Match Report: Liverpool 3 - 1 Bayer Leverkusen

Out-of-favour striker Andy Carroll capped a comfortable 3-1 victory for Liverpool over Bayer Leverkusen in their final pre-season friendly before they kick off their Barclays' Premier League campaign.

It took just three minutes for the home side to break the deadlock at Anfield through youngster Raheem Sterling. The 17-year-old latched on to an incisive ball from Jose Enrique down the left before cutting inside to curl a shot into the bottom corner past Bernd Leno in the Leverkusen goal.

Liverpool's second of the match came on the 29th minute from a free-kick won by Luis Suarez who was brought down by Daniel Schwaab on the edge of the area.

The cleverly worked set piece found Suarez unmarked in the area, who got the ball stuck under his feet before it was deflected into the path of Lucas who side-footed home into an open goal from six yards out.

A goalkeeping blunder allowed Liverpool to get their third of the match on 65 minutes when Carroll turned nicely on the ball before firing a routine shot from outside the area goalwards that Leno fumbled into the back of the net.

The visitors snatched a consolation through Gonzalo Castro on 75 minutes when he shrugged off Jamie Carragher and unleashed a fierce left-footed shot that sailed past Pepe Reina in the Liverpool goal.

Carroll Adapting To Style

Brendan Rodgers believes he is seeing evidence of his inherited Liverpool squad, including Andy Carroll, adapting to his preferred style of play but he remains determined to sign more players.

The new Anfield boss on Sunday oversaw a 3-1 victory against Bayer Leverkusen on Merseyside as the Premier League club concluded their pre-season with a win.

Teenager Raheem Sterling opened the scoring in style before Lucas Leiva took another step on his return from injury with a goal and substitute Carroll then added a third.

England international Carroll is not thought to figure in Rodgers' plans and the £35million striker is a target of West Ham United, while a return to Newcastle United is also possible.

But Rodgers thinks the tall and powerful 23-year-old, who has been accused of only being able to play in a direct system, showed good skill when turning and firing a comparatively straightforward shot which was fumbled by Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Rodgers said of Carroll on Liverpool's official website: "It was a terrific goal from him. It was a nice, clever piece of play by Charlie Adam as the ball came into him and he flicked it around the corner.

"Maybe eight or nine times out of 10 he would have expected that (the ball) back, but big Andy showed his skill and ability as well.

"He's got stick that he can't play this way, but it was a wonderful piece of skill letting the ball go through his legs, getting the shot on target and tucking the ball away very well. It was very pleasing all round.

"The players had a wonderful idea of the game tactically and I am seeing an improvement every single day in terms of our passing game."

Rodgers' £15million signing, Joe Allen, was in the stands at Anfield to watch the win over Leverkusen having followed his manager to Liverpool from Swansea after a transfer was confirmed on Friday.

And Rodgers, who had already signed another former Swansea player in Fabio Borini, remains determined for the Wales international to not be the final new face at Anfield before the end of August.

He said: "Joe will fit into the group very well. I like technically gifted players, and he is exceptionally technically gifted.

"But I also like good people and he is a very humble young guy. He knows he is 22 years of age and has an awful lot to learn but he will be with us every single day in the journey to make this club better.

"He is a very talented boy and he comes into an excellent group. Hopefully we can add one or two more before the end of the window."

Rodgers was also full of praise for Brazilian midfielder Lucas, who was ruled out from last November after suffering a serious knee ligament injury.

He joked: "He has been brilliant. He is a terrific guy and he is prolific from seven yards with no goalkeeper!

"You have seen the growth of him as a player and a person, and the journey he's been on at this club is incredible. He still feels he has a lot to offer. How I work in liking to play this high, intense pressing and passing game brings on his fitness.

"I think if you look at him now, he is in a real good moment. Hopefully he can stay fit and strong and keep pushing on for us."

Hyypia: I Like Brendan's Style

Sami Hyypia believes Liverpool's style of play under Brendan Rodgers will make them one of the toughest teams to beat in the Barclays Premier League this season.

The Kop legend watched on as his Bayer Leverkusen side was dismantled 3-1 by the Reds in a friendly contest at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

Afterwards, Hyypia conceded Liverpool had made it difficult for his players - but he doesn't think the Germans will be the last team to leave Andfield having endured a hard afternoon.

