Kenny Dalglish Left With Plenty To Ponder As New Season Approaches

With their main goal threat away in Argentina, around £44 million of new signings starting on the substitute’s bench and their captain still recovering from injury, Liverpool's pre-season defeat at Hull will not set alarm bells ringing at Anfield.

But it cannot be dismissed and Kenny Dalglish, under pressure to improve the club's fortunes after spending £100 million since returning as manager in January, did not mince his words after his team's 3-0 setback against the Championship club.

"The lads are at various degrees of fitness for the matches," said Dalglish, who used no fewer than 22 players at the KC Stadium.

"Someone like Jordan Henderson has only trained for a week, so it's a bit too much to ask him to start the game.

"But if they're going to stake a claim for a first team place, they've got to earn it. We've given them every opportunity to get themselves fit and try and earn the right to play in the first team, but they'll need to do better than that if they want it."

Dalglish might have been one of the most pro-active Premier League managers in the transfer market this summer.

But not everyone is convinced that he has spent wisely.

Hefty fees have been paid to bring Stewart Downing and Henderson, who both made their debuts in the second half, to Merseyside and both have to settle quickly and deliver.

"It wasn't a good result but that's what pre season is about and we'll learn from our mistakes," said Henderson.

Downing also shrugged off the result. "Pre-season is all about fitness," said the England winger.

While it is pointless to read too much into a friendly result, particularly when so many players are used over 90 minutes, Dalglish will have come away from Humberside determined as ever to get rid of the fringe players who are clogging up the dressing room.

The likes of Christian Poulsen, Joe Cole and David Ngog all started as the visitors found themselves 2-0 down before Dalglish made wholesale changes at the start of the second half and offered a line up slightly closer to the one that Liverpool will begin the new season with against Sunderland on August 13.

Charlie Adam mostly operated from a deep central midfield position in a 4-2-3-1 formation while Downing hugged the touchlines and Henderson spent his time on the pitch in a central attacking position just behind Andy Carroll.

These are early days. But as Dalglish will no doubt be aware, the clock is ticking.

Liverpool Hope Luis Suárez Will Be Ready For Start Of Premier League Season

Liverpool remains hopeful Luis Suárez will be able to play a part in the opening fixtures of the season despite his exertions in helping Uruguay win the Copa America.

Uruguay's run to the final means that Suárez has less than three weeks of recovery time before the start of the domestic season.

The 24 year-old, named the most valuable player in the tournament, scored one and created another as Uruguay beat Paraguay 3-0 in Buenos Aires on Sunday night to claim a record 15th title and later joined his team-mates and 35,000 delirious fans to celebrate the victory at Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario.

Suárez will now be granted a break by his club to relax after the three week tournament, but it is thought he may cut short his stay in his homeland to return to England in order to be ready for Liverpool’s opening game with Sunderland on Aug 13 or Kenny Dalglish’s team’s trip to Arsenal a week later.

The forward is expected to remain in Montevideo to mark the first birthday of his daughter Delfina on Aug 5 but relatives say he is not expected to visit his hometown of Salto, on the Argentine border, so as to enable him to return to England more quickly.

Dalglish and Liverpool’s medical staff will consult with the player to make sure he is ready to play but the two-week break he was afforded before the Copa America, as well as the seven-week hiatus he endured from November last year to January - thanks to a ban for biting PSV Eindhoven’s Otman Bakkal and the Dutch winter break - mean he may return to action without the full three-week break for which he is entitled.

Such is Suárez’s profile after a remarkable first six months on Merseyside and his stunning Copa America that Dalglish will be certain not to risk the former Ajax player’s long-term health.

The Uruguayan had already emerged as Liverpool’s new crown jewel, and his performances in Argentina have marked him out as one of world football’s rising stars.

The player himself was typically sanguine about individual praise, insisting that the player of the tournament trophy belonged to his team.

“Individual prizes are for the team,” he said. “This team has given a huge effort. We showed what we achieved last year in South Africa was no fluke. Uruguay has achieved great things, but does not have to forget how to win titles. We’ve had a few hard years, but have showed we are a great nation.”

