Borini Makes Reds Move

Liverpool have announced that Fabio Borini will be turning out at Anfield next season, with the striker having completed a move from Serie A outfit Roma.

The Italy international has passed a medical and signed a long-term contract.

His arrival on Merseyside makes him Brendan Rodgers' first signing since taking the Reds' managerial reins.

Borini is a man Rodgers knows well, having previously worked with him in Chelsea's academy system and during his time in charge of Swansea City.

Liverpool believes the 21-year-old represents sound transfer business, as he is one for the present and future.

Borini has a proven track record when it comes to finding the target and formed part of Italy's squad at Euro 2012.

He will be hoping to hit the ground running upon his return to England, with a first taste of the Premier League awaiting him.

"Liverpool has confirmed they have completed the signing of AS Roma forward Fabio Borini," read a statement released on the club's official website.

"The Italy international has put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Reds after agreeing terms and passing a medical at Melwood.

Rodgers Backs Borini To Shine

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes that the club's fans will "love" new signing Fabio Borini.

The Reds and Roma have finalised a deal, which will see Borini put pen to paper on a long-term contract at Anfield, worth approximately £7.9 million.

"Fabio fits the model of what we're trying to do in building not only for now, but also for the future," Rodgers told Liverpool's website.

"He's a big talent, 21 years of age, he scores goals, and his passion, focus and concentration are very important parts of his game - and a big part of what you want from a player.

"I think the supporters will love him. He's a multi-functional player who can play in a number of positions and someone I believe has got great growth.

"I'd anticipate that over the next two or three years he'll really progress and I'm sure do very well for Liverpool.

"He is arguably the best physical player I've worked with in terms of his pace, power and fitness.

"Mentally, he's very strong. We've got a player who is on the up and someone who I think Liverpool will benefit from."

Borini Knew He Would Be Back

Fabio Borini has expressed his delight at securing a return to English football with Liverpool, while Brendan Rodgers has saluted his first Reds signing.

Italy international Borini has completed a switch to Anfield after passing a medical and putting pen to paper on a long-term contract.

His arrival on Merseyside from Italian outfit Roma offers him the chance to work closely with Rodgers again, a man he knows well from his days with Chelsea and Swansea City.

Borini has been snapped up to add a different dimension to Liverpool's attacking unit, and the 21-year-old is confident he can deliver the goods in the Premier League.

He told the club's official website: "I felt really good because I wanted to come back to England one day. I knew sooner or later I would be back.

"Being back with Liverpool is even better because I can show the people what I can do - we've got the Europa League and lots of things to play for.

"I hope to achieve the maximum I can, by scoring goals, getting into the Champions League and all of the things the club also wants - and all the other players.

"It's a top club that has won a lot of trophies in the past, and will do so in the future we hope as well."

Borini becomes Rodgers' first piece of transfer business since he inherited the managerial reins at Anfield from Kenny Dalglish.

Adam - Reds Must Change Luck

Charlie Adam insists Liverpool must 'change their own luck' this term as they look to put last season's disappointment behind them.

The Reds finished eighth in the Premier League last term - their lowest finish in 18 years.

Midfielder Adam believes bad luck played its part in their poor campaign and is determined they can come back stronger this season under new boss Brendan Rodgers.

He told the Daily Star: "They say the table doesn't lie but we didn't deserve to finish eighth. If we had had a bit of luck on our side we probably would have finished higher.

"But it's done and gone now. We move forward and hopefully we will finish better than we did last season.

"I can't believe the amount of times we drew at home. It was incredible but you have got to change your own luck.

"If we work hard and do the right things next season we will be further up the table.

"This is one of the best clubs in the world and the opportunity to play here is a dream for any player.

"We have the right people on board and the right players. Hopefully we can keep progressing as a club. Bridging that gap doesn't happen overnight.

"But if you have the right balance, the right group of players and you work hard, you never know what can happen."

Adam believes a lack of consistency is where the Reds fell down last season, adding: "Manchester City and United were up there last time because they were consistent the whole season.

"We were inconsistent. We drew too many games."

The Scotland midfielder says Liverpool's players are desperate to return to the UEFA Champions League.

