Suarez Explains Why He Has Faith In Andy Carroll

Luis Suarez explains why he believes his partnership with Andy Carroll is going to work as we have not seen the best of it yet.

“Playing alongside a player of Andy’s quality, who’s big, skilful, who brings the ball down so well, makes it easy for a striker to play with him,” said Suarez.

“What happened though, was that Andy had the bad luck to be injured for several games and when he came back from that, he picked up another injury. It was difficult for him to get himself into the team because just when Andy came back, the team was playing well and the manager didn’t know who he could drop.

“Now having trained and after a good pre-season for Andy with his team-mates, the more training sessions we have together, he will be better.

“We’ll get a much better understanding of each other and that can only be good for the team.”

Liverpool Ready To Swoop On Dembele

Liverpool are rumoured to be interested in Fulham player Mouusa Dembele as Kenny Dalglish continues to mould his squad.

Dembele has been a revelation in the Premier League since his move from AZ Alkmaar in 2010 and has continued to win praises for his ability to turn games around in Fulham’s favour and has settled under new manager Martin Jol, however reports are suggesting that Liverpool are prepared to make a January approach for the Belgian international who operates as an attacking midfielder for Fulham and is a player that interests Dalglish.

Dembele scored the Fulham’s fans goal of the season last year against Tottenham Hotspur and has attracted Spurs’ interest in recent days though Liverpool appear to be in pole position to sign the player.

Fulham are unlikely to want to sell the player as he is seen as a key player under Martin Jol who in the past few days has said of the player “Dembele will learn and go on to become one of the best players in the Premier League.”

Sochaux Midfielder Claims Liverpool Contact

Sochaux midfielder Ryan Boudebouz has claimed that Liverpool have been in touch with his club over a possible transfer.

The Algerian was reportedly watched by Liverpool’s sporting director Damien Comolli during last weekend’s Ligue 1 match with Lyon – a game in which Boudebouz scored a penalty in a 2-1 success.

The 21-year-old said: “I was told that he [Damien Comolli] had spoken to the president of Sochaux, but I don’t know what they said.

“For now, there is no proposal, but if there was a compelling opportunity, I could not refuse.”

Boudebouz was linked to Liverpool over the summer but a move never materialized.

Liverpool & Arsenal Alerted As Chelsea Forward Stalls On New Contract

Chelsea attacker Salomon Kalou is refusing to put pen to paper on a new deal as he contemplates his options and tries to decide whether to leave in order to get regular first team football.

The Evening Standard suggests that Kalou is currently weighing up his options after a number of Premier League clubs were linked with the Ivory Coast international.

The 26-year-old has never managed to cement his place in the Chelsea first team and has had to make do with a supporting role where he is often used as an impact substitute.

Kalou has been with Chelsea since the summer of 2006 and has scored more than 50 goals in his time with the club but is has recently fallen down the pecking order.

With Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres, Nicolas Anelka and Daniel Sturridge all at the club it has been difficult for Kalou to force his way into the plans of Andre Villas-Boas.

With the addition of Romelu Lukaku in the summer, Kalou has yet more competition and may consider leaving Stamford Bridge in order to play more regularly.

Liverpool and Arsenal are both rumoured to be interested in the former Feyenoord forward and would certainly be interested in making an offer should he declare his intention to leave.

Chelsea bought the striker for around £9million and would almost certainly want to make their money back should they decide to let him leave the club.

Liverpool Fall Behind AC Milan In Race To Sign Teen Brazil Star

Liverpool have fallen behind AC Milan in the race to sign highly-rated Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas.

The Serie A side's technical director Marco Branco has reportedly met with the 19-year-old's agent, Juan Figer, to discuss a move to the San Siro, taking the Italian club to the head of the queue for the prospect's signature.

The youngster's Brazilian club is not looking to do business in January but could be open to a summer deal, if the price is right.

Lucas has hit three goals in eight games for his boyhood club already this season and has already played ten times for the Brazil national team.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri will look to land Lucas and link him up with current Samba star Pato.

Liverpool Braced For More Interest For Star Midfielder

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is now attracting the interest of Bayern Munich with an €18m bid in the offing, according to TuttoMercato.

