Liverpool Face Three More Years Without Champions League

A senior Liverpool official admits that it may take three years for the club to return to Europe's top club competition and has urged fans to be patient.

Ian Ayre, the Reds' managing director, has acknowledged that coach Brendan Rodgers still need time to rebuild the side and that Liverpool supporters could have to wait as long as three years for Champions League football.

He is quoted on Goal.com as saying: "The expectation is to keep progressing and, of course, our ambition is to play in the Champions League. That's where everyone wants to be from the owners down," the executive explained.

"Our ambition is to get there," said Ayre, who was put in charge by the Anfield club's American owners in March 2011. "Whether we do that in one year, two years or three, we will see. That's where Liverpool should be."

After replacing Kenny Dalglish with Rodgers last summer, the Reds improved to finish seventh in the most recent Premier League campaign, following a significant shift to an expansive and less direct manner of play.

The Merseyside club, however, finished 28 points behind fierce rivals Manchester United. But Ayre added: "We made a big change a year ago with the ambition of getting Liverpool back where they should be at the top of football."

He explained: "We changed the manager, we changed the style of play and we changed some players. We said we wanted to build something here. Rome was not built in a day. If you could do it in one day, then everybody would do it.

It seems Brendan Rodgers will be given time to put his formula into place with the long term goal of getting the Merseyside club back into the Champions League.

Liverpool Edge Nearer To Swoop For Portugal Defender

Liverpool are believed to have moved a step closer to sealing a £3 million move for highly-rated young Sporting Lisbon centre back Tiago Ilori, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The Portugal Under-20 international has been with the Lisbon giants for his entire career to date, having made his debut in the Portuguese capital two years ago, during which time the London-born 20-year-old has featured in just the 12 first-team fixtures for Sporting, scoring once in the process.

However, Liverpool head coach Brendan Rodgers wants to bring the central defender to Anfield when the transfer window swings open into action finally again on July 1 as a player who the Northern Irishman views for the future, especially in light of veteran defender Jamie Carragher’s recent retirement.

Ilori has a contract with Sporting that runs until June 30 2015, but it is not believed that his employers will stand in his way of a dream move to the Premier League.

Reina: Aspas Would Be Great Addition

Pepe Reina has backed Iago Aspas to become a success at Liverpool if he completes a move from Celta Vigo.

Aspas, 25, is reportedly on the verge of a £7.7 million move to Anfield where he will sign a four-year contract. Able to play as a main forward, second striker, or out wide, Aspas broke into the first team in 2008 after emerging from the club's academy.

And Reina is impressed by Liverpool's latest potential acquisition, saying of his fellow Spaniard: "I haven't played with him or against him. He is much younger than me and during my time in England is when he came through the different divisions at Celta.

"I know as much as I have seen on TV and I think he is a great player and could be a great addition.

"I've been asking around and everyone talks well about him so hopefully he will be an asset for us and will be very helpful for the team."

Meanwhile, Reina has also moved to dismiss reports that he could leave Liverpool this summer saying he cannot control speculation and insisting he is happy at the club.

"It has never been a distraction for me," Reina said. "My mind is pretty much in Liverpool as a person. I know the rumours and the talks in the press is something you cannot control.

"To come away with Spain somehow is good because it keeps your mind a little busier and focus on the national team right now. I can guarantee you my future is in Liverpool right now."

I Chose Liverpool Over Other Clubs, Says Aspas

Spanish forward Iago Aspas claims his heart was always set on Liverpool once the club registered interest ahead of a £7 million move from Celta Vigo.

The 25-year-old, whose 12 goals last season helped Celta narrowly escape relegation, enjoyed a fine debut season in top-flight football, attracting widespread interest throughout Europe.

But he says the combined allure of Liverpool and playing in England easily topped all the other offers he had also received.

"When I heard of Liverpool's interest I did not hesitate even for a minute," Aspas told Marca.

"It is one of the biggest clubs in the world and although I also had offers from Italy and Portugal and other countries I decided that my future was in English football."

The striker, who can also operate out wide, added he was very much looking forward to the next step in his career.

