Liverpool May Offer England International To Get Ligue 1 Superstar

It appears as though Kenny Dalglish may offer Joe Cole to French outfit Lille in a last attempt to land Belgian wonderkid Eden Hazard, the playmaker wanted by the biggest clubs in Europe.

According to a report on the Mirror Football website, with Cole becoming more and more influential for the club he is on loan with, the former Chelsea man may want to make the deal a permanent one.

After two goals and four assists in the ten league matches he has played so far, the 56-cap England international has been a leading light and, just this week, Lille president Michel Seydoux outlined his admiration.

“It is not a certainty that he will leave us at the end his contract,” he said.

"If he has a certain good feeling with Lille and we can make him an interesting offer, this is something we will look into."

On the future of Hazard, the 20 year-old playmaking sensation who already has 25 caps for Belgium and helped Lille to the Ligue 1 title last season, Seydoux was uncertain.

"We would like to keep Hazard too, and if he still sees a challenge here, then he could stay,” he added. “It's probable, though, that he will leave the club after this season, as there’s plenty of interest.

"Will €50million be enough? Nobody is irreplaceable and there are solutions for that kind of money."

Liverpool Keen On Lars Bender Signing

Liverpool are being linked with a January move for German international starlet Lars Bender.

The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder is earning rave reviews in the Bundesliga, and once again impressed on the Champions League stage in his side's 2-1 win over Chelsea recently.

His performances have alerted a number of club's across Europe, and reports in Germany now claim Liverpool have taken a keen interest in the 22-year-old, whose twin brother Sven plays for Borussia Dortmund.

Damien Comolli, director of football at Liverpool, is reported to have made a couple of personal scouting trips to check on the player at the BayArena, reporting back to manager Kenny Dalglish with a glowing reference.

Speculation suggests the Reds would need to spend in the region of £12 million to lure the player to Anfield, although Robin Dutt will be eager to keep one of his star players at last season's runners-up.

Bender's arrival could also spell the permanent end for Alberto Aquilani and Joe Cole on Merseyside, with both players currently plying their trade away from Liverpool on loan.

Franco Zavaglia, Aquilani's agent, suggests that a permanent move to AC Milan is almost a formality for the player, whilst Lille have expressed an interest in taking Cole permanently off the hands of Liverpool after a fine start in Ligue 1.

Liverpool Samba Starlet Target Can't Decide Future

Inter Milan midfielder Philippe Coutinho insists he would be happy to stay at Inter Milan, despite transfer speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool.

Reports in the British media claims Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is a keen admirer of the 19-year-old, with the club holding a long-standing interest in the player from Rafael Benitez's reign at Anfield.

Instead, the former Liverpool boss took Coutinho to the San Siro following his departure from Merseyside and arrival in Italy, and it's something the teenager is grateful for.

However, he admits that the future remains uncertain, and whilst he would like to stay with his current Serie 'A' side 'forever', he doesn't know what around the corner.

"The transfer rumours? I can't decide the future by myself. If it was up to me I would stay forever in an Inter shirt," he told Corriere dello Sport.

"I am grateful to Benitez, he gave me new positions and many chances. Ranieri is telling me to remain calm and to do in the game the same things I am doing in training.

"I feel a lot of energy and if he asks me to play I will be ready."

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli is a reported admirer of the teenager, with the Frenchman taking a personal look at the player on international duty against Scotland back in May.

It's thought that club scouts have since kept tabs on the former Vasco de Gama starlet, with Liverpool interested in adding the player to their growing crop of young talent at the club.

Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson were drafted in for huge figures in January and the summer respectively, and Kenny Dalglish is expected to spend big again in the New Year with the backing of owners FSG.

The club also has quality youngsters progressing through the academy, and Coutinho would add the exciting future currently being built at Liverpool under 'King Kenny'.

Dutch Chief In Dark Over Liverpool Transfer Link

PSV Eindhoven has had no contact with Liverpool or Inter Milan over the possible sale of highly-rated midfielder Kevin Strootman insists the club's chief executive Marcel Brands.