The Brazilian international has already been linked with Paris St Germain in recent days and now it seems that the Bundesliga are keen on adding the 24-year-old in January.

Liverpool will be desperate to hold on to a player who has become a key member of the first team and only a signed a new contract over the summer.

However, the opportunity of Champions League football with Bayern could certainly turn Lucas’ head.

Premier League Has Improved Spain Stars - Reina

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina says in-form David Silva is the latest example of a Spanish player benefiting from playing in the Premier League, and reckons compatriot Juan Mata will follow suit.

Reina, 29, has established himself as one of Europe's best goalkeepers since arriving at Anfield in 2005 and the former Villarreal No. 1 is certainly not alone in enhancing his reputation while playing in England.

The likes of Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres also blossomed at Anfield before moving on to pastures new, while Silva has emerged as Manchester City's stand-out performer over the past 12 months and Mata has impressed since moving to Chelsea this summer.

With Spanish players lighting up the Premier League, Reina is convinced that the national team can reap the rewards of his countrymen's experience of life in English football. "Playing in England has certainly helped David - it has made him a regular starter for Spain," Reina said. "He's up there with the best in the Premier League.

"He's improved since he came to England, just like Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres did when they joined us and just like [Juan] Mata will do at Chelsea. Playing in a different league helps you become a better player."

Reina looks likely to make a rare international appearance on Saturday having been tipped to start between the posts ahead of Iker Casillas and Victor Valdes for Spain's friendly against England at Wembley.

Suarez: Carroll, Kenny & Why I Want To Stay At Anfield For More Than 5 Years

Luis Suarez was the man expected to need time to settle when he and Andy Carroll arrived at Liverpool in a £57.8million double swoop in January.

Yet he hit the ground running, while Carroll is still struggling to find his feet.

Suarez’s dazzling form for Liverpool is in total contrast to Carroll’s woes and the England striker has found himself in and out of the team as he struggles with injuries and inconsistency.

While some Kopites mutter under their breath about the wisdom of spending £35m on Carroll, Suarez still believes he can come good.

He says the big Geordie has been unlucky and insists they can still make their partnership work for Liverpool.

Suarez, 24, instantly replaced Fernando Torres as the fans’ Kop idol and his four league goals and two assists do not come close to illustrating how important he is to Liverpool.

He is so happy he says he wants to remain at Liverpool beyond the five-year deal he signed when he arrived in his £22.8million switch from Ajax after previously admitting a wish to play for Barcelona.

“I’ve just started a phase of my career which I always dreamed about and wanted to do, which is to play for Liverpool,” he said.

“I have five years left on my contract and I think beyond that, I’m already thinking about staying many more years at Liverpool.

“It’s a club I like. I feel very good about being here, about being in the city.

“I feel very pleased. It would be difficult to match the atmosphere, hunger for success and glory that this club has at another team.”

Suarez’s pledge is a massive vote of confidence in Kenny Dalglish and the South American wants to repay the Liverpool boss’s faith in him.

He says he can barely understand Dalglish’s Glaswegian accent with his limited English, but has picked up enough to understand how highly he rates the new custodian of his famous No.7 shirt.

“The truth is there’s not much conversation with Kenny because of the language barrier, which makes it hard for me,” Suarez added.

“But he is the one who has given me confidence. He was the one who had confidence in me. He was the one who said ‘I want Suarez’. That sort of belief is something you repay when you play.

“When a coach gives you confidence, you can give your very best back.

“If you don’t have faith in your manager, it’s very difficult to play well and I think Kenny has a lot of confidence in me.”

Suarez shares Liverpool’s hunger for the Premier League and says it is his “little dream” to win the title.

He accepts that isn’t going to happen this season and feels a more realistic target is a top-four spot and a Champions League place.

The former Ajax star is desperate to play in Europe’s elite club competition and says not playing in the Europa League this season can help Liverpool achieve that goal.

“I do not wish to belittle the Europa League and I do think that Liverpool should be in Europe,” said Suarez, whose nickname is El Pistolero – the Gunslinger.

“But I think not playing in the Europa League this year will really do us some good.

“We can really focus on the Premier League and move up the table as high as we can.