"Everyone wants to play in the Champions League. It's the pinnacle," he said.

"For us, we're in the Europa League. We want to try and get into the group stages and try and win every game.

"That's the expectation of this club. It's the expectation of the supporters and the players inside the dressing room."

Lambert Will Not Rule Out Villa Move For Carroll

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert refused to rule out a loan move for Liverpool striker Andy Carroll.

Lambert watched his Villa side defeat Burton Albion in a pre-season friendly, thanks to an own goal and a strike from new signing Brett Holman.

Post-match attentions turned to Villa's summer transfer activity, with Lambert linked to Liverpool forward Carroll. Following Grant Holt's decision to pen a new contract at Norwich, it is believed Lambert is still on the lookout for a target man.

Carroll could be available on loan from Liverpool, according to Brendan Rodgers, and Villa are joined by AC Milan and West Ham in their reported interest in the striker. Quizzed on the issue on Saturday, Lambert ruled nothing out.

"If we can get him that'd be great!" Lambert told Sky Sports News. "I've heard people are linked with him. That doesn't surprise me.

"He's a top player and not one I would dismiss."

Liverpool Striker Emerges As Surprise Target For QPR

Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Hughes is hoping that he will be reunited with striker Craig Bellamy after deciding to approach Liverpool about a potential permanent deal.

The west London club has reportedly lost on signing Junior Hoilett and Hughes has now turned his attention to trying to sign Bellamy who has just one-year left on his contract at Anfield.

The Evening Standard has reported that Hughes still has a good relationship with the striker after working with him at Manchester City and Wales. He is therefore hoping that he can convince the forward to move down to London in the coming weeks.

QPR appear to have missed out on signing Hoilett who is apparently interested in playing in the Bundesliga where he previously spent some time on-loan from Blackburn.

Akos Buzsaky has also left the club after rejecting the offer of a new contract and Hughes is keen to bring in reinforcements as they attempt to retain their place in the Premier League.

Anfield Exit For Maxi

Liverpool have announced that Maxi Rodriguez has left the club and returned to his native South America to re-sign for Newell's Old Boys.

The 31-year-old forward has headed back to his homeland after deciding against prolonging his stay in England.

Maxi arrived at Anfield from Atletico Madrid in January 2010 and made 73 appearances for the club, scoring 17 goals.

His hard-working approach to the game and keen eye for goal made him a favourite among the Kop faithful.

He was, however, unable to hold down a regular starting role and grew increasingly frustrated at a lack of opportunities.

It was expected that he would be on the move this summer, even after Brendan Rodgers replaced Kenny Dalglish in the Reds hot-seat.

Rodgers had expressed a desire to keep Maxi on Merseyside, but was always aware that a return to Argentina would appeal to the experienced winger.

Maxi has re-joined Newell's, the club that helped him to launch a successful career, after 10 years in Europe - during which time he has turned out for Espanyol, Atletico and Liverpool.

"Liverpool Football Club can today confirm that Maxi Rodriguez has joined Newell's Old Boys in Argentina," read a statement released on the club's official website.

"Everyone at Liverpool FC would like to thank Maxi for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future."

Allardyce Airs Carroll Concern

Sam Allardyce admits he would welcome the opportunity to bring Andy Carroll to West Ham United, but concedes any move will depend on the player.

With Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers having hinted that he may be prepared to send Carroll out on loan, speculation regarding where he will be playing in 2012/13 has kicked into overdrive.

Italian giants AC Milan are said to be keen, while West Ham have admitted to holding an interest in the England international.

Allardyce believes Carroll could be a useful addition to his ranks, having already shown that he has what it takes to score goals in the Premier League.

The Hammers boss is, however, not convinced that the burly frontman would want to swap life at Anfield for that at Upton Park.

"You can't say you wouldn't be interested in Andy Carroll, he's a player who has got great stature in the Premier League," Allardyce told Sky Sports News HD.

"Whether Andy Carroll wants to come to West Ham is another matter."

Asked if he would favour a loan move or a permanent deal for the 23-year-old striker, Allardyce added: "It depends on whether Andy Carroll wants to come to West Ham."

