Dalglish Wants Away Success

Kenny Dalglish has pointed to Liverpool's home form as an indication of what they are capable of.

The caretaker manager has managed to make an instant impression since taking over from Roy Hodgson, highlighted by his nine-match unbeaten run at Anfield.

But it is Liverpool's away form that has become a cause for concern and hampered the progress made under their former playing idol.

Defeats on the road have come against Blackpool, West Ham and West Brom, teams the Merseyside outfit would have expected to dispatch of.

These defeats have helped to build the sum of a staggering 10 losses on the road this term.

Newcastle will be the visitors on Sunday as the Reds go for a fourth successive victory.

And although there have been signs of a renaissance at Anfield under Dalglish, he is aware there is still much work to be done.

"You cannot have great home form and terrible away form. You may need to marry the two together," he said.

"We've had a lot of positive results at Anfield and that's a step in the right direction. We know that if we can do it at home then we can do it away too.

"The away form is something everyone would like to improve upon and if we do there will be a better chance of being successful."

Liverpool still have an outside chance of qualifying for the Europa League as they sit sixth in the table, just three points behind fifth place Tottenham.

However, they have played one game more than Harry Redknapp's team, they are still in with a chance of qualifying.

Yet, their stand-in boss, who is set to be appointed on a permanent basis in the summer, is remaining coy about their chances.

"We will play every game as it comes and see how many points we get," he added.

"The more points we get the better chance we have of finishing higher up the table.

"That is our ambition, to get three points against Newcastle on Sunday, and let's see where that takes us."

Liverpool And Arsenal Keen On Krkic

Arsenal and Liverpool are chasing Barcelona star Bojan Krkic, according to reports in Spain.

Much was expected of the young striker after his prolific form throughout the club's youth ranks, but he has so far failed to produce his best in the first team.

The 20-year-old has often struggled to break into Barca's star-studded starting line-up and has been utilized mainly from the bench in the last four seasons.

But sources in Spain have suggested that Bojan will look to move on in the summer in a bid to secure more regular first-team football.

The striker has started just seven La Liga games all season, and only 40 since his breakthrough into the first team in 2007.

Now Barcelona are reportedly ready to let him leave and Arsenal and Liverpool are among a host of clubs who are keen on making a bid for him in the summer.

Liverpool Defender Target Hints At End Of Season Move

Porto center back Rolando has hushed rumours of reaching an agreement with Liverpool already, though the star has hinted that he will consider offers to move to the Merseyside club in the summer.

“At the end of the season we’ll speak about it,” Rolando said of the interest shown by Liverpool and other English clubs.

“For now, I want to concentrate on my team and my all for them.”

Rolando’s agent recently admitted that there has been a lot of interest in the 25 year old this season, with competition hotting up for the star as the summer transfer period draws closer.

“Manchester United and Liverpool are following the player,' he revealed.

“I think something could move towards the end of the month but, for now, the clubs are both focused on the league and the Champions League.'

“There were observers to follow him from many clubs including Inter Milan, Juventus, Manchester United and Liverpool,' Rolando’s agent Peppino Tirri said.

'The player’s rating is very high. €15million? Even a little more.

Marveaux Becomes Liverpool's First Summer Signing

Liverpool has already started putting their squad together for next season's Premier League title challenge with the signing of Sylvain Marveaux.

The free transfer for the Rennes midfielder was agreed in April, with the former France Under-21 coming to the end of his contract, but the details of his Merseyside contract are now being revealed by French newspaper L'Sport.

The respected French paper reports that the attacking midfielder, previously of interest to Manchester United and Chelsea before his injury, has agreed a four-year deal with a possible fifth year based on appearances and performance.

The left-footed winger has played just 10 league games this season, having picking up a serious groin injury in November, but still achieved one goal and two assists.

And that form is believed to have attracted the attention of Liverpool's French director of football Damien Comolli, who plays a pivotal role in the club's European recruitment policy.

Liverpool Join Arsenal In Race For Florin Gardos

Liverpool is the latest club to join the race for Romanian defender Florin Gardos.

The Steaua Bucharest centre back, who can also play in a defensive midfield role, has been tracked by a number of clubs across Europe, with Arsenal, Juventus, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich all thought to be monitoring the 22-year-old.

Romanian daily newspaper Adevarul now claims Liverpool have joined the chase for the player, with director of football Damien Comolli making the player a 'high priority' amidst a host of potential summer targets.

