Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to secure back-to-back home wins and end Liverpool's eight-match unbeaten run on Wednesday.

A 3-1 derby success over West Ham United on Sunday saw Spurs returning to winning ways following three straight defeats, and they will want to build on that result and close back in on the top four.

History would appear to be in Spurs' favour, with the north London outfit having emerged victorious in their last five meetings with Liverpool at White Hart Lane in all competitions.

Bringing an end to that sequence of results will be Brendan Rodgers' top priority, with Liverpool heading to the capital still searching for a spark to ignite their season.

The Reds have become hard to beat, which is a step in the right direction, but seven draws in 13 games this season have held them back.

It is, however, worth noting that only reigning champions Manchester City have gone longer without tasting a Premier League defeat than the men from Merseyside and Rodgers will feel that his side can kick on once momentum is established.

Emmanuel Adebayor will serve the second game of his three-match ban in midweek, meaning Jermain Defoe will get the opportunity to lead the Tottenham lead once more.

Mousa Dembele, who returned from injury to make a 10-minute cameo appearance against West Ham, may be returned to Andre Villas-Boas' starting XI, but the Portuguese tactician is not expected to make too many changes to a winning team.

Scott Parker is back in light training following an Achilles injury, but is some way short of full match fitness, while Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee) and Younes Kaboul (knee) remain on the sidelines.

Midfielder Sandro has been passed fit after being carried off on a stretcher with a stomach injury against West Ham.

Andre Wisdom has recovered from the knee injury which kept him out of a goalless draw with Swansea at the weekend and returns to the Liverpool squad.

If the teenager regains his place in the back four, winger Stewart Downing - who played at left-back at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday - would be the player most likely to make way.

Midfielder Lucas Leiva, who played an hour for the reserves on Friday, will not be included but could come into contention at the weekend.

Rodgers Dismisses Spurs Links

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has shrugged off talk that he was a target for Tottenham prior to the appointment of Andre Villas-Boas.

Rodgers, who takes his Liverpool side to White Hart Lane on Wednesday was reported to be a target for Tottenham following the sacking of Harry Redknapp in the summer.

Rodgers dismissed as "irrelevant" the suggestion Tottenham had made a serious approach to him to replace Redknapp, insisting he had no regrets over his decision to move to Liverpool

"I was very happy in my work at Swansea," said Rodgers. "Harry had done a brilliant job there, and for whatever reason, the club decided that it wasn't to be and looked elsewhere.

"For me to leave Swansea was going to be a big ask, but I had the opportunity to come here, and I've not regretted any moment of it."

Asked if there had been contact with Tottenham over a move to White Hart Lane earlier this year, Rodgers said: "It's irrelevant. Tottenham have chosen a manager. Obviously, Harry had done a great job there, and they decided to go down the route of Andre Villas-Boas.

"Andre's gone in, he's looking to continue the great work Harry had done. My only thinking is about Liverpool."

Villas-Boas Foresees Rodgers Impact At Liverpool

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas believes that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is the man to bring Champions League football back to Anfield.

The Portuguese boss goes into the game against the Merseyside club knowing that a win can take the club into the top four, but, with their opponents currently on an eight-game unbeaten streak of their own, he remains wary of the threat that they pose.

"At the moment they [Liverpool] are on a good run in terms of form," Villas-Boas told reporters.

"They would want ideally to turn the draws into wins. In a couple of games there were very close to winning but they didn't get the result that they wanted.

"They are in an awkward position in the league at the moment but the distance between the teams [in the middle of the table] is not a lot so it can change dramatically for them and they can join the top ten very soon.

"The power of the club is extremely high and the quality of the players and I think eventually they will join the battle for the top spots."

The 35-year-old is very familiar with former Swansea City manager Rodgers, after having worked as part of Jose Mourinho's backroom staff at Chelsea together, and has admitted that he's followed his career ever since.

He added: "The first time I came across Brendan was at an FA coaching course when we were trying to get our degrees and qualifications, we didn't know that our ways would cross paths.

"I saw him again when we were at Chelsea in 2004, when he was there as a youth team coach and he had done really well since then.

"He started his career at the right time, went through a difficult period at Watford. He came strong at Reading and Swansea. [And now] he's in a position which he deserves to be and he has a bright future."

Chelsea Star Anxious To Make Liverpool Move

Liverpool is hoping that the change in manager at Chelsea will not affect their January transfer plans for striker Daniel Sturridge.

The England international forward has been heavily linked with a move to Merseyside in recent months, with The Daily Telegraph claiming the 23-year-old remains the Reds’ prime target for the New Year.

