Match Report: Aston Villa 1 - 0 Liverpool

Aston Villa duo Stewart Downing and Ashley Young have been on Liverpool's radar for some time and manager Kenny Dalglish witnessed first-hand their qualities as his side slipped to the defeat which ended their Europa League hopes.

Liverpool rarely troubled their hosts on an afternoon when Villa's two wingers provided the main attacking thrust.

Downing produced the one moment of quality with a deft touch and brilliant finish to decide the match in the first half as Dalglish's players appeared to run out of steam after a season which for some of them began in July in the Europa League.

It means Liverpool have failed to qualify for Europe for the first time since 1999, although many will see that as a blessing as it will give Dalglish a chance to concentrate on strengthening his squad and making a challenge to get back in the Champions League next season.

Dalglish appeared to already have one eye on the future by naming a bench which, the 31-year-old Christian Poulsen apart, had an average age of just over 19.

He also gave Joe Cole a chance to impress with his first start for two months but the England international failed to take it and he faces an uncertain future after just one season at Anfield in which he has failed to deliver.

Injured Reds captain Steven Gerrard was sat among the travelling supporters but he will have been less than impressed by a first half which was almost entirely devoid of quality or incident.

In fact, Downing's 33rd-minute goal aside it was difficult to single out anything else worthy of a mention.

Virtually substitute Marc Albrighton's first involvement having replaced Fabian Delph was to provide the right-wing cross which sailed over the defence to the unmarked Downing who took a touch before smashing a narrow-angle shot past Jose Reina via the underside of the crossbar.

Either side of that the story of the half was of niggling fouls, injuries and scrappy play.

Liverpool lost Jay Spearing barely 10 minutes into the game having been fouled moments earlier by Nigel Reo-Coker, who was booked, and was replaced by Jonjo Shelvey.

Jamie Carragher temporarily had to leave the field to have stitches in a head wound after a clash with Lucas Leiva, who came closest to scoring for the Reds with a shot from a Raul Meireles corner cleared off the line by Ashley Young.

Cole had a chance to atone for an anonymous opening 45 minutes when Lucas' lofted ball picked him out in the penalty area but he ballooned a shot well over.

The England international's disappointing afternoon was eventually ended in the 67th minute when he was replaced by David Ngog.

Just prior to that Raul Meireles should have done better when Luis Suarez's cut-back took out the sliding Kyle Walker and James Collins but former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel clawed out his shot.

Collins, substitute Gabriel Agbonlahor and Stiliyan Petrov all had chances to put the result beyond doubt as the hosts finished the stronger, with only Fabio Aurelio and Luis Suarez coming anywhere close for Liverpool.

Ashley Young's withdrawal minutes from the end saw the player, entering the last year of his contract, applaud all four sides of the ground in what looked like a farewell.

But even the prospect of losing one of their major stars could not dampen the delight of the home crowd, who could not decide whether they were happier at a first Villa Park win over the Reds since February 1998 or the demise of city rivals Birmingham.

Meanwhile Dalglish, heading into his first summer transfer window, has plenty to ponder after back-to-back defeats to end the season.

Big decisions need to be taken on some big names as he looks to revitalise his playing staff.

He may well have seen the future at Villa Park.

Reds Boss Wants A Return To The Good Old Days

Kenny Dalglish doesn’t go along, totally, with the view of Jamie Carragher that missing out on a Europa League place could prove to be a blessing in disguise.

As a player, the former European Cup hero lived for those famous European nights at Anfield, and on the continent. Nothing’s changed now he’s the gaffer.

All of which is another reason why he wants to take Liverpool to new heights next season after steadying a ship which was drifting along relative aimlessly.

Despite losing the last two games, the Liverpool boss is full of praise for the players he inherited and who have bought into his and his coaching staff’s philosophy.

"They deserve a holiday. Some are more unfortunate than others in that they have to play in the Copa America (Brazil's Lucas Leiva, Uruguay's Luis Suarez) in July but we just need to get on with it and push forward," he added.

"I hope they enjoy their break because they deserve it. I've been relatively happy but, at the same time, it is not a football club that has built its history and tradition on losing matches.