He continued: "I am very calm but at the same time very excited because I am making a very significant step forward in my sporting career."

Reina Unsure Over Suarez Liverpool Stay

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina insists he is hopeful Luis Suarez will remain at Anfield, but understands the Uruguayan's desire to leave the club.

Real Madrid appear keen on the striker, although Liverpool will attempt to hold onto their top scorer unless a significant figure over the £50 million mark is offered.

Reina, who is preparing for Spain's friendly against Haiti, is sympathetic to his team-mate's wishes.

"I haven't read Luis himself say he wants out of Liverpool to be honest," Reina said. "He might say that the times have been a little bit rough and the media has been having a bit of a go at him. In the past it's been difficult for him and his family.

"To be honest, I would like for Luis to stay at Liverpool, but I understand if he's thinking about leaving for something bigger - when I say bigger I mean not as a club, just challenging for titles and playing in the Champions League and competing with the best.

"Because of the situation, because of the treatment by the media, it would be difficult for any player, not just Luis, to stay strong and be happy. Hopefully he will stay at Liverpool for many years, but I understand if the right offer comes for him and for the club for him to go."

Former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres threw his support behind Suarez, claiming he has also been a victim of media scrutiny.

Lovren Coy On Liverpool Link

Lyon defender Dejan Lovren insists he is not looking to leave the Ligue 1 side in the wake of reported interest from Liverpool.

The 23-year old has established himself as a regular at Lyon since joining from Dinamo Zagreb in 2010 and his performances in France have seen him attract interest from a number of clubs.

Lovren refused to rule out the possibility of a Premier League switch further down the line, but says he has no plans to move on just yet.

"Each player wants to join a big club. I am under contract until 2016, but anything can happen. Anyway, I am in no rush to leave Lyon," he told tportal.hr.

Lovren's team-mate Yoann Gourcuff also played down the possibility of a Lyon exit.

"I have two years remaining on my contract. We will talk in peace. If there are attracted clubs, I don't close the door on anything," the midfielder said to Ouest France.

"But everyone has to agree to it. The most important is to play. But I have to see the project too."

Liverpool Losing Battle For Real Madrid Midfielder

Liverpool's proposed move for Real Madrid midfielder Jose Callejon could be scuppered by former manager Rafa Benitez, after Napoli entered the race for the Tottenham Hotspur target's signature.

TalkSPORT reports how the 26-year-old is on the Serie 'A' club's summer radar, who are ready to rival the Premier League duo for the Spaniard's signature, by making an £8million bid when the transfer window reopens on July 1.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has been credited with an interest in bringing Callejon to White Hart Lane in the past, but it's Liverpool who looked most likely of any English club to secure the former Mallorca star's services ahead of the 2013/14 campaign.

However, Brendan Rodgers's hopes of luring the player to Anfield have now been dealt a serious blow, with Napoli prepared to enter a bidding war.

Callejon came through the youth ranks at Real Madrid before joining Espanyol in 2008.

After impressing at Estadi Cornella-El Prat, the midfielder returned to the Santiago Bernabeu three years later, but has only made 20 La Liga appearances for his boyhood club since.

His search for regular first-team action now looks to be over, though, with Tottenham, Liverpool, and Napoli ready to offer him the chance to rejuvenate his career.

Tevez To Liverpool Unlikely Say Reports

Yesterday rumours circle that Liverpool were ready make an offer for Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, however this is very unlikely according to reports.

It was alleged that Brendan Rodgers felt that Tevez was the man to replace Luis Suarez if he was to leave the club this summer after saying that he was considering his future.

However talkSPORT say that any move for the Argentine is very unlikely.

Liverpool are very reluctant to sell Suarez considering his impressive form last season but his relationship with the media has left his Premier League future hanging by a thread.

Robben & Suarez Swap Deal Off

The reported swap deal between Liverpool and Bayern Munich for Luis Suarez and Arjen Robben is off as the Dutchman has no intentions of leaving the Allianz Arena.

