Liverpool Told To Pay £20m For Aston Villa Winger

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has been told to increase their valuation of Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing should they wish to acquire the players services during the summer transfer window.

The Merseysiders are keen to sign Downing having missed out on his Villa team-mate Ashley Young to rivals Manchester United.

The 26-year-old has been in impressive form since his move from Middlesbrough in 2009 and he currently has only two years left on his current deal at Villa Park.

Kop boss Dalglish and the Liverpool's director of football Damien Comolli are both keen admirers of Downing and feel the England international will be able to help take the club back into the Premiership's top four.

Liverpool has already spent £20million on Jordan Henderson from Sunderland and there are no signs in the Anfield spending spree coming to an end anytime soon.

According to reports in the Daily Mirror, Dalglish values Downing at £10m but Villa Park bosses have told Liverpool to stump up £20m for the England winger.

It is believed Liverpool will try to offload some of their fringe players including Joe Cole in order to raise funds and clear the wage bill for Downing.

Last season Downing made 44 appearance in all competitions for Aston Villa and scored eight goals.

Liverpool Miss Out On Monreal

Liverpool target Nacho Monreal is set to join Spain's new big-spenders Malaga.

The Osasuna left-back was linked with a move to Anfield in March after Paul Konchesky failed to settle on Merseyside following his move from Fulham.

The £5million defender, capped four times by the World Cup holders, will complete the switch on Wednesday if the 25-year-old passes a medical.

Malaga was bought by a member of the Qatari royal family last year and have ambitious plans for next season after splashing out for high-earning former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Marko Marin Has Rejected Liverpool

Werder Bremen's Marko Marin has denied reports that he is set for a big move to the Premier League, and has insisted that he will stay in Germany for the time being.

The 22-year-old midfield sensation has been in fantastic form for both club and country, and has seen his stocks rise to new heights. However, it seems the youngster is set to remain in Germany.

Marin told Bild: "I want to stay at Werder. I feel good at Bremen. I have never had the urge to leave."

Bremen's poor season saw speculation mount about the attacker's future, but it appears that he only has eyes on staying in the Bundesliga.

"I want to be successful here, and that is my only aim," he added.

Marin's agent, Fali Ramadani, confirmed in the same publication that the midfielder turned down Liverpool, and hinted that his German side would not be willing to do business.

Ramadini said: "Marko rejected Liverpool. Werder hinted that they would not sell Marko at this time."

However, Marin himself admitted that if Werder Bremen were to sell him, he would have no choice but to leave. He stated: "If the club receives an offer and decides to sell me, which is another situation. Until then I am happy here."

Roma Keeper Doni Rejects Liverpool Switch

Roma goalkeeper Doni has snubbed a move to Liverpool, according to reports in Italy.

Liverpool had been linked with a move for their former keeper Brad Friedel before the American chose to join Tottenham.

The Reds turned their attentions to Brazilian stopper Doni, who has fallen down the pecking order at Roma this season, and it was reported that the Italian side had accepted a £1m bid from Liverpool.

But it has been reported that Doni has turned down the chance to join Liverpool because the Premier League side offered him less than his current deal at Roma.

The 31-year-old could now join Galatasaray if the Turkish side fails to land first-choice target Fernando Muslera from Lazio.

Park Chu-Young Puts Move To Liverpool Above Paris Saint-Germain And Lille

Korean forward Park Chu-Young has made a move to Liverpool a ‘priority’ over French sides Paris Saint-Germain or Lille, according to Goal.com.

Park’s current side Monaco have been relegated from Ligue 1, and while the captain scored 12 goals during the season and was the star of the French outfit, Park has made his intentions clear to move to a side that can offer European football.

"I would like to have new challenge in a stronger team capable of competing in bigger Europe-wide tournaments like the Champions League," Park recently said.

While Liverpool can’t offer European experience next season, the Merseyside club is certainly going in that direction, with some top signings including Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez and Jordan Henderson over the last five months, and the acquirement of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish as permanent manager.