Liverpool could loan Alberto Aquilani to Fiorentina next season in a bid to clear his £70,000-a-week wages from their books. Dalglish must trim his squad before further strengthening, with Suárez’s compatriots Diego Godin and Alvaro Pereira among his possible targets.

Liverpool Rubbish Lucas Exit Reports

Liverpool will not be selling Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva despite speculation that he would help balance the books after Kenny Dalglish's heavy spending this summer.

The Reds do not normally comment on transfer speculation, and are making no official response concerning the rumours, but a source at the club told ESPNsoccernet: ''There is nothing to say about this. It is rubbish''.

Lucas was voted Player of the Year last season at Anfield, but with £49 million of new players brought in to bolster the midfield over the summer - Stewart Downing from Aston Villa, Sunderland's Jordan Henderson and Blackpool's Charlie Adam - competition in his department is fierce and the Brazilian's options might be more limited.

Reports in Tuesday's newspapers claimed Lucas was not prepared to risk spending six months on the bench, having recently returned from the Copa America. It was suggested he could make a £6 million exit with Italy the most likely destination.

However, having only signed a new deal in March, Dalglish sees Lucas as part of his future plans and still views him as a starter ahead of the likes of Joe Cole, Alberto Aquilani, Christian Poulsen, Jonjo Shelvey and Jay Spearing.

Liverpool FC Set To Beat Villarreal To Spain Striker's

Liverpool is set to continue their summer recruitment drive this week with two new signings.

Strikers Marco Bueno and Nacho are set to be added to the club's burgeoning youth set-up.

Bueno won the Under-17 World Cup with Mexico last summer and is understood to have secured his move to Merseyside from Pachuca by signing a pre-contract agreement.

Nacho, meanwhile, impressed during a recent trial at the club's academy.

Former Liverpool midfielder Mike Marsh, now coach of the under-18s, witnessed the hit man's exploits first-hand as he netted during the club's 8-0 rout over Stevenage nine days ago.

Villarreal had looked to sign the Albacete man after watching him extensively, but Anfield chiefs travelled to Spain last weekend in a bid to accelerate their proposed deal.

The under-18s narrowly missed out on winning Premier Academy League last season after they were denied a win in their final game of the season against Wolves.

Former academy starlet Dani Pacheco, meanwhile, is threatening to leave Liverpool.

The 20-year-old has spent four years in England but has failed to make a breakthrough since arriving from Barcelona, despite a brief but successful loan spell with Norwich last season.

Now the striker, who is currently at the Under-20 World Cup with Spain, is considering his options away from Anfield after making just 14 senior appearances in the past two years.

He said: “I hoped for a lot more [at Liverpool]; why should I deny it?

“I was told I was going to have opportunities; quite simply, if they don’t give me more opportunities, I am very clear I want to leave.

“Above all, I want to play and if I have to leave to do that then there will be no problem.

“Some day I would like to return home. If it happens, it happens.

“Logically it’s a disappointment to see that you don’t have any playing time.

“But in such a situation all you can do is work and I hope to have minutes in the Under-20 World Cup to demonstrate what I am worth.”

Liverpool To Make Offer For Sevilla's £14m Argentina International

Liverpool is looking to Sevilla's Diego Perotti to be the final piece of the jigsaw after a year of investing in the squad.

Wingers are suddenly all the rage at Anfield as Kenny Dalglish seeks to supply as much ammunition as possible to striker Andy Carroll. The £35m man has devastating aerial ability, a trait that manager Kenny Dalglish is keen to exploit as much as possible as the Reds aim to return to the top four of the Premier League and perhaps even the summit itself.

Stewart Downing has already been recruited to provide service from the left flank and while Jordan Henderson - a £20m recruit from Sunderland - was often deployed wide on the right during his days at the Stadium of Light, he is expected to continue his development in the centre of midfield. To ensure the first team has the requisite balance, Liverpool is ready to resurrect their interest in Perotti.

The club enquired about the 22-year-old in the January transfer window but failed to follow it up with a firm offer due to the elongated negotiations with Ajax over the transfer of Luis Suarez. Now they will return to Sevilla with an offer of £9m though with Diego Capel having departed the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan already this summer, the Andalusian club will demand at least £5m more.

