Steven Gerrard’s Pending Return Excites Steve Clarke

Liverpool assistant manager Steve Clarke can't wait for the return of captain Steven Gerrard from injury.

The 31-year-old missed the end of season run-in after undergoing groin surgery.

The skipper has started just six games under new manager Kenny Dalglish, and Clarke can't wait for his return.

"He's vitally important. Steven hasn't featured much since I came to the club. He's been in and out with a niggling problem with his groin, and hopefully the operation has cured it.

"A fit and fully firing Steven Gerrard can only improve the squad.

"He's certainly one of the most complete footballers of his generation. Over the last 10 or 12 years there have been a number of really top English players and certainly Steven is one of them.

"I've only seen little glimpses of him since I came here but he's a captain who, rather than speaking and motivating, leads by example on the pitch. I am looking forward to seeing him do that next season."

Jordan Henderson 'Eager To Tie Up Liverpool Transfer Switch'

Sunderland star Jordan Henderson is said to be keen to complete his proposed switch to Liverpool by Wednesday at the latest.

The talented youngster is due to head to Denmark later this week with England under-21s for the European Championships and is said to want his future settled by then, according to the Daily Mirror.

Kenny Dalglish has identified the midfielder as a key summer signing, but the two clubs have so far been unable to agree a fee.

Sunderland are asking for £18 million for their in-demand England international, with the Reds confident a deal can be agreed after increasing their bid to £15 million.

It is thought that progress is being made, with Henderson desperate to conclude the transfer and Dalglish also keen to have the player on board by the start of pre-season training, the newspaper noted.

The Anfield club have also lined up Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia as another target as they believe they could lose out on Aston Villa's Ashley Young to rivals Manchester United.

Liverpool are long-time admirers of Young, but fear he is Old Trafford-bound so are mulling over a move for N'Zogbia instead, who has just a year left on his contract at the DW Stadium.

It is further evidence the Anfield hierarchy are prepared to back Dalglish, following the £50 million-plus double capture of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez in January.

Liverpool Close In On £10m-Rated Connor Wickham

Liverpool is set to renew their interest in Ipswich striker Connor Wickham when the summer transfer window opens for business according to reports in The Metro.

Wickham has had an impressive couple of season at the Tractor Boys and has attracted interest from a number of top clubs in England including, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal.

Spurs were close to signing the 18-year-old last year, with a bid in the region of between £10million and £15million, but due to the player’s age at the time negotiations deterred.

However a year on and it now appears Liverpool are favourites to land the talented Wickham.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish and the clubs director of football Damien Comolli are both keen admires of the youngster and will be watching him closely during England's under 21 European Championship matches.

Ipswich have placed a £10m price-tag on Wickham, and the Portman Road outfit will be expecting a bidding war to begin for their prized asset.

The young striker is contracted with Ipswich until 2013 but with the Championship club seemingly willing to listen to offers Dalglish is ready to make a bid before anyone else.

Last season Wickham made 41 appearances for Ipswich in all competitions and scored nine goals.

Dalglish Has Eye On 'Last Ditch Effort' To Keep Liverpool Target

Newcastle have made one last ditch effort to keep Jose Enrique, with the star left back looking set to make his move to Liverpool, according to The Journal.

Newcastle were reportedly in the race for star Ligue 1 left back Boukary Drame, but the Northern paper is reporting that the Toon side have not made an offer, in the hopes of keeping Enrique.

But Liverpool is still favourites to sign the Spaniard, who is reportedly worth £15 million, with Bayern Munich and Lyon also interested.

Newcastle look set for a squad overhaul in the summer, with striker Andy Carroll long departed to Liverpool, and Joey Barton not being offered a new contract. Barton is also a target for the Merseyside club, with Kenny Dalglish on the lookout for feeders to Carroll’s strikes.

Enrique recently admitted he didn’t mind so much where he played, with the star revealing he is settled and happy in England.

"If I have to continue here, I'm happy. If I have to go to another club, I'm happy in England," Enrique said.

With Liverpool coming very close to European football this season, and Dalglish putting forward a long term plan for the side to challenge for trophies over the next 2-3 seasons, Enrique looks likely to choose Liverpool over Bayern and Lyon.

