Liverpool FC's Pepe Reina Claims Premier League's Golden Gloves Award

Liverpool’s Spanish goalkeeper Jose Reina has claimed the Barclays Premier League’s golden gloves award for the third season in succession ahead of today's final game of the season at Tottenham.

Reina has kept more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in the top flight, and is assured of the title this season with closest rival David James out injured in Portsmouth’s final game of the campaign.

But Reina is more concerned with Liverpool’s overall progress following a campaign that has seen them trophyless for the second season on the trot, while already being assured of fourth spot in the table and Champions League qualification for next term.

Reina said: “We are growing up as a team, year in and year out. We need to keep improving all the time because if you do that it gives you an even better chance of winning trophies.

“But we also need to bring in some more good players like Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano.

“The most important thing is to keep on making progress so that we can get closer and closer to the sides at the top.

“We will work hard to make this happen, though, and I am sure the manager is already thinking of bringing in some players to help us to do that.

“It is a collective thing. There is no point in three or four players doing well if we do not all do well.

“You win as a team and you lose as a team, so it is all about making progress as a team.

“We are still a young side. We have a couple of centre-backs in their early 20s, Mascherano is 23 and Torres is 24 - we can only get better and better.”

And Reina is looking for improvement in his own performances next term.

He added: “Of course I can get better. Every player can improve and no-one should ever think they can no longer get any better.

“You have to keep on working hard every day in training and in matches and if you do that then you have a chance to become the very best player you possibly can.

“That is the same for everyone in football and I am no different. I know there are things I can improve upon and I will continue to work hard so I can try to become better.”

With 17 clean sheets from 37 Premier League games this term, Reina is one ahead of James, who has been ruled out of this weekend’s fixtures with a calf injury.

Reina said: “I will be looking to keep another clean sheet at Spurs because that would mean we will get at least a draw.

“That is always important. If you do not concede a goal then it gives you a better chance of winning games, so if the defence and the goalkeeper can do their jobs it makes it easier for the attacking players to do theirs.

“But for me the job is now done. We have managed to secure fourth place and from a personal point of view I am happy to get the golden gloves.”

Departing Miller Praises Benitez

Departed Liverpool first team coach Alex Miller has heaped praise on club manager Rafael Benitez after being allowed to leave Anfield in order to become a manager in his own right.

Miller, 58, spent four years at Liverpool before exiting this week to try his hand at management, with Japanese outfit JEF United Chiba. Benitez appointed Miller to the senior Anfield coaching role, and the Scot has said he is thankful for the opportunity to coach at Liverpool and for being allowed to leave to enhance his career.

"Rafa understood that I wanted to manage a club again. The players understand fully why I've left and they were very supportive on Thursday, my last day," Miller told Sky Sports.

"I've really enjoyed working with Rafa. He's a very good coach and we had great success in the last four years, when you look at what we've achieved.

"[First team coach at Liverpool] was a fantastic position to be in at such a top club. I worked exceptionally hard for years with numerous clubs to try to get to the top and he gave me that chance.

"I will always be indebted to him."

Liverpool face Tottenham at White Hart Lane tomorrow knowing that they will finish the Premier League season in fourth place, whatever the outcome, to conclude another season without winning any major silverware.

Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez Almost Signed Dimitar Berbatov

Fernando Torres aims to write himself into the Premier League record books on Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur.

But if the Champions League draw had been just a little different three years ago, it may have been a different Kop idol firing in the goals for Liverpool.

Torres lines up against Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov on Sunday amid inevitable comparisons between the talented strikers.

Yet it is a little known fact that Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez came agonisingly close to signing the Bulgarian striker when he first arrived on Merseyside.

Berbatov was then leading the line for Bayern Leverkusen, and Benitez entered into extensive negotiations with the German club to sign the striker in the January transfer window of his first season in 2005.

But then Liverpool were paired with Leverkusen in the last 16 of the Champions League and negotiations were abruptly ended, with the Spanish coach instead forced to turn to Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes.

"We knew about Berbatov before we played them in 2005, I'd been aware of him since I was in Valencia. He was a player were were looking at closely," Benitez explained.

"Everybody can see the quality he has and we wanted him, but then the draw with Leverkusen came along and we couldn't get him. It is shame but we had to move on."

Benitez had to wait for three years to get a striker of Berbatov's quality but his patience has been spectacularly repaid this season, with club record £21.5million signing Torres offering a spectacular return of 32 goals.

And 23 of those have come in the Premier League. If Torres scores against Spurs on Sunday, he will break the record for a foreign striker in his first Premiership season, currently held by Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

Benitez said: "We knew he was a good player but to score more than 30 goals in a first season in England is a fantastic achievement," he said. "To do what he has is incredible."

