Match Report: Aston Villa 0 - 2 Liverpool

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish celebrated his first league win as a manager at Villa Park as first-half goals from Craig Bellamy and Martin Skrtel ensured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.

Bellamy and Skrtel struck inside the first 15 minutes to seal the Reds' fifth away win in the Barclays Premier League this season.

But the star of the show was striker Luis Suarez who tormented the Villa defence and hit the bar and the post.

Former Villa winger Stewart Downing was booed by the home fans after his £20million summer move but he and Craig Bellamy caused problems down both flanks.

Villa missed the forward duo of suspended Gabriel Agbonlahor and injured Darren Bent and seldom looked like breaching what is the tightest defence in the Premier League with just 13 goals conceded.

But they were also guilty of frequently giving the ball away and only skipper Stiliyan Petrov had composure in midfield.

Villa started promisingly and Petrov curled a free-kick past the defensive wall and forced Pepe Reina to save away to his right.

Downing managed Liverpool's first effort on goal following a cross-field ball from Bellamy when he forced Brad Guzan to save at the foot of the post.

Then after 11 minutes Downing played a part in Bellamy giving Liverpool the lead.

His corner found Suarez inside the box and a back heel forced a fine instinctive save out of Guzan but Bellamy reacted first to the rebound for a simple tap-in.

Villa winger Charles N'Zogbia was yellow-carded for bringing down Glen Johnson two minutes later.

After 15 minutes Liverpool doubled their lead through Skrtel - and from another corner.

Villa failed to pick up the central defender as he attacked a Bellamy cross and his glancing header flew past Guzan.

The home side tried to counter-attack and Nathan Delfouneso had a 20-yard shot deflected wide and a long-range attempt from N'Zogbia was just off-target.

Delfouneso teed up the over-lapping N'Zogbia whose shot contained plenty of power but flew into the side-netting.

Charlie Adam was booked after 28 minutes for bringing down Emile Heskey.

Two minutes later Bellamy was yellow-carded for fouling Alan Hutton to the right of the Liverpool box.

But Delfouneso could not keep his header down from Albrighton's free-kick.

Villa were trying to get a foothold in the game but Liverpool continued to look more dangerous and Richard Dunne blocked a first-time attempt from Shelvey after he ran on to Suarez's pass.

Liverpool began the second half on the offensive and twice went close to adding to their lead.

Bellamy's pace took him clear of the Villa defence down the left flank and his cross was headed wide by Daniel Agger.

Then Suarez showed sublime skill in evading the challenges of Dunne and James Collins and from 10 yards out he crashed his shot against the bar.

Villa were giving the ball away too easily and a mistake by Stephen Warnock allowed Johnson time to line up a shot which was turned aside by Guzan.

Reina was forced into a rare save in getting his body behind a low effort from N'Zogbia.

But Suarez was denied by the woodwork again after chipping Guzan following a pinpoint 40 yard ball from Downing.

Guzan turned aside Shelvey's cross-shot and Adam had shot deflected wide when Shelvey was unmarked 10 yards out to his left.

Dalglish brought on Andy Carroll after 74 minutes for Suarez who was given a standing ovation by the Liverpool fans.

Villa substitute Barry Bannan appealed in vain for handball when his shot struck Agger and flew out for a corner.

Dalglish Hails Deserved Win

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes his team were good value for their 2-0 win at Aston Villa in the Premier League.

First-half goals from Craig Bellamy and Martin Skrtel sealed a comfortable success for Dalglish's team at Villa Park.

Luis Suarez also hit the woodwork twice after the break as the Reds dominated proceedings against a toothless Villa missing strikers Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The victory, Liverpool's third win in four away games, moved Dalglish's side up to sixth in the table.

The Scot said: "We passed the ball and moved it and hit the bar twice - I think it was a well-deserved three points for us.

"I think the first goal was a little bit fortunate but the second one was a good flick-on from Martin.

