Benitez Still Has Scores To Settle

Rafael Benitez wants Liverpool to end the season on a high and add to their record of scoring more goals than any team in England this term.

The Liverpool boss also wants to ensure that goalkeeper Jose Reina retains his 'golden gloves' title as the best stopper in the Premier League.

Sunday's trip to Tottenham is seen by Benitez as a chance to destroy a few myths about his side and counter the criticism they have taken this season over style and entertainment.

Their goal scoring is a point in question.

Liverpool have scored 117 goals this season in all competitions - more than any other team in England. They are five ahead of Arsenal who also have one game to play.

Benitez also wants another clean sheet to aid Reina's cause, with the Spain international leading the race to claim the division's most shutouts.

An 18th blank at White Hart Lane will guarantee Reina, who been ever-present in the league, the title as the Premier League's best goalkeeper for the third successive season.

He will also win it if his nearest challenger David James, one clean sheet behind, is rested by Portsmouth ahead of the FA Cup Final.

Benitez, with fourth spot assured, said: "To achieve 76 points would be fantastic. You always want to win trophies but we want more than 117 goals and another clean sheet, which would make us happier.

"It can be an exciting fixture, hopefully on the last day it can be an open match with some goals and a good match.

"We would like to sign off with a win, score some goals and play well. It is never easy to play the last game away from home, the hosts always find such occasions easier.

"But we have hungry people who want to show what they can do, we want another clean sheet and we want to add to the 117 goals we have scored this season.

"We want three more points, we aim to be at our very best to end on a positive note. We will use players with commitment and passion. If they are young, okay, then we will use young players."

Benitez could include Harry Kewell for his last game for the club before he is released, while Peter Crouch - who started his career at Spurs - may also play in what could also be his last game for the club before a £15m-plus summer move.

Rafa Benitez: I Discussed Gareth Barry With Martin O'Neill 20 Days Ago

Rafa Benitez last night angrily hit back at Martin O'Neill for accusing him of being "disrespectful" and unsettling Gareth Barry.

And in another blunt message to one of his Premier League rivals, the Liverpool boss told Portsmouth's Harry Redknapp he will have to stump up £15million for Peter Crouch. Benitez was in fighting mood yesterday and revealed he rang O'Neill three weeks ago to declare his interest in Barry.

He was astonished when O'Neill claimed Liverpool were out of order for tabling a £10million bid and insists the Reds have done nothing wrong.

"I was surprised by part of his comments," said Benitez. "I had a private conversation with him 20 days ago.

"He knew everything about my idea and I knew about his idea. He said he wanted to talk with his owner.

"We needed to do an official movement and he knew that because I was talking with him."

Benitez has agreed to back off until the end of the campaign and plans more talks with Villa for Barry next week.

"He was very clear so we must wait until the end of the season and then we will try again," he said. "We will wait and respect his decision."

Benitez is also taking a tough line with Redknapp and dismissed his £8m offer for Crouch, claiming it is way below his valuation.

The Spaniard admitted for the first time that the England striker can go - together with John Arne Riise and the out-of-contract Harry Kewell - but only if the price is right.

He said: "Crouch wants to play every week. It's not easy here because Fernando Torres is on fire.

"So if we receive a very good offer - and when I say a very good offer, I mean £15m - we will consider it.

"But it won't be £8m because he's a big-name England international."

Sammy Lee Now The Frontrunner For Assistant Manager's Job At Liverpool

Rafael Benitez will appoint an assistant manager following Alex Miller’s departure from Liverpool – with Sammy Lee a front-runner to make an Anfield return.

It was announced yesterday that first-team coach Miller is ending a nine-year association with the club to become manager of Japanese side JEF United Chiba.

Benitez has operated for almost the whole season without a right-hand man since the surprise exit of long-time associate Paco Ayesteran in August last year.

While the Liverpool manager will promote members of his existing staff to fill Miller’s vacated position, he concedes a new assistant to “share the responsibility” is a priority.

And that could mean a role for Lee, who was part of Gerard Houllier’s coaching staff before leaving for Bolton Wanderers a few weeks after Benitez arrived in June 2004.

Of Miller’s exit, Benitez said: “It is very positive news for Alex. This is a very good opportunity for him to coach in Japan, and I want to wish Alex all the best in his new job.

“It means we will be promoting some of the existing coaching staff and also over the summer we will be looking to bring in a replacement.

“I am considering new staff for the new season. We are checking some names and will be in contact with them and see what we can do.

“I think it would be good to have an assistant manager to share the responsibility with me.”

Miller is expected to arrive in Japan on Saturday to start work at Chiba and will attend their league match against Kyoto Sanga.