Suarez is unsure whether he wants to stay at Anfield after another controversial season at the Reds and had been tipped with a move to the Champions League winners with Robben coming in the opposite direction.

"It is football, nothing is a certainty. This is a profession where anything can happen," Robben, who netted the winning goal in the Champions League final, told German newspaper Bild.

"I want to avoid any speculation, though. I am feeling very well here and I have a contract until 2015. Leaving Bayern is not an option for me at this point.

"There is absolutely no reason to leave, so I intend to stay put."

Liverpool Plan £150m Anfield Expansion

Liverpool are set to take a major step closer to a £150 million redevelopment of Anfield by submitting a planning application before the start of next season.

Managing director Ian Ayre has confirmed that plans are on course for the rebuilding program, which would see the Main Stand and Anfield Road End expanded, increasing the capacity to around 60,000.

That would potentially make the ground the second biggest in the top flight, behind the 76,000-capacity Old Trafford. Arsenal's Emirates Stadium is currently the next largest, as it can hold just over 60,000 fans.

The plans come soon after reports emerged that Manchester City are planning to increase the size of their Etihad Stadium to house as many as 54,000 fans.

Last October, Liverpool announced that they planned to stay at Anfield rather than pushing ahead with proposals for a new stadium in neighbouring Stanley Park, seeking to expand their current ground's 45,000 capacity.

But the expansion, going ahead in partnership with Liverpool City Council and social housing developer Your Housing, requires the purchase and demolition of homes that back on to the ground.

Ayre has indicated that negotiations to buy the last few of the 90 houses that need to be demolished are almost complete.

"We are in an interesting period in terms of our aspirations around the stadium," he told the Liverpool Echo. "Our goal is to extend Anfield. But we need certainty, and that comes with the acquisition of properties.

"Real progress has been made in acquiring them. Once they have all been acquired, we will go through the planning process.

"We would expect to be in a position to make that a certainty this summer. Once planning has been achieved, then we can start construction."

Ayre has indicated that the club needs to expand Anfield to increase revenue and allow them to compete financially with the Premier League's top teams.

"There are three core revenue streams - media, commercial and matchday," he added.

"Our media and commercial revenues are very impressive, but where we fall behind is our matchday revenues. Having a bigger stadium and playing in the Champions League are two mechanisms which would dramatically change our fortunes.

"We're determined to press on with the stadium solution. It's in the hands of other people, but hopefully we will get there and deliver what our fans want."

Warrior Launch New Liverpool Away Kit

Warrior has officially launched the new 2013/14 Liverpool FC away kit. Channeling direction from breakthrough patterns and graphics featured throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Warrior’s core inspiration behind the new design stems from the Club’s white and red 1981 League Cup-winning kit.

Head of Warrior Football Richard Wright says the brand worked closely with Liverpool FC throughout the design process.

“We believe we have produced an away kit which stays true to the Club’s heritage but has a fresh look and feel. It has been particularly helpful having LFC involved in the process, emphasizing the relevance of past kits which has helped us to design a strip fans will identify with.”

Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool FC manager, agrees.

“A football strip fuses a team together; it is a Club’s uniform for players and fans. The fact that glimpses of the Club’s history appear in this kit is a really nice touch from Warrior,” said Rodgers.

Primarily white and black with elements of red, the overall kit carries a strong traditional look. The graduation of colour from the shirt down into the shorts and socks sparks strong interactivity between the three components.

Beyond the traditional colour scheme, the neckline has been reworked to give the shirt a modern edge, while an eye-catching diamond print draws attention to its bottom half. Originally featured as part of the 1989/91 away version, the dynamic pattern is a refreshed interpretation of the detailed graphic.

“I like that this strip is different, the pattern and colours are fresh. It looks and feels great on and I can’t wait to wear it next season,” said Liverpool FC forward Daniel Sturridge.

In line with the new home kit, contrast detailing features on each sleeve. A fully embroidered Liver Bird crest sits on the shirt’s front, while two commemorative Eternal Flames and a 96 logo are prominently positioned on the back of the neck.