Perotti has only been capped once by his native Argentina but his dual Spanish nationality means that there will be no need for Liverpool to obtain a work permit should they persuade his employers into selling.

Liverpool Contemplate Sale Of Star To Ligue 1 Champions

French club Lille OSC is considering a late move for Liverpool winger Milan Jovanovic, according to the Daily Star.

The Serbia international's transfer to Anderlecht has stalled, as the Belgian side is unwilling to match Jovanovic's colossal wages at Anfield - a staggering £100,000 per week if the Guardian is to be believed - though both parties claim they still hope the switch will go through.

Jovanovic has unquestionably been a disappointment on Merseyside; even if one believes he has rarely been given a chance to prove himself, when he has been selected he has hardly shone.

At 30 he is unlikely to improve much further, and currently Liverpool are likely to welcome any club willing to take him off the wage bill.

"Lille, like Anderlecht, is a nice option for me," claimed Jovanovic.

"This is a good club, which plays at the top of the French game, a high-level competition and who will play the group stage of Champions League. That's interesting. For now, I listen to everyone."

Bolton Wanderers Target David Ngog

According to reports Bolton Wanderers are interested in Liverpool striker David Ngog.

The Daily Mail claims Wanderers boss Owen Coyle is eyeing the French striker.

It is understood that Wanderers contacted Liverpool about the availability of the marksman but at the moment the two clubs disagree over the asking price.

Ngog almost joined Sunderland earlier this summer and is believed to remain available.

Coyle is expected to continue negotiations with Liverpool.

Joe Cole To Stay At Liverpool And Fight

Joe Cole is set to stay at Liverpool next season despite speculation over his future following a nightmare first year at Anfield.

The midfielder told manager Kenny Dalglish he will fight for his place in the team when the pair held honest talks before the Reds squad flew out for a pre-season tour to the Far East earlier this month.

Cole, 29, had previously been made aware that Liverpool would look to sell him this season and he has been linked with a number of clubs including Hamburg, Tottenham and a return to West Ham on loan.

The former England international was even willing to take a pay cut on his £90,000-a-week wages to reignite his career having made just eight Premier League starts last season following his high profile free transfer from Chelsea.

Now it has become increasingly clear that Cole's options are limited and he has told Dalglish he believes he can find the form and fitness that eluded him last term as he was disrupted by niggling injuries. The Scot has always praised Cole's professionalism and has insisted that the attacking midfielder, who is under contract until 2014, has a future at the club.

"There has been no firm interest in Joe and he is determined to prove he still has what it takes to play at the top level," a source told Goal.com. "He has had a good conversation with Kenny and they both agreed that he didn't perform well last season but still has the talent and desire to be a success at Liverpool.

"There was some talk of a season-long loan but nothing has emerged that would suit both the player and Liverpool."

Cole, who is believed to be keen to return to London, was signed by Roy Hodgson a year ago and has seen Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing arrive this summer to add further competition for midfield places at Anfield.

But he has impressed in pre-season and was singled out for praise last week by assistant manager Steve Clarke, whom he worked with at Chelsea during the most productive period of his career.

"At the end of last season he was not getting in the team because the team was playing well," explained Clarke. "But he has trained hard and gone away and had a good summer. Joe Cole is a top international player. He has got a big contribution to make to the future.

"He is the same Joe Cole I coached at Chelsea, just a couple of years older and a little wiser. He has always had this same fantastic attitude. He knows the position he is in. It has been difficult for him because he has not been involved but, when he gets the chance, it is up to him to take it."

Cole is one of a number of players who have been tipped to leave Liverpool before the close of the transfer window as the Reds look to cut their wage bill and trim a squad that has become bloated in the midfield positions.

Director of football Damien Comolli is satisfied with the work the club has done so far this summer and is now focusing on selling unwanted players including Milan Jovanovic, Christian Poulsen, Alberto Aquilani and Emiliano Insua.

Respect 4 All Party

Disabled football fans who have benefitted from Liverpool's Respect 4 All coaching gathered at Anfield for their annual party.