"We get pleasure taking three points and that's the greatest reward you can get from the work you do in training."

And Dalglish, whose side boast the top-flight's best defensive record having conceding just 13 goals, was pleased with another tight display at the back.

He told Sky Sports: "We'll go forward as a team and defend as a team. If we don't have the ball the first person is the first defender.

"There is no point having one part of the team good and another rubbish. We do everything together and we'll move forward together."

Reds Chase Newcastle Midfield Star

Liverpool have entered the scramble to sign Newcastle's Cheick Tiote in the January transfer window.

Tiote became an instant hit at St James' Park following his £3.5m move from FC Twente in August 2010.

And the Ivory Coast international - valued at £25million - is wanted by Reds boss Kenny Dalglish to inject some momentum in the Anfield club's season.

Dalglish will face stiff competition however from title-chasers Chelsea, and Manchester United, according to reports in the Sunday Mirror.

The news comes after Tiote went to seek help from a witch doctor in a bid to regain full fitness.

Tiote was given permission by club owner Mike Ashley to fly back to his homeland to seek help to sure his persistent injury.

The 25-year-old has fluid on his right knee which is causing pain and restricting his movement when twisting and turning.

His appearance in the 0-0 draw with Swansea was his first game for the club since they beat Wigan 1-0 in October.

Liverpool & Spurs Both Scouting George Whiteoak

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on Macclesfield Town’s emerging young talent George Whiteoak, reports the Daily Mirror.

The 16 year-old centre-half is drawing attention from some of Britain’s top clubs having impressed for the League Two side at youth level and is now on the verge of making his senior debut. Town’s youth team boss, John Askey has been responsible for the development of Whiteoak and had this to say,

“He’s already attracting a lot of interest, so we’re delighted to have him here at the football club.”

Liverpool’s interest comes as no surprise. Following the appointment of Damien Comolli, the Red’s have placed an emphasis on scouting the globe for fresh young talent so they can then be nurtured through the ranks at the Melwood Academy. Liverpool’s setup has received some high praise from the football world and none coming higher from that of Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.

Speaking to Catalan radio he was quoted as saying that Liverpool’s Academy is the only one who can compete with Barca’s ‘La Masia’ setup.

Spurs are another club who have invested heavily in their youth system. First-team player Kyle Walker is one of the success stories brought through the ranks at White Hart Lane and has established himself as the Lily Whites first choice right-back this season.

Tottenham’s involvement in the UEFA Cup has also seen boss, Harry Redknapp, blood many of the Academy’s future prospects giving them an opportunity to gain valuable first-team experience.

Whiteoak’s future at either academy would be well looked after should the teenage prospect decide to move on. Money eventually talks and Macclesfield will cash-in, but at this moment in time it is unclear of how much the Silkmen’s will inherit for their emerging young star.

Liverpool In Shock Move For Real Madrid And Germany Superstar

Liverpool have been alerted to the possible availability of Real Madrid star Mesut Ozil, after the creative midfielder was warned by manager that his performances needed to significantly improve or else he would be sold.

The German international was one of the stars of the 2010 World Cup and was signed by Madrid for €15million from Werder Bremen. Ozil went on to make a total of 53 appearances last season, scoring 10 goals but this year his form has dipped.

Ozil is yet to fins the back of the net in the league and the midfielder took plenty of blame for his performance in the 3-1 defeat to rivals Barcelona last weekend.

The People believes that these inconsistent performances have led Mourinho to hand him a warning that he must improve or else risk being sold in the summer.

The news has certainly caught the attention of Liverpool's director of football Damien Comolli who believes Ozil is the type of player that can further improve the Red's first team and can help fire the club back into the top four.

Liverpool know that they can offer the 23-year-old guaranteed first team football, something he does not always get at Madrid with a host of fellow midfielders, and manager Kenny Dalglish is keen to monitor his situation over the coming months.