The 21-year-old Dutchman has attracted attention from a number of clubs across Europe after a series of scintillating performances in the Eredivisie this year, but according to Brands there is nothing to the speculation.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has been credited with an interest in Strootman, who only arrived at Eindhoven last summer, and is under contract at the Philips Stadion until 2016.

"I honestly don't know anything," was Brands response to questions about the player's link to Inter and Liverpool reports calciomercato.

"And in any case, I do not see how there can be rumours about a player who arrived three months ago and signed a five-year deal.

"Right now we are aiming to win the title and that is why we are not interested in any offers."

Dalglish signed seven players in the summer, and it is expected to be another busy transfer window at Anfield in January, as Liverpool look to strengthen their squad even further in a bid to secure a top four finish, and return to the UEFA Champions League next year.

Dalglish Reveals Gerrard Latest

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish says the club is delighted with the recovery of captain Steven Gerrard, but are refusing to put a date on his return.

The 31-year-old has been ruled out of the weekend's visit of Manchester City after being blighted by injury problems this season, having made just five appearances for the Reds.

Groin surgery, followed by an ankle infection has seen Gerrard make just five appearances since March, but Dalglish says he's impressed with his progression thus far.

"Like we've already said, we are delighted with the progress he's making and we've said that we won't put a date on his return - and we won't put a date on it now," he said. "We are very happy with his progress.

"Everyone is available (for Sunday) apart from Steven and Jack Robinson."

Gerrard returned after six months out against Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carling Cup in September and further substitute appearances against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton followed before starts against Manchester United, scene of just his second goal of the year, and Norwich City.

But prior to the club's trip to West Bromwich Albion, Gerrard picked up a cut to his ankle, which subsequently became infected, forced him to miss the trip to the Hawthorns.

Despite being positive over his comeback, Gerrard won't feature for Liverpool against City this weekend, and with the club unwilling to confirm a potential return date it appears likely the skipper won't be exposed to first-team football until the new year.

His constant injury problems have also affected his appearances for England, with his last cap coming in the friendly defeat to France last year with Gerrard missing the climax to England's European Championship qualifying campaign and the recent friendly victories over Spain and Sweden.

Milner Out For Anfield Revenge

James Milner says Manchester City will be looking to make up for their last performance at Liverpool, when they travel to Anfield on Sunday.

The Etihad Stadium team was walloped 3-0 in front of the Kop last season, and Milner says Roberto Mancini’s side want to put it right this time.

It will be no easy task, however, as Kenny Dalglish’s team are now joint with City and Newcastle in having the meanest defensive record in the league.

Milner said: “Last season we were poor there. I'm sure that will be at the back of a few of the boys’ minds to go there and put that right.

“It’s always a great atmosphere at Anfield and they’re playing well so we know it’s going to be tough. But we’re confident we can go there, put this behind us and get three points.

“Last year was a poor performance by our normal standards but we’ll be going there looking to put it right. Hopefully that will give us that bit extra to go there and get the win.”

The league leaders will be reeling after defeat at Napoli on Tuesday put their Champions League future in serious doubt.

Liverpool has a good record against other top sides under Kenny Dalglish and could pose a serious threat to City’s unbeaten record in the league this season.

Milner is refusing to underestimate the Merseysiders though, and thinks they will provide a tough, yet entertaining, examination of Roberto Mancini’ side’s title credentials.

“They’re a good team and will be full of confidence as well, so it will be a good game,” he added.

“That’s the Premier League. I know it’s a cliche, but every game is a tough game."

Wilson Craving Carling Cup Chance

Liverpool defender Danny Wilson is hoping he's done enough to earn a starting spot for the Reds against Chelsea in the Carling Cup.

Despite having fielded his strongest side in the competition, Dalglish is set to name a weakened side for the trip to Stamford Bridge with the club's league game with Manchester City just 48 hours before.

Wilson featured for the reserves on Tuesday, with the 19-year-old hoping to add to his single appearance this season.

"Chelsea will be an important game," he confirmed. "All I can do is try to impress Kenny Dalglish in training and for the reserves.

