Leiva - Kenny Motivation For Success

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has praised the atmosphere at the club under manager Kenny Dalglish and urged his team-mates to push up the table in the Barclays Premier League run-in.

The Reds have endured a tumultuous season after struggling for the most part under previous incumbent Roy Hodgson and the financial constraints under which he worked. However, Dalglish's return to the Reds has resulted in an upturn of fortunes that has propelled the side to sixth position in the top flight.

"Everyone can see the atmosphere is very good at the moment," said Lucas. "The results at the moment are also better than before."

He added: "We know how important it is for the club and for the fans so we believe we can do a lot more. We now have just eight games left to play and hopefully we can finish well this season and then see what happens.

"Then we can look to the next season."

Speaking ahead of Brazil's international friendly with Scotland on Sunday, Lucas was also keen to defend former team-mate Fernando Torres.

Much has been spoken about the Spain international since his £50 million January move to Chelsea and his subsequent inability to find the back of the net for his new club.

However, Lucas backed his former comrade and preferred to look to the future with new Liverpool attacker Luis Suarez leading the line.

"Fernando was a very good player for Liverpool," he said. "The atmosphere is very good but it was very good with Fernando as well.

"I don't like to talk about my friend because he is a friend of mine. I hope he will be happy at Chelsea and of course we are now looking at Luis and the player that came is already shining."

Liverpool Keen To Sign Roma Defender Philippe Mexes

Liverpool will attempt to secure the signature of the French international defender Philippe Mexes on a free transfer this summer should Kenny Dalglish’s prime defensive target, Gary Cahill, spurn Anfield in favour of Manchester United.

The Scot sees the Bolton defender as the ideal long-term replacement for Jamie Carragher, but knows he would be forced to pay a premium price — as much as £18 million — to see off United, persistent suitors for the 25 year-old, who has become one of the most coveted players in the Premier League.

Should Cahill indicate that he prefers a move to Old Trafford, Liverpool will turn their attentions to Mexes, whose £75,000-a-week contract at Roma expires this summer.

Liverpool's newly-promoted director of football, Damien Comolli, is a long-term admirer of the former Auxerre player and is thought to be confident he can strike a deal despite interest from Arsenal and AC Milan.

Talks over a new deal at Stadio Olimpico have been ongoing for 18 months but Mexes, a cornerstone of the French national side under new manager Laurent Blanc, has thus far failed to agree terms, with Roma’s boardroom engulfed in similar chaos to that which afflicted Liverpool before the arrival, last October, of Fenway Sports Group.

Thomas DiBenedetto, himself an investor in FSG, is expected to complete a takeover of the Serie A side in the coming days after nine months in which the club has been controlled — and half-owned - by UniCredit, the Italian bank.

The American billionaire, though, is unlikely to arrive in time to stop Mexes calling time on seven years in Rome.

The club are unlikely to return to the Champions League next season and face another summer of upheaval, with caretaker manager Vincenzo Montella likely to be replaced and several senior players, including Daniele De Rossi, keen to depart.

The wages Mexes would be able to command at Anfield as a free transfer may tempt him to join Liverpool even if the club fails to qualify for Europe, while it is believed FSG would consider signing a player outside their preferred age bracket — Mexes will be 29 — as he would still be able to command considerable resale value.

FSG are expected to commit substantial funds to Dalglish’s rebuilding project at Anfield once the Scot’s own future is finalised — negotiations are underway on a two-year deal to appoint him as permanent manager — with Comolli stressing earlier this week that he was expecting “a busy summer”.

Dalglish remains keen on signing Charlie Adam, the Blackpool midfielder, while both Ashley Young and Matt Jarvis, of Aston Villa and Wolves, are long-term targets.

Liverpool Told They Must Pay £10m To Land La Liga Defender

Liverpool will land Osasuna defender Nacho Monreal if they meet the buyout clause in his contract, it has emerged.

According to AS, should the Reds bid £10 million for the 26-year-old, it will trigger the clause written into his deal and discussions between the two parties can then commence.

It was initially reported by the Daily Mail that Liverpool were chasing the Spaniard as they look find a recognized left-back after the departure of Paul Konchesky from Anfield.

With Konchesky failing to make a lasting impression on Merseyside, and subsequently being loaned out to Nottingham Forest, Liverpool are in desperate need of a long-term replacement - and appear to have identified Monreal as a potential successor.