Designed using War-Tech, Warrior’s groundbreaking apparel technology system, the away kit is powered by breathable, moisture-wicking War-Tech fabric. Four-way stretch mesh paneling under the arms and across the back of the shirt facilitates optimum ventilation while allowing for added comfort and temperature control in core heat areas.

Liverpool Readying Shock Move For Tevez

Liverpool is making contingency plans in case star striker Luis Suarez decides to leave this summer and Carlos Tevez is top of their wish list, according to reports.

Suarez hinted last week that he was considering his future at Anfield following another controversial season at the Reds and being the clubs leading goalscorer they would want to replace him with a big name should he leave.

According to Goal.com Liverpool have been long term admirers of Tevez and have failed with two loan bids in recent seasons and now ready to make a bid for the Argentinian.

Reports in Italy have suggested that Juventus are in pole position to land the former West Ham forward having already agreed personal terms, while the player has opened the door for a lucrative move to big-spending Ligue 1 sides Paris Saint-Germain or Monaco.

It is reported that Liverpool would not be able to match Tevez's salary but would be willing to offer him a long-term contract worth more than £100,000-a-week to lure him to Anfield.

Liverpool And Tottenham Fight For Belgian Winger

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are set to lock horns once again as they battle for the signature of FC Twente winger Nacer Chadli, reports talkSPORT.

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the Eredivisie this summer, as a host of top European clubs prepare bids for his signature.

Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Shakhtar Donetsk are all believed to be consider offers for the Belgium international - who scored 12 league goals for Twente in 2012/13 - with the opportunity to play Champions League football high on the player's agenda.

However, according to Chadli's agent, Daniel Evrard, he is willing to snub their advances in favour of a switch to the Premier League, despite the fact neither Liverpool nor Spurs will be involved in Europe's elite club competition next season.

"Nacer wants to play in the Champions League, but he is also attracted by English football. We expect something from this angle," Evrard told De Telegraaf.

Andre Villas-Boas will be hoping to get one over Brendan Rodgers again, just like he did when securing the services of Clint Dempsey and Gylfi Sigurdsson last summer.

Both players were on the radars of Tottenham and Liverpool, and both came to the same decision that White Hart Lane instead of Anfield would be better for their long-term futures.

Spurs also have a Belgian contingent of Mousa Dembele and Jan Vertonghen to call upon to help convince Chadli to choose north London over Merseyside.

Bayern Ready To Offer Robben For Suarez

It is well known that Bayern Munich are interested in signing Liverpool forward Luis Suarez this summer and are set to offer Arjen Robben as part of the deal.

The Sun say that the fact that new Bayern boss Pepe Guardiola and Suarez share the same agent could have a bearing on the move an he would be willing to let Arjen Robben move to Anfield to seal the deal.

Liverpool is said hoping to keep hold of the Uruguayan but revealed last week that he was considering his Premier League future.

Suarez, who was banned for 10 games for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, hinted he might leave when he said, “I have a contract with Liverpool but it’d be hard to say no to Real Madrid.”

Liverpool Look To Ivan Rakitic

Liverpool is ready to make a move for Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic after he hinted that he wants to leave the club.

The 25 year old arrived at Sevilla in 2011 from Schalke but having finished ninth in La Liga he has admitted that he is unsure on the direction of the club and the Daily Star say he could be on his way to Anfield.

"I have a two-year contract and I'm very satisfied and happy at the club, although it's true that the situation in general is not attractive," he told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti.

"The club has asked me to stay on, they said they wanted to build a new team around me.

"I told them that I want to see what they have done in terms of signings.

"We must build a team which will be better than this season. We will see what happens in the summer."

Brendan Rodgers has had Rakitic watched and could be poised to make a £12m bid.

Rafa Eyeing Swoop For Pepe Reina

Italian sports magazine, Tuttonapoli, are reporting today that former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is considering a bid to snatch Pepe Reina from the Reds this summer.

Benitez has signed a two-year deal to take over at the Serie A club, following his stint as interim manager at Chelsea.

The Italian media report that Benitez is keen on bringing Reina in to replace Napoli’s current first choice goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis.

