Carragher Prepares To Celebrate Landmark Against Man United

Jamie Carragher has seen it all before as he prepares to celebrate his 677th Liverpool appearance – against the old enemy Manchester United on Saturday.

And despite past bitter clashes Carragher doesn’t see the eagerly anticipated game as the Kop calendar’s most explosive.

That’s despite flashpoints such as his tackle on Nani last season which sparked some ugly scenes.

The fixture Carragher always looks for first are the Merseyside derbies, so the Anfield encounter with United will always take second billing to those.

And that’s not an opening shot in the usual war of words between the two old adversaries.

Carragher, 33, genuinely believes playing United is nothing like the Mersey mayhem which was in full flow eight days ago with Jack Rodwell’s red card.

He said: “When I was a kid I was a Blue and it doesn’t matter what side you are the derby is the big one, always.

"Some will say the United game is but as a local lad, Everton is the biggest game of the season.

“And facing them on their own pitch with a packed crowd behind them – all the ingredients are there. Everything is against you and that makes it so special when you win.”

Last season United beat Liverpool 3-1 and 1-0 in the FA Cup at Old Trafford. Liverpool saved face with a 3-1 at Anfield and Carragher fancies the same result again.

He said: “It’s a different team now and the mood around here has been transformed.”

Liverpool Target Unhappy Celtic Star

Liverpool have reportedly expressed an interest in Celtic youngster Ki Sung-Yeung who is said to be keen to leave Parkhead after a poor start to the campaign by the SPL side. The 23 year old was the subject of an £8m offer from Rubin Kazan but that was rejected by the Scottish side but Neil Lennon may struggle to prevent his talented attack minded midfielder from having his head turned by interest from Anfield.

Ki was one of the most consistent performers for Celtic last term and his creative displays made him an instant hero at the Glasgow club but having seen his side fall a massive ten points behind leaders Rangers the South Korean international is said to be pushing for a move away from Scotland.

Liverpool’s main sponsors Standard Chartered has publicly stated that the purchase of a player from Eastern Asia would help build the club’s presence in the region and the club’s director of football Damien Comolli has scouted the former FC Seoul star and the Merseyside outfit are ready to make an offer in January.

Though Liverpool have brought in a number of midfielders over the summer they did also lose Raul Meireles to Chelsea and are likely to allow Alberto Aquilani to complete a permanent move to Italy in due course. Ki Sung-Yeung is an adaptable player who can in a number of roles across the midfield and has a great deal of potential to further improve having taken to life in the SPL remarkably well.

Last term Ki racked up 34 games in all competitions and weighed in with a fair few assists and some long range crackers of his own and whilst clearly a move into the Premier League would represent a big jump in quality there are many in the game who feel the set piece specialist is more than able to make the grade at the highest level.

Liverpool Were Interested In Everton New Boy George Green

Everton new boy George Green had a trial with Liverpool before deciding to move to Goodison Park, it has been confirmed.

The 15-year-old had also been on the respective radars of Arsenal, Rangers, Tottenham and Southampton, while has been likened to a young Wayne Rooney.

Liverpool, though, ran the rule over Green last year, but the midfielder was told he did not have the physique they were looking for.

However, when the Reds registered their interest in Green once more, the teenager said he would rather remain with Bradford than move to Anfield.

"He said he'd rather stay at Bradford than go to Liverpool," Bantams academy chief Archie Christie told the Liverpool Echo.

"He had been last year and was just told he wasn’t big enough, he wasn’t strong enough etc."

Christie also claimed Braford had agreed to sell Green to Tottenham but, after the youngster went to last weekend's Merseyside derby, he opted to join the Toffees.

"Davie Moyes phoned me and we had already agreed an offer for Spurs, but he asked to at least have the chance to speak to him," added Christie.

"So we took him to the Merseyside derby on Saturday. They told him this is the People's Club and that you’re either red or blue in Merseyside, and he said 'I’m a Blue'."