O'Neill Blasts Benitez Over Barry Claims

Martin O'Neill has dismissed as "absolutely crazy" Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez's latest remarks in an escalating row over Gareth Barry.

Aston Villa manager O'Neill reacted angrily last week when news of Liverpool's £10 million bid for the England midfielder was made public.

Benitez yesterday claimed he was surprised by O'Neill's indignation because the pair had discussed the "idea" of a Barry transfer - which could include a player exchange - "20 days ago".

O'Neill today responded by saying: "What idea did I have? I've got absolutely no idea! I have no idea what he's talking about. It's absolutely crazy.

"It suggests this is a conversation that I wanted to keep going, to keep on the boiling pot. Absolutely not. It's a complete nonsense.

"This is not something I initiated and I certainly was not on the phone to him to ask him about his players either, which I think is something he's trying to refer to.

"That is not true. He mentioned players himself but I might not be interested in any of his players."

Benitez claimed yesterday that after the pair spoke, O'Neill told him he would discuss the matter with owner Randy Lerner and it could then be dealt with at the end of the season. Liverpool then made their official bid.

O'Neill reacted to this by claiming he was "particularly disappointed" with Liverpool's timing and by the fact it was made public.

He also revealed how unimpressed with the package he was by adding that Liverpool were not offering straight cash but "an offer involving a mish-mash of nameless player exchanges".

Benitez yesterday claimed O'Neill had known "everything about my idea and I knew about his idea".

However, O'Neill has rubbished suggestions that Benitez's remarks somehow expose their previous conversation.

He said: I'm absolutely astonished at this story, 'Rafa Exposes O'Neill'.

"I've never denied speaking to Rafa Benitez so how can you be exposed for something you haven't denied?

"I think Rafa is being very clever here. He gives the impression that there's been constant dialogue. That's simply and utterly untrue.

"He made a phone call to me - I did not initiate the phone call. He asked about Gareth Barry and I said: 'Well he's got a testimonial and two years left to run and he's our best player.' So what would the reaction be?

"I said that I would speak to our owner - obviously because he has a big, big say in the proceedings - and I assumed he would have the same answer as myself - that Gareth wasn't for sale.

"So I'm astonished to read this. The next conversation I had with Rafa Benitez was last Friday morning when Liverpool had put in a faxed offer to us which we received on Thursday afternoon."

Benitez: Barry And Alonso Can Play Together

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has poured cold water on reports that Xabi Alonso will have to make way if the club succeed in luring Gareth Barry to Anfield.

Liverpool have recently made a power-play by testing Aston Villa's resolve with a player-plus-cash offer worth £10million for their captain, who has become a key part of England's midfield over the past months.

The Reds’ sudden interest in central players has sparked speculation that Xabi Alonso – also linked with Juve – could leave in the summer, but Benitez's latest comments lend credence to the notion that they are simply seeking reinforcements for the two holding spots in his 4-2-3-1 formation.

"(Alonso) is our player, he has a contract," Rafa insisted.

"Barry can play in three different positions, so I don't think we need to worry about this."

Juventus will sure to be keeping close tabs on the Gareth Barry situation, as despite Benitez's insistence, the outcome of this should still have an affect on their chances of prising Alonso away.

Reds - Gerrard Bid Is Fantasy

Liverpool have branded rumours of a transfer bid for Steven Gerrard from Internazionale as 'rubbish and fantasy'.

Reports in Friday's press claimed that the Italian giants are readying a colossal offer for the England international.

However, the Anfield club has dismissed the rumours outright, with a spokesman saying: "The idea is complete rubbish, fantasy, there has been no approach and no bid."

Reds skipper Gerrard, meanwhile, has reaffirmed his long-term commitment to the club, while voicing his determination to ensure Liverpool soon become a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League title race.

"I cannot see myself ever leaving Liverpool now, and what I would dearly love is to lead this club to the next level that I believe we are capable of reaching," he told the club's official website.

"I have won trophies here but there is one I am missing and I want that before I finish playing.

"I do not want to look back and say I have never been in a title race. I can see that the team is getting stronger and stronger and I can see that we are going forward.

"I feel that we are getting closer and I really believe that. We always say this every year but it will be an important summer because we need to keep the momentum.

"The manager's signings will be important as they always are. I have been lucky as a footballer and I've won more things than most players, but I am greedy because I always want more. I want to win as many trophies as I can with Liverpool."

Gerrard Wants Title Bid Next Year

Steven Gerrard says he expects to finish his career at Liverpool but is desperate for the side to challenge for the Premier League title.

The midfielder has repeatedly been linked with a move, and the club have dismissed as "fantasy" last week's reports of a bid from Inter Milan.

Gerrard said: "I cannot see myself ever leaving Liverpool now."

But he added: "I do not want to look back and say I have never been in a title race."

