Steven Gerrard Set To Face Wolves After Speedy Return From Injury

Steven Gerrard is in contention for Liverpool's visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow after returning ahead of schedule from injury.

The club captain was expected to be sidelined for at least a fortnight after sustaining a hamstring problem in the FA Cup exit to Reading on 13 January.

Gerrard returned to action at the club's Melwood training ground over the weekend, however, and could now play in the Wolves game at Molineux.

"He was training on Saturday and then a full training session on Sunday, and today was the same," said the Liverpool manager, Rafael Benítez. "Normally he's someone who, if available, can play.

"We'll decide tomorrow but I think he can be available."

Benitez Confirms Plessis Interest

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed that an unnamed Italian club has shown an interest in Damien Plessis.

Skysports.com revealed over the weekend that the midfielder was the subject of an approach and a loan move would now appear a distinct possibility.

Plessis' career has stalled at Anfield since he made a handful of appearances after breaking into the first team in 2007/08 and Benitez has indicated that he is willing to negotiate.

The Liverpool boss told his club's official website: "Plessis is a young player who isn't playing games. We were considering a loan but we're talking to the player and his agent.

"We had an Italian team asking about him and we'll see if we can find a solution that is best for him and for us."

Liverpool Offer Jovanovic A Move To Anfield

Liverpool have offered Milan Jovanovic the opportunity to move to Anfield at the end of the season.

The Standard Liege striker is out of contract this summer and the Reds have put together a package that would see Jovanovic sign a three-year deal.

Jovanovic is high on Rafa Benitez's wanted list and it is understood the Serbian international would jump at the chance to play for Liverpool.

However, Jovanovic - who is a target for a number of Europe's top clubs, including AC Milan - is seeking some assurances before he makes his next move.

A powerful forward who has scored an impressive 52 goals in 107 appearances for the crack Belgian side, Jovanovic will play a key role for Serbia at the World Cup this summer.

Hot-shot Tempted By Reds

A report in L'Equipe today claims Marouane Chamakh is tempted by Liverpool’s offer to sign him on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The Morrocan striker met with representatives from Liverpool earlier this month and was reportedly offered a contract worth 28 million euros over four seasons at Anfield.

Chamakh is out of contract at Bordeaux at the end of the campaign and can sign a pre-contract with a foreign club. Along with Liverpool, Arsenal, West Ham and Sunderland are also interested.

The French newspaper suggests Chamakh will not reveal his decision until after Bordeaux's Champions League knockout tie with Olympiakos and is in no rush to make a decision.

The 26-year-old striker is likely to wait and see whether Liverpool qualify for the Champions League and how the next few weeks pan out for manager Rafa Benitez.

In 2009/2010, Chamakh has scored nine goals in 26 appearances for Bordeaux in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

Dynamo Moscow Prepare £7million Bid For Liverpool Star Yossi Benayoun

Dynamo Moscow want to sign Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool and are prepared to offer £7million for the Israel midfielder.

Rafa Benitez would take some convincing to part with one of his favourite performers but the offer is well timed for cash-strapped Liverpool.

Benayoun signed a new deal in the summer but Dynamo will offer him a four-year deal worth £75,000 a week, with the tax rate significantly lower than in Britain.

Rafa Hails 'Right-Back' Dirk

Rafa Benitez today heaped praise on Dirk Kuyt for his role in getting Liverpool back to winning ways - and revealed how the Dutchman offered to play at right-back amid the club's injury crisis.

Kuyt was the two-goal hero as Liverpool beat top-four rivals Tottenham last week and was the subject of several questions as the gaffer gave his pre-Wolves press conference on Monday.

"He has a fantastic mentality," Benitez told reporters. "We talk about him being a striker who has played on the right because we needed it. He can also play as a second striker.

"When we played in the Cup and Philipp Degen had cramps, he said to me that if I wanted he could play at right-back.

"It's not just his versatility and the fact he's in very good condition, it's his mentality. He's always ready to help the team.

"He is a player that every manager would want in their team. You can play him or not but he's always available, always ready and always helping the team.

"When you talk about a squad or a winning team, you need players with this mentality. If you have to change something for a game or have to put a player out of position, he is always available. That's massive for a manager."

Meanwhile, Benitez has been delighted with the attitude of his players in the last two fixtures against Tottenham and Stoke.