The 58-year-old former St Mirren and Hibernian manager joined Liverpool in 1999 as chief scout but became first-team coach following the arrival of Benitez in 2004.

Miller, who enjoyed a 15-year playing career with Rangers before earning his European coaching licence, has already managed in Asia with South China AA.

Chiba are bottom of the J League standings after collecting two points from 11 games so far this season, a run which led to Croatian coach Josip Kuze being sacked on Wednesday.

And Chiba president Hirotake Miki said yesterday: “We are convinced that Mr Miller is a wonderful person who can improve our team.

“We, as the whole club, would like to work together with our new manager to focus on our games for the rest of the season.”

Rafa Benitez Tells Liverpool Owners: Move Fast In Transfer Market

Rafael Benitez has made it clear that he wants Liverpool’s owners to "work quickly" in the transfer market as he plans for a summer of upheaval at Anfield.

And the Liverpool boss also claimed that a "final solution" was close in the battle for boardroom control.

Benitez’s stance came on the day that he lost first-team coach Alex Miller to a managerial job in Japan, slapped a £15million price tag on Peter Crouch and confirmed that Harry Kewell would be released at the end of the season after rejecting a new contract on less money.

Former Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee, sacked earlier this season as boss of Bolton, is an early front-runner to replace Miller.

Benitez also revealed that he had held "private" talks with Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill over Gareth Barry’s future - Liverpool having a £10million bid rejected last week - while confirming that he would discuss John Arne Riise’s future if a good enough offer was received.

But it is Benitez’s proactive stance on the club’s future that will raise eyebrows.

He said: "All I can add about the boardroom situation is that I am in contact with both of them (co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett) and we are trying to progress with different issues that we have.

"I do not know exactly everything about shares, but in terms of what is my responsibility, we are progressing and I am doing my job.

"Everybody knows the club needs to be well organised and everybody knows what they have to do. Who will be in charge? Maybe the final solution will be soon."

Benitez added: "We work like I did before. If I have any ideas about signing players I tell them, the owners, and also Rick Parry (chief executive), and if they say yes then we progress.

"Normally I do not ask about difficult things, normally they say yes, both of them say yes.

"I want transfer business to be done as quickly as possible. If you sign a player at the end of July you do not have much time, it is better to sign players as quickly as possible.

"How many we sign depends on the market. We have offers (in) for some players, maybe we can sell as well as buy. I am really pleased and happy with the squad, maybe we need to bring in two or three new players, but if we need to sell then we will buy new players."

Benitez was clearly determined to show he is keeping his side of the bargain struck last month with the owners about the future.

He said: "We are working hard to get closer to our targets. We need to wait but I will try to talk to the owners, I will try to talk with Rick Parry and if we have the green light we will progress with our targets."

And Benitez was also quick to underline his position over Barry, Crouch and Riise.

"Martin O’Neill is clear about the situation and we have agreed to wait until the end of the season," he added.

"He was telling everyone (about our offer), but we are willing to wait and we will try to talk again about the possibilities.

"I was talking privately with Martin before (the offer) and he knows our ideas, clearly.

"Harry has talked with his agent and we were trying to reach an agreement, but we could not get that so he will be released at the end of the season.

"Riise has one year more on his contract. He is not playing at the moment but he knows that if we receive an offer that is good for him and good for us, okay, we will talk.

"But at this moment he is our player. I am really pleased with him because he is a fantastic professional."

On Crouch, Benitez revealed an irritation with the situation, saying: "We offered Peter a new contract.

"Nobody was talking about him when we signed him from Southampton and then everyone was criticising him because he was not scoring goals.

"But I supported him. Now he wants to play every week. We know that Portsmouth are always in the media, talking, every time. But we have had no official offers, just talking.

"But if we receive an offer, £15million or more would be reasonable, I want the best for Crouch and the best for my club.

"I talked to him before and I have talked to him two days ago. He knows my position and I know his position, we are professionals we want the best for each of us.

"But now he is a different player, he is a big name. For the last month we have heard that he wants to play, he wants to leave and that there are other clubs who would like to sign him.

"We will now wait and see whether there are any offers. Then we will talk with him. Clearly we would want a big price."

Juventus Prepare £15million Bid For Liverpool's Xabi Alonso

Juventus are considering a £15million bid to prise Xabi Alonso away from Liverpool – as Rafael Benitez slapped a similar price tag on Peter Crouch.

The Anfield manager, who has urged the club’s board to “work quickly” in the transfer market, anticipates a summer of change with a number of high-profile departures.

While Benitez has no immediate plans to include Alonso in that group, Liverpool’s interest in Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry has cast doubt over the midfielder’s long-term future.

