Rodgers Wants Spanish Flair

Brendan Rodgers says he is planning to use the Spanish tactics that have taken the world by storm in recent years as a blueprint for future success at Liverpool.

The 39-year-old manager won many admirers for the way he built on the foundations of the current Wigan boss Roberto Martinez at Swansea that had the club likened to the reigning world and European champions.

He was brought in to replace Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool boss after a poor season in which they finished in a disappointing eighth place.

And Rodgers has vowed to bring the good times back to Anfield with his brand of possession football.

"Any football team, especially when you play possession football, has to limit the opposition to few chances," he told talkSPORT.

"Last year we (Swansea) used to defend with the ball and people in this country don't seem to understand that, they think you defend without the ball.

"But it is all about penetration and that is what I will look to bring here. Possession is no good on its own, it has to be with penetration."

The mixed performances last season may have cost the Kop favourite his job but Rodgers was quick to defend the record of Dalglish in his second spell in charge of the club.

Rodgers believes he laid strong foundations for future success at the club and because of that he is does not need to raid the transfer market if he is to challenge for silverware in his first season in charge of the famous old club.

"If you look at Liverpool's record last season Kenny was very unlucky because there were so many games they dominated but just failed to hit the back of the net," he added.

"Defensively they were reasonably strong so it is a case of improving on what has been happening over the last couple of years and giving the players confidence to go and win games."

Liverpool Show An Interest As Kalou Becomes Free Agent

Liverpool are believed to be interested in securing the services of Salomon Kalou after the attacker became a free agent on July 1.

Chelsea did not offer the forward a new contract and he was eventually allowed to leave the club as he looks for a new challenge after six successful years with the west London club.

Kalou won the Premier League, four FA Cups, the League Cup and the Champions League during his time at Stamford Bridge and he certainly brings a wealth of experience at the highest level.

ESPN is reporting that Liverpool is one of several clubs that are hoping to persuade Kalou to join them. One problem for the Reds is that they will not be able to offer Champions League football, something that the Senegal international has grown accustomed to.

The 26-year-old previously played in Holland where he spent three years with Feyenoord, but much will now depend on whether he wants to test himself in another league, or if he would prefer to stay in England.

Liverpool are certainly looking to add some attacking options after their own former Feyenoord forward Dirk Kuyt left the club.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers will have to hope that he can convince Kalou that he can take the club forward after a disappointing league campaign under Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool finished in eighth place.

Liverpool Have Until Late July To Sign Newcastle Forward

Newcastle United fans will be hoping that the month of July goes by quicker than normal as the end of the month marks the cut-off date in Demba Ba's release clause that could see him leave for just £7million.

The Senegal international was one of the form striker of last season, despite struggling after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations when he was asked to play in wide positions.

The arrival of Papiss Cisse saw Ba lose his central role but he still ended the season with an impressive return of 16 league goals.

There is concern on Tyneside that a club will make an offer and, according to the Daily Mirror, Liverpool could be one of the sides that decides to make an offer for the forward.

Brendan Rodgers is working had behind the scenes to try and identify targets and the paper believes that Ba could be one man that the new Liverpool boss attempts to bring to Anfield.

Liverpool certainly struggled in front of goal last season with Luis Suarez the only man to reach double figures as he ended the season with 11 league goals.

Should the Reds decide to move for Ba then they would have to bid £7million by July 31, as after that date, Newcastle could demand considerably more and would be under no pressure to sell.

Liverpool Want Bolton Midfielder

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has turned his attention to Bolton midfielder Mark Davies after seemingly missing out on Gylfi Sigurdsson who is on the verge of joining Tottenham.

Rodgers had hoped to be able to persuade Sigurdsson to choose a move to Anfield after enjoying a good relationship with the midfielder when they were together at Swansea.

However, it seems as though the Hoffenheim midfielder is now on the verge of completing a move to White Hart Lane after the German side accepted an offer from Tottenham.

The Daily Mirror has reported that Liverpool are prepared to offer as much as £6million for the midfielder who would be playing in the Championship is he decided to remain at Bolton Wanderers.

Davies, 24, was one of the stand out performers in a Bolton side that struggled throughout the season as he scored four goals and provided plenty of energy in the heart of midfield.

Liverpool particularly struggled in midfield last season as Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Jay Spearing all received criticism for their performances.

