Match Preview: Liverpool vs Bolton

Liverpool will expect to make it a perfect 10 wins on the trot over Saturday's opponents Bolton at Anfield.

Not since September 2006 has the Reds dropped points against the Trotters, when Sam Allardyce inflicted a 2-0 defeat upon his then counterpart Rafa Benitez.

Much has changed at both clubs since then, with Liverpool scoring 23 goals to Bolton's four in reply, taking in an impressive sequence of nine victories both home and away.

However, only Manchester City have scored more goals than Bolton in their opening two Premier League games this season, following a 4-0 opening win at Queens Park Rangers and a 3-2 home defeat to Roberto Mancini's side last time out.

Kenny Dalglish's side are unbeaten, though, with four points on the board following an opening-day Anfield draw with Sunderland, followed by a comfortable 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates.

Both sides were successful against lower league opposition in the Carling Cup in midweek, but changes are expected to be made upon the return of top flight football.

Liverpool Team News

Dalglish is yet to name the same side in Liverpool's opening three fixtures and has a fresh injury concern adding to the absence of club captain Steven Gerrard and full-back Glen Johnson.

Raul Meireles, who earned his first start in the midweek win at Exeter, was forced off in the 3-1 win at St James Park after a nasty fall on his collarbone. The extent of the midfielder's injury is yet to be revealed, but he can expect to play no part against Bolton.

Dalglish is likely to name the same back five, including goalkeeper Pepe Reina, which kept Arsenal at bay last Saturday, with full-backs Jose Enrique and Martin Kelly earning the right to support stand-in captain Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger at centre-half.

Lucas Leiva and Charlie Adam appear to be Dalglish's preferred central midfield pairing at present, and Stewart Downing can expect to start on the left flank, while Dirk Kuyt may return to the right.

With Andy Carroll, who replaced Meireles against the Grecians and scored Liverpool's third, is off the mark for the season and is likely to start alongside Luis Suarez, who has netted three goals in three games.

Bolton Team News

Tuncay Sanli has given Bolton boss Owen Coyle a selection headache, having come off the bench to single-handedly rescue the Trotters from defeat to Macclesfield Town on Wednesday.

The Turkish playmaker came off the bench to make his debut and spectacularly equalized with an aerial volley before setting up Martin Petrov for the winner.

Coyle has named an unchanged side in his two league encounters so far, though, so Tuncay may be forced to settle as a useful option from the bench.

Gretar Steinsson is struggling to keep his place after picking up a foot injury, and he will face a late fitness test.

And the game may come too soon for Ricardo Gardner to make the match squad as he continues to shrug off a groin strain, while Marcos Alonso, Sam Ricketts and Stuart Holden are all sidelined.

Chung-Yong Lee and Tyrone Mears are long-term absentees having each suffered a broken leg in pre-season.

Possible Starting XI

Liverpool: Reina, Enrique, Carragher, Agger, Kelly, Lucas, Adam, Downing, Kuyt, Suarez, Carroll.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Robinson, Knight, Cahill, Steinsson, Reo-Coker, Muamba, Petrov, Eagles, Klasnic, K Davies.

Liverpool Plot Late Move To Sign Barcelona Attacker

Liverpool’s director of football is eyeing up a late move for Barcelona winger Ibrahim Afellay as the Merseyside club looks to continue their summer spending. The attacker has barely featured for the Catalan side since his move to the Nou Camp in January and the signing of Chilean Alexis Sanchez will push the former PSV Eindhoven man further down the pecking order and may convince the Dutch international to consider pastures new.

Thus far Liverpool have spent over £50m to bring Jordan Henderson, Doni, Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Jose Enrique to Anfield and having resolved the lack of natural width on the left hand side now boss Kenny Dalglish may look to do likewise for the right hand side of his attack.

For the past few seasons Dirk Kuyt has been employed as a converted right winger, a role he has succeeded in making his own, but the 31 year old is very much a square peg in a round hole. There is no doubt the former Feyenoord man gives his all and is a determined performer but Dalglish is known to like the use of traditional wingers and may feel that Afellay may be the right man to fill the spot in the long term.

