over from Roy Hodgson in January following the takeover by Fenway Sports Group.

Although European qualification might be out of Liverpool's reach for next season, Reina is pleased with the way the club is heading and vowed to be a part of what he believes could be a successful new era.

Reina, 28, told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope: "I am happy, calm and comfortable here. I am looking towards the future which I reckon will bring a lot of happiness and hopefully the new project with the new American owners will be a convincing one. Obviously [Rafael] Benítez brought me here but that doesn't mean that I'm unhappy with Dalglish, quite the opposite. I think he's the ideal man for Liverpool at this moment.

"It's my understanding, and based on what I've gathered from the people here, that we will be bringing in some important players, continuing to grow and hopefully in one or two years we will be in the place that Liverpool deserves to be, which is fighting for titles."

The retirement of Edwin van der Sar at Manchester United is one factor that has sparked talk of a possible Reina exit but Liverpool fans will be pleased to hear the goalkeeper has no plans to join their rivals at Old Trafford.

"I am not going to Manchester, that is not my intention," he said. "I don't know if I am a candidate for them; I am sure that they have evaluated a lot of goalkeepers, not just [David] De Gea or Reina."

Kenny’s Keeping Up With The Jones

Kenny Dalglish is ready to go head-to-head with Alex Ferguson for £15million-rated Blackburn defender Phil Jones.

The Liverpool boss was at Ewood Park on Monday to watch the England Under-21 centre-back in action against Manchester City.

And Dalglish - at the game with director of football Damien Comolli - will certainly have been impressed after yet another wonder show from the 19-year-old.

But the Kop face a battle for the youngster, who has become one of the most wanted teenagers in the game.

Manchester United's interest is long established - they made inquiries last summer, with a view to a definite move in the close season.

Boss Fergie will have money to spend and sees Jones as the ideal long-term partner for Chris Smalling, 21.

The pair have impressed in the heart of the defence for England's Under-21s while Jones can also play as a holding midfielder.

Arsenal was knocked back with an approach last year while Chelsea has also been on his tail.

Jones signed a contract until 2016 only a month ago and Rovers chief Steve Kean would not want to lose him.

But a megabucks offer would be difficult to ignore, especially if Blackburn are relegated.

Dalglish has been told by Kop owners he will have cash to spend and strengthening his defence is one of his major priorities.

Bolton's Gary Cahill and Paris St Germain ace Mamadou Sakho are also on Dalglish's radar.

But Jones, who is also attracting interest from Europe, has rocketed to the top of the list.

Former Reds Star Set For Surprise Return To Anfield

Want away Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock could make a surprise return to Liverpool reports the Daily Mail.

Contract negotiations at Villla Park broke down between the player and manager Gerard Houllier, before he was taken ill in hospital, and the news has attracted the attention of a number of Barclays Premier League suitors.

Warnock has been frozen out of the first-team squad, having made only 19 appearances for Aston Villa this season, and the 29-year-old now looks set to move on this summer.

Bolton Wanderers are rumoured to be considering a cut-price offer of £2million to bring Warnock to the Reebok Stadium, considerably less than the £6million ex-Villa manager Martin O'Neill paid to bring him to Aston Villa less than two years ago.

However, Liverpool are also reportedly interested and are preparing a rival bid for the former Reds trainee after Kenny Dalglish made a left sided defensive recruit the top priority this summer.

Having deemed Paul Konchesky surplus to requirements for Liverpool, Dalglish has instead opted to deploy an out of position Glen Johnson at left back for much of the season, until a recent injury curtailed his campaign.

With Fabio Aurelio also struggling for fitness, 'King' Kenny has had to utilize his squad by delving into the youth academy to promote some of Liverpool’s brightest young stars.

Warnock's career of course started at Liverpool, where he progressed through the club's youth academy before making his debut in 2004 in a Champions League qualifier.