And Juventus, having already taken Momo Sissoko from Anfield this season, are preparing to test Liverpool’s resolve by launching an official bid for the Spain international.

Barcelona are also contemplating a move for Alonso, with new coach Josep Guardiola – who will replace the departing Frank Rijkaard in the summer – a boyhood idol of the 26-year-old.

Benitez, though, said yesterday: “Xabi is our player, he has a contract. Barry can play in three different positions, so I don’t think we need to worry about this.”

The Liverpool manager also responded to criticism from Martin O’Neill over the offer for Barry, claiming to have been in talks with his Villa counterpart for almost three weeks.

“I was surprised with part of his comments,” said Benitez. “I had a private conversation with him, he knew my idea and needed to talk with his owners. In the end, we needed to make an official movement. I don’t have any problem waiting, we must respect his decision, and then talk again with him. I was talking with him 20 days ago more or less, and he knew everything. He knew my idea and I knew his idea.”

Definitely leaving Anfield in the summer is Harry Kewell, while Crouch and John Arne Riise, who both have a year remaining on their current contracts, have been told they can speak with other clubs.

Crouch’s decision to not yet take up the offer of a new deal at Anfield has already prompted interest from potential suitors, with Portsmouth ready to offer £8m. But Benitez believes Crouch is worth almost twice that figure and claims to have no problem keeping the England international at Anfield next season – despite the striker able to leave for nothing in 12 months’ time.

“Peter is a different player now to the one we bought from Southampton,” said Benitez. “He is a big name, an international player and everybody talks really well about him.

“Peter said in December that he wanted to talk about a new contract, but then his representatives said they wanted to wait, so now we will see the situation.

“If we receive a very good offer, and by that I mean £15m, we will consider it. I’m reading about £8m, but if we only receive that then I’d rather keep the player. And don’t forget he is an English player, which is really important when you consider the market.

“Peter is a player with an agent who will be working to do the best for him, and we will be working to do the best for us.

“If that means I need to keep the player, I will keep the player. We’ve offered him a new contract, we like the player and we want him to stay. But we cannot offer him a guarantee he will start every game every week. We need to resolve this situation, and that won’t be with an £8m offer.”

Benitez also underlined the situation regarding Kewell and Riise, with the latter being tracked by a clutch of clubs including Newcastle United and Villa.

“Riise has one year left on his contract and we know there are some clubs interested in him, and we will wait until the end of the season and try and do the best for him and the best for us,” said Benitez.

“I was talking with Harry’s agent, we didn’t have any agreement and we decided to release him at the end of the season.

“Everyone knows Harry is a very good player. The question is whether we could do something with him, and in the end we couldn’t so we had to forget about it and think about the future.”

As he presses ahead with his transfer plans, Benitez has been reassured by an improvement in communication with the club’s owners.

But having been frustrated in the past by perceived hesitancy in the market, the Spaniard is eager to wrap up the majority of his summer dealings as soon as possible.

“I’ve been in contact with the owners and Rick Parry, so they know our idea and the things that we want to do” said Benitez. “Now we must wait to see if they approve or not. The situation now is much better than before, because I can talk with them. I want transfer business to be done as quickly as possible. If you sign a player at the end of July you do not have much time, it is better to sign players as quickly as possible.

“But the plan is not just to buy. It’s also to sell. But because we don’t have any concrete offer on the table for any player, we will just have to wait a little bit.”

Liverpool Set Sights On Keita

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is reportedly planning a ₤10 million swoop for Sevilla midfielder Seydou Keita.

The Mali international moved to Andalusia last summer, and has impressed during his debut season in Spain.

The 28-year-old has already garnered significant interest from Juventus, who are also chasing his Sevilla team-mate Diego Capel.

And according to The Sun, Benitez is prepared to splash out ₤10 million – a third of his projected transfer budget – on the defensive midfielder, thus activating a release clause in his contract.

An inside source said: “Rafa has Keita very high up on his list for this summer and may well make a bid for him.”

Liverpool have already been strongly linked with Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry for the same amount, but Villa boss Martin O’Neill has claimed it may take near double that to prise him away from the Birmingham club.

The Reds’ sudden interest in central players has sparked speculation that Xabi Alonso – also linked with Juve – could leave in the summer, but it could also mean that Benitez simply seeks reinforcements for the two holding spots in his 4-2-3-1 formation.

Kuyt Targets Euro 2008 Place

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt is aiming to continue his recent good run of form to cement a place in Holland coach Marco van Basten's Euro 2008 squad.

The 27-year-old was on Tuesday included in Van Basten's provisional 30-man group, which will be trimmed down to 26 players on May 16 and then cut to 23 by May 28.

And he is keen to still be involved when the finals get under way next month.

