Match Preview: Liverpool vs Sunderland

Liverpool will be desperate for a winning start against Sunderland after Kenny Dalglish's first pre-season since returning to the Reds dug-out.

There is renewed optimism at Anfield with the Reds legend having spent big this summer in a bid to continue their strong finish to last season and re-establish themselves as genuine Premier League title contenders.

Dalglish quickly turned around the club's fortunes after replacing Roy Hodgson in January, ending an 11-year break from management.

The 60-year-old not only rejuvenated the existing players but made some jaw-dropping moves in the transfer market, selling Fernando Torres to Chelsea and bringing in Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, who helped the Reds claim a sixth-place finish after being 13th when Dalglish took charge.

It was hardly surprising that he was offered the job full-time at the end of the season, signing a three-year deal, and the Scot has had a full summer to really stamp his authority on the squad.

He made it clear where he felt he needed to strengthen over the summer and bought British, with midfield trio Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing all arriving at Anfield for a total outlay of around £45million.

With Steven Gerrard set to be out for the start of the season, they all have the chance to establish themselves in the Reds' midfield before their talismanic captain returns, with Henderson's debut coming against his former club.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has reinvested the £16m he received for Henderson and then some, improving an already strong squad with no less than 10 summer signings, including a permanent switch for Ahmed Elmohamady following an impressive loan spell on Wearside last season.

Wes Brown and John O'Shea bring vast experience, Sebastian Larsson and Craig Gardner will boost the Black Cats' midfield and Bruce has brought in Keiren Westwood and 18-year-old striker Connor Wickham after impressing in the Championship.

The Black Cats' form fluctuated last season, rising to sixth before slipping to 15th in mid-April, but three wins from their last five games saw them finish 10th, inside the top half on goal difference but more importantly for all Mackems - a point above arch-rivals Newcastle.

The Wearsiders will probably be happy to claim a point in front of an expectant home crowd at Anfield on the opening day but once the season is up and running they will be hoping to repeat wins over the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City last season, and push for European qualification.

Luis Suarez could play despite only returning to training on Monday. The striker was absent during pre-season after helping Uruguay win the Copa America but Dalglish will consider him for selection.

The Reds boss has completed a deal for Newcastle left-back Jose Enrique but Gerrard (groin) and defender Martin Skrtel are both out, while full-back Glen Johnson (hamstring) faces a late fitness test.

Andy Carroll is set to start up front having scored in each of the Reds' last two friendlies, a 3-3 draw with Valerenga and a 2-0 win over Valencia.

John O'Shea's Sunderland debut will have to wait as the former Man Utd defender has been ruled out with a hamstring strain.

Fellow new boys David Vaughan, Brown, Gardner, Larsson, Wickham and Ji Dong-won will all hope to have forced their way into Bruce's plans.

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon (knee) remains sidelined, with Simon Mignolet looking set to get the nod ahead of Keiren Westwood.

Kieran Richardson (groin) should recover from the problem that forced him off during the Black Cats' final friendly, a 0-0 draw at Hibernian last week, but David Meyler and Fraizer Campbell (both knee) are definitely out.

Possible starting XIs:

Liverpool: Reina, Flanagan, Agger, Carragher, Aurelio, Henderson, Adam, Spearing, Downing, Suarez, Carroll.

Sunderland: Mignolet, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Brown, Colback, Larsson, Cattermole, Gardner, Richardson, Gyan, Sessegnon.

Dalglish Eyes Reds Run

Kenny Dalglish accepts Liverpool's title credentials will be judged by results from the off, but believes he has a much stronger side than last season.

The club legend steered his beloved Reds to a steady finish after taking over from Roy Hodgson's turbulent stint, and has invested heavily into the side since.

Friday's capture of full-back Jose Enrique took Dalglish's spending to over £100million since January, prompting talk of a potential title charge.

Dalglish insists, though, that results must reflect their investments, and cooled talk of their Premier League hopes by suggesting cup success may be more feasible.

"We didn't pay over the odds for anybody, in my opinion, and we are not going to scream to get more money from the owners."