The England fringe player would favour a return to Anfield should Liverpool step up their interest in the summer, and Reds fans will take reassurance from the fact they know what they are getting with Warnock in terms of an industrious, hard-working, honest professional.

Liverpool Ready To Move For Sevilla Star

Liverpool has been alerted to the availability of Sevilla winger Diego Perotti after the Spanish side agreed to sign German international Piotr Trochowski in the summer.

According to reports in tribalfootball.com, Sevilla are prepared to listen to offers for the Argentinean winger who has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League.

It appears as though the Reds will have a busy summer after a host of national newspapers claimed that there could be as many as 22 deals done for players arriving and leaving Anfield.

High on the list for manager Kenny Dalglish is a winger capable of delivering quality crosses for record signing Andy Carroll who flourished at Newcastle thanks is large to the delivery of Joey Barton from wide positions.

Sevilla had hoped to keep hold of the talented 22-year-old, but now seem resigned to losing Perotti after agreeing a deal to bring Trochowski to Spain.

"Piotr will sign a four-year contract with Sevilla," confirmed Trochowski's agent Roman Grill.

While Sevilla have a €48million buyout clause in the players contract it is believed that Liverpool would be able to get their man for somewhere in the region of €14m.

Perotti has been one of Sevilla's most consistent performers this season, starting 24 league games and contributing four goals and a further three assists.

Dalglish is short of options in wide positions with Maxi Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt currently being deployed on the wings, but neither are considered natural wingers.

While Perotti is normally deployed on the left wing he has the ability to play on the right and is known for his pace and good delivery from wide positions.

Liverpool Lead Arsenal In Race For £10m EPL Wing Wizard

Aston Villa and England midfielder Stewart Downing will become the subject of a summer transfer tussle between Liverpool and Arsenal according to the Metro.

The 26-year-old Villan has enjoyed a successful season personally, turning in a string of sensational performances for the Midlands club this campaign, and is set to be named Villa Park player of the year.

The News of the World reports how Downing, who has been rated at £10million, has emerged as a target for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, having been encouraged to spend in the summer by the Gunners' new majority owner Stan Kroenke.

Downing could be tempted to the Emirates Stadium by the offer of Champions League football with Arsenal, though he is understood to have his heart set on a move to Anfield.

Liverpool have long admired Downing, and interim Reds manager Kenny Dalglish made an enquiry as to his availability in the January transfer window only for the approach to be rebuffed.

Dalglish has made no secret of his desire to recruit in the wide midfield options this summer, to provide more firepower for recently acquired strike partnership Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Having spent nearly £60million in the January window, Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group look set to continue investing in the playing squad by delving into the transfer market again this summer.

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli is said to have given the green light for the Reds to step up their interest in Downing, but will face competition from Arsenal for his signature.

After compiling scouting reports from across Europe, Wenger believes Downing offers the best value for money in his position, and is prepared to sell the likes of Nicklas Bendtner, Denilson and Carlos Vela to free up the necessary space on the Gunners’ wage bill.

Chung-Yong Lee Linked With Summer Anfield Switch

Liverpool is once again considering a transfer move for Bolton Wanderers winger Chung-Yong Lee, according to reports.

The South Korean international originally emerged on the Reds' radar back in the summer, with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez considering an £8 million move according to the Daily Mail, as well as various other sources.

At the time, Owen Coyle urged Lee to stay at the Reebok Stadium, and it proved to be a wise choice for the 22-year-old who is now a regular starter for the Barclays Premier League outfit.

His nationality would be an additional bonus for Liverpool, with main sponsor Standard Chartered urging Kenny Dalglish to sign a player from the Asian continent to help club connect with the market.

"The real power Liverpool could do for us, and for the Premier League, is if there was a way they could nurture foreign players from Asia," said sponsorship chief Kevin Laws.

Predominantly playing on the right wing, Lee can also play on the left or behind the strikers, providing a versatility that the club is searching for in the transfer market this summer. Sportingo claim the Reds will have to pay in the region of £10 million to land the player.

