Liverpool And Sunderland Agree Jordan Henderson Deal

Liverpool and Sunderland have agreed a deal thought to be worth about £20m for midfielder Jordan Henderson.

The 20-year-old England international will travel to Liverpool for a medical and to discuss personal terms.

"A fee has been agreed with Liverpool for Jordan Henderson and he travels to Anfield with the club's blessing," said a Sunderland statement.

Sunderland had rejected Liverpool's previous offer for the player, which was thought to be worth £16m.

The Anfield club hope a deal can be finalized before Henderson joins England's Under-21 squad on Wednesday for the European Championships.

Striker David Ngog, 22, could move in the opposite direction as part of the deal, but that is yet to be confirmed.

The Sunderland-born Henderson had a loan spell at Coventry City early in his career and signed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light in April 2010.

He came to prominence as Steve Bruce's Black Cats made a fine start to the season and was rewarded with an England call-up by coach Fabio Capello.

He won his first full England cap in the friendly defeat by France at Wembley in November.

And even though his form dipped as Sunderland struggled in the second half of the campaign, Henderson is still regarded as one of England's brightest young prospects.

Manchester United had been regarded as the long-time favourites to sign Henderson after he made an outstanding start to last season, but their interest cooled and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has moved on to other midfield targets.

Henderson's potential acquisition fits in with Liverpool's policy under Kenny Dalglish, director of football Damien Comolli and owners Fenway Sports Group to pursue young, and preferably English, talent.

Ipswich's teenage striker Connor Wickham and Blackburn Rovers defender Phil Jones are also believed to be Anfield targets.

Liverpool Prepare £11m Bid For Scottish Midfield Ace

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is ready to make a move for Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam when the summer transfer window opens for business according to reports in the Daily Star.

Dalglish has completed the deal to bring Sunderland's Jordan Henderson to Anfield in the summer for £20m and is now turning his attentions to playmaker Adam.

The 25-year-old had an impressive debut season in the Premiership with Blackpool despite the club getting relegated on the final day of the season.

Adam's performances where recognized by his peers as he was nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award for last season.

Liverpool made a move for the Blackpool playmaker in the January transfer window but a bid of £7m was turned down and Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston is looking for in the region of £10m this time around.

Dalglish will face competition from Tottenham who were also interested in acquiring the services of Adam in January.

The Scottish international only has a year remaining on his current contract at Bloomfield Road, and Adam has stated he does not want to return to the Championship which could force Blackpool to cash in on their prized asset.

Last season Adam made 36 appearances for Blackpool in all competitions and scored 13 goals.

Jones And Dann In Demand

Skysports.com understands Arsenal and Liverpool are going head-to-head for defensive duo Phil Jones and Scott Dann.

Blackburn's versatile youngster Jones and Birmingham centre-back Dann are both thought to be top targets for the Gunners and Reds as they look to bolster their defensive options this summer.

Emirates chief Arsene Wenger has made a new central defender one of his top priorities, while Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish is looking to bolster his squad as he seeks to get the side back in the top four.

Jones, who has also been employed in midfield for Rovers, is thought to be both Arsenal and Liverpool's number one target.

The North London club has held a long-term interest in the England Under-21 international and had a bid rejected for Jones last summer.

The Gunners are thought to have made new enquiries for Jones, but Liverpool is ready to rival their Premier League counterparts for his signature.

Jones fits in with Liverpool's policy under new manager Kenny Dalglish and owners Fenway Sports Group to pursue young and preferably British talent.

However, both sides are also keen on dominant defender Dann and are ready to move for the 24-year-old following Birmingham's relegation.

Dann has established himself as one of the best young defenders in the country during the last two seasons and his absence in the heart of the Blues defence for the second half of last season through injury contributed to the club's eventual relegation.

The 6ft 2in Dann, who been likened to Alan Hansen and Tony Adams, is believed to be keen to stay in the Premier League and the lifelong Liverpool fan would jump at the chance of a move to Anfield if his boyhood heroes firmed up their interest.

With Jones valued in the region of £16million and Blackburn reluctant to lose the 19-year-old, Dann could find himself the preferred option of both Liverpool and Arsenal as he could represent better value for money option at £10million.

Barcelona's Jeffren Proud To Hear Of Interest From Liverpool

Barcelona winger Jeffren Suarez says he is proud of interest from Liverpool and has told fans to "see what happens" this summer.

It looks set to be a busy couple of months at Anfield, with the club already linked with several big-name signings including Sunderland’s Jordan Henderson and Jeffren’s Barca team-mate Bojan Krkic.