"We don't want that to become a habit but I am really proud of the players by what they tried to achieve and how they turned it around."

Liverpool Join Tottenham In Race To Sign Brad Friedel

Brad Friedel has been offered the opportunity to re-sign for Liverpool this summer after Kenny Dalglish joined Tottenham Hotspur in the chase for the veteran American goalkeeper.

The 40-year-old is out of contract at Aston Villa and talks over an extension at Villa Park are on hold due to the uncertainty over the manager Gérard Houllier's future. That has alerted several Premier League rivals to the prospect of an astute free transfer and it is understood Liverpool and Spurs have emerged as front-runners for his services.

Friedel joined Liverpool from Columbus Crew in 1997 but made only 25 league appearances for the Anfield side over three years before moving to Blackburn Rovers, where he established himself as one of the finest keepers in the Premier League. However, a return to Merseyside would only be as back-up to José Reina, with the Spain international having recently ended doubts over his long-term future at Liverpool, and the prospect of more regular first-team football at White Hart Lane in place of the erratic Heurelho Gomes could work in Harry Redknapp's favour.

West Bromwich Albion are also interested in the former USA international while Villa have not given up hope of convincing him to extend his successful three-year stint in the Midlands. Speaking before the final game of the season on Sunday, a 1-0 win over Liverpool secured by Stewart Downing – another Dalglish target – Friedel said: "The contract talks at this moment have been put on hold because of Mr. Houllier's health and also the ongoing court case with Martin O'Neill.

"Myself and my advisors wanted to get to safety first and foremost before we started diving into things of that nature. I still feel very good, I still think I've got a year or two left in the legs and we'll see what happens. I've enjoyed every minute of my three years here, so we'll just have to see what the future brings."

Roy Hodgson, the Albion manager, could decide to turn his attention to Preston's Andy Lonergan, who impressed in the Championship last season and has also been on Birmingham City's radar.

Liverpool And United Favourites To Land £10m Set-Piece Wizard

Liverpool and Manchester United are favourites to land Blackpool's Charlie Adam, according to bookmakers William Hill.

The Scottish midfielder was relegated with the Tangerines after defeat to United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

But after Adam scored a stunning free-kick at the Stretford End and following Sir Alex Ferguson's comments earlier in the season that Adam's corners alone were worth £10 million, United have jumped to the front of the queue, along with long-time admirers Liverpool.

After the club made a bid for the midfielder during the January transfer window, Liverpool have been watching Adam intently, and are expected to go back in for the 25-year-old this summer as they search for a left sided player to supply Andy Carroll.

In addition to Adam, who is expected to leave Bloomfield Road for £10 million, Liverpool and United are after Ashley Young, who is believed to be leaving Aston Villa this season.

‘Acceptable Bid’ Will Snare Liverpool Target

Aston Villa’s caretaker manager Gary McAllister has insisted that the side will be trying to keep Ashley Young next season, despite interest from Liverpool and Manchester United.

Young came off the ground yesterday in Villa’s last game of the season waving to the crowd in what appeared to be a farewell gesture, though McAllister says it was nothing to do with the England international’s future.

"I think people thought that was staged but his calf was screaming,” the Villa manager said.

"He wasn't coming off waving goodbye because we want to keep him.”

Liverpool has long been connected with Young, with Kenny Dalglish seeing the 25-year-old as a good addition to the Anfield club’s midfield.

Manchester United have also shown interest in the star, though Liverpool are favourites to snare Young as United reportedly look for younger signings to decrease the average age of their squad.

But McAllister is insistent that Villa still have a chance of keeping Young, as they hope to improve the quality of their squad and look to challenge for European football.

"We have to keep trying and a couple of signings here or there might help,” McAllister said.

"I am sure there is interest because there has been a lot of speculation around Ashley for a long time now.”

In a hint that Liverpool could get their man if they come up with the right price, McAllister said that if he had to let Young go, he would do so for a bid that fitted the star.

"Until such a time that someone comes in with a bid which is acceptable to Aston Villa then he is still a Villa player because he has a year left on his contract,” the caretaking manager said.

"But there is no way of me predicting how clubs will do their business.”