Rodgers is keen to freshen up his squad after the Reds suffered a disappointing league campaign and made the decision to part company with Kenny Dalglish.

Napoli Plot Swoop For Liverpool Star

Napoli have set their sights on Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel.

The Slovakia international has been linked with Premier League champions Manchester City during the close season, and before that it was Russian big-spenders Anzhi Makhachkala.

He insists he wants to stay at Anfield under new manager Brendan Rodgers, but Napoli are hoping to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding his future by making a move for the 27-year-old centre-back.

According to a report in Italian newspaper Tuttosport, the Serie A are hoping their Slovakian playmaker Marek Hamsik can persuade his international team-mate to join him at the club.

Andy Carroll Targeted By AC Milan's Transfer Guru

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has been identified as a transfer target by the son of AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi, who has urged his father to pull off the shock signing of the summer.

Italian media mogul Pier Silvio Berlusconi, who is the president of Mediaset, the holding company that owns AC Milan, has acted as a consultant on the Rossoneri's transfer business in recent years, as the club seek to replace their ageing stars with a new wave of young talent.

Milan have continued their squad overhaul this summer with the likes of Filippo Inzaghi, 38, Clarence Seedorf, 36, Mark van Bommel, 35, and Gennaro Gattuso, 34, all leaving the San Siro on free transfers.

However, while a selection of legendary stars have already left, Milan are yet to splash the cash on any big name replacements, instead favouring the likes of Riccardo Montolivo and Bakaye Traore, who have both arrived on free transfers.

Yet Berlusconi Jr. believes Milan should get the cheque book out this summer, and start with a deal for Liverpool's £35 million powerhouse Carroll, who impressed for England at Euro 2012.

'This is a new era for Milan. We will continue to get younger while maintaining the culture.

Milan still has its superstars. As a future target I'd like Andy Carroll,' Pier Silvio Berlusconi announced.

'I must admit that for his body build, and after seeing his header in the Euros, I would like to have ‪Carroll‬ at ‪Milan‬.'

The news is unlikely to win favour with many Milan fans, with Carroll's infamous, powerful, aggressive approach a far cry from the technical, stylish football the club love to play.

Juventus Remain In Hunt For Suarez

Juventus are preparing to test Liverpool’s resolve with a bid for Luis Suarez.

The Italian champions are looking to bolster their forward line and have looked at Arsenal’s Robin van Persie and Edin Dzeko of Manchester City.

But Juventus have held a long-standing interest in Suarez, who has been in discussion with Liverpool over extending his current contract.

However, Suarez – like defender Martin Skrtel, who is wanted by Manchester City and Russian side Anzi Makhachakla and Daniel Agger – is yet to sign a new deal.

It has been mooted in Italy that Juventus could try to prise the Uruguayan away by offering a player plus cash.

Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group, though, have absolutely no intention of selling Suarez.

Rodgers Wants Suarez Deal

Brendan Rodgers hopes to secure a new contract for Luis Suarez after the Liverpool striker was again linked with a move to Juventus.

Suarez joined Liverpool from Ajax in 2011 and his impressive performances during his time at Anfield have seen the Uruguay international regularly linked with other major European clubs.

The 25-year-old brushed off reports at the end of last season that he could join Barcelona or Real Madrid, while Juventus have been long-term admirers of Suarez.

The latest reports have claimed that the Serie A champions are ready to test the Reds' resolve to hang on to Suarez by making a bid for the forward.

However, Rodgers does not want to lose Suarez after talking to the player and is hopeful that a new contract can be agreed.

"I've had a brilliant chat with Luis. He's really looking forward to being here," said Rodgers.

"We are obviously hoping we can get him on to another new contract. He's really looking forward to the new season."

Rodgers, who has replaced Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool manager, also revealed he plans to make a small number of quality signings before the new season.

He said: "I'm looking forward to bringing in three or four players that can really affect the group. The reality is there are very few players who can come and make a difference to Liverpool."

Gerrard Eyes Brazil 2014

Steven Gerrard feels he will still be good enough to make an impact for England at the next World Cup in Brazil 2014.

The Three Lions skipper produced arguably one of his best tournament displays at this summer's European Championships.

And now the 32-year-old Liverpool midfielder is ready for the long haul, just as long as he is managed properly.

He has also maintained his commitment to England manager Roy Hodgson.

"Since Roy has come in he's made it very clear he wants me around and wants me to be a help to the young players - and that my ability can still help the team.