"The five guys we've brought in have strengthened the quality and improved the depth of the squad, and we are a lot stronger than last year.

"You need to win a lot of games to win a championship, but you don't need to win as many to lift a cup, so we will just focus on getting as many positive results as we can."

In addition to Enrique, Liverpool has brought in Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and goalkeeper Alexander Doni.

Henderson and Downing cost a reported fee of £20million each, but Dalglish insists the club have got good value for their money.

"Our owners deserve great credit and I'm really excited about the season ahead," Dalglish said.

"We didn't pay over the odds for anybody, in my opinion, and we are not going to scream to get more money from the owners.

"We can talk to them and if they say yes, then we can try and get them. If they say no, we're pleased with the support they've already given us."

AC Milan Unwilling To Spend More Than €6 million For Aquilani

AC Milan is keen not to let Liverpool's Alberto Aquilani slip through their fingers, but they appear unwilling to meet the €10 million (£8.7m) asking price set by the Anfield outfit.

On Friday Aquilani's agent Franco Zavaglia left the door to San Siro open after he said a move there should not be excluded.

And La Gazzetta dello Sport claims Milan have revived the embers of interest in the 27-year-old midfielder who scored the winner in Italy's 2-1 win over Spain on Wednesday.

However, CEO Adriano Galliani is not keen on spending more than €6m (£5.2m) for the Italy ace. It is said Liverpool are holding out for at least €10m, but budgetary constraints are preventing Milan from paying that amount.

Meanwhile, Fiorentina's Riccardo Montolivo is thought to remain as the Serie A champions' ultimate target.

He tried to play down reports of an exit earlier this week, but the Florence outfit could be looking to offload him for €10m after he refused to sign a new deal last month.

Both midfielders appeal to coach Massimiliano Allegri who has made no secret about wanting to sign a top-class player for the centre-left side of the pitch.

Gonzalo Higuain Transfer 'Unlikely' As Liverpool End Spending Spree

Jose Enrique's transfer has brought Liverpool's spending spree to an end, despite rumours linking the Reds with Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.

Spanish left-back Enrique completed his £6 million move from Newcastle United on Friday morning to become the fifth major arrival at Anfield this summer.

Reports in the Spanish press claimed that Liverpool had also made a £22 million offer for Higuain – although Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho was said to have rejected it.

However, Reds director of football Damien Comolli indicated there was no interest in the Argentina international.

Asked whether Enrique would be the final signing of the transfer window, Comolli told the club's official website: 'You can never say never, but it is likely.'

Liverpool had already landed Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Alexander Doni, and Comolli declared himself satisfied with his summer's work.

'I am convinced we were right in what we wanted to do. We've strengthened all the areas we wanted to strengthen with quality,' he said.

'I think there is a lot of debate about prices for players and transfer fees paid, not just with Liverpool but throughout the Premier League, but if we have signed a player it is because we were happy to pay the price of the transfer fee we paid.'

The Frenchman added that there may be some departures from Anfield before the end of the month.

Enrique Wants To Catch Liverpool Train To Glory

New Liverpool signing Jose Enrique is determined to make the most of his opportunity to play at a "big" club and has set his sights on winning the Premier League.

The Spanish left-back completed his £6 million move from Newcastle in time to be considered for today's season-opener at home to Sunderland. It would be a gamble for the manager, Kenny Dalglish, to throw him into the side after just one training session but Enrique, who was in the last year of his contract at St James' Park and had told the club he would not be renewing it, is keen to get started.

"In Spain there is a saying, 'When the train comes in, you have to take it'," said the 25-year-old, who moved to Newcastle in 2007 in a £6.3m transfer from Villarreal. "This is the first time a big club has come in for me and I had to take it. I have come to one of the biggest clubs not just in England, but in the world. This is one of the happiest days of my life. My ambition is to win everything with Liverpool. This year we won't play in the Champions League, so the most important thing is to try to win the League."

Enrique is Dalglish's fifth summer signing, following Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Alexander Doni. Those signings, and the January acquisitions of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, convinced the defender his future lies at Anfield.