Kenny Dalglish is thought to have a handful of defenders on his transfer shortlist, with a left back the main priority for the Scot. However, with an ageing core in the central position and Sotirios Kyrgiakos heading for the Liverpool exit door, a young replacement could be in the pipeline for the Merseysiders.

However, competition is likely to be fierce for the two-cap international, and Arsenal are known to be in the market for a central defender.

Gary Cahill and Mamadou Sakho have been heavily touted as potential summer additions at the Emirates, with Gunners' chief Arsene Wenger looking to spend part of his £40 million transfer war chest on a player in the club's problem position.

The Frenchman was searching for a player in the January transfer window, but failed to secure a signature for Arsenal either permanently or on loan. That will look to be rectified this summer, with Gardos an option for the north London outfit.

Reports in Romania claim the player is valued at €5 million, a figure Liverpool would be able to match should they pursue their interest in the player.

Agent Insists Perotti To Liverpool Is Not A Done Deal

Liverpool remains on the trail of Argentine winger Diego Perotti, although his agent insists no deal has been done.

Reports in Spain last week claimed Seville are ready to cash in on their £12million-rated player after they lined up his replacement in the form of German international Piotr Trochowski.

But Perotti's agent Alvaro Torres was quoted on radio station Onda Cero claiming: "There is nothing [to report]. The only thing we know is that some important clubs want to talk to Seville about their players and Diego will be one of them.

"But Seville are in charge of the situation and no proposal has come directly to us nor have any clubs spoken to us."

Liverpool reportedly faces competition for the highly-rated 22-year-old from Everton and Newcastle United.

Liverpool Youngster Set For Olympiakos

Liverpool goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis is set to join Greek side Olympiakos.

It is unknown whether any deal would be a short-term measure or a permanent transfer but it is believed Liverpool is keen on cutting the number of goalkeepers on their books.

The 20-year-old spent the 2009/10 campaign on loan to Accrington Stanley but has been appearing for Liverpool’s reserve team this season.

A move to Greece could be attractive for Bouzanis’ family with the shot-stopper’s mother originally from the country.

Reina: Four Wins Key To Europe

Pepe Reina is confident a quartet of victories will secure European football for Liverpool next season.

The Reds head into the final straight of the 2010-11 campaign three points adrift of fifth-placed Tottenham having played a game more.

However, the Spaniard is adamant Kenny Dalglish's side can still leapfrog the Londoners and reckons this weekend could be a pivotal moment in the race for a Europa League spot.

Reina told Liverpoolfc.tv: "We have to try to win all of our games and after we will see.

"I believe if we win them all we will be in the fifth position and that is probably the closest and most important target."

He added: "We won't win every game 5-0 like we did against Birmingham last week, but if we play with the same mentality and approach it in the same way, we have more chance of winning than losing.

"We have to take it one game at a time and the most important one is Newcastle because that is next. Tottenham have Chelsea away so there is a possibility we can pass them and take the fifth position this weekend. We have to make sure that we don't drop points at home because we also have Tottenham to come here.

"We also have two difficult away games at Fulham and Villa, so as I said, it's better to go game by game and make sure we don't drop points.

"Our home form has been the key and it is important if you want to be up there. Just look at Man United's results at home. They say everything about why they are up there so we have to be like that if we want to challenge at the top."

Reina concedes that he did not expect Liverpool to challenge for Europe prior to Kenny Dalglish's January arrival.

The Reds have since put together a sequence of results that has seen them emerge as one of the in-form teams in the second half of the season and the stopper is confident the future is bright for everyone involved at Anfield.

"I definitely could not see (Europe) it five or six months ago. But we kept fighting and turned the situation around. Now we need to do more to be even higher.

"It is down to all of us. Kenny Dalglish, Steve Clarke, Sammy Lee and all the staff have done a great job from January onwards.

"When the results are better and the team is winning people are happier and the mood in the dressing room is always better.

"Melwood is a happy place. The dressing room is quite young, loud and funny. When we have to work we are the first to do it and when it is time to joke, we like to joke and have fun too."

He continued: "I think we want to grow and we have to grow. The owners and the people in command of the 'boat' see we have to bring in some players. We have to be right in those transfers and the players that we already have can be important for the new project. I'm very optimistic and I believe we are going to be better.

"You can see that the fans are much more optimistic now. The team is playing better and that is easier for them. We have always felt their support though because they are so loyal. It is always great to have this kind of support."

Kenny Dalglish Hails 'Fantastic Servant' Jamie Carragher

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has praised defender Jamie Carragher as he approaches a landmark 665th appearance for the Merseyside club.