It is believed that Madrid would want to make a profit on the midfielder and would demand in the region of £18million for the talented German.

Liverpool Ready Bid For PSV Eindhoven Stars

Liverpool are monitoring PSV Eindhoven pair Kevin Strootman and Georginio Wijnaldum hopeful of a potential £22m bid to sign the duo.

The raid to sign the pair could take place in January or in the summer. Boss Kenny Dalglish has brought in a number of youthful additions to the Liverpool squad over the past year and sees Strootman as a central midfielder with a great deal of potential. A bid for the 21 year old may be made next month as the Merseyside club looks to bring in a replacement for long term injury victim Lucas Leiva.

Wijnaldum is an adaptable attacker who can play either in an advanced floating midfield role or more effectively out on the wing. The 21 year old moved to PSV Eindhoven in the summer, from Feyenoord, and has been a consistent performer in the Eredivisie for the past four seasons.

Both players have only been at PSV Eindhoven for six months but Comolli believes that Liverpool could lure the young duo to Liverpool and the Premier League side is willing to shell out around £22m for two players.

Medics May Have Saved Gerrard's Career

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes the club's medical staff may have saved Steven Gerrard's career by quickly identifying the extent of his ankle infection.

Club captain Gerrard has been sidelined for over six weeks as a result of the problem, picked up just a month after he recovered from a groin injury that kept him out of the early part of the season.

Set to resume full training next week ahead of a return to first-team action at the start of next month, Dalglish believes Gerrard could have been out for a lot longer had the club's medical staff not been so sharp in their diagnosis and treatment of a rare problem.

"If it hadn't been dealt with quickly and properly it could have ended up more serious," Dalglish told The People. "But he got fantastic treatment and it's been sorted and solved.

"The credit goes to our medical people who identified it and reacted. It was unknown territory for us."

Dalglish believes Gerrard's mental strength has been a key factor in his ability to recover from such setbacks and resume performing at the highest level.

He added: "When you consider what he has been through he has done unbelievably well. But he has a strong character and that is reflected in coming through what he's been through. He is desperate to play but we need to manage it properly."

Houllier Backs Reds For Success

Former boss Gerard Houllier believes Liverpool will finish in the top four this season and challenge for the title next year.

The Frenchman, who managed Liverpool between 1998 and 2004, feels this year is a season of transition under boss Kenny Dalglish, who returned to the club in January to replace Roy Hodgson.

The Scot invested heavily in the club over the summer in an attempt to rebuild the side, with the likes of Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson signing on at Anfield.

Houllier, who had a spell in charge of Aston Villa last campaign, is impressed from what he has seen so far from the new-look Reds, who are currently seventh in the table, and feels they will soon be capable of challenging for the title.

He told the Sunday Mirror: "Kenny is doing a good job. He is trying to change the team and this is a transitional season for them.

"By that, I don't mean they won't reach the top four - they could do that. When Steven Gerrard comes back, they will be even better, they will get back their leader and an exceptional player. But, in any case, they are making good progress.

"I don't believe they will be able to challenge for the title - not this season. But they have made the right choices regarding players, so, as they gel, then next season should be better.

"When a club has a culture, a history, and a philosophy of winning silverware, which is what everybody aims for. There is no question of being happy with anything else.

"It's a good pressure because players arrive at the club knowing they are expected to perform and to win."

Premier League Preview: Aston Villa vs Liverpool

Liverpool will look to keep their push for European football next season going strong when they visit Aston Villa on Sunday.

With 15 games behind them in 2011/12, Kenny Dalglish's side are in sixth place in the English Premier League on 26 points - three behind Arsenal who are in the automatic Europa League place, but 12 behind leaders Manchester City.

They have lost just three games so far in the league, but their Achilles heel has been too many draws - five of them in total - with four of those coming at Anfield against Manchester United, Norwich, Swansea and Manchester City.