With Fabio Aurelio struggling with form and injury, Glen Johnson has been forced to deputize for Liverpool and - while he seems to be flourishing in his new position - the Anfield club are expected to sign reinforcements in the summer.

As well as Monreal, Liverpool have also been linked with Newcastle's Jose Enrique and Celtic star Emilio Izaguirre in their pursuit of fresh blood.

Spanish Playmaker Reveals 'Liverpool Rejection'

Reported Liverpool target Sergio Canales has revealed he rejected the opportunity to move to the Barclays Premier League in January.

The 20-year-old has featured just nine times for Real Madrid this season and, hence, was linked with a transfer window move away from the Bernabeu, but ultimately decided to stay.

According to Sportingo, Liverpool were one of the clubs to have been rebuffed in their attempts to sign the Spanish playmaker - who believes remaining in Madrid represents the best option for his future progression.

"During January I had options to move to England, but I want to repay Mourinho and the club's trust in me," the young playmaker told Marca.

"I don't regret moving to Real Madrid and I knew that this first year would be tough. It's not great when I'm not in the squad but I want to show what I can do on the pitch."

Despite allegedly missing out on Canales in January, Liverpool are reportedly exploring the option of bringing him to Anfield during the summer transfer window as they look to bolster their attacking options.

Liverpool are also said to be pursuing Canales' compatriot Bojan Krkic, who himself is on the peripheries of the set-up at Barcelona.

It was initially claimed by Spanish publication Sport that Liverpool was monitoring Bojan and will mull over a considerable offer when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.

Marca has since claimed that Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli is 'confident' of signing the Bojan - but Barca is reported to only be willing to sanction a season-long loan.

Suarez Postive On Injury

Luis Suarez has handed Liverpool a lift by revealing his injury is not as serious as had been feared.

The Uruguayan produced a starring display in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Sunderland last weekend, scoring a brilliant solo goal to seal victory. He was substituted after scoring his goal and left the field seemingly nursing a groin problem.

Suarez pulled out of Uruguay's friendlies with Estonia and Republic of Ireland, opting to remain on Merseyside for treatment.

"In Liverpool working hard to be ready for next match," Suarez wrote on Twitter. "I've been lucky, the injury isn't that bad and it should be fine.

"I also want to tell you I'm a bit sad for not playing the match with Uruguay."

Reds Stage Derby Fightback

Liverpool Reserves came from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw in a pulsating mini derby clash against Everton at Anfield on Thursday night.

Despite the Reds' early dominance, Adam Forshaw gave the visitors the lead when he curled a brilliant long-range effort past Martin Hansen on 17 minutes.

Liverpool continued to press, but the Blues extended their lead as half-time loomed with Conor McAleny firing into the Anfield Road End goal and Michael Roberts spurned the opportunity to reduce the deficit before the break when his penalty was well saved.

However, the hosts were much improved in the second half and levelled the game up with two goals in seven minutes as Suso and Nikola Saric found the back of the net.

The Reds went closest as both sides toiled in search of a winner, but were ultimately forced to settle for a well-earned point.

Liverpool headed into the game in front of a packed Kop aiming to close the gap on Barclays Premier Reserve League Group B leaders Blackburn Rovers.

The Reds began the day four points behind the Lancashire side having played two games less.

However, Pep Segura's men were without a win in three matches and suffered an agonising last-gasp 2-1 reversal at Arsenal last time out.

It proved to be Everton who mustered the first attempt on goal inside two minutes when Apostolos Vellios pounced upon a wayward pass by Jack Robinson before having his skimming long-range strike parried by Hansen.

Nevertheless, the hosts exerted all of the early pressure without ever really calling visiting stopper Connor Roberts into action - a Thomas Ince free-kick that cannoned against the Everton wall was the Reds' best chance of the opening exchanges.

It was, therefore, somewhat against the run of play when Everton's Forshaw broke the deadlock on 17 minutes.

Collecting Vellios's knockdown from a long ball forward, the winger strode two paces forward and clipped a fine effort beyond the outstretched hands of Hansen from fully 20 yards.

Liverpool's riposte saw Suso shimmy his way beyond three Everton defenders on the edge of the box before grazing the top of the crossbar.

And the Blues' hopes of maintaining their advantage were dealt a blow on the half-hour mark when Jose Baxter was stretchered from the field with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Thomas Donegan was his replacement.