Now he wants to see the same workrate at Wolves, where victory will lift the Reds into fourth place.

"The players have been really good," said the boss. "The commitment and the team spirit has been very good.

"When you don't have two important players like Gerrard and Torres, everyone has to stick together and work hard. The players have taken responsibility.

"People realise we could have won that (Stoke) game and I think it was a really good performance from the team. Since then we've been stronger.

"Wolves work very hard and have a good mentality as a team, so I think it will be a tough game for us. But we have the challenge that we can be in the top four if we beat them.

"We had problems with injuries, late goals and beach balls. If you put everything together it could have made a big difference. But everyone is working so hard now that it's easier for us to get results."

Benitez believes there will be plenty more twists in the race for Champions League qualification regardless of Tuesday's result.

"The four teams are so close and I think it will be the same for the rest of the season, so it's not a big difference if you're fifth or fourth at this stage," he said.

With Liverpool out of the FA Cup, Benitez gave his players some time off before they returned to full training on Saturday.

He added: "Maybe (being out of the Cup) you'll have more time to train with the players. When you have two games a week you cannot prepare things too much. You have to carry on with the games and rest players with light training.

"When you have time you can prepare things a bit better."

Elsewhere, Nabil El Zhar and Martin Kelly are back in training following persistent injury problems.

Fabregas: Liverpool's Night In Istanbul Is My Favourite

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has revealed that the most memorable match which he has ever watched as a football fan was Liverpool’s epic Champions League final victory against AC Milan in 2005.

The 22-year-old Gunner recalled how Rafael Benitez’s side battled back from a 3-0 deficit at half-time to take the match to extra time before eventually sealing the game in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Goals by Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso and the goalkeeping antics of Jerzy Dudek were fundamental for the Anfield outfit on the night as one side of Merseyside turned Istanbul red.

Asked in an interview with Champions magazine to talk about his favourite match, the Arsenal midfielder revealed:

“It would have to be the 2005 Champions League final between Liverpool and Milan – a spectacular game.

“After that, the return leg of the semi-final last season between Barcelona and Chelsea. Obviously I enjoyed it because the winning goal was scored by a friend of mine, Andrés Iniesta, but Barcelona were practically out of that game and that goal was a historic moment.

“I wasn’t at the game; I saw it on the telly. It’s hard to go and watch games when you’re a player, with all the people there. I hardly ever go, even though I love football. I have been to Camp Nou a few times to see friends like Puyi [Carles Puyol] or Gerard [Piqué]. But I don’t like to bother them after the game. I just go, watch the match, and then leave.”

Rafa Restrained In Jones Row

Rafa Benitez has refused to enter a war of words with Sunderland boss Steve Bruce regarding Liverpool's pursuit of Kenwyne Jones.

The cash-strapped Reds are understood to want to sign the powerful striker on loan in the January transfer window with star man Fernando Torres recovering from knee surgery.

Bruce hit back at suggestions that he would allow a highly-valued player to leave and branded Liverpool's interest as 'embarrassing', labelling the Merseysider's public interest as an attempt to unsettle Jones.

Benitez, though, has resisted the opportunity to respond and claims Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow and Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn have been in talks.

The Liverpool manager told Sky Sports News when asked for his reaction to Bruce's comments: "I was not involved in this. Christian Purslow was talking with Niall Quinn, so they are managing the situation."

When quizzed as to whether a deal could yet materialise, he added: "They are talking about this."

Pepe Reina Set To Sign £23m Deal With Liverpool

The goalkeeper entered discussions over a new deal shortly after the turn of the year, and it is expected that he will soon put pen to paper on a five-year deal that will see him rake in £90,000 per week.

Such lofty wages may seem impossible given the Reds' ongoing financial problems, but Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun, Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt have all signed similarly lucrative deals since last summer.

And there can be little doubt that Reina belongs among Anfield's top earners, as he is now widely regarded as one of the world's finest glovesmen - with some even calling for the 27-year-old to replace Iker Casillas as Spain's No.1.

An unnamed source is quoted as saying: "Pepe's deal will reflect his position as an outstanding Liverpool player. A five-year contract will reflect how highly he is thought of by everyone at the club.

"We know he wants to stay and we want to keep him, so now talks have begun on schedule we don't expect any problems."