Comolli has had dealings with Barcelona in the past and pulled off of a coup back in 2008 when he brought Mexican youngster Giovani dos Santos to Tottenham, a move that was considered something of a shock at the time. Now the French head scout is interested in snapping up Afellay.

The 25 year old Afellay cost Barcelona just £2.5m back in January as the Utrecht born winger, who can also play as an attacking central midfielder, was set to be out of contact at the Eredivisie side in the summer. Pep Guardiola may be ready to accept offers in excess of £5/7m as such a fee would represent a profit and would help balance the books at the La Liga giants, who have spent over £45m to bring the aforementioned Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas to the club.

Liverpool Consider Move For £10m Rated Italian International Hotshot

AS Roma have offered striker Marco Borriello to Liverpool.

Il Tempo says Borriello, who has been put up for sale by Roma this week, has rejected an offer from Fulham.

Determined to clear him off the books, Roma made contact with Liverpool about the striker’s availability.

Liverpool did not shut the door, but told Roma to wait while the Reds pursue Manchester City attacker Craig Bellamy.

By all accounts Marco Borriello is fairly confused as to why he is being made available by Roma, especially given that fellow Stadio Olimpico striker Mirko Vucinic has been sold to Juventus. Clearly the arrival from Barcelona of Bojan may though have an impact on how often the 29 year old former AC Milan gets a spot in Luis Enrique’s starting eleven.

Marco Borriello has been in fine form in recent seasons, notching 19 goals with Genoa in 2007/08 which earned the Naples born striker a move to the San Siro where in 2009/10 he managed 15 goals with the Rossoneri but led to a surprise loan spell away from the club when Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrived at AC Milan.

Last term at Roma the talented frontman netted 15 goals in all competitions and it is therefore a little odd that he is being offered to all and sundry. Perhaps Kenny Dalglish feels that Borriello would be a useful back up for first choice pair Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll. David N’Gog doesn’t appear good enough to play for Liverpool and Dirk Kuyt is not a fully converted right winger.

Roma are thought to want a fee in the region of £10m for the experienced Serie A man and that fee may be a fair one given his recent good form.

Liverpool Reveal Meireles Should Only Miss One Game

Liverpool has revealed good news on midfielder Raul Meireles, who will only be out for a couple of weeks after hurting his collarbone.

Meireles lasted just 23 minutes of the Reds' 3-1 win at Exeter in the Carling Cup, taking an awkward tumble that led to his substitution. Replacement Andy Carroll came on and scored to add to goals from Luis Suarez and Maxi Rodriguez.

Kenny Dalglish had been unable to rule out a significant layoff for the Portugal international in the post-match interview, commenting: "I've not got a medical term for it. He just damaged his collarbone. He just fell on it. It's disappointing."

However, any fears of a fracture have been dispelled by Liverpool, who revealed on their official website that Meireles should only miss one game - Saturday's home clash with Bolton. The midfielder should therefore be available for the trip to Stoke after the international break.

"It's his collarbone that is damaged, but it's only a week or two," Dalglish said on the Reds' website. "We've been quite fortunate with that. A week or two will be the maximum."

Liverpool Denied In South American Striker Pursuit

Liverpool has been dealt a decisive blow in their pursuit of Wigan Athletic striker Hugo Rodallega.

The Colombian international has been linked with a Barclays Premier League switch this summer, with Kenny Dalglish thought to be keen on bringing the 26-year-old to Anfield.

However, Latics boss Roberto Martinez has quashed rumours that the former Necaxa striker could be making a move to Merseyside in the closing stages of the transfer window.

"We would not consider anything," Martinez is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror.

"You can't replace players at this stage of the season. If a player is moving on for big money they have to go earlier in the summer. We would not be in a position to replace him now. It is not possible."

ESPN cite reports claiming the Liverpool manager is willing to test the resolve of Martinez in the coming days, with Dalglish hoping to capitalize on the player's current contract, which runs out in less than 12 months.