"I am not thinking about anything like that [my future] at the moment. I just want to concentrate on this [the Under-21 European Championships with Spain]," Jeffren told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.

"It makes me proud that teams like Liverpool are interested in me. We’ll see what happens."

The 23-year-old has been limited to just 23 senior appearances since his break through into the Barca first team in 2008 and could be interested in a switch to Anfield to ensure more regular first-team football.

'I Will Only Leave Real Madrid For An English club' - Lassana Diarra

Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra has confirmed he would only leave the Spanish giants for a return to the Premier League.

The French international has been linked with a move back to England with Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham reported to be interested in the former Portsmouth man and he has refused to rule out a move.

“If I have to leave Madrid then it is only for the Premier League," he told skysports.com.

“I loved my time there, specially my last year [at Portsmouth] before Madrid, as I won the FA Cup.”

The 26-year-old joined Real Madrid in 2009 but has struggled to establish himself in their starting line-up.

However he admits leaving would be a step down as he feels his already at the biggest club on the planet.

"But I am at Real Madrid, the greatest club in the world," he added.

Aquilani Has Not Been Approached By AC Milan, Says Agent

The agent of Alberto Aquilani has denied reports in Italy that his client has been approached by AC Milan.

The Italy midfielder spent this season on loan at Juventus from Liverpool but the Turin giants have yet to confirm if they will sign the 26-year-old on a permanent basis.

Milan are looking to reinforce their midfield line following the departure of Andrea Pirlo to Juve and reports in Italy have strongly linked Aquilani to the San Siro outfit this summer.

"I can say that I am not aware of any interest from AC Milan," said Aquilani's agent Franco Zavaglia to Gazzetta dello Sport. "They are just rumours and we have had no contact with Milan.

"Juve have asked us for a few days to reflect and in the meantime, we are looking at the options in Italy and abroad.

"I don't think the problem has to do with the buy-out clause but rather that they (Juventus) are looking for someone whose characteristics are more defensive.

"We will see what happens.

"Whatever happens, Alberto is not left in the middle of the road as he still has three years left of his contract with Liverpool."

Liverpool signed Aquilani for a reported fee of £20million from Roma in 2009.

Aquilani scored twice in 33 league appearances for Juventus this season.

LFC Supports National Family Week

LFC's community team was out in force at Liverpool One this weekend as part of National Family Week.

Chavasse Park was full of free entertainment, games, activities and giveaways - and a team of staff from LFC were there throughout guiding willing participants around a football obstacle course.

More than 500 children (and many parents!) put their skills to the test and, after completing the course, were rewarded with a special Tactics 4 Families 'Family Fixture Card', an LFC balloon and a discount voucher for the LFC Superstore.

On the main stage our coaches led an activity as part of National Family Week's Generation Game and we gave prizes to all the participants and the winning families. We also took part in adjudicating a world record attempt for the most hot dogs made in a minute!

Liverpool Football Club is delighted to officially support National Family Week.

Kuyt Has Faith In Liverpool Title Challenge

Dirk Kuyt believes Liverpool can challenge for a Barclays Premier League title in the coming years.

The versatile Dutchman recently put pen to paper on a new deal at Anfield, and was part of the Reds' side that came close to winning the championship under Rafael Benitez back in 2008/09.

Under Kenny Dalglish, Kuyt is now confident Liverpool can turn their recent fortunes around, and with the backing of owners Fenway Sports Group become a major force in English football once again.

"I signed up (to a new contract) because I have faith in the club," said the former Feyenoord star.

"Everything I noticed shows the ambitions are high. The appointment of Steve Clarke, assistant to Mourinho at Chelsea, is one example. Just a very good on-the-pitch coach. That sort of thing."

Kuyt maintains his belief that Liverpool are still one of the biggest clubs in Europe, despite the fact that they will not participate in either the Champions League or Europa League next season.

The forward has also vowed to help the Merseysiders win trophies, and will hope to start that process next season.

"The club strives again to get to a level that suits the club. I feel that I am at one of the top clubs in Europe. The goal is still to become champions and win cups, and I will help."

Luis Suarez: I Have Settled In Well At Liverpool

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez feels he has settled in at Anfield quicker than he could have expected.

The 24-year-old Uruguay international has made a big impression on Merseyside since his £22.8 million move from Ajax in January.

Suarez has scored four goals for Liverpool but caught the eye as much for his assists, most notably in a memorable 3-1 defeat of Manchester United in March.

Suarez told LFC Weekly: "I think I have settled in well, which is very, very important.