Alongside Damien Comolli, director of football at Liverpool, Dalglish is thought to have created a transfer wish list containing wingers, central midfielders, left backs and strikers.

With Ashley Young, Eden Hazard and Dimitri Payet also reported to be on the Merseyside outfit's radar, a busy summer of activity now appears to be on the cards for Liverpool.

Reds Miss Out On Defender

Liverpool has missed out on one of their left back targets as Nigerian defender Taye Taiwo has snubbed a move to the Premier League.

The Olympique Marseille defender had been one of a number of left-backs who have been linked with a switch to Anfield in the summer, but instead he appears to be on the way to Italy.

French daily L'Equipe reports that he has agreed a three-year deal at the San Siro outfit and will join Milan, when his current contract with Marseille comes to an end, this summer.

Both Liverpool and Chelsea had been linked with a move for the powerfully built defender but it appears they will have to turn their attentions elsewhere.

Fabio Targets Early Return

Fabio Aurelio is hoping to return from injury before the end of the season and help Liverpool in their quest to reach Europe.

The Brazilian is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during the 1-1 draw at Arsenal, but remains optimistic he can make a comeback soon.

"I'm optimistic I will be able to play again before the end of the season," said Aurelio.

"It's the same hamstring injury I had against Manchester United in March but in a slightly different place.

"It is very frustrating but the way I look at it is God is good all the time and I still have faith that things will turn around.

"That is why I keep fighting to get fit."

In the absence of Aurelio, Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly, Academy graduates John Flanagan and Jack Robinson have been given their chance by Kenny Dalglish, and Liverpool's No.6 has been suitably impressed.

"I didn't see the rest of the first half at Arsenal as I was inside being treated but I saw most of the second and Jack looked very confident," he added.

"He showed his ability, quality and personality. It was the same with John Flanagan.

"They are very young but they didn't seem to feel the pressure at all."

Reds Crash To Derby Defeat

Liverpool U18s' hopes of topping FA Premier Academy League Group C suffered a blow as they went down to a 4-0 defeat at leaders Everton on Tuesday afternoon.

Goals from Eric Dier, Hallam Hope and John Lundstram put the hosts into a commanding interval lead before Anton Forrester sealed the points with a close range finish late on.

It means the Reds are now six points adrift of the Toffees who have just one game remaining.

However, with two games in hand and a superior goal difference Rodolfo Borrell's side will still harbour hopes of landing the title, albeit with an under strength side due to the forthcoming U17 European Championships.

On a rain-soaked pitch at Finch Farm, the visitors made a sluggish start and looked a shadow of the side that had notched up 84 goals in 28 matches this season.

The inclusion of Tom Ince and Suso did little to deter a determined Everton team and after Jake Bidwell had headed a good chance over the top they took the lead on seven minutes.

A right-wing corner was swerved right into the danger area where Dier rose unmarked to bullet a header beyond Jamie Stephens.

It was a bitter blow for the away side and they were left reeling again just three minutes later when a lightning break down the left ended with Hope arriving late to steer a stunning shot into the far corner.

It was all the more frustrating for Liverpool as Joe Rafferty appeared to have been fouled in the lead up to the goal.

The Reds were struggling to gain a foothold in the game and despite half chances for Toni Silva and Suso they rarely looked like troubling Connor Roberts in the Everton goal.

Instead, all of the action of note was taking place at the other end and Anton Forrester came close to embarrassing Stephens with an audacious 30 yard curler that dipped just over the crossbar before Lundstram guided his volley straight at the Reds stopper.

It seemed like being a huge let off for Liverpool just prior to the interval but they did not heed the warning and three minutes later the home team added their third of the afternoon.

Some determined play by Jordan Barrow on the left side of the Liverpool penalty area saw the midfielder clip a cross to the far post for Lundstram to loop a fine header back across goal and into the top corner.

It had undoubtedly been the worst 45 minutes of the season for the U18s and despite dominating possession following the interval they struggled to breakthrough a well marshalled Everton rearguard.