"But I will speak to the manager in more detail and will find out what he wants my role to be.

"I'm sure he understands that with my age and my body, I need to be managed properly to have a big impact on this team and also Liverpool.

"The easy decision for me would be to walk away from all of this and say I want to prolong my Liverpool career. But the experiences I've had with this team over the last four games have been fantastic.

"I have enjoyed every minute of this tournament, except going out to Italy.

"And I still feel I'm good enough to have an impact at this level."

Liverpool Eye City Defender

Liverpool are reportedly lining up a move for Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott.

According to various English and European publications, new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers keen to broker a deal.

Despite forming part of a City rearguard that helped the club to their first Premier League crown, Lescott could be forced out of the club as Roberto Mancini looks to sign a new centre back.

Mancini is reportedly keen on Liverpool pair Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger with Fabricio Coloccini also on his radar.

While moves for Agger and Skrtel could prove difficult, Rodgers is hoping that the links with other defenders will unsettle Lescott and lead the way to a return to Merseyside.

Lescott joined City for £22 million pounds in 2009 and was one of the stars of England’s journey to the European Championship’s quarter finals.

The 29 year old, who has also played for Wolves, has been capped 20 times for England and scored his first goal for his country in the 1-1 draw with France in the Euro’s.

Reds Chase German International

With Bayer Leverkusen set for a pre-season friendly at Anfield could striker Andrea Schurrle find himself lining up for the home side as opposed to the visitors?

Well that's the feeling of Yahoo Sports at least who believe the Reds are interested in signing the striker for around £12m.

The 21-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Chelsea and boasts an impressive international record of 7 goals in 16 appearances (featuring twice for the German's at Euro 2012).

The former FSV Mainz 05 player only moved to the Bay Arena last summer but did not exactly set the Bundesliga alight with only 7 goals in 31 league starts during his first season at Leverkusen.

Striking reinforcements are thought to be high on new manager Brendan Rodgers' agenda following Liverpool's struggles in front of goal last season.

The club, under predecessor Kenny Dalglish, manager just 47 goals in 38 Premier League fixtures last term and their attacking options have since decreased with the departure of Dirk Kuyt to Fenerbahce.

The Dutchman's move leaves only Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and veteran Craig Bellamy as notable forward options and Schurrle could be the answer if the story is to be believed.

In addition to an orthodox striking role, Schurrle can also play out on the flank which may make him an even more attractive proposition.

The wide areas are another source of perceived weakness on Merseyside with big money signing Stewart Downing disappointing during his debut campaign after a £20m move from Aston Villa.

Youngster Raheem Sterling offers the only other natural width option currently and on many occasions the likes of Jordan Henderson and Bellamy have been forced to play out of position.

If Liverpool's interest is genuine then they will hope that the presence of former player Sami Hyppia as Leverkusen's manager will aid any negotiations.

Liverpool Set To Lose Deal On Lacina Traore

Liverpool is reportedly about to close a £6.4 million deal on giant attacker Lacina Traore.

The huge six foot, eight inches tall striker, who is originally from the Ivory Coast, currently plays in the Russian Premier League for Kuban Krasnodar.

New Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is apparently on the verge of securing Traore, who will be his first summer signing since taking over at Anfield.

Rodgers is apparently hoping that the move will dramatically alter what he believes is the Merseyside club’s weakest current position.

The club has already lost some vital players and there are constant reports linking Craig Bellamy with a return to Wales to play for his hometown Cardiff City.

The team has been left limited with just Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez as striking options after allowing forward Dirk Kuyt to leave on a free this summer.

But the club could be given some respite with Traore stepping onto the scene, as the impressive goal scorer has already racked up 18 goals in his first season, ending the campaign as the third highest scorer in the division.

The news follows the reported £20 million signing of 21-year-old Gaston Ramirez.

Rodgers Tracking French Goalkeeper

Liverpool are exploring the possibility of signing France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris as Pepe Reina continues to interest AC Milan, according to reports in France.

Reina, who has been at Liverpool since 2005, is on the radar of AC Milan, who are looking to replace the ageing Christian Abbiati.

New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is thought to be scouting potential replacements in the instance that the Spaniard leaves for the San Siro, and French newspaper Le 10 Sport believe he has his sights on Lloris.

Lloris captained France during their disappointing Euro 2012 campaign, and is rated as one of the most consistent goalkeepers in Europe.