Dalglish has told reporters numerous times that he is set on taking Liverpool back to the glory of the 1980s. And Park is reportedly interested in being involved in the history-rich club as they make a confident push to challenge for trophies once more.

The star is said to be worth €6 million, and with sponsor Standard Charter reportedly encouraging Asian signings at Liverpool to boost their appeal across the globe, Damien Comolli sees the 25-year-old as a good deal on multiple fronts.

While Paris Saint-Germaine and Lille have both reportedly already made offers for Park’s signature, Monaco are waiting on Liverpool to show their cards before they move forward.

Maxi Hints At Reds Exit

Liverpool winger Maxi Rodriguez has revealed he would be open to a move back to Argentina with Newell's Old Boys.

The 30-year-old started his career at Newell's before leaving for Espanyol in 2002.

Maxi, who joined Liverpool in January 2010 from Atletico Madrid, claims he has held talks with Newell's president Guillermo Lorente about a possible return.

"When I left here, I knew I was coming back," Rodriguez told Argentinian newspaper La Capital.

"The president (William Lorenzo) called me and I said yes. Now it depends on the contract I have in Liverpool, maybe that can be loosened a little."

Maxi's future at Liverpool could be in doubt with Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish actively looking at bringing in the likes of Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing this summer.

Agger Hits The Beach To Boost His Comeback From Injury

Daniel Agger is ready to spend his summer holidays pounding the beach, in a bid to prove his fitness in time for pre-season training.

Liverpool’s Danish defender endured another frustrating campaign with injuries.

He picked up an injury in September which sidelined him for more than three months, returned only to see a groin strain put him back on the treatment table for four matches in March and then lasted just 24 minutes of his second match back in the senior side before a knee injury ended his season at West Bromwich Albion.

But he is now back in light training and is planning to spend his holidays working on his fitness.

Agger’s agent, Per Steffensen, explained: “He has had his leg in plaster for a long time and has been walking with crutches.

“But he has started to run and during his holiday he has an exercise plan to stick to.

“So nothing should stand in his way from beginning training with his team-mates.”

Martin Kelly Is Delighted To Welcome Jordan Henderson To Anfield

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly believes new signing Jordan Henderson has all the attributes to become a great at Anfield.

Henderson, on international duty with the England Under-21s in Denmark, signed for Liverpool from Sunderland for a reported £16 million last week.

And Kelly, who established himself in the Reds first team last season, believes the young midfielder has the ability to make an even bigger name for himself.

“Jordan's a great lad and really down to earth," Kelly told LFC Weekly. "We get on really well and I'm made up that he's made a mark on Sunderland's first team over the last few seasons. He has everything you need to become a footballer at the highest level.

"The thing I like about him most is that he keeps it nice and simple. You can give him the ball under pressure and he will always keep it, even in the tightest situations.

"He's very patient in possession and if you're under pressure you can give it to him and he'll take the sting out of a game and keep things ticking over.

"He is also the type of player who will weigh in with a number of assists every season and score a few too.

"Jordan is definitely the kind of player who will never let his head drop. He's got a lot of confidence in his own ability."

Liverpool Yet To Decide Over New Stadium

Liverpool has generated some interest in selling naming rights for a proposed new stadium but a senior official insists a final decision on whether to move or redevelop Anfield has yet to be taken.

According to Billy Hogan, managing director of Fenway Sports Management - the global commercial arm of club owners Fenway Sports Group - the primary consideration has to be ensuring the club can compete financially with their main rivals.

"We see Liverpool as a truly global proposition from a marketing standpoint and a naming rights partnership with Liverpool Football Club is really unlike any other thing there is out there," Hogan told Bloomberg.

"It's something we've seen some interest in and we'll continue to have those conversations."

Hogan added that the final decision will "rest on which opportunity allows us to keep generating revenue to compete with the rest of our competition in the Premier League".