Both Silva and Conor Coady fired way over from distance before Suso finally tested Roberts with a smart turn and shot.

Not even the double introduction of Krisztian Adorjan and Michael Ngoo could add to Liverpool's fire power and when the latter guided a free header inches wide on 75 minutes it was clear it wasn't going to be their day.

The Blues had rarely broken beyond the halfway line in the second period but with less than six minutes on the clock they caught the visitors cold when Hope crossed for Forrester to seal the points from close range.

John Aldridge: Kenny Dalglish Is Untouchable And Will Definitely Sign As Liverpool FC’s Permanent Manager

There’s a real optimism around the club at the moment and it’s enjoyable being a Liverpudlian again. You can feel it around the ground and in the pubs. The mood has been transformed and it’s amazing to think that only a few months ago it was all doom and gloom.

I share that excitement about the future. The signs are very promising but it’s important nobody gets carried away.

If Liverpool really is going to challenge in the Premier League next season then we need to make three or four top signings this summer. Kenny Dalglish will know there’s a lot of work to be done.

There’s a minimum of 10 players who need to be off-loaded this summer. There’s too much dead wood who aren’t good enough for the club.

Moving them on is going to be crucial because it will boost Kenny’s kitty for signings.

If we can get Jose Enrique, Gary Cahill, Ashley Young and Charlie Adam I’ll be happy.

Left-back has been a problem position for us all season and Newcastle’s Enrique has impressed me. We also need another centre-half and Cahill at Bolton fits the bill.

Everyone would love Young in their side and he would be a great buy. We all know Liverpool need some width and pace.

Adam came close to joining us in January and it wouldn’t be a surprise if we went back in for him to strengthen the midfield.

One person definitely signing will be Kenny himself. With the way he’s turned things around, Kenny really is untouchable. It’s just about sorting out the right deal for him and the right deal for the club.

It was a very enjoyable afternoon on Saturday. Birmingham are no mugs but we hammered them.

The work ethic running through the side was great to see. Everyone is playing for each other.

I’m not a big fan of Maxi Rodriguez but fair play to him because that was by far his best game for Liverpool. Anyone who walks away with the match ball after scoring a hat-trick has to be man of the match.

Lucas Leiva was also excellent, while Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt were a real handful with their movement and work rate.

Jay Spearing had a really good game and full-backs John Flanagan and Jack Robinson were very solid.

Their performance was a tribute to the way Kenny has nurtured them. A lot of managers would have played Sotirios Kyrgiakos in recent games and shifted Jamie Carragher to full-back.

But Kenny has put his faith in the kids. He believes in the youth system and it’s clear the youngsters believe in him.

I liked the fact Kenny had Andre Wisdom, a young centre-half with tremendous potential, warming up with the players before the game on Saturday. We also had Conor Coady on the bench.

Our Academy lads have done brilliantly since they made the step up to the first team. They have ensured there are positives to come out of the negative of having so many injuries.

They have a huge part to play in Liverpool’s future but we still need to build the squad up with some quality additions this summer.

Maxi Rodriguez: Liverpool Can Pip Tottenham To Fifth Place

Liverpool midfielder Maxi Rodriguez believes that the club can still beat Tottenham to fifth place in the Premier League and in doing so qualify for European football next season.

The Argentine international scored a hat-trick in Saturday’s thumping 5-0 win over Birmingham and believes that with Tottenham slipping up against West Bromwich Albion they could overtake Harry Redknapp's side in the chase for fourth position.

“It is definitely a great feeling to score a hat-trick but it is not just about me scoring the goals," he told the club's official website.

“The team played really well and that is the most important thing.

“Tottenham's draw means we have closed the gap to fifth place and we still have a chance of qualifying for Europe. We will keep fighting right until the end and hopefully we can finish the season in a positive way.”

Maxi’s hat-trick on Saturday was his first for the club and he admitted he was taken aback by the reception of the crowd after he was taken off in the closing stages of the game.