Teixeira Makes LFC Debut

Portuguese starlet Joao Carlos Teixeira made his first appearance in a red shirt when he appeared during the U18s' friendly 8-1 win over Exeter on Saturday morning.

The midfield playmaker, who arrived at the Academy from Sporting Lisbon, enjoyed a 25 minute run-out in the second half.

The Portuguese youth international didn't feature for the Academy last term because of a niggling back problem, but now fully fit, he is set to be a regular in Kirkby this season.

A youthful Exeter side had travelled up on the morning of the match and several regulars from the reserve team squad were on duty for the Reds including Michael Ngoo and Toni Silva, who spent the final part of last term on loan at Northampton Town.

Jerome Sinclair netted a hat-trick, while Silva, Sam Gainford, Kristoffer Peterson, Marc Pelosi and Danny Smith were also on target.

Rodgers In Reds Admission

New Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has warned the club's fans there is no quick-fix at Anfield, describing the challenge as 'immense'.

Rodgers was brought into Liverpool to replace club icon Kenny Dalglish after the Reds finished a disappointing eighth in the Premier League.

Dalglish did win the Carling Cup last season and reached the FA Cup final, but failed to deliver a top four finish and a sought-after return to the UEFA Champions League.

Rodgers is confident Liverpool can recapture former glories, but insists he needs time to transform the club's fortunes.

"We have to recognize the challenge is immense, let's be under no illusion," said Rodgers.

"But I certainly think that a club of our status and value to the football world can go again.

"It's going to take time. And whether it will be in my time, I'm not so sure. But I'm going to fight for my life to try to get this model of play that, hopefully, can change the history of the club.

"This is a club where trophies are what it has been about for many years. But, for me, running alongside that it's about putting in place a model to see the club grow. That is equally important. To build a group that challenges."

Liverpool Linked With Swoop For Schalke And Germany Midfielders

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers could be turning his attention to Germany in the bid to add some strength to his squad after he was linked with Schalke pair Lewis Holtby and Julian Draxler.

Rodgers has admitted that he is working hard to bring new faces to the club and it seems the two German internationals could be the players that he wants to sign in the coming weeks.

Goal.com has reported that while Draxler will be difficult to tear away from Schalke, Holtby could be an easier target as he has just one year remaining on his contract and his links with Liverpool.

Holtby might play for Germany but the 21-year-old's father is from Liverpool and he was actually raised as a Everton fan.

Draxler, 18, has a contract until 2016 and is the youngest player ever to represent the German side in the Bundesliga after making his way through the youth academy.

He scored five goals last season while mainly being used on the left of midfield, while Holtby made a tootle of 41 appearances in all competitions and scored nine goals.

Liverpool had been linked heavily with Joe Allen of Swansea but the club have refused to let him leave and Holtby could well be an alternative.

Laudrup Rejects Allen Talk

Michael Laudrup has made it clear that he would not welcome interest in any of Swansea's best players and he is determined to keep Joe Allen.

Midfielder Allen has been linked with a move to Liverpool even though Brendan Rodgers has agreed not to raid his former club.

And Laudrup has now cooled speculation suggesting the Wales international could be on his way out the Liberty Stadium exit door, insisting that he remains very much a key figure in the club's plans for the future.

"I want Joe to stay here because he is very important for the team. As far as I know, we have heard nothing from Liverpool," said the new Swans boss.

"If it is more than just rumours then I'm sure the chairman will talk to me about it."

Laudrup accepts that such transfer talk is an inevitable consequence when players catch the eye, but he hopes to be able to keep his squad intact.

"It is normal to have interest when people are doing well," he explained.

"Swansea did well in their first season in the Premier League and some of the players were not well known at the highest level before.

"Of course we want to keep our most important players and I would not welcome any interest in our best players. But it is part of the game."

Allen is one of three Swansea players, along with Neil Taylor and Scott Sinclair, who has been selected for the Great Britain Olympic squad, which Laudrup admits could cause a problem.

He told Swans Player: "They are not there for pre-season, then there are international games, so if they go all the way to the end they could present themselves here on August 16, only 48 hours before the first game.

"That's not very good for us but it's fantastic for Swansea to have three players going to the Olympics."