"The club has won a lot of things, including the Champions League," he said. "They have amazing players and I hope to win things here. I am excited (by the signings), it shows Liverpool's ambition. They spent a lot of money in January on Andy and Luis Suarez and this summer they've spent a lot of money on other players.

"You can see they have big ambitions and that's why I came here – because I want to win things and I think I can do that here. I have already played for Newcastle in pre-season, I am fit and if the manager needs me, I am ready to play."

Dalglish Will Not Sell David Ngog Until He Finds Suitable Replacement

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will not let striker David Ngog leave the club until he has found a suitable replacement, according to The Daily Mirror.

The report claims that the Reds boss has rejected a £4 million (€4.5m) bid from Bolton Wanderers on the basis that he is refusing to let the Frenchman go without having found a new striker to come in for him.

Ngog has been linked with a move away all summer with Sunderland having thought to be interested in the player as part of the deal that took Jordan Henderson to Anfield.

But any such move for the player seems reportedly less likely until Liverpool spend yet again in this transfer window on a new striker.

Dalglish would be loath to leave himself with only Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt in terms of striking options, especially as the club look to push for titles this season after a large summer expenditure.

Despite having only scored two goals in 25 Premier League appearances last season, Dalglish still sees Ngog as an important piece of his squad, and the Scotsman does not appear to be in any hurry to move him on.

Carragher Desperate To Bring Champions League Football Back To Liverpool

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher says he is desperate to see his club back in the Champions League.

The Reds have suffered a two-year absence from a competition that has seen them as winners in 2005 and defeated finalists in 2007 and the defender is keen to return to Europe’s premier competition.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Carragher said: "I think, with us not being in the Champions League over the last few years, everyone at the club is desperate to get back in there and get those great nights back at Liverpool."

Carragher did admit, however, that perhaps harbouring hopes of winning the title this season would be a little over-ambitious.

"To do that it’s going to be tough but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to win the league, of course we want to win the league," he continued.

"It’s been too long but I think to go from sixth to winning the league is maybe too much of an ask for us."

But the 33-year-old was more positive on the chances of the club finishing in the top four and securing that all-important Champions League berth.

"If we start the season well, and after a few months we’re still up there with the top teams, why not look at that situation then?" he argued.

"I’m desperate for the club to get back into the Champions League and if we start well we’ll take it from there."

Liverpool kick off their attempt to break back into the Premier League top four against Sunderland on Saturday.

Writing Is On The Wall For Emiliano Insua

When Emiliano Insua broke into the Liverpool side in 2008 he looked like a teenager with a big future ahead of him.

The Argentinean was raw but showed plenty of promise. Sadly that potential hasn’t been realized.

Insua played 31 league games in 2009/10 but too often was the weak link opponents looked to exploit. His positional play was poor.

After an unsuccessful loan spell at Galatasaray, the 22-year-old is back at Liverpool but training at the Academy.

With Jose Enrique on board, he’s a distant fourth in the pecking order for the left-back spot. He promised so much but delivered little and the writing is on the wall for Insua.

Committee Meet At Anfield

The Liverpool FC Supporters Committee today met each other for the first time at Anfield ahead of agreeing a set of questions to put to senior club officials in their inaugural meeting on Saturday before the opening game of the season.

The club announced in May that it hopes the new supporter consultation group will allow fans to help shape the club's future through regular and constructive dialogue with senior LFC officials.

Seventeen of the 18 Committee members were present for the meeting today - unfortunately ill-health prevented one member from attending - and they met with the Committee Chairn Karen Gill to discuss their agenda for tomorrow's meeting.

Liverpool Seal Signing Of Enrique

Liverpool signed left-back Jose Enrique on a long-term deal from Newcastle United on Friday after the Spaniard passed a medical, the club said.

The Premier League sides had agreed a fee on Thursday although neither disclosed the sum involved with British media estimating it was around 6 million pounds.

"This is one of the happiest days of my life. I have come to one of the biggest clubs not just in England, but in the world. I am really, really happy," Enrique told liverpoolfc.tv.