He added: “It's definitely my best moment in a Liverpool shirt.

“I think it's more special because we scored a lot of goals, it was my first hat-trick for the club and also because I scored it at Anfield in front of our fans.

“I have to say that it was also a great moment when I was substituted in the last minute. The whole ground gave me a reception I will never forget and Kenny also said he was very happy with my performance, so I have to be delighted with what was a perfect day for me.”

Liverpool Chase South American 'Gareth Bale'

Udinese wing back Pablo Armero has been linked with Liverpool this week as a potential solution to the Reds’ left back problem, but who is he?

Armero is Colombian and started out life playing for America de Cali in his native country. The wing back had already played and impressed for Colombia’s U17s, making him a player with tremendous promise for his club. He made his debut for America in 2004, and during his four year stay with the team, he helped the club win its 13th national championship.

With his registration not owned by his club however, but by Sport Agency Turbo Sports, he was loaned out to Brazilian side Palmeiras in 2009. Still young, he made an impression in the Brazilian first division with his speed, crossing ability and attacking intent. He can play either as a full back and left winger, and he stated himself he feels most comfortable in a wing back role where he has the ability to both defend and get forward.

After a season at Palmeiras, where he made 36 appearances and score two goals, he was on the verge of signing for Italian club Parma last summer. Armero had signed a pre contract agreement with the Serie A team, but due to Parma having too many non-EU players in their squad, the move collapsed.

Despite the disappointment over the failed moved to Parma, it was no long before the 25 year old received interest from another Italian club. On 28th August 2010, Armero signed for Udinese. Already an experienced international with 21 caps to his name after making his debut in 2008, he linked up with compatriots Christian Zapata and Juan Guillermo Cuadrado in Udine, and the trio has helped the Italian club push towards a European place this season.

Udinese are still in with a chance of qualifying for the Champions League, and have backed up their credentials with wins over Napoli and Inter Milan this season. In both matches, Armero starred as he performed well in his wing back position, causing trouble especially for Inter full back Maicon. It has been rumoured that he has been watched by Barcelona and he recently stated that he would like to play for a team that plays attacking football.

Armero’s contract only has 12 months to run, according to reports, and while he is currently valued at £9million by Udinese, the lack of time left on his deal could persuade the Italian club to lower their asking price.

Academy Football: Liverpool Under-18s Ready For Crunch Derby Title Clash With Everton

It is almost a winner-takes-all derby at Finch Farm this morning as Liverpool under-18s look to go back ahead of rivals Everton in the race for the Group C title in the Barclays Premier Academy League.

Rodolfo Borrell’s youngsters went above long-time North West section leaders Everton last week with an excellent 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion.

Hungarian striker Krisztian Adorjan was on target and Halewood youngster Adam Morgan completed the victory when he scored for the 14th consecutive game - 13 of which have been for the U18s.

Liverpool led on goal difference until Everton’s win over Manchester United on Saturday. But victory for Borrell’s side today would mean they would be favourites to finish top as they have two games in hand on their Mersey neighbours and a vastly superior goal difference.

And Liverpool go into the match in sparkling form having sealed 12 straight Academy League victories with the success over the Baggies. They only defeat they have suffered in 2011 was in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final against Manchester United at Anfield. Although they have avenged that since with two wins over the Red Devils, the latest a 6-0 success at the Kirkby Academy.

In their 24 matches in the Academy League, Liverpool has scored a massive 66 goals and has a goal difference 14 better than Everton. But the Blues will provide the sternest test Liverpool has faced this season, having only lost once in the league since October.

Lucas Vows To Fight For Place Next Season

Lucas Leiva is determined not to be pushed back on the periphery by Liverpool’s anticipated transfer spree this summer.

Club owners Fenway Sports Group have already intimated they are prepared to spend heavily to strengthen the squad and help propel the Anfield outfit back into the Champions League.