Bojan Krkic Has Laughed Off Speculation Linking Him To Anfield

Liverpool's hopes of landing Barcelona ace Bojan Krkic seem to be all but over, after the player laughed off speculation linking him with a switch to Anfield reports skysports.com.

With Barca's star-studded line-up having completed a La Liga and Champions League double this season, Bojan's chances have often been limited.

The 20-year-old striker has featured predominantly from the bench for the Catalan giants, and his lack of playing time has led to increased speculation that a transfer to Liverpool is in the offing.

Kenny Dalglish has long been credited with an interest, with the Reds seemingly set to splash the cash this summer as they seek to build a Liverpool side capable of challenging for a top four berth next season.

But, the Spanish international, who has four years to run on his current contract, has laid to rest any suggestions that he's set for a summer switch to Anfield, insisting his long-term future lies at the Camp Nou.

"I can only laugh about these rumours," Bojan told El Mundo Deportivo.

"It is my goal to stay with Barcelona for a long time and be successful here. I am a young player and still have a lot to prove."

Reports emanating from Spain have even suggested that the diminutive striker could be used as a makeweight as Barcelona tries to tempt Villarreal to part with star striker, Giuseppe Rossi.

But Bojan is adamant he will not be used as a bargaining tool, although he insists Rossi would be a welcome addition to the Spanish champions' ranks.

"This is football, things can change very fast. Let's be clear about it, though - I will not be used to facilitate someone else's transfer.

"And that is not just because I say so but also because that is how the club feels about it.

Speaking about Rossi, Bojan added: "He is a very complete attacker and has already scored many goals for Villarreal," he said. "I think that he has the quality to play for Barcelona."

Liverpool And Newcastle Both Keeping Tabs On Defender Emilio Izaguirre

Newcastle United have joined Liverpool in the race to sign Emilio Izaguirre, according to reports.

The Celtic left back has earned rave reviews in Scotland this season, landing the SPL Player of the Year award in his first full season at Celtic Park after signing from Motagua in August.

Alan Pardew fears the Magpies may lose Jose Enrique this summer, and although the Toon are reported to have made a last ditch effort to resolve contract issues with the Spaniard, his exit appears to be a possibility. The Sun claims Newcastle are lining up Izaguirre as a possible replacement.

Liverpool are thought to be one of the favourites for former Villarreal full-back Enrique, although they too have been linked with a move for Izaguirre and have been monitoring the Honduran's progress.

Speculation has been rife that Kenny Dalglish will make an official move for the Hoops star, and the 25-year-old spoke on the interest coming out of Anfield only last week.

"It is flattering for any player of course, when somebody like Liverpool shows an interest in your services," the defender told La Tribuna.

"I still do now know anything, I leave this in the hands of my agent and club officials."

It's claimed that Newcastle would look to offer £2.5 million to bring Izaguirre to St James' Park, although Celtic are expected to want more for the player they signed for £600,000.

British press reports have previously claimed Liverpool would offer as much as £4 million for the defender, and Newcastle would need to up their bid to beat off the Reds.

That said, a move seems dependant on if Liverpool look to sign Enrique, creating an interesting transfer triangle that could continue to play out during the summer months.

Liverpool Join Hunt For Jones

Arsenal remains favourites to sign Blackburn defender Phil Jones, but Liverpool are also said to be in the hunt.

The 19-year-old has shown that he has a big future ahead of him in the Premier League, having broken into the Rovers first team in the last couple of seasons.

Jones signed a five-year deal with Blackburn last year and although Rovers will do all they can to keep him, a big offer will be hard for Ewood Park officials to turn down.

Arsene Wenger has admitted to being a big fan of the teenager and is believed to be closing in on a deal, but Liverpool could yet scupper the Gunners' attempts to capture Jones.

The centre-back is currently with the England Under-21 squad, along with Reds target Jordan Henderson, as they prepare for the upcoming European Championships in Denmark.

Seven Reds Set For World Cup

Seven Academy youngsters have been called up to play in the U17 World Cup in Mexico during the summer.

Exciting wide-man Raheem Sterling joins striker Adam Morgan, left-back Brad Smith, goalkeeper Tyrell Belford, centre-back Matty Regan and winger Jack Dunn in the England squad.

Left-back Tom King has also been selected by Australia.