Gerrard has played in two Champions League finals with Liverpool, lifting the trophy in 2005, but the side have again failed to keep pace with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League.

"I cannot see myself ever leaving Liverpool now, and what I would dearly love is to lead this club to the next level that I believe we are capable of reaching," he told the club's website.

"I have won trophies here but there is one I am missing and I want that before I finish playing.

"I do not want to look back and say I have never been in a title race.

"I can see that the team is getting stronger and stronger and I can see that we are going forward. I feel that we are getting closer and I really believe that."

Liverpool have secured fourth place and Champions League qualification, but Gerrard is keen to see more players arrive over the summer to strengthen the squad.

"We always say this every year but it will be an important summer because we need to keep the momentum.

"The manager's signings will be important as they always are. I have been lucky as a footballer and I've won more things than most players, but I am greedy because I always want more.

"I want to win as many trophies as I can with Liverpool. That is why the summer is important.

"We are a young team with a lot of promise and if the manager can get the right support then we could take an important step forward.

"We are disappointed we did not maintain a challenge in the league for longer than we did. The points gap between us and the top two is not particularly pleasant viewing for anyone here at Anfield.

"The boss is on record as saying he wants some players and if we get some of the ones he wants, and if they can have the same impact that guys like Fernando Torres, Martin Skrtel and Ryan Babel have had.

"Their performances this season have seen us take a step forward. But I think there is a hell of a lot more to come from us."

Kuyt: I Am Feeling Good

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has revealed he is satisfied with his situation at Anfield following a disappointing patch earlier in the season.

The Dutchman seemed to be playing himself out of the club during the middle of the term, fans and pundits alike questioning whether he was good enough for Liverpool and why he was being favoured over Peter Crouch.

The former Feyenoord star had been struggling with personal issues, most notably the loss of his father, with whom he was very close.

But the 28-year-old has hit an excellent run of form over the last two months or so since being moved out to the right side of Rafa Benitez’s attack, and his recent efforts in the Champions League have garnered comparisons to Liverpool cult hero Craig Johnston.

And though Kuyt is disappointed that the Reds’ European dream was ended in the semi-finals by Chelsea, he insists he is happy on Merseyside and hopes to build on his good form next season.

"It is of course unfortunate that we again have not been able to achieve success in the final stages of the Champions League," he told Dutch station Radio 538. "But I feel good in myself.

"I knew an inferior period due to personal circumstances but I can now put that behind me.

"Now it goes nicely."

Kuyt has been named alongside Liverpoool team-mate Ryan Babel in a provisional Holland squad for Euro 2008, after being dropped from the team by coach Marco van Basten during their qualifying campaign.

Liverpool Intensify Behrami Interest

According to Swiss media reports, Liverpool are preparing to approach Lazio with a formal bid for their highly rated defender Valon Behrami.

Behrami, 22, has become a potential transfer target for a number of top clubs since even before his match-winning display against deadly rivals Roma in March.

Bayern Munich, Fiorentina, Milan, Liverpool, Valencia, Sevilla, West Ham, Portsmouth, Manchester City and Palermo are all said to be tracking the talented Swiss international, who is equally adept on the outside of defense or on the wing.

Asked about Liverpool's increasingly firm interest, Behrami's agent Alessandro Beltrami indicated that his client would be open to a move: "Maybe ... perhaps their interest will bring a rush for him."

Word is that the Biancoceleste are determined to hang on to Behrami, but would likely not turn down an offer in excess of 10m euro for the Kosovo-born wide-man, who still officially has three years remaining on his contract with the Italian capital club.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito will now have to make a full-court press in order to try to keep the player, who openly criticised him for leaving the stadium well before the whistle during the 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Milan earlier this season.

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."

Rafael Benitez Warns That Life Will Get Tougher For Fernando Torres

Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, has described Fernando Torres's first season in England as "amazing", however he was warned the Spaniard that he will find life tougher next season.

Torres continued his spectacular form by scoring the only goal of the game as Liverpool beat Manchester City in their final home game of the season on Sunday - to equal Sir Roger Hunt's record of scoring in eight successive home matches. The former Athletico Madrid forward has now scored 32 goals since his summer move from La Liga, and while Benitez has been thrilled by Torres's progress he has warned him not to expect an easy ride come August. .

"Fernando has been amazing, and he has reached that total without any penalties," Benitez said. "Clearly it will be more difficult for Torres next season, defenders will have watched him and will work on stopping him. But he can improve even from this. He has a strong mentality and he can cope with what defenders do. It will not be easy to score this many goals again, obviously it will be more difficult for him.

"But if he scores a good number of goals and his team-mates, five of whom have scored 10 or more this season, also improve and increase their number of goals, it will be OK for us."

Liverpool have only lost one game this term when Torres has scored - last week's Champions League semi-final exit at Chelsea.