Milan Jovanovic Snubs Liverpool Over Fears Benitez Will Be Sacked

Milan Jovanovic is ready to snub a summer move to Liverpool – over fears Rafa Benitez will be sacked before he gets there!

Liverpool met the Standard Liege hitman’s representatives last week – and have offered a three-year deal worth £10million for the player to join them on a free in June.

Though Anfield is his first choice, the in-demand Jovanovic, also wanted by AC Milan, Birmingham and Valencia, is worried about Benitez’s long-term position.

Kop co-owner George Gillett gave the Spanish coach another vote of confidence in midweek.

Yet despite that – and Liverpool’s win over Spurs keeping them in contention for the Premier League top four – his future remains in serious doubt.

And it is that uncertainty which could leave Jovanovic no option but to reject a dream move to Merseyside.

Sources close to the Serbian star, 28, have confirmed that while no decision has been made, Benitez’s problems mean Liverpool are in danger of missing out.

A pal of Jovanovic told the Daily Star Sunday: “It’s tough for Milan. He loves the idea of playing at Liverpool but he’s wary Rafa may not be the manager by the time he signs.

“Then there is the problem of Rafa’s record of buying ­players for big money and not playing them. Milan has been warned about this.”

Robbie Keane, Ryan Babel, Peter Crouch and Craig Bellamy are just some of the star names who have fallen foul of Benitez’s controversial rotation system.

And that appears to make Birmingham the favourites to land Jovanovic this month because, unlike their rivals, they want the player now.

In an effort to seal a deal in the current transfer window, the high-flying Blues are promising to match the personal terms on offer to Jovanovic at Anfield.

St Andrews chiefs also say they are ready to cough up the £6.5m fee demanded by Liege.

Our insider added: “You simply cannot rule out Birmingham.

“They are not nearly as big as AC Milan or Liverpool but at least Jovanovic could be sure of playing every week.”

Man City Line Up £100m Bid For Fernando Torres

Manchester City are preparing to stun the football world this summer with a staggering £100million bid for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

In a move that will eclipse Manchester United's £80m sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid last summer, City will flex their financial muscles and smash the transfer record for a player regarded as the best forward in the game.

And if 25-year-old Torres moves to Eastlands he'll become the first star to earn a £200,000-a-week salary in a deal that could net him £50m over five years.

Those are the astonishing figures being assembled by City chiefs who are determined to land the stellar signing who will form the figurehead of their drive to join the world's elite clubs.

Chief executive Garry Cook failed to entice former AC Milan star Kaka to Manchester exactly a year ago in a deal that would have been worth £100m.

Now though, City believe their increased profile and their intended aim of becoming a major power in the game is being taken seriously - and the time is right to turn that ambition into reality.

Blockbuster New boss Roberto Mancini has impressed City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak so much, he has already been told that if City clinch a Champions League place the club will back him with a blockbuster signing.

The word around Eastlands is that player will be Torres - with Mancini knowing a world class striker is the key to City becoming a major force in Europe once they have qualified for the Champions League.

City's interest in Torres will be a damning blow for Liverpool who have encountered major problems on and off the pitch this season.

Kop boss Rafa Benitez will fight hard to keep Torres at Anfield and may even make a stand by saying he'll walk if the Spain international is sold.

But even Benitez will recognise it would be hard for Liverpool's warring owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to refuse a bid approaching £100m - especially with the club desperate for a fresh injection of cash.

Benitez still insists Liverpool's experience and pedigree means they can fight off competition from City, Aston Villa and Spurs and clinch fourth place this season.

But if they don't finish fourth Liverpool will be more vulnerable than ever to a huge City bid for Torres.

Liverpool Manager Rafael Benitez Will Offer Ryan Babel To Arsenal

According to the Sunday People, Benitez is in negotiations with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger over the proposed transfer of the Dutch international, as he seeks to offload the 23-year-old.

Babel is already believed to have rejected moves to both Birmingham City and Sunderland but could be tempted by a transfer to Arsenal.

One potential stumbling block though could be the fee. The tabloid reports that while Benitez is believed to want £11 million for Babel, Wenger is unwilling to go that high.

Specualtion is mounting that to reduce the fee, Fran Merida could be involved as part of the deal.

Merida is out of contract in north London at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to La Liga and Atletico Madrid. He could now be used as part of the package to lure Babel to the Emirates.