"If it is enough, it is enough. If not then I'll just have to try harder.

"It is important for me to get a chance for the reserves. I just need to put a performance in and try to impress, but more importantly it gives me a chance to work on my fitness."

Wilson mentioned on a number of occasions earlier in the year that he would fancy a loan move away from Anfield so to improve his international prospects, which last saw him turn out for his country in September.

Chinese Prospects Will Join Liverpool In January

Liverpool will welcome two young Asian players to Merseyside as part of the Chinese Football Association's 'Future Star' program in January.

Long Cheng [16], and Chen Xiaomao [14], will link up with the Reds Youth Academy following a successful week-long trial at Melwood last month.

Frank McParland, director of the Liverpool academy revealed how the club had been extremely impressed with the youngsters during their first visit, praising their commitment and professionalism.

"Chinese players are fantastic, focused and they are unbelievably professional," he confirmed. "I know they are trying anything they can to learn the game.

"When the boys trained in Liverpool, they played soccer, and if they were not playing soccer, they watched other players playing and then they were on the internet looking at soccer.

"They are very good technically, and we want kids who understand football, so we like their intelligence.

"However, the physical style in England is stronger than the rest of Europe and we need to teach the kids to get stronger bodies so they can cope better in English games."

Well aware of the huge market in China, Liverpool started to look for a connection with the country earlier this year, and launched its first China tour this summer, where Kenny Dalglish’s side played a friendly with second-tier team Guangzhou Sunraycave.

The Reds' decision to include two Chinese players in their youth program is regarded as a move to further develop the Asian market, and McParland is happy to be involved.

"As a club, when you have cooperation with China, which has more than 1.3 billion people you must imagine there are good players in China," he added. "We honestly think these players [Long and Chen] have potential.

"We want them to integrate as much as possible and feel a little bit like they are at home in Liverpool."

Dalglish Happy With Squad Depth

Kenny Dalglish was full of praise for the attitude his fringe players showed in the reserves as they crushed Sunderland's second string 5-1.

First-team squad members Jay Spearing, Sebastian Coates, Jon Flanagan and Danny Wilson were all part of the side watched by the Liverpool boss from the touchline at the Kirby Academy.

Spearing managed to bag a brace, while Coates also found the target as they both made strong cases to be included in the Carling Cup quarter-final against Chelsea next Tuesday.

That clash comes just 48 hours after the Reds face Manchester City at Anfield and Dalglish has intimated he will use squad players in the cup clash.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "They applied themselves very well and they will be better for getting 90 minutes.

"They need to play games and it was good for them to be involved. It's better for them than training.

"Some people look at it as a form of punishment asking them to play for the reserves but that's certainly not the case.

"It was a necessity and it's important we give everyone opportunities to play matches.

"For the likes of Seb and Jay, it gives them the chance to get match fit and they did well. We need a strong squad with players who are ready to step in when they're needed."

Clarke Hails Maxi Impact

Liverpool first-team coach Steve Clarke has hailed the professionalism of Chelsea goalscoring hero Maxi Rodriguez.

The Argentine midfielder had made just one fleeting Premier League substitute appearance this season before being thrust into Kenny Dalglish's starting XI for Sunday's important clash at Stamford Bridge.

His well-taken 33rd-minute strike set the Reds on their way to a 2-1 win and capped an energetic display from the 30-year-old.

But Clarke insists his impressive performance came as a surprise to no-one at Anfield.

He said: "Everybody here knows the qualities of Maxi.

"He's been unfortunate this year that he's not had an extended run in the team, but what it does say about him is that he is a complete professional.

"When you're not in the team, it's difficult to come in every day, work hard and be prepared for your chance. Maxi has worked hard every day in training.

"When Maxi went in, he did a fantastic job for us."

Rodriguez, a £4.5m signing from Atletico Madrid in January 2010, was not the only standout performer as Liverpool earned their second straight win in West London.

Clarke believes the Reds' overall team display emphasized the strength in depth which Dalglish has at his disposal.