The 25-year-old, who joined Newcastle from Villarreal in 2007, arrives on the eve of Liverpool's Premier League opener against Sunderland at Anfield.

"I am looking forward to playing in front of the Kop," he said. "I hope it will be this weekend, but if not I can wait."

Enrique was manager Kenny Dalglish's fifth major signing of the close-season after Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Alexander Doni and Stewart Downing.

Strikers Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez were signed in January.

Liverpool Aim To Trump Juventus In £13m Winger Race

Liverpool will make a last ditch bid for Fiorentina winger Juan Manuel Vargas, with the club hoping to steal the march on Juventus, according to Peru news outlet Andina.

Vargas was said to be close to agreeing a deal with Juventus worth £9 million. The Peruvian has made 80 appearances for Fiorentina and scored 12 goals.

But Liverpool has reportedly decided that they will up that offer to £13 million, and beat out their Italian counterparts to sign Vargas before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Kenny Dalglish reportedly sees Vargas as the perfect partner for Liverpool newboy Stewart Downing, and will be looking to wrap up a deal in quick succession to signing Jose Enrique.

The summer has been extremely successful for Liverpool, with the club spending well in excess of £50 million, and over £100 million since Dalglish took over the managerial post in January.

If a deal for Vargas goes through, the door will no doubt be opened to a possible deal for Aquilani to leave Liverpool and head in the opposite direction.

Trotters In Bid For Ngog

Skysports.com understands Bolton Wanderers have made a bid to sign Liverpool striker David Ngog.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle is in the market for attacking additions after Daniel Sturridge returned to Chelsea after an impressive loan spell and Johan Elmander joined Galatasaray.

Turkish forward Tuncay is close to finalizing a loan move to the Reebok Stadium and Coyle is now stepping up his interest in Ngog.

The 22-year-old has scored 19 goals in 94 appearances for Liverpool since he moved to Anfield from Paris St Germain three years ago.

He was linked with a move to Sunderland earlier in the summer as part of the deal which saw England midfielder Jordan Henderson join Liverpool.

However, he could now be offered the opportunity to link up with Bolton after the club made a bid in the region of £4million for the Frenchman.

Coyle has also been linked with Birmingham City's Cameron Jerome as he tries to improve his options up front before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

Martin Kelly Eyes Long-Awaited Return

The opening day of a new season is always eagerly anticipated but for Martin Kelly tomorrow’s game against Sunderland at Anfield holds special significance.

Nearly six months ago the 21-year-old Academy graduate limped away from Upton Park disconsolately after tearing his hamstring.

The injury cruelly halted his progress and brought a premature end to the defender’s breakthrough campaign.

Since then he has embarked on a gruelling rehabilitation program and has proved his fitness with some impressive displays in pre-season.

With Glen Johnson set to miss tomorrow’s clash with the Black Cats after straining his hamstring against Valencia last weekend, Kelly is likely to get the nod to start at right-back.

Kelly is taking nothing for granted but admits he would relish the prospect of making a long-awaited return to competitive action.

"With Glen getting a little knock I’m not sure what’s going to happen in terms of Saturday but I’m looking forward to the season and being part of this terrific Liverpool squad," Kelly said.

"After being out for so long it’s been great to play a full part in pre-season and I can’t wait for the season to start.

"I’m just happy to have stayed injury-free over the summer and hopefully with all the work I’ve done I can stay fit and enjoy a good year."

It was a devastating setback for Kelly when he pulled up during the Reds’ 3-1 defeat at West Ham in February. Initially he hoped to return to action inside six weeks but the injury took much longer to clear up.

Countless hours have been spent bulking up in the gym to ensure his body is able to support his powerful 6ft3ins frame.

And the Whiston-born youngster, who grew up in Newton-le-Willows, has even taken up yoga to boost his chances of remaining on the pitch and off the treatment table.

"Initially I thought it was cramp in the game at West Ham but when I tried to get up I knew something was badly wrong," he said.

"The tear was so large because of the speed I was going. It was tough to deal with.

"I hoped to get back before the end of the season but the first rehab program didn’t really work out.

