Kenny Dalglish Has To Sell Before He Can Buy Says Liverpool Owners

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) want manager Kenny Dalglish to sell members of his squad before they will allow him to spend the cash again.

The Reds have already embarked in a £40million recruitment drive this summer, resulting in Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Alexander Doni being signed.

FSG is now keen for the club to recoup at least some of the outlay through sales despite the boss still wanting to bring in fresh faces.

Dalglish wants a central defender and a left-back, but his pursuit of reinforcements is only likely to come to fruition once the fringe players have been offloaded.

Paul Konchesky has already been sold to Leicester City for £1.5million but there are more players likely to be heading for the exit.

Liverpool will listen to offers for Christian Poulsen, Brad Jones, Philipp Degen, Emiliano Insua and David Ngog.

Alberto Aquilani and Raul Meireles will also be allowed to leave should Liverpool receive substantial offers, with the Italy midfield player the most likely to depart.

Joe Cole would also be allowed to leave, but Liverpool is discovering that his £110,000-a-week contract is proving a deterrent to interested clubs.

Should Dalglish offload the players he will turn his attention to finalizing deals for Diego Godin and Jose Enrique.

The Anfield boss is satisfied with the business his club has done so far this summer, but he is aware of the need to trim his squad.

“We’re delighted with the work we’ve done,” Dalglish said. “Whether there’s more remains to be seen and depends on players going out.”

Dalglish Considers Shock £5m Bid For Spurs Defender

According to reports in France, Liverpool is considering a shock move for exit-bound Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong.

The Cameroon international, signed from Newcastle in 2009 for £8m, made just seven Premier League starts last season and has grown frustrated at his role within the club.

He made his intentions to leave clear two months ago when he revealed he needed to play regular football.

"I am a guy who simply has to play," the 25-year-old stated. "I would never just sit there and take the money.

"I am reaching an age where, if I don't play week in, week out, and if I don't feel real trust in me, then I can't stay, no matter which club it is. This is the situation at Tottenham. I have to try to find a way out because I have to try to play. The only thing I want is to play."

His exit from Tottenham seems imminent and it was thought he would make a return to France, where he previously played for Metz.

Ligue 1 clubs Marseille and Paris Saint Germain are both reportedly interested in signing Bassong but Liverpool could be ready to swoop in for the former Newcastle centre-half.

It is being claimed that they are ready to offer £5m for his services and hope Spurs are willing to take a small loss to offload Bassong quickly.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is aware that he must sell to free up any more transfer funds having already spent over £100m since New England Sports Ventures took over at Anfield.

Forwards Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez were brought in January while midfielders Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing have been added to the squad this summer.

However, Dalglish knows he must strengthen his defensive options and is reportedly keen on the powerful and versatile Bassong who can operate across the back-line. He would also be a much cheaper alternative to £10m-rated Birmingham centre-back Scott Dann, rumoured to be Dalglish's first choice.

Lawrenson Backs Luis Suarez To Shine For Liverpool

Mark Lawrenson believes Liverpool may have pulled off "the sale of the century" by persuading Chelsea to pay £50m for Fernando Torres.

And the former Reds defender is backing Luis Suarez, who was brought in to replace Torres, to help the club qualify for the Champions League.

Kenny Dalglish paid £22.7m to sign Uruguayan Suarez from Ajax in January with some of the cash raked in from the sale of Torres and has now spent more than £100m revamping Liverpool's squad in readiness for the new campaign.

And while Torres has struggled at Stamford Bridge following his move to London, Suarez has wasted little time illuminating Anfield.

Lawrenson told BBC Sport the two deals could be the key to putting Liverpool back in the top four.

"I do feel the sale of Torres may turn out to be the sale of the century," he said. "I just feel there is something about Torres in his body language and his make-up. He has always been the main man at the clubs he's been at and I look at him and he's not the same player.

"The sale has allowed Liverpool to replace him and rebuild and the American owners have brought more players in as a statement of intent that the club is heading in the right direction again. When the fax came through to say Torres had gone and it was £50m, I would be surprised if Liverpool didn't have a party."

Suarez came at less than half the price but Lawrenson believes the exciting striker, who scored twice in Uruguay's 2-0 win over Peru in the Copa America semi-finals on Tuesday, has the potential to have a similar impact on the Premier League as Cristiano Ronaldo did at Manchester United.

He said: "Suarez is the big one for me. Lots of people have arrived at Liverpool and people have said 'they remind me of Dalglish'. Yet they never were because Kenny was so special. Suarez might just be the closest.