He told reporters: "Liverpool played very well yesterday. He (Rodgers) has changed the face a little bit and created a new system which is difficult to play against.

"It is good to be back, but I came here to win the game. It was a friendly so the most important thing was to prepare the team for the season, which starts in a week's time.

"Of course, from defeat you can't take that much self confidence for the season, but there were a lot of good things in the game today.

"Time will tell (if Liverpool will be successful), but I hope so. Since I left, I've always hoped Liverpool will do well - and hopefully this season they will."

Hyypia was given a warm reception by Liverpool fans as he returned to Anfield for the first time in an opposing capacity since leaving the club in 2009 after 10 years of sterling service.

He added: "I have always had a good relationship with the fans and they were great, as always. I am grateful I had the chance to come back here."

Liverpool's Wish To Play Allen In Friendly Against Leverkusen Was Blocked

Joe Allen was blocked from making his Liverpool debut on Sunday after Swansea City refused to grant special dispensation for him to play in a pre-season friendly.

Allen signed for his new club after a 5pm deadline on Friday. He needed to be registered with the Premier League before then so he could face Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield yesterday.

Despite being signed outside Premier League office hours, Allen would still have been free to play had the selling club given Liverpool their permission.

Still upset by Allen’s departure, Swansea City refused a request by the Merseyside club and the Wales international was forced to watch from the stands.

Liverpool won, with Andy Carroll among the goalscorers, and Allen will now join the Wales squad to face Bosnia in midweek.

His debut for his new club is now likely to be the first Premier League game of the season against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns next Saturday.

Although frustrated he was unable to integrate Allen into the squad, Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager formerly in charge of Swansea, was pleased the £15 million signing was finally complete.

“Joe will fit in very well. I like technically gifted players and I like good people, and he is a very humble young guy. He is a very talented boy,” said Rodgers.

Hodgson Happy With Liverpool's Carroll Report

Roy Hodgson has revealed he approached Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers for a report on striker Andy Carroll.

And the England boss claimed Rodgers was glowing in his praise for the 23-year-old Geordie.

Carroll’s future at Anfield has been the subject of constant speculation throughout the summer with potential moves to Newcastle and West Ham leading the headlines.

And having named the forward in the 23-man England squad for Wednesday night’s friendly against Italy, Hodgson took the time to get an update on his club form.

"I checked Andy out with Brendan Rodgers and Steven Gerrard because I realize there is a situation there," Hodgson told Sky Sports.

"They were both happy with Andy in training and the way he is going about his business."

And despite the fact that none of his three chosen strikers - Daniel Sturridge, Jermain Defoe and Carroll - is a regular starters at club level, Hodgson remains happy with his options up front.

"We have to accept that a lot of our front players aren't first choices at their clubs," the former West Bromwich Albion manager continued.

"There are a lot of foreign centre-forwards at the big clubs in the Premier League so it's not easy for our boys sometimes.

"But Andy Carroll did well when he played in the Euros and I have no worries putting him in this squad."

Hodgson is using the friendly against Italy to gain a closer look at some potential young stars, with Tottenham’s Jake Livermore called up after receiving similarly excellent reports from his club’s coaching staff.

"Jake did well at Tottenham last year," added Hodgson.

"I had a long chat with Andre Villas-Boas and Tim Sherwood about him. They are impressed so it was a good chance to have a look for myself.

"A couple of players dropped out so Jake has been promoted up from the reserve list."

The Italy game has largely gone under the radar with the country being gripped by Olympic fever, but Hodgson is delighted with what has been a wholly successful Games for Team GB.

"I'd love to tap into the whole Olympic atmosphere," said Hodgson.

"I've been really impressed by the whole organization, the coaches and in particular the athletes, who have done an outstanding job.

"The impressive aspect is the manner in which they have won medals and embraced their victory.

"It's been very refreshing to see talented people showing a good face to the nation and the world at large.

"The way that Team GB have conducted themselves in a home Olympics must make the world of athletics very pleased and proud.

"So many of them have done such a great PR job."

Rodgers To Offer Adam As Bait

Liverpool is ready to offer Fulham cash and Charlie Adam in an attempt to wrap up a deal for Clint Dempsey.

After concluding a move for Joe Allen, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will now step up his attempts to land the American international, who is keen to leave Craven Cottage for a bigger club.

Liverpool have been keen on the forward ever since Rodgers took charge but have been unable to agree a deal with Fulham, who value Dempsey in the region of £10million.