Manchester City Rival Liverpool For Bologna Midfielder

According to reports Manchester City are interested in Uruguayan winger Gaston Ramirez.

Ramirez has stated publicly he is happy at his current club, Bologna, although he did talk about moving to a ‘bigger level’ in the summer.

City are believed to have pursued the midfielder with a €10 million offer but the player remained in Italy.

However, it is understood his club is likely to sell him as early as the January transfer window.

His agent, Vincenzo D'Ippolito, has admitted the player will have left the club by next summer.

D'Ippolito has been pushing for a new contract for the youngster, but Bologna is in no financial position to match what rivals have tabled.

"We must talk with the leaders of Bologna. Between January and June, the guy will leave and there's not much Bologna can do, the club already knows this," confessed D'Ippolito.

"When a boy of 20 years of age, who has done very well in Bologna, has important offers, he aims to go to clubs that will compete at the top of the table. He's liked by many teams in Italy, the first five to six in the league would take him for sure."

City’s Premier League rivals Liverpool are also expected to join the chase for the Uruguayan.

Downing Delighted With Reds Welcome

Stewart Downing is delighted with the manner in which the Liverpool squad has knitted together, and believes the camaraderie in the Reds' dressing room has been a key factor behind the club's encouraging start to the new campaign.

Kenny Dalglish made no less than seven summer signings, all of which have settled quickly into life at Anfield, wasting little time in making an impact on the Barclays Premier League, with a return of 13 points from their opening seven games.

"It's a big part of football," Downing told LFC Weekly. "If teammates aren't getting on, then you don't tend to do well. If you all do get on, then that can only help you when you step on the field.

"We're still a relatively new group. Some of the lads like Stevie and Carra have been here since day one. A few others like Pepe and Dirk have been here a couple of years, then there's quite a few of us who have only arrived recently. There's a good mix.

"There has been a bit of dressing room banter. And as the weeks go by and we all get to know each other better, there is more and more. The boss is into it big and the players have been out for a few meals together."

Downing feels his seamless transition into the Reds side is mainly down to the warm welcome he has received from the players, coaches, and other Liverpool staff.

"I knew a few of the lads already from the England setup so I was lucky in that sense," he added. "Some of the other lads didn't know too many people, such as Jordan [Henderson].

"It was easy to feel at home here with the lads. It's a good club with good people. There is a good group of players and they've all helped me.

"But I think gradually we're all getting to know each other and develop a team spirit. It's good and should continue to get better."

Coates Tipped For The Top

John Scales is confident Sebastian Coates has all the attributes to be a big success in a Liverpool shirt, and is convinced he will go from strength to strength under the influence of the Reds' defensive stalwart Jamie Carragher.

The highly-rated Uruguayan international arrived at Anfield on the back of an impressive Copa America having been crowned the young player of the tournament - just one example of why the former Liverpool defender believes the 21-year-old can play a big part in the club's future.

"I've seen glimpses of him in action for Liverpool and during the Copa America," Scales told Liverpoolfc.tv. "He's obviously adapting to the pace of the Barclays Premier League and that will take him a little bit of time, but I like what I've seen.

"He won the young player of the tournament at the Copa America so you can see that he is a talent. I think having Suarez there, a fellow Uruguayan, will help him too.

"I think he's got a good mental attitude and the right personality to be a success at Liverpool. He can only benefit from having the likes of Jamie Carragher there; senior players who can help him to progress and improve as a player.

"They know all about the ethos of the club and I think he'll be excited about learning more and bedding in at Liverpool. I expect him to be central part of that team over the next few years."

Scales has been pleased with Liverpool's impressive start to the 2011-12 campaign, which he says is testament to the hard work put in by Reds boss Kenny Dalglish. The progression that the club has made in the short time under his stewardship is exciting, and bodes well for a bright future.

"The top four is definitely within reach," he continued. "When you look at the strength of some of the other teams I think that is a very realistic target.

"The new structure is coming along nicely. There is an excitement about the place and I've certainly got a buzz about watching Liverpool again.