With the first-half minutes beginning to ebb away, Saric looped a header harmlessly off target from Steven Irwin's free-kick before the latter skewed wildly into the Kop when well positioned moments later.

The Reds were made to pay for their profligacy three minutes before the break when Everton again struck the home side with a sucker punch.

Jake Bidwell's long punt forward from a free-kick just inside the Blues' half was flicked on by Vellios and into the path of McAleny, and the striker displayed great composure to execute a deft looping finish over the head of Hansen from 12 yards.

In first-half stoppage time, Liverpool was presented with a golden opportunity to reduce the arrears when they were awarded a penalty following a challenge by Aristote Nsiala on Robinson inside the box.

Michael Roberts opted to take the responsibility, but his spot-kick was tame and easily repelled by his namesake in the Everton goal to ensure the visitors went into the break with their two-goal lead still intact.

Segura's response saw the Spaniard replace Conor Thomas with Toni Silva ahead of the second period having undoubtedly demanded an improved showing from his contingent.

There were certainly signs of more promise in their play and after Saric had teed up Suso to steer narrowly over, Silva drew a fine stop out of Roberts.

The Everton custodian then had to be alert to thwart Irwin's close-range hook as the hosts finally began to threaten.

That pressure finally told on 58 minutes when Suso found the back of the net with a perfectly placed shot from 20 yards, finding the bottom corner with unerring accuracy.

And they should have levelled the scoreline within 60 seconds as Irwin's defence-splitting through pass sent Silva bounding down on Roberts's goal, but the Portuguese winger managed only to stab wide of the upright.

But Liverpool did restore parity on 65 minutes. Saric collected Robinson's low cross inside the box with his back to goal before spinning Nsiala and striking low into the far corner.

The Reds were well in the ascendency and went close to taking the lead first through Ince, whose audacious chip landed on the roof of the net, prior to Roberts making a brave sprawling block to frustrate Silva at close quarters.

With time ticking away, Silva was millimetres away from turning Ince's cross over the line as both sides took home a share of the spoils from a lively contest at Anfield.

Liverpool Have Big Summer Transfers In Pipeline Already - Damien Comolli

Director of football strategy Damien Comolli wants to take Liverpool back to trophy-winning ways - and has revealed that a busy summer of big-money transfer dealings is in the offing to kick-start their re-emergence.

Recently promoted by club owners Fenway Sport Group, Comolli has been briefed to help manager Kenny Dalglish do all he can to bring in top-quality players for next season.

'The owners said from day one they want to improve things and turn things around quickly and I have said the same thing since I arrived, so I expect a busy summer,' Comolli said.

'When we prepare for the next season it's difficult to say we work to the January transfer window. We work from summer to summer.

'When the window shuts in September we are preparing for the next summer window, not the one in January because, as people say, usually not much goes on in January.

'We proved that wrong but as soon as it shuts on January 31, we are thinking about the summer and what we are going to do.

'We talk about different targets, about players we thought about in January but couldn't do and keep the scouting team working.'

A number of high-profile targets are already being linked with Liverpool, including Ipswich's Conor Wickham.

But one major obstacle facing the club next season could be the lack of European football, if they fail to finish in the Premier League's top five or six.

This could deter high-calibre players from signing on at Anfield, Comolli admitted, but he added Liverpool's heritage should be enough to quell any reservations big-name players could have about joining the club.

'I've got to say it's sometimes easier to attract players when your club is involved in European competition,' he said.

'We'll do everything to get back there. We want to be in Europe, that's where we belong.

'I think Liverpool should always compete for the best competitions and we will have the squad depth next year to compete both in Europe and domestically, if we manage to qualify for Europe.'

Darijo Srna Confirms Reds In Chase For Douglas Costa

Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in signing Douglas Costa, according to teammate Darijo Srna.

The 20-year-old's reputation has continued to grow during his time with Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukraine, with Liverpool one of a trio of Barclays Premier League sides taking an interest in the player.

"I know many scouts have watched him. Lots of clubs are taking an interest – the likes of United, Manchester City and Liverpool. He really does stand out, he makes a difference on the pitch," said the Croatian full back.

A product of the youth system at Gremio, Costa has also impressed in the Champions League and will go head-to-head against Lionel Messi and Barcelona in the quarter-final.

It should be a good match-up, according to Srna at least.