They finally broke that run of dropped points at home by posting a 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, with Uruguayan international Luis Suarez scoring the only goal of the game.

Alex McLeish's Aston Villa, meanwhile, is in ninth place in the league standings, seven points behind Liverpool.

The Midlands club made a solid start to the season, with two wins and five draws from their first seven matches.

But after their 4-1 loss to Manchester City on October 15, their first defeat of the season, things have not been so rosy at Villa Park.

They have lost two of their past four matches, although the defeats came against quality sides in Tottenham and Manchester United.

McLeish's men did bounce back in their most recent game, however, by scoring a 2-1 win away from home against bottom side Bolton.

McLeish has some selection headaches ahead of the fixture, with striker Gabriel Agbonlahor suspended for the match after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Bolton.

Winger Jermaine Jenas, who Villa had secured on loan from Spurs, is out for the rest of the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon in their 1-0 loss to Manchester United on December 3, and goalkeeper Shay Given is nursing a hamstring injury likely to keep him out until the New Year.

For Dalgish, Jay Spearing will serve the second-match of a three-game suspension for being sent off against Fulham, while Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva is out for the rest of the season after injuring the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Captain Steven Gerrard is back in training after overcoming an ankle infection, and his hoping to be back in action before the end of the year.

McLeish Expects Downing Stick

Alex McLeish believes Stewart Downing may come in for some stick as he returns to Aston Villa as a Liverpool player.

The ex-Middlesbrough winger left Villa Park last summer after two years at the club in order to join the Reds.

Sunday's game will be Downing's first return since leaving and McLeish knows he is one of a number of visiting players they need to watch.

The Scottish tactician believes the England international was a popular player, although that will not stop fans trying to get under his skin.

Ironically Downing's last Premier League goal came while he was an Aston Villa player in last season's win over Liverpool.

Reception

When asked what sort of reception Downing would receive, McLeish said: "I don't know.

"I think Stewart was a well-liked lad here at Villa but I'm sure the fans will wind up the opposition.

"I'm sure Stewart will maybe not get too much flak because he is a decent lad and he did a decent job

"But maybe the fans will give a wee bit of apprehension-inducing stick shall we say!

"He is a terrific player, and £20million tells you he has got something in his locker.

"We know what he can do. We have to give him close attention and try and make sure he has a quiet return to Villa Park."

Dalglish Eyes Top Four

Kenny Dalglish has hailed the progress made by his Liverpool side but now hopes to push into the UEFA Champions League places.

The Reds have enjoyed a solid start to the Premier League season but have ground to make up on the top four and will hope to stay in contention by beating Aston Villa on Sunday.

Dalglish does not believe Liverpool are far away from challenging the elite group once again and has called on his men to keep working hard.

"We've been delighted with what we have done," said the manager.

"We'd love to progress into the top four and the best way to do that is to do what we do well.

"It is only slight but, then again, some of the smallest steps are the biggest ones to take."

Manchester City and Manchester United currently lead the way in the title race and Dalglish insists they are both extremely strong teams despite being knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage.

The London trio of Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal are also ahead of Liverpool going into the festive period but Dalglish is ready for the challenge.

He added: "Of course it's going to be tough. The teams that are there or thereabouts are really good sides.

"Two of them got put out of the Champions League but there are still really good sides here.

"It's going to be tough but we'll have a good go and see where it takes us.

"We'll look to get the points by playing as well as we have done and getting that wee bit of extra luck.

"We believe we are doing things the right way so we'll continue to do that because we don't know any other."

Liverpool Planning Tottenham Raid For England International Midfielder

Liverpool are rumoured to be considering a January move for out-of-favour Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Huddlestone.

According to reports on Footybunker.com, Liverpool is desperate to sign a replacement for the injured Lucas Leiva, who will miss the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Lucas, who has come under criticism during his time in England, has been one of Liverpool's stand-out players this season, and his injury comes as a major blow as Kenny Dalglish tries to lead his side back into the Premier League's 'big four'.