However, Rodgers now hopes to twist their arm by throwing in 26-year-old midfielder Adam as part of the deal.

Fulham want a new creative midfielder to replace Danny Murphy and Adam would fit the bill perfectly.

Adam no longer figures in the plans of Rodgers following the £15million arrival of Allen from Swansea, and as long as the former Blackpool man is open to a move to Fulham, a deal could be on the cards.

Liverpool Lining Up Shock Move For Michael Dawson

Tottenham's Michael Dawson has emerged as a transfer target of Liverpool, who fear they are about to lose Daniel Agger to Manchester City.

The Premier League champions are keen to reinforce their defence and see Agger as the ideal option.

However, that would leave Anfield chief Brendan Rodgers extremely light at the back, so he has moved to set the wheels in motion for a bid for Dawson.

Liverpool are asking for £22million plus Adam Johnson on loan in return for letting Agger leave - and Caught Offside noted it is not yet known whether City will agree to such a demand.

If they do and Agger heads for the Etihad Stadium, it seems Dawson is the ideal replacement.

Although he is not unhappy at White Hart Lane, new Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas is worried that his lack of pace means he will not fit in with the high defensive line he likes to deploy.

As such, Dawson could be available for transfer, with Villas-Boas confident that he can rely on the likes of Younes Kaboul, Jan Vertonghen and Steven Caulker in the heart of his defence.

Earlier reports suggested Dawson could have been in line for the Spurs club captaincy, but with talk of a move intensifying that now seems unlikely and Scott Parker is likely to take the role instead.

Liverpool Still Keen To Lure Theo Walcott

Liverpool remain keen to sign Theo Walcott from Arsenal, despite being unable to make progress on the deal all summer.

Reports suggest new Reds boss Brendan Rodgers wants to add pace and width to his new-look Anfield squad and the England international fits the bill.

He has been linked with a move for the ex-Southampton man for several weeks, but the fact no deal has yet been done is not putting Rodgers off.

Chelsea were also rumoured to be interested in luring Walcott away from the Emirates Stadium this summer, but they have since turned to other targets and look set to bring in Victor Moses from Wigan.

Although Walcott has not expressed a desire to leave north London - and is in fact said to be settled in the capital - his place in Arsenal's first eleven could come under threat when the new season gets underway.

The Gunners have signed attackers Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski in the current transfer window, all of whom could be vying with the Englishman for a spot in Arsene Wenger's team.

Rodgers, meanwhile, is finally making progress on his first Liverpool team, having recently added Fabio Borini and Joe Allen, and wants to make Walcott his next acquisition.

Inter Milan To Rival Liverpool For Theo Walcott

Inter Milan are reportedly planning a bid for Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, who remains a transfer target for Liverpool.

The England international has less than 12 months remaining on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium and little progress has been made in negotiations about an extension.

New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to add the 23-year-old's pace to his squad and the Anfield club is expected to make a formal offer this week.

Reports in Italy suggest the Reds will face strong competition from Inter, who are in the market for a creative player.

Nerazzurri officials are attracted to Walcott because his contract situation means he could be available for a cut-price fee, and are said to be confident of beating Liverpool to his signature because Arsenal would prefer not to sell to another Premier League club.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has readymade replacements in the form of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and new signing Santi Cazorla.

However, he would prefer Walcott to sign a new deal and commit his future to the club, rather than risk losing him, together with Robin van Persie, who is wanted by Manchester United, and Barcelona target Alex Song, just before the transfer window closes.

Hearts Learning Lessons

John McGlynn does not want Hearts to make the same mistakes against Liverpool as were made in the Europa League qualifying rounds last season in a thrashing by Tottenham Hotspur.

The SPL club has drawn English opponents in the play-offs for the second year running, with the first leg at Tynecastle on 30th August and return at Anfield seven days later.

Hearts were three goals down inside 27 minutes last season on their way to a 5-0 home defeat by Spurs before a youthful side restored some respectability with a goalless draw in North London.

McGlynn took over from Paulo Sergio this summer amid huge cutbacks to the squad, with an experienced spine to the team complemented by many of the youngsters who performed at White Hart Lane.

And he will make sure as much as possible is learned from that game when they meet Liverpool.

"It's a similar type of tie," he said. "Unfortunately for Hearts it kind of died very, very quickly.