The 25-year-old, who has been linked with moves to Tottenham and Manchester United in recent years, has racked up 171 appearances for Lyon since moving from Nice in 2008.

Liverpool & Tottenham Tracking Barcelona Starlet's Movements

Ibrahim Afellay is ready for showdown talks over his Barcelona future - with Tottenham and Liverpool watching developments.

Afellay wants to speak to new coach Tito Vilanova in the next week to discuss his plans for the new season.

Following a surprise switch to the Nou Camp from PSV Eindhoven in 2011, Afellay has failed to shine at Barcelona.

Injuries have halted his progress and he has made just 20 La Liga appearances since moving there - and Afellay is eager to be more involved.

The 26-year-old was given a break after Holland's disastrous exit from Euro 2012 and he's set to return to Barcelona seeking answers.

Liverpool and Spurs, currently fighting it out over Gylfi Sigurdsson, are long term admirers and will keep an eye on the situation with Afellay.

However, as talkSPORT revelead yesterday, the two Premier League clubs will have to fight it out with French side Lille, who have targeted Afellay as a replacement for Joe Cole.

Liverpool Miss Out As Tottenham Land Sigurdsson

Liverpool appear to have missed out on signing Hoffenheim midfielder Glyfi Sigurdsson after it was revealed that he would complete his move to Tottenham in the coming days.

Sky Sports have reported that Sigurdsson has agreed personal terms with Tottenham and will now simply need to pass a medical before being officially confirmed as a Spurs player.

The 22-year-old had appeared on the verge of joining Liverpool where he would have been reunited with his former boss Brendan Rodgers who took the midfielder to Swansea on-loan last season.

Liverpool believed they had beaten off interest fro Swansea, but it now seems as though they have also been trumped by Tottenham who are also expected to name their new manager in the coming days.

Andre Villas-Boas is the favourite to land the job and it seems as though he will be working wit Sigurdsson when pre-season training begins next month.

Hoffenheim agreed to allow Sigurdsson to speak to other clubs in order to push through a move and it seems he will now be playing his football at White Hart Lane.

Keita Not Interested In Liverpool Switch

Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita has revealed he will not be interested if Liverpool make an approach for his signature.

Keita, 32, has been linked with a switch to Liverpool for some time, but is quoted as telling reporters: "I won't be going to Anfield."

The Mali international has been heavily involved in Barcelona's incredible success over the last four seasons, pulling on the Blaugrana shirt on 188 occasions as they achieved domestic and continental glory.

Keita has one year left to run on his current deal but has an option to opt out of the final season due to the amount of playing time he received last term.

However, the midfielder revealed last week that he is still hopeful of a new deal at Barcelona and is not unnecessarily worried about the lack of an offer so far.

"I'm waiting to talk to the club to clear up my future," Keita told Marca. "I want to stay at Barca, that's my wish. I'd like to retire at the club and I hope it will be possible. We need to sit down, see what Barca offers and wants and iron out all the details. My family is happy in Barcelona."

Skrtel Has Had No Contact

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is aware of the speculation surrounding his future, but insists he has received no approach for his services.

Transfer gossip continues to suggest that the Slovakia international is a summer target for Premier League champions Manchester City.

Roberto Mancini is said to have set his sights on the Slovakia international as he looks to reinforce his back four.

Skrtel, who joined Liverpool in 2008, has previously stated that it is his intention to remain at Anfield.

He says he is not about to waver in that stance, with no contact having been made by any of the supposedly interested parties.

"In the press there have been rumours about my future," Skrtel said on his personal website.

"I would like to say that so far I have not received any specific offers and I have not been in talks with any club."

Skrtel is currently back in his homeland preparing for the new season, and he is convinced that the 2012/13 campaign will be a productive one for Liverpool - as they begin life under new boss Brendan Rodgers.

He said: "I'm looking forward to the new season very much and believe we will be well prepared for it and it will be better than the last one."

Carragher Relishing Rodgers Era

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher admits he is looking forward to experiencing life under new Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers is settling into the Anfield job after his move from Swansea City at the start of the month.

The 39-year-old arrives on Merseyside with a glowing reputation after guiding the newly promoted Swans to an 11th place finish last season, impressing many with their attractive brand of possession football.