“I’ve never seen such nimbleness – he is on a par with Messi. His speed with the ball and technique are out of this world."

The Daily Telegraph reported over the weekend that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a keen interest in the player again, with the Red Devils considering a move for the £15m-rated midfielder after having a bid rejected back in August 2009.

Anfield interest would appear to be relatively new, although Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has hinted at a number of changes on Merseyside in the summer.

Lucas, who was at Gremio during Costa's rise through the youth ranks in Brazil, could potentially play a part in attempting to entice the player to Liverpool.

Competition will be fierce though, and with the attacking midfielder's reputation growing to the point of being dubbed 'the new Ronaldinho', Liverpool will have to move quickly if they want to sign the player.

Dalglish Set To Move For Scott Dann In Summer

Kenny Dalglish is eyeing Birmingham City defender Scott Dann as a potential summer signing as he looks to rebuild his Liverpool side, according to skysports.com

The Scot is looking at long-term replacements for the ageing Jamie Carragher and hopes to build his side on talented young players following the capture of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in January.

Dann has impressed during his time at St Andrew's after moving from Coventry City in 2009 for £3.5 million and has formed a formidable partnership with Roger Johnson at the heart of Birmingham's defence.

However, a hamstring injury sustained in the League Cup semi-final against West Ham in January ruled him for the rest of the 2010/11 campaign.

Dalglish faces competition from other Premier League clubs for Dann’s signature including Manchester United, who have also watched the England under-21 International with great interest and are short of defensive options after Gary Neville’s retirement and Rio Ferdinand’s problems with injuries.

A move for the 24-year old could, however, be put in jeopardy with the appointment of Damien Comolli to director of football at Anfield and it is expected that the Frenchman would want to be involved in all dealings at the club.

Despite Dalglish’s wishes to bring the Liverpool-born defender to the club, Comolli may want to bring in a more experienced player from Europe.

Liverpool And Arsenal Lock Horns Over Gary Cahill

Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly leading the chase for Bolton defender Gary Cahill.

The 25-year-old's future has been the subject of intense speculation over recent months and Metro reports that things will come to a head when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

According to Metro, 'serious' interest from Liverpool will galvanize Arsenal into spending upwards of £18 million in order to land the centre-back, while Bayern Munich are also expected to register an enquiry.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal are thought to be in the market for defensive reinforcements, with the latter seemingly more in need of bolstering their ranks at the end of the season.

Arsene Wenger's defenders have struggled with injuries and consistency this season and Arsenal are thought to be pursuing a number of potential acquisitions.

Arsenal was reported to have been chasing Cahill during the January transfer window but was ultimately fruitless in their alleged attempts to sign him.

When questioned on whether he was indeed planning to make a move for the former Aston Villa man, Wenger remained coy in his response.

"I think Gary Cahill is a very good player but I cannot tell you more,” he said.

"We like to keep our transfer negotiations very secret. It puts more pressure on when you go public so you understand we don't want to speak publicly about that."

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has also previously been ousted as an admirer of the imposing England international and could be prepared to go toe-to-toe with Arsenal in pursuit of Cahill.

However, a priority for Liverpool remains the signing of a recognized left-back as Glen Johnson continues to deputize until a solution is found.

Liverpool have been linked with Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre and former Anfield favourite John Arne Riise in their search for a new full-back, while Newcastle ace Jose Enrique is also reportedly on their radar.

Wilson Reveals Reina Bid

Arsenal legend Bob Wilson has revealed Arsene Wenger made "a big bid" for Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina last summer.

Reports emerged in the press last summer that Arsenal had made a substantial bid for Reina, with The Sun claiming it was worth £23 million and the Daily Mail putting it at £25 million.

Wilson has now confirmed that Wenger - who has faced criticism for his failure to sign a top-class goalkeeper - did make an offer for the Spain international.

"Arsene tried like mad to buy not only a goalkeeper but what he considered to be the most consistent in the country, so he made a big bid for Pepe Reina," Wilson told talkSPORT.

"That didn't come out because that's not Arsene Wenger's way of doing it and it's not Arsenal's way of doing it, but he did attempt to do that."

While an injury crisis has forced Wenger to re-sign Jens Lehmann on a rolling contract, the emergence of Wojciech Szczesny has at least provided hope that Arsenal now has a goalkeeper capable of establishing himself long-term.

Wilson believes that Wenger would have had to have allowed Szczesny to leave the club had Reina joined.