"He's got all the ability in the world and a real mean streak. He is a top player. I think he might be a bit like Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United. He could just take off and in a couple of years' time you might be talking about a £60m player.

"Kenny's eyes light up when he talks about him. He's got that little bit of everything and when you see goals like he scored at Sunderland last season you ask yourself 'how's he done that?', which was another trait Dalglish had.

"He's got great ability. He is very aware of everything, a real team player a handful to play against and, like all South Americans, can really look after himself.

"Players like Diego Maradona and Carlos Tevez found themselves getting booted on a regular basis but were tough and could give it back. Suarez is the same."

Striker Andy Carroll arrived at the same time as Suarez, while Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Dowing have also been acquired as Liverpool's new owners, the Fenway Sports Group, back Dalglish heavily in the transfer market.

And Lawrenson believes they can now threaten Arsenal's place in the top four, saying: "I think they have got a chance of the top four because of the players they have signed.

"I'm not sure about Arsenal with all the uncertainty over Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas. They still haven't addressed the problems people have been telling them to address for years, such as in central defence.

"I think the top three might be beyond Liverpool, but I certainly think what they've done so far this summer can put them in contention for the Champions League places again."

Milosevic Keen On Reds Move

Swedish defender Alexander Milosevic would welcome an approach from Liverpool, according to his agent.

Reports in The People claimed that Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has sent scouts to Sweden to watch the player.

As skysports.com revealed earlier, the 19-year-old is also thought to be interesting a number of other clubs, including Arsenal, Spurs and Sunderland.

With the Reds reported to be monitoring Milosevic, his agent Nenad Lukic told Eurosport.se: "That is interesting, of course, but before there is a bid there is not much to say.

"I hope that there will be bid, and that it is a bid that AIK find good enough. Before that happens, I can't do anything, I am just his agent."

Lukic has previously stated the teenager should stay another year at his present club, but believes the step up from AIK Solna to Liverpool would not be too big.

"People thought that it would be too big a step for him to go to AIK from Vasalund. It's the same now. Now people know that he made it and I am sure that he would make this too.

"It's not like he will be take a spot immediately, but after a few months, half a year. I can't see any club that he couldn't play for."

Fiorentina Withdraw From Aquilani Race

Fiorentina may be priced out of a move for Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani by the player's wages, according to his agent.

Aquilani, 27, is rumoured to be heading for an Anfield exit this summer as Kenny Dalglish seeks to overhaul his squad.

The Italian spent last season on loan at Juventus but, after they turned down the opportunity to sign him, he has returned to a Liverpool side strengthened by new signings Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam.

Aquilani travelled on Liverpool's pre-season tour of the Far East, but that hasn't stopped continued speculation over his immediate future at the club.

Italian side Fiorentina are said to be one of the clubs interested, but Aquilani's agent Franco Zavlaglia is not sure they have the financial clout to match his £70,000-a-week salary.

"Alberto has a major contract with Liverpool, and Fiorentina operate with certain economic parameters," he said. "I don't know whether the operation is feasible, but over time something (salary) can be skimmed (reduced)."

Wolves Want Jay Spearing On Loan

Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in bringing in Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing on a season-long loan deal, according to The Express & Star.

Manager Mick McCarthy has picked Spearing out as one of his targets to add bite to his central midfield.

The 22-year old recently signed an extension to his current deal and is highly thought of by boss Kenny Dalglish, who gave him several starts last season, but he could be tempted to loan him out to gain further experience in the top flight.

McCarthy also tracked Liverpool’s 20-year old centre-back Daniel Ayala while he was on loan at Derby last season, but he has apparently been told by the board that he will have to trim down his squad before he can bring in any new players on a permanent basis after splashing out on Tottenham's Jamie O'Hara this summer.

Anderlecht Keen On Milan Jovanovic

Anderlecht has confirmed their interest in signing Liverpool's Milan Jovanovic - if they can agree personal terms with the Serbian forward.

"We're currently negotiating with Jovanovic, but we couldn't achieve an agreement (yet)," a spokesman for the Belgian side told BBC Sport.

"We're very much interested and the player would like to come."

The 30-year-old Serbia international joined Liverpool in July 2010 but struggled to make an impression.

"Anderlecht is due to contact Liverpool on Wednesday," the spokesman added.

Jovanovic, who moved to Anfield on a free transfer on a three-year deal from another Belgian club Standard Liege, failed to break into the Liverpool first team, making just 15 appearances and scoring four goals last season.