“We always dream about being Premier League champions, but we know it’s a very difficult league to win.

“It’s very competitive and a lot of teams want to become champions.

“But I think we have a quality squad. We trust in our manager and we trust our team-mates.

“We’re confident in our ability and Liverpool can aim to finish in the Champions League positions.

“And there is always that dream, that little dream, about actually winning the Premier League.”

Suarez Keeps Reds Defence Alive

Daniel Agger has revealed how striker Luis Suarez gives the Liverpool defenders a workout in training.

The Uruguayan international has been a revelation in the Barclays Premier League after moving to Anfield in January, and has particularly impressed this term with seven goals in all competitions.

The 24-year-old's all-action style has made him an instant hit with the club's loyal fans, and Danish international defender Agger isn't surprised by the forward's performances given his efforts between matches.

"I think his performances speak for themselves. Everybody can see that he is a class player. He is so different. I cannot find any other striker that looks like him or plays like him," he told the LFC magazine.

"Everybody can see that he is a class player. He is so different. I cannot find any other striker that looks like him or plays like him.

"It's not because he does any fancy things or anything like that, he just gets the ball in front of goal and creates the chances for himself. Sometimes the way he gets the ball and the way he gets in on goal - you don't believe it.

"But all credit to him and if he can continue like that, he is definitely going to be one of the world's best."

The 26-year-old centre back admits he doesn't envy other defenders who have to come up against the former Ajax hitman in competitive situations, with Suarez's tenacity one of his most endearing features to Reds followers on Merseyside.

It's also something which the players love to see, with Agger admitting that it provides the whole team with a boost during matches.

"He does it every day in training, so we know how hard he is to play against. People can see every Saturday afternoon that defenders are struggling to keep him at bay," he continued.

"It gives everybody in our team a boost to know we have someone like that in attack. To achieve something, I think you need players like that in your team."

Liverpool In Shock Approach For Prolific Barcelona Striker

Sensational reports from Spain have emerged today suggesting that David Villa has become unsettled at Barcelona and is looking for an exit from the Nou Camp.

What is more, radio station Cadena Ser has revealed that both Liverpool and Chelsea have approached the Catalan giants about their prolific frontman, whose phenomenal international scoring record – 50 goals in 80 appearances – speaks for itself.

It is thought that Villa’s unrest has come from Pep Guardiola’s commitment to deploying him on the flanks in order to accommodate Lionel Messi.

Though the 29 year-old has adapted to the role well, scoring 30 goals in 69 games across all competitions, he would prefer the central role that he has enjoyed both at his previous club Valencia, before leaving the Mestalla in the summer of 2009 for €40 million, and with Spain.

Having seen his side stutter to a 0-0 draw against Swansea at the weekend, a match characterized by Liverpool’s inability to put together many penetrative attacks, Kenny Dalglish will have pondered a move for a high-profile goalscorer.

In January last year, the Scottish manager proved that he is not shy of splashing the cash in order to bolster his attacking options, bringing in both Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez into his squad at a combined weight of around £60 million.

An astronomical fee in the same region would be needed to prise Villa away from La Liga but the instinct he would certainly bring to Anfield may make such a coup worthwhile.

Dalglish Hails 'Fantastic' Defender As Among The Best In England

Kenny Dalglish has hailed centre-back Daniel Agger's return to the Liverpool team and believes the Dane is up with there with the very best defenders in the Premier League.

Agger has impressed since returning to the Reds line-up after his injury lay-off and has helped the team to back-to-back clean sheets.

And Dalglish is convinced Agger has all the attributes to make him one of the best players in the league and is confident his injury problems are behind him.

"Daniel's a fantastic player but it wasn't just down to Daniel that we've had two clean sheets," said Dalglish.

"He's a fantastic player and he's probably as good as anyone else in his position in the Barclays Premier League.

"He's comfortable in possession and he's a very good defender as well.

"He's a top defender, a top player. He played left-back for us at Stoke as well and did very well.

"It's great to have him back and I hope his fitness remains as it is for a long time."

Three In A Row For In-Form Luis

Luis Suarez today spoke of his delight after being named the Standard Chartered Player of the Month for an unprecedented third time in succession.