"Everybody has spoken about the squad we've got this year. We feel it's an improvement on what we inherited when Kenny and I came to the club," Clarke told the club's official website.

"The squad is stronger this year and I think the weekend proved that. If you look at the bench, it was very strong.

"What you try to create at a club like Liverpool is competition for places. Everybody has that competition for their place now and it can only be helpful for the group going forward."

Irish Winger Linked With Liverpool

Norwich and Republic of Ireland U21 winger Anthony Pilkington has been linked with a shock move to Liverpool.

According to reports, Kenny Dalglish is monitoring him closely following some impressive displays for newly promoted Norwich this season thus far. The 23 year old has been tipped with being an outside inclusion for Giovanni Trappatoni’s Euro 2012 squad despite not having played for Ireland.

Liverpool are searching for direct wingers especially who can deliver a mean cross for the likes of Carroll and Suarez to feed off. Stewart Downing has played most games on the left for the Reds but hasn’t really impressed with Jordan Henderson failing to pin down a spot on the right.

Pilkington was born in Lancashire but has represented Ireland at U21 level but is still eligible for the country of his birth. He was playing League One football last season with Huddersfield before securing a move to the Canaries during the summer. Recent performances including an impressive display at Anfield have obviously caught the attention of other clubs.

He has scored four goals this season already for Norwich and has helped them climb to 11th in the table.

Liverpool Face Competition From Italian Giants For French Starlet

Auxerre defender Willy Boly is attracting interest from some of the biggest names in European football with Liverpool and Inter Milan both heavily linked with the youngster.

The 20-year-old has been a regular at youth level for France and this season has been an almost ever present in the Auxerre side, starting 11 out of the opening 14 league games.

The 6ft 3" centre-back is considered a star in the making in France and has already become an established member of the Ligue 1 side, despite his relative inexperience.

In recent days the Italian press has indicated that there is interest in the player with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that Inter Milan have been keeping a close eye on the defender.

As well as the Serie A side, Liverpool have also been linked with the youngster as the side's director of football Damien Comolli has a wealth of knowledge of the French league.

Liverpool's transfer policy under their current owners is to identify the best young talent having already signed Jordan Henderson and Sebastian Coates over the summer.

Blackpool Bid To Extend Shelvey's Loan Spell

Blackpool want to extend Liverpool starlet Jonjo Shelvey's loan spell at the club.

Shelvey sealed a loan move to Blackpool at the end of September and has impressed during his stay at Bloomfield Road, scoring six goals in nine appearances.

He netted a stunning hat-trick in Blackpool's 5-0 demolition of Leeds at the start of the month and Ian Holloway is eager to keep him at the club.

Shelvey, 19, has a deal at Blackpool until the start of the January transfer window and Holloway wants to push through a move that would keep the midfielder at the club until the end of the season.

Jose Enrique Won't Let Spain Snub Distract From Liverpool Mission

Jose Enrique admitted being bothered by his omission from the most recent Spain friendlies with England and Costa Rica. But the Liverpool fullback vows not to let it deter him from reaching his goal of leading the Reds' to a top-four finish, according to LiverpoolFC.tv.

"I was a little bit disappointed," Enrique said about missing out on Spain's recent friendlies. "I think I am at one of the best clubs, not just in England but in the world. For me Liverpool is one of the best three in the world alongside AC Milan and Real Madrid.

"But to be honest I don't really think about it too much. My focus is on Liverpool and trying to help us improve. My objective for this season is to help Liverpool play in the Champions League next season."

The 25-year-old Spaniard joined Liverpool from Newcastle last summer in a £6 million ($9.3 million) transfer. His assured performances in 12 English Premier League games have put him among the Reds' top players this season and drawn calls for his inclusion in the Spanish national team.

Enrique has played for his country at the U-16, U-20 and U-21 level, but has yet to break into the senior team. He left his homeland for English soccer in 2007 as an unheralded 21-year-old and has since built a reputation as one of the Premier League's best left backs.