Swansea began pre-season training this week, with new signings Jose Manuel Flores and Jonathan de Guzman joining their team-mates.

Laudrup is hoping to add another couple of players before the transfer window shuts at the end of next month and also admitted there are likely to be some departures.

"I don't want to mention any names but I think we need a couple of players still," said Laudrup.

"I wanted to come here and give everybody a chance. In the first few weeks we'll watch everybody and then later on we'll have to make some decisions. There will be some positions where we will have maybe too many players."

Liverpool Offered Dempsey But Fulham Want Carroll On Loan Deal

Fulham are hoping that they will be able to beat the likes of AC Milan and West Ham to a loan deal for Andy Carroll by offering Liverpool Clint Dempsey as part of any deal.

Liverpool has been linked with the goal-scoring midfielder for some time and it seems Fulham could attempt to use this to try and secure the services of England striker Carroll.

Ever since Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said he would consider loaning the forward out there has been a number of rumours linking Carroll with a whole host of clubs.

However, the Daily Mirror, believes that Fulham are confident in their proposal as they know that Liverpool would be interested in signing Dempsey.

The 29-year-old scored 23 goals in all competitions last season and was the top scoring midfielder in the Premier League, even managing to grab the only goal in a 1-0 win over Liverpool last December.

Liverpool is waiting for Carroll to return from his holiday in Brazil then it will become much clearer what the future holds for the England international.

Dempsey is keen to test himself at a bigger club and much will depend on whether Rodgers feels he can cope without Carroll in attack next season.

Liverpool Target Not For Sale, Insists Agent

Liverpool target Jose Callejon is not for sale this summer, according to the winger’s representative.

The 25-year-old joined Real Madrid from Espanyol last summer, but managed just five league starts for the Spanish champions.

New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers had been tipped to make a move for him as he seeks to bolster his attacking options, but Callejon’s agent Manuel Garcia Quilon believes Real Madrid would be unwilling to sanction his departure this summer.

“There are several teams interested in signing him,” Quilon told Spanish news agency EFE.

“Real Madrid does not want to sell and have declared him non-transferrable. He is not going to leave the club this summer.”

Liverpool Star Set For South American Exit

Liverpool midfielder Maxi Rodriguez is attempting to engineer his exit from the club, according to reports in Argentina.

Rodriguez, who joined Liverpool from Atletico Madrid in January 2010, is reportedly keen to leave Anfield this summer, with former club Newell’s Old Boys and River Plate keen to take him back to his homeland.

The Argentina international, who has one year left on his existing deal on Merseyside, has previously expressed his desire to return to Newell’s, and Argentinian newspaper Ole claims Rodriguez will ask senior figures at Liverpool to rescind his contract a year early in order to facilitate a move back home.

Rodriguez, 31, managed just ten Premier League starts last season and could be allowed to leave as new boss Brendan Rodgers shapes his squad before the start of the new season.

Pardew Remains Coy On The Prospect Of A Loan Deal For Carroll

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew says he is still an admirer of Andy Carroll but refused to say whether or not he would approach Liverpool over a possible loan deal.

The Magpies sold the England international to Liverpool in January 2011 for £35 million, after the Newcastle board felt the offer was too good to refuse.

However, despite a promising end to last season, Carroll has failed to live up to expectations in large and Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted he may consider loaning the striker out to gain experience.

"There is a lot of talk about players when new managers go in and their situations get all cloudy," Pardew told Sky Sports News.

"I don't think that's completely resolved, one way or the other. I wouldn't really like to comment.

"He did an absolutely terrific job here. I have always supported him while he has been at Liverpool when other people weren't. I thought he got a bit of a raw deal, if I'm honest.

"I think he's going to be a great player, but where he treads the boards, so to speak, we will have to wait and see."

Pardew also shrugged off rumours concerning Demba Ba, who has a buy-out clause in his contract which could be activated up until the end of July.

"The situation with Demba has been the same since he arrived at the football club," said Pardew.

"He has a contract to Newcastle United, he is loved here and he had a brilliant, especially the first half of last season.

"After the African Nations, I think it didn't go perhaps as well for Demba as it could have. That's something we'll look at because we want him to be at his very, very best.