"I first hoped to be part of the first 30 players. Now I of course want to go to Euro 2008 too," Kuyt told Radio 538 show Evers Staat Op on Wednesday.

"I hope Marco van Basten will keep on thinking about me now. I must show it on the field and I think I did that in the last games.

"But it is of course not easy for the coach. We have many good strikers, but I think I am a fine addition to the squad."

Kuyt admits, however, that he has not had contact with Van Basten for some time and discovered he was part of the provisional Oranje party on Teletext.

"That has happened for years," he said. "Through Teletext you hear if you are in or out.

"It seems that he (Van Basten) was at the Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Liverpool. He did speak with Ryan Babel afterwards, I missed out on him."

Kuyt was overlooked by Van Basten when he struggled for goals at Anfield earlier in the campaign but, if selected, would relish the opportunity to shine in Austria and Switzerland this summer.

"It happens only once every four years. It was no fun to me to not be selected for some games after three years. But I still hope to be there," he said.

While the former Feyenoord frontman may have a European Championships to plan for, he admits he is disappointed he does not also have a Champions League final to look forward to following Liverpool's semi-final exit at the hands of Chelsea.

"It is of course a shame that we could not make it again into the final of the Champions League," he said. "I myself feel I am in good form. I had a lesser period, because of personal things. But I have put that behind me and it's going fine again now."

Gerrard: Two Signings Can Win Us The Title

Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool are only two signings away from creating a title-winning team.

‘We’ll do it next season’ has been an all too common catch-cry for Liverpool supporters over the last 17 years or so.

The most decorated club in England have failed to win the league title since 1990, when Kenny Dalgish steered them to their 18th league championship.

A return to the glory days appeared imminent when current boss Rafael Benetiz lead the Reds to a remarkable Champions League triumph in 2005, and yet the Merseyside giants have failed to finish higher than third during Rafa’s reign so far.

They will finish fourth this season, comfortable ahead of fifth-placed Everton but some ways behind third-placed Arsenal, in a season where many expected them to finally challenge for a maiden Premier League crown.

But Reds skipper Gerrard believes the team showed glimpses of what they are capable of this season, insisting that progress has been made and all that is needed is two more top-notch signings.

“We have proved this season that we are not as far behind the leaders as the table suggests,” the 27-year-old said. “We’re disappointed we didn’t maintain a challenge for longer.

“But hopefully we will invest in a couple of quality additions. We’re getting closer.

“I’ve been lucky and won more things than most but I’m greedy and want more with Liverpool.”

Liverpool Linked With Udinese Duo - Report

Liverpool have been linked with Gokhan Inler and Andrea Dossena of Udinese as they look to strengthen their squad this summer.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez has insisted on numerous occasions he needs at least three or four new players this summer as he looks to put an end to his side's trophyless run.

Though the financial war with co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett is ongoing, and plans for a new £300 million stadium in Stanley Park have just been approved, it is thought the former Valencia coach will be given adequate funds to acquire new players over the summer, although some of his spending will have to be financed by the sale of current squad members.

John Arne Riise, Jermaine Pennant and Peter Crouch are three expected to see the exit doors at Anfield this summer, who between them, may raise between £15-20 million.

Benitez has been linked with several names, with a move for Borussia Dortmund full-back Philipp Degen said to be confirmed with the player having signed a pre-contract.

Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry is reportedly high on Rafa's wishlist, though it may take an offer of £15 million or more to coax the England international away from Villa Park.

Among many other names - Eric Abidal, David Bentley and Rafinha, to name a few - are Udinese's Gokhan Inler and Andrea Dossena.

The two have played key roles for the Zebrette in a season which is seeing them outside contenders for UEFA Cup qualification. Reports in Italy suggest that the two may be prised away from Udine this summer, with Liverpool said to have made contact with the club.

Inler was signed just this season from FC Zurich. The 23-year-old midfielder is viewed as one of the best signings in Serie A this season.

Dossena, 26, has been at the club for three years, though he spent a season on loan at Treviso. The defender impressed early on in the season and won his first cap for Italy in a friendly against South Africa on November 17.

Rafa On Crouch: We'll Do What's Best For Both Of Us

Rafael Benitez has said that he will try to do what's best for both Liverpool Football Club and Peter Crouch this summer, but that the player will ultimately decide where his future lies.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has hinted that Peter Crouch could leave Anfield before next season, if the England striker decides it is time for a move elsewhere.

Crouch revealed on Wednesday that he has not yet been offered a new contract by Liverpool, for whom he has started just nine League games since Fernando Torres arrived last summer.

Crouch has nevertheless racked up an impressive 13 goals in all competitions this season, said he would seek talks with Benitez after Sunday’s final game of the season at Tottenham.