The report goes on to state that Sturridge is ‘anxious’ to make the move to Liverpool, with the player spending large spells of the current season on the Stamford Bridge substitutes bench.

Whether Rafael Benitez aims to utilize Sturridge’s ability more than former boss Roberto Di Matteo is yet to be seen, but with ‘executive level’ talks already taking place, the former Manchester City forward’s future may already be sealed.

“You never know when new managers go into clubs, but we will see what happens over the course of the market for us,” Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is quoted as saying in the same newspaper.

“Hopefully we can get a few in. Obviously Ian Ayre (Liverpool Managing Director) has been dealing with transfer stuff in the background and doing a great job along with the recruitment team.”

Liverpool is short of options in attack this season, with Luis Suarez leading the line alone for the Merseyside giants in the absence of Fabio Borini (injury) and Andy Carroll (loan).

Chelsea isn’t bulging in the attacking department either though, with a lack of competition meaning Fernando Torres continues to get the nod in west London.

Sturridge’s exit would limit the club’s options further, although Ivorian international Wilfried Bony and Atletico Madrid star Radamel Falcao have both been linked with Chelsea moves in 2013.

Liverpool To Rival Manchester City For New Alonso

Liverpool have joined Manchester City in the hunt for exciting Spanish midfielder Benat, reports the London Metro.

The 25-year-old Real Betis star, who has been likened in playing style to Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso, has emerged as one of La Liga's leading lights over the past two seasons, prompting admiring glances from a host of Premier League clubs.

Manchester City scouts are believed to have been monitoring Benat's progress closely in recent months - including in Betis' 1-0 victory over Real Madrid, where he scored the winner - as Roberto Mancini considers a bid to bring the playmaker to the Etihad Stadium.

However, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is also keen on the technical midfield maestro, after being promised by Anfield owners that he will be given funds to strengthen his squad in January.

Spanish publication AS suggest Benat could cost upwards of £15million, which could prove to be a sticking point for Liverpool. Rodgers might only be willing to spend half that amount, but could maximize his budget by selling the likes of Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson in the New Year.

The Reds boss is targeting a forward as a priority in the forthcoming transfer window, but knows the Spanish international could add vital balance and creativity with his impressive range of passing, to Liverpool's lacklustre midfield.

Man United & Liverpool Eyeing Henrik Larsson's Son

Manchester United and Liverpool are both chasing the signature of teenage prodigy Jordan Larsson.

The 15-year-old Hogaborgs BK midfielder is on United’s radar with Sir Alex Ferguson sending scouts to watch him play.

More famously, Larsson is the son of football legend Henrik, who enjoyed a brief spell in 2007 at Old Trafford, and maybe the family connection could be a deal breaker.

Brendan Rodgers has also been keeping tabs on Larsson and Liverpool’s reputed success in developing talent through the youth ranks should not be understated.

Raheem Sterling is a prime example of this, and after signing for Liverpool in 2010, he has been setting alight the Premier League this season.

United also have a good track record of developing and nurturing youth talent, with Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley, two high-profile graduates who have gone on to become established first-team players.

Larsson scored five goals last season for his club.

Arsenal Identify Liverpool Star As Top January Target

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has been identified as Arsenal's No.1 target in their pursuit of reinforcements in the January transfer window, it has been claimed.

Reina has been linked with a transfer to Arsenal for some time, while Liverpool is reportedly considering replacing the Spain international in the New Year.

Wigan's Ali Al Habsi is reported to be under consideration by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, and Reina could seemingly be offered the opportunity to jump from Anfield before he is pushed.

According to Goal.com, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has outlined the acquisition of a new 'keeper as a top priority for the transfer window, and Reina is the player he wants to bring to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal want to secure the services of a proven Premier League custodian to challenge, or replace, incumbent Wojciech Szczesny and Reina fits the bill for Wenger.

Szczesny, 22, has struggled with injury and for consistency of late, and his position as Arsenal's undoubted No.1 now appears to be under threat.

However, should Arsenal miss out on the Reina, the Gunners will reportedly instead focus their attention on recruiting Swansea star Michel Vorm or Stoke City's Thomas Sorensen.

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Vorm, who played under Rodgers at the Liberty Stadium, and a swoop for the Netherlands international could prompt Reina to leave for Arsenal.

Reina, 30, moved to Anfield from Villarreal in 2005 and has made 385 appearances for Liverpool during his time with the club.