However, the Reds may have to take their search elsewhere if they are to add to the summer signings made already. Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Alexander Doni have all joined Liverpool in recent months, with the club spending big in an effort to return to the top four.

Despite adding Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in January, the Liverpool boss is still keen to add a further striker to the ranks, but will have to look elsewhere with Rodallega set to stay at the DW Stadium.

Emiliano Insua Joins Sporting CP

Emiliano Insua has joined Portuguese side Sporting CP on a five-year deal.

The Argentine left-back spent last season on loan to Galatasaray and despite being a regular for his country, he didn’t figure in Liverpool’s plans for the forthcoming season, especially since the arrival of Jose Enrique and emergence of Jack Robinson.

Insua told his new fans “I am delighted with many ‘ganas’ to start training and playing. The Sporting is one of the big Portuguese clubs and is recognized for their work in training players. The club is looking for a win and win titles. I will give everything for Sporting.”

Insua made a total of 62 appearances for Liverpool, scoring once, since arriving from Boca Juniors – initially on loan in 2007.

Dalglish Explains Why Aquilani Left Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish spoke to Liverpoolfc.tv and told us why Aquilani has left Liverpool to go on a season long loan to AC Milan.

“It’s a great move for Alberto. He’s got his wife and kid over there. It was difficult for him here.” Dalglish said.

“When he came back his pre-season training was excellent. We gave him a few games, he did well in those games. But the problem for us was trying to get him in the team. We couldn’t get him in the team.

“Obviously everybody wants to play and Alberto is moving over to a fantastic football club. He goes there with the best wishes of everyone and we hope it works out for him, because he was never a problem in any way, shape or form.”

Free LFC Camp Delights Kids

Liverpool FC this afternoon waved goodbye to over 100 kids who participated in a five-day free football camp in South Liverpool.

The 'Goals 4 All' football camp, organized by LFC community coach Scott Fowler and his colleagues, saw 120 boys and girls attend daily training sessions at 'Goals' in Speke, one of the best amateur football facilities in the city.

As well as receiving some first-class coaching in small groups, each child was also taught about some serious social issues ranging from the perils of guns and drugs to the dangers of bullying and racism.

"The whole week has been a great success," claimed Fowler, brother of former Anfield legend Robbie. "The kids all seemed to love it and I think the parents really appreciated the fact that the club put it all on free. Money is tight for lots of people in this city right now and if we as a club can help make a child's summer holiday that little bit more enjoyable then it makes all this worthwhile."

Dalglish Impressed By New-Look Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish believes his new-look Liverpool are beginning to hit their stride as the Reds look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season against Bolton on Saturday.

Dalglish has made wholesale changes at Anfield since taking charge in January - spending over £100 million on new players - and the Scot has already seen signs that his heavy investment is paying off.

Dalglish's revolution has seen him recruit the likes of Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing to bolster a squad now tipped to mount a push for at least a top-four finish.

There is the promise of further signings, with Sebastian Coates, a 20-year-old Uruguay defender, thought to be close to completing a transfer from Nacional.

But Dalglish is already delighted with the way his squad is developing and the Reds boss said: "We're happy with what we've got. We've been absolutely delighted with, but not surprised, by the way the players have gone about their work in training and in games and we're happy with the way they've started the season.

"We've said before the squad this year is stronger than the one we had last year in every department. Going forward is part of that - you're not going to win too many games if you don't score goals. It's an important part of the squad making sure you've got enough people up front who are going to get you goals, but it's also equally important to make sure you don't lose any.

Dalglish's side began the new Premier League season with a draw against Sunderland. But back-to-back away wins against Arsenal and then Exeter in the League Cup have boosted morale at Anfield.

He believes the rapport between new strike pairing Suarez and Carroll is beginning to improve as well, with both players having got off the mark in the opening few games of the new season. "Luis is always going to score goals, but three in three is certainly a reasonable return from him," Dalglish said. "We're delighted with Andy as well. I'm sure we'll be happy with their contributions, not just this season, but throughout their careers at Liverpool."