Eden Hazard Has Ruled Out A Summer Move To Liverpool

Liverpool's hopes of signing Eden Hazard this summer have been dealt a major blow after the player confirmed his desire to stay in France according to talkSPORT.

The 20-year-old Belgian international winger has drawn many plaudits for some of his scintillating displays for Lille this season, on the way to helping them to the French Ligue 1 title.

Hazard capped a fine season when he was named UNFP Player of the Year yesterday evening as the union of professional players and coaches presented its annual accolades.

Reds manager Kenny Dalglish has been heavily linked with a summer approach for Hazard, with Liverpool thought to have already made a tentative offer of €23million to bring him to Anfield in June.

Director of football Damien Comolli is on the lookout for two wide midfield additions in a bid to strengthen Liverpool's ranks next season, and with the financial backing of club owners Fenway Sports Group, it appeared that no player is out of reach for the Merseysiders.

However, a recent club source stated that Hazard is not interested in a summer switch to Liverpool and is in fact happy at Lille – a club who can now offer him Champions League football.

"Eden has chosen to stay. He has a contract until 2015 and now Champions League football. Everything points towards staying."

Hazard was named the best young player in Ligue 1 for the past two seasons and stepped up as the youngest player ever to scoop the top award after netting seven times this term to help the club to their first title since 1954.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have also been previously credited with an interest in Hazard, but it is Liverpool who will be the most disappointed by the latest developments in the ongoing transfer saga of one of Europe’s brightest young talents.

Liverpool Target Yann M'Vila Signs Contract Extension With Stade Rennais

Stade Rennais midfielder Yann M'Vila has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the Ligue 1 outfit until 2015.

The 20-year-old committed himself to the club after months of speculation linking him to the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United and French rivals Olympique de Marseille.

M'Vila's contract was due to expire in 2014 but has now been extended for one more year, a statement on the club's official website confirmed.

The young talent has established himself as a regular member of Laurent Blanc's France squad while also proving indispensable to his club side, racking up 36 league appearances this season.

Dalglish Reveals Liverpool Injury Latest

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has revealed that Andy Carroll, Maxi Rodriguez and Glen Johnson are all suffering injuries, after the trio were left out of the squad for Sunday's match with Aston Villa.

While Carroll played last weekend against Tottenham, Dalglish said in hindsight the striker should not have been chosen for the Liverpool squad.

"Andy's not been able to sustain any reasonable time in training and it would have been irresponsible of us to bring him,” Dalglish told the official Liverpool website of the trip to Villa Park yesterday.

"We played him last week [against Tottenham], but it was unfair on him that we did ask him to play.

“I didn't think we should risk the boy's fitness by bringing him.

“Although we've not got any games, it's important they're all back fit in July.”

Dalglish said Johnson and Maxi were both also left at Merseyside on Sunday, with the pair suffering hamstring and adductor problems respectively.

"I don't think any of them will need surgery,” Dalglish assured fans.

"Soto [Kyrgiakos] was injured as well, so maybe the end of the season has come at the right time for us - I might have been in next week!"

Dalglish Blames Liverpool's Failure To Qualify For Europa League On Poor Start To Season

Kenny Dalglish believes Liverpool were lucky to finish sixth in the Premier League table after their abysmal start to the campaign but believes their failure to qualify for the Europa League will not stop players wanting to play for the club.

Aston Villa's 1-0 victory on Sunday helped condemn the Anfield outfit to their first season without European football since the 1999/2000 season. The damage was largely done under previous boss Roy Hodgson after he gained just 25 points in 21 games until Dalglish took over the reins in mid-January.

Speaking to reporters after the match, the Scot bemoaned the poor state of the club when he took over and admitted that a season without European football would take some getting used to.

"It's always nice for everybody to be involved in Europe, isn't it? Whether it is going to be helpful or not to be out of it remains to be seen," Dalglish stated.

"It is a long time since this club wasn't involved in Europe.

"It is new ground for everybody. We just need to get on with it and accept that we aren't.

"We didn't qualify for Europe because we lost the game on Sunday it was because we had a bad start to the season.

"If you start as badly as that then you're lucky to be sixth come the end of it."