"We're planning for him to have another great season for us."

Rodgers' Red Vision

Brendan Rodgers is one of the more interesting managerial appointments in recent years. He has no extended record of success and his reputation is largely based on one excellent season at Swansea, persuading Liverpool to entrust him with heavy hopes that have claimed many talented managers down the years.

As with any manager, the answer to whether he will fail or succeed lies within the players he has at his disposal. Will they fit with his 'philosophy'? Will they buy into his ideas? Will he rip things up and start again? When asked about Andy Carroll and where he might fit into his Liverpool side on Monday, Rodgers said: "Time will tell for him and all the players whether they are in my plans, but my job is to assess that and then take it from there."

So how closely does the current Liverpool squad fit with how Rodgers will aim to play? Assuming he will adopt a similar style to the rough 4-3-3 he played at Swansea, which players should start to worry?

GOALKEEPER

Pepe Reina may not have had a particularly good campaign (by his standards) last season, but talk of Liverpool still considering a move for Hugo Lloris is odd for a couple of reasons. Firstly, Liverpool has finite resources and they have more pressing problems than in goal, but it's also strange because Reina is exactly the sort of keeper that Rodgers might like. A good ball-player, Reina will buy in to Rodgers' insistence that his goalkeeper plays the ball out of his area, rather than aimlessly booting it towards the front man. With Alex Doni and Brad Jones still providing back-up, Rodgers should not need to invest in another stopper.

DEFENCE

Again, one might think that this is an area where Rodgers will be relatively happy. Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique are quick and able to begin attacks from deep, Daniel Agger is a fine ball-playing centre-back and Martin Skrtel is one of the best central defenders in the Premier League. Indeed, keeping hold of that four might be a more pressing issue than adding to them. Another centre-back might be required as cover, with Jamie Carragher coming to the end of his career and not enough seen of Sebastian Coates to create a realistic impression of him in England. There's also no natural fill-in for Jose Enrique (unless Rodgers has real faith in Jack Robinson) - with Johnson generally the go-to reserve in that position - but one suspects Rodgers will be reasonably satisfied with his back line.

MIDFIELD

In the second half of the season at least, Rodgers' Swansea played with two deep-lying midfielders and Gylfi Sigurdsson ahead of them. The anchoring pair at Liverpool will surely be (fitness permitting) Steven Gerrard and Lucas, but the spot ahead of those two is a little more uncertain. The occupant needs to be a combination of an attacking goalscorer, while retaining the work ethic/discipline to form a three-man midfield when required.

It's hardly a surprise that Rodgers was so keen to get Sigurdsson himself, because there's no natural fit in the current Liverpool squad for this spot. Gerrard showed last season and for England that he's better used in a more withdrawn role these days, Jordan Henderson isn't dynamic enough, the 'running' aspect rules out Charlie Adam, Jonjo Shelvey is still too raw and Joe Cole is too...flighty. Arguably, Alberto Aquilani is probably the best fit in theory, but Aquilani's entire Liverpool career so far has been 'in theory'. Rodgers could probably just about muddle through with what he has, but ideally he requires an addition in this spot. Bologna's Gaston Ramirez is one candidate, and while Clint Dempsey has been mentioned a number of times, might his current Fulham teammate Moussa Dembele be a better fit?

ATTACK

This is where things get really interesting. Rodgers prefers his centre-forward to be strong and mobile, with his wide men quick and direct, and in truth there are no reliable current members of the squad who fit those descriptions. Luis Suarez could fill the central role quite well, but is a scoring rate of (roughly) one in three good enough? Scoring was Liverpool's problem last season, so to put Suarez in the middle would either rely on a massive improvement in his accuracy or place plenty of pressure on the rest of the team to provide goals. The interest in Fabio Borini seems real, but again his scoring rate (nine in 24 Serie A games last season) isn't brilliant. There's a clause in Demba Ba's contract that says he can leave for £7million (but only before the end of July), a move that would make a certain amount of sense. Rodgers talked coyly of possibly sending Carroll out on loan, but even if he doesn't fit with the new philosophy, this would be curious - if nothing else the big Geordie provides a thundering Plan B.

