Liverpool Plan Audacious Move To Sign Everton Youngster

Liverpool are reportedly interested in Everton youngster Seamus Coleman and will hope to take advantage of their fellow Merseyside club’s perilous financial position by making a significant January offer for the Irish international.

Anfield director of football Damien Comolli has earmarked a move for the right sided performer and boss Kenny Dalglish is also said to be a fan of the former Sligo Rovers man and could see the Everton man as a player who could ably fill a role out wide at Liverpool.

There is apparently still some concern over who can best play out wide right at Liverpool where currently new signing Jordan Henderson and Dutchman Dirk Kuyt are the club’s main options. Neither player is a natural fit for that role and Coleman’s consistent displays for Everton over the past 18 months have caught the attention of many prospective suitors.

Seamus Coleman was signed by the Toffees in January 2009 and became a regular last term when he notched up 40 first team appearances and figured both at right back and in his more accustomed position in a right wing role. The likes of Man United have also been linked with the County Donegal born wide-man.

Clearly it would be a contentious move for the Irishman to make but he would be by no means the first to do so and given the fact that David Moyes has to deal with a non-existent transfer budget there may be a financial imperative for the Everton to sell one of their big names to once again balance the books.

Coleman is tied to a long term contract so any bid for his services would not be cheap.

Reds Send Scouts To Monitor Zurich Striker

Liverpool is reportedly set to rival Sunderland for FC Zurich striker Admir Mehmedi when the transfer window opens in January.

The 20-year-old has scored 13 goals in 47 appearances for his current employers, while he has been awarded three senior international caps for Switzerland.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool has sent scouts to monitor Mehmedi and will battle Sunderland for his signature.

The Barclays Premier League duo are also likely to have to contest Nuremberg, it has been claimed, in pursuit of Mehmedi.

United & Liverpool Chase Dutch Striker

Ajax starlet Danzell Gravenberch is attracting the attention of Manchester United and Liverpool, it has been claimed.

The 17-year-old striker is coming to the end of his contract at the Amsterdam Arena and is reportedly prepared to listen to offers from elsewhere.

According to reports, both Sir Alex Ferguson and Kenny Dalglish have identified Gravenberch as a potential acquisition and a move to United or Liverpool could be on the cards.

However, Old Trafford or Anfield are unlikely to the only possible destinations for the Dutch youngsters, with Aston Villa and Juventus also touted as potential suitors.

Aquilani's AC Milan Deal Is Just A Formality, Says Agent

Alberto Aquilani will stay at AC Milan beyond 2012 as the loan deal from Liverpool will be made permanent, his agent Franco Zavaglia has said.

The 27-year-old Italy international joined the San Siro-based outfit in the summer from the Premier League side.

Aquilani's deal consists of a loan, but Milan will have an option to buy his full rights from Liverpool if he features in 25 or more games for them this season.

Zavaglia believes the Italian will remain with Massimiliano Allegri's men.

"We can without doubt consider Milan activating the buy-out clause to be a pure formality, especially as he’ll soon reach the written parameters set by Milan and Liverpool," Zavaglia told Itasportpress.

"Alberto is doing well and I think this is clear for all to see."

Aquilani has played in 9 Serie A matches for the Rossoneri who take on Fiorentina in Serie A on Saturday night.

Carragher In Line To Return

Jamie Carragher is in line to make his Liverpool return in Sunday's trip to Chelsea after recovering from a calf injury.

The vastly-experienced defender suffered the blow in last month's Carling Cup win at Stoke, forcing him to miss their last two outings.

However, Carragher is on the mend and first-team coach Steve Clark has been pleased with the 33-year-old's training over the past few days.

Clark believes that providing the former England international continues his upward curve in the coming days he could feature in Sunday's mouth-watering clash at Stamford Bridge.

"Jamie has joined in training over the last couple of days and looked good," Clarke told the club's official website.

"He was out for a couple of weeks with a minor calf injury.

"We just made sure he took his time, recovered from it, and he's trained well these past couple of days.

"He'll be in contention for the weekend if there are no mishaps between now and the game."

Adam Out To Prove Himself At Anfield

Charlie Adam is determined to silence his critics, with the Liverpool midfielder vowing to prove he is not just a flash in the pan.

Adam was one of the stars of the Premier League last season, with his efforts for Blackpool earning widespread praise.

The midfielder's displays were ultimately in vain, as Blackpool was relegated, but they earned him a move to Liverpool.

Adam has moved into a much bigger pond at Anfield and is aware the expectation is far greater. His form has been patchy and he has admitted there is added pressure on his shoulders but he is looking to prove he can thrive in the spotlight.

"I hadn't played in the Premier League until last season and people judged me on how I performed for Blackpool," Adam is quoted as saying in Match magazine. "But I want to show that I can be a Premier League player on a consistent basis, and that I'm good enough to play for Liverpool.