"Steven Gerrard coming back in will give everyone a boost too and I'm sure those lads can't wait to play with the skipper when he is in top gear.

"I think the new boys have already shown that they have a big future ahead at Liverpool. Kenny has great strength in depth now."

Reina Reveals Gunners Snub

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina claims the club blocked him from making a £20million move to Arsenal in the summer of 2010.

Reina admits he was tempted to leave Merseyside after returning from Spain's victorious World Cup campaign last year to find the Reds in a downward spiral.

Manager Rafa Benitez had been sacked, while director Christian Purslow was desperately seeking new owners to replace Tom Hicks and George Gillett as the club struggled under a financial crisis.

The Spaniard's head was turned by the Gunners but says Liverpool rejected their £20m bid and stopped him from making a switch to North London because they feared his exit would dissuade potential buyers.

"I went from elation one minute to depression the next as the realization dawned that Liverpool were going nowhere fast," said Reina in his new autobiography.

"When I signed my contract in April 2010 I hoped that better times were just around the corner, a feeling that was fuelled by the promises of improvement from people at the club.

"It didn't take me long to feel that their promises were hollow. I felt betrayed. Our owners were at war with each other, the club's debts were spiralling out of control and a change in manager had failed to dispel the feeling that we were on the road to nowhere.

"Arsenal had made their determination to sign me clear by offering £20m, a phenomenal amount for a goalkeeper. Part of me felt that I was well within my rights to consider my future even if I did so with a heavy heart.

"When Liverpool received the bid, they rejected it. This was not because I had been told that I was too good a keeper to leave. The reason I was given was quite different - and it left me feeling down. I was told that my continued presence was crucial to the sale of the club. I was simply a bargaining chip in the sales process.

"I still don't know what to think of Purslow because I understand he was there to look for new owners and to try to sell the club but ultimately he was making big football decisions that he was not qualified to make."

Reina made no secret of the fact he wanted Hicks and Gillett out ahead of Fenway Sports Group's takeover of the club last October.

The 29-year-old admits he would have liked fans favourites Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher to have joined him in getting behind the supporters' protests to oust the American owners.

"I was probably one of the loudest objectors because I believed it was important the supporters knew I was with them," he said.

"All I wanted the owners to do was sell up to people who could take the club forward, so I said so.

"The way I saw it, Stevie and Carra are the two principle members of our squad, the ones who the people love and if they had said something maybe it would have put Hicks and Gillett under real pressure."

"But in their view, it was more important to try to keep things as normal as possible."

Baby Joy For Skrtel

Liverpool Football Club would like to offer their congratulations to Martin Skrtel and his girlfriend following the birth of their baby boy. Barbora gave birth to Matteo in Liverpool on Friday night.

Speaking to his official website, Skrtel said: "I would like to announce great news! My lovely girlfriend Barbora gave birth to our first child!

"This great news came on Friday before our (Slovakia's) match against Russia. I would like to say that everything went okay and my girlfriend and Matteo are both doing well!

"I feel a little bit sorry for the fact that I couldn't be with them because of our match but on the other hand I am very proud and very happy!

"I would like to thank everyone for their support, especially people from the hospital in Liverpool. My special thanks go to Mrs Jane Ashton who works for Liverpool FC.

"She was the one who was helping Barbora with everything. She also gave me all the information I needed so I was always in touch with them."

Everybody at LFC would like to wish Martin, mother and baby all the best at this joyous time.

Carra Can Be Top Boss

Jamie Carragher has all the hallmarks required to be a future Liverpool manager, according to Tommy Smith.

The Reds vice-captain has made no secret of his desire to enter coaching once he hangs up his boots and has already begun a program to earn his UEFA B licence.

And while Carragher still has many more games to play before his playing career draws to close, Smith believes the 33-year-old has what it takes to be a success in the dugout.

"It was interesting to hear Jamie Carragher on his plans when he eventually hangs up his boots," said the man nicknamed the Anfield Iron. "And no surprise to know that he wants to stay in the game and get into management.