"On the last day before I was due to resume full training I sprinted and felt a twinge in my hamstring. Another scan showed the injury had happened again.

"It was a setback and it meant I was put on a different program and I had to work twice as hard to get back.

"It involved a lot more strengthening work around my hamstrings, calfs, quads and upper body. With the speed I go I needed more muscle.

"A few months ago I started doing yoga twice a week. At the start you wonder whether it’s really going to help but I’ve got into it.

"It’s hard work but I’ve really felt the benefits. It’s all about getting my body as strong as possible.

"A couple of days after each game now I get tested to make sure the strength hasn’t decreased. It’s about ensuring we stay on top of it."

Kelly graduated to Melwood from the Academy in the summer 2007 and was part of Gary Ablett’s title winning reserves side the following season.

Rafa Benitez handed him a debut in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven in December 2008 and he went on to enjoy a successful loan spell with Huddersfield.

Kelly produced a man of the match performance on his first start against Lyon at Anfield in October 2009 but a groin injury kept him out for four months and on his return he was limited to two substitute appearances.

It was last season when Kelly’s Anfield career truly took off and after shining in the Europa League games under Roy Hodgson, he blossomed further under the guidance of Kenny Dalglish.

After Johnson had to pull out of the FA Cup tie at Old Trafford in January because his partner was due to give birth, Dalglish turned to Kelly for his first game in charge and his faith was richly rewarded.

Kelly retained the right-back spot and his performances were so good that England international Johnson was asked to play on the left instead.

"I was made up with how last season went for me before I got injured," he said.

"Playing in the Europa League helped me a lot. Then Kenny gave me a chance at Old Trafford and that really boosted my confidence.

"I didn’t find out until quite late on that I was playing. There was no time to get nervous, I was just excited and wanted to get out there. Steven Gerrard helped me a lot that day.

"I didn’t look back from there and I owe Kenny a lot for the games he gave me. You always train as hard as you can in the hope you will get the chance to play.

"The injury came at the wrong time for me as I was enjoying a good run but that’s just part of football.

"I’ve come back from that and feel stronger than ever."

With Johnson sidelined, Kelly has the opportunity to stake a claim for a regular spot in the Reds’ backline this term.

But the youngster’s only focus is on trying to help ensure the Reds get their campaign off to a flying start against Steve Bruce’s side.

"With Glen being England’s right-back there is no-one better for me to learn from," he said.

"Glen is a terrific player and it’s great for my development to be able to work with him. He’s helped me a lot with my game and I hope he makes a fast recovery.

"There’s competition for places here but you’ve got to expect that at all big clubs.

"We’re ready for the season and we all want to get off to a winning start.

"It won’t be easy because Sunderland are a good side and have made some good signings this summer.

"But we’ve worked really hard on team shape and we just need to put what we’ve been doing on the training ground into practice."

Evans Tells Liverpool Fans To Be Patient For Success

Roy Evans has warned Liverpool fans to be patient with Kenny Dalglish’s new-look Liverpool side.

Dalglish has splashed out big money this summer, bringing five new faces into Anfield including Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing, and Jose Enrique.

But the former Reds boss has told talkSPORT the side won’t transform overnight and it may take time for them to gel as a unit

He said: “They’ve spent a fair amount of money and made some big changes, which they needed to do. They’ve brought in some British quality, which is nice to see, but the biggest problem they have got is getting the team to gel.

“They’ve added pace and youth to their squad. [Stewart] Downing will give some great pace down both flanks and Andy Carroll, when he starts firing on all cylinders, will see the benefit of that.

“But the fans have just got to be a little bit patient because it takes a while [to gel] if you bring in five or six players.”

Evans also insisted after spending the summer adding to the squad, Dalglish now faces the tough task of shipping some players out.

A host of top earners are believed to be available for transfer at Anfield including Joe Cole, Alberto Aquilani and Christian Poulsen, with the focus now shifted to selling rather than buying.

“They’ve got to get rid of some players,” he added. “They’ve got a massive squad now with the ones they’ve brought in.