"There was a great build-up and atmosphere at Tynecastle but the way Tottenham went about their business, the game was finished very quickly.

"Hearts restored their pride by going down and getting a draw. I would hope we would learn from that."

There was certainly no dread about facing one of the top seeds in the draw among McGlynn or the Hearts players despite the painful memory of that Tottenham defeat.

Midfielder Scott Robinson said: "It's brilliant, that's the tie we wanted. Liverpool is a dream tie.

"You either want a big team like Liverpool or someone you think you're going to get through against. But we'll do the best we can."

Match Report: Liverpool 3 - 0 FC Gomel

Luis Suarez was the inspiration as Liverpool cruised into the final qualifying round of the Europa League with a 3-0 win over FC Gomel - and it seems Joe Allen is about to provide further cheer for the Anfield faithful.

After telling Swansea he wants to move north, Allen was present to watch Suarez create first-half goals for Fabio Borini and skipper Steven Gerrard as the Belarus outfit proved no match for the Merseyside giants.

Glen Johnson added another after half-time.

It was a positive way for Brendan Rodgers to mark his first home game in charge, particularly with his first signing Borini capping a useful performance by grabbing a precious goal on his home debut, thrashing home a first-time shot from 10 yards.

More significant tests are to come and the presence of Reds' former assistant-manager Steve Clarke was a reminder that the first Premier League game against West Brom is only nine days away.

However, this win should at least settle some of the nerves which have started to grow amid speculation that Daniel Agger and Andy Carroll might end up joining the summer exodus from a club that expects much better than last season's eighth-place finish.

There are some who wonder whether Rodgers would be happy to pocket the cash for Agger to fund a squad strengthening exercise but the Liverpool manager was fulsome in his praise yesterday and was prepared to put Jamie Carragher on the bench to accommodate him on Thursday evening.

Suarez was the most telling presence though.

Eight days after his Olympic campaign with Uruguay came to a sorry end in Cardiff and with a lucrative contract signed earlier this week, he approached the tie with a sense of purpose.

Suarez raced onto a return pass from Gerrard before flashing a shot inches over, then left Gomel skipper Nikolai Kashevsky looking silly with a smart turn.

Unfortunately for the South American, he could not profit from his impudence as Vladimir Bushma got down to save his angled drive.

Gomel were finding it impossible to subdue Suarez and when he outsmarted them again with a run to the byline, it led directly to Liverpool's opener.

Kashevsky stuck out a leg to turn the low cross out of the six-yard area but in doing so sent it straight to Borini, who promptly smashed a first-time shot under Bushma's body.

It was a fine way for Borini to mark his home debut and the former Chelsea man thought he was going to get another shortly afterwards, only for Sergey Matsveychyk to turn away a Suarez cross that was about to leave the Italian with an empty net.

Instead, Gerrard got one four minutes from time.

Once again Suarez did the spadework, driving into the heart of Gomel's defence and drawing Bushma, leaving the Reds skipper with the simplest of tasks.

With a place in Friday's draw secure, Liverpool went in search of more goals after the break.

Gerrard thudded a shot against the base of a post before Suarez went on another mazy run through a Gomel defence.

His shot would have squeezed in at the far corner had Bushma not managed to touch it behind with an excellent low save.

Liverpool's third eventually arrived from an unlikely source 19 minutes from time as Johnson charged onto a loose ball, controlled on his chest, then belted home a left-footed shot from the edge of the area.

Suarez's hopes of a goal were dashed when he was denied a clear run by a debatable offside flag and Allen was still in his seat when his prospective new team-mate curled a shot straight at Bushma in the final minute.

Rodgers Salutes Suarez

Brendan Rodgers declared himself satisfied with Liverpool's performance after the 3-0 win over Gomel in the Europa League on Thursday and had special praise for Luis Suarez.

The Reds were made to work hard in the first leg in Belarus last week but were much more impressive at Anfield as goals from Fabio Borini, Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson secured a 4-0 aggregate victory.

And Rodgers was delighted with the display, singling out Suarez as the star man after he set up the first two goals.

"Luis is an incredible player," the Liverpool boss said. "He has come back to us and looked great in training.

"He is so creative in the box but he also presses very well when he doesn't have the ball.

"He is the type of player I love. He is in love with football. He has such passion for the game.

"His combination work with Steven Gerrard and Fabio Borini was excellent."