Despite a plethora of midfield talent, the club lacks an established holding midfielder and has ear-marked Huddlestone as a short-term replacement.

The 24 year-old has fallen down the pecking order at White Hart Lane and is thought to be concerned at his lack of playing time since his return from injury.

The England international is currently valued at around £7 million, a price considered perhaps too high for a player who will have a short term role at Liverpool. However, Liverpool may test Tottenham's resolve with a loan bid for the powerful midfielder.

Liverpool Target Diego Perotti Admits Leaving Sevilla If Club Needed Cash

Liverpool wing wizard target Diego Perotti has admitted he would leave Sevilla if the club needed money.

The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Anfield at the end of last season, with The Sunday People claiming that Kenny Dalglish made an enquiry over the player in March.

Reports surfaced on Sky Sports in April before leading into the summer, leading to Los Rojiblancos president Jose Maria Del Nido claiming that the player would not be sold to clubs in England or Italy.

However, Perotti has admitted that he could leave if the finances are needed at the La Liga outfit, potentially alerting suitors Liverpool, Juventus and Inter Milan.

"Before the end of the League I said that I'd only go if the president came and told me that the club needed the money if we stayed out of the Champions League," said Perotti.

"I would only leave if Sevilla needed money."

Gaston Ramirez, Lucas Rodriguez and Eduardo Vargas have more recently been linked with moves to Liverpool in the British media, leaving Kenny Dalglish with plenty of options over who he could turn too on January 1st.

The Anfield chief has so far been coy over potential additions to the ranks on Merseyside, but the Scot has admitted that Liverpool owners FSG are willing to bankroll some more moves should he wish to make signings in the New Year.

Liverpool Join Race For Dundee Utd Midfielder

Liverpool have entered the race to sign Dundee United midfielder Scott Allen in the January transfer window, according to The Daily Mail.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is keen to sign the Scotland under 21 international, but will have to fight off interest from Rangers, Celtic and West Brom. Rangers’ boss Ally McCoist believed his side was the favourite for the player, but Liverpool's interest leaves Allen's future up in the air. West Brom have had a £400,000 bid accepted for Allen. Rangers have spoken of their desire to sign the midfielder and McCoist has urged Allen to think of Scottish football before England.

Liverpool is keen to bring the 20 year old down to Merseyside and with Kenny Dalglish's hero status in Scotland, Allen may be eager to link up with Liverpool. Allen has played just six first-team games for Dundee United, but is regarded as one of the best players the club has produced. The midfielder's contract expires in the summer and Allen will speak to interested parties in the January transfer window to try and arrange a deal away from Tannadice.

The Reds are without Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva until the end of the season and have doubts over captain Steven Gerrard's long-term fitness following injury worries. Liverpool boss Dalglish is again looking to young players and sees Allen as one for the future alongside fellow Scotsman Charlie Adam.

Aurelio Eyes First-Team Inclusion

Fabio Aurelio remains upbeat about the prospect of featuring for Liverpool in the second half of the season, and is determined to play a part in the club's quest for honours in 2012.

The 32-year-old Brazilian full-back is currently sidelined with a calf injury, and hasn't yet featured for Kenny Dalglish's side this campaign.

"For me the most important thing is to be available," Aurelio told Liverpoolfc.tv. "At the moment I am fighting to come back but hopefully once I return I can play some minutes on the pitch.

"It's not my decision but I will try to work as hard as possible to have the opportunity. I am capable of doing a job. I still have six months of contract here and I hope to finish the season off in a better way than it has started [for me]."

Aurelio believes the Reds deserve to be higher than their current position of sixth in the Barclays Premier League table, but is optimistic about their chances of forcing their way back into the reckoning for a top-four finish.

"We started off the new season with a lot of new faces and with everyone adapting to new teammates," he continued. "So far, I think we could have done better than we have but we are not in a bad position. I am still very confident that the team can achieve things this season.