It means many senior players could find their futures under threat by the expected influx of incomings that will follow the January arrivals of £58million duo Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez. Click here to follow us on Twitter for the latest Liverpool FC updates.

But having recently penned a new contract, Lucas believes he has demonstrated he deserves a regular starting place after winning over the doubters with his performances during the last 18 months.

“A new season is a new season, but I don’t think I would have signed a new contract if the club did not have a plan for me,” said the central midfielder. “I am just happy with the way I am playing.

“A lot of players have come already and I am still here, still playing, so that means that the club believes in my football and my qualities. I am just trying to play well.

“We will sign some players for next season that is for sure, but I think I am showing that I am capable of playing in the team all the time.”

Lucas made his 43rd appearance of the season in Saturday’s 5-0 romp against Birmingham City, with only Martin Skrtel and Pepe Reina having played more games.

And the Brazilian added: “Last season I think I played 46 games, but this season I am trying to take more responsibility than I did last season because some players left and I am trying to step up and to show my real quality.

“I am really confident and happy with the way I am playing and I just have to improve and next season fight for my place.”

Among those extra responsibilities is helping teenagers such as Jack Robinson and John Flanagan, who have been pressed into action in recent weeks due to Liverpool’s lengthy injury list.

And with Kenny Dalglish’s side having moved to within three points of Tottenham Hotspur, Lucas has not given up hope of a top-five finish.

“With the youngsters that are in the team now, we have to make sure they are as comfortable as they can be,” he said. “They will make mistakes, everyone does, but at the end of the day I think they are doing really well.

“We are delighted because the way they came in when some important players were injured has been brilliant. We are on a good run at the moment and I think they deserve to be playing at the moment.

“We just have to try and finish as high in the table as possible and the way we are playing at the moment I think we deserve to be higher than sixth place where we are at the moment.”

A knee injury to Carroll meant a first outing in more than a month for Maxi Rodriguez. And Lucas believes that the Argentine responded with his first hat-trick for the club underlines the unity and morale of the squad.

“Maxi is an important player for us, he has not played for a few weeks but he showed what he can do,” he added. “It is not just about the goals, but his work-rate too. He always plays for the team and we are all delighted for him.

“The way in which he slotted straight back into the team shows everyone is together and the team is playing with confidence.”

Liverpool Midfielder Will Quit Club To Further Career

FC Copenhagen is ready to offer Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen a way out of his Anfield nightmare, with international manager Morten Olsen claiming the 31-year-old must quit the club if he wants to retain a place for his country.

After being signed by Roy Hodgson for almost £5 million, Poulsen has struggled to impress the Liverpool fans, despite initially being signed as a potential replacement for Argentine Javier Mascherano.

Since arriving at the club, Poulsen has been subject to a change in management with Hodgson leaving for West Brom, and new boss Kenny Dalglish seems uninterested in what the experienced Dane has to offer.

Having started three of Dalglish’s first four games in charge, Poulsen lost his place in the team and has only featured in two Europa League fixtures since.

Poulsen has steadily slipped down the pecking order, finding himself below the likes of Steven Gerrard, Lucas, Jay Spearing, Raul Mereiles and Jonjo Shelvey. As he continues to sit out on most of Liverpool’s affairs, Denmark boss Morton Olsen has warned Poulsen that he could be dropped from the squad if he does not get more regular first-team football.

"I don't know if he is going to get in the Liverpool team during the remainder of this season,” Olson revealed. “If he isn't, he will not be in my squad for the Euro qualifying game against Iceland on June 4.”

Whilst Kenny Dalglish has insisted no player has already had his future decided by the management, Poulsen is likely to be one of the current squad preparing for a move away from Anfield.

After a tumultuous spell at the Merseyside club, Poulsen now looks set to be offered a way out by Superliga champions FC Copenhagen. With Poulsen regarding his international future as being of the utmost importance, a return to his homeland may be the spark required to reignite his international fortunes with the Euro’s edging closer.

