Mancini - Difficult Game Ahead

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini insists that his team's Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday will be far from easy.

The Citizens have not won at Anfield since 2003 but their fantastic season so far sees them five points clear at the top of the table after winning 11 of their last 12 league games.

The Blues also won nine successive matches after losing to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League two months ago and they will be looking to recover from another European defeat this time round.

Mancini, however, respects the talent within Kenny Dalglish's side, saying: "Liverpool will be a very hard game on Sunday.

"Liverpool are a strong team. In my opinion they are 12 points under us but I think they have a team that can win the Premier League.

"The Barclays Premier League is difficult, it is long and hard. We have played only 12 games. The squads now at Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are why they can fight for the title."

City may end up facing their ex-striker Craig Bellamy who left for Liverpool in August and Blues boss Mancini is delighted that he has settled in nicely at Anfield.

"I am happy for him. I watched the game against Chelsea and he played very well. If he is happy, I am happy for him."

Rush: City No Match For Liverpool

Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes that despite coming up against the Premier League's richest club on Sunday, the Reds remain by fair the wealthiest when it comes to history and tradition.

Manchester City lead the way in the Premier League having gone 12 games unbeaten, and proved their title credentials with a shock 6-1 win over reigning champions Manchester United in August.

Liverpool meanwhile sit 12 points off of City, but go into the showdown at Anfield on Sunday confident after securing a 2-1 win over Chelsea last Sunday.

Rush believes that while Liverpool are unable to compete with the Citizens wealth - something he admits has changed the landscape of the English game - the Welshman believes Liverpool will always have something that money is unable to buy.

“Manchester City's millions have changed our league," said Rush speaking at the LFC - Standard Chartered soccer clinic in Dubai.

"The more money you have and the higher wages you pay then the better players you'll be able to sign and we've seen that with the likes of Aguero and Silva in particular.

"But no matter how much money clubs spend they don't have our history or the special relationship which exists between our club and its supporters. You can't buy that. Money helps in lots of ways but it's not everything. Chelsea had the same thing when Abramovic went in, he spent a fortune but they still haven't won the Champions League.

"I think what City has done is given themselves a great chance of winning the league because they've had a great start and they have top players. But there's more to football than that. We haven't won the league since 1990 but I travel all over the world and am still taken aback by the scale of the support Liverpool enjoys.

Rush also believes that being a supporter of Liverpool is more than about what happens on the pitch, and pointed to the club's famous anthem as evidence of the club's all encompassing ethos.

"I think it's because we're a family club. Our anthem is 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and that means something. It's not just empty words. Of course we all want to see success on the pitch, that goes without saying, but there's far more to being a Liverpool supporter than results.

"We're in Dubai at the moment and I've watched lots of games in the bars out here, and it's brilliant how the people over here - and all over the world - look to try and recreate the Anfield atmosphere whenever they get together to watch the matches. This club means so much to so many people and that's why it will always be so special." He added.

Liverpool Face Fight With Sevilla In Race For Dutch Sensation

Liverpool are set to rival La Liga outfit Sevilla in the hunt for FC Twente sensation Ola John, after stepping up their scouting of the Dutch Under-21 international.

John has emerged as one of the Eredivisie's rising stars after a whirlwind 18 months which has seen him make his first-team debut and snub moves to both Manchester United and Arsenal.

He has since renewed his contract until 2014, on the advice of brother Collins John, who was rated as one of Europe's most promising youngsters before joining Fulham in 2004 in a move that would ultimately ruin his development.

But as Twente plot more talks over another extension to his deal, John is weighing up his options, as Liverpool join Sevilla and a host of Italian clubs in making regular checks on the quick-silver winger.

It's thought Twente would be willing to do business for around £8million, although the chasing clubs value at him at only around half of that, meaning any potential deal may have to wait until the summer.

Liverpool & Arsenal Consider Shock Move For Chelsea Forward

It appears as though there could be a major overhaul at Stamford Bridge with three strikers all out of contract at the end of the season as Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou are all linked with moves away fro Chelsea.