In terms of the wide positions, Liverpool have a few options, but almost all of them are more comfortable on the left. Stewart Downing, Craig Bellamy and Cole could all feasibly play on that flank (although there are obvious questions about Bellamy's durability), as could Suarez, but candidates for the other side are a little more thin on the ground. Maxi Rodriguez's future is unclear, so Rodgers will almost certainly be in the market for another wide man. The links to Scott Sinclair make sense (he can play on both wings), while Daniel Sturridge and Junior Hoilett are both viable options - though both will have other offers.

Enrique Excited By New Era

Jose Enrique has outlined his desire to lift more trophies with Liverpool this season and his ambitions of earning a spot in Spain's all-conquering national team.

The left-back watched on as his country lifted a third consecutive major international tournament during the summer and is now back at Anfield and craving further domestic glory.

"Last year I won a title (Carling Cup) and it was amazing with the fans here, I enjoyed it a lot. This season I hope we can win something again and try to play for the Champions League," the defender told Liverpoolfc.com.

"We were away for seven weeks on holiday, but we are back again and it's important to be ready for next season."

The former Newcastle full-back has been highly impressed with new manager Brendan Rodgers since returning for pre-season training and is thoroughly enjoying the sessions under the Northern Irishman.

"I am really happy," Enrique enthused. "For me it is the best way to play football, like Spain did, that's why they are the best at the moment.

"With the manager we play with the ball a lot and we are really happy with him.

"I'm really impressed. I know how he likes to play because we played against Swansea last year and I've seen them many times.

"He has only had a week with us but the training has been great. He is talking to both the young and experienced players the same, and I love that because it is really important to have the same treatment for both.

"The training is all with the ball, what more do you want? It's really hard, but it's very good. We have good players here to play in this way, and I think this season we can impress."

Garuda Indonesia Signs With LFC

Garuda Indonesia and Liverpool Football Club have today announced a three year partnership that will see one of Asia's most rapidly growing brands become the Global Official Airline for Liverpool FC.

As one of the world's leading football brands, the partnership provides Garuda with access to LFC's global brand awareness and international fan base which will enable the airline further opportunities to grow its business throughout the world.

Ian Ayre, Liverpool FC managing director, said: "This is a fantastic partnership for both parties. Liverpool Football Club has a huge international following and we are looking forward to working with Garuda Indonesia across many markets in order to capitalize on their rapid growth.

"It is an honour for us to be associated with a brand that has become a leading player in global aviation, and in particular, a brand that has its base in a region where we enjoy such a passionate fan base. Indonesia is an ambitious country with a rapidly growing economy which the Club has great affiliation with and where we hope to hold next year's pre-season tour."

Emirsyah Satar, President & CEO Garuda Indonesia, added: "As part of our continued efforts to build Garuda Indonesia into one of the global players in airline industry, this partnership provides us with great exposure in international markets. The global scale that LFC brings will support the initiative to increase exposure while LFC's huge fan base all over the world enables us to introduce Garuda Indonesia and Indonesia in general to the world."

Liverpool Prepare £7m Bid For Celtic Midfielder

Liverpool are the latest club to be linked with a move for Celtic midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung who is said to be attracting interest from a number of European clubs this summer.

The Sun believes that Liverpool will make an offer of £7million as they hope to steal a march on the likes of Queens Park Rangers and Deportivo La Coruna who are both believed to be interested.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to add some new faces to the squad before they depart on their tour of North America and has recently revealed that he is hoping for at least two new signings.

There is a feeling that Rodgers wants to implement the same style of passing football that he employed at Swansea and is determined to bring in players that can fulfil his philosophy.

Ki, 23, has been with Celtic since 2009 and has made a regular starter in the last two seasons after making the move from FC Seoul for just £2.1million.

Last season he scored six goals in 30 league appearances as Celtic won the title, while he has vast experience for South Korea where he already has 45 caps to his name, despite his relative young age.

Liverpool will certainly face competition for the midfielder, as QPR owner Tony Fernandes recently admitted that he was a player that the club were closely monitoring.

“Ki is a very good player and we are very aware of him," he told The Sun. “He is a player we will be watching and also monitoring closely.”