He joined Standard in 2006 and helped them win back-to-back titles in 2007-08 and 2008-09.

Jovanovic, who has also played for Shakhtar Donetsk and Lokomotiv Moscow, made his international debut for Serbia in a 2-0 win over Finland in June 2007 and has won 35 caps.

Liverpool, who have spent approaching £50m on Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam during the summer - are keen to offload a number of fringe players in their squad.

Reds Suffer Waterford Loss

Liverpool Reserves endured a frustrating end to their Irish tour as they lost 1-0 to Waterford on Wednesday night.

The only goal of the game arrived in the second half as the home side netted through a well worked set piece.

Goalkeeper Tyrell Belford was one who didn't deserve to be on the losing side as he made a string of fine saves during the 90 minutes.

The stopper, who was part of the England squad for the U17 World Cup in Mexico, was in great form as a crowd of over 6,000 packed into the Waterford Regional Sports Centre.

Nabil El Zhar was made captain for the night but the Reds found it tough going on a tricky heavy surface that stifled their trademark passing game.

Matty McGiveron was outstanding at the back for Rodolfo Borrell's side but overall it was a disappointing night for the reserves.

The squad has worked extremely hard during the tour and optimism is high ahead of the season as Borrell's side also looks forward to competing in the Next Generation Series.

Seven-up For Rampant U18s

David Moli hit a hat-trick and Adam Morgan grabbed a brace as Liverpool U18s continued their 100 per cent pre-season record with a 7-0 win over Preston on Wednesday afternoon.

The freescoring youngsters were a constant menace throughout and took their tally to 21 goals in just three outings with some superb finishing in front of the watching Kenny Dalglish.

The Reds made a bright start to the proceedings and it was no surprise to see Moli open the scoring on four minutes when he raced through to coolly drill a low shot into the far corner.

The hosts then wasted several opportunities before the No.9 doubled his tally on 36 minutes when he picked up an incisive pass from Nathan Quirk and despatched a low shot beyond Steven James in the North End goal.

Mike Marsh's side should have been out of sight at half-time but any hopes the visitors may have had of staging a comeback were immediately ended following the restart.

Once again Moli was their tormentor-in-chief, showing good composure to round the 'keeper and smash the ball in from a tight angle.

The Reds continued to open up the away side's defence at will and substitute Jack Dunn added a fourth on 55 minutes with a fantastic header from Michael Wilson's hanging cross.

The obligatory flood of changes associated with pre-season affairs did little to quell Liverpool's appetite and Henoc Mukendi's powerful low drive made it five before Morgan hit a late double.

Suarez Fires Uruguay Into Final

Luis Suarez netted a second-half double to secure a 2-0 victory over 10-man Peru and send Uruguay into the Copa America final.

Liverpool striker Suarez scored twice in five minutes shortly after half-time in La Plata to keep Uruguay's hopes of securing a record 15th South American title alive.

Suarez netted his first on 52 minutes after Peru goalkeeper Raul Fernandez spilled a speculative Diego Forlan shot.

The 24-year-old then ran onto a long pass, before rounding Fernandez, to roll in the simplest of second goals and seal a place in Sunday's final where Uruguay will meet the winner of Wednesday's semi-final between Paraguay and Venezuela.

Peru's night was further soured with skipper Juan Manuel Vargas shown a straight red card on 68 minutes after he elbowed Sebastian Coates in the face.

The teams had shared a 1-1 draw in the group stages. However, Uruguay always looked the more likely to progress to the final as the 14-times winners handled the occasion far better.

It did not take long for Uruguay to establish their threat and only their poor finishing cost them a first-half opener.

Suarez was the chief culprit in the first 45 minutes as he wastefully blazed over after Diego Lugano nodded down a Forlan free-kick while Alvaro Pereira shinned a glorious chance at Fernandez from close quarters.

Peru almost stole a goal against the run of play after 25 minutes when Vargas fizzed in a low cross that just evaded the outstretched legs of two attackers.

Uruguay responded by putting the ball in the net just before the break, only for the 'goal' to be chalked off after Pereira strayed offside to reach Lugano's flick-on.

Any frustration Uruguay had about reaching the break on level terms were quickly dispelled by Suarez as he displayed the predatory instincts that prompted Liverpool to pay £23million for his services in January.

He opened the scoring on 52 minutes when he was quickest to react after Fernandez failed to grasp Forlan's 35-yard drive, squeezing his shot in from a tight angle.

Suarez's finishing skills were then on show again soon after when he ran onto a long ball and coolly rounded the onrushing Fernandez, who was left exposed by his defence, before rolling the ball into the net.