Meanwhile Benitez has revealed that both parties have had 'positive' talks, but with the two of the player's former clubs - Portsmouth and Aston Villa - showing an interest interest, Crouch could go.

“I was talking with him the other day and the conversation was positive,” Rafa told The Liverpool Post.

“But we need to do what is best for him and best for us.

“He has one year on his contract. We know some clubs are asking about him but we need to wait and then do the best for him and for us.”

Taylor Ignores Reds Rumours

Birmingham goalkeeper Maik Taylor is ignoring rumours linking him with a surprise move to Liverpool.

Reports have suggested Liverpool are considering a move for the Northern Ireland international in the summer.

Taylor is a free agent in the close-season and is an attractive proposition for a number of clubs.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is thought to be in the market for a new goalkeeper as back-up to Jose Reina as he has not been impressed by Charles Itandje.

Birmingham have put off all contract talks with Taylor until the end of the season and it remains to be seen if he will be offered an extension.

The 36-year-old says he is in the dark regarding interest from Liverpool and says he is only focusing on this weekend's crucial clash with Blackburn, as Birmingham look to secure their Premier League survival.

"I don't know anything about it [Liverpool] but obviously I'm out of contract and would like my future sorted," Taylor told the Birmingham Mail.

"But we have a big game on Sunday and that is the only thing on my mind right now."

Dalglish: Rafa Will Find Formula

In an interview with UEFA.com, Kop king Kenny Dalglish has backed Rafa Benitez to eventually find the formula which will win Liverpool their 19th league title.

The legendary Scot also explained why he doesn't think it is wise to compare the partnership between Stevie G and El Nino with the one he enjoyed with Ian Rush.

Did you think that once Liverpool had scored at Stamford Bridge to equalise at 1-1 and 2-2 on aggregate, they would go on to beat Chelsea?

They did show a lot of resilience because in the first half Chelsea were the better side. Liverpool picked it up and looked a better side in the second half. Fernando Torres's goal was deserved and it was a great finish after great work by Yossi Benayoun. Unfortunately, they couldn't finish it. Once the third goal went in, it was always going to be a big ask. But credit to them, they hit back and made it 3-2. They just couldn't get the third goal which could have taken us through.

How hard is it for a player to get over a defeat like that?

It is not hard to lose a game against a quality side. Chelsea are top of the league along with Manchester United. They were playing a very, very good side. Of course you should be disappointed when you lose a Champions League semi-final, but you should be disappointed when you lose any game. You have to recover, but they are quite right to feel disappointed. The sad thing was that they scored two away from home but it still wasn't enough.

What positives can Liverpool and Benitez take from this season?

Torres is a huge positive. In his first year, he hit over 30 goals – a magnificent return. He is finding the position that Steven Gerrard likes to play in. So that's two pluses. I think that every day that goes by, every game that goes by and every season that goes by, you learn something, and I'm sure Rafa learnt a lot from this year. Next year they'll be looking to improve on it.

What do you think Liverpool need to change in order to compete in the Premier League as well as in the UEFA Champions League?

They can compete in the Premier League but they are just not competing at the level they'd like to. I think they had a bad November when they drew too many games and I feel they threw away too many points against the top teams and fell too far behind.

How does the relationship between Gerrard and Torres compare with the one you had with Ian Rush?

I don't think a comparison should be made because it would give them the wrong identity. There is no point comparing Gerrard and Torres with Ian Rush and myself. Everybody's different, they are all individuals and they form a very good partnership. The contribution both of them have made this year has been massive for Liverpool. But I don't think it's fair to compare them to myself and Rushy.

Who do you think will win the UEFA Champions League?

I think it's difficult to shout who is going to win it. It depends on who is going to be fit come the final. It depends on whether the Rooneys and Ronaldos will be fit. There's little to separate the two sides in the league and I think it's going to be a great final. I also think it's a great credit to the Premier League to have three teams in the last four.

Reserves Crowned National Champions

Liverpool Reserves have been crowned National Champions after powering to a resounding victory over Aston Villa in an entertaining play-off final at Anfield.

Gary Ablett's men produced the type of performance typical of their all-conquering campaign, combining attractive, flowing football with some gutsy, determined defending to clinch a 3-0 win courtesy of goals from Krisztian Nemeth, Jordy Brouwer and Lucas Leiva.

It caps a remarkable season for the Reds' second string, who can now add the national title to both the Dallas Cup and the Northern Division championship, to complete what is a superb cup treble.

On a rare sun-drenched evening at Anfield, it was Villa who settled the quicker of the two sides, but for all their good approach play Liverpool manufactured the game's first real moment of note when Krisztian Nemeth's cute back heel was deflected away by the last-ditch boot of Isaiah Osbourne, to deny Lucas a clear run at goal.