"Settling into a new team was always the most important thing about coming here.

"I think I have done that and it's happened a lot quicker than I thought it would.

"It's hard when you come to a new team for the first time as there are lots of changes that you've got to adapt to but it's gone well - and from the very first game really. I am very, very happy here."

Suarez arrived at Liverpool alongside £35 million record signing Andy Carroll and could be joined by more faces this summer with the club strongly linked with Sunderland's £20m-rated midfielder Jordan Henderson and Ipswich youngster Connor Wickham.

Everton Join Liverpool & Manchester United In The Race To Sign Charlie Adam

Everton have joined Liverpool and Manchester United in the race to sign Blackpool captain Charlie Adam this summer, Goal.com can reveal.

Toffees manager David Moyes believes Adam's drive and creativity would improve the Everton side and has made it known he would be interested in completing a deal for his fellow Scot.

Everton's chances of landing the playmaker will undoubtedly be boosted by the fact he is represented by Moyes' brother, Kenny, as well as the prospect of regular first-team football at Goodison Park.

Everton would hope to pay around £4 million for the Adam but Blackpool is believed to still be asking for £8m despite their relegation from the Premier League.

Merseyside rivals Liverpool have shown the most interest in signing Adam although their desire to push through a deal may dampen with the anticipated signing of Jordan Henderson from Sunderland.

United have also been regularly linked with a move as Sir Alex Ferguson explores his options to replace Paul Scholes, but they are thought to be prioritizing Inter playmaker Wesley Sneijder or Tottenham star Luka Modric.

Everton see Adam as a an excellent option to add to the squad, where he could combine with other attacking midfield talents in the shape of Mikel Arteta, Leon Osman and Tim Cahill.

Blackpool took up an option at the end of the season to extend Adam's contract until next summer, but Seasiders boss Ian Holloway has accepted that his star man will be sold.

Adam, who was the subject of failed bids from Liverpool and Tottenham in January, earns just £12,000-a-week and he could more than double those wages with a move to another Premier League club.

Everton's interest in Adam comes as rumours continue to circulate over the future of midfielders Jack Rodwell and Marouane Fellaini. Rodwell, rated at £20m, is a long-term target for Manchester United while his Belgian team-mate has been linked with Chelsea and Real Madrid.

A swoop for Adam may go some way to convincing Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal target Leighton Baines to stay at Goodison Park after the highly-rated left-back admitted it was “nice” to see the club linked with well-known players.

Liverpool Agree Deal For Brazilian Goalkeeper

Liverpool have agreed a price with AS Roma for goalkeeper Doni, according to Sky Sport Italia.

The Brazilian, 31, would presumably be brought to Liverpool as back-up for the formidable Pepe Reina who looks like staying at Anfield despite speculation earlier in the year that the Spaniard could leave.

Doni has been Roma’s number one goalkeeper since the sacking of manager Claudio Ranieri at the turn of the year, replacing another Brazilian, Julio Sergio, as the first choice stopper.

If the deal goes through, it’s likely Liverpool will offload Brad Jones who was on loan at Derby County last season.

Liverpool Keen On Malouda

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is preparing an £8million bid for Chelsea winger Florent Malouda as he continues his search for a wide player.

The 30-year-old only has one year left on his contract, and it is unsure whether or not he will be offered a new one in 12 months time.

With Chelsea eyeing up several big signings themselves this summer, Malouda may become surplus to their needs, and they may be willing to cash in on the French international before he can go on a free transfer next June.

Malouda has not enjoyed the best of seasons at Chelsea this year, but Dalglish is adamant that the winger would be an excellent addition to the Liverpool squad.

The Liverpool boss will also be keen to get his hands on Malouda sooner rather than later, as his first preferences of Ashley Young, Eden Hazard and Juan Mata now all appear to be out of reach for the Reds.

Liverpool Like The Look Of Barcelona Duo Bojan Krkic And Jeffren Suarez

Liverpool have made contact with Barcelona regarding the potential signing of Bojan, while they are also interested in Jeffren Suarez, it has been claimed.

According to the Daily Mail, the Reds are 'in touch' with the European champions in the hope they can broker a deal for Bojan, while they remain keen on 23-year-old old Jeffren.

Liverpool have been linked with Bojan, 20, for a number of months after Spanish publication Marca initially reported the Reds were 'confident' of bringing the young forward to Anfield.

Jeffren, meanwhile, has also found himself at the centre of speculation regarding a potential move to Liverpool in the past, with Metro alleging the winger had been identified by Damien Comolli as an alternative to Ashley Young.