Any hopes of a Peru recovery looked remote and they were made almost impossible by the indiscipline of their skipper Vargas, who inexplicably elbowed Coates in the face right in front of the referee.

Peru did almost pull a goal back when Muslera had to scramble to gather after he had mis-handled a fierce drive from Jose Paolo Guerrero, but Suarez's double was enough to send Uruguay into the Sunday's showpiece in Buenos Aires.

Liverpool Eyeing Deal For Bueno

Liverpool is targeting Mexican wonderkid Marco Bueno as they continue to build their squad ahead of the new season.

Buoyed by the success of Mexican striker Javier Hernandez after his move to Manchester United, Liverpool are reportedly in talks with Bueno's club Pachuca and are ready to offer the 17-year-old a five-year deal at Anfield.

Pachuca vice-president Andres Fassi was quoted as saying: "We are conducting negotiations with Liverpool and possibly, on August 1, Marco Bueno will pay a visit to Liverpool.

"We have already practically closed negotiations with them. They want to buy 100% of the rights.''

Bueno won the Under-17 World Cup with Mexico earlier this month and has been linked with a move aboard after his impressive displays in the competition.

Liverpool Pursuit Of Peruvian Star Takes Another Twist

Liverpool's reported pursuit of Fiorentina's Juan Manuel Vargas could be scuppered by Aston Villa, it has been claimed.

According to skysports.com, the Reds have been interested in the acquisition of the Peru captain, but Villa are considering making a formal move for the 27-year-old.

Villa are said to have identified Vargas as a potential replacement for Stewart Downing, who joined Liverpool for £20 million last week.

A versatile left-sided player, Vargas was alleged to have been considered by Liverpool as a potential candidate to fill their problematic full-back position.

It is more likely however; that Liverpool would have rather Vargas for a more advanced role so, after Downing moved to Anfield, a move for the former would perhaps now be unlikely.

Tottenham are also credited with interest in Vargas as Harry Redknapp looks to bring more incisive forward options to White Hart Lane during the transfer window.

The Spurs boss, however, has been told by chairman Daniel Levy that he must sell before significant investment can be made, with the likes of Robbie Keane and Wilson Palacious tipped to leave the club.

Villa, meanwhile, have also been chasing Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia - a one time target for Liverpool - to succeed Downing.

Anderlecht Step Up Move For Milan Jovanovic

Our-of-favour Liverpool striker Milan Jovanovic looks to be edging closer towards sealing a move to Belgian giants Anderlecht.

The Serbian forward’s stock in the country is still high after a hugely successful stint with Standard Liege before he made the switch to Anfield, and Jovanovic and his representatives met with Anderlecht president Herman Van Holsbeeck yesterday to discuss personal terms; the talks were a continuation of earlier discussions between the two parties.

Jovanovic has been told that he can leave Liverpool for free after failing to break into the Merseyside club’s starting eleven last season.

The forward, nicknamed "the snake", due to his quick footwork, failed to settle off the pitch in England and also struggled to convince first Roy Hodgson and then his successor in the Anfield dugout, Kenny Dalglish, that he was worthy of an extended run in the team.

Jovanovic soon went on record as lamenting that his decision to join the Reds had been the wrong one; the Serbia international turned down a move to Real Madrid to join the English giants.

While Anderlecht remains in pole position for Jovanovic, the player has announced that four clubs have made concrete offers for his services. Belgium though appeals to the 30-year-old and the Jupiler League holds many fond memories.

Rennes Seal Mavinga Deal

Rennes has confirmed they have completed the signing of Chris Mavinga from Liverpool on a four-year deal.

Skysports.com reported earlier on Tuesday that Mavinga was expected to undergo a medical and join Rennes this week.

And the French club has announced they have secured the services of the 20-year-old left-back.

The fee is undisclosed but it is believed Liverpool will receive in the region of €1million for Mavinga, who failed to make a first-team appearance for the Reds.

The French youngster spent the second half of last season on loan at Belgian champions Genk and is currently in Colombia, where he will be competing in the Under-20 World Cup later this month.

Mavinga returns to France after leaving the Paris St Germain youth set-up for Liverpool in 2009.

He becomes Rennes' fourth summer signing after the arrival of goalkeeper Benoit Costil, and midfielders Julien Feret and Jonathan Pitroipa.

The Brittany outfit, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season, have also confirmed that 28-year-old centre-back and captain Kader Mangane has agreed a one-year contract extension, tying him to the club until June 2014.