If selected at the weekend, Carragher will join Emlyn Hughes and Ray Clemence sitting second in the club's all-time appearances list, and Dalglish had several kind words to say about the Champions League-winning defender.

"Carra has been a fantastic servant to this football club. I don't know how far short he is of Cally's [Ian Callaghan's] record - I think he's got a wee while to go before he reaches that, but he's been great," he said to the club's official website.

The defender, who rose through the ranks at Liverpool, was also praised for his versatility and commitment by his manager.

"He's filled in loyally and comfortably in many positions for the football club and he's someone who has been very pleased to be associated with Liverpool - and we're pleased to be associated with him," he added.

Dalglish also offered advice to emerging young defenders Jack Robinson and John Flanagan, who will be looking to follow in Carragher's footsteps.

He said: "It wouldn't be bad for them to model themselves on Jamie or Steven [Gerrard].

"There are a lot of things a local lad coming through has to endure and the ones who might experience that in the future could do a lot worse than having a word with either of them because they know what lies ahead."

Kenny Coy On Summer Plans

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has refused to shed light on his summer transfer plans.

The Anfield legend must decide what the future holds for the 12 players that are set to return from loan spells in the summer.

Milan Jovanovic has admitted he regrets joining the Reds last summer while Christian Poulsen has also been out-of-favour.

One of Dalglish's rumoured transfer targets has been Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi but the Scot is giving little aware as he finalizes his plans.

"We won't speculate on what we are going to do in the summer," he said.

"There will be a bit of movement in and a bit of movement out. That's a fact of life and everybody knows that.

"But it's not worth commenting on all the names appearing in newspapers - some of the people I don't even know."

Lavezzi is not one of those, however, according to the Argentina striker's agent.

Jose Alberti claims Liverpool have been tracking his client for a year and believes they could be set to make a summer move for the 25-year-old frontman.

"Lavezzi has been followed by Liverpool for 12 months and they could make a bid for his services," Alberti told Italian website TMW.

"Napoli must be careful not to lose a player like Lavezzi."

Lavezzi has scored 35 goals in 122 appearances for Napoli since joining them from San Lorenzo in 2007, and AC Milan are also thought to be interested.

Andy Carroll Expects Hostile Reception From Newcastle's Travelling Supporters

Andy Carroll is expecting a hostile reception from Newcastle United’s travelling fans should he recover from a knee injury in time to face his old club for the first time since his transfer deadline day move to Liverpool.

However his manager, Kenny Dalglish, is adamant the 22 year-old should take any outpouring of fury as a compliment.

It remains unclear whether the England international agitated for a move away from his boyhood club or Newcastle informed him he would be sold when Liverpool tabled their record £35 million bid for Carroll on Jan 31.

Newcastle released a statement on the day explaining their sadness at seeing the player leave after he handed in a transfer request, but in a text exchange with the editor of a Newcastle fanzine, Carroll himself insisted he was “gutted” to be leaving his hometown side and suggested he had been “kind of pushed out the door”.

Whatever the truth, Dalglish revealed on Thursday that Carroll is anticipating that his former fans will make their displeasure at his perceived treachery known at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday.

However, the Scot believes the most expensive player in Liverpool's history has the character to take it.

“I think the boy is expecting something,” said the Liverpool manager, who will wait until tomorrow before deciding whether Carroll is fit to play.

“The fans will do whatever they want. It will not take away from what he has done for their club and it won’t take away what the club meant to Andy.

“It is a compliment, really, in a strange way, if you do get the abuse because it means you must have been important to them.

“I don’t know what they will do on Sunday but if, as a player, you don’t get abuse off your old supporters then they can’t have been too disappointed that you left.”

Dalglish, on the other hand, is simply delighted with the £35 million signing.

The Scot was confident enough in Carroll’s abilities as a footballer to suggest he is not surprised by what he has seen on the field, but it is clear he has been equally impressed by the personality of a perceived bad boy.

“There has nothing that Andy has done [on the pitch] that has surprised us, but what you don’t know to the same extent is the personality,” said Dalglish.

“If there is one thing that has pleasantly surprised us it is the boy’s personality.

"He is a real down-to-earth boy who sometimes doesn’t realize he is a footballer but that is because he is naive and has his feet firmly fixed on the ground.

“We have been delighted with the way he has gone about his rehabilitation and his performances.”

Gael Clichy May Make Shock Move To Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish and Damien Comolli are keeping tabs on Arsenal's star left back Gael Clichy, with the 25 year old considering a shock move to Liverpool, according to the Daily Express.