"I think he would have lost, without any doubt, the young kid Szczesny, who I believe is going to be the future," Wilson added. "It's most unfortunate he has had this injury and in the game that he had it, but I happen to think Szczesny is going to be a great goalkeeper. The boy is ready now - you ask Arsenal fans."

Derby County Sign Brad Jones On Loan From Liverpool

Derby County have signed Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones on loan until the end of the season.

The Rams have brought in the 29-year-old as a replacement for Matt Duke, who has been recalled by his parent club Hull City.

Manager Nigel Clough told the Rams website: "Brad fits the bill perfectly.

"He has Premier League experience, Football League experience and most importantly big game experience."

Jones joined Liverpool from Middlesbrough for £2.3m in August and has made two appearances for the Anfield club.

The Australian, who has also had loan spells with Stockport, Rotherham, Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday, was in goal as Liverpool were beaten by League Two side Northampton in the Carling Cup.

"We have some big games coming up between now and May and he will be our number one in them," added Clough.

"He hasn't had much first-team football this season, so I am pretty sure he will be looking forward to the challenge.

"Liverpool has done us a big favour and I would like to thank Kenny Dalglish and the other officials at Anfield for agreeing to loan another of their players to Derby County."

Last month, the Rams secured the services of Daniel Ayala on loan until the end of the season.

Pacheco Heading Out

Liverpool are set to allow young Spaniard Dani Pacheco leave the club on loan and join Norwich until the end of the season.

The deal has yet to be rubber stamped by the FA as he is currently away on international duty with the Spanish under-21 side but he looks likely to join the Championship promotion hopefuls on his return.

Norwich boss Paul Lambert said: "Dani Pacheco is a lad we've seen playing for Liverpool's first team this season and I've been talking to Kenny Dalglish about him for a few weeks now.

"He's technically very good as you'd expect having been with clubs like Barcelona and Liverpool and the fact that he's away with Spain's Under-21s side at the moment speaks volumes for his ability and potential."

Comolli Sees A Golden Sky

Damien Comolli believes that Liverpool's decision to sell Fernando Torres meant that there was a 'bright new sky' over Anfield.

The Premier League side accepted a record-breaking £50million fee in January for the now-Chelsea striker and used the funds to make former Newcastle star Andy Carroll the most expensive British footballer in history.

A deal had already been negotiated for Luis Suarez before Torres left in the winter transfer window, but some of the funds from the sale of the latter will also help in paying Ajax.

Comolli, who was promoted to a role as Liverpool's new director of football on Tuesday, believes that the club benefited from the business decision by improving the atmosphere on Merseyside.

"Getting two players triggered the fact that we could sell one player who didn't want to be here and get two who did want to be here," he said.

"When you have someone who doesn't want to be here and you swap him for people who want to be here the atmosphere changes.

"It's like there is a bright new sky with no cloud over our head from the day that happened. So it's been only positive."

The decision of Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, to appoint Comolli, initially as director of football strategy, last November was a part of the Americans' rebuilding plan at Anfield.

Principal owner John Henry and Chairman Tom Werner bought a club who were on the brink of administration last autumn, but their plan is to restore the glory days to the 18-time champions of England.

It is expected that Kenny Dalglish will soon be handed a permanent contract after the Kop idol's impressive work as manager since succeeding the sacked Roy Hodgson in January, and Comolli feels confident the club are moving in the right direction.

"I know there is still a lot of work to do, we're not where we want to be yet and it'll probably take a few months to do that, but I am totally confident," he said.

"All the signs are very positive and I can see only green lights, no red lights."

Comolli added: "It was a tough decision (to sack Hodgson) made by the club, but we have been looking forward since that and making other appointments with key individuals as we look to restructure the club.

"We are definitely looking forward to a bright future."

Comolli's role has been extended to oversee all football-related matters outside of first-team training and selection.

He said: "It's basically a day-to-day relationship with the manager and his coaching staff, it's also medical and sports science, performance analysis, player liaison, team travel, scouting and negotiating transfer contracts. A big part of it is the Academy."

Benitez Dreaming Of Anfield Return

Rafael Benitez admits "it would be a dream" to manage Liverpool again in the future.

The Spaniard only left Anfield last summer and while his successor Roy Hodgson lasted barely half a season, he himself was similarly unsuccessful at Inter Milan.