Liverpool's disappointing season ensured that no Champions League or Europa League football will be on offer to prospective signings this summer. Despite the setback, Dalglish was convinced the club remained a big enough draw and was confident if any player didn't want to come it'd be "their loss not ours."

"There are a lot more players who don't play in the Champions League than do and I think Liverpool football club is a big enough attraction to players," he added.

"If we want to bring someone in, I'm sure the club is a big enough attraction. Any one we do bring in will have to be a lot better than what we have here and that is only the chosen few.

"We'll be select with what we choose to do, and if they don't want to come, it's their loss not ours."

Stewart Downing's 33rd minute goal ensured a promising revival under Dalglish ended with a loss. The 60-year-old blamed tired legs for the result.

"It's disappointing for the players. They've done fantastic to get as far as they have done and it would have been nice to finish on a positive," said the Scot.

"We just ran out of legs a bit and players a wee bit, too. There were players that played who shouldn't have played, as well.

"Jonjo Shelvey shouldn't have played more than 20-25 minutes. His knee will be painful in the morning.

"The most important thing for us is that they did the best they possibly could. Our legs just ran out a wee bit and we came up short."

Young Stars Shine In The Sun

Liverpool U18s have enjoyed their last training session of the 2010-11 campaign in the sun-drenched surroundings of the Caribbean.

Rodolfo Borrell's squad welcomed youngsters from the island of St Vincent to the Buccament Bay Resort to run through some fun-filled drills on Saturday - with the twist that the players had the role of coach.

Winger Toni Silva took to the task with relish and revealed he has loved every second of his Caribbean adventure.

He told us: "It's great for the kids to come here and play football with us. It has been a lot of fun and a good way to round off our last day of training.

"This island is fantastic and the resort is just paradise. If they let me, I'd love to come here again at the end of next season too!"

Match Preview: Aston Villa vs Liverpool

Gerard Houllier could be in attendance on Sunday as Aston Villa entertain his former employers Liverpool.

The Villa boss is still recovering from the heart scare he suffered earlier in the season but is reportedly keen to prove that he is on the mend.

His presence would offer a timely boost to the Villans, with uncertainty continuing to reign regarding their managerial post.

Houllier's future is an issue for the summer, though, with it still possible for Villa to secure a top-half finish in the Premier League.

That would represent some achievement for a club that looked like being dragged into a relegation battle at one stage.

Their ability to get goals has helped to steer them clear of trouble, with the target found in 15 of their last 16 games.

They have, however, won only one of their last 18 games against Liverpool and have not won on home soil against the Reds since February 1998.

Worryingly for Villa, they have also thrown away more points from winning positions this season (26) than any other side in the top flight.

Liverpool will be looking to steal a few more away from Villa Park on the final day of the season, and possibly sneak into the top five.

A fifth-placed finish would see them into next season's Europa League, but they need Tottenham to drop points at home to Birmingham if they are to secure qualification for continental competition.

A seven-match unbeaten run in final day fixtures bodes well for the Reds, with their last defeat at this stage of the season coming against Chelsea in 2003.

There is the promise of plenty of entertainment in their final outing of the 2010/11 campaign, with their last three away games producing a total of 12 goals.

Caretaker manager Gary McAllister has no fresh injury worries to contend with as Villa look to finish as the leading club in the Midlands.

They are currently one point adrift of West Brom, who visits Newcastle.

Record signing Darren Bent will be looking to take his Villa goal tally into double figures after netting nine in 15 games since his switch from Sunderland in January which could ultimately cost the club £24million.

Jean Makoun (calf) is the only senior star currently unavailable to McAllister.

Liverpool will once again be without skipper Steven Gerrard, who is nursing a groin injury.

Milan Jovanovic (knee), Martin Kelly (hamstring) and Daniel Agger (knee) will also be missing for the Reds.

Fabio Aurelio could return after shaking off a thigh problem, but his participation remains in doubt.

Should Martin Skrtel complete a full 90 minutes at Villa Park, he will end the campaign having played every minute of Liverpool's 38 Premier League fixtures.

Possible starting XIs

Aston Villa: Friedel, Walker, Collins, Dunne, L Young, Downing, Reo-Coker, Delph, Petrov, A Young, Bent.