Martin Kelly Hails Quality Of Mentor Glen Johnson

Martin Kelly believes he is lucky to be the understudy of Liverpool team-mate Glen Johnson after the England international's match-winning goal against Chelsea on Sunday.

Johnson's late strike against his former club in the clash at Stamford Bridge secured a 2-1 victory for Kenny Dalglish's side, and Kelly has stated that he is happy to be learning from the experienced right-back.

Kelly told the club’s official website: "If you had seen the reaction on the bench, we were all nearly on the pitch when Glen scored.

"We were all made up in the changing room, applauding him.

"It was a brilliant goal and I think we deserved it for the way we set about our game play. We deserved the win at Stamford Bridge, and it was a great win.

"At this moment in time, I am the understudy to Glen. I am still young and to watch a player like that is only good for me.

“Whenever called upon, I've played well in that position as well as across the back four.

"It's good for Glen to be playing and pushing on in the England side, and it's brilliant for me to be watching him in training and learning from him."

The youngster also outlined the ambition of Dalglish’s side after the impressive win in west London, claiming they are ready to welcome league leaders Manchester City to Anfield this weekend.

"There is a buzz about the place. We beat Chelsea home and away last year, and we've beaten them this year," he continued.

"It's better going into the game on Sunday with that win and we'll definitely try and do our best, and do it for all the supporters and ourselves.

"If you look at our team and the strengths we've got, we're definitely a top-four team. It's about gelling and getting the results at home against the so-called lower teams. Every game now in the Premier League is difficult and we can only look at one game at a time.

"We were delighted with the win at Chelsea - we'll take that into our training this week and try and get the win at home to City.

"We're always looking to get better from our performances and if you ask all the lads, the boss and the coaching staff, we want to improve on everything, Liverpool won't settle for second best.

"We work a lot in training on our team shape and gelling together, and you could tell at Chelsea we did it as a team and we won as a team."

Dalglish To Sell International Midfielder In Summer

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish looks certain to draw a close to the protracted transfer saga involving Italian international Alberto Aquilani, who is currently on a temporary loan deal with AC Milan after failing to settle at Anfield.

Aquilani joined the Reds back in 2009 for a fee believed to be in the region of £17 million, after establishing himself as one of the most competent midfielders in Europe with his form at previous club Roma.

However, Aquilani failed to settle into life in England’s northwest, making just eighteen appearances for Liverpool before seeking a return to his native Italy. A brief spell on loan at Juventus could not facilitate a permanent switch, and Aquilani briefly returned to Anfield before orchestrating a move to AC Milan.

Since joining Milan, Aquilani has been in impressive form, and his agent Franco Zavaglia now believes that the midfielder – who has been capped 21 times for Italy – will move permanently once Milan activate the buy-out clause in his loan deal.

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

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

Liverpool Mooted As Holding Riccardo Montolivo Interest

Liverpool have been linked with a swoop for Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo.

The Italy international is in demand as the January transfer window approaches, with just six months remaining on his contract compelling La Viola to accept a knockdown fee for his services.

A move within Serie A appears Montolivo’s most likely course of action, with both AC Milan and Juventus keen on the 26-year-old.

However, there is significant interest outside Italy.

From Germany, giants Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on the playmaker’s situation, while Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain has also been mooted as a potential destination.

In England, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is a long-time fan of Montolivo, though Liverpool’s interest is more recent.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish appears overstocked with midfield talent, but nevertheless, Liverpool are thought to be monitoring the Italian’s transfer status.

For Fiorentina, an auction for the Azzurri star would be a favourable outcome, likely as it is to push up the eventual sale price.

Chelsea And Liverpool Track Goalscoring Dijon Midfielder

Chelsea and Liverpool are tracking French midfielder Benjamin Corgnet.

Sources from France have confirmed that the English duo have taken a liking to the 24-year-old, who currently turns out for Ligue 1 outfit Dijon.

Scouts from both Andre Villas-Boas’ and Kenny Dalglish’s sides took in Dijon’s weekend clash against Bordeaux, a game in which Corgnet scored the second goal in a 2-0 win for Les Rouges.