Rodgers was also pleased that Borini opened his account on his home debut.

Having worked with the striker at Chelsea and Swansea, he had no doubts Borini could add something to his team - hence why he was so keen to lure him back to England from Roma.

"It is important for any striker to score because they are judged on their goals," Rodgers said. "But I brought him here because I know he can score.

"He is only 21 and has a lot of improvement left in him.

"But with his work-rate and his ability on the ball I think he will fit in very well to our team."

Reina Asks For Patience

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina believes that time should be given to manager Brendan Rodgers for him to implement his footballing style at Anfield.

The Premier League club got the better of FC Gomel 3-0 on Thursday in style, thanks to goals from Fabio Borini, Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson.

The win saw Liverpool progress to the play-off round of the Europa League, leading Reina to express his faith in Rodgers' footballing philosophy.

"It was a good night's work," the Spain international told the club's official website.

"We kept a clean sheet and got the result, played well, got through, and I'm happy for the fans.

"It's always enjoyable for me when the team wins, especially when we keep a clean sheet. That's the way it should be in almost every game, especially at home.

"It's coming along little by little. We have to be patient. It will take time - it's not a four-week project. We want to create our own style of play and that will take a little longer than four weeks.

"All we ask from the people is to be patient and have trust in the team because I think we are going to come good."

Reina was part of the Spain squad that successfully defended their European Championship title last month, and was given an extended break by Liverpool.

However, the 29-year-old insists that he is glad to be back in action for the Reds.

"I'm always happy to come back. It's been a busy summer - a happy, but busy summer - but it's great to be back," added Reina.

"I'm looking forward to the start of the season and hopefully we can continue to keep getting positive results at Anfield."

Liverpool will host Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly on Sunday.

Allen Completes Liverpool Move

Liverpool Football Club is delighted to announce that midfielder Joe Allen has completed his transfer from Swansea City.

The Wales international signed a long-term contract after passing a medical at Melwood.

After finalizing the deal, Allen told Liverpoolfc.com: "I feel incredible. Everyone knows the history of this club, it's a massive club, and I'm delighted to have joined.

"The passion that people here have for football is something I share and I want to be part of that.

"I'm looking forward to being part of some great years ahead for Liverpool Football Club."

The 22-year-old becomes our second summer signing following the arrival of Fabio Borini.

Brendan Rodgers said: "I'm absolutely delighted that Joe has made the decision to come with us on this journey.

"Joe is a player whose profile will fit perfectly with the ideas of this group. His ability to control and dominate the ball is an important ingredient in our attempt to gain success on the field.

"Joe has had a fantastic education at Swansea City and will now begin the next chapter in his exciting career, and I wish him all the very best in what I'm sure will be a long and distinguished career here at Liverpool."

Liverpool Line Up Atletico Madrid Defender As Agger Replacement

Liverpool has lined up Uruguayan defender Diego Godin as a replacement for Daniel Agger, reports suggest.

Manchester City and Barcelona’s sustained interest in the Danish centre back has left Brendan Rodgers to consider alternative options, desperate not to be left short at the back as the new season approaches. The uncompromising Atletico Madrid defender has been linked with a move to Merseyside in the past, and has now emerged as Liverpool’s primary target should Agger leave, Goal.com report.

Brendan Rodgers has been determined to hold onto Agger, as he seeks to mould his own team at Anfield following his arrival in June, but has confessed the financial realities could have the final say in the matter. Manchester City has already had bids knocked back by the Merseyside club, and Rodgers has hinted that it will take a lot more to prise the defender away, but acknowledges the need to consider the interests of the club.

"There has been contact from City, yes,” Rodgers told Sky Sports when quizzed on the issue.

"But it's nowhere near the valuation of what the player is worth and you can only consider something like that if it is going to benefit you.

“Of course you might lose a top player but if it benefits you going forward - and you can make two or three steps because of it - you may have to consider it. Is he a player I want to lose? No. He understands how I want to work and can play a real pivotal part in how I want to play,” Rodgers continued.

"But I am a realist. If someone comes in with a massive bid and it is in the best interests of the club, whether it is Daniel or any other player, you have to look at it.

"The reality is we don't the money that was here.”

Liverpool Will Need To Act Fast To Land Bologna Star

Liverpool will have to act fast to secure the signature of Gaston Ramirez as Inter Milan have entered negotiations with the Uruguayan’s representatives.