"Because Jamie will not just make a good manager one day, but a good Liverpool manager, of that I have no doubt.

"I was fortunate to play for years under Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan. And if you don't know what makes a good boss after playing under those men, you'll never know.

"They were all different but all had fantastic strengths, a passion for the game and a love of Liverpool FC.

"Not one of them would tolerate a player giving anything but his best, week in week out. They were born winners who loved the fans and reminded their players of their duty towards them. Shanks in particular worshipped the fans as much as they loved him.

"All sound familiar?

"They are exactly the qualities and characteristics which Jamie Carragher possesses in abundance."

Carragher is second in Liverpool's all-time appearance list having tallied 676 games for the club and Smith feels his love for the game and experience will stand him in good stead for if and when he begins a coaching career.

"He's doing his coaching badges now but given all his experience at Liverpool and on the international stage, he's already perfectly well qualified for me," he added.

"Jamie not only loves the club and knows it inside out, he also has a fantastic knowledge of the world game too. He's not just a wholehearted local player as some see it, but an educated student of the game. And that's important too these days.

"Jamie wouldn't stand any messing from anyone, and as we all see he is a born organizer too.

"I've no doubt that one day he'll be be our manager. And rightly so.

"He's got everything we'll one day need in a future Liverpool FC boss."

Liverpool Ready To Splash Out Cash To Land Cahill

Bolton defender Gary Cahill has fast become the most sought after defender in the Premiership with Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Man City all consistently linked with the player, however, it now appears that it will be Liverpool that will finally agree to stump up the £12 Million that Bolton are demanding for the 25 year old.

Bolton will have to sell Cahill this January or risk losing the England International for nothing in the summer, Bolton had played hard ball in the summer and put off a whole host of clubs with their valuation of Cahill, however, time is fast running out and a bid of £12 Million from Liverpool will be accepted.

Spanish radio has been discussing the possibility of Cahill joining Barcelona, however they are now stating that Barcelona have decided to withdraw their interest after it came to their attention that Liverpool were prepared to pay more than them for a player that will be just six months from being available on a free.

Liverpool are looking for a long term replacement for Jamie Carragher and have decided that it is worth paying over the odds for a player that could have at least seven years at the highest level left in him and it is the impending retirement of Carragher that has finally prompted the Merseysiders to make a move early rather than see Cahill leave for another club in January.

Liverpool To Attempt To Sign £30 Million Rated Wing Wizard

Liverpool could again try to sign the Real Sociedad starlet Antoine Griezmann after missing out on him last year, because the youngster has revealed he would like to leave the club at the end of the year.

Last year Liverpool was close to signing the 19-year-old French superstar, but Griezmann decided to stay in Spain with Sociedad and signed a contact until 2015.

His latest comments are sure to make Liverpool Director of Football Damien Comolli sit up and take notice, as last year when the Merseyside club were pursuing the youngster he said, “We have identified targets. If there’s a possibility of us getting a world-class player, we will have the backing.”

The fee will not be a problem, but last year they could have had Griezmann for around €8 Million, now because of a buy out clause in his contract they will have to stump up nearer €30 Million.

Barcelona, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid could also be interested in the news today as they have expressed interest in Griezmann in the past.

Liverpool Back In Race To Sign Ricky van Wolfswinkel

Liverpool has reportedly re-joined the race to sign Dutch international striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

The 22-year-old Sporting Lisbon starlet emerged on the Manchester United radar earlier in the week, with Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly taking a keen interest in the former FC Utrecht hitman.

However, Portuguese publication Correio da Manha claim that Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is again considering a move for the player, less than a year after the Liverpool chief made a personal scouting trip to Holland to watch the player.

Van Wolfswinkel has made a major impact in Portugal after his summer transfer move to Lisbon, earning rave reviews following the five-year €5.4 million deal

Goals against FC Zurich and Lazio in the Europa League have continued to add to the player's stock, and now clubs across the continent are taking an interest.