The Uruguay striker scooped October's accolade after tallying an incredible 70 per cent of your vote in a poll on this website.

Jose Enrique was named as runner-up, collecting 13 per cent of the vote, while Andy Carroll came third with four per cent.

Suarez made five appearances for Liverpool during October as Kenny Dalglish's men went unbeaten.

The No.7 also helped himself to three goals, including a strike on his Merseyside derby debut against Everton at Goodison Park and a Carling Cup double at Stoke.

Upon being presented with the award at Melwood, Suarez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It's a bit of a surprise because to win it three months running makes me almost feel a bit embarrassed, but as long as people realize I'm just doing my job and I'm working hard for the team then that's great.

"I think if we had managed to pick up a couple more victories in those games we deserved to - the home games against Manchester United and Norwich - we'd obviously be a little bit higher up the league.

"The important thing is the team has been playing well and, for the most part, getting the right results - but we still know we can do that little bit better."

He added: "Obviously for a player it is very nice to pick up this sort of award - it's an extra source of motivation. The important thing is the dressing room is happy and that no matter who wins these awards, things are going well for the whole squad."

Suarez's Stoke brace took his tally to seven for the season so far.

The 24-year-old's first at the Britannia came via a sublime solo effort - but was it the best goal of his Liverpool career so far?

He said: "I've scored some good goals, but for now I think that one at Stoke is right up there because of how the game was going at the time, it was a nutmeg and we were playing away in a difficult game. All that makes it one of the best of my career so far."

Liverpool Midfielder Emerges As Bayern Munich Target

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has reportedly become a transfer target for Bayern Munich.

Bayern head coach Jupp Heynches is thought to be drawing up a list of potential recruits for both the winter transfer window and the end of the season, and according to Insidefutbol.com, Lucas is high on that wishlist.

The Bundesliga heavyweights are aware of the Brazilian midfielder's importance to the Liverpool side, but are reportedly prepared to offer €15m in an attempt to make the Reds negotiate.

The 24-year-old was signed by former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez from Gremio in 2007 and he arrived in England with a promising reputation.

Despite taking a couple of seasons to adapt to the Premier League, Lucas has established himself as a crucial part of the Liverpool midfield.

It is unclear whether Lucas would be interested in a move to Bayern, but with Liverpool out of the Champions League and the club adrift in the title race, he could be tempted by the thought of moving o the Allianz-Arena.

Suarez Seeking An Apology From Evra

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has risked punishment from the Football Association by publicly declaring he wants an apology from Manchester United defender Patrice Evra if he is cleared over recent racial abuse claims.

Suarez took the unusual step of breaking his silence on the issue by speaking to the media in his home country about Evra's accusation, despite the governing body stating that no party should yet comment on the alleged incident. The FA is currently investigating a complaint, denied by Suarez, that Evra was racially abused by the Uruguayan during the Premier League game at Anfield in October.

"The FA will have to clarify things with [Evra]," Suarez said. "There is no evidence I said anything racist to him. I said nothing of the sort. There were two parts of the discussion, one in Spanish, one in English. I did not insult him. It was just a way of expressing myself. I called him something his team-mates at Manchester call him, and even they were surprised by his reaction.

"These things happen in football, in the heat of the moment. They leave someone looking bad. Now we have to see how the matter is decided and then, for him as much as me, we will have things clear. And wherever the fault lies, we are going to have to say sorry."

Mike Marsh Excited By Signing Of Marc Pelosi

Liverpool Under-18s coach Mike Marsh has welcomed the signing of talented American teenager Marc Pelosi.

The highly-rated 17-year-old midfielder has completed his move to the club’s Kirkby Academy from California outfit DeAnza Force.

Pelosi took his bow for the Reds in last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Crewe in the Premier Academy League and was an unused substitute for the reserves at Blackburn Rovers on Monday night.

Marsh is looking forward to working with the USA youth international who impressed the Reds’ scouts.

“Marc is a good lad who has conducted himself really well since he’s been here,” Marsh said.

“He had trained with us a couple of times but last Saturday was the first time he could play as his papers had just come through. He played 45 minutes for us at Crewe and did really well.

“Marc will be between the two groups – the under-18s and the reserves – so we will have to wait and see what happens.