Liverpool will be expected to continue their impressive start against a Bolton team whose convincing opening-day win over QPR was followed by a narrow defeat to Manchester City. "They got a fantastic result in the first game at QPR and were a bit unfortunate as they had a good game against Man City," Dalglish said.

"They've scored six goals in two games and they don't know when they're beaten. It will be a difficult game, but we know what to expect and it's up to us to overcome it. We're at home, so the onus is on us to take the game to them - and we'll try our best to do that."

Suarez's Form Pleases Kenny

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has expressed his delight at star striker Luis Suarez's form this season.

The Uruguay international made it three goals in three games after he found the back of the net in Wednesday's 3-1 Carling Cup win at Exeter.

Suarez netted in Liverpool's season-opener against Sunderland before scoring off the bench in last weekend's 2-0 success over Arsenal.

Dalglish knew Suarez would have his tail up following a hugely successful Copa America and the Anfield boss is pleased the striker has maintained his good form.

High

"He was on a high when he came back from the Copa America," he told the club's official website. "He was voted player of the tournament and they won it, so he is going to be on a high and flying.

"Luis is always going to score goals, but three in three is certainly a reasonable return from him."

Strike partner Andy Carroll also found the back of the net in the Carling Cup tie and Dalglish is pleased with both of his big-money captures.

"We're delighted with the pair of them and I'm sure we'll be happy with their contributions - not just this season, but throughout their careers at Liverpool," he concluded.

Sebastian Coates Flies In For Medical At LFC

Sebastian Coates will move a step nearer to completing a move to Liverpool FC today – and the Uruguayan centre-back could yet be followed into LFC by Craig Bellamy.

Coates will undergo a medical at Melwood today having been given permission to fly to Merseyside after Liverpool FC had an £8million bid for the centre-back accepted by Nacional.

Compatriot Luis Suarez is said to have been influential in persuading the 20-year-old, who was voted Best Young Player at the recent Copa America, to ignore advances from Manchester City and instead hold talks with Liverpool.

Downing Glad With Reds Quality

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing is optimistic of a successful 2011/12 season and is hopeful that they can garner back-to-back victories this weekend by defeating Bolton Wanderers at Anfield.

Downing joined the Reds from Aston Villa this summer and has started in each of their two league matches against Sunderland and Arsenal.

Kenny Dalglish's side have made a number of signings during the transfer window including those of Doni, Charlie Adam and Jose Enrique, and Downing says that all of the newcomers get along well with those who were already present in the team.

"There's a good mix of lads, young and old, English lads and foreign lads," the 27-year-old told Liverpool's official website. "We all get on very well, which helps a lot.

"Team spirit is a massive part of football and I sensed that straight away. The lads are really close and I think that helps on the pitch. It's showing in our performances.

"I'm very excited about what we could achieve this season. With the squad we have now, you can see there's a lot of quality, even on the bench.

"There are people who aren't getting picked who are top players. For the manager it's probably a headache but one he'd like."

The Reds have made a positive start to the league campaign, drawing 1-1 with Sunderland in their opening game and then defeating Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates last weekend.

Downing is confident that they can earn a similar positive result against Bolton on Saturday evening but urges caution.

"We've got to make Anfield a cauldron, a hard place to come," he explained. "I thought we played very well against Sunderland, especially the first half.

"But at Arsenal it was a very good team performance. We have to build on that. It'll be tough. I watched Bolton against Man City and they played very well. They were unlucky not to get something.

"They pass it around a lot now. He (Owen Coyle) has brought Tuncay in who I played with at Middlesbrough.

"He's a very good footballer, and Eagles is a good winger. Their style of play is to get it down, pass the ball and get it wide - similar to how we play, a little bit. I think it will be a good game of football."

Henderson Admits Simulation

Jordan Henderson admits he was correctly booked for simulation during Liverpool's Carling Cup win at Exeter but insists he did not cheat.

Henderson went down inside the box in the second half, with referee Tony Bates waving away penalty appeals before brandishing the yellow card.

"I think the referee got it right, to be fair," Henderson told the Daily Mirror. "I probably over-ran it, and although I didn't cheat or dive, I did go down far too easily. So I think it was a fair call."