The acquisition of the Spanish duo would certainly prove to be quite a coup for Liverpool and would serve as further evidence of owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) fulfilling their pledge to invest significantly - and in young players in particular.

Liverpool, however, are expected to have to fight off interest from Arsenal in the pursuit of Bojan, with the Daily Mail also suggesting the Gunners are monitoring the Spain international with genuine interest.

After the culmination of a sixth successive trophyless campaign for Arsenal, Arsene Wenger has been urged to ditch his notorious frugality this summer, and the signing of Bojan could be just the tonic for Gunners' supporters.

Arsenal are also expected to sign defensive reinforcements, and have been linked consistently with Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill and versatile Frenchman Mamadou Sakho.

Rangers Return On The Cards For Reds Ace

Liverpool defender Danny Wilson could be on his way back to Glasgow Rangers on a season-long loan next season according to the Daily Mail.

The 19-year-old Scotland international is tipped for a bright future, but is expected to complete a temporary move away in order to gain some much-needed first team experience.

Wilson only moved to Anfield from Ibrox last July, but has started just a solitary game for Liverpool, and Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is keen for the £5million signing to continue his development north of the border.

Newly appointed Gers boss Ally McCoist, who took over the Rangers reigns from Walter Smith following his Blues retirement, is keen to strengthen his defensive department this summer, and will likely welcome the opportunity to bring Wilson back to Glasgow.

The SPL champions have also been negotiating a loan deal for another up and coming Barclays Premier League starlet, Kyle Bartley, who spent time on loan at Rangers from Arsenal last season.

With Madjid Bougherra looking to move away from Ibrox back to the English top-flight this summer, Liverpool's Wilson would be a strong addition for Rangers ahead of the new season.

Dalglish Must Up £8m Bid To Snare Target

The Daily Mail understands that Ipswich starlet Connor Wickham could be set for a move to Liverpool this summer, but Kenny Dalglish has been told to up his bid from £8 million to £10 million.

On Saturday reports were circulating that Dalglish had put in a £8 million bid to coax Wickham to Liverpool, but the bid was turned down. Ipswich had reportedly asked for £15 million as a starting price, and while Tottenham were in the mix as well as Liverpool for the 18-year-old, Spurs couldn’t come close to the asking price for Wickham’s services.

Wickham signed an extension to his contract with the npower Championship club in January, keeping him there until 2014. While there is a £15 million get out clause, Dalglish was hoping that a £8 million would snare the starlet.

Wickham has been compared to Newcastle star Alan Shearer, and has been referred to by some as the next Andy Carroll, after the youngster starred for his side this season.

Wickham can also boast scoring the winning goal against Spain in last year’s Under-17’s final, putting his worth through the roof to large clubs like Liverpool.

Wickham is the latest in a line of youngsters connected with Liverpool since Dalglish took over the reigns; Besides Andy Carroll’s £35 million move in January, Jordan Henderson has also been connected to Merseyside for £18 million, as Dalglish looks to put in a place a long term plan at Liverpool for a trophy winning squad.

Sevilla Tell Liverpool Perotti Is Not For Sale

Sevilla has told Liverpool that Argentine winger Diego Perotti is not for sale.

The English side was heading a long list of suitors for the winger, who has also been the subject of an enquiry from Juventus.

But Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido has ruled out the sale of Perotti this summer and has told any potential bidders not to waste their time.

"He is not for sale," Del Nido said. "Clubs in England and Italy have called us to ask about him.

"But our answer remains the same. He does not have a price because we do not want to sell."

Alberto Aquilani Could Be Offered AC Milan Escape Route From Liverpool

AC Milan are ready to pounce for Liverpool outcast Alberto Aquilani if Juventus keep dithering over making an offer.

The Italian international is currently on loan at Juve, and wants to tie up a permanent deal with the Turin giants, but the move is stalling due to the Bianconeri’s reluctance to meet the Liverpool’s £16million asking price.

They’ve already missed one deadline to make a bid, and the Reds have been forced into negotiations due to the player’s unwillingness to return to Anfield, but Juve’s proposal of just £6million is way below expectation.

Now, newly-crowned Serie A champions Milan are ready to steal in with an offer of closer to £10million for the former Roma man, and Aquilani is understood to be willing to accept the opportunity to move.

The Rossoneri are looking for a new creative force in midfield after Andrea Pirlo left for Juventus, and the Liverpool man would fit the bill.

Tottenham Rule Out Move For Liverpool Star

Liverpool winger Joe Cole will not be heading to Tottenham Hotspur, after sources close to the club ruled out a move.