"And if you get players who are not in the team and the squad, they start to sap a little bit of energy out of the squad itself. Not because they behave badly, just because they’re frustrated they don’t get a game. So you’ve got to get five or six players out.”

Norwich Close To Landing Liverpool Defender

Norwich's £800,000 bid for Daniel Ayala has been successful and the Liverpool defender is on his way to Carrow Road to discuss personal terms and undertake a medical.

A string of clubs were interested in the 20-year-old defender but Norwich have beaten rivals Ipswich and Hull to land him.

Ayala joined Liverpool from Sevilla in 2007 but the Spain Under-21 international has failed to establish himself in the first team.

And the Spaniard is now set for Carrow Road, as Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish confirmed: "The only one going out is Daniel Ayala to Norwich."

Wilson Would Consider Loan

Danny Wilson admits he may be forced to consider a loan move away from Liverpool this season in a bid to boost his international career. The 19-year-old made just eight appearances last term following his switch to Anfield from Rangers a year ago. The young defender partnered Gary Caldwell in Scotland's 2-1 win over Denmark on Wednesday night but knows he will need more game time at club level if he hopes to retain a place in boss Craig Levein's plans.

Asked if a loan move could be an option, Wilson said: "It's been mentioned but there have been no offers yet so it's difficult to try to decide what's going to happen. "If there are no offers, you can't really do much about it so I'm just working hard and trying to keep a part of things. But we've got a lot of players now at Liverpool and it's going to be difficult. "There are five centre-backs there and we are all of good quality so the manager has a difficult decision and whatever his decision is, I'll respect that.”I didn't play enough last season and I wouldn't really like to repeat that next season. I can only do what I'm doing. "If it's enough, it's enough. If it's not, I'll just need to work that bit harder."

Wilson was linked with a return to Rangers on loan earlier this summer and says he would not rule out another spell at Ibrox if he received the call from Ally McCoist. He said: "I don't see why not, if the option was there. But the option's not there so it's difficult for me to comment on that. "I'll consider any team, once the offers come in I'll evaluate them and decide what's best for me and my career." Wilson was used in an unfamiliar left-back role last season and says he would be more than happy to demonstrate his versatility once again if it meant nailing down a place in Kenny Dalglish's side.

He said: "I'm a centre-back but if the manager decides that he wants me at left-back I can't have any problems with that and I'll do it no problem at all.”If he wants to put me in goal, I'll go in goal. I'm one of those kind of players who always gives my all for the team wherever I'm chosen to play." On his national team hopes, Wilson added: "If I'm playing more regularly it's better for me and it's better for the team.”He (Levein) says he obviously wants me to be playing a bit more regularly and I can fully understand that. I want that myself. "He's not said to me that I have to be playing but obviously it helps if I'm out there playing."

Tom Werner: We Will Spend Big To Bring Glory Back To Anfield

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner says the club will continue to spend big in order to bring success back to Anfield.

The Reds have embarked upon one of its busiest ever periods in the transfer market since being taken over by the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) back in October of last year, after a torrid few years under previous owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

Newcastle left-back Jose Enrique will become manager Kenny Dalglish's fifth signing when he finalizes his £5.5m move from Newcastle this week, taking the Reds' spending under FSG to well past the £100m mark in under a year.

And Werner insists he and principal owner John W Henry will continue to provide the backing for Dalglish and Director of Football Damien Comolli as they look to improve the squad further, and says the club is determined to end its 21-year-wait for a league title, and its five-year silverware drought.

"I don't think anybody is working harder than we are right now to continue to see if we can recruit talent," said Werner. "We are willing to spend pounds to upgrade the team and I think that both clubs, both the Boston Red Sox (FSG's other major sporting interest) and Liverpool, are blessed with management that is tireless and smart and I think that is the essential ingredient.

"The experience of being in New England when the Red Sox won (the World Series) after 86 years of drought, is hard to actually articulate, it was as if the whole region was floating for quite a while. When you think about 86 years, you think about the fact that some people came to Fenway Park in 1920 and passed away before seeing the world championship.

"One of the things that happened after we won the World Series is that people were actually buying World Series pennants and bringing them to their parents grave so that they could participate in that success. So I know how sports can have such a great impact on your life, and just lift you up.