Peter Gulacsi Joins Hull City On Loan

Liverpool's Peter Gulacsi has joined Hull City on loan for the 2011/12 season.

The young goalkeeper is yet to represent the club in a competitive match since joining in 2008 and manager Kenny Dalglish last week signed Brazilian Alexander Doni to provide back-up to first choice Pepe Reina, meaning Gulacsi's chances of finding first-team minutes have diminshed further.

The Hungarian has also signed an extension to his current deal at Liverpool, after spending part of last season on loan at Tranmere Rovers.

He made his last appearance for Liverpool as a second-half substitute on Saturday against a Malaysia XI in a 6-3 win.

Liverpool FC Move Came Too Early For Me, Says Conor Thomas

Coventry City wonderkid Conor Thomas says his shock move to Liverpool FC came too early for him.

The former Coundon Court schoolboy, who played for Christ the King before being signed up by the Sky Blues as a kid, revealed his move to the Premier League club – which proved controversial at the time – came completely out of the blue.

“When it first happened it was all so quick and I didn’t get a lot of time to think about it, and was just told what to do,” said the player.

It was this loan move - with a view to a £1 million permanent deal - prompted the resignation of Gary Hoffman as vice-chairman, who was opposed to the deal along with then chairman Ray Ranson.

Thomas had only just made his full City debut against Birmingham in the FA Cup last January when Aidy Boothroyd called him in to his office.

“We had a recovery session on the Sunday and then trained on the Monday ahead of the Tuesday game at Forest and I was called in to see the gaffer at lunchtime,” said the teenager who said he felt a mixture of shock, excitement and nerves when he was told.

“He just asked to speak to my agent and my mum because a deal had been agreed for me to go to Liverpool.

"He told me a car was picking me up to go up there, he said thanks for everything and good luck, shook my hand and that was it.

“I couldn’t believe it. I was feeling a bit of everything and just needed to speak to someone to calm me down really.

"I spoke to my mum and dad and everything was going through my mind because it had all happened so quickly.”

Thomas played and trained with the Reds’ reserves and trained with the first team on seven occasions during his loan stint which was cut a few weeks short by a hamstring injury and the mutual decision to return to City.

“On my first day of training up at Melwood, Kenny Dalglish introduced me to Steven Gerrard and all the lads and because he is skipper he has a duty to make everyone welcome and stuff,” he said.

“All the senior players were great while I was there and I did enjoy it, but I am glad to be back.

"I was a little star struck at first, being in the same changing room with all those famous faces, with people like Pepe Reina sitting there.

“The big plus for me was playing reserve games nearly every week.

"Obviously you are not guaranteed to play every week here but at Liverpool they have a reserves and Under-18s so you get your minutes on the pitch, but if I had signed I wouldn’t be happy playing reserve football for all that time, and one of the main reasons for coming back was to start enjoying my football again.

“The squad is so massive up there and I was coming back after I had done my hamstring and the gaffer, Andy Thorn, called me and asked me what I wanted to do.

"It was probably three weeks before my time was due to come to an end and I told him I wasn’t really enjoying it and that I’d love to come back.

“And he made a few calls and rang me back ten minutes later and got me back, which I was very pleased about.”

He added: “I think it was a good move but just maybe happened at the wrong time for me.

"I am just coming into the new season wanting to enjoy every minute of training and playing.

"Obviously I hope to be on the bench and come on when I can if the time is right, but as long as I am enjoying my football, that’s the main thing at the minute.”

'I'm Honoured To Take New Role'

Steve Cooper has spoken of his pride at assuming the role of Academy manager.

The former U16 coach has been instrumental in the progress that has been made in Kirkby over the past few years, resulting in a deserved promotion.

Cooper told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Frank McParland has taken on more responsibility and passed on the Academy manager's role to me. I'm very honoured to be in this position and I am well aware of its importance.

"I will now look after the operational side of things in Kirkby but will always maintain a focus on the football side of it because that is the fundamental part of an Academy.

"I plan to remain actively involved in the grassroots football at the facility and will continue to work as hard as possible to ensure we have an Academy to be proud of."

Cooper's installation as Academy manager was one of several changes made at the youth base over the summer, including the appointment of Mike Marsh as U18 boss.

The duo struck up a strong relationship during their time together at U16 level and Cooper has no doubt the former Reds midfielder will be a huge success.

"His progress as a coach was obvious to us all," he said.

"It coincided with the improvement we were making here at the Academy and you could see that he was committed to the vision we have here.