Liverpool ran out 3-1 winners, with goals from Luis Suarez, Maxi Rodriguez and Andy Carroll, with Henderson playing 90 minutes in a strong side named by manager Kenny Dalglish.

And the former Sunderland midfielder believes Dalglish showed respect to their opponents and the Carling Cup, while managers have been quick to criticize the competition.

He said: "I thought I worked hard against Exeter, and I feel a lot fitter - hopefully I can keep building on my performances and keep improving.

"There were lots of positives to come out of the game. We avoided the banana skin, we put a strong team out and gave both the Carling Cup and Exeter the respect they deserve.

"It's up to other managers to say whether [the Carling Cup] matters to them or not, but we definitely care. It's an opportunity to go to Wembley, to win a trophy and to play in Europe.

"That's what Liverpool want, and that's why I signed for the club - because they want to win trophies and finish as high as they can.

"Four points from two Premier League games, and an away win in the Carling Cup, is a good start, but we need to keep building and keep pushing.

"I think we're playing some good football at times. There's still some improving we need to do with the team and we need to gel better, but defensively we've improved, and if we continue to do that it's looking good."

Henderson was delighted to see former Newcastle striker Carroll get off the mark for the season and, following the Magpies' 1-0 win at Sunderland last weekend, he revealed the pair have not forgotten their roots.

Henderson said: "There was a bit of banter between Andy and myself about the Tyne-Wear derby result last weekend, but the most important thing is that we got a good result at Arsenal.

"Now he's up and running, I'm sure it will be the first of many this season. His goal at Exeter was a great finish."

Liverpool Prepared To Let Joe Cole Talk To Tottenham Hotspur

While Liverpool is prepared to let Joe Cole go to Tottenham Hotspur, Kenny Dalglish is looking to bring in two players to Anfield.

The Merseyside club is close to signing Nacional's 6ft 4in centre-half, Sebastián Coates, who excelled in Uruguay's Copa América campaign.

A deal to bring Craig Bellamy back to Anfield also looks likely.

The move that would take Bellamy back to Liverpool, where he spent a single season, gained momentum when Manchester City indicated they would be prepared to settle the striker's £90,000-a-week contract to allow him to leave immediately.

Alberto Aquilani Completes Loan Move To AC Milan

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani will return to Italy with AC Milan for the rest of the season after agreeing a loan move to the San Siro.

The former Roma player moved to Anfield in 2009 but struggled to make an impact in the Barclays Premier League and was allowed to spend the 2010/11 campaign back in Serie A with Juventus.

Now Milan has moved for the 27-year-old Italy international, with the deal only now hinging on the outcome of a medical.

Liverpool announced on their official website that an option has been negotiated to make the move permanent in the future.

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli said: "I want to pay tribute to the way Alberto has conducted himself during these discussions.

"Throughout the entire process, his only desire has been to play football and he has put this ahead of any other considerations and at personal cost to himself. We wish him well for the season ahead."

Gary Speed Sees Benefit In Craig Bellamy Returning To Liverpool

Wales manager Gary Speed has welcomed reports linking striker Craig Bellamy with a return to Liverpool.

The 32-year-old appears surplus to requirements at Manchester City after being frozen out of manager Roberto Mancini's plans.

Reports claim Bellamy, who spent last season on loan at Cardiff, is being considered by Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish as back-up to first-choice strikers Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Bellamy spent the 2006-07 season with Liverpool before moving to West Ham United and then City, where he fell out of favour after Mancini replaced Mark Hughes as manager two years ago.

Speed said: "It is only natural Craig is going to be linked with top clubs because he is a top player.

"Liverpool is a fantastic club and if that is true and it comes off, that would be great.

"Hopefully by the end of the transfer window things will be sorted out."

Celtic manager Neil Lennon made it clear over the summer that he was interested in taking Bellamy back to Parkhead.

The striker played in Glasgow on loan in 2005 but is not keen to return north of the border.

"I do not want to go on loan again, because where would I go after that?" said Bellamy at the beginning of this month.