The tournament kicks-off on June 18 and the final is in Mexico City on July 10.

England begin their campaign on Sunday, June 19 when they take on Rwanda. Also in the group are Uruguay and Canada.

Another five Academy products are currently away with England at the Euro U19 Championships.

Liverpool Plan Summer Clearance Sale To Fund Top-Quality Signings

Liverpool's owner, Fenway Sports Group, is anxious to rid the club's wage bill of several expensive transfer errors this summer to maximise Kenny Dalglish's budget for "highest quality" signings.

FSG has sanctioned a substantial outlay on recruits at Anfield, with an approach having been made for Sunderland's Jordan Henderson and interest in the Aston Villa pair of Stewart Downing and Ashley Young expected to develop after their commitments with England. While FSG is willing to spend heavily on transfer fees it is, however, reluctant to increase an already inflated wage bill and wants several high-earning players to make way for the additions.

Liverpool had the fourth-highest wage bill in the Premier League in 2010 – £121m – but failed to qualify for the Champions League next season and last. FSG inherited a host of financial burdens from the previous owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, and the former managers Rafael Benítez and Roy Hodgson, and faces the dual problem of needing to improve Dalglish's squad – "We want to get the highest quality of player in that we can," the Scot has said – while starting to comply with Uefa's fair play regulations.

As John W Henry, the club's principal owner, said recently: "The worst surprise [following FSG's takeover last October] was the lack of depth in the squad. Our biggest concern in taking on this responsibility was this issue and it was a bigger issue than we feared. There was a huge multi-year payroll for a squad that had very little quality depth."

The free signings Joe Cole and Milan Jovanovic, for example, earn £100,000 and £120,000 a week at Liverpool respectively, although the latter's astonishing salary includes a signing-on fee payable over the first 12 months of his contract. Cole made nine Premier League starts last season and Jovanovic five. Paul Konchesky, Christian Poulsen and Brad Jones, who cost £5m, £4.5m and £2.3m respectively and were also part of a disastrous transfer policy last summer, are surplus to requirements too but are liable to deter potential suitors with their salaries. Philipp Degen, Nabil El Zhar and Emiliano Insúa also remain on the payroll.

Liverpool must pay a final instalment of €5m (£4.4m) to Roma for Alberto Aquilani by the end of June and must decide whether to accept a major loss on the Italian midfielder or bring him back to Merseyside after a season's loan to Juventus.

Juventus have offered only £6m for a player who will cost Liverpool a total of £17.6m, with Roma to receive 5% of any fee agreed, although the 26-year-old's agent has insisted a compromise deal is possible. Franco Zavaglia said: "All season Juventus have always given me the necessary guarantees that they want to keep Alberto. The next 24 hours will be decisive. Any eventual economic agreements will follow after Juventus make their decision. If Juventus can't do a deal for Alberto and he has to return to Liverpool, then Milan would certainly be a destination that he would accept."

Full English Is On Liverpool's Menu This Summer

Kenny Dalglish wants Jordan Henderson to be the new, young English face of Liverpool.

Liverpool's £13million offer for Henderson underlines the shift in transfer policy at Anfield towards buying young and buying British.

Fenway Sports Group were shocked by the Reds' bloated wage bill when they took over last autumn and the Americans felt the squad was carrying too much dead wood.

They do not want any more expensive mistakes like Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic and Christian Poulsen and have told Dalglish and director of football Damien Comolli to target young British talent.

This new emphasis was behind their willingness to sanction the blockbusting £35million move for Andy Carroll in January and the striker perfectly fitted their new profile, being 22 and English.

Henderson, 20, also ticks all the boxes for the Americans and Liverpool believe they can do a deal for the England midfielder below Sunderland's £20m asking price.

Sunderland's valuation highlights the one big problem of buying British - home-grown players are always marked up by the selling clubs.

Ironically, Liverpool's £35m payment to Newcastle for Carroll fuelled the price inflation of British players and £20m now seems to be the starting point for any up-and-coming talent, be it Henderson or Jack Rodwell of Everton.

Liverpool are undeterred and Henderson is understood to be keen on a move to Anfield, while Steve Bruce has lined up Manchester United's Darron Gibson to bolster his midfield numbers at the Stadium of Light.