Liverpool: Reina, Flanagan, Carragher, Skrtel, Johnson, Kuyt, Spearing, Lucas, Maxi, Suarez, Carroll.

Jose Enrique Rejecting Newcastle Talks To Force Liverpool Move

Jose Enrique could be on his way out of Newcastle United this summer if he refuses to sign a new contract, with Liverpool his top potential destination.

Magpies boss Alan Pardew has said he wants the left-back to stay in the north-east if possible, but admitted it will be difficult to keep hold of the in-demand star - especially as he is currently refusing to discuss a new deal.

Enrique's contract is due to expire next summer, with both Liverpool and Lyon reportedly targeting the defender as a possible signing.

And Pardew admitted Newcastle may decide to cash in on the defender when the transfer window reopens - rather than having to let him leave on a free next year.

'The Enrique situation is something we talked about. How possible is it going to be to get him over the line?,' he said.

'It's difficult because we're finding it difficult to get him to come to the table. We're safe, which was what his people said that they would wait for.'

'It's now the last game, and once we get the last game out of the way we'll sit down and see where we are with it.

'We're very hopeful he stays but there's no point keeping a player who has set his sights on a club he has perceived is bigger. You can't keep a player that's unmotivated.'

Pardew added that there are 'one or two' other players at the club involved in similar situations.

Enrique joined Newcastle from Villarreal in August 2007 for a fee of £6.3 million. The highly-rated star has previously played for the Spanish U-21 side and is nicknamed 'The Bull'.

Liverpool Facing Huge Transfer Battle For £10 Striker Target

Liverpool striker target Gervinho is being monitored by 'huge' clubs in England, a French journalist has confirmed.

The Lille forward has been linked with a number of clubs across Europe, with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger thought to be keen on bringing the player to the Emirates.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly leading the race to the sign the player at the current time, with the Daily Mail claiming today that Harry Redknapp is in strong pursuit of the £10 million Ivorian.

However, Liverpool has been linked with the player on several occasions, with claims in January that the Merseysiders approached the Ligue 1 over a move for the player.

"Huge English clubs are looking at Gervinho," French journalist Xavi Rivoire told talkSPORT.

Kenny Dalglish has sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old in France, and the Liverpool boss is known to be in the market for another striker this summer.

Luis Suarez has been an instant success at Anfield after his arrival from Ajax in January, while Andy Carroll has shown promise despite limited opportunities since his £35 million move to Anfield.

A defender and winger are also thought to be on the agenda, with Dalglish and Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli working together to bring transfer targets to the club.

Comolli is still thought to have connections in France, and that could be the key to Liverpool landing the coveted hitman.

Adam Not Thinking About Liverpool Switch

Charlie Adam insists his mind is focused on saving Blackpool from relegation rather than a potential summer move to Liverpool.

The talismanic midfielder has excelled this season and attracted interest from both Liverpool and Tottenham in the January transfer window.

A prospective switch away from Bloomfield Road never materialized and the 25-year-old has helped to give Blackpool a fighting chance of avoiding the drop.

The Scotland international only has a year to run on his current contract but he is adamant his sole focus is on Blackpool's trip to champions Manchester United on Sunday.

"I just want to focus on the next game, that is all I can do," he said in the Times. "The club will make the decisions about what it wants to do. It isn't down to me.

"I have got a year left on my contract so we will see what happens but all that matters now is getting the result that we need."

Blackpool currently occupies 18th place in the league table - only in the relegation zone on goal difference - and Adam feels the club can hold its head high, regardless of the result at Old Trafford.

"If we are good enough then we will stay in the Premier League," he said. "If not then we will at least know that we have given everything from the first game.

"But one thing's for sure, in the future people won't look back and say, 'Blackpool played some really good football but went down', they will look at the bare facts that we came up one season and down the next. In a way we are fighting for our reputation as much as our status."

Bolton Expect Gary Cahill Bidding War Between Spurs, Arsenal & Liverpool

Bolton bosses have privately hinted they will be entertaining bids from a number of clubs this summer for highly-rated centre-back Gary Cahill, with Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool, and even Manchester City expected to make offers.