The Brazilian was in the side in place of the injured Jay Spearing and provided some South American rhythm at the centre of the park against Kevin McDonald's experienced Villa outfit that included first-teamers such as Stuart Taylor, Wayne Routledge, Shaun Maloney and Marlon Harewood.

In truth, the visitors enjoyed the majority of the possession throughout an entertaining first-half and went close through Chris Herd's 20-yard snap shot before the hosts took the lead courtesy of a familiar marksmen.

The lively Nabil El Zhar ran at the heart of the Villa defence and fed a neat ball through to Jordy Brouwer who in turn laid an instant flick to Nemeth on the right, with the Hungarian showing great composure to flash a shot from just inside the penalty area into the far corner to give Liverpool the perfect start.

It was a magnificent team goal and all the more fitting that the yellow-booted forward was the man on target, having been irrepressible in front of goal throughout a superb season with the reserves.

It gave the Reds the lift they needed and El Zhar drilled a long range strike over the cross bar before Jordy Brouwer wasted a great chance to double the home side's advantage on 24 minutes.

Ryan Flynn showed great determination to outpace his marker and fire in a dangerous cross from the left and although no one was on hand to finish off his superb wing play, El Zhar took up the baton on the far right and surged beyond Nathan Baker before cutting the ball back to Brouwer who side-footed a weak effort straight at Taylor from eight yards out.

However, it was as good as it got for the Reds in the first period and Villa began to dominate the proceedings as they pushed forward in search of the equaliser.

The first opportunity for the visitors to level fell to Marlon Harwood, who had already scored at Anfield during a 2-2 draw against Rafael Benitez's senior side earlier in the season, and he will feel he should have repeated that feat on 26 minutes, after lashing a fierce 25-yard strike just over Peter Gulacsi's crossbar.

The pace of Routledge was a cause for concern for Gary Ablett's men throughout the match and just seconds later Villa had carved Liverpool open down the right once again, but this time Herd somehow contrived to hit the post from 10 yards out after Harwood and Moloney combined to put him clear.

The Reds continued to look a threat on the counter-attack but it was the away side who again went closest to scoring prior to the interval when Mikel San Jose reacted brilliantly to clear Maloney's stabbed effort off the line after Gulacsi had dropped Routledge's right-wing cross.

It was a similar story after the break too, but Villa's fortune in front of goal continued to desert them as proved on 57 minutes when Moustapha Salifou saw his long range volley crash back off the crossbar with Gulacsi well beaten.

El Zhar and Nemeth offered some brief respite for the Reds rearguard with the former seeing his run and shot well blocked before the latter stung the fingertips of Taylor with a rasping 25-yard drive.

With both sides creating a series of good openings, something had to give, and after Maloney wasted a glorious chance to pull the Villains level, Liverpool struck the killer blow on 66 minutes.

Emiliano Insua won the ball deep in Villa territory allowing Nemeth to seize on the loose ball and play in Brouwer, who raced into the penalty area before hammering the ball, low into the bottom left-hand corner to send the Kop into raptures.

It was a strike that seemed to deflate the away side and on 76 minutes the Reds wrapped up victory when substitute Daniel Pacheco's delightfully disguised pass sent Lucas clear and the Brazilian made no mistake to ensure the 7,580 supporters packed into Anfield went home happy.

Liverpool Reserves: Gulacsi, Darby, Insua, San Jose, Huth, Plessis, El Zhar (Simon 86), Lucas, Brouwer (Pacheco 73), Nemeth (Lindfield 80), Flynn. Unused subs: Bouzanis, Kelly, Simon.

Aston Villa Reserves: Taylor, Lund (Bannan 74), Baker (Delfouneso 46), Osbourne, Clark, Lowry, Salifou, Routledge, Harewood, Herd, Maloney (Albrighton 77). Unused subs: Bevan, Collins.

Liverpool Given Go-Ahead For New Stadium

Liverpool have been given the go-ahead by the city council to build their new 60,000-seater stadium in Stanley Park, adjacent to current stadium Anfield.

The Anfield site is over a century old and has become infamous in the footballing world and almost sacred to many Liverpool fans, but the club are now moving on as they aim to compete with Europe's top clubs.

The new stadium will open in August 2011, featuring an 18,500-seat single-tier stand for the Kop, 5,000 more than the Anfield Kop.

This is the third different design for the new stadium so far, and reduces the capacity by 11,000 from the last scheme in order to reduce costs, though the current design is 'future proofed', and thus additions could be made to the stadium in the future.