“But he’s clearly got talent and is a left-footed centre midfielder who can also play anywhere on the left side.

“He’s been captain of his country and has a lot of potential. If he keeps progressing I’m sure he’ll do well.”

Pelosi, who was born in Germany, skippered USA Under-17s as this summer’s FIFA World Cup tournament in Mexico. He has scored eight goals in 28 appearances at under-17 level.

From Sunnyvale in California, Pelosi had initially planned to study at UCLA in Los Angeles after leaving high school.

However, Liverpool offered the youngster a deal and he opted to make the switch across the Atlantic.

When he initially became aware of the Reds’ interest earlier this year, Pelosi said: “I have been told the Barcelona coach said that ‘If you don’t go to Barcelona, the second best place to develop is at Liverpool’. It’s a great, top notch organization.

“It’s a great feeling knowing that the work I have put in the last few years has paid huge dividends.”

Reds Academy director Frank McParland added: “We’re determined to identify the best talent globally and I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Marc in.”

Reds Coaches Arrive In Mumbai

Coaches from Liverpool Football Club this morning touched down in Mumbai ahead of the start of the latest LFC-Standard Chartered Football Clinic and GOAL exchange program.

The clinic, which kicks off in India's most densely populated city on Thursday, is the fourth such venture Liverpool have participated in since Standard Chartered became the club's main sponsor with over 500 poor or disadvantaged children receiving expert coaching in Nairobi, East London and Seoul since last August.

The travelling party from Merseyside, including four coaches from LFC's award-winning Community Department and two young female volunteers from the Goals 4 Girls initiative, will be complimented on Friday by the arrival of Reds legend turned Club Ambassador Ian Rush, who has been ever present at all the clinics so far.

As well as the traditional two-day football clinic, the club will also be coaching the 40 best children to emerge from a football talent search entitled 'Go Forward' that was launched a few months ago in conjunction with Standard Chartered as well as participating in a unique cultural exchange program between LFC's two Goals For Girls representatives and similar aged girls from the bank's own GOALS project in Mumbai.

"I think this visit will be quite different to the other football clinics we've done with Standard Chartered before," explained Mark Bygroves, who is in charge of the coaching element of the trip in Mumbai. "This is a city none of us have ever visited before and we feel very privileged to be able to help out in our own small way by offering lots of children an opportunity to receive the sort of coaching that is not readily available to them here in Mumbai."

Launched in September, 'Go Forward' was an initiative targeted towards nurturing the football talent of state school children from severely financially challenged backgrounds in Mumbai and giving them the chance to win not just four months of expert coaching tuition but also, for the exceptional few, the possibility of being spotted by a national I-League or Barclays Premier League club.

From over 2,500 children who initially enrolled - many of whom don't have any sporting facilities in the municipal school they attend - only 32 boys and eight girls remain and it's these children who will be put through their paces by Liverpool's coaches this week.

While the 40 Go Forward children will be all out to impress the Liverpool staff, for 18-year-old Rebecca Hughes (above, right) from Old Swan and 18-year-old Jade Adekoya from Belle Vale, the two Goals For Girls volunteers who have been handed this once in a lifetime, all expenses paid opportunity to visit Mumbai with LFC and Standard Chartered, there's a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

"We've been so excited about this trip since the moment we were told we'd been picked to come but having heard so much about how poor large parts of Mumbai are, it could be quite upsetting," admitted Rebecca, who left college in May, as she travelled from the airport to the city centre hotel where the Liverpool party will be based until Sunday. "Hopefully this visit can do some good and we can't wait to meet the girls from the GOALS project and find out how similar what they do here in Mumbai is to what we do back in Liverpool. I know their project's driven by netball rather than football but it will still be interesting to see if the social messages they deliver to the kids are the same as ours."

Dalglish To Raid Barcelona For Midfield Ace

Liverpool have contacted Barcelona to find out whether the Spanish giants would be willing to part with midfielder Seydou Keita when the transfer window opens in January.

Respected Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo is reporting that Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has been in touch with the reigning La Liga champions over the availability of Keita.

The Mali international has been with Barcelona since the summer of 2008 when he made the move from Sevilla to the Catalan side in a deal believed to be worth around €14million.