"We want to win trophies. We want to have more trophies in our trophy case. I know the joy; I've seen the pictures when you all came back from (the 2005 Champions League win in) Istanbul, and to see the thousands and thousands of people lining the streets in Liverpool, that is such a dream.

"I think to look at my career in sports, the lessons that I learnt in San Diego helped us become better stewards in Boston, and hopefully we'll be better stewards in Liverpool through the lessons we've learnt. I think the most important thing, and it may seem obvious, is to put a quality product out there for your fans.

"These are people who spend their hard earned pounds to come to see the club. We've got supporters all around the world who expect a quality product, and so it's been our goal to try to improve our position on the pitch, and to try and create a environment for players to say they want to play in Liverpool, and bring some of the lustre that all the fans know back to the club."

Liverpool kick-off their Premier League campaign against Sunderland at Anfield tomorrow afternoon, with many tipping the Reds to make a sustained bid for Champions League qualification this season.

And Werner believes that with Dalglish, who signed a three-year contract as manager in May, at the helm, and with the support of the Anfield crowd, the club should be aiming high heading into the new campaign.

"I can't think of somebody who embodies the relentlessness and the drive and the attitude of excellence better than Kenny," he said. "Obviously we knew of him before we met him. I think he is a natural leader.

"I've had the privilege to watch him as he trains the men at Melwood, and I just think he's so charismatic and I think he's been able to instil a sense of purpose into the club, and when he says something I think people listen."

He added: "(Fans in America) care so much about the Boston Red Sox, just as our fans around the world care for Liverpool.

"They're knowledgeable, they tell you when they're unhappy, and I've heard some comments about that as the Chairman of Liverpool! They'll say, you know, have a beer with me because we know you're doing a good job and I guess from my own point of view, the thing that drives me is for John, and I, and you to leave the club in better shape than when we got there.

"Our hope is that we can make our fans proud of what we have done. I don't want to promise so much. I know John has said we're going to be top four, and Kenny says, well, why can't we win? But we just want to move forward we want to be better this year than last year and just keep going on the right track."

Liverpool And Everton Appeal For Calm

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish and Everton boss David Moyes have called for calm following the unrest throughout the country during the week.

The new Premier League season is due to start on Saturday but after England's friendly with Holland was called off and the midweek Carling Cup program was disrupted it remains to be seen if all 20 teams will play their opening fixtures.

Dalglish, who leads Liverpool into a league campaign for the first time since 1990, used the club's official website to ask for Liverpudlians to "pull together''.

"The city has made incredible progress over the past few years and no-one wants to see our restored reputation damaged by what we have witnessed over the last couple of days. For everyone's sake let's stop this now and pull together for the benefit of the whole community,'' he said.

Reds captain Steven Gerrard, who will miss the start of the season following an ongoing groin problem, echoed his manager's sentiments. He said: "This is a city which has always stuck together in difficult times and supported each other. If there are people thinking of going out and causing problems, then please think again.

"The community doesn't want you behaving like this. We're proud of how Liverpool has been transformed and we shouldn't let the actions of a few have such an impact on the rest of the people who live here and care about the city.''

Their words were echoed by Everton's Moyes, who said: "There can be no justification for the shocking display of behaviour that has been witnessed throughout the city of Liverpool and the rest of the country over the past few days.

"The mindless actions by small groups of individuals cannot be condoned and along with the rest of the Merseyside community, everyone at Everton Football Club gives its full support to the police and local authorities in bringing an end to the troubles.''

Moyes added: "As a result of recent events, football has already suffered and we need to ensure that this stops immediately so thousands of people up and down the country can enjoy one of the most anticipated weekends of the year - the start of the Premier League season.''

Despite the ongoing problems and policing issues QPR owner Bernie Ecclestone told BBC Sport he believes allowing the situation to disrupt the start of the new top-flight season would be disastrous.

"I tell you what, it gives a terrible message to the rest of the world. The Premier League is watched all over the world and wherever I travel and turn on [the TV] I see Manchester United playing someone,'' he said.