The club's Respect 4 All Disability Centre started in September 2008 and has coaching sessions four nights a week.

It helps people who are visually impaired, physically disabled, wheelchair users or have severe learning difficulties - allowing them to play sports often for the first time.

Here are some great pictures from the party and disco, at which guests won some brilliant prizes like tours of Melwood and signed shirts.

Our Respect 4 All Centre is completely free and takes place in St Margaret's Cricket and Community Sports Centre in Aigburth.

It is an indoor disability accessible venue with car parking and a viewing classroom, and tea and coffee is available for parents or guardians.

The centre is multi sports but focusing on football and is designed for young people/adults who have previously not had the opportunity to get involved in sports.

Rush Backs Suarez & Carroll To Bring Success To Liverpool

Liverpool legend Ian Rush has backed Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez to forge a successful strike partnership and bring success to the club.

The duo joined the Reds in the January transfer window but Carroll's injury problems meant Suarez was often partnered by Dirk Kuyt or deployed as a lone striker.

But Rush, who enjoyed a partnership alongside Kenny Dalglish in attack during his time at Liverpool, insists the players can hit it off well and cause problems to opposing teams when they are paired together this season.

"I think if they can gel, which they should be able to, the partnership between Carroll and Suarez could be a really big thing," he said on the club's official website.

"It doesn't matter that they are from different backgrounds. Actually, Kenny and I didn't speak much off the pitch.

"I talk to him far more now than I ever did when we were playing together. We just fitted in because we had different skills.

"I had speed and could finish chances, and he had the most amazing football brain.

"I've watched Andy getting his fitness up to standard on the club's Far East tour and when Suarez gets back from international duty and the two start training together, I'm sure they'll build up a partnership.

"The potential is fantastic. Andy came to us with injuries last season, but in any case your first spell at a club like Liverpool is always an adjustment.

"People forget that I struggled a bit in my first season. But I've no doubt it will come right for him - and quickly, too."

Liverpool Favourites To Land Enrique After He Slams Newcastle Board

Newcastle United left-back Jose Enrique could be on the verge of leaving St. James Park after launching an attack on the club's transfer policy.

The Spaniard has been linked with a move away from the north east for a number of months after refusing to sign a new contract with Newcastle and has indicated that he would like to move to a bigger club.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been touted as a possible destination for the 25-year-old, but it would seem that the Reds are the favourites as manager Kenny Dalglish looks to make a left-back the last signing of the summer.

Dalglish has already signed Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing and is keen to bring Enrique to the club before the start of the season.

It appears Enrique is determined to force a move and after refusing to sign a contract extension has now blasted the club via social network site Twitter.

"The club is allowing all the major players of the team to go. Seriously, do you think it is the fault of the players? Andy (Carroll), nobby (Kevin Nolan) etc etc.

"This club will never again fight to be among the top 6 again with this policy."

Enrique later paid tribute to the Newcastle fans, adding: "I think you fans are the best and you deserve the best, not what they are doing with the club. Thanks to everyone for supporting me."

The attacking full-back joined Newcastle from Villarreal in 2007 and has gone on to impress during his spell on Tyneside. Should Liverpool attempt to land the defender then it is believed that they would need to bid in the region of £8million.

Pacheco Reveals Norwich Interest

Out-of-favour Liverpool striker Dani Pacheco has revealed he would be interested in a return to Norwich in the future.

Pacheco became an immediate favourite with Canaries fans last season during a short loan spell at Carrow Road in which he made six appearances.

Norwich boss Paul Lambert is still on the look-out to strengthen his squad if the right player becomes available and the 20-year-old admitted he would consider rejoining the Canaries if things continue to not work out for him at Liverpool.

Pacheco has made only 14 first team appearances for the Reds since joining them in 2007.

The Spain U21 international told Spanish daily newspaper Diaro Sur: "I hoped for a lot more (at Liverpool); why should I deny it?

"I was told I was going to have opportunities; quite simply, if they don't give me more opportunities, I am very clear I want to leave.

"Above all, I want to play and if I have to leave to do that then there will be no problem.