One forward who could remain in the Premier League is Ivory Coast star Kalou who despite never managing to become a first team regular for Chelsea is reportedly being linked with both Arsenal and Liverpool.

The 26-year-old has been with Chelsea since 2006 and scored 39 goals for the club, as well as having plenty of success being part of the league winning side in 2010 and helping the club win there FA Cup's.

However, Kalou has never been a regular starter and this season has fallen behind the likes of Fernando Torres, Daniel Sturridge and Juan Mata who is also being deployed as a forward in a front three.

There has been little talk of Kalou receiving a new contract and that has alerted both Liverpool and Arsenal who believe they will be able to pick the forward up with a relatively low offer of £5million.

They are aware that Chelsea would rather sell in January than let him leave on a free transfer at the end of the season and are keen to add the talented forward to their squads in the New Year as both sides push for a top four finish.

While it is not guaranteed that either club would offer regular first team football, it would allow Kalou to remain in the Premiership and the two sides would gain a player with plenty of experience at the top level.

Liverpool Leading The Chase For £10m Rated England Teenage Sensation

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is preparing to step up his interest in highly rated Crewe striker Max Clayton, according to reports in the Daily Mail.

The 17-year-old has been in impressive form for Crewe in their FA Youth Cup run and last weekend in the league he scored in Crewe's 2-1 win over Morecambe and has already represented England at Under 17's level.

During the course of the season a number of scouts from top Premier League clubs including, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham have been to watch Clayton.

However it is believed that Liverpool boss Dalglish and the clubs director of football Damien Comolli are admirers of the young striker and are leading the chase for Clayton who is seen as one of the countries brightest prospects and are getting ready to table an offer of around £10million.

Crewe's director of football Dario Gradi believes Clayton will develop more if he is to gain experience at the League Two side.

However with Clayton's impressive performances Crewe will find it hard to resist the offers from the Premier League big boys that come in for their prized asset once the January transfer window opens.

Dalglish Reassures Carragher

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has reassured Jamie Carragher that he still has a big role to play for the club.

Carragher was surprisingly left out of the starting XI for last weekend's win at Chelsea with Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel preferred in central defence and the long-serving defender could again miss out for the visit of Manchester City on Sunday.

The move raised questions over the 33-year-old's long-term first-team prospects at Anfield, but Dalglish is adamant the Reds' vice-captain is central to his plans for the future.

"Carra has only been back a week after his calf injury," said Dalglish. "He's an important part of this football club and of this squad, now and going forward. He knows that and we know that.

"We know what he's done for the football club. The respect and admiration he has here from myself and everyone else connected. He understands."

Dalglish Tells Liverpool Sulks They Can Leave

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has issued a warning to those players who are given a spot on the bench, maintaining that if they are unhappy then they can leave.

Liverpool had a number of their expensive new signings on the sidelines - Andy Carroll (£35 million), Stewart Downing (£20 million) and Jordan Henderson (£16 million) - during last weekend's 2-1 victory against Chelsea.

However, the Anfield boss has claimed that it is the squad that comes first and that, while he understands players can become frustrated when they don't play, he would not hesitate to sell them if they were upsetting his balance.

Dalglish said: "The strength of the squad is always those who aren't playing. That is where you get your success from. At the end of the day, it is hard for the ones who don't play. It is hard to keep them motivated and keep them going.

"So if they come in with really good attitudes and not sulking when they are left out, it is helpful to everyone. If they are not committed to playing, it is not going to be my problem - it is going to be their problem. We will go and get people who are determined to play.

"There is disappointment if you are not playing every game. But it is a long season and everyone is going to be given their chance.

"The 11 who started at Chelsea did very well. It was great for the three boys that came on as well. They have only been in the door two minutes. For them to come in with positive attitudes hasn't done anyone any harm."

To illustrate his argument that his Liverpool side is entirely united, Dalglish pointed to a photograph that showed Downing celebrating after Liverpool's last-minute winner at Stamford Bridge. "Did you see Stewart Downing's face when Glen Johnson scored?" he asked.

"Print that picture rather than use any words from me to describe how he felt. It says more than I could ever say."