The Reds are determined to stick to their new age policy - despite high transfer fees - and it is no coincidence that out of all the players they are eyeing up this summer, Stewart Downing is the oldest at 26.

Ashley Young, Sylvain Marveaux, Charlie Adam, Jose Enrique and Emiliano Izaguirre are 25, while James McCarthy is just 20.

Fenway Sports want to get away from signing older players from overseas who just seem to see a move to Liverpool as securing their pension. They only want young, hungry players with a resale value.

That view will only be strengthened at the end of this month when the club pay Roma the £4.4m final instalment for Kop flop Alberto Aquilani.

Rafa Benitez's most expensive gaffe will have cost the Reds £17.6m, meaning his 28 appearances will have stung them to the tune of £630,000 per game.

This does not include his £80,000-a-week wages, which Liverpool have started paying again since his loan spell at Juventus officially ended on Tuesday.

The Reds are keen to cut their losses on Aquilani and had hoped Juve would exercise the clause in his loan agreement to sign him permanently for £14million last month.

Instead, the Italians let that deadline pass and have told Liverpool they are only prepared to offer £6m for Aquilani, even though he still has three years left on his Anfield deal.

The Turin club are trying to drive a hard bargain as they feel Liverpool are in a weak bargaining position because they do not want Aquilani back at the club.

Aqulani's agent, Franco Zavaglia, is hopeful a compromise deal can be reached and also claims AC Milan are also keen on the Italy midfielder.

"All season, Juventus have always given me the necessary guarantees that they want to keep Alberto," he said.

"The next 24 hours will be decisive. Any eventual economic agreements will follow after Juventus make their decision.

"If Juventus can't do a deal for Alberto and he has to return to Liverpool, then Milan would certainly be a destination that he would accept."

Liverpool Striker Target 'Monitored By Scouts'

Reported Liverpool target Danny Ings is on the summer shopping list of a number of clubs in the Barclays Premier League.

The 19-year-old striker impressed with his quick feet and eye for goal after being drafted into the Bournemouth side for the second half of last season - scoring five times in the final seven games of the campaign to seal the Cherries a spot in the npower League One playoffs.

And, despite missing a penalty in the semi-final first leg against Huddersfield, Ings netted in the second fixture - although it wasn't enough to seal Bournemouth a place in the final.

TalkSPORT had previously suggested that Liverpool scouts had been to watch Ings at close quarters and now, GiveMeFootball can confirm, the young striker has indeed been monitored by top flight clubs.

"He's got unbelievable potential to go up to the highest level, which has obviously been proven by the people that have been watching him," a Bournemouth insider told GMF.

"Premier League teams have been watching him, and that speaks volumes."

Along with Liverpool, Fulham and Newcastle have also been linked with the promising forward and a transfer scrap for Ings' services could potentially ensue during the transfer window.

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have previously outlined their intention to invest heavily on youth but, whether or not they decide Ings is worth the risk remains to be seen.

A jump up two divisions to Liverpool, Fulham or Newcastle would represent quite a challenge for Ings, but people in the know at Dean Court feel he has the ability to one day play at the highest level.

Bolton Wanderers Rival Liverpool For Unsettled Monaco Striker

According to reports Bolton Wanderers are interested in Monaco forward Park Chu-Young.

L'Equipe claims Wanderers boss Owen Coyle is monitoring the South Korean’s situation.

However, it seems he will face competition from his Liverpool counterpart Kenny Dalglish for the striker who wants a move away from the French club.

It is understood Park Chu-Young is eyeing a move to England after Monaco’s disastrous season in which they were relegated from La Ligue.

On his future Park said: "I would like to have new challenge in a stronger team capable of competing in bigger Europe-wide tournaments like the Champions League.” His agent has since confirmed he is looking for a move away.

Wanderers have the advantage of already having a fellow countryman on their books in the shape of Lee Chung-Yong.

Dalglish Primed For Swoop To Snatch £10m Premiership Midfielder

Wigan midfielder James McCarthy is edging closer to a move to Liverpool when the summer transfer window opens for business according to Chairman Dave Whelan.

McCarthy has been in impressive form for the Latics since his £1.2million move from Hamilton Academical in 2009.

The 20-year-old has been on the radar of Kop boss Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool's director of football Damien Comolli for the past few months now an a move is looking likely to be on the cards.