Torres has been particularly prolific at Anfield, scoring 21 league goals - a record that has only been bettered by Ian Rush (23 in 1983-84), Robbie Fowler (22 in 1995-96) with Sam Raybould (1902-03) and Gordon Hodgson (1930-31) each also scoring 21.

Benitez added: "The winner against City was another good goal for Fernando, and he has produced an amazing number of goals without penalties. It is fantastic for the club now and in the future. He will score many more. Fernando has scored a lot of his goals at Anfield, but all of our squad enjoy playing here. It is a fantastic atmosphere and he is enjoying his time here at Anfield and in England, and hopefully it will be the same next season."

In a campaign that has seen Liverpool take so much criticism of their style, they have scored 79 goals in all competitions at Anfield this term, the club's second-highest total following the 87 they scored in 1985-86.

Lucas Adds To Rafa Benitez's Olympic Dilemma

Rafa Benitez’s Olympic headache worsened today after Lucas became the second Liverpool player to declare his intention to take part in this summer's Beijing Games.

The Reds’ Brazilian midfielder has followed in the footsteps of Argentinian team-mate Javier Mascherano by confirming that he is determined to play for his country in the Olympics.

With the tournament taking place between August 8-24, Benitez will be left short of midfield cover at the start of the new season should both players get their wish.

And the situation is made even more impractical for Liverpool by the fact that should they be selected to represent their respective countries, both Lucas and Mascherano would be required to take part in training camps for a fortnight before the Olympics begin.

That would cause severe disruption to Benitez’s pre-season planning and leave the Liverpool boss with only two senior central midfielders to choose from in Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso, although they will be supplemented by Gareth Barry should the Reds’ pursuit of Aston Villa’s England star prove successful.

But Lucas insists he has to answer his country’s call – even though it would result in him missing out on Premiership games and a Champions League qualifier for Liverpool.

“Hopefully I will be picked,” he said. “That would mean I would start the pre-season here with Liverpool and then later on I would go to the Olympics.

“I need to wait for the squad to be picked but hopefully I will go.

“I know that would mean me missing some games for Liverpool and that is not good, but when you talk about your country you always want to play for them.

“And for Brazil the Olympics is like the World Cup because Brazil has never won the gold medal.

“It is also important for my future as an international player because the World Cup qualifiers are coming up and obviously I would like to be in the squad for those.

“So now I need to think about the Olympics and I will speak with Rafa about this.”

Meanwhile, speculation linking Liverpool with a move for Barcelona left back Eric Abidal is wide of the mark.

Benitez is in the market for a new left back with John Arne Riise likely to depart Anfield during the summer but Abidal is not on his shortlist and has not been watched by Liverpool’s scouts.

Dubai International Capital Promises Liverpool Fans A Place On Anfield Board

Dubai International Capital (DIC) would want to appoint a Liverpool supporter to the club's board of directors if it won control at Anfield, The Times has learnt.

DIC, the private equity investment arm of the Dubai Government, has been in talks with Spirit of Shankly (SOS), the Liverpool supporters' union, for more than a month about the feasibility of such an arrangement.

Despite Tom Hicks's insistence that he will not sell his 50 per cent stake in Liverpool, DIC remains confident that it will be able to buy out the American co-owner and his estranged business partner, George Gillett Jr, who also holds a half-stake in the club.

Although talk of supporter representation on the board could be construed as an attempt to curry favour with fans opposed to the American co-owners, sources within DIC insist that it is not a PR stunt and that it is “committed” to the idea.

Neil Atkinson, the chairman of SOS, which held a benefit dinner at the Liverpool Olympia on Sunday evening, attended by more than 1,000 people, was adamant that attempts to put a supporter on the board would require “a great deal of care and consideration”, but that, in essence, such a move would be a positive one.

“We are not a pro-Dubai lobby; however, we take their commitment to supporter representation on the board at face value,” Atkinson said. “They have seemed thoroughly decent so far and we expect them to follow through. It is an opportunity we take very seriously.

“The process of working out how to elect a representative is something that will take a great deal of care and consideration and SOS would want to consult as many supporters and agencies as possible to ensure everything is done correctly and above board.”

Barry To Reject Record Pay Deal And Join Benitez

Liverpool are winning the battle to sign Gareth Barry with the player himself having made the decision to sign for Rafael Benitez's club this summer rather than agree a new contract at Aston Villa. Benitez is also close to signing the Birmingham City goalkeeper Maik Taylor as a back-up to Jose Reina.

The deal for the Aston Villa captain is set to prove the most complicated with the two clubs still at loggerheads over a fee, but Barry's wishes will, in all likelihood, force Villa into doing a deal eventually. The offer from Liverpool for Barry was valued at £10m although it was not an exclusively cash deal. In exchange for Barry, Liverpool were offering a choice of John Arne Riise, Jermaine Pennant or Scott Carson, who is currently on loan to Villa, plus an unspecified cash deal to make the value up to £10m.