It is believed FSG's preferred option is to increase both the capacity and corporate opportunities at Anfield, as they did when they took over at baseball side Boston Red Sox.

But that could still pose some issues in restricting match-day income and plans for a new build in Stanley Park have not been ruled out.

Under the terms of the agreement struck when plans were first drawn up for the new stadium project the club did have until the end of this month to take up the option of the 999-year lease they agreed with the city council for land in Stanley Park.

With discussions between the two parties continuing, however, that may be subject to change.

Liverpool To Complete £9m Second Signing This Week

Liverpool will complete the capture of Blackpool captain Charlie Adam this week, it has been claimed.

According to The Mirror, the 25-year-old has returned from holiday early in order to finalize a £9 million transfer to Merseyside, which could be confirmed before the weekend.

Adam had been desperate to force a move to Liverpool during the January transfer window after the Reds had tabled a formal offer, but the Anfield club was unable to reach Blackpool's demands.

However, after the Seasiders' relegation from the Barclays Premier League, they are resigned to losing their talisman, although they insist Adam can only join Liverpool if their £9 million valuation is met.

Should Adam finalize a switch to Anfield, the midfielder will become the second Liverpool signing of what is expected to be a busy summer for the Reds.

Jordan Henderson was acquired by Liverpool for £20 million from Sunderland last week, while they are also reported to be pursuing Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing.

The 26-year-old is said to be waiting to see who succeeds former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier at Villa Park before making a final decision on his future.

Vurnon Anita Latest Player Linked With Liverpool

Liverpool has taken over from Arsenal as the front runner’s to sign Ajax defensive midfielder Vurnon Anita with reports indicating that they are prepared to pay 15 million euro to secure his services.

The 22-year-old, who won a Dutch title last season with the Dutch side, signed a new two-year deal at Ajax recently which reportedly includes the 15 million release clause.

Arsenal and Spurs had been linked with a move for the player but both have refused to pay the asking price, leaving Liverpool in pole position to secure his services.

Anita fits in with the new transfer policy this at Anfield with the club looking to recruit players under the age of 25.

However according to a recent report in Goal.com Anita’s agent stated that he had yet to hear from Liverpool “The way I understand things, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are the two interested teams, They have not approached me, though, and I have not been in touch with Ajax either, to ask whether there has been contact with other clubs.”

Ince Lad Has The Magic Dutch

Paul Ince’s son Thomas is being chased by Ajax and Rangers.

The Liverpool kid, 19, has been offered a new four-year deal but feels his chances of first-team football are better elsewhere.

Ince has yet to make a full debut since signing on youth terms in 2008.

He was an unused sub in the Europa League qualifier against FK Rabotnicki but came off the bench in Liverpool's League Cup loss to Northampton for his debut.

Liverpool Keep Close Eye On Starlet After Old Firm Rejection

Liverpool has been left disappointed by the news that Ayr United striker Mark Shankland has signed a two-year deal with the club.

The 15-year-old, the youngster player in the club's history, will make the step up to the Ayr first-team next season after spending last season in the club's youth academy.

The move will disappoint Liverpool, who the striker spent a week training with, while Celtic and Rangers were also said to be interested.

Ayr chairman Lachlan Cameron said: "Mark has a bright future ahead of him and we believe that to leave to play in England or the Old Firm at this stage of his career would be the wrong move for him or any of our youngsters.

“Mark was invited to attend the Liverpool Academy recently for a week’s training. He played in a couple of trial matches and scored twice against Sheffield United and Liverpool have indicated that they will keep a close eye on Mark while he continues his development here.”

Shankland said: "I am delighted to sign for Ayr. The Academy coaches are brilliant and the backroom staff has advised me about how I can progress here, whereas I might fall into the cracks at a team the size of the Old Firm.”

Liverpool Dealt Decisive Blow In Pursuit Of Starlet Target

Liverpool will miss out on Yann M'Vila this summer, according to Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi.