Liverpool is expected to be in the market for a striker in January, despite spending over £55 million on players in the position 12 months previously.

Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll made their way to Anfield, with Craig Bellamy joining on deadline day in August.

However, the Reds are still thought to be short of a player in the position, and could move for Van Wolfswinkel to make it a fourth player in the position for Liverpool.

Manchester United has a plethora of strikers at their disposal, with Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck the current top three for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Clarke: Break Not Ideal

Liverpool first-team coach Steve Clarke believes the international break has created a "difficult situation" ahead of next weekend's clash with Manchester United.

Liverpool, currently fifth in the Premier League, take on the league leaders on Saturday in one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in the game.

However, a substantial number of players are currently with their countries and, with the likes of Luis Suarez and Lucas Leiva away in South America until Thursday, Clarke is having to keep his fingers crossed that they return ready for action.

"The preparations will be exactly the same," he told the club's official website. "We don't get the full group to work with until the day before the game, which is disappointing but you just have to deal with it.

"The boys that are left behind do their work as normal - we work them hard in training, give them pointers towards the game and if we can give them something that will make the game easier for them on Saturday then that's good.

"It's not ideal because it [the game] comes on the back of an international break and we've only had five or six players left behind here at Melwood."

He added: "We don't get the group back in its entirety until Thursday afternoon when the boys come back from South America, so you don't get a lot of time to work with the team.

"The majority will be reporting in on Wednesday. We'll make sure they're okay after the internationals and do a light training session. It will be similar on Thursday.

"Hopefully we'll have time on Friday to do a bit of team play and get them ready for the game, but it's a difficult situation. You just hope you get players coming back fit and well and you work on them mentally to make sure they're ready for such a big game."

Charlie Adam: England Best Place For Scots To Mature

There's no question in Charlie Adam's mind - Scottish footballers should see a move to England not as an exile but as an opportunity.

And he should know. A product of the Rangers youth system, he spent much of his early career on loan - to St Mirren and Ross County - before returning to the Ibrox first team in time for their Uefa Cup final appearance in Manchester.

But it is in Liverpool that the Dundee-born midfielder has found his footballing home after signing from Blackpool for a fee of £7m in July.

It's a fairytale end of a meandering tale and Adam is well aware of it.

"When you're walking into the training ground at Liverpool every day, you've got a smile on your face. I'm just glad I've been given an opportunity to do that," he explains while on duty with the Scotland squad.

"It was always my dream to play in the Premier League at the highest level and I'm fortunate enough that I've been given the opportunity to play for Liverpool.

"Not many people get to do that. You need a bit of luck in life as well and I got that with my break at Blackpool. I had a group of players around me who helped me as well."

In February 2009, Adam went on loan to Blackpool, and made the move permanent in July the same year, but admits leaving Scotland was not easy.

"It's difficult to leave the Old Firm because Scotland was all I knew and I never thought I would go to England," he said.

"I was lucky that I went to the right club, with the right manager and the right group of players.

"It's no disrespect to the SPL, but the English Premier League has some of the best players in the world.

"So being 'Scotland-minded', I would always tell people to go and play in England. I think it bodes well for the national team if we have more players playing in England than in Scotland.

"This is the best league, you are going to play against the best players and you're going to become better. I'm fortunate enough that I've been given that opportunity."

Blackpool rejected a Liverpool bid of £4.5m for the Scot in January, but when the Anfield club's bid increased and included the opportunity to work with Kenny Dalglish as manager, the 25-year-old's move to the big-time of world football was complete.

"When he picks up the phone and says that he wants you, it is not a difficult choice to say that you want to go there," he says of Scotland's most capped player.

"It is great that he's back in the game and I think he's enjoying his time back in it.

Adam is also enjoying his football and believes that his career is at least in part down to a happy home life.

His favoured squad number is 26 because it is the date his son Jack was born - a fact mirrored in a massive tattoo on his forearm in tribute to his son, who'll be five on Boxing Day. He's also preparing for his wedding.