The Sunday People claims the two managers have been in talks for days over the deal, with Benitez hopeful of raising enough funds to bring in his primary transfer target Kenwyne Jones from Sunderland.

Eidur Gudjohnsen To Reject Liverpool And Join West Ham United

According to The Mirror, Liverpool have failed in their last-ditch bid to snatch Eidur Gudjohnsen from the clutches of West Ham United.

The former Chelsea and Barcelona star is understood to have met with Hammers officials on Friday to discuss the possibility of a loan move from Monaco.

Rafael Benitez then reportedly swooped with the promise of matching whatever West Ham offered in pay and perks, but Gudjohnsen now appears almost certain to seal a switch to Upton Park.

The Icelandic forward-cum-midfielder's close ties with former Blues buddies Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke - now manager and assistant as West Ham - are said to have tipped the scales in the London club's favour.

Zola is now expected to drop all interest in Benni McCarthy, after Blackburn Rovers allegedly knocked back a £2 million bid last week.

Owens' Youth Cup Warning

Academy manager John Owens admits he is relishing next month's FA Youth Cup tie with Watford - but warned the Hornets will be a tough proposition for Liverpool Under-18s.

After the stunning 5-1 success away at Leicester City, Rodolfo Borrell's side will meet Watford in round five at Anfield on Monday, February 8.

"It's a tie I'm looking forward to," Owens told Liverpoolfc.tv. "I saw Watford last season when they took on Birmingham as we were scheduled to play the winners of the tie in the semi-final.

"They played a good game of football, and although Birmingham ultimately went through, I did think Watford would do well this season.

"We've seen their team and had them watched, and they look to be a very good outfit.

"Maybe some fans will think of Watford as a lower team, and that's fatal. You have to treat each game as it comes and give each team merit as they've got there."

The Reds take on Watford hoping to secure a victory on the next step of their quest to reach a fourth FA Youth Cup final in five years.

Owens believes it's a competition that can play a big part in the development of young players.

He added: "We know our main role at the Academy is to produce players, but the Youth Cup does add extra spice to the season.

"All games are important because they are part of the development, but the Youth Cup offers something a bit extra for the players.

"Mainly because we get to play at some of the big grounds - and it's amazing for the lads to get the chance to play at Anfield in our home fixtures.

"It may well be the biggest game they play."

Liverpool Co-Owner Tom Hicks Agrees Sale Of Baseball Team Texas Rangers

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has finally agreed a deal to sell his major league baseball team, the Texas Rangers.

Following an extensive negotiating process, Hicks has an agreement in place to sell the team to a group headed by Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg and Rangers pitching legend Nolan Ryan for a price that could exceed $500 million (£310m).

Agreement was reached late on Saturday night in Texas, and came 24 hours after an exclusive negotiating window had expired.

"Together, we have worked exhaustively since last month to attain this agreement," Hicks said in a statement. "It's a complex business deal that positions the franchise positively for the future."

The deal must still be approved by Major League Baseball and the banks that hold the debt on the Hicks Sports Group, and may not be finalised until April.

It is not clear whether Hicks intends to use any of the proceeds from the deal to aid Liverpool's troubled financial position.

Late last year, Hicks' fellow Liverpool owner George Gillett sold the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey team for a reported Canadian $550 million (£323m), but has not invested that money in the Premier League club.

Liverpool, Chelsea And Manchester City On Alert As Guus Hiddink Is Clear To Return

Guus Hiddink will quit as Russia manager next week, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City all likely to be prepared to offer him a job.

Hiddink is under contract until July but after Russia's failure to reach the World Cup, they are ready to release him early.

out, with new Russian Football Association president Sergei Fursenko claiming the Dutchman's £6million salary is too high.

Van den Nieuwenhuizen said: 'Fursenko wants a national manager who is cheaper.

'Guus knew nothing about this. So we are flying out there to hear the same words from the president himself.'

The agent had previously claimed he had been contacted by Manchester City about replacing Mark Hughes before Roberto Mancini was offered the job.

He also said Liverpool had been in touch.

But Hiddink's most likely return would be as technical director at Chelsea, where he enjoyed a successful spell as caretaker.

Aquilani Asks For Time To Prove His Worth

A telling exchange took place between two Liverpool fans on the approach to Anfield on Wednesday night.

"I hope Aquilani has a good game," began the conversation.

"Same here," came the reply. "It's about time we started to see a bit more from him."