Reports in France have claimed that both Kenny Dalglish has been monitoring the player with a view to bringing him to England, but Dreossi has firmly shut the door.

"We will not listen to any offers for him. This has already been decided by the club and the player," talkSPORT quote Dreossi as saying.

"M'Vila will not be going anywhere, even more so after he signed on for another year."

However, the Anfield outfit could renew their interest in the French international next summer, with Dreossi going on to state that any move could now be put on hold until next summer

“If he leaves it will not be until summer 2012."

The news comes as a blow to Liverpool, who is believed to be monitoring a handful of players in the position this summer as Dalglish looks to strengthen his squad during the transfer window.

After securing the services of Jordan Henderson for a fee in the region of £16 million last week, the Reds chief is poised to continue his spending spree with a left back, winger and striker also thought to be on the Liverpool agenda.

Damien Comolli, director of football at Liverpool, is an admirer of the 20-year-old French international, and was thought to be working alongside Dalglish in trying to persuade M'Vila to make an Anfield switch.

Hodgson: Kenny Will Nurture Jordan

Former Liverpool striker David Hodgson believes Kenny Dalglish is the sort of father figure who can bring the best out of Jordan Henderson.

Hodgson, who played for the Reds 49 times in the early 80s, arrived at Anfield from a north-east club as an England U21 international, just as Henderson has.

He believes there is no better place for the former Sunderland midfielder to learn his trade as he aims to take his career to the next level.

"Kenny is an astute person. He understands the kind of character that will fit in at the club," said Hodgson exclusively in this week's LFC Weekly.

"Liverpool is paying a lot of money for Henderson's potential. But Kenny has paid a lot of money in the past on potential before unlocking it. He knows how to nurture talent and make someone like Henderson the finished product.

"The wonderful thing for Henderson is that he is arriving at a club where the manager will be a father figure to him. Kenny will embrace him and Henderson will benefit hugely from that."

Hodgson says that Henderson has all of the characteristics of a modern attacking midfielder.

He added: "He's got a good passing range with good accuracy and movement. Although he has only managed a couple of goals in the seasons he's played for Sunderland, I would think in the right side he would be capable of chipping in with a dozen per season.

"I would like to think that as a lad from the north-east, he does Liverpool proud and spends the next 10 years there, winning everything in sight. That would be wonderful."

Treble Heroes Set For Masters

Treble heroes Patrik Berger and Stephane Henchoz will line-up for Liverpool legends in the Selco Mersey Masters at the Echo Arena on Saturday.

The duo will join other stars from Liverpool's illustrious past in the tournament that also includes teams from Everton, Tranmere Rovers, Wigan Athletic, Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool.

Former Liverpool captain Mark Wright is also expected to feature for the Reds as they prepare to battle it out for the Mersey Masters title and the chance to qualify for September's Grand Final.

Academy Duo On Target For England

Adam Morgan and Jack Dunn both found the net as England warmed up for the U17 World Cup with a 5-4 friendly win over the Ivory Coast.

The Young Lions warmed up for Sunday's opening World Cup match with Rwanda by coming back from 4-2 down to win in a behind closed doors friendly.

England had gone 2-0 up but Ivory Coast stormed back to turn the game around in the second half to lead 4-2.

However, inspired by two of Kirkby's finest scholars England regained their advantage.

Morgan netted a penalty and Dunn grabbed the winner with a blistering drive to win it 5-4.

Morgan and Dunn are joined in John Peacock's squad by right winger Raheem Sterling, left-back Brad Smith, goalkeeper Tyrell Belford and centre-back Matty Regan.

Left-back Tom King will also be at the tournament having been called-up by Australia.

The U17 World Cup kicks-off on June 18 and the final is in Mexico City on July 10.

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

Jordan Henderson Not Daunted By Huge Liverpool Transfer Fee

Jordan Henderson today declared the size of the transfer fee Liverpool paid Sunderland for him filled him with confidence, not fear.