Keita has gone on to make more than 100 league appearances for Pep Guardiola's side but has never managed to become first choice in an incredibly strong Barcelona midfield.

The box-to-box midfielder has to compete with the likes of Sergio Busquets, Javier Mascherano, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas and Andreas Iniesta for a starting berth in the centre of midfield and is often asked to start games from the bench.

The 31-year-old has started five league games this season but has been linked with a move after big spending Russian club Anzhi declared their interest in the midfielder.

Keita was Guardiola's first signing and is currently under contract at the Nou Camp until 2014 and it is believed that Barcelona would demand at least £14million for the midfielder.

Liverpool has plenty of options in midfield but it seems as though Dalglish is keen to add some more experience to his side.

Reds Land US Starlet

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of USA youth international Marc Pelosi.

The 17-year-old midfielder has arrived at Anfield from Californian-based side De Anza Force.

He has played 28 times for the US Under-17s and scored eight goals, and captained the side in this summer's youth-level World Cup in Mexico.

Liverpool confirmed the news and their academy director Frank McParland revealed their delight at concluding the move.

"We're determined to identify the best possible talent globally and I'm delighted we've been able to bring Marc in to the club," McParland told the club's official website.

Suarez - Room For Improvement

Luis Suarez claims there is more to come from him and his Liverpool team-mates this season, insisting there is always room for improvement.

As a club, the Reds will feel that they still have work to do, with league leaders Manchester City having already opened up a 12-point advantage.

Kenny Dalglish is determined to return Liverpool to the Premier League's top four, but must add consistency to a squad brimming with world class talent.

Suarez certainly fits into that category, with the Uruguayan having been a revelation at Anfield following his January arrival from Ajax.

He has been the club's standout performer this term, but believes he can get even better and help to haul the Reds forward by converting more of the opportunities that come his way.

"I'm happy because the team has been performing well but as a striker I am always going to get plenty of chances and I could probably have converted one or two more," said Suarez.

"I also know strikers go through periods where they are trying so hard to score and they don't always go in.

"The main thing is I am playing well and the whole team is playing in the right manner.

"I think all of the lads are playing well and although we know we have some injuries to key players like Stevie and Carra, we know we have players who can step up and perform well.

"That's the good thing about having such a big squad - we have the quality for anyone to come in, do a good job and replace these players.

"But we still know we can do that little bit better."

Suarez's fine form this season has been recognized with three successive player of the month awards at Anfield, but the South American claims his monopoly on that particular prize has left him feeling slightly awkward.

"It's a bit of a surprise because to win it three months running makes me almost feel a bit embarrassed," he told liverpoolfc.tv.

"But as long as people realize I'm just doing my job and I'm working hard for the team then that's great.

"I think if we had managed to pick up a couple more victories in those games we deserved to - the home games against Manchester United and Norwich - we'd obviously be a little bit higher up the league."

Houghton Backs Reds Revival

Former Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton has been thoroughly impressed with the contribution of Reds midfielder Stewart Downing, and insists the Anfield club have the ability to achieve a top-four finish this year.

Following the England international's £20million move to Merseyside in the summer, Downing has been a virtual ever-present in Kenny Dalglish's new-look side, making 15 appearances for the Reds.

"I've been impressed with Stewart Downing's all-round ability," Houghton told talkSPORT. "He's got a lot more to his game than I thought he had.

"He's linked with well with Jose Enrique and Luis Suarez. It's a work in progress, [but] Downing's end product needs to be better.

"He's been in some fantastic positions and that final cross or shot has let him down a bit, and he needs to score more goals."

The disappointing result against Swansea at the weekend was Liverpool's third consecutive home draw, leaving the club sat in sixth place in the table, three points off of a UEFA Champions League spot.

But Houghton is confident that there is more to come from the Reds, and has backed them to finish the season on a high.

"I honestly think Liverpool isn’t far away from putting a good run of results together consistently," he continued. "They'll be there or thereabouts for fourth place.

"People are always too quick to say Liverpool should be doing a bit better but the games that they've drawn they could have easily won.

"They weren't games that they were going to lose. In most of them they dominated the match and it's just the finishing that let them down."