The Frenchman has appeared in 13 Ligue 1 games this season, finding the net a prolific six times so far – it is little surprise that Corgnet’s form has attracted such interest.

Corgnet’s story is an astonishing one, with the player only joining the professional ranks in 2010, moving to Dijon from French fifth-tier side Monts d’Or Azergues.

Dijon coach Patrice Carteron will be reluctant to lose his attacking midfielder, especially with the club shaping up to be involved in a relegation scrap during the second half of the season.

And under contract until 2015, Dijon is thought to require at least €7M to part with their star.

Corgnet himself would surely jump at the chance to move to either Stamford Bridge or Anfield though in what would represent the culmination of a remarkable two years of progress.

Comolli Tracks Valencia Hotshot Soldado

Liverpool’s director of football Damien Comolli has identified Valencia’s in form striker Roberto Soldado as a target he feels will give his Anfield side a much needed injection of fire-power.

The 26 year old former Real Madrid man has got his career back on track in the last three years after stagnating at the Bernabeu and is now attracting the attention of many prospective suitors and is fighting his way back to the fringes of the Spanish national team set-up.

Soldado spent three troubled seasons in the Real Madrid first team without making an impact and made the move to minnows Getafe in July 2008 and hasn’t looked back since. The Valencia born striker struck 33 goals in two seasons at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez before being lured to his hometown club.

Last term he netted 25 for the Mestalla side and has followed that up with 10 in 16 this term and Comolli has scouted the predatory finisher with a view to making an offer in the region of £15m to test the water.

Valencia have suffered financial problems over the past few seasons that has led to the sales of stars David Silva, Raul Albiol and David Villa and there may well be a need to sell once again to balance the books and Soldado may well be interested in a high profile move that could help assist in his pursuit of a return to the Spanish national team after more than three years out of Vicente Del Bosque’s squad.

January signings Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll have not gelled together and whilst the Uruguayan has been in consistent form, scoring goals and being a constant attacking threat, the £35m signing from Newcastle United has had a limp start to his Liverpool career.

Kenny Dalglish may feel it a necessity to bring in further striking options, not least because David N’Gog was offloaded to Bolton and alternative options Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt are now primarily wide players.

LeBron James Humbled By Liverpool History

NBA superstar LeBron James says reading up on the history of Liverpool FC has humbled him, with the Miami Heat player revealing his newfound admiration for manager Kenny Dalglish and captain Steven Gerrard.

James, 26, recently became a minority shareholder in Liverpool and made his first visit to Anfield last month to watch the Reds draw with Manchester United. The US basketball icon tweeted his delight at being part of a matchday crowd at the time and has since immersed himself in the club's history.

Talking to The Guardian about his Anfield tweet, James said: "That came from the simple fact of how passionate and loyal those fans are. But to walk through the facility the day before - to see all the history and achievements was very powerful.

"Liverpool have won 19 [actually 18] league championships and it meant a lot to read about King Kenny and Steven Gerrard - a hometown kid who now captains the team. And then to be at Anfield and see 40,000 fans screaming at the top of their lungs, the whole game, was an unbelievable experience for me."

And James believes that Dalglish's current Liverpool crop can recreate the glory days of the 1970s and 80s, during which time the Merseysiders were the dominant force in English football.

"Any time you have so much history and so much power behind their story, there is great potential to continue that expansion," James said. "Liverpool is definitely one of those clubs. They really are like Manchester United - and the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Yankees.

"There are some teams and logos you see, no matter where you are in the world, and you know exactly who they are and what they mean. I see Liverpool in that group. They're striving to be a champion and I'm striving to do the same. It would be great if we could do it in the same year."

And despite being one of the world's most famous sportsmen, James says he was humbled by the fact that some of Liverpool's star players were aware of who he was.

"King Kenny is something else!" he said. "His accent is very strong. So it was very difficult to understand what he was saying - but it was great being around him and [Luis] Suarez and Gerrard and Dirk [Kuyt] and those guys. I was very humbled that they knew me."