Henderson admitted it had been a hectic week after he was allowed to complete his move to Anfield before linking up with the England Under-21 squad for their European Championship campaign in Denmark.

The midfielder, who turns 21 on Friday, reportedly cost in the region of £16million and some have questioned whether Liverpool paid over the odds.

But Henderson has vowed to prove he is worth the money and revealed he plans to begin repaying his fee by helping the Reds qualify for next season's Champions League.

"I don't really make the figures up but it just shows that Liverpool have faith in me," he told Press Association Sport.

"So I'll work hard and improve as a player and learn a lot and hopefully I can repay them."

Henderson has a chance to win over the doubters while on international duty this summer, but ultimately he will be judged on whether he manages to help Liverpool get back into the Champions League, which they have missed out on in the past two seasons.

He added: "Every player wants to play in the Champions League, but I think we've got to focus on the Premier League first.

"Hopefully, this season can be a good season for Liverpool."

Henderson insisted it was not an easy decision to quit Sunderland, the team he grew up supporting.

"You've got to think about these things," he said.

"It's a massive, massive thing in my life and my career but obviously it's a great opportunity for me to go there and improve as a player.

"So it was an opportunity I couldn't really turn down to be honest."

Henderson added of the past five days: "It's been a little bit hectic but it's been brilliant as well.

"So a really good week for me and hopefully it'll get better."

Henderson was unable to show off his skills in England Under-21s' 1-1 Group B draw against Spain on Sunday night, which saw Stuart Pearce's side get out of jail in a game their opponents completely dominated.

"On Sunday, Spain made it really difficult for us," said Henderson.

"They're obviously a gifted team on the ball but I think that we showed great character and a good attitude to stay in the game and get the late goal.

"I think that's what the positives were that we've got to take out of the game.

"We didn't have much of the game but we managed to get something out of it."

There is always the danger England's players could feel they have got the hardest group game out of the way ahead of Wednesday's clash with Ukraine and Sunday's match with the Czech Republic.

Henderson urged caution, though, and said: "Ukraine and Czech Republic are two massive teams still.

"We've got two big games coming up but we'll prepare for them and we'll be ready for them."

Liverpool Set For Adam Talks

Sky Sports News sources understand Liverpool will hold talks with Blackpool's Charlie Adam later this week.

The Scotland international has long been a target of the Anfield club and they failed in an attempt to agree a deal in the January transfer window.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish's interest in his compatriot is not thought to have ended and he is again attempting to secure the playmaker, with Sky Bet suspending their market earlier on Monday.

Sky sources understand discussions will consequently take place with relegated Blackpool and Adam later this week.

The Reds have already signed Jordan Henderson from Sunderland and are expected to continue to remodel their squad this summer.

Ongoing interested in Adam, who suits Fenway Sports Group's policy for young, British players, adds to the uncertainty surrounding Raul Meireles.

Despite a promising debut season in the Premier League, it has been speculated that the 28-year-old could be sold due to his age and doubts about his fitness.

Liverpool Linked To Birmingham Center-Back Duo

With Daniel Agger continually injured, Martin Skrtel's form regressing somewhat and Jamie Carragher continuing to age, Kenny Dalglish finds himself in need for both depth and future at center back as part of Liverpool's summer spending spree.

To that end, the Birmingham City center-back duo of Roger Johnson and Scott Dann has been linked to Anfield moves, according to Sky Sports.

While the Blues were relegated this past season, Johnson and Dann were seen as blameless in that result, with the club actually being relatively stingy in defense -- simply lacking any ability to score goals.

Dann's midseason injury also was widely viewed as a turning point.

With Blackburn's Phil Jones heading to Old Trafford and Bolton's Gary Cahill most often linked to a move to the Emirates, Dann, 24, is perhaps the best young Premier League center-back prospect available.

Johnson, 28, is a little bit older than Dann, but he has proven to be a rock at the back, and has started every Premier League match for the past two seasons. Both are valued at approximately £4 million, though they would likely cost more.