Liverpool has long had issues with their left back position, and has been linked with many players over the season. But with Clichy’s contract at Arsenal still not renewed, Dalglish and Comolli both reportedly believe they can take the star in the summer transfer period.

Clichy recently pledged his allegiance to Arsenal, telling reporters: “I have to say that my present and my future is with Arsenal.”

But the Frenchman also eluded that money and the ability to win titles may sway him to another club.

“I am leaving talks over my contract with my agent so that I can focus on my football.

“I know that there are rumours about me going elsewhere but I have nothing to say about that.

“I have always wanted to be at a club where I am content. Money is important but it is not a decisive factor. All I want is to win a title – that’s my ultimate ambition.”

With Arsenal looking down the barrel of a sixth season without any trophies, Liverpool might be able to give Clichy the accolades he’s seeking.

Liverpool are currently boasting their best form this season, and with Dalglish signing Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez in the January period, Liverpool are looking the on form side to be a part of.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is still relenting from spending big on new players, and while Arsenal currently sit at third on the Barclays Premier League table, they don’t appear to have the fire power to challenge big spending teams like Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Liverpool Target Signing Of £15m Olympique Lyon Playmaker

Liverpool are believed to be plotting a £10m swoop for Olympique Lyon midfielder Miralem Pjanic.


The 21-year-old has drifted in and out of the team this season, with coach Claude Puel often preferring Yoann Gourcuff ahead of the Bosnia international.


Pjanic, a creative midfielder with an eye for goal, has only started twelve league games this term and is reportedly growing disillusioned with life at Stade de Gerland.


Liverpool Director of Football Damien Comolli is an admirer of the player’s talents and rumoured to be keen on striking a £10m deal with the Ligue 1 outfit.


Reds boss Kenny Dalglish would certainly welcome the addition of a diminutive playmaker, whose vision and passing ability could create chances for strikers Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.


The youngster certainly fits the bill, but the £15m price-tag attached to the player could prove a stumbling block.


Liverpool owner John W Henry has expressed his willingness to build a talented young side at Anfield and will provide a substantial transfer kitty to mount a Premier League challenge next season.


If Lyon fail to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League, the club may be forced to sell Pjanic in a cut-price deal.

Liverpool Linked With Move For Inter Milan Starlet Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool are being linked with a summer move for Inter Milan starlet Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian teenager, who officially signed at the San Siro in 2008 before spending two seasons on loan at former club Vasco da Gama, has reportedly fallen out of favour with manager Leonardo and is considering a switch away from the club.

Sky Italia claims the player would prefer a loan move away from the Serie 'A' side, although Liverpool have the funds available to make an enticing offer to bring the player to Anfield permanently.

The report goes on to claim that Damien Comolli, director of football at Liverpool, is a known admirer of the player and has been monitoring his progress with the Nerazzurri.

With only 14 appearances in all competitions for the club this season, first team opportunities have been limited and Coutinho could want assurances over first team activity should he move to England.

Kenny Dalglish is known to be in the market for an attacking midfielder, with the Liverpool legend-come-manager hinting at a number of changes to the playing staff on Merseyside this summer.

A handful of wingers and attacking midfielders have been linked with the Reds, with Eden Hazard, Ashley Young and Ezequiel Lavezzi all rumoured to be on a Liverpool shortlist in recent weeks.

Coutinho is the latest name to add to the list, and Dalglish appears set for a busy summer in the transfer market at Liverpool.

Liverpool Miss Out On Samba Starlets Despite Confirmed Interest

Liverpool has missed out on Brazilian brothers Gabriel and Guillherme Appelt Pires, according to their agent.

The Reds were most interested in the younger of the two, Gabriel, according to Peppino Tirri, but now both are heading for Juventus after agreeing a move to Turin.

"Gabriel was followed by three to four major clubs such as Inter Milan, Liverpool and Villarreal - but Juventus were faster," Tirri told Notiziariosportivo.

The 17-year-old midfielder will be joined by his 18-year-old brother, who is a striker, at the Stadio Olimpico.

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have set out a plan of investing in youth at Anfield, with director of football Damien Comolli on board and searching for top teenage talent.

The club's academy is regarded as one of the finest in Europe, and can boast the likes of first team players Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Jay Spearing coming through the Liverpool ranks.

A current crop including England starlet Raheem Sterling, Spanish youngster Suso, defender Connor Coady and many more suggests the future looks bright on Merseyside, with teenage duo John Flanagan and Jack Robinson recently breaking into the Liverpool senior side.