Barry has two years left of his contract at Villa and would become the side's highest earner should he accept the deal on offer to him. However, he has decided after 11 years at Villa that a move to Anfield would be in his best interests even though he is likely to be asked by Benitez to fulfil a role on the left side of midfield and defence rather than in the centre – where he has established himself for England.

O'Neill dismissed the offer for Barry, which was faxed by Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry on Friday, as a "mish-mash of player exchanges concerning unnamed players". Unfortunately from Villa's perspective, the Liverpool player they would really like, Peter Crouch, who is out of contract next summer, was not among the players eventually offered to them in part-exchange.

Crouch's future is still uncertain after he was left out of the Liverpool squad to face Manchester City on Sunday even though the England striker was fit. It now appears that Crouch, Pennant, Riise – a target for Newcastle – and possibly Yossi Benayoun will all be allowed to leave in the summer. As well as signing the Borussia Dortmund full-back Philip Degen on a free transfer, Benitez will also move for Taylor.

Taylor, 36, is playing for a Birmingham team that is in the bottom three of the Premier League as they approach the last game of the season. He has been at Birmingham since 2003 where he originally went on loan from Fulham before signing. He lost his place in last season's team that came up from the Championship but won it back this season and has been a regular since.

Benitez only has the relatively untried Charles Itandje as a back-up for Reina. The signings of Barry and Taylor may not quicken the pulse of Liverpool fans but they demonstrate their manager's determination to do deals quickly and make major changes this summer.

Whether Benitez will be able to lay out on a player comparable to Fernando Torres will surely depend upon the ownership battle raging between George Gillett and Tom Hicks and Dubai International Capital who want to buy the Americans' shares. Nevertheless, with Crouch's future uncertain the Liverpool manager is facing the next season with a greater reliance on Torres than even this term.

Rafa Given £30million For Summer Shopping

It has been reported that Rafael Benitez has been given £30million plus player sales for a mini rebuilding programme.

The Daily Star Sunday said the Spaniard has already given Rick Parry his summer shopping-list and are looking to bring in players sooner rather than later in a bid to get a head-start on our rivals.

“We will not be waiting until August to sign players. I think we will do things well before. Perhaps you will see some evidence in a few weeks.” said Benitez.

“It will help me if the signings of new players are done early. It needs to be as soon as possible really, because then you know the situation and you can control the pre-season.

“Rick knows the necessity of early deals. Our conservation the other day was very positive.

“We are trying to fix the targets and progress. He knows that we want to sign the players right now.

“We aren’t working on signing new players in June or July - but to sign them in May if that is possible.” he added.

LiverpooL 1 - 0 Manchester City

Fernando Torres wrote another piece of history for himself with his 32nd goal of a stunning first season in English football.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo has stood between Torres and the PFA and Writers' Footballer of the Year awards this week, and yet another fine strike here underlined why.

The Spaniard has now scored in eight successive home league games which equals Roger Hunt's club record.

His 15th in his last 17 games shows the remarkable consistency of the front-man.

The winner came in the 58th minute when he cruised past Richard Dunne to beat Joe Hart with an angled drive.

Much of the game had been dominated by City fans venting their anger at the likely sacking of their manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, but it was Torres who again stole the show.

Liverpool's final home match of the campaign ended with a lap of honour, and Torres took much of the acclaim.

Boss Rafael Benitez also received his ovation. There will be no Champions League final this season, but the Kop made it clear that they don't want to see their manager go the same way as Eriksson.

Benitez made five changes from the side that lost at Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final in midweek, with Steve Finnan, Lucas, Sami Hyypia, Ryan Babel and youngster Emiliano Insua coming in.

Out went Xabi Alonso, Martin Skrtel, Yossi Benayoun, Alvaro Arbeloa and John Arne Riise.

And still Peter Crouch could not get a game, the lanky striker did not even make the bench.

Troubled Manchester City - who have lost four of their last five - recalled captain Richard Dunne, with Gelson Fernandes dropping to the bench.

For Liverpool, this was just a game for pride with nothing else now to play for with their European exit.

But for City, the game had taken on a whole new dimension. The future of manager Sven-Goran Eriksson was all that mattered to their fans packed into the Anfield Road end.

With owner Thaksin Shinawatra hell-bent on sacking the former England coach - seemingly against the wishes of virtually everyone else at Eastlands - those fans sang his name, hoisted 'Save our Sven' banners and made it perfectly clear who they were backing.

City fans even came up with an impressive version of a famous Pink Floyd song as 'Thaksin, leave our Sven alone' boomed across Anfield.