Enrique Calm Over Future

Jose Enrique claims he never feared for his Liverpool future and is enjoying life at the club.

The Spaniard appeared to have fallen out of favour at Anfield after a slump in form but is back in the team and performing impressively for the Reds.

"Football is for moments and now I am playing well so I hope I can continue like this and help the team as much as possible," he said.

"Last year, up to December, I played really well and then I don't know why I dropped my form.

"Now I've started to do it again and it is more important to think in the present and live from now and I will try to do my best now.

"To be honest I've never been worried because I've always believed in myself.

"From the start I had knee problems so I have to prove myself with the manager; you have to do that always.

"It is not what you did before, it is what you do now. Every time you have to play well - if not there are players who will play better than you do.

"But I am really happy here. It is the biggest club I've played for, the fans are amazing and I really like the city so of course I want to play here for a long time."

Enrique had not made a promising start under new boss Brendan Rodgers and saw Glen Johnson and Stewart Downing preferred at left-back.

But the 26-year-old has found a new role on the left side of midfield playing off Luis Suarez and claims he will play anywhere as long as he is in the team.

"I like to play there but to be honest my position is left-back, it is where I am more comfortable and is where I have been all my life in the Premier League," he added.

"Of course, you enjoy it when you attack and I don't have to defend that much and playing there with Luis is really easy as his movement is everything and he is a really clever player.

"But it depends on where the manager wants me to play - I don't care where.

"It is the manager's decision and if you are not happy you go. He preferred Glen or Stewart before and I have to respect his decision.

"I did what I always did - train as hard as I could and to try to get my chance like I have now. I am playing now so I am happy but I still have to improve in myself."

And the former Villarreal and Celta Vigo player has plenty of praise for Rodgers' tactics, hailing him as the best coach he was worked with in the Premier League.

"From the start he is the best manager I've had in England in terms of tactics and everything," he said.

"Tactically he is like the Spanish. It reminds me of what happened at Villarreal. He has a mentality like a Spanish manager and I really like that."

Henderson Out To Prove A Point

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is determined to prove his career at Anfield is going to last for the long-term.

The £16million summer 2011 signing from Sunderland was part of a big-money squad overhaul conducted under former boss Kenny Dalglish.

But Henderson only made his first Premier League start of this season under new manager Brendan Rodgers in the weekend draw at Swansea City after being restricted to substitute, Capital One Cup and Europa League appearances.

The 22-year-old has been offered encouragement from Rodgers but knows he still has to prove his credentials at five-time European champions Liverpool.

Henderson said in the Daily Star ahead of Wednesday's game at Tottenham Hotspur: "If you move to a club like Liverpool, you have to try to make it for life and not just for Christmas.

"When I signed for Liverpool, I definitely wanted it to be long-term and I will give it everything I have got.

"It is a lot easier to throw a tantrum and walk away from a big club than fight to make it work, isn't it?

"Other players might treat it different ways but it just gives me a different incentive to push on and go forward.

"I think the manager has seen that I have improved since he came to the club and I need to keep on improving."

Borrell Promoted Ahead Of Critical NextGen Qualifier

Amongst all the turnover of the past few seasons, one of the mainstays has been U18s, Reserves, and now Head of Academy Coaching Rodolfo Borrell, who's transitioned into his new role as Alex Inglethorpe takes over the Reserves ahead of their penultimate NextGen qualifying match against Dortmund.

The NextGen Series has seemed like a whirlwind in its second season of existence, last year we had all the introductory information and a fairly high level of attention paid, but this time around it's sneaked up on us a bit, and all of a sudden we're looking at the last two matches of the qualifying round and Liverpool potentially on the outside looking in.

Liverpool's fortunes in the competition have been the polar opposite of what they've put together in the U21 Premier League, with three losses in their first three before picking up their lone win of the tournament last time out, managing to put four past a Rosenborg side that'd defeated them 3-0 in the reverse fixture. A win over Dortmund on Wednesday still wouldn't keep them safe, as they'll need Inter to lose to Rosenborg and then to defeat the holders in the final match of group play on the 8th of January.

The personnel on the pitch won't likely be surprising for many, as Adam Morgan, Conor Coady, and Stephen Sama are all expected to feature, but there's significant changes in management, as former Reserves and U18s boss Rodolfo Borrell, who's left the team in every match of the competition across two seasons to this point, has been promoted to Head of Academy Coaching, and former Tottenham U18s coach Alex Inglethorpe takes over.