"The performances haven't been so bad because of the opportunities we have been creating, but the ball hasn't been going in the net. I think we will keep going and if we create the same number of chances in the future, the goals will come."

With competition for places at Anfield as fierce as ever, Aurelio is hoping the busy festive period will give opportunity to the team's fringe players to make an impact.

"It's a hard time. You have a lot of games in a short period of time," he concluded. "For the ones who play regularly, maybe they are not looking forward to such a quick run of games.

"But for the ones not involved it is a chance to play and the moment to show what they can do, like Maxi has done.

"Maxi is a good example because he has worked hard and done well in each training session. You don't know when the opportunity will come you just have to be ready for it. It keeps everyone motivated because we know during this period there are lots of games and you never know what can happen."

Melwood Pair Led By Example

Conor Coady has paid tribute to Jay Spearing and Jonjo Shelvey after the duo excelled during their respective run-outs for Liverpool Reserves recently.

The Melwood pair hit a double apiece as the second-string romped to wins over Sunderland and Wigan - and the 18-year-old midfielder feels he can only learn from playing alongside such dedicated first-teamers.

Coady told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Jay's been fantastic. He's a top player and a good lad. He helps you through the game and is a privilege to have in your team. It was fantastic to have him alongside me against Sunderland.

"He's just the perfect example to all of us lads hoping to make the grade and push on to Melwood like he has.

"It was the same with Jonjo and it's great that we've had some first-team players involved in the reserves recently because you learn a lot off them. All of the boys are doing well anyway but it doesn't hurt when they come down because you can only pick up positive pointers from them."

Coady featured as an unused substitute during the Europa League trip to Sparta Prague and a Barclays Premier League win over Birmingham last season.

He has yet to get the nod so far this term but remains hungry to make an impression.

He said: "I've been up to Melwood now and again when they've needed players for training sessions. Any time you get the call you are delighted because it's a fantastic experience for any of the boys going up there, not just me.

"I just try to take it one step at a time when I go up there. I try to take everything in and work as hard as I can. Playing with those players is just the highlight of your day.

"I just want to carry on playing well now and keep progressing. It'd be nice to go further in the NextGen and do well in the (reserve) league. I'll focus on that and then at the end of the season, see how it is going and hopefully push on even more."

Suarez Facing Verdict Wait

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez may have to wait until tomorrow to discover whether his defence against a racism charge has been successful after the second day of a disciplinary hearing.

Proceedings against the Uruguay international began yesterday in front of an independent three-man panel but, although more aspects of the case were heard last night, it is understood no decision is imminent.

The 24-year-old has been charged with abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, and referring to his ‘‘ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race’’ by the Football Association.

Suarez has always denied the allegations levelled against him by the France defender and the player and his club were hoping to successfully make a case for his defence at the two-day hearing.

Manager Kenny Dalglish has given the Uruguay international his full support since the complaint was made back in October.

And he did not waver from that stance when asked about the case at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match at Aston Villa.

‘‘We are standing right beside him and helping him as much as we possibly can,’’ said the Scot, who would not comment on reports he planned to appear in person at Suarez’s hearing.

‘‘We have said many times before we cannot say anything which will be prejudicial.

After it’s finished there is a chance to have a conversation.

As I said last week the FA should have given you (the media) the information when everything was happening, not us.’’ Evra made his allegations about Suarez immediately after the match at Anfield on October 15, telling French TV the South American had used a racist insult to him ‘‘at least 10 times’’.

If Suarez, who has always denied the allegations, is found guilty he could be banned or fined, or both.

Evra said: ‘‘There are cameras.

You can see him (Suarez) say a certain word to me at least 10 times.’’ Both players spoke to FA officials during the investigation and there have been suggestions Suarez was unaware language that is acceptable in Uruguay is viewed as racist in Europe.