Dalglish is keen to add some midfield spark to the squad in the summer and sees McCarthy as an ideal option.

The Republic of Ireland international will cost in the region of £10m and Whelan's latest announcement will also alert Arsenal and Chelsea who have also shown an interest in McCarthy.

Whelan said: "James is a quality young player and the intention is to be keeping hold of players of that calibre.

"In the end, of course, you have to let them go, there's no question about that. It's how long you can keep them here and it also depends on what the lad himself wants to do."

McCarthy who won the Scottish PFA Young Player of the year award in 2009, was a vital member of the Wigan side that avoided relegation on the final day of the Premier League campaign.

The Ireland midfielder made 27 appearances and scored five goals in all competitions.

Liverpool FC Donate More Than 1,000 Items To British Red Cross

More than 1,000 items of Liverpool FC merchandise will hit the charity shops this month.

The club is donating top players’ new and worn shirts, as well as sweatshirts, tracksuits and other valuable merchandise to help raise funds for those stricken by the earthquake in Japan.

Ian Ayre, managing director of Liverpool FC, said: “Our hearts go out to everyone in Japan who has suffered as a result of widespread destruction caused by the tsunami earlier this year. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the Red Cross to help raise funds that will contribute towards rebuilding the country’s economic and social infrastructure.“

Red Cross teams have been providing first aid, emergency healthcare and psychological support, as well as assisting the Japanese authorities with evacuations near nuclear plants and staffing shelters for evacuees.

Its volunteers have also been distributing relief, including personal hygiene kits and blankets, as well as providing hot meals, clearing debris and transporting injured people.

But this effort takes vast resources and Liverpool FC is determined to do its bit to help out.

Among the thousand items will be 360 new and used players’ shirts once owned by the likes of Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Jose Reina and manager Kenny Dalglish.

And while some of the more valuable items will go to auction, the majority will be spread across the network of Red Cross shops in the North West, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Karen Butterworth, retail manager at the charity’s Birkenhead outlet, said: “It’s great for Liverpool FC and excellent for the Red Cross.

“All the items will be displayed on the shop floor.

“I’m sure it will be popular with customers and raise the profile of the work we do.”

The items should be on display around Red Cross shops by June 13.

Sue Radcliff, British Red Cross retail field manager, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation by Liverpool Football Club.

“The stock is rare and will be sold at some of our shops throughout the North West, helping us to raise thousands.”

Kenny Dalglish Set To Swoop For Sunderland Pair But Alberto Aquilani Deal Flounders

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is considering bidding for Sunderland’s £10 million-rated midfielder Lee Cattermole.

Dalglish is keen to bolster his midfield with young English talent and is an admirer of both Cattermole and his Sunderland team-mate Jordan Henderson, who is valued at £14 million. He has made informal inquiries about Cattermole, 23, and is set to follow them up with an official offer.

But Alberto Aquilani’s disappointing move to Liverpool is set to cost the Anfield club a further £4.4 million later this month – 10 months after his return to Italy on a season-long loan to Juventus.

The 26 year-old, who has started just 14 games in all competitions for Liverpool since his £17.6 million arrival on a five-year contract from Roma in Aug 2009, could be forced to return to Anfield next month after Juventus failed to take up an option to seal a permanent £14 million deal for the midfielder.

Liverpool must pay the final £4.4 million instalment of the £17.6 million transfer fee to Roma by June 30, even though Aquilani, whose last appearance came in the Europa League qualifier against FK Rabotnick last August, does not figure in Dalglish’s plans.

The financial drain caused by the balance of Aquilani’s transfer, combined by the substantial wages of out-of-favour players such as Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Christian Poulsen, Emiliano Insua and Paul Konchesky, is unlikely to halt Dalglish’s pursuit of Cattermole and Henderson.

But further moves into the transfer market are likely to depend on how much Dalglish can trim from the club’s £120 million wage bill and generate by offloading those players viewed as surplus to requirements.

The financial black-hole surrounding Aquilani’s future is the most pressing at Anfield, however. The player has admitted his desire to remain in Italy, but despite interest from Juventus, AC Milan and Inter, Liverpool’s £14 million valuation is likely to prove prohibitive, with Juventus only prepared to offer £6 million for the player.