Frank McParland, who was the subject of an enlightening interview back in September with Sachin Nakrani in the Guardian, retains his role as Academy Director, with Borrell now responsible for, in the words of Brendan Rodgers, "(making) richer the philosophy we are creating at the club from U9s through to the first team." Inglethorpe, who was with Spurs for six years, will presumably see his duties start immediately ahead of Wednesday's match.

Match Report: Swansea 0 - 0 Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers secured a point on his return to the Liberty Stadium but will feel his Liverpool side deserved more at the home of his former employers.

The Reds had Jose Enrique's first-half strike ruled out for a marginal offside decision, while teenage prodigy Raheem Sterling rattled the bar and Jonjo Shelvey's late strike was beaten out by Gerhard Tremmel.

Man of the match Pablo Hernandez had Swansea's best chances. The Spain winger curled narrowly wide in the first half before having his low-free-kick brilliantly tipped wide by Jose Reina.

Ashley Williams, who shook hands with Luis Suarez prior to kick-off after his criticism of the Liverpool striker, also saw former Swan Joe Allen clear his header off the line.

Despite seeing his side only secure a point, which extended their unbeaten league run to eight games but keeps them below Swansea in the table, Rodgers will have taken heart from another promising performance as he looks to rebuild at Anfield, with Sterling, Enrique and Glen Johnson excelling.

And with his intimate knowledge of Swansea's style, the Northern Irishman, who received a good reception from the home faithful, set Liverpool up to press his former club as high up the pitch as possible.

It proved effective, and Johnson should have given them the lead from Steven Gerrard's corner after Allen had dispossessed Leon Britton.

Wayne Routledge forced a sharp near post save from Reina after turning on the edge of the area, but the game was being played almost exclusively in the Swansea half.

Suarez should have capitalized when Swansea again surrendered the ball, but strayed offside as Enrique advanced, before the Spaniard steered narrowly wide from Sterling's superb cross.

Enrique turned provider with a lovely pass for Johnson in the 26th minute, but Tremmel was out quickly to block his effort.

Swansea were limited to counter-attacks, and one sharp break saw Hernandez go close to breaking the deadlock, his curling strike beating Reina but also the far post.

Liverpool went straight up the other end and failed to convert a trio of clear-cut chances that would have given them a deserved reward for their dominance.

Angel Rangel's brave block denied Suarez a simple finish, before Sterling struck the bar with a thunderous volley.

Enrique had the ball in the net after 34 minutes from Suarez's delicate pass, but the assistant referee ruled offside, although replays suggested he may have been level.

Hernandez, Swansea's most lively operator, shot over the bar as half-time closed in, but there was no denying Liverpool's superiority.

Michael Laudrup brought Ki Sung-yueng on for the anonymous Itay Shechter at half-time and pushed Michu up front in an effort to alter the pattern of the game.

The change succeeded in solidifying the Swans midfield but the visitors still looked the more likely to break the deadlock, with Tremmel beating away a fierce angled drive from Suarez.

After that scare the hosts enjoyed their best spell of the game.

Michu had a header saved by Reina when Hernandez broke free of Johnson's marking before Allen denied his former team by clearing a Williams header off the line at the far post.

Nathan Dyer, just on as a substitute, raced through on goal after robbing Stewart Downing at left-back, but could not beat Reina as the two slid for the loose ball and collided. Both players were fine to continue after treatment.

Michu had a penalty appeal turned down after a grapple with Daniel Agger, and Swansea would have gone behind had Liverpool not blown a golden opportunity with eight minutes to play.

Suarez and Sterling broke from a Swansea corner and had only Ben Davies in front of them, but a laboured pass from the winger forced the Uruguayan wide and Tremmel held his shot.

Hernandez thought he had stolen the points with just three minutes remaining, only for Reina to make a superb fingertip save, before Tremmel blocked Jonjo Shelvey's fizzing strike to ensure the points were shared.

Rodgers Pleased With Liverpool Quality In Swansea Draw

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was impressed with the ‘marked difference’ in his side despite a 0-0 draw with Swansea.

Liverpool came close to securing three points with Raheem Sterling hitting the crossbar after Jose Enrique had a goal disallowed and Rodgers believes his side is constantly improving.

"I thought there was a marked difference," Rodgers told Sky Sports. "I was really pleased with the quality of our game on Saturday, I thought our build-up play was good and we got through the thirds well.

"I just thought we needed a fraction more belief in the final third. There were opportunities around the box where we could have got a shot off a bit quicker.

"That comes from certain types of player and personnel you have in. I thought the method in our game was good, and people who would have seen the game at the end of last season would have seen a difference, hopefully.