"I am really proud of being the manager of Liverpool Football Club and I would like to come back in the future," Benitez told Sky Sports News.

Benitez admitted Kenny Dalglish is currently doing an impressive job in his role as caretaker boss until the end of the season, and added: "You never know (when) because Kenny is doing a really good job. It's a question of time. You never know in the future.

"It would be a dream. I would be really pleased to come back in the future."

Benitez revealed he would consider other offers in England but would never contemplate managing Liverpool's rivals Everton and Manchester United.

"Fans in Liverpool know the teams I would not go (to) but I think these clubs wouldn't offer me a job.

"I'm a professional but obviously some clubs I would not go to, especially the big rivals of Liverpool. I won't say the names, but it's not difficult!"

Pep Relishing Derby Test

Pep Segura has told his young players to enjoy the Anfield experience when the Reserves take on Everton in the mini-derby tonight.

Playing on the hallowed turf used to be a regular occurrence for the second string in the 1970s and 1980s but nowadays it is very rare when a reserve team game is staged at Anfield.

The mini-derby is always a keenly contested affair and the Spaniard is looking forward to the Anfield experience.

"With the game being at Anfield it will be a special occasion for the young players and I hope we can produce a good account of ourselves," Segura told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"It's a special stadium, one of the most famous in the world and everyone would love to get the chance to play at Anfield.

"As a coach I like these derby games. Why? For the young players these are the games where they can grow a lot.

"They have to be 100 per cent focused at all times and keep their concentration and have a good mentality.

"I know what a Liverpool v Everton derby means to the supporters and our players and we hope to come out on top tonight.

"When I lived in Barcelona we always looked forward to the derby against Espanyol and they are special occasions."

The Reserves have been boosted this week by having the opportunity to train at Melwood.

"We have had some training sessions at Melwood this week which has been very good for their football education," he added.

"We have had the chance because it is international week and with many players being away it was decided to have one big group training together.

"It was a good experience for the young players because they could pick up good habits and also see what they need to do to try to get to the level of playing for the first team in the future."

Segura also spoke about the invaluable help he has received from U16 Academy coach Steve Cooper who is assisting him with the reserves.

"Steve is a fantastic friend and he is a great help to me," he added.

"This is a great opportunity for him and he can take a lot of experience from this.

"He is someone who wants to keep learning and I think in Steve Cooper Liverpool Football Club has a fantastic person as well as a fantastic coach."

New Anfield Jobs For Ian Ayre And Damien Comolli

Liverpool has ended their search for a new managing director by promoting from within, confirming former commercial director Ian Ayre in the role.

Owners Fenway Sports Group, led by John Henry and chairman Tom Werner, have also made Damien Comolli the club's director of football - a step up from his position as director of football strategy.

The search for a managing director has taken longer than anticipated but Ayre's appointment is recognition of the impressive work he has done on the commercial side since he joined the club in July 2007.

Henry, who together with Werner has been on Merseyside since last Thursday, said: "Ian has enormous experience gained from his work in the sports and media businesses over the past 15 years."

FSG brought Comolli to the club in November in order to bring some continuity to football operations.

"In the short time that Damien has been at the club, he has impressed us greatly with his knowledge of the sport, his work ethic and his incisive intelligence," added Henry.

"He is a clear thinker and understands exactly what is needed to form a long-term, consistent approach."

Revealed: Liverpool’s New Stadium Plans

Liverpool will announce they will be renovating Anfield rather than move to a new ground in the next few days.

Sportingo reports the club owners Fenway Sports Group will increase capacity at the famous ground to 60,000 with room to expand up to 10,000 more.

Currently the stadium holds 45,000 but Liverpool claim they could attract nearly double that if they had the room.

Old Trafford (76,000) and the Emirates (60,000) are the two biggest grounds in terms of seats and Liverpool are missing out on massive sums of potential revenue each season.

But FSG have decided against moving, despite it being the cheaper option as the atmosphere Anfield provides is almost peerless in football.

“The Kop is unrivaled,” said John Henry earlier this year. ”It would be hard to replicate that feeling anywhere else.”

FSG used a similar model when it took over the Boston Red Sox and redeveloped Fenway Park rather than move the Baseball franchise.

No dates have been set yet for work to start or be completed, but the news will come as a major relief for Liverpool fans.

Previous owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett guaranteed the Reds a new stadium when they bought the club in 2007 but that turned out to be empty promises.