Cahill has just one year remaining on his Trotters contract and looks increasingly unlikely to sign a new deal - leaving Owen Coyle with little choice but to offload him this close season.

Bolton chiefs have previously hinted they would listen to offers for the England defender - but had given no indication of whether they would sell.

However, recent reports of likely bids from several of the country's biggest and richest clubs - including high-rollers Manchester City, sleeping giants Liverpool, and north London rivals Spurs and Arsenal - have increased the chances of a bidding war.

As such, the Lancashire club believes the next few months could be the best chance they have of securing a deal worth more than their asking price of £17million - and will actively encourage offers.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is in desperate need of reinforcements at the back, as is newly installed Liverpool coach Kenny Dalglish.

However, both men may face stiff competition from City, who have a place in next season's Champions League and money to spend.

Finally, Spurs could also have something to say, with Harry Redknapp due to lose central defenders Jonathan Woodgate and Sebastian Bassong amid the continuing injury problems of club captain Ledley King.

Dalglish Ready For Busy Summer

Kenny Dalglish is preparing to increase the momentum of Liverpool's summer recruitment drive.

The Anfield boss, who signed a three-year contract earlier in May after initially returning on a temporary basis as successor to Roy Hodgson in January, has reportedly been told that he has £50million to spend.

That money would in theory be used to improve Dalglish's squad to a standard capable of at least returning Liverpool to the Premier League's top four and Newcastle full-back Jose Enrique is thought to be one of many targets.

Having revitalised Liverpool since returning, Dalglish, and director of football Damien Comolli, has also been working behind the scenes to identify other players and he has confirmed preparations are well under way.

The Scot said: "The planning was going on any way, irrespective of who was coming in because you can't leave it until the last minute.

"For training and some of the pre-season matches, planning had to be done.

"If you're sitting in this chair you've got to make the decision about what you want to do and when you want to train.

"But regarding players, there's only one person who can decide that, and that's the manager.

"That's something we need to come to terms with and get our skates on with to make sure we get to the right players."

Liverpool travel to Aston Villa on the final day of the season knowing that they must better Tottenham's result against Birmingham to finish fifth and qualify for the Europa League.

But Dalglish will not be paying too much attention to events at White Hart Lane, as he said: "Everyone knows the results from most matches whether it's the first, last or middle game of the season, you know what's going on at most places.

"It'll be no different on Sunday but we'll concentrate on our own game and see if we get any favours from somewhere else."

Clarke Reveals Points Target

Steve Clarke has revealed how Liverpool is close to reaching their point’s target he set upon arriving at the club in January.

The Reds took just 25 points from their first 20 games of the season under Roy Hodgson.

Since Clarke and Kenny Dalglish were recruited in the New Year a more impressive 33 points have been wrung from 17 matches.

This leaves Liverpool on 58 points heading into a final weekend contest at Villa Park - just shy of Clarke's goal when he arrived on Merseyside.

"When I came here and looked at the league and how close it was, I thought it was achievable to finish in the top six," the first-team coach told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"You always have to set your goals high, and in my head I had a point’s total that I thought was achievable. I have to say we haven't achieved it yet - but it's still possible. If we get to that it will be a pleasing job we've done in the second half of the season.

"But a club like Liverpool should always have expectations to be as far up the table as possible."

Dalglish: Alberto Aquilani Is A Quality Player

Kenny Dalglish has opened the door for Alberto Aquilani to return to the Liverpool squad next season by declaring that the midfielder would be welcomed back to the club.

The Italian signed in 2009 to replace Xabi Alonso, who had moved to Real Madrid, but injuries and a lack of form limited him to a handful of appearances at Anfield and Roy Hodgson loaned him out to Juventus last summer.

The 26-year-old, who has scored twice in 36 appearances for the Serie A side, was expected to make his move to Turin permanent but the club has not made a bid which matches Liverpool’s valuation.

And newly confirmed manager Dalglish has said that the player would be a welcome addition to his squad for next season.

"There's a distinct possibility he could be back here. He's a quality player," he told reporters.

"He got off to a bad start here with his injuries and never really got going after missing preseason.