"The expectation levels here are really different to what they were at Blackpool. We are expected to win every week, whereas that wasn't always the case last season. But having that kind of challenge is something I really look forward to.

"My family and my mum and dad are proud, but no one is as proud as me to be a Liverpool player. Not many people can say they've had the chance to play in front of the Kop every week with over 40,000 fans behind them.

"I come in every day with a smile on my face, and when you're sat in the dressing room watching all the top players walk in, you realise what you're a part of."

Scotland Target Jonjo Shelvey After Missing Out On Sebastian Coates

Manager Craig Levein has revealed Scotland missed the opportunity to persuade Sebastian Coates to play for their national side – but are determined not to miss out on Liverpool FC player Jonjo Shelvey.

Levein says Scottish Football Association officials have already been in contact with Jonjo Shelvey about him changing football allegiance from England.

The 21-year-old has represented the country of his birth at under-16, 17 and 19 level but has yet to play senior international football and would be eligible to play north of the border because of his Scottish father.

Defender Coates also qualified to play for Levein’s side through his dad but Scotland were too late in their attempts to prise him from the clutches of Uruguay, where he was born.

The 21-year-old had represented his country at every level up to under-20 before the start of the summer so would still have been able to change to Scotland.

However, when capped by the senior side in July’s Copa America – which Uruguay won as Coates was named the tournament’s best young player – the game was up for Levein.

But the Scot’s manager is far more optimistic of landing Shelvey, who is currently enjoying a profitable loan spell away from Anfield with Championship side Blackpool.

“We’ve been in touch and we are hopeful,” said Levein.

“As usual, we will continue to try and unearth as many players as possible to be able to play for us.

“We want as many good players as possible to be able to play for us.”

However, on the missed opportunity with Coates, who has now played six times for his country’s senior side, Levein admitted: “He'd been capped by the time we found out about him.”

Kelly Nets In Belgium Defeat

Martin Kelly was on the mark again as England U21s lost 2-1 in Belgium on Monday night.

Liverpool's No.34, who also fired last week against Iceland, headed his country into a 14th minute lead, but the hosts stormed back to win the Euro 2013 qualifier with a stoppage time winner.

Kelly and U21 skipper Jordan Henderson played the full 90 minutes and Jon Flanagan was an unused substitute.

Reflecting on the defeat, Henderson said: "We are very disappointed. We felt we did well in the second half when we settled into the game and I personally had a chance to finish it but we are still top of the [group], in a good position and we need to win our last three games.

"The games are not easy but we came here to do a job and unfortunately we didn't.

"We have a lot of work to do and hopefully this will give us a wake up call for the games ahead.

"I think we could have started better but in the second half we settled down and had a couple of chances.

"We need to be more streetwise in the last minutes to not concede but we will learn from that and come back stronger."

Lucas Lands Prestigious Gong

Lucas Leiva's impressive form during 2011 saw him crowned the North-West's Premier League Player of the Year on Monday night.

The Brazilian scooped the award at an MBNA sponsored ceremony held at Lancashire County Cricket Club in Manchester.

The gong was in recognition of excellence both on and off the pitch.

The Reds midfielder has been on international duty with his country over the past week and played the full 90 minutes in Brazil's 2-0 friendly success over Egypt last night.

Following the win, Lucas tweeted: "Well done everyone for the victory. It is always important to finish the year winning."

Capello: Andy Carroll's Future Is Up To Him

Fabio Capello has handed Andy Carroll a stark ultimatum and told him to take responsibility for his career to make the most of his talent.

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, was overlooked for the double header with Spain and Sweden and will see Fulham’s Bobby Zamora handed his first start for his country tonight.

Asked about Carroll supposedly having a pivotal role to play for his team, Capello delivered an acerbic response, saying: “Yes, but that depends on him. Not on me. Zamora I’ve had around the team for a long time. I want to see him at Wembley.”

Liverpool Face Real Betis In Battle For Sochaux Midfielder

Liverpool are facing stiff competition in their pursuit of Ryad Boudebouz with reports emerging claiming Spanish side Real Betis have made the Sochaux midfielder their top priority.

The Algeria international revealed recently that Liverpool have been monitoring him with director of football Damien Comolli in France to watch him in action on numerous occasions and to talk with the Sochaux president.

The 21-year-old has a number of admirers across Europe, but the Reds have long been considered the favourites for his signature.

However, according to Insidefutbol.com, Betis are big fans of Boudebouz and are prepared to get ahead of the competition by moving for him in January.

Betis regained promotion to La Liga this season and have made a solid start to their time back in the top-flight. However, they are looking to cement their place in the Primera Division and have targeted Boudebouz as a player to help do just that.