"A permanent move would be the best, but it would have to be somewhere wealthy so I can guarantee future earnings for my charity."

Martinez Warns Liverpool Off Rodallega

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has told Liverpool that they have left it too late to make a move for striker Hugo Rodallega.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has boosted his midfield and defensive options this summer, but has yet to add any attacking reinforcements to complement an already impressive front line of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Time is running out in the summer transfer window, but it is being claimed Dalglish is ready to test Wigan's resolve to hold onto Rodallega. The Colombian's contract has less than a year to run, but the Latics have insisted they will not sell as it will not give them enough time to bring in a replacement.

"We would not consider anything," Martinez is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror. "You can't replace players at this stage of the season.

"If a player is moving on for big money they have to go earlier in the summer. We would not be in a position to replace him now. It is not possible."

Match Report: Exeter 1 - 3 Liverpool

Liverpool gave Kenny Dalglish his 200th win in charge of the club as Luis Suarez inspired a comfortable 3-1 victory over Exeter at St James Park in the Carling Cup second round.

The Uruguayan grabbed the opener after 23 minutes as he volleyed home, before teeing up Maxi Rodriguez and substitute Andy Carroll to put a seal on the victory after the break.

But there was some concern for Dalglish as the Scot lost Raul Meireles to injury inside the first quarter of the game.

The Portuguese left the field clutching his shoulder after coming off worse in a challenge with Danny Coles.

Exeter battled bravely but carved out very few opportunities, although Daniel Nardiello did at least pull a goal back from the spot after he had been felled by Martin Skrtel in the box.

Dalglish named a strong side for his first League Cup tie as Reds boss since 1990.

Suarez led the attack having been on bench duty against Arsenal, while Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Pepe Reina were all retained from the side that started against the Gunners.

The Grecians may have had dreams of a famous upset but Liverpool was always in control after making an assured start.

Skrtel volleyed into the side netting inside three minutes before Adam forced Artur Krysiak into a near-post save after he was left free at a short corner.

Exeter had a great chance to take a 16th-minute lead as Nardiello was left unmarked from a Chris Shephard corner, but the striker's header was straight at Reina.

Liverpool then lost Meireles to injury after 19 minutes, the Portuguese disappearing straight down the tunnel with Andy Carroll his replacement.

But the Reds overcame that loss and were soon ahead as Krysiak succeeded in tipping a Henderson cross only as far as Suarez, who volleyed home despite the best efforts of Richard Duffy on the line.

Exeter then lost a man of their own as an apparent hamstring injury ended Guillem Bauza's night, with Jimmy Keohane being summoned from the bench.

Rodriguez should have doubled the Reds' advantage after 34 minutes when Suarez turned Billy Jones, but the Argentinian could not get a touch as the ball was rolled across the six-yard box.

Adam then dragged wide from the edge of the box after more promising link-up work between Suarez and Carroll.

Exeter created their second clear chance of the night within seconds of the restart as a Shephard ball saw Nardiello loft the ball over the onrushing Reina, but his effort ran wide of the left-hand post.

Henderson was then booked as he was adjudged to have dived in the area under the challenge of Coles, but the second Liverpool goal arrived just nine minutes into the second half as the ever-threatening Suarez calmly picked out Rodriguez at the second attempt to allow the midfielder to slot into the left-hand corner.

And the win was secured just four minutes later as Suarez beat Troy Archibald-Henville before Carroll smashed an unstoppable left-foot drive beyond Krysiak.

That was the final act in a Suarez masterclass and he was withdrawn with Stewart Downing coming on.

Carroll wasted a good chance to grab his second as he nodded wide but it was Exeter who grabbed a consolation goal with 10 minutes to play.

Skrtel was guilty of a clumsy challenge on Nardiello as the striker broke into the box, and the former Blackpool forward slotted home from the spot.

Danilo Pereira Is Also A Surprise Summer Target For Liverpool

Parma midfielder Danilo Pereira has emerged as a surprise summer transfer target for both Arsenal and Liverpool according to talkSPORT.