"I've matured and grown up so much since the days at Rangers. If you're happy off the pitch, you're happy on it," Adam says of his own re-birth in England.

"Life is settled and I'm enjoying it."

Liverpool FC Face Wait Over Fitness Of Martin Kelly

Liverpool faces an anxious wait over the fitness of Martin Kelly after he was sent home from England U21 duty with a groin problem.

The 21-year-old defender played 90 minutes for Stuart Pearce’s side as they beat Iceland 3-0 in Rekjavik in their Euro 2013 qualifier on Thursday night.

But he complained of tightness in his groin afterwards and, after consulting with the England medical staff, it was decided that he should return to Merseyside as a precautionary measure.

Kelly will now miss England’s trip to Drammen to play Norway on Monday night, and will be assessed by Liverpool’s own medical team ahead of next Saturday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United at Anfield.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish will hope the problem is not serious. Kelly has been beset by injuries since making his first senior start for the Reds in a Champions League clash with Lyon in October 2009.

He was injured that day, and missed the back-end of last season after suffering a hamstring injury at West Ham back in February.

On his return, against Bolton in August, he was substituted after just half-an-hour with another hamstring problem, but has since started each of Liverpool’s last three fixtures.

Dalglish could have England right-back Glen Johnson and Brazilian Fabio Aurelio back available for the visit of Alex Ferguson’s Premier League leaders.

Johnson has managed just nine minutes of action this season due to a persistent hamstring problem, whilst Aurelio has been sidelined with a thigh complaint.

Both returned to full training last week, and hope to be available for selection next weekend.

“I'm feeling good at the moment and I've been doing plenty of running,” Johnson said.

“I've just started doing ball work outside in training so I reckon it won't be too long now.

“I'm working hard and it would be nice to be back in the squad for the Man United game. Hopefully I can make the bench anyway, so fingers crossed.”

Daniel Agger, however, is not expected to recover from his rib injury in time to face Alex Ferguson’s men.

Derby Draw For U18s

An injury-time equalizer denied Liverpool U18s victory in the Academy derby on Saturday morning as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton at Finch Farm.

Matty Regan fired the visitors into the lead midway through the first half from the penalty spot after Raheem Sterling had been brought down inside the box.

Everton saw three chances cleared off the line as they pushed for an equalizer, but Sterling had a golden opportunity to wrap up the three points saved by goalkeeper James Fitzgibbon late on.

And the Blues clinched a point deep into stoppage-time when Chris Long pounced on a lose ball inside the box and tucked home to ensure the contest ended all square.

Mike Marsh handed Sterling his first Academy start of the season as his young side went in search of a result to emulate their senior colleague's triumph at Goodison Park last weekend.

And Liverpool certainly began the brighter of the two sides in the mid-morning drizzle at Finch Farm as the visitors set about dominating possession.

However, it was Everton who fashioned the more threatening early chances and Anton Forrester should have done much better when sent one-on-one with Tyrell Belford but the striker got the execution of his attempted lob all wrong and the ball bounced harmlessly wide.

Then Jake Bidwell was left clutching his head in his hands after seeing an aerial effort from a corner cleared off the line.

Everton were left further frustrated on the 20-minute mark when Chris Long burst into the box only to be thwarted by a fine challenge from Lewis Hatch. The ball broke kindly for Hallam Hope, but with the goal at his mercy, Brad Smith somehow managed to divert off the line.

The hosts were almost made to pay for their profligacy soon after when David Moli's powerful run into the area resulted in his effort being hacked off the line.

But Liverpool did take the lead on 34 minutes when Tyias Browning was adjudged to have brought down Sterling inside the left channel of the box.

Regan stepped up to do the honours from the penalty spot and made no mistake in dispatching into the back of the net.

Everton began the second half positively and only the post denied John Lundstram a leveller when his 25-yard drive cannoned against the woodwork nine minutes after the re-start.

The Blues continued to toil as they looked to restore parity and Hope clipped a free-kick over with time ticking away. At the other end, Sterling danced his way into a shooting position only to slice wide of the post.