Eriksson waved obligingly, gave the thumbs up and bowed in appreciation to supporters who do not understand how a rare top-half finish in the Premier League is not good enough.

And their team, who are believed to be upset by developments, responded with a confident display. City were quicker and sharper in the opening stages, Michael Johnson and Stephen Ireland impressing in midfield.

Liverpool had plenty of possession, but initially created nothing of substance, apart from a Babel header over.

Fernando Torres then saw an angled cross-shot skid just wide on the far post, while Steven Gerrard - from 30 yards out - had goalkeeper Joe Hart flying across his box.

Liverpool were now improving. And when Insua's pass inside to Gerrard found his captain 20 yards out, a swerving shot forced Hart into an excellent save to his left.

After the break, only a fine interception from Vedran Corluka stopped Gerrard taking advantage of a clever Torres set-up, while Kuyt headed the resulting corner just wide.

Liverpool were much more positive now and Torres got away on the left from a superb Gerrard pass, but guided his shot just wide of the far post.

City responded with a fine Elano free-kick from 20-yards that hit Jose Reina's near post.

But in the 58th minute, Torres got his customary goal.

A poor Michael Ball clearance was headed back into the Spanish international's path, and he took on and beat Dunne before he angled his finish across Hart and into the far corner.

That goal meant Torres equalled the all-time Liverpool record of scoring in eighth successive home league game.

Roger Hunt, in Division Two in 1961-62, is the only other man to achieve the feat.

City then brought on ex-Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann, who was instrumental in their Champions League final victory in 2005, for Elano and the German received a standing ovation from the Anfield crowd.

Nery Castillo took over from Martin Petrov, with Liverpool replacing Babel with Benayoun.

Alonso and Andriy Voronin both got a late run-out in place of Lucas and Gerrard, but City made it clear this was not over when Benjani blasted in a 25-yard free-kick that Reina struggled to beat away.

City then sent on Javier Garrido for Darius Vassell. But Torres was looking for more, and having the beating for pace of Corluka and Dunne, he almost chipped Hart on the run.

Steven Gerrard Determined To Improve

A strange end to a turbulent season at Anfield. There was pride, but there were regrets. There were protest songs against meddling owners, but this time they came from the Manchester City supporters, rather than the locals. And as the Liverpool players embarked on the lap of honour after their final home game of the season, there was nothing so striking as the scowl on the features of Steven Gerrard.

This is not to suggest that Gerrard is having a repeat of the pangs that almost drove him to Chelsea, but, as Fernando Torres took a bow in front of the Kop, his captain had a face like thunder. Perhaps the pain of the Champions League semi-final defeat by Chelsea four days earlier had only just sunk in. Perhaps he was vowing that, three weeks short of his 28th birthday, he cannot allow another title race to pass Liverpool by.

This was supposed to be Sven-Göran Eriksson’s story, with City supporters giving their manager a show of support that will stay with him long after he has been evicted from office by Thaksin Shinawatra, the club’s Thai chairman. Or it could have been Torres’s story, given that the Liverpool forward had settled the match with his 32nd goal of an extraordinary first season in English football and, in doing so, had equalled Roger Hunt’s club record of scoring in eight consecutive home matches. But Gerrard’s scowl, as he pondered a summer without so much as the European Championship finals to look forward to, seemed to say more than anything.

John Arne Riise, Jermaine Pennant, Harry Kewell and Peter Crouch did not join their teammates on the lap of honour and may bid personal farewells as Liverpool look to sign players such as Gareth Barry, the Aston Villa captain, and Philipp Degen, the Borussia Dortmund full back.

Berger To Barry: Go To Liverpool

Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry has been urged to sign for Liverpool this summer – by one of his own team-mates!

In an incredible interview with the Daily Mail, Villa midfielder Patrik Berger stated that Barry would be foolish to turn down a move to the Merseyside Giants and urged his colleague not to let this opportunity pass.

Barry has persistently been linked as the main transfer target for Rafa Benitez this summer, and his sides tame defeat to Wigan on Saturday may have emphasised to him just how much progress is needed should the Villains want to compete on a par with the leagues top clubs.

Berger said: “If I was in Gareth’s position I would go there tomorrow. It is the opportunity of a lifetime and Liverpool certainly don’t come after you every year.

“He is the heart of our team at the moment and it would be a massive challenge for him. He would be in the Champions League and challenging to win trophies every year.”

Berger, a player who’s own future is currently unclear, says it is very hard for sides like Aston Villa to break into the top four.

“I think the gap – not just between Villa and the top four but the rest of the league – is big," he continued.

"To break into the top four you would really have to spend a lot of money. Everton have tried for the past few years but they only did it once, it is going to be very tough for Villa do to that.

“It will take time to reach the Champions League and to do that you would need to keep players like Gareth."