However, with Kenny Dalglish refusing to condemn Poulsen to the scrapheap, the Dane's agent Jorn Bonnesen has stated his client will continue to fight for a place in the Liverpool team until his contract is up in two years time.

"Danish football is in no way interesting to Christian this summer," Bonnesen revealed to bold.dk. "That is not in his mindset. Christian is happy in Liverpool and it is both on and off the pitch. He has a contract with the club for two years yet and he will continue playing in order to earn playing time.

"He has been out with a hamstring injury the past few matches. That's why he has not been in the squad.

Liverpool FC Hat-Trick Anfield Ovation Will Live With Maxi Rodriguez Forever

Maxi Rodriguez admits he will never forget the ovation from the Anfield crowd after his “best moment in a Liverpool shirt”.

Maxi netted the first hat-trick of his career for the club with three close-range finished in the 5-0 home romp against Birmingham City on Saturday.

It doubled the total for the season for the Argentine, who was making his first outing in more than a month after being recalled in the absence of the injured Andy Carroll.

Maxi left the field to rapturous applause from the home supporters when substituted for David Ngog a minute from time.

And the midfielder said: “It’s definitely my best moment in a Liverpool shirt.

"I think it’s more special because we scored a lot of goals, it was my first hat-trick for the club and also because I scored it at Anfield in front of our fans.

“I have to say that it was also a great moment when I was substituted in the last minute.

“The whole ground gave me a reception I will never forget and Kenny also said he was very happy with my performance, so I have to be delighted with what was a perfect day for me.”

Maxi’s treble helped Liverpool on their way to a biggest league win since September 2009 while closing the gap on fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur to just three points.

The Londoners have a game in hand, but have still to visit Anfield and must also travel to title-chasing Chelsea and FA Cup finalists Manchester City in their final five fixtures.

And Maxi added: “It is definitely a great feeling to score a hat-trick but it is not just about me scoring the goals.

“The team played really well and that is the most important thing.

“Tottenham’s draw means we have closed the gap to fifth place and we still have a chance of qualifying for Europe. We will keep fighting right until the end and hopefully we can finish the season in a positive way.”

Carroll failed to overcome the knee injury suffered during the second half of the dramatic 1-1 draw at Arsenal six days earlier.

The 22-year-old now faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s visit of previous club Newcastle United, from whom he was bought by Liverpool in January for a club record £35million.

But Magpies skipper Kevin Nolan is hopeful his former team-mate will be available – so he can give him a boot!

“The big man missed out because of an injury, and he doesn’t know how long he will be out,” said Nolan. “Hopefully, he’ll be back so I can kick him!

“I don’t know if I want him to play or not. I do so I can kick him, but I don’t want to him to play because of the threat he can pose.

“He’s clicking into gear, and he’ll be desperate to play against us. You will see the best of him next year.”

Newcastle haven’t won at Anfield since 1994, but boyhood Liverpool fan Nolan – who could also miss the game with a niggling groin problem – believes Alan Pardew’s side are in the form to repeat their 3-1 win when the teams met at St James’ Park in December.

“Records are there to be broken – we don’t worry about anything like that,” said the midfielder.

“This is a different team to ones that have gone there in the past. There’s no better place to play your football away from home.

“We’ve been brilliant away from home this season, and we’re full of confidence.

“They had a fantastic result and they’re full of confidence, so it’ll make for an entertaining game.”

Redknapp Questions Kuyt Future At Liverpool

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has questioned the Reds future of Dirk Kuyt.

In his column for the Daily Mail, Redknapp wrote: "Dirk Kuyt has scored seven goals in his last six Barclays Premier League games and has once again proved his value to Liverpool, but I wonder if he faces a fight to get into Kenny Dalglish's team next season.

"They need width and to sign wide players to supply Andy Carroll, especially, and Luis Suarez next season.

"That could lead to a substitute role for the Dutchman."