"Everyone knows he played for Liverpool at the highest level, but he rarely refers to it. Obviously he can relate to what the young lads are going through because he's been there and done it - but there's much more to him as a coach than that.

"He has a very modern way of thinking and is an outstanding young coach in his own right. He's also in the fortunate position that means all of his demonstrations are right out of the top drawer!

"So it was a no-brainer that we gave him the U18s job and he is determined to help shape the future of the club."

Steven Gerrard Makes Dreams Come True For Wirral Charity

Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard made dreams come true for a Wirral charity which helps children with cerebral palsy.

The Reds star joined in a group session with six youngsters at Stick ‘n’ Step in Wallasey.

His Steven Gerrard Foundation, established in January to support children with disabilities or with a history of neglect, has donated £5,000 to the group.

He encouraged youngsters to have a kickabout, before signing shirts and photos.

Steven said: “One of my friend’s sons has cerebral palsy and from a young age he’s been going to Stick ‘n’ Step.

“I’ve seen his progress and I know what Stick ’n’ Step does for children with cerebral palsy.

“I know that by supporting this charity the money will be well spent. The kids really progress and improve by coming here.”

Steven chatted freely with the boys and girls, a couple of whom were proudly sporting Liverpool shirts, and helped staff as the youngsters demonstrated their skills.

Cerebral Palsy affects one in every 400 UK children, often due to lack of oxygen in the brain through complications at birth.

It causes over-tightening or over-loosening of the muscles, leading to problems with sitting, standing, walking and talking.

But it does not affect intelligence and the conflict between mental wellbeing and physical disability can often be very frustrating for those with the condition.

But it was all smiles as the Reds captain helped youngsters remove their shoes for a kick around.

One asked whether Gerrard had “ever been sent off”.

Kerry Roe-Ely is a fundraiser at the charity, she said: “They all looked absolutely delighted.

“I’ve never seen them so excited and animated before.

“We take children from all over the North West, we have as many as 70 children coming twice a week.

“We try to get them to achieve through play.”

Kerry, who is originally from Florida, said the charity was “thrilled” to receive the £5,000, which will go towards maintaining the high standards of care and development already in place.

Kerry added: “We have to raise £250,000 every year so £5,000 is a big sum for us.”

Sir Alex Ferguson Wary Of Liverpool Title Threat Again

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Liverpool will be a force to be reckoned with again this season after two years outside the top four.

The Anfield club has not won the top flight title for 21 years, and last season United claimed their 19th, one more than the 18 the Reds have.

Sir Alex, who will turn 70 later this year, admitted that a full season under Kop idol Kenny Dalglish will put their rivals back in contention for silverware.

“Liverpool went off the radar for a bit. They are now back on it. Long-term you know they are going to be there,” he told reporters.

Grouping the Merseyside club with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, he added: “Let's be honest, you hate losing to any of them.

“One of those four will always be a thorn in our flesh. They are our immediate challengers.

“History doesn't change. No matter where it comes from, somewhere along the line we are going to be faced with a big challenge from one of those four great clubs.”

Sir Alex has had to face numerous questions on the topic of toppling Champions League holders Barcelona since his side lost 3-1 in the final in May.

The Spanish club is widely considered to have one of the best sides in history, but the United manager is confident Pep Guardiola's can be beaten.

“Barcelona is the team of the moment,” said Sir Alex. “It is a cycle. It is the same players. They can dominate any game and could have probably done that to any other team.

“But it is not the kind of thing that makes you think, 'let's not bother with European football anymore, we are never going to beat Barcelona'.

“Manchester United is bigger than that. We have a better philosophy than that. The challenge will be [to] improve enough to get to the final next season and win it.”

Cole Ready For Liverpool Fight

Joe Cole claims he is ready to prove himself at Liverpool after a season of torment.

Cole arrived at Anfield last year on a free transfer from Chelsea, but he struggled to make an impact at a time when Liverpool was at a low ebb.

Kenny Dalglish was brought in to steady the ship and Liverpool surged up the table, but Cole was largely left a frustrated spectator.

Cole has seen the Reds recruit midfielders Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing - leading some to question what role he will play. But he made the trip to Asia for pre-season and has spoken positively after featuring in the team.

"Now I just want to get started. I feel great physically, I'm happy with how I'm performing and I want to get a couple of 90-minute run-outs under my belt," Cole said.

"There are four weeks until the start of the Premier League so there's still some time to go. I'm enjoying it. I want to take it day by day.

"Training has been good. I want to get myself fit and get a little bit better every day."