Morgan Likes Liverpool Blueprint

Jon Flanagan and Jack Robinson have set the blueprint for Liverpool youngsters hoping to make an impact at Anfield, reveals academy starlet Adam Morgan.

The 17-year-old striker is delighted to see two of his close friends settle so quickly into Kenny Dalglish's first-team squad, and revealed his aspirations to follow in their footsteps in the near future.

Less than twelve months ago, both Flanagan and Robinson were playing in the youth and reserve teams, before being thrust into senior action in the run-in to the 2010-11 campaign.

The duo have remained part of the first-team fold ever since, and have given the likes of Morgan a renewed sense of optimism.

"I'm an optimistic person so hopefully I can push on with the reserves and try and be around the first-team set-up," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It'd be great to train with them a few more times per month.

"When you look at the example set by Flanno and Jack Robbo, you can see it can be done. They've done really well so hopefully that can be me in the future."

Morgan has been in impressive form for both the U18s and reserves sides so far this season, and has already entered double figures in the goal charts.

The youngster is tipped for a bright future at Liverpool, and whilst he continues his development under the guidance of the Reds coaching staff, Morgan insists he is happy to turn out for whichever team needs him.

"I fit in with both the U18 and reserve teams to be fair," he added. "I get on with all of the lads. I'm just told from day to day which team I'll be training with and I'm happy with that.

"I need to keep working hard and I am happy to play for whichever Liverpool team needs me. I've learned a lot off both coaches.

"Mike Marsh has really helped me and I worked with him a lot when I was with the U16s, [and] I really enjoy working with Rodolfo too because he has shown me parts of my game that I didn't think I had."

Dunn At The Double In Utd Win

Jack Dunn struck a double as Liverpool U18s continued their superb away form with a 2-1 win at Manchester United on Friday afternoon.

The highly-rated England U17 starlet got the Reds off to a flyer when he drilled home inside the first minute to net his fifth goal of the campaign.

United responded and Sam Byrne's neat finish soon after looked to have earned the hosts a share of the spoils in what proved to be an end-to-end encounter.

However, deep into stoppage-time Liverpool swamped forward and substitute Nathan Quirk played in Dunn to seal the three points.

Mike Marsh's charges went into the clash on the back of a resounding win at Manchester City and they illustrated their desire to complete a memorable double-trip down the M62 when they went in front inside 20 seconds.

The hosts failed to clear a ball forward from the kick off allowing Adam Morgan to help it on towards Dunn. The attacking midfielder surged into the right-hand side of the area and crashed a low shot beyond ex-Reds stopper Liam Jacob to give Liverpool the perfect start.

The Red Devils were clearly shell-shocked and they were lucky not to be two down on five minutes. Marc Pelosi was left in acres of space on the far left of the area and after his drive was parried into the air by the 'keeper, Kristoffer Peterson somehow failed to convert the rebound from close range.

It would prove a costly miss too as Paul McGuinness's team pushed forward and levelled through Byrne on 11 minutes.

The super-charged opening lit the touch paper for a keenly contested affair and it was the visitors who created the better chances.

Morgan had a shot cleared off the line on the half hour mark and Pelosi saw a blockbuster arrow just over as the Reds looked to regain the lead.

The No.9 has been in fine form in front of goal for both the U18s and reserves this season but was left shaking his head in frustration after missing good chances either side of the interval.

United had rarely threatened but almost stole in front on the hour when Mats Daehli turned well inside the box and curled a smart effort just beyond the far post.

Liverpool responded and a stunning counter attack saw left-back Brad Smith surge through on goal. The Australian-born youngster unselfishly laid the ball across for Morgan who placed his shot wide of the far post.

At the other end, the home team came close again when Adnan Januzaj arced a free-kick in a central position past the upright.

With the game beginning to stretch both sides tested the respective rearguards and Tyrell Belford was forced to produce a superb double stop to deny Byrne his second of the game.

And it was a similar story for Dunn as his low piledriver was brilliantly kept out by Jacob after Morgan had got in behind the United defence and played an intelligent square pass.

A winning goal appeared to be on the cards and deep into injury-time Dunn tucked home to claim a superb victory for Liverpool.

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.