Less than three months ago, the only question surrounding the summer acquisition was whether we would ever get to see him at all.

In that sense, Aquilani has come a long way in a relatively short space of time.

From his debut at The Emirates in late October, to the part he played in setting up Dirk Kuyt for the first of a match-winning double against Tottenham this week, Aquilani has had to learn to walk before he can run again.

Still, whether he plays or not, he is well aware that the weight of expectation hangs heavier around his neck with each passing game.

But, although he accepts people are waiting for tangible proof that he can justify his substantial price tag, Aquilani subscribes to the notion that good things come to those who wait.

"I know a lot has been said and written about me so far without me being able to prove my ability in matches," he agrees.

"Soon, I believe that I will.

"I understand that people are still wondering whether I will be a good signing for Liverpool.

"But I need to be judged after I have played in a run of games. I feel a lot better about my fitness now, although it could still be higher.

"I am relaxed because I know I can do a lot better and with time I know that will happen."

Of his 12 appearances to date, Aquilani has stayed on the pitch from beginning to end just once - albeit for all 120 minutes of the FA Cup replay against Reading.

Had he remained with his boyhood club, Roma, he would probably have played a lot more this season.

The slower pace and familiarity of Serie A may have suited him better after missing so much football over the past 18 months, the consequence of a persistent ankle injury that eventually required surgery.

That saw Aquilani miss the start of the season with Liverpool.

Not only has he had to get back on his feet, but he has also been faced with learning a new style of play while adjusting to a new culture and all that this brings with it for the first time in his life.

It hasn't been easy for Aquilani, and former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby suggests it could be next season until we begin to see the best of the Italian playmaker.

"I don't think it's fair to judge Alberto now," said the Dane.

"It always takes the type of player he is longer to adjust to the English game than say a battling midfielder.

"Then there's the fact he missed the opening months of the season and didn't make his first Premier League start until December.

"From now until the end of the campaign, he will gain experience and find ways of improving during matches. Then he'll have a break before getting a proper pre-season under his belt. That's when people should start to judge him."

The 2-0 win over Tottenham was Aquilani's most encouraging outing for Liverpool to date.

Although he faded before being substituted in the second half, his quick-thinking and eye for a pass were evident as he linked up well with Dirk Kuyt, playing in a support role behind the Dutchman.

The fact he hasn't been able to strike up an on-field rapport with Fernando Torres yet is as frustrating for Aquilani as it is his manager, Rafa Benitez, who brought the Italy international in to help quicken the attacking process between the back and front-lines.

Of the seven matches Aquilani and Torres have been involved in together, they have shared the same pitch for more than half an hour on just three occasions.

With Aquilani's speed of thought and Torres's turn of pace, the mind boggles as to the havoc they could wreak. Throw Steven Gerrard into the mix and it becomes a truly mouthwatering prospect.

Injuries to all three have put the development of a holy trinity on hold so far, while there have been the rudimentary doubts as to whether Aquilani can adapt to the idiosyncrasies of the English game. Again, given time to show what he can do, the 25-year-old is certain he can flourish where the likes of his recently departed countryman, Andrea Dossena, floundered.

"Some people may think that I will find the pace of the Premier League very quick," says Aquilani.

"I understand that some players who have done well in Serie A have come here in the past and struggled.

"But I think I am perfectly suited to the system Liverpool play.

"The manager has spoken to me about his ideas for the team and it is clear he wants me to play further up the pitch linking between the defensive midfielder and Steven Gerrard.

"The manager has explained to me in detail what he wants me to do for the team.

"At the moment, I am regaining my fitness after a long time away from football. It will take me a while to get to a level I am happy with and I don't think I'm that far away.

"When every player is fit, including me, I think it will bring the best from me and the best from the 11 players we have out on the pitch."

Put another way, Aquilani is looking forward to answering the questions being asked of him.

Skrtel Confident Of Run

Martin Skrtel is confident Liverpool can now finally string together the run of results they have been waiting for to save their season.

The Reds' catastrophic season has been blighted by inconsistent form and early exits from both the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup.

Wins over Manchester United and Aston Villa have previously sparked belief of a turning point around Merseyside, but still the unpredictability remained.

Following the midweek 2-0 triumph over top-four hopefuls Tottenham, which followed a 1-1 draw at Stoke, Skrtel is adamant their season's woes are behind them this time.