In January, co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett completed a £350 million refinancing package on the loan used to purchase the club, and £60 million was earmarked for the new stadium. However Hicks, who has since been involved in a feud with Gillett, has said that he is still working with investment bank Merril Lynch on raising the funds.

Liverpool feel the expansion is needed sooner rather than later, as rivals Manchester United have expanded Old Trafford to 76,000 seats and Arsenal built their brand new, 60,000-seat Emirates Stadium to replace the 38,000-seat Highbury. The Anfield site restricts Liverpool's development, hence the move to Stanley Park.

I Prefer To Go Forward - Lucas

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has hinted he would prefer to play a more offensive role at Anfield in the future.

The midfielder arrived from Brazilian side Gremio in the summer, and has played as a holding midfielder as part of Rafael Benitez's 4-2-3-1 formation. He also briefly displaced Xabi Alonso in the side earlier in the year.

While being impressed with his fellow midfielders and how much easier they make it for him to perform, he also hinted that his natural game lends itself to a slightly more attacking position than he currently occupies in the Reds' line-up.

"When you have players like Steve (Gerrard) and Mascherano beside you, you feel more comfortable," began Lucas.

"I like to go forward every time. The first game I didn't go forward as I was adapting.

"Now at the end of the season I have had some good games and hopefully next season will be better for everyone."

Tom Hicks Under Pressure To Show His Cash

Tom Hicks, the embattled Liverpool co-chairman, will come under increased pressure to prove that he can raise the funds to build the club's proposed new stadium in Stanley Park after the latest designs for the troubled project were approved on Wednesday.

Liverpool City Council announced that it had approved the new designs for the stadium, which were unveiled by Hicks amid great fanfare in January, but there are serious doubts within the club about whether the Texan has - or can generate - the £300 million needed to build the stadium.

Sources indicated last night that there are no plans to begin construction in the foreseeable future and that, with Hicks at loggerheads with George Gillett Jr, his co-chairman, the proposed 71,000-capacity stadium - initially built to a capacity of 60,000 with a view to expansion - could remain a pipe dream.

Gillett intends to sell his 50 per cent stake in the club to Dubai International Capital (DIC), the private equity investment arm of the Arab state. Hicks retains ambitions of buying out Gillett and assuming sole ownership of the club, having vetoed Gillett's proposed sale to DIC in March, but despite enlisting the help of Merrill Lynch, the financial management and advisory company, he has not yet raised the funds that he requires, with an unforgiving financial climate raising further doubts as to whether he will be able to do so.

Sources have described the impasse as “the major issue for the club”, saying that Hicks will come under severe pressure either to prove that he can generate the funds needed to take Liverpool forward or to sell his stake in the club to DIC and allow Gillett to do likewise.

The design approved yesterday is the third that has been submitted to Liverpool City Council, with Hicks and Gillett having been forced to scale down the grandiose original design that they unveiled in July last year.

When the new plans were revealed in January, Hicks boldly stated that Liverpool supporters “should have high expectations for the future: a premier sporting experience at their new stadium at Stanley Park and a winning club on the pitch for years to come”, but yesterday there was a more sober announcement on the club's official website, saying only that Liverpool “welcomed” the council's decision and “is committed to taking the stadium project forward and to starting on site as soon as possible” with a view to relocating in time for the 2011-12 season.

It also remains to be seen what level of funding Rafael Benítez, the manager, will be given to strengthen his squad this summer. Benítez has been active in the transfer market, making bids to sign Gareth Barry, the Aston Villa captain, Aaron Ramsey, the highly rated Cardiff City teenager, and Philipp Degen, the Borussia Dortmund full back, but sources at Anfield have indicated that the majority of new signings are likely to be financed by the sale of fringe players, such as Scott Carson, who is on loan to Villa, John Arne Riise, Jermaine Pennant and Peter Crouch.

A pre-contract agreement to sign Degen on a free transfer is in place, while Benítez is confident of success in his pursuit of Barry, having offered players such as Carson, Riise and Pennant as makeweights in any deal for the England midfield player.

Barry is regarded as a priority signing for next season, particularly as Lucas Leiva, the Brazil midfield player, is likely to join Javier Mascherano, of Argentina, in missing the start of next season to play in the Olympic Games football tournament in Beijing.

The High Cost Of Harry Kewell At Liverpool

Harry Kewell will leave Liverpool this month having cost the club £157,554 per game.

Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier signed Kewell from Leeds back in July 2003 for £5 million, on a contract worth £60,000 a week.

Since then the 29-year-old has made 139 appearances in five years, and just 18 over the last two, scoring a paltry 16 goals in the process.

Kewell shone for Leeds during his spell at Elland Road and seemed destined to become an Anfield favourite after moving to Liverpool.

However, a run of persistent injuries have restricted his appearances, frustrating his manager and the club's supporters.