The midfielder has 18 months left on his current contract and Sochaux are willing to sell if their asking price of £14.5m is met.

Prem Eyes On Teenage Ace

Skysports.com understands a host of Premier League clubs are battling it out for teenage sensation Josiah Chukwudi.

The 15-year-old central midfielder was spotted playing Sunday League football.

QPR recently invited the teenager on trial and he is believed to have impressed at Loftus Road.

News of Chukwudi's talent has alerted most of the Premier League big guns with Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool and Everton all thought to be weighing up moves for the youngster.

As Chukwudi is without a club at present there would be no compensation to be paid by any of his Premier League suitors if they try to sign the starlet.

Liverpool Set To Raid Aston Villa In The Winter Transfer Window

Liverpool are rumoured to be interested in Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan as they look to strengthen their team in order to pursue European football.

Fellow Scot Kenny Dalglish is thought to hold the 21-year-old in high regard and sees him as the future of the national side, and a bid could be made in January however Dalglish will need reassurances over Bannan’s off field situation as he was recently arrested for drink driving.

Bannan has been one of the Premier League’s stand out performer this term and has been an integral part of Alex McGleish who recently suspended him following his arrest on suspicion of drink driving however that has now been lifted and he has returned to training with squad after being omitted from the Scotland national side for their win against Cyprus.

Suarez Ruled Out Of Italy Friendly

Uruguay coach Oscar Washington Tabarez has said Luis Suarez will play no part in today's friendly against Italy after he suffered a knock during his four goal starring role in the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying 4-0 win over Chile on Saturday.

"Suarez took a knock against Chile and is not in the best shape," Tabarez said on the eve of the game. "He is getting better, but for the player, and for his club (Liverpool), it would make no sense to risk an injury, that is the way we see things."

With Inter Milan's Diego Forlan already out until mid-December, Tabarez confirmed that the Copa America holders will line up in a 4-3-3 formation with a frontline consisting of Porto's Cristian Rodriguez, Seba Fernandez of Malaga and Napoli's Edinson Cavani.

Tabarez, 64, also spoke of his pride at leading Uruguay into the meeting with one of the world's leading footballing nations at the Stadio Olimpico. "Prior to 2006 (when Tabarez returned for a second spell in charge) we rarely played such prestigious opponents," he said.

"Since the 2010 World Cup, everything has changed. This match is part of a new strategy of playing against major sides. We have already played Germany and the Netherlands, and this invitation to play in this magnificent stadium is an honour."

"We have worked hard, we are a small country, but that must not serve as an excuse," Tabarez added of his team, who reached the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup before winning their continental crown in Argentina in July.

Tabarez is making his return to Italy, where he spent several months in charge of an aging Milan side before being sacked by Silvio Berlusconi in December 1996.

Liverpool Snub From Non-League Striker Target

Portsmouth are understood to be closing in on non-league starlet Dan Thompson, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Newcastle according to skysports.com.

The 17-year-old striker, who currently plies his trade for Hampton & Richmond has been tipped for a bright future, as a host of Barclays Premier League clubs continue to monitor the situation.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has been alerted to Thompson's potential, as he considers an attempt to bring him to Anfield, and Magpies boss Alan Pardew has also been credited with an interest in taking him to St James' Park.

However, as prospective talks over a move to either Liverpool or Newcastle have stalled, Championship side Portsmouth is now the favourites to secure his signature.

Thompson is believed to have arrived at Fratton Park this morning to link-up with Pompey for talks and training, with a view to sealing a permanent deal on the south coast before the end of the week.

Whilst the lure of a move to Liverpool or Newcastle would have been tempting for Thompson, his decision to sign for Portsmouth is based around the opportunity of a realistic chance of first-team football.

Boro Star Rebuffs Move Talk

Middlesbrough star Rhys Williams insists that he has no intention of leaving the club in January.

Williams stated earlier this week that he was not ready to sign a new deal at Boro - unless they improved their offer.

This led to renewed speculation about his future with Bolton and Liverpool linked again, with Aston Villa also previously linked.

Speaking from Australia where he is on international duty, he insisted that whilst he wants to play in the Premier League - he wants that to be with Boro.

He told The World Game: "While I am determined to play in the Premier League I want to make that happen with Middlesbrough. We are third at the moment and we're going to be very close this season.

"Of course I'd love to play in the top flight, what player wouldn't?

"But I am happy where I am and have never said that I want to go elsewhere. I don't know where all this has come from about Bolton and Liverpool. I don't know anything about it.

"My main aim is to do what I can for Boro. It's a great club and I am really happy to be a part of the squad.

"I know there has been talk about Bolton being interested in the past, and while that's complimentary, it's not on my mind now at all.

"I'm enjoying my club football and also trying to cement a starting place for my country. That's another challenge and I don't want there to be any distractions."