The talented 19-year-old starred for Portugal in the recent Under-20 World Cup, and was nominated for the 'Golden Ball' award after a series of scintillating performances for the tournament's runners-up.

Likened to a young Patrick Vieira, the tenacious, tough-tackling Pereira plays primarily as a defensive midfielder, but the 6ft 1in star is also renowned for his excellent strength and technique with a football - causing him to be deployed in a more attacking role during a loan spell in Greece in the second half of last season.

With Gunners boss Arsene Wenger known to be in the market for midfield reinforcements after the recent sale of Cesc Fabregas, and the imminent departure of Samir Nasri away from the Emirates Stadium - Arsenal could now make a move for the Serie A starlet.

However, reports emanating from Italy suggest that it is in fact Liverpool who are the favourites to land Pereira's signature - meaning Reds boss Kenny Dalglish will have added no less than four midfielders to his Anfield ranks during the transfer window.

Having only been at Parma for one season after Portuguese giants Benfica opted not to offer him a professional contract, Pereira could now become the subject of a late summer scrap between Arsenal and Liverpool as the end of the window fast approaches.

Redknapp Admits Desire To Be Reunited With Joe Cole

Harry Redknapp's attempts to strengthen his Tottenham Hotspur squad ahead of the closure of the transfer window could prompt a surprise move for the unsettled Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole.

Lassana Diarra and Emmanuel Adebayor are on the verge of completing switches to White Hart Lane but Redknapp has also expressed a desire to sign Cole. The England midfielder has endured a frustrating year on Merseyside, starting only nine Premier League games last term following a free transfer from Chelsea. Liverpool omitted the 29-year-old from their squad for Wednesday night's Carling Cup tie at Exeter City and indicated a willingness to allow him to depart, even on loan, to spare their wage bill. The player is keen to return to London and although QPR may offer an alternative destination, his preference is to be reunited with Redknapp at Spurs.

Cole is willing to accept a reduction in his salary – thought to be around £80,000-a-week – to smooth his departure from Anfield but it remains to be seen whether the Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy, would share his manager's enthusiasm in pursuing the player. "I like Joe, and I am not going to say I don't want to sign him because I would be lying," said Redknapp. "I have not made any inquiries for Joe. It probably would be difficult because we tried to get him last year. It was not difficult for me but the chairman – well, he might think he didn't want to come here last year and he went to Liverpool."

Asked whether Cole would have to accept a reduction in wages to secure first-team football at Spurs, Redknapp said: "Yes, but I think he would have last time too. But we took our time making an offer and it all dragged on. In the end he probably felt he wasn't wanted enough. He is a real talent. I signed him when he was 11 [at West Ham] and he was the best young footballer I have ever seen – I have never seen anyone come near him – and I think I can get him back to where he was. I would love to work with him again."

Tottenham's activity in the market is steadily gathering pace with agreement edging closer with Real Madrid over the £10m transfer of Diarra, formerly with Arsenal and Chelsea and an FA Cup winner with Redknapp at Portsmouth. That would represent a knockdown fee as far as the Spanish club is concerned, with Real hopeful of including a sell-on fee in any deal before sanctioning the move. Diarra's salary, which amounts to some £120,000 a week, is in excess of the wage ceiling at White Hart Lane, though Levy is hoping to secure the player with a package of bonuses and a significant signing-on fee.

Adebayor's salary, too, had appeared a potential obstacle blocking his loan move from Manchester City, though Redknapp, whose side go into this evening's Europa League play-off against Hearts leading 5-0 from the away leg, indicated on Wednesday that the Togo forward will take a pay cut to return to north London, with City also paying a contribution. Spurs hope to complete the signing ahead of the weekend, though the striker would be ineligible for Sunday's visit of City to White Hart Lane.

"Emmanuel will give us something different," said Redknapp. "He has fantastic ability, and he had that spell at Arsenal when he was unplayable. He has had a spell where his reputation has gone down, so he needs to come in and have a right go. He has a big point to prove. But he's not coming for the money. He's taking a drop in salary because he fancies coming to Spurs."