Reina has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, more heavily with Barcelona.

But last week the Spanish international said there was no truth in speculation linking him with a move to the Nou Camp.

He said to euopapress.es, “I have a contract with Liverpool and in any case I just want to expand it. My future is at Liverpool. With Barcelona’s nothing there.

“I’m happy there [Liverpool], and my wife and my children. I do not know if my agent knows something, but I did not.”

Benitez, meanwhile, has also been linked with moves to sign Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Lucas since his arrival at the Partenopei.

Norwich Make Shelvey Enquiry

Norwich has made an enquiry for Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.

The England U21 international has shown glimpses of his potential at Anfield since joining from Charlton for £1.7m in 2010 but has failed to command a regular starting berth.

Shelvey only started 18 matches last season, and just nine in the Premier League, making a further 15 substitute appearances as he scored five goals.

The club will expect any bidding to start around £5m rising to £8m for the 21-year-old.

Liverpool are also are keen on Valencia teenage midfielder Pedro Chirivella, 16.

Manchester City has also shown interest in the Spain U17 international.

Carroll To Be Offered £100k Per Week

West Ham are set to offer Andy Carroll £100k a week on a six year deal, according to The Daily Mail.

Carroll was on loan at the Hammers this season scoring seven times and Sam Allardyce has constantly expressed his desire to sign the striker on a permanent deal.

The salary for Carroll is understood to be supplemented by a pay off from Liverpool as part of the £15.5m transfer fee.

The Reds paid Newcastle £35m themselves for the 24-year-old in 2011, but he has never quite hit top form at the Anfield club, where he has scored 11 goals in 58 appearances.

The 6ft 3in striker has also made nine England appearances and recently forced his way into Roy Hodgson's squad for friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil before withdrawing due to a heel injury.

Hammers manager Sam Allardyce wants an answer from the striker regarding the deal this week before Carroll returns from his holiday.

Croatia International Plays Down Liverpool Link

Lyon defender Dejan Lovren has turned down recent speculation linking him with a move to Premier League club Liverpool.

The 23-year-old defender has established himself in the Lyon side since his £6m move from Dinamo Zagreb in 2010. The Croatia international has since gone on to make 73 appearances in the Lyon first team, scoring two goals.

And it is this form that has ensured the defender has attracted interest from a range of clubs including Liverpool, Chelsea, Roma and Valencia - all of whom are rumoured to be interested in gaining the services of the defender.

Lyon could cash in on the defender, who still has two years remaining on his contract that runs out in the summer of 2016.

Speaking to Croatian website Tportal.hr, Lovren was adamant that he is not looking for a move away from the Stade De Gerland, despite interest in his services.

"Each player wants to join a big club," the Croatian said. "I am under contract until 2016, but anything can happen. Having said that, I am in no rush to leave Lyon."

These words come as a surprise after Lovren had laid bare some of his frustrations with Lyon over a variety of issues in an interview with Sportske Novostsi in April.

In the interview, Lovren revealed he stated he had lost interest in training and was looking for a move away from France. But it looks like the defender has since completed a dramatic U-turn on his playing preference.

Sturridge Set For Season Opener

Liverpool is hopeful that striker Daniel Sturridge will be fit for the start of the Premier League season.

Sturridge suffered an ankle injury while on duty with England in their draw with the Republic of Ireland last Wednesday and it was feared that he could be out for up to four months.

Initial assessments suggested the striker had suffered ligament damage, but Liverpool confirmed that after seeing a specialist it was confirmed that Sturridge had suffered a “high ankle sprain”

The club is now confident that the former Chelsea man will be fit for the start of the new campaign. “Liverpool hopes to have Daniel Sturridge available for the beginning of the 2013-14 campaign,” a club statement said.

Sturridge scored 11 goals in 16 appearances for the Reds since signing for the club from Chelsea in January.

And with Luis Suarez likely to leave the club in the Summer, or at least miss the first six games of the season due to his ban for biting, the news on Sturridge will be welcomed by manager Brendan Rodgers.