"I firmly believe that better times are ahead of us as up to present we have been far behind the pre-season objectives," said Skrtel.

"The last two games against Stoke and Tottenham showed us that we are ready to do our best for the club. We would like to start a long winning run.

"I enjoyed the game. When the entire team is doing well, then it shows on the performance of each player. I am happy that I helped Liverpool to valuable points.

"It is a pity that we did not beat Stoke, but late goals are a part of football."

Skrtel partnered Greek centre-half Sotirios Kyrgiakos at the back in both games, and the Slovakia international admits the unfamiliar pairing was not a risk due to their collaborations in training.

"We are similar types of players, both playing physically. Our game is based on challenges. Even in training we start alongside one another often, so it was not an exceptional situation to either of us."

The chase is on to finish in the top four in the Premier League to secure Champions League football next season, with Liverpool facing strong competition from Spurs, Villa and Manchester City for the vacant spot.

"In the Premier League we want to finish fourth in the worst case," said Skrtel. "Unlike our rivals we will be playing fewer games, so we should be more relaxed and have more energy.

"I believe we will reach our objective of finishing within the top four. Also, we are still in the Europa League and will be trying to get as far as possible."

Italians Eye Reds Starlet

Skysports.com understands Liverpool starlet Damien Plessis could be set for a move away from Anfield before the close of the transfer window.

A mystery Italian club is thought to be keen on signing the highly-rated 21-year-old.

The French midfielder has found himself well down the pecking order this season, making just one appearance in the Carling Cup against Arsenal.

Plessis joined Liverpool in 2007 from Lyon and he made his debut for the first team in April 2008.

However, the French Under-21 international has struggled to make an impact and has found himself restricted to a role in the reserves.

His Italian suitors are understood to have watched him in action for the reserves in midweek against Manchester City and they are hoping to strike a deal for his services.

Liverpool's Deal With Belgian Club Genk

Liverpool have struck a co-operation deal with Belgian club, KRC Genk. Following a series of meetings an agreement has been signed until 2014 that could have benefits for both clubs.

Genk representatives flew into the city for Thursday's night's reserve game at Prenton Park where technical director Herman Vermeulen and club scout Roland Janssen ran the rule over the Reds' 3-3 draw with Manchester City.

The co-operation deal will work on three levels with Liverpool and Genk sharing information from their scouting databases.

While Genk are interested in taking some of Liverpool's fringe players on loan, the main attraction for the Anfield club is the opportunity to bring in African and South American players to England via Belgium.

As Belgium is not subject to the same restrictions found in UK employment law, Genk will be able to act on Liverpool's behalf to sign non-EU players who could later join the Reds once they qualify for European citizenship or meet the 75% quota of international games to receive a work permit.

Liverpool have faced problems retaining non-EU players in recent years, most notably Argentine winger Sebastian Leto who was loaned to Greek club Olympiakos and eventually sold to Panathinaikos after his Italian passport was revoked.

EU regulations also delayed Chilean Mark Gonzalez's arrival from Albacete four years ago.

Genk director general Dirk Degraen was at Melwood last week, where he met with Reds manager Rafa Benitez and chief scout, Eduardo Macia.

Degraen said: "Liverpool wants to sign young talented players from Africa and South America. But because of the British law it isn't possible.

"We can get the players to Belgium and let them develop. It would be a win-win situation for both clubs.

"Also, Liverpool has a very big squad and many players don't get many minutes.

"Genk can offer a solution for that, if we are offered the players that can make our squad better."

Genk are currently tenth in Belgium's top-flight but are typically challenging among the European places each season behind Anderlecht, Standard Liege and Club Brugge.

The Jupiler League club, coached by ex-Belgian international Franky Vercauteren, are thought to be interested in taking one of Liverpool's strikers on loan.

However, as Benitez is looking to strengthen in this area with Fernando Torres currently sidelined and following the departure of Andriy Voronin this month, he is unlikely to release any more forwards unless any signings are made before the transfer window closes next weekend.

The co-operation deal with Genk is not dissimilar to the agreement between Manchester United and Belgian second division club Royal Antwerp. United's long-standing partnership has seen a host of youngsters gain first team experience in Belgium, including John O'Shea, Jonny Evans, Frazier Campbell and Ronnie Wallwork - the latter being sent home in shame following an altercation with a referee.