"We were unfortunate with the offside goal that was ruled out. I thought that was a goal having seen the replays of it.

"I'll never say coming here is two points dropped because it's a difficult place to come. Our performance level is continually improving. We're just chipping away at climbing up the league, and we'll do that."

Skrtel: Liverpool Deserved To Beat Swansea

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel feels his team deserved more than just a point after the 0-0 draw with Swansea City on Sunday, but was happy to have kept a clean sheet.

The Reds were the more threatening side on show, with Jose Enrique seeing his first-half goal ruled out for offside before Raheem Sterling hit the crossbar with a fine half-volley.

However, despite disappointment at not winning the game, Skrtel underlined the importance of not losing and stretching Liverpool’s unbeaten run to eight matches.

"The main thing if you don't win the game, don't lose the game," the Slovakian told the club’s official website. "We try to work hard in the defence, try to keep a clean sheet, and as defenders help the team to get the points.

"But we knew before the game it was not going to be easy in Swansea and we could see it wasn't.

"We took the point and remained unbeaten, that's good, but I think we were feeling we could win and get more than we got."

Liverpool travel to Tottenham next as Brendan Rodgers reaches 25 games in charge of the Reds, and Skrtel has admitted that the new methods the manager is trying to implement have taken time to take effect but is confident the methods are starting to reap rewards.

"It wasn't easy at the start of the season because all the things changed when the new manager came in," Skrtel added.

"He wanted to change the style, the way we play - it needs time. The last few games we have started to play the way we want to play and we just need more wins.

"Too many games we have played well, created chances, just couldn't take them and score. That's the thing we need to improve and start getting the points."

Rodgers Expecting A Quiet January Transfer Window

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers does not expect to do a great of business in the January transfer window.

Since taking over as Liverpool boss Rodgers has bolstered his struggling side with just two major signings in Joe Allen and Fabio Borini. In the meantime Liverpool lost Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy and Andy Carroll leaving the Red's short of fire power as they failed to secure a deal as the deadline passed.

It has be well reported that Liverpool are set to be busy in the winter transfer window but the Northern Irishman has suggested that this may not be the case.

He said, "I am not so sure it will be in January to be honest. This year the club wanted to balance the books and see where it was at.

"There was a big investment in the club and obviously a lot of players went out in the summer and a few came in.

"We will look to do some business in January to help and support the players here, but that is where we are at as a football club and it is something the owners trust me to grow over time. Eventually we will get there."

Liverpool is currently lying eleventh in the Premier League after picking up a point at former side Swansea and he continued, “It will evolve. The guys are working very well, they have been fantastic, but we all know you need to get in your own types of players before you can say it is your own side.

"When I came to Swansea in my first season there were 12 players that were used and six moved on. In the second year seven came in over the course of the season and there were nine who went the other way.

"Until you get that turnover of players you can only look at it then as your team. But we will work with the players we have."

Liverpool And Stoke Eye Lazio Striker Mauro Zarate

Liverpool and Stoke are set to fight it out for Lazio forward Mauro Zarate when the transfer window opens in January.

The out-of-favour striker has featured just five times for the Serie A side this season and would be available for around €10million, but Liverpool and Stoke face competition from other suitors around Europe, including Malaga and Spartak Moscow.

But the Argentine is believed to favour a move to the Premier League, according to La Lazio Siamo Noi, after his ill-fated spell in Italy.

Zarate has previously featured in English football, having had a brief loan spell at Birmingham City during the 2007/08 season, netting four goals in 14 appearances.

And Liverpool have previously shown interest in the Lazio man, having been in talks to take the 25-year-old to Anfield on a loan move in the summer of 2011, but the prospective deal fell through.

He instead remained in Serie A with Inter Milan, where he scored just twice in 22 league outings.

Darren Bent Closes On Liverpool Loan

Darren Bent is reportedly closing in on a January loan to Liverpool after being axed by Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert for the home draw with Arsenal.

The striker, 28, was available after missing three games with an ankle problem but Lambert instead preferred rookie Jordan Bowery as his back-up forward for Saturday’s 0-0 stalemate with the Gunners.

Now Liverpool, who are in desperate need of extra firepower, are believed to already be in negotiations with Villa over taking Bent on loan until the end of the season with a view to making the move permanent in the summer.

A temporary signing would be the ideal solution to Liverpool’s striker problems, as Brendan Rodgers admitted after his side’s 0-0 draw with Swansea that funds may not be available to bring in a permanent recruit.