Barry, 27, has been an integral part of the Villa midfield this season, starting 36 of the 37 Premiership matches played so far. Former Czech international star Berger on the other hand, has been more of a fringe player - making just nine total appearances this season, all from the substitutes bench.

Villa owner Randy Lerner recently stated that he would give Martin O’Neil the finances required to secure Barry on a new long-term deal.

Torres: We'll Win It Next Season

Liverpool star Fernando Torres insists that the club can overcome their disappointing season without a trophy and win the Premiership title next season.

Despite an excellent personal season for Torres, Liverpool have failed to win any competitions – with Wednesday’s Champions League loss to Chelsea effectively ending their season.

Torres scored the winner today as the Anfield side battled to a 1-0 win over Manchester City and the Spaniard believes that more consistent League success is a possibility in the next campaign.

“We want to win trophies every season,” he told Sky Sports.

“For the fans the most important thing is the League. Maybe next season. We have a strong team and we can win every game.”

Torres, who was alarmingly substituted in extra-time during the Champions League semi-final defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday, was not expected to play any further part in this campaign after manager Rafa Benitez cited a hamstring injury. However, el Nino has revealed that there is no longer a problem.

“It was a problem for the Chelsea game but today I was fit," he said. "For the last game at Anfield everyone wants to play.”

Torres has scored 32 goals in total as part of an incredible first season in England, with 23 of those coming in the Premiership. With his winning goal against Manchester City, the twenty-four year old tied the club record of Roger Hunt by scoring in eight successive home games.

Benitez Wants To Buy Now

Liverpool fans could be welcoming their new Kop heroes sooner than later if boss Rafa Benitez has his way.

Time is of the essence to Benitez, who has revealed the Reds are trying to sign new players this month, and not wait until later in the summer.

Co-owner Tom Hicks has agreed to a summer spending spree of more than £30million, and Benitez has given chief executive Rick Parry a list of top targets.

The Reds have already been linked to Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry and Wigan's Antonio Valencia.

And any new faces will be coming quickly, hopes Benitez.

He told the Daily Star Sunday: "We will not be waiting until August to sign players. I think we will do things well before. Perhaps you will see some evidence in a few weeks.

"It will help me if the signings of new players are done early. It needs to be as soon as possible really, because then you know the situation and you can control the pre-season.

"Rick knows the necessity of early deals. Our conservation the other day was very positive.

"We are trying to fix the targets and progress. He knows that we want to sign the players right now.

"We aren't working on signing new players in June or July - but to sign them in May if that is possible."

After a trophy-less season this term, Benitez is determined to return to winning ways.

He said: "We want to win the next two games and we want to win silverware next season.

"We have Pepe Reina, who can be the best keeper for another year, with more clean sheets than anyone if he has one more.

"We have scored 116 goals. We want to be the best team in England - and people talk about us being defensive!"

Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs Manchester City

When these sides met at the City of Manchester Stadium just after Christmas, it was a staunch and stoic defence marshalled by Richard Dunne that kept Manchester City level at 0-0. The inspirational Irish captain will be absent due to injury this weekend and may well have played his last game for City, due to recent boardroom turmoil.

Dunne is one of a host of City players seemingly ready to down tools and mutiny as a result of Thaksin Shinawatra’s decision to bring to an end Sven Goran Eriksson’s ten month reign at Eastlands. The judgement of Shinawatra has been questioned from all quarters, supporter to shareholder, with everyone involved with the club baffled and bewildered at the former Thai PM’s premature assessment of Sven’s achievements.

A league double over their illustrious neighbours and a highest ever Premier League points tally has not been enough to prevent Sven inevitably becoming the league’s latest managerial casualty.

Before the season kicked off, Shinawatra declared a three-year plan for City. After the first year, he said, City were expected to be a top-ten club; after two, top six; and after three, Champions League contenders. Somewhere along the line this season however, the paradigm shifted.

Shinawatra, seemingly initially enthused by Sven’s credentials, decided to hastily change his three-year plan to something decidedly shorter. No longer was Sven untouchable and impervious to interference from a patient and pragmatic chairman, now he was under pressure for immediate outcomes. This policy may hold water at the Bernabeus of this world but sea changes at places like Eastland can reasonably be expected to take a little longer than one season.

City’s players, under pressure since the turn of the year and a mid-campaign slump, will be desperate to dispute their paymaster’s appraisal of their mentor’s accomplishments. Gelling a set of under whelmed and underachieving senior players with a band of hired guns imported from abroad into a liquid and capable outfit, Sven has created a worthy side with an hitherto air of gradual improvement.

Recently however, with a clutch of injuries to contend with, City have struggled. Despite winning two of their last three league games, City have taken only six of fifteen available points and are leaking goals. Elano, an auxiliary right back in the last two matches has flitted in and out of form capriciously since his star rose before Christmas, while the likes of Michael Johnson and Stephen Ireland have jaded as a long season unfolded.