Carragher revealed he still has sympathy for former boss Kenny Dalglish, who was sacked in May after the club could only finish 8th, but admits he sees the arrival of Rodgers as an "exciting project".

"We all look at how Swansea played last year - they were a breath of fresh air for the Premier League and I think that's probably one of the reasons why Brendan Rodgers has got the job," said the 34-year-old.

"He has a lot of experience coaching-wise - he's worked with Jose Mourinho. So we're all looking forward to it.

"Obviously we're disappointed for Kenny [Dalglish] and the staff because I got on well with them but we have to move forward and get right behind the manager."

Meanwhile, Carragher has sung the praises of Kop team-mate and England captain Steven Gerrard, who he believes was his country's best player at Euro 2012.

Gerrard was appointed full-time skipper by new England boss Roy Hodgson on the eve of the tournament and played a key role in the Three Lions' run to the quarter-finals, setting up three goals in the group stages.

"Steven Gerrard was England's best player by a long way. There's no debate about that," added Carragher.

"He's created a lot of goals and been an authoritative figure in the middle of the pitch.

"He's been the captain and I'm certain he'll carry on as captain until we get to Brazil."

Gerrard Staying As England Captain

Steven Gerrard is to continue as England captain following the national team's exit from Euro 2012.

The Liverpool midfielder was appointed Three Lions skipper by Roy Hodgson when he took over as manager in May.

Gerrard, 32, told a press conference in Krakow he had relished the opportunity to captain his country and would continue to do it for as long as he was required.

He said: "I've had a brief chat with the manager and he's told me he wants me to continue and I'm there, I'm available as long as I'm wanted at this level.

"I've loved the responsibility and I've enjoyed every minute of it.

"I've tried my best, I've given it everything I've got. I've given it my best shot."

Gerrard admitted England had not played the best football at Euro 2012 and needed to work harder at retaining the ball following the quarter-final penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy.

The Azzurri dominated possession and hit the post twice, and although England were able to keep them at bay for 120 minutes, the failure of Ashley Young and Ashley Cole to convert their shoot-out kicks led to an another last-eight exit for England.

Gerrard said: "At times the football hasn't been fantastic, we haven't blown people away.

"The possession stats speak for themselves. Moving forward as a nation we do need to improve with the ball."

Despite the less-than-impressive performance, Gerrard was happy he and his colleagues had not come up short for effort.

"Everyone has given everything they've got and that's all you can ask for," he added.

"I think the supporters will agree with me that we have played for the shirt."

But Gerrard stressed: "I think we've performed to a better level at this competition than in previous tournaments."

He added : "I think performance-wise I'm reasonably satisfied.

"I'm just in a zone of frustration and disappointment because we've come so close to ending that quarter-final hoodoo."

Hodgson drew comparison with the Germany team of 2006, who also suffered defeat to Italy - albeit in the semi-finals of the World Cup - early on in their rebuilding mission.

The England manager hopes his side can emulate a team which has progressed through to the semi-finals of Euro 2012, where they will face Italy on Thursday.

Hodgson hopes his side can make enough progress to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"We have to keep working hard to bridge any gap that might exist at the moment between ourselves and teams like Spain and Germany," said Hodgson.

"We saw with the German team at the 2006 world Cup they went into the finals highly unfancied with a new coach and with a lot of new young players.

"We've seen how well they've kicked on from 2006. We have to take heart from that. I like to think there's good reason for optimism."

Moyes Admires Rodgers

David Moyes has drawn parallels between his arrival at Everton a decade ago and the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool this summer.

Rather than going for a marquee name to replace the outgoing Kenny Dalglish, the five-time European Cup winners opted to give Rodgers a chance.

Last season his Swansea team captivated the Premier League with their version of tiki-taka football.

At 39, Rodgers is just one year older than Moyes was when he arrived on the blue half of Merseyside from Preston.

He has since gone on to enjoy 10 years at Goodison Park during which time he has locked horns with four different managers at Anfield.

And as he prepares to battle his latest adversary, he cannot help but identify the similarities between the two.

"When I took over at Everton I was certainly young and inexperienced as far as the Premier League went," he told the club's official website.

"The managers I was facing at Liverpool have been incredibly experienced - European champions and top, top managers.

"And the new manager at Liverpool is a top manager as well - but young now - and probably in his own way a little inexperienced a bit like I was when I started at Everton.

"But Brendan did a great job at Swansea and more than deserves his chance at the top end."