John Aldridge: Dirk Kuyt Will Always Do A Great Job For Liverpool FC

Dirk Kuyt still has his critics among Liverpool fans but I disagree with anyone who knocks him. I don’t think he’s got anything to prove.

The Dutchman has had an excellent season. He’s our top scorer with 13 goals and is currently enjoying a rich vein of form.

Kuyt’s work rate is second to none and he took his goal expertly against Birmingham on Saturday. It was a very tidy finish.

Of course we expect Kenny Dalglish to sign wide players this summer and when Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll are both fit they will be the first choice strike pairing.

But whatever happens, Kuyt is going to be a very valuable asset next season. He’s shown again recently he can do a great job for the team whether he’s out on the right or up front alongside Suarez.

It’s great for Kenny Dalglish to have someone who is so versatile and offers him different options.

Dalglish - No News On Deal

Kenny Dalglish insists there is still nothing to announce regarding his future as Liverpool manager.

The Scot returned to the Anfield hot-seat in January, answering an SOS call from the club following their decision to remove Roy Hodgson from the role.

A former fans' favourite from his playing days, Dalglish inherited the reins a decade after his previous spell as boss came to an end.

He enjoyed considerable success during his first stint as coach, between 1986 and 1991, and has sprinkled his magic dust on the Reds once more.

Results have improved dramatically since he replaced Hodgson, with there still a chance that Liverpool could secure a top-five finish this season.

The Anfield faithful are hoping Dalglish will be kept on for the foreseeable future, with his current deal only set to run until the end of the season.

It is expected that Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, will offer him an extended stay, but for now no agreement has been put in place.

Dalglish said: "I have nothing to say and nothing to discuss. When we have some news, I will tell you.

"There is nothing to be announced. For me, it is an honour to be here and an honour to have been asked.

"I said if I could come back and help I would do. They asked me and I have come and if I helped and the supporters have enjoyed it, then so have I."

The Liverpool fans showed their support for Dalglish once again during Saturday's rousing 5-0 demolition of Birmingham and the 60-year-old is flattered by their ongoing show of faith.

He said: "It is humbling when they chant my name, but it would be better if they chanted the players' names as they are doing the business on the pitch."

Dirk Kuyt Believes A Few New Signings Will Allow Liverpool To Challenge For Premier League Title

A few more signings this summer will allow Liverpool to challenge for top honours again, according to in-form Dirk Kuyt.

The Dutchman netted Liverpool’s second goal in Saturday’s 5-0 victory of Birmingham City – a win which extended the Reds' unbeaten home record under caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish to eight games.

Since taking the helm at the club after Roy Hodgson’s January departure, Dalglish has rejuvenated performances and introduced a crop of youngsters into the first-team, which Kuyt believes will contribute to a bright future if the Scot is able to strengthen the squad.

"If we can add a few other good players I think we can compete with the best,” said Kuyt.

"It has a bit of the same feeling as 2009 when we were really close and finished second.

"I had the feeling that if we made a few good signings we would be right up there and that is exactly the case now.”

The Anfield squad list was re-written in January when Fernando Torres departed for Chelsea and strikers Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll were bought to fill the void - business which Kuyt believes has been complimented by the impact made by the club’s youngsters as the club looked to the academy to battle a growing injury list.

He added: "With the arrival of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll we have two top quality signings but also with the arrival of the young lads who are doing well things are looking much more promising.

"Everyone is speaking about Flanno and Robbo [full-backs John Flanagan and Jack Robinson] but Jay Spearing is also doing well.”

Kuyt’s strike in the victory over Alex McLeish’s men was his seventh goal in six Barclays Premier League outings and the 30-year-old is confident that the strong second half of the season enjoyed by the Reds along with a good group work ethic will bring success to Anfield next season.

"We have already shown in the second half of the season we can beat Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and draw at Arsenal,” said the former Feyenord striker.

"We are close but everyone is thinking we have to move forward and we have to get better.

"Hopefully we have learned from 2009 and if we can move forward we will be there and the way I see it that will happen."