"He went out on loan and has done very well over there. If he was to come back here, for me that would be like a new face coming in."

Dalglish has confirmed that the club's owner, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), has given him money to spend this summer and the Scot is determined to spend it on quality players, in the mold of Luis Suarez who has been a massive hit since joining in January.

"The people we'll be looking at are of the highest caliber, because the players here have done really well since January," said Dalglish.

"It would be disrespectful to them not for us not to be looking at a higher level.

"We've had a great end to the season. There will be lots of work done in the close season and we'll take it from there.

"Although it might affect them, players themselves expect new faces to come in and give the place a lift. It'll happen and they know it'll happen.

"If we get some quality people in to go along with the people already here that will help everyone - it always helps to freshen up the dressing room.

"But if we're bringing anyone in they've got to be better than what we've got - and that's going to be a big ask."

Dalglish has insisted that players on the periphery of the team will stay unless the club receives a suitable offer.

He added: "They are still our players unless someone comes and takes them away from us.

"We've got to assess what we need, and that includes the players who have been out on loan.

"They'll assess where they've been and the other club will assess them.

"Alberto is the highest profile but we've got decisions to make on those players but it may be dictated to be someone else making up their own mind.

"We've not had time to sit down and discuss the players who have been out on loan apart from Alberto."

Youngsters Delighted By Reds Visit

Liverpool U18s have continued to thrill the people on the Caribbean island of St Vincent after dropping in on four local schools on Friday morning.

Rodolfo Borrell and his 20-man squad held a Q & A session with star-struck pupils of CW Prescod Primary, Kingstown Preparatory, St Vincent Grammar and Thomas Saunders Secondary School before taking to the field to run some fun-filled training sessions.

The visit proved to be just as enjoyable for the Reds players as it was for the natives and midfielder Krisztian Adorjan told us he was delighted to take part.

"It was a really good experience and we all had a great time," said Adorjan.

"We gave the kids some kit and some footballs and we really hope they can put them to good use. They all love football and that really showed throughout the session."

Dalglish Won't Settle For Second Best

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insists it will be "disrespectful'' to his current squad not to make top-quality signings in the summer but also did not rule out a return for some familiar faces.

Dalglish accepts there will be some movement in and out but he will not settle for anything less than the best in terms of new arrivals.

Less than a year ago the club were going through a tumultuous time with manager Rafael Benitez having left and the search for new owners still a few months away from completion.

Americans Tom Hicks and George Gillett were trying to manage huge interest payments on loans they had taken out and new boss Roy Hodgson, having sold Javier Mascherano and Albert Riera and loaned out the likes of Alberto Aquilani and Emiliano Insua, was unable to replace like-for-like in the transfer market.

The arrivals of Denmark midfielder Christian Poulsen and Paul Konchesky, aged 30 and 29 at the time, did little to quell the growing feeling of concern at where things were heading at Anfield, although Raul Meireles has since turned out to be a decent signing.

But since Fenway Sports Group's buyout in October the future looks healthier both on the pitch and in terms of the bank balance and Dalglish has stressed the club will no longer settle for second-best when it comes to transfers.

"The people we'll be looking at are of the highest calibre, because the players here have done really well since January,'' said Dalglish.

"It would be disrespectful to them not for us not to be looking at a higher level. We've had a great end to the season. There will be lots of work done in the close season and we'll take it from there.

"Although it might affect them, players themselves expect new faces to come in and give the place a lift. It'll happen and they know it'll happen.

"If we get some quality people in to go along with the people already here that will help everyone - it always helps to freshen up the dressing room.

"But if we're bringing anyone in they've got to be better than what we've got - and that's going to be a big ask.''

And while Dalglish and director of football Damien Comolli cast their nets far and wide in an attempt to secure the best players the manager revealed some solutions may lie closer to home.

One of the first things Hodgson did when he took over in July was trim the squad, with Aquilani, Insua, Philipp Degen and Nabil El Zhar among those sent out on loan.

Aquilani's departure was the most high-profile, having arrived in a £17 million deal the previous summer, but the deadline for Juventus to sign the Italy international permanently has now passed with the Serie A side apparently unwilling to meet the club's valuation of the player.