The Appelt Pires brothers would have added to these junior ranks at Liverpool, but a Serie 'A' switch has been made and Kenny Dalglish and his scouting group will have to look elsewhere to bring youngsters to the club.

Newcastle To Be Offered Liverpool Trio

Newcastle United are set to be offered three out-of-favour Liverpool players, including former Chelsea man Joe Cole.

The Merseyside club will need to cut down their first-team squad in order to allow further big-name signings to join in the summer, and a source has told Newcastle based newspaper The Chronicle:

“There will be a lot of movement at Liverpool this summer. And it’s no secret here that players will be offloaded to make way for new signings.

“There will be players offered out to numerous Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United.”

Newcastle left-back Jose Enrique has been linked with a move in the opposite directon, and a deal involving Paul Konchesky could be a realistic possibility, meanwhile the sale of star striker Andy Carroll has left a space for a forward, and 22-year-old Frenchman David NGog could join the Magpies attack.

Finally, the newspaper claims that the major signing of the summer could be Joe Cole, who has failed to settle at Liverpool, and it is thought manager Kenny Dalglish would be willing to let the player go in order to find a replacement who fits in with his style of play better.

Dalglish Discusses 'Fantastic' Winger Future

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has rubbish talk linking Joe Cole with a move away from the club this summer.

The England midfielder has endured a difficult season on Merseyside as injuries and lack or form has restricted his progress this season.

But after coming off the bench to score against Birmingham City on Saturday, Dalglish insists the player has a future at Liverpool.

"Joe has been fantastic since he has come here. His dedication and application on the training pitch has been superb. This week he had a day off but he still came in to train," he said.

"Joe's attitude has been brilliant. At the moment the lads are not doing too badly so it is difficult to give everybody a game. If he had been a defender he might have had an easier chance of getting a game with the injuries we've had.

"You would be insulting the boy to ask if he had the necessary desire. We couldn't have asked for any more of him in training."

Cole travelled to last year's World Cup, and although he was limited to just two substitute appearances in South Africa, before signing for Liverpool in July.

The winger was sent off in his first league game for the club against Arsenal, was sent off on the stroke of half time and since his career at Liverpool has curtailed due to injury.

Villas Boas Plays Down Reports

Porto coach Andre Villas Boas has rubbished speculation linking him with other jobs.

The 33-year-old has already been labelled the new 'Jose Mourinho' after guiding Porto to the Portuguese title in his first full season in charge.

Villas Boas is a protege of Mourinho and his abilities have not gone unnoticed, which has seen him strongly linked with the likes of Roma, Juventus, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpoolin recent months.

But speaking ahead of Porto's Europa League semi-final first-leg clash with Villarreal, he distanced himself from the reports.

"There are incredible stories. Supposedly I said no to Roma because I was going to Liverpool, it's absurd," he said.

"The speculation is natural, given what this team has been doing. But it is still false information."

Liverpool To Battle AC Milan For Standard Liege Star This Summer

Liverpool and AC Milan are set to go head-to-head for the services of Belgian ace Axel Witsel this summer.

The Standard Liege midfielder has been closely followed by a number of European clubs but reports in Italy have claimed that Milan and Liverpool are currently leading the charge.

The 22-year-old Belgium international has been one of Liege's key players ever since he broke into the side in 2006 but looks set to move on in the summer after the interest from abroad.

But with a contract at Liege until 2013, the club is thought to want at least £10m for the midfielder.

It was reported that scouts from half a dozen Premier League clubs were in attendance when Witsel scored both goals in Belgium's 2-0 win over Austria in March.

But it is understood that it is Liverpool who are now ready to firm up their interest with a summer bid.

Reds Track Barton

Liverpool are the latest club to be linked with a move for Newcastle's Joey Barton due to the midfielder's on going contract wrangle.

The 28-year-old has been outstanding for the Toon this season and is widely expected to scoop the club's Player of the Season award for his performances.

However, Barton has just 12-months left to run on his current contract and has yet to pen a new deal, leading to speculation he could be made available this summer.

West Ham and Aston Villa are thought to have taken an interest, and now Liverpool are thought to have joined the growing numbers interested in the former Manchester City star.

Reds manager Kenny Dalglish is thought to be keen to reunite Barton with former Toon striker, and now Reds hitman, Andy Carroll, Barton having provided eight of Carroll's goals while he was at Newcastle this season.

Barton has been excellent on the right wing, a position Liverpool have struggled with recently, and the Reds are allegedly hoping his contract situation means he will be available for a cut-price fee.