The Anfield side has been linked with a move for Ramirez since the January transfer window, and the 21-year-old has been touted for a move to Merseyside this summer after manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that he wished to add to his squad before the end of the transfer window.

As talkSPORT reported yesterday, Inter Milan have pinpointed Ramirez as their main summer transfer target after seeing Paris St Germain clinch the signing of Brazil starlet Lucas Moura.

And Inter have moved swiftly, with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that the Serie A side have entered advanced talks with the Uruguayan’s camp.

However, Inter are still trying to get Bologna to lower their £16m asking price, and are willing to offer them defender Juan or forward Samuele Longo on a season-long loan deal as part of the transfer.

Bellamy Joins Cardiff City

Cardiff City has signed forward Craig Bellamy from Liverpool on a two-year contract.

Sky Sports revealed earlier on Friday that the Bluebirds were in negotiations with the Wales international, and discussions have now come to fruition.

Bellamy officially put pen to paper on Friday after having successfully undergone a medical on Thursday.

The Championship side has not stated the transfer fee they have had to pay Liverpool.

The 33-year-old played for Cardiff in the 2010/11 season on loan from Manchester City and earlier this summer had expressed his desire to return to his hometown club.

Speaking of the transfer, the Welsh club's chief executive Alan Whiteley enthused: "I am sure that Liverpool will agree that their loss is this football club's gain and that Craig's return will be met with huge excitement and enthusiasm by all Cardiff City fans - and as the perfect backdrop to the start of the new season."

Bellamy will wear the No.39 shift at Cardiff and will join his team-mates for training next week.

Liverpool Face Hearts Test

Liverpool will take on Scottish club Hearts for a place in the group stage of the Europa League this season.

The Reds got the better of FC Gomel in the last qualifying round and will have to get past the Edinburgh club in the two-legged play-off tie that is scheduled for later this month.

Newcastle United has been drawn against Atromitos of Greece, while Scottish side Motherwell will confront Spanish outfit Levante.

Atromitos could prove to be a tough challenge for Alan Pardew's Newcastle, with the Athens-based side finishing fourth in the Greek Super League.

They were 23 points adrift of champions Olympiacos, with whom Newcastle drew 1-1 in a friendly in Portugal last month.

Italian giants Inter Milan have been paired against Vaslui, while Steve McClaren's Twente will entertain Bursaspor in a couple of the other interesting ties.

Henry Wants Fair Play Regulations

Liverpool's principal owner John Henry insists his club and others in the top flight are ready to commit to financial fair play regulations in the Premier League.

It has been reported that the Premier League is considering adopting its own set of rules to supplement the existing statutes brought in by the sport's European governing body UEFA, which are designed to ensure that clubs spend within their means and penalize those that do not.

Henry told Liverpool fans' website the Tomkins Times: "Recently I was told that half of the clubs in the top divisions within Europe are losing money and 20% are in straits of varying degrees.

"There are a lot of clubs within the league that support financial fair play. We believe the league itself may have to adopt its own rules given that club's seem to be ignoring UEFA's rules, which may be porous enough to enable clubs to say that the trend of huge losses is positive and therefore be exempt from any meaningful sanctions."

Van Gaal Admits He Was Tempted By Liverpool Job

New Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has admitted that he was attracted by the opportunity to work in the Premier League with Liverpool.

The 61-year-old was linked with both the manager's job and a role as sporting director at Anfield following the dismissal of Kenny Dalglish, but Brendan Rodgers was eventually appointed.

Van Gaal has claimed that he had always set his sights on a job with a national team but said the Reds' offer was the only one that tempted him to return to club management.

"I've only spoken with Liverpool about a job," the Dutchman told reporters. "My aim was to be manager at a national team.

"That it turned out to be Holland is the best thing that could happen. I had a lot of chances to sign with other clubs, but I rejected it.

"Only Liverpool came with a plan that I liked, because I've never worked in the Premier League and I always wanted to become champion in England."

The former Bayern Munich boss refused to play down the expectations around the Netherlands team after their poor performance at Euro 2012.

The country crashed out of the tournament at the group stage under Bert van Marwijk but Van Gaal insisted that they should still be aiming for the latter stages of major tournaments.

"Our goal in the Netherlands is very high," he continued. "I want to set the aim high because that's the only way to achieve those goals.

"We want to qualify for the World Cup and reach the semi-finals."