Liverpool & Arsenal Interest In Asian Genius Denied

Keisuke Honda's agent has denied claims that Liverpool or Arsenal are pursuing the player.

CSKA Moscow's attacking midfielder was heavily linked with a move to England in the summer transfer window, with both Kenny Dalglish and Arsene Wenger reported to be admirers of the 25-year-old.

However, agent Kees Ploegsma has moved quickly to deny the speculation, insisting there has been no contact over a possible move away from Russia.

"There is no interest in Keisuke to report. I have nothing else to add, there is no interest," he told the International Business Times when questioned on Liverpool and Arsenal.

Interest from the Gunners stems back to the FIFA World Cup in 2010, when Wenger described the Japanese playmaker as a 'genius' on national TV.

Following Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri's exits from the Emirates Stadium, Honda once again emerged on the Arsenal radar as the Frenchman looked to rebuild his midfield.

However, the north London outfit instead added Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun on loan, and whilst Park Chu-Young is yet to impress for Arsenal, a move no longer seems likely.

As for Liverpool, they are known to be in the market for players from Asia after chief sponsor Standard Chartered suggested the club would be able to expand their marketing capabilities with a player from the continent.

Chinese youth players have since spent time at Anfield on trial, although a senior international would help Liverpool take major steps into an 'untapped market', as suggested by director of football Damien Comolli.

The IBT goes on to site a recent report in The Sunday Mirror that the player has again emerged on the Liverpool radar, although initial interest stems back to Rafael Benitez's reign on Merseyside, and an offer doesn't appear to be close if the agent's comments are anything to go by.

Madrid Midfielder On Liverpool Loan Radar

Liverpool are being linked with a January loan move for Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.

The 26-year-old is one of a handful of players in the position to be linked with the Reds, as Kenny Dalglish considers his options following a season-ending injury picked up by Brazilian Lucas Leiva.

Seydou Keita, Yann M'Vila and Sandro have also been placed on the radar, but reports in The Independent claim Liverpool are plotting a loan move on the French international.

Diarra has Barclays Premier League experience from his time at Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth, whilst Tottenham Hotspur were also linked with a move for the player in the summer.

Liverpool was also reported to have an interest at the time, and are once again considering the former Le Havre starlet with the transfer window just 17 days away.

Jay Spearing is expected to fill the gap left by Lucas in the heart of the Liverpool side, whilst skipper Steven Gerrard is yet to recover fully from an ankle injury at Anfield.

A short-term deal is expected to appeal most to Liverpool as their former Gremio starlet recovers from the anterior cruciate ligament injury picked up in the Carling Cup, although it's unclear if Jose Mourinho will be willing to let the out-of-favour central midfielder leave in a loan capacity.

Dalglish Confirms Andy Carroll Will Figure Over Festive Period

Kenny Dalglish has backed the strength of his Liverpool squad as the Premier League nears the busy festive season.

The Reds are one of the few clubs with squads big enough to handle the intense fixture list and the 60-year-old has backed his fringe players, including Andy Carroll, to make an impact.

When asked about Carroll's chances of playing over Christmas, Dalglish claimed: “Everybody’s got to be prepared and ready to play. They will all expect to play some part in some of the games, and Andy Carroll is no different.

"The performances in the Carling Cup where we’ve made a lot of changes for all the games, it’s proved to the players and the people who’ve been watching the players who haven’t played as much as they’d like that they’re very capable of stepping in.

Dalglish also dismissed rumours that he would be looking to sign players in January with several strikers being linked to the low-scoring Reds who have netted fewer times than the likes of Norwich, Blackburn and bottom club Bolton so far this season.

"There will always be speculation but it’s not a Panini sticker book," Dalglish continued. "We’re happy with what we have got.

"They’ve done as much as they possibly could with the opportunities they have had. We have said many times we are happy with what they have done on and off the pitch and that doesn’t change.”