Back came Everton and Jordan Barrow's seemingly goalbound header was deflected off the line by Peter Alymer with Belford beaten.

Sterling should have put the result beyond doubt when he went clean through on goal but his low effort was blocked by the hand of Fitzgibbon.

Liverpool were made to pay for the miss when Chris Long netted deep into injury time to salvage a point for the Blues.

Liverpool Consider £10m Bid For Holland Starlet

Liverpool's director of football Damien Comolli has reportedly targeted FC Twente striker Luuk de Jong as a future signing after a number of scouting visits to watch him in action.

The 21-year-old Dutch international has been one of Twente's stand-out players and helped the club win the Eredivisie title in his first season.

His performances have been rewarded with a call-up to the national team and, according to caughtoffside.com, have caught the eye of Liverpool.

The Reds have assembled a top-quality strike pairing in Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez but support options are limited. David N'Gog was sold to Boton and Craig Bellamy has been brought in as a short-term replacement.

However, Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is reportedly eager to sign a younger striker who can enjoy a long-term future at the club, which has led Comolli to de Jong.

The Swiss-born forward is valued at around £10m, a price the Anfield club will be able to meet, while it is thought de Jong would jump at the chance to link up with international team-mate Dirk Kuyt.

Ogbonna Plays Down Reds Link

Torino defender Angelo Ogbonna has admitted he is flattered by the stories linking him with a move to Premier League club Liverpool.

The 23-year-old is of Nigerian descent, but has represented the Italy at Under-21 level and has gained glowing reports for his outstanding displays for the Serie B team.

Newspapers in Italy have reported on interest from Juventus, however, it is the speculation of a move to Anfield which seems to have most enthused the €10million-rated defender.

He told skysports.com: "I am flattered by the interest from clubs, but I will continue to work hard for Torino in Serie B.

"Liverpool is a dream club. If they are interested in me, that is awesome. I love the Premier League and one day I might play in that league.

"We all know that it is fantastic league."

Liverpool Keen On Dan Thompson

Liverpool is the latest Barclays Premier League club to be linked with a move for non-league striker Dan Thompson.

TalkSPORT reports that the non-league 'prodigy' has emerged on Kenny Dalglish's radar in recent weeks, with the Reds looking to add the player to their impressive youth ranks at Anfield.

Both Stoke City and QPR have taken closer looks at the player, with the Potters originally holding pole position to secure the signature of the 17-year-old.

“Something definitely will happen for him, because there are other clubs still sniffing about," said Hampton & Richmond manager Mark Harper last month.

“If it doesn’t then I have already spoken to his agent and asked if he can come back to us. It seems silly that I’m looking to bring some players in on loan, when there is potentially one of our own players available to help.”

However, a deal was not struck between the two parties, and Liverpool appears set to wade into the race to sign the Blue Square South player.

Dalglish spent big this summer on bringing young British players to the club, with £20 million Jordan Henderson the biggest example on Merseyside, following in the footsteps of £35 million Andy Carroll, who was brought to Liverpool in January.

Thompson, unlike the aforementioned pair, would have to work his way towards the Liverpool first team though time with the youth and reserve teams, but will be joining the likes of England youth internationals Raheem Sterling and Adam Morgan should the Anfield switch happen.

Johnson Eyes United Return

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has set his sights on returning to action in next weekend's clash with Manchester United.

Johnson has seen his season blighted by injury this term with his only appearance coming as a substitute in the defeat at Stoke last month.

To compound Johnson's misery he suffered a hamstring injury in that game and has not featured since.

Johnson is back in training and he is hopeful of being available for the visit of United to Anfield on 15th October.

"I'm feeling good at the moment and I've been doing plenty of running," Johnson told the club's official website.

"I've just started doing ball work outside in training so I reckon it won't be too long now.

"I'm working hard and it would be nice to be back in the squad for the Man United game. Hopefully I can make the bench anyway, so fingers crossed."