Liverpool Emerge As Favourites To Sign Tottenham Target Jeremy Menez

Reported Tottenham target Jeremy Menez would be open to joining Liverpool, it has been claimed.

The versatile Roma playmaker has also previously been on the radar of Manchester United and has been linked with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico in the summer.

Sportingo initially reported that Spurs were monitoring the France international with great interest and there has been growing speculation in recent weeks that Menez wants out of Roma when the transfer window reopens.

According to laroma24.it, the 23-year-old has been unsettled since Claudio Ranieri was replaced in the Giallorossi hot seat by Vincenzo Montella and would be willing to follow the former to Anfield should he be offered the Liverpool job - as has been touted in the Italian press.

Menez has since told L'Equipe that an transfer window exit could indeed be on the cards - which is likely to alert Liverpool and Spurs to his potential availability.

He said: “I am not closed to thinking about leaving. It’s because of certain choices and certain people.”

Liverpool director of football strategy Damien Comolli is thought to be keen on the former Monaco attacker, having previously monitored Menez whilst occupying a similar role with Saint-Etienne.

Comolli explained in January that Liverpool were on the look out for more potent wide options and - with Menez capable of operating on the wing - he could provide the Anfield club with the added cutting edge they are looking for.

Meanwhile, Spurs are unlikely to give up on the ex-Sochaux man in their respective pursuit of attaching reinforcements as Harry Redknapp attempts to bring further success to White Hart Lane next season.

Reportedly available at around €16 million, Menez is also said to be a target for Newcastle who have grand plans for the £35 million received from Liverpool for Andy Carroll.

Erik Lamela 'To Spark Liverpool, Spurs And Barcelona Bidding War'

Argentina's latest prodigy Erik Lamela is being targeted by Liverpool and Tottenham after Barcelona expressed renewed interest in signing the River Plate attacking midfielder.

Lamela could follow the path of fellow countryman Javier Mascherano, who played for Liverpool before moving on to Barcelona.

The 19-year has already been approached by the Catalan giants who reportedly offered his family £80,000-a-year to move to Spain when Lamela was just 12-years old.

A product of River Plates famed youth academy, Lamela has emerged as one of the world's hottest South American prospects which is why both Liverpool and Spurs are interested.

The youngster can play in a variety of roles and his flexibility at playing in-behind strikers or on the wing would have been duly noted by scouts looking to exploit his talents.

A dead-ball specialist with an accurate left-foot, Lamela would offer both Kenny Dalglish and Harry Redknapp a package that could be finely tuned.

River Plate won't part with Lamela easily though, and have placed a price-tag of around £15million on him.

Chelsea And Liverpool Go Head-To Head For 'New Nesta' Defensive Addition

Highly rated Slovenian prospect Luka Kranjc could be on his way to England this summer according to reports in the local media.

Liverpool and Chelsea head a list of potential suitors for the promising central defender whose situation is also being closely monitored by Serie A giants Juventus.

La Republicca is reporting that the 15-year-old NK Maribor academy graduate will likely move to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, after it emerged that Chelsea made a formal collaboration agreement with the club before Christmas.

Valued at €150,000, Kranjc is regarded as one of the brightest defensive prospects in Europe and has even been likened in style of play to World Cup winning AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta.

Liverpool are known to be in the market for defensive additions, but it is the left-back position that remains the number one priority for Reds manager Kenny Dalglish to fill.

However, the signing of Kranjc would represent one that is very much for the future as Liverpool owners NESV have outlined a contingency plan to capture the brightest young talent that Europe has to offer.

The appointment of Liverpool Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli signalled their intentions when he was tasked with pinpointing potential stars of the future and asked to lay the foundations ahead of any possible future transfers to Anfield.

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti is also under instruction from owner Roman Abramovich to identify relevant up and coming talent that will help strengthen the academy, also with a view to 'freshening up' an ageing Chelsea squad.

It’s likely that Kranjc will become the subject of a bidding war this summer and so the player will have to make a decision on a move to either Chelsea or Liverpool, depending on where the rising star and his representatives feel his long-term future will be best suited.

Liverpool Remain In The Race For Bojan

Liverpool continues to be linked with Barcelona striker Bojan Krkic, while Napoli has reportedly now joined the race for his signature.