"It is important and it is watched worldwide so it gives a very bad message [about] England and we're about to have the Olympic Games so it is not a good message to give. Can you imagine if these sort of things happened when the Games were being staged? It would be terrible.''

Greg Clarke, the chairman of the Football League, warned that policing the streets would take priority and that matches will be postponed if police officers are required elsewhere.

"The police have to make these calls. If they feel they have more important things to do than send officers to football grounds, we will support that decision,'' he told Sky Sports News.

"Our priority is to make sure the police are out there dealing with unrest on the streets. We want to keep our games going ahead but that is a secondary priority.''

"We have to support the police and the government in making the streets safe, then after that we can think about 'let's get our football games going ahead.'

"If they need to move police away from football games, we will cancel those football games. We don't believe the situation will go on much longer, history tells us these things tend to peter out and we will make sure football games can go ahead as and when.''

Wednesday's game between Bristol Rovers and Watford became the fifth Carling Cup tie to be postponed after four call-offs on Tuesday.

Liverpool Agree £6m Fee For Jose Enrique

Liverpool moved closer to solving their problem at left-back after agreeing a fee with Newcastle for defender Jose Enrique.

Liverpool will discuss personal terms with the Spaniard when he arrives on Merseyside for his medical at their Melwood training ground this afternoon.

Enrique, 25, will cost Liverpool in the region of £6million but will fill a position which they struggled with last season.

"Liverpool FC confirmed today that they had agreed a fee with Newcastle United have been in negotiation with for the transfer of Jose Enrique," said a club statement.

"The club has now been given permission to discuss personal terms with the player, who will travel to Liverpool to undergo a medical."

Enrique joined the Magpies for £6.3million from Villarreal in August 2007 but was in the final year of his contract at St James' Park and had made it clear he would not be signing a new deal.

Providing there are no hitches to the move the defender will become Kenny Dalglish's fifth signing of the summer, following midfielders Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson and back-up goalkeeper Alexander Doni to Anfield.

Dalglish was unsuccessful in his bid to try to sign Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy earlier in the summer, with the Frenchman opting to join Manchester City, but the Scot has been looking for a long-term solution to a position which has been a source of frustration for a number of seasons.

Former manager Rafael Benitez tried several options with varying degrees of success, with the injury-plagued Fabio Aurelio, inexperienced Emiliano Insua and the woeful Andrea Dossena all trying but failing to hold down a regular position.

His successor Roy Hodgson signed Paul Konchesky from former club Fulham when he arrived last summer but the player was soon found out and lasted only marginally longer than his manager.

Hodgson was replaced in early January and by the end of the month Konchesky had been loaned out to Nottingham Forest and has since found a permanent home in the npower Championship at Leicester.

Dalglish's temporary fix was to give right-back Glen Johnson an unaccustomed role on the left and he performed well, with teenaged reserve team defender Jack Robinson filling in admirably when the England international was injured.

Aurelio, fitness-permitting, and Robinson seem likely to provide the back-up to Enrique which means Argentina international Emiliano Insua, who returned from a season-long loan at Galatasaray this summer, may have to find another club.

Liverpool In €7m Boca Battle Over Argentine Ace

Liverpool face competition from Boca Juniors and Inter Milan in the race to sign Argentine international midfielder Fernando Gago.

The Real Madrid defensive midfielder is one of a number of players thought to be available this summer, with Jose Mourinho looking to sell players in order to free funds for more transfers at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Spanish paper Marca sights Liverpool alongside the Serie 'A' giants Inter are leading the chase for the player, with the quoted €7 million price tag potentially too much for Boca to move for the 25-year-old.

It's not the first time Gago has appeared on the Reds' radar, with former Anfield chief Roy Hodgson thought to be keen on the player last summer and current Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish linked with a move back in January.

Liverpool has already spent big this summer, with Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson bolstering the midfield ranks at Anfield after big-money moves.

After only four senior appearances in La Liga last term, the former Boca starlet will be eager to play first team football once again, although it's unclear if Liverpool would be able to offer that to the player.