Liverpool, who is due to pay Roma five per cent of any money generated by Aquilani’s sale, could be forced to sell at a substantial loss or choose to loan him again next season, which is an unlikely option due to the prospect of his value diminishing further in 12 months’ time.

Aquilani’s agent, Franco Zavaglia, remains hopeful, however, that a deal can be struck between Liverpool and Juventus.

Zavaglia said: “All season, Juventus have given me the necessary guarantees that they want to keep Alberto.

“The next 24 hours will be decisive. Any eventual economic agreements will follow after Juventus make their decision.

“If Juventus can’t do a deal for Alberto and he has to return to Liverpool, then Milan would certainly be a destination that he would accept.”

Liverpool Are Reportedly Set To Bid For Juan Manuel Vargas

Liverpool is on the verge of bidding for Peruvian winger Juan Manuel Vargas, according to reports in Italy.

Corriere dello Sport claims the Reds are willing to pay as much as €20 million for the Fiorentina winger, who has been linked with an Anfield switch in the past and was rumoured to be subject of a bid in Janiuary.

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli is a known admirer of the player, whose versatility has seen him play at both full back and central midfield for both club and country.

Vargas moved to the Viola back in 2008, with the Serie 'A' side beating Real Madrid to the €12 million signature. His stock has continued to rise at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, and now a number of clubs across Europe are believed to be interested in the player's services.

Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool side is thought to be leading the race, although Manchester City is also thought to have been tracking the player for several months now.

Whilst the Merseysiders can't match the financial power of City, manager Dalglish has been promised transfer funds by Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group.

Ngoo Fires In England Win

Liverpool striker Michael Ngoo fired as England U19s continued their quest for European Championship glory with a 3-2 victory over Switzerland on Thursday afternoon.

The 18-year-old bagged his goal on 44 minutes against the host nation, with Luke Williams and George Thorne also finding the net for Noel Blake's boys.

The result means England are well placed to reach the last eight heading into Sunday's final group game with Spain.

Four Academy products started for the Three Lions - Ngoo, Conor Coady, Jack Robinson and skipper Andre Wisdom.

Tom Ince was an unused substitute.

Monaco Ace Flattered

Monaco forward Benjamin Moukandjo has told skysports.com that he is flattered by interest from Liverpool.

The 22-year-old only moved to the Principality in the January transfer window when he arrived from Nimes.

However, following Monaco's relegation from the French top-flight - he is now being linked with a move away.

And Liverpool are said to be keeping tabs on the Cameroonian, who can also play on the wing.

Speaking to skysports.com, he said: "Personally, I heard rumours about Liverpool, it is flattering but in reality I should be staying with Monaco unless a dream becomes a reality."

Moukandjo admitted he is still getting over the disappointment of being relegated.

"I am very disappointed, it is a setback for us to go to Ligue 2, this is one of the biggest teams in France.

"It is a hard time."

Reina - I've Never Wanted To Go

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina insists he has never contemplated leaving the club.

Reina's future at Liverpool was the subject of speculation earlier in the season following their poor form under Roy Hodgson.

The likes of Arsenal and Manchester United have been credited with an interest in the talented shot-stopper.

However, the 28-year-old has been encouraged by the progress made under Kenny Dalglish and he has committed his future to the Merseyside outfit.

"I am happy at Liverpool," Reina told Marca. "It is true we have had a great end to the year, but we have to keep growing.

"I am very happy and so is my family. I've never wanted to go."

Reds' Henderson Move Snubbed

Skysports.com can confirm that Sunderland have rebuffed an approach from Liverpool for midfielder Jordan Henderson.

Manchester United and Manchester City had both been keeping close tabs on the England international.

But Liverpool has suddenly made a surprise move for the talented young midfielder, who can play out wide or in the middle.

Kenny Dalglish is clearly looking to invest heavily this summer and Henderson has emerged as one of his top targets.

It is understood the Anfield outfit's initial interest would have seen them willing to pay £13million, but Sunderland have rebuffed their advances.

The Wearside outfit, though, may be willing to do business at a much bigger price - £20milllion plus - as they have their own midfield targets.

Skysports.com understands one of those is Manchester United's Darron Gibson, and Steve Bruce is ready to approach his former boss Sir Alex Ferguson over his availability and also that of defender Wes Brown.