"Some day I would like to return home. If it happens, it happens. I've become very fond of Norwich and their fans. It's another option for the future and I'll have to assess it."

Jol Looking At Poulsen

Fulham boss Martin Jol has made a £1.5m approach for Liverpool midfielder Christian Poulsen, according to reports.

Jol signed Czech under-21 star Marcel Gecov last week but remains keen on bolstering his squad ahead of the new season and speculation suggests that Poulsen is one of his targets.

The Denmark international is facing an uncertain future at Liverpool having made only 21 appearances for the Reds last term and looks to have fallen further down the midfield pecking order over the summer following the arrivals of Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson.

Liverpool appear ready to sell Poulsen but the transfer fee could be the sticking point with Fulham's Premier League rivals likely to want to recoup the majority of the £5 million fee they paid for him last summer.

Bayern Munich Make Approach For Daniel Agger

Bayern Munich is interested in Liverpool defender Dan Agger.

The Mirror says Bayern Munich have expressed an interest in defender Agger.

The Dane is only thinking of staying with Liverpool for the coming season, despite Bayern’s long-term interest.

Liverpool, however, need to sell if they’re to bring in more signings this summer.

Fiorentina Monitor Aquilani

Alberto Aquilani's long-term future at Liverpool remains shrouded in doubt as Fiorentina continues to monitor his situation.

The 27-year-old returned back from a season-long loan with Juventus last term after the Italian club failed to match Liverpool's valuation of the midfielder.

Aquilani has been impressive in pre-season for the Reds and even drew praise from owner John W Henry.

Henry described the playmaker as "our missing link last year" after his performance against a Malaysia XI.

But a return to Italy remains a possibility, although his agent is keen to hear Liverpool's plans for the player before a decision is made on his fate.

"We must still talk with Fiorentina and Liverpool," Franco Zavaglia told the Adnkronos agency.

"Aquilani is still a Liverpool player. We need to talk to them to see what their plans are for the new season and then we will see.

"We are evaluating the situation with both parties before we make any decision."

Reds Say Gerrard Is On Course

Liverpool have moved to quell reports that Steven Gerrard could be set to miss up to the first two months of the season, after claims that his groin injury is worse than first thought.

A Sunday newspaper had written that the club was braced for the fact they will have to start the new Premier League campaign without their skipper after complications arose in the recovery from his current injury.

Such a layoff would also force him to miss England's international friendly with Netherlands on August 10 and struggle to be fit for the Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales on September 6, but the Reds are adamant the midfielder has not suffered any sort of setback.

"Steven Gerrard's rehabilitation is progressing as planned," the club told ESPNsoccernet.

Gerrard, 31, did not travel with the club on their tour of Asia as he continues his recovery on Merseyside.

Downing and Henderson Insist There’s More To Come From Liverpool FC

New signings Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson believe there is much more to come after their Liverpool debut ended in disappointing defeat.

The Anfield outfit’s pre-season preparations suffered a setback when they were soundly beaten 3-0 at npower Championship side Hull City on Saturday.

Downing and Henderson, along with goalkeeper Alexander Doni, were all making their first appearances for the club following their arrivals during the transfer window.

Downing almost scored within three minutes of being introduced at half-time but was denied by a save from goalkeeper Adriano Basso.

And the former Aston Villa man said: “It could have been a dream debut. I thought it was in to be honest but it was a great save from the keeper.

“We created a lot of chances but just didn’t put them away – hopefully we’re saving that for the season.

“It’s been good training, I’ve enjoyed it up to now and it was nice to be out there. A disappointing result but pre-season is all about fitness.”

Of life at Liverpool, Downing added: “It’s brilliant so far. It’s a top football club and I’m getting looked after very well! Hopefully I can make an impact and do my best.

“I did a week at Aston Villa and a week here so I just want to get out there, get underway, get the debuts out of the way.”

Henderson arrived at Liverpool last month but sat out the recent tour to the Far East due to his involvement in the UEFA European Under-21 championships.

And he said: “I feel part of it now. It was a little bit frustrating watching them on the telly but it was good to have a rest.

“It wasn’t a good result but that’s what pre-season is about and we’ll learn from our mistakes.