Fans even booed the Australian international when he went off injured during the Champions League final against AC Milan three years ago.

Rafa Benitez will not stand in the way of Kewell's departure at the end of the season, with Fulham and Tottenham reportedly interested.

Kewell will be just one of a number of Liverpool players leaving this summer.

Peter Crouch is set to be the most high-profile departure, with Aston Villa his likely destination in a potential player-plus-cash deal for Gareth Barry.

John Arne Riise, Scott Carson and Jermain Pennant will also move on, with Carson, current on loan at Villa, signing a permanent deal under Martin O'Neill.

Peter Crouch Demands Talks With Rafa Benitez

Crouch is demanding showdown talks with boss Rafa Benitez after admitting he can't take another season on the bench.

Liverpool's England striker is frustrated at making just nine Premier League starts and could quit Anfield this summer.

Crouch said: "What I must do is speak to the manager. When all is said and done, I don't think I can have another season like this year where I've started nine Premier League games.

"Out of a 38-game league season, nine games is not the amount you want to be playing.

"I'll have to speak to the manager and see what his plans are. I need to see him and sort things out."

Crouch plans to confront Benitez before heading off on international duty - and he won't sign a new contract if his first-team prospects do not improve.

The giant forward is entering the final year of his current deal and wants Benitez to tell him if he is really wanted at Anfield.

"I'll continue to work hard and I've got two England games in the summer to concentrate on, but before then I do have to speak to the manager," said Crouch.

"I have to find out what he wants from me for next season and whether or not I can continue with that. In some ways I want to feel wanted. I've got a few questions I want to ask him, and I'm sure he has with me, too.

"So I'd like to speak to the manager and the club before I commit to anything and know whether or not I'll be here next year."

Rafa Benitez Insists He's Happy At Liverpool

Rafa Benitez has come out fighting after posting the worst season of his four-year Anfield reign.

This campaign will go down as the most disappointing of Benitez's time on Merseyside.

After vowing to mount a title challenge, his side have trailed in fourth and finished empty-handed for the second successive season.

Benitez can point to a third Champions League semi-final in four years and, despite admitting Liverpool could have done better, he rejects any suggestion that this campaign has been a failure.

The Spaniard did his best to lift the gloom ahead of tomorrow's final home game with Manchester City.

"Always you want to win silverware and we have not had a fantastic season, but clearly it has not been a bad one," said the Liverpool manager.

"If you analyse the season properly, to be in the top four in England and the top four in Europe is a massive achievement.

"To win the title here is more difficult than anywhere else because Chelsea and United are the best teams in Europe. To beat them, you have to be champions.

"A lot of managers will have had more disappointing seasons than us, finishing in the top four in Europe and the top four in England.

"You can ask me if this is this the most disappointing season but I can't say it is a bad season. It could have been better, but it is not a bad season."

Benitez spends every waking moment analysing Liverpool's performances and has concluded that his side must do better against their Big Four rivals.

The Reds managed just four points from four draws from their six games against Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal to finish bottom of this mini-league.

Compare that to United's 13 points and Chelsea's eight and it's not hard to see why they are the ones battling for the title.

As ever, it all comes down to money and whatever the feuding Tom Hicks and George Gillett can give Benitez, it does not compare to the vast transfer budgets of United and Chelsea.

Benitez is determined not to waste any time and has already tabled a £10million bid for Aston Villa's England midfielder Gareth Barry. "You look who was on the Chelsea bench on Wednesday - Malouda, Anelka and Shevchenko," he said. "Think about the prices of those three players.

"How much money did Chelsea spend to win the title? How much money have United spent to be top of the league?

"We cannot get to them in one season, but we have to keep improving. I will do the best I can to improve this club. Maybe it won't be good enough, but I will try."

Reina: Torres Will Get Even Better

Jose Reina has paid tribute to Fernando Torres and backed his Liverpool team-mate to go from strength to strength over the coming years.

The Spanish striker has enjoyed a superb first season in England and his winner against Manchester City on Sunday took his tally to 23 Premier League goals.

There was a warning from Rafa Benitez over the weekend that Torres could find it more difficult in his second term with Premier League defenders more accustomed to his style of play.

However, Reina has been hugely impressed by Torres and has taken the opposite view to his manager over what impact the former Atletico Madrid forward will make next season.

"You have to remember that this is Fernando's first season in England so he will improve and get even better," the goalkeeper said in the Daily Mirror.

"He always wants to learn and he will improve because he's hungry. As a player you are always learning and always looking to get better and believe me, that will be Fernando's goal next season.

"English football is different but he has adapted really well - better than anyone could have expected.

"You only need to look at the number of goals he has scored."