‘If we can get in the quality in the final third we need to support what we have, then there will be enough to keep the team moving forward,’ said Rodgers.

‘But I am not so sure that will happen in January. This year the club wanted to balance the books and see where we are at.

‘There has been big investment in the club and lots of players went out and a few came in during the summer, so we will look to do some business.’

Whether Villa would settle on a loan deal for a player who cost them £22million just two seasons ago remains to be seen, and boss Lambert insists there’s no rift with the England striker.

'Darren is fine. There's nothing at all. The most important thing is Aston Villa Football Club,' said the Scot.

Benfica Move To Tie Down Star Striker Amid Liverpool Interest

Benfica want to end speculation over Oscar Cardozo's future by securing the Liverpool target for another two years.

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed he will be active in the January transfer window and signing a striker is his priority.

He has scouted Cardozo this season and was weighing up a move for the 29-year-old, who has netted nine in 12 appearances so far.

Rodgers wants to take the goalscoring burden off Luis Suarez and believes the Benfica star could be a decent acquisition at Anfield.

The Portuguese club has other ideas, however. With the Paraguay striker's contract up in the summer, negotiations over a new deal have already begun.

A two-year deal is planned and Benfica hope to get their man to sign shortly.

Chelsea Set To Launch Bid For Suarez

Chelsea is prepared to pull off a major coup by luring Luis Suarez to Stamford Bridge.

Suarez, who could leave Anfield for £40m at the end of the season, is being targeted by Chelsea and Manchester City.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is desperate to hold onto his main talisman, who has been in excellent form this season.

Rodgers admits Suarez can ‘rub people up the wrong way’, but says he is a fantastic player.

He said: “He is a good man and a wonderful player and if you work with him, you see why managers will love him and why supporters idolize him. He gives it his all.

“He trains very day and is never injured and is never in the medical room. He is an absolute dream.

“In January we will make reinforcements.”

And with the Blues failing to get the best out of Fernando Torres, Suarez could rejuvenate the front line.

He has been Liverpool’s saving grace this season, and without his goals, the Reds would find themselves closer to the foot of the Barclays Premier League table.

The Uruguayan has been a totemic figure since his £22.8m move from Ajax in January 2011.

Suarez currently heads the Premier League goal-scoring charts with 10 goals.

Arsenal Could Make £10m Swoop For Downing

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is preparing to make a £10 million move for Liverpool’s Stewart Downing, according to reports.

Wenger has tried to sign Downing before as a replacement for Samir Nasri but was outbid by Liverpool. Now he believes he can salvage Downing’s career after a disappointing time at Anfield.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers does not want Downing and has previously criticized the 28-year-old for a lack of work-rate. He has been out-of-favour at the club after his £20 million switch to the club.

Downing has 34 England caps and was signed by Kenny Dalglish following an in-form season with Aston Villa but came under fire when he failed to score or assist in his first season.

Last week reports suggested that Downing’s former club Middlesbrough were also interested in having him back.

Ferguson Questions Liverpool's £35m Carroll Investment

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was surprised Liverpool did not do more 'homework' on Andy Carroll before breaking their transfer record to sign the striker from Newcastle.

Liverpool spent £35 million on Carroll in the January transfer window of 2011, but the 23-year-old has been sent out on loan to West Ham after failing to make an impressing at Anfield.

Carroll was signed by Liverpool as a replacement for Fernando Torres, who left on deadline day for Chelsea, and joined the Reds with limited experience of playing in the Premier League.

The England international had spent the previous season in the Championship with Newcastle, but impressed enough on return to the top-flight to earn his British record move to Liverpool.

Carroll, however, has far from justified his hefty price-tag since joining Liverpool, and Ferguson feels that the Reds were too hasty in their move for the young striker.

The Manchester United boss believes Liverpool should have waited to see how Carroll fared during his second campaign in the Premier League, before launching a bid to sign him.

He’d played not a lot of games for Newcastle and had to deal with a £35m transfer to a club like Liverpool," Ferguson told The Mirror.

"He was young and it was quite a big jump for him for that kind of money. We’ve gambled on young players in the past, a couple of million, something like that.

"But when you get to that level of £35m, you need to do a bit more ­homework and see how he is in the second season, maybe."

Ferguson's Manchester United side will face Carroll this week when West Ham travel to Old Trafford, and the Scot is wary that the on-loan forward will have a point to prove.

He added: "Now it’s up to the boy to improve himself. He’s a great header of the ball and very aggressive. He’ll be a handful on Wednesday.”