“I think I’ve settled in well so far and hopefully I can keep doing so.”

Dalglish believes the duo, along with goalkeeper Doni, are settling in well at Anfield but will not be happy with their first experience in a Liverpool shirt.

“They’re very comfortable,” said the manager. “It’s an easy place to come and settle, it’s very welcoming, but they’ll not be too satisfied getting back on the bus after that.”

Reds To Fulfil Norway Fixture Despite Terror Attacks

Liverpool is to fulfil next Monday’s friendly in Oslo in the wake of the terrorist attacks which have rocked Norway.

The Reds enjoy huge support in the Scandinavian country and a sell-out crowd of 25,000 is expected for the clash with Valerenga at the Ullevaal Stadium.

One of Friday’s two attacks saw a bomb go off outside government buildings in the capital – three miles from where the match will be held.

Liverpool is continuing to monitor the situation but as it stands there is no talk of postponing the trip.

An Anfield spokesman said: “At this stage there is nothing to indicate the game will not go ahead.”

Kenny Dalglish’s players wore black armbands in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Hull City in respect for those killed.

Reds managing director Ian Ayre said: “Everyone at the football club was shocked to hear the news and see the television pictures coming out of Norway.

“Some of our most passionate fans are Norwegian and we count them as friends as well as supporters.

“The team is due to play in Norway on August 1. Ahead of that, we want our fans to know we are thinking of them at this terrible time.”

Match Report: Hull City 3 - 0 Liverpool

Hull City spoiled Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson's Liverpool debuts with an impressive 3-0 win at the KC Stadium.

England duo Downing and Henderson were handed their first outings for Liverpool since their big-money arrivals from Aston Villa and Sunderland respectively, but it was not an occasion to remember.

Fellow new signing Alexander Doni also made his debut for Kenny Dalglish's side, but he was beaten twice before the break.

Hull broke the deadlock on 21 minutes with a superb strike from on-loan Manchester United youngster Robbie Brady.

The home side doubled their lead 13 minutes later when Slovenian international Robert Koren found the net after working a one-two with Aaron McLean.

Dalglish made 11 changes at the break as he tries to get his squad fit for the new season with Henderson and Downing making their bows.

Downing went close to scoring two minutes after his introduction when he saw his shot superbly saved by Hull keeper Adriano Basso.

Hull added a third just before the hour when Jay Simpson scored from close-range to condemn Liverpool to their first defeat of pre-season.

Dalglish Disappointed By Defeat

Kenny Dalglish admitted he was disappointed by Liverpool's surprise 3-0 defeat at Hull City on Saturday.

Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Alexander Doni all made their debuts for Liverpool, but they could not prevent the Reds from slumping to their first defeat of pre-season.

Hull picked up a confidence-boosting win thanks to goals from Robbie Brady, Robert Koren and Jay Simpson and Dalglish admits he expected better from his troops at the KC Stadium.

"Obviously we're disappointed at losing the game. It doesn't matter whether it was a pre-season friendly or not, but the fact it is pre-season gives us a wee bit of solace," said Dalglish.

"We trained on Friday as if it was a game. Everybody ran about nine or 10 thousand metres, which is equivalent to what you do in a game, so it's like playing a game and a half in two days.

"We also travelled over yesterday morning and it's not ideal, but I would have expected a wee bit better than that.

"As I say, it is pre-season and it's to get players fit and get rid of their mistakes - but I certainly think we've got a few mistakes to get rid of after today.

"In the second half we made a few more chances. I think in the first half we had one shot at goal, which wasn't too compelling to watch. But for us the second half was better.

"We still lost the second half 1-0, but we had three guys making their first appearances in a Liverpool shirt and they will get benefit from that.

"It was an extension of our training sessions this week and starting from now we've got to get ourselves a wee bit more realistic (in terms of fitness)."

Dalglish claims Downing, Henderson and Doni have all settled in well to life at Liverpool, but he concedes they will not be happy to taste defeat on their first appearances for the club.

"They're very comfortable. It's an easy place to come and settle, it's very welcoming, but they'll not be too satisfied getting back on the bus after that," added Dalglish.