A palpable absence of a genuine goal threat, with only the sporadic contributions of Benjani to turn to, has given City a blunt edge. The club are by no means in crisis, their improvement this season has been just a shade below laudable, but patience in the overlord’s office has worn thin. The chairman sits with his finger over the red button. Sven stands before him waiting for the trap-door to open.

Events at Anfield have mirrored those at Eastlands, with administrative disagreements being conducted with all the dignity of a drunk couple. George hates Tom who hates Rick who is confused, and all this leaves Rafa scratching his head and wishing the carousel of ignominy would end.

His position, by no means untenable, is somewhat unsteady with a palpable air of uncertainty over his head. The sword of Damocles which dangles over Sven hasn’t reached the Spaniard as yet but, to the detriment of the side he has moulded, it could in the wake of an ultimately barren campaign.

Champions League elimination came after two visits to two of the league’s relegation fodder in the shape of Fulham and Birmingham, which yielded four points for largely reserve line-ups. Indeed, Rafa Benitez had his authority questioned by various managers desperate to avoid the basement door with regard to his alleged compromise of the league’s integrity. Liverpool’s league campaign has petered out into futility with only a minor say in the relegation shake-up to influence, now that the fourth Champions League place is a certainty.

Rafa’s priorities laid with the Champions League this season ever since Liverpool reversed their horrendous early group form to become their usual rigid selves on the continent. However, with all his eggs in that basket, Benitez is now forced to contemplate a stilted league table in the aftermath of Chelsea’s semi final victory.

While the likes of Pennant and Crouch excelled in the league over the past two weeks, it was Gerrard and his ilk who disappointed on the big stage mid-week. The captain, a proud and effective motivator, will be desperate to see his supporters leave Anfield for the final time this season with a semblance of a smile on their faces.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Apr 30 (Champions League) v Chelsea (A) LOST 3-2 (Extra Time)

Apr 26 (Premier League) v Birmingham (A) DREW 2-2

Apr 22 (Champions League) v Chelsea (H) DREW 1-1

Apr 19 (Premier League) v Fulham (A) WON 2-0

Apr 13 (Premier League) v Blackburn (H) WON 3-1

Manchester City

Apr 26 (Premier League) v Fulham (H) LOST 3-2

Apr 20 (Premier League) v Portsmouth (H) WON 3-1

Apr 12 (Premier League) v Sunderland (A) WON 2-1

Apr 5 (Premier League) v Chelsea (H) LOST 2-0

Mar 29 (Premier League) v Birmingham (A) LOST 3-1


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Rafa Benitez will be without Martin Skrtel, injured chasing Didier Drogba on Wednesday, as well as Fernando Torres due to a hamstring tweak. Daniel Agger, Fabio Aurelio and Harry Kewell remain sidelined.


Manchester City

City will be forced to retain a patched up defence as an almost entirely absent back-four give Sven selection headaches. Richard Dunne, Nedum Onuoha and Micah Richards are all still sidelined, meaning that Elano will probably continue to be deployed as the league’s least likely right back. Daniel Sturridge’s knee problem keeps him out.
Last Starting XI (v Fulham): Hart, Elano, Sun, Corluka, Ball, Johnson, Ireland, Gelson, Petrov, Vassell, Benjani.



PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool: Peter Crouch

In the absence of Fernando Torres, the goal-scoring burden will fall onto the shoulders of the Englishman. Crouch, linked this week with Aston Villa, will be eager to retain the admiration of Rafa Benitez and spare himself from the Anfield cull. Two goals in his last two league starts means that Crouch is on fine form going into this encounter.

Manchester City: Michael Johnson

Lining up against the opposition he may well be representing next season, Johnson will be eager to impress. With Sven’s reign prematurely doomed, his young star midfielder will want to give the manager a fine send off. His form has dipped with that of his team but Johnson will want to pit himself against one of his idols, Steven Gerrard.

Rafa Thwarted By Rafinha No-Go?

One of the players whon Liverpoool manager Rafa Benitez has reportedly been tracking - Schalke's Brazilian full-back Rafinha - looks unlikely to be going anywhere this summer.

According to Bundesliga side Schalke, their Liverpool target Rafinha is not about to leave the club.

Although the Brazilian has been linked with a possible summer move to Anfield for some time, Schalke have reaffirmed that no offer has ever been made for the player - and they insist that they do not want him to leave.

Schalke's general manager, Andreas Muller, is adamant that the German club's prized assets - such as Rafinha and Jermaine Jones - will be staying in Gelsenkirchen.

"So far, I have not received any enquiries for the players," Muller told Bild.

"We want to try and win the Champions League next season with both Jermaine Jones and Rafinha."