Juventus are also reportedly monitoring the situation for the 20-year-old as he struggles to displace Pep Guardiola's preferred front trio of David Villa, Lionel Messi and Pedro.

According to Spanish publication Sport, Napoli are ready to rival other potential suitors in pursuit of La Masia graduate and are considering a summer move for his services.

Sport has also claimed that Liverpool are monitoring the Spain international and will mull over a considerable offer when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.

Marca has since claimed that Liverpool director of football strategy Damien Comolli is 'confident' of signing the Bojan - but Barca is reported to only be willing to sanction a season-long loan.

Liverpool are known to be in the market for attacking reinforcements to offer extra goalscoring options alongside Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez but will have their work cut out in the race to sign Bojan.

Arsenal and Tottenham will allegedly battle with Liverpool for the €20 million-rated forward and a deal for Bojan would undoubtedly represent quite a coup for any of his reported suitors.

Brazilian Playmaker Wants Liverpool Move

Wolfsburg midfielder Diego is thrilled by the interest of Liverpool.

Liverpool have been linked with the Brazilian, who only moved to struggling Wolfsburg in August from Juventus.

Diego has been watched by Reds football chief Damien Comolli and is aware of the rumours linking him with a move to Anfield.

“I am honored that such a club has set their eyes on me,” said Diego.

“They are one of the most prestigious teams in the world. Playing for them would be an honour.”

Carra Bites Back At Nani

Jamie Carragher has hit back at Nani, claiming his much-maligned tackle was the first he has had to hold his hands up for in his career.

The Liverpool vice captain has come under fierce criticism by the Manchester United camp for his challenge on the Portuguese winger during the Reds' 3-1 victory at Anfield.

Nani was left with a severe gash on his leg from the studs of a robust Carragher challenge and claimed the tackle did not belong in the sport.

But the Liverpool stalwart insists he has never been called up before for a mis-timed tackle of this nature.

"I apologized for it and said it was a poor tackle so I was pleased to see he was back in training six days later," Carragher said in The News of the World.

"I have played nearly 700 games and for 15 years in a position where you have to make dozens of tackles every week and that's the first time I've made a challenge that did not look so good.

"Nani mis-controlled it slightly and the ball was in mid-air as I got to him. I thought I could get the ball and I mis-timed it.

"There have been a few comments from Nani and Sir Alex Ferguson since but it certainly wasn't intended to be malicious."

Carragher is smarting at Liverpool's latest European woe after being eliminated by Braga in the last 16 of the Europa League.

But the 33-year-old defender believes the Merseysiders are capable of bouncing back, starting against Sunderland on Sunday with the club more stable than 12 month previous.

"It is much different now to when we went out of Europe a year ago," added Carragher.

"I feel that the worst is over. Since the new owners arrived, Kenny Dalglish and Steve Clark came in and Damien Comolli joined the club, you get a sense there is a clear direction and things are moving forward.

"The owners have not made a decision yet on the manager long-term yet, but the current set-up has worked well.

"The ownership is tight and the management team is right, so it is just on the pitch where we need to get it right again and there is a belief we will be back competing for a Champions League spot next season."

Reds Quartet Close To Return

Liverpool first-team coach Steve Clarke is hopeful Steven Gerrard, Martin Kelly, Fabio Aurelio and Jonjo Shelvey will return to training next week.

Reds skipper Gerrard is currently recovering from groin surgery he underwent earlier this month.

Kelly has been out of action since picking up a hamstring problem in the defeat at West Ham, while Aurelio also suffered a hamstring strain in the 3-1 win over Manchester United.

Midfielder Shelvey has been out action since February after undergoing a knee operation.

The quartet is all making good progress with their injuries and Clark hopes they can step up their recoveries next week.

"They're all improving," Clarke told the club's official website.

"Fingers crossed, we will have Martin Kelly and Steven Gerrard back training by the middle of next week. We hope the same for Jonjo Shelvey, who has been out for a long time.

"Fabio Aurelio is also making good progress.

"They're our four longer-term injuries, the ones that have been causing us a bit of concern recently, but hopefully they'll all join in training next week."

Clarke is unsure if the quartet will be available to come back into the squad for Liverpool's clash at West Brom after the international break.

"We'll have to look at the situation when we get them back and see what shape they're in," added Clarke.

"If they're in contention (for West Brom) it's a bonus for us, but if they're not we've got other difficult matches coming up next month and if they're ready for them then it will be good for the football club."