Speed Had Bellamy Doubts

Wales coach Gary Speed has admitted that he had doubts on the availability on striker Craig Bellamy for his team.

Bellamy had been struggling on a number of fronts with Manchester City offloading him to Cardiff City for the 2010/11 campaign, then Wales coach John Toshack reluctant to pick him and his knees causing him problems.

However, the 32-year-old's fortunes have taken a turn towards the better as he joined his old club Liverpool at the start of the current season and has been made an integral part of the national team once more.

Bellamy was on target for the Dragons on Saturday in their 4-1 victory over Norway in a friendly international at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Speed is understandably glad with Bellamy's progress but concedes that at one point he was unsure about his compatriot's future.

"I did have doubts about whether Craig would carry on playing for us," he said in The Daily Star.

"I know what he's like as a professional and that he wants to play at the top level for as long as possible.

"We know his injury history and that he needs to be looked after. He looks after himself better than any player I know, and his club are looking after him too.

"I wouldn't call it a new lease of life at Liverpool because he's never lost his drive and enthusiasm for the game.

"It probably is helping us that he's making a different sort of contribution - although knowing him I'm sure it won't be long before he's forced his way into getting 90 minutes all the time."

Anglophile Dirk Joins Campaign

Dirk Kuyt is involved with a campaign to bring more tourists to Britain and increase the number of foreign football fans who travel to Barclays Premier League games.

VisitBritain stats show that 750,000 overseas visitors came to see a Premier League match last year, spending nearly £600m in the process.

That's why they have just launched a new Premier League channel on their website - including videos on Liverpool and every other top flight club.

As well as a two-and-a-half minute guide to why foreign fans should go along to Anfield and how they would get there, there is also an interview with Kuyt in which he talks about his adopted country.

The Dutchman reveals his love for the Lake District and explains why Britain has some of the best golf courses around.

Top Spanish Journalist Breaks Silence On Shock Liverpool Swoop For David Villa

Guillem Balague has responded to last week’s allegations that Barcelona’s David Villa could be in line for a Premiership move by conceding that the striker is finding it slightly tough to find his best form at the Nou Camp.

Balague explained that Villa, valued at close to €40 million by Pep Guardiola, is struggling to gel with the precociously talented Argentine Lionel Messi.

“It’s important we put David Villa’s circumstances at Barcelona into context,” wrote the Spanish journalist on his personal website. “First of all, yes, I do believe that there is most definitely something to the notion that the footballing relationship between Messi and Villa is not quite as good as it could be.

“David Villa hasn’t been finding the back of the net as frequently as he has done in recent years and it must be remembered that he signed for Barcelona from a Valencia side where he was the focal point of the attack.

“At his former club, when his team had the ball, they worked to find a way supply Villa. Every attack either went through or ended up with David Villa.

“At Barcelona, Lionel Messi is the fulcrum of the attack and his teammates instinctively look to get the ball to the Argentine. For any striker, no matter who you are, that is hard to take.”

Last week, radio station Cadena Ser has revealed that both Liverpool and Chelsea had approached the Catalan giants about their frontman, whose phenomenal international scoring record – 50 goals in 80 appearances for Spain – speaks for itself.

Having seen his side stutter to a 0-0 draw against Swansea last 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.

Suarez Plays Down Back Concerns

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has declared himself fit to face Italy in Uruguay's friendly on Tuesday - but admits he already has one eye on the weekend clash with Chelsea.

The 24-year-old scored all the goals in Friday's 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Chile in Montevideo but came off 13 minutes from the end with a minor back complaint.

Suarez is confident he is ready for a second match in four days - with a transatlantic flight in between - but has suggested it may be more important for him not to risk aggravating the problem

"I was a little scared by the pain I had in the game but treatment I had was just a precaution and it does not hurt," he told Uruguayan newspaper El Pais.

"There will be no problem but the decision is going to be the coach (Oscar Tabarez).

"I risk a lot to Liverpool. I have a very important game next weekend against Chelsea.

"I love to play every game for the national team but now they are several tough matches in the club and you have to give a little priority."

Liverpool has paid close attention to Suarez's fitness since the start of the season as he had a major role in Uruguay's Copa America triumph in the summer.

The Reds have a difficult spell coming up in the next few weeks and Suarez, as he has been all campaign, will be key to his team's success.

After travelling to Stamford Bridge on Sunday Liverpool host Manchester City the following week before heading back to Chelsea for a Carling Cup quarter-final two days later.

Manager Kenny Dalglish has already expressed his anger at the scheduling of the cup tie so close to such an important league match but will be more than happy if Suarez is rested on Tuesday.

The striker, Liverpool's top scorer this season, became the first Uruguay international to score four goals in a game for his country.