The England International has been linked with a move back to London, after an unsuccessful first season in Merseyside, which has been blighted with injury and poor form.

However, sources have told Sportsvibe that Cole will not be heading to White Hart Lane, as the player does not feature in boss Harry Redknapp's plans for next season.

We reported over the weekend how Liverpool chief John W. Henry is looking to slash the wage bill at Anfield, with Cole part of a contingent of players who are paid in excess of £100,000-per-week.

Cole, who joined Liverpool on a Bosman-ruling last summer from Chelsea was looking to reinvigorate his career, but has so far failed to do so under the stewardship of Roy Hodgson and now Kenny Dalglish.

With the club increasingly linked with moves for Aston Villa duo Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, it appears as though Cole's days at Anfield are numbered.

The West Ham graduate has also been linked with a shock move to Premier League new-boys Queens Park Rangers in a £3 million deal.

Reds Re-Launch Membership Scheme

Liverpool FC today announced the re-launch of their official membership scheme for 2011-12 - and it's bigger and better than ever before with some fantastic exclusive benefits for fans.

After surveying supporters and listening to what they want from the membership scheme, we've made improvements to ensure members get better value and feel even closer to the club.

The main adjustments include three levels of membership - adult, junior and international - with adult and junior subscribers given priority ticket access to all available Barclays Premier League home games.

For the first time ever, tickets for the Barclays Premier League home games in the first half of the season will all go on sale at the same time to members during July, giving them an improved chance of seeing Kenny's men in action in the new campaign. Members need to have joined by July 7 in order to take advantage of this benefit and get access to these first-half season tickets.

By joining the LFC Official Membership scheme, you'll also receive a monthly email newsletter which will provide exclusive video footage, interviews with the players and manager, and information and offers not available anywhere else, as well as a three-month free trial of LFCTV Online.

In addition, our welcome packs are better than ever before and arrive in a specially designed presentation box packed with goodies and much more.

Adult members will receive an exclusive book - Managing the Liverpool Way - and chrome LFC pen, as well as a benefits booklet, personalized welcomed letter and membership card (new members only).

Junior members will get three signed photos of LFC star players and a back-to-school kit consisting of a drawstring bag, pencil case, ruler, eraser, pencils and notepad.

International members will receive a memory stick containing exclusive footage from around the club and an interview with Luis Suarez not available anywhere else, as well as a chrome LFC pen.

Adult membership costs just £29.99 for the season, while Junior (aged 12 and under) is £14.99. International supporters can sign up for £18.99.

LFC Confirm Tour Game In Malaysia

Liverpool FC is delighted to announce they will be playing a Malaysia XI on Saturday July 16 during the Club's Asia Tour - sponsored by Standard Chartered.

Organized by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur will host the match with kick-off at 5.45pm local time. It is the second game to be played in Asia during July with the other match being staged in China.

LFC Managing Director Ian Ayre said: "At Liverpool FC we take these games very seriously. The game in Malaysia will be an important part of our preparations for the 2011-12 campaign and it's a chance for all our fans in Malaysia to get up close to their heroes.

"We will work closely with our main sponsor Standard Chartered and our other tour partners, Adidas and Carlsberg, to ensure we can deliver our best ever pre-season tour."

For the Malaysia leg of the trip, Courts are also official partners.

The Reds enjoy fantastic support in Asia and this summer's visit follows the hugely successful 10-day pre-season tour of Thailand and Singapore two years ago.

The Asia Tour begins with a game against Guangdong Sunray Cave in Guangzhou, China on Wednesday July 13.

"The match will be a piece of football history as this is the first time Liverpool FC will be stepping on Malaysian soil and it has created a lot of excitement," said Julian Kam, CEO of ProEvents, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Malaysia this year. "The Reds have a massive base of football fans in Malaysia.

"We have scheduled the game on a Saturday with kick-off at 5.45pm so everyone can come and watch."

LFC manager Kenny Dalglish said: "I'm looking forward to taking the team to Asia. It is great that we can give our supporters in Malaysia and China the chance to watch the team play. Our last tour of Asia in 2009 was a great success and we're delighted to be returning this summer."

Osman Morad, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, added: "Liverpool FC has a huge fan base in Malaysia; all very loyal supporters impatiently counting the days to see the Reds in action on our own shores.

"Standard Chartered is therefore delighted to sponsor this tour. We like to give back to the communities we operate in, and bringing Liverpool FC to Malaysia is in that spirit. Together with our employees, clients and Malaysian fans, we look forward to welcoming LFC with true Malaysian hospitality."