Reds Renew Bentley Bid

Liverpool have revived their interest in Blackburn winger David Bentley by way of a ₤12 million bid, according to reports.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has been keeping a close eye on the 23-year-old over the past couple of seasons, as he seeks to increase his wide options over the summer.

The former Arsenal man has been heavily tipped to move to Anfield in recent months, having become increasingly unsettled following Blackburn’s failure to qualify for Europe.

Rovers boss Mark Hughes has rebuffed all interest so far and is desperate to hang onto Bentley, whose link-up with Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz provided most of the club’s highlights this season.

But Benitez has swooped with a ₤12 million offer in an attempt to prise the England international away from Ewood Park, although Rovers reportedly will not consider anything under ₤15 million.

Bentley could replace fellow ex-Gunner Jermaine Pennant, who may leave Merseyside after just two seasons.

The former Birmingham City winger was offered to Aston Villa as part of Liverpool’s bid for Gareth Barry, while Newcastle have shown interest in the 25-year-old.

Rafael Benitez: League Is Not Vital For Liverpool

The dust may have only just settled on the Premier League season, but Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is already busy playing down his side's chances of winning it next year and fighting off speculation over the future of his best player.

Benitez feels the League is harder to win now than when he joined Liverpool in 2004, and knows that his task will be much harder if reports last night that linked Fernando Torres with a move to Chelsea turn out to be than speculation. Chelsea were last night reported to have made Torres their main transfer target and are prepared to offer up to £50 million.

"There is a desire among certain people at Liverpool to sell at a right price," said a Chelsea insider. "It is just a case of whether they have the nerve to incur the wrath of the Liverpool fans."

The relationship between American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett has left Benitez convinced the club is unable to match the spending power of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the transfer market.

"It's more difficult because after two years of Chelsea winning the league and spending big money, United needed to do the same," Benitez said. "They started spending big money and Arsenal were also spending big money. We will try to do our best and the key for me is to not talk about the title."

Benitez has warned that teams below Liverpool are spending big money in a bid to qualify for the Champions League. "You see Aston Villa, Newcastle, West Ham and Everton spending money and having strong teams. It's not easy to be in the top four and be contenders, but because we have a young squad we can try again."

Dossena Deal Proving Complicated For Reds

Liverpool's hopes of a straightforward deal for Udinsese defender Andrea Dossena appear to have been scuppered.

The Reds were expected to seal an €8 million deal for the Italian full back Dossena, but the latest word is that the 26-year-old is leaning towards staying Italy, with Fiorentina and Juventus now firmly in the frame.

Udinese sport director Pietro Leonardi admitted that talks with Liverpool are already well underway, but seemed to suggest that a conclusion is still some way off.

"We have not reached an agreement yet with the English club," said Leonardi.

"We are negotiating, but we will continue talking again next week.

Dossena enjoyed an excellent season for the Zebrette, playing 34 games, scoring two goals, and helping the club qualify for the UEFA Cup.

Riise Headed for Spain?

Liverpool full back John Arne Riise could be on his way to Spain following news that Atletico Madrid and Villareal have both joined the chase to sign the Norwegian. Schalke and Newcastle are also circling.

Riise, 27, who signed for Liverpool from Monaco in 2001, has become surplus to requirements at Anfield and is widely expected to leave the club this summer.

The Norwegian, who is one of the longest serving players at Anfield, has had a mixed season this year. The arrival of Fabio Aurelio has increased the competition for places in the side and Riise has not only lost his place in the starting line up but has also been forced to play out of position in midfield at times this season.

Riise, who made a name for himself as a defender with a ferocious shot has also seen his goals dry up this season.

Indeed the goal he will be most remembered for will be the last minute own goal he conceded against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final which turned the tie in Chelsea’s favour.

With manager Rafael Benitez keen to raise funds in order to embark on a summer spending spree it is thought that Riise is one of the players the Liverpool manager is more than willing to sell in order to free up some funds.

This is something that the player himself has acknowledged recently as he has reportedly told the press he is aware he may have to leave Liverpool in order to find regular first team football.

Riise has reportedly already rejected a move to Newcastle and there have also been rumours that Juventus are interested in signing the Norwegian, although this seems unlikely.

Far more credible are recent reports that the German side Schalke 04 are interested in the defender as well as Atletico Madrid and Villareal.

Whilst it is unclear where he will end up what does seem apparent is that his days at Anfield are all but over.

Rafa Seeks The Perfect Blend

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is keen to identify the correct players to complement the foundations of his side.

The Reds finished a second successive season empty-handed as they flirted with mounting a challenge for the title in the Premier League and departed the UEFA Champions League at the semi-final stage.

Benitez has already outlined his plans to spend this summer, and he has now stressed the importance of signing individuals who will add balance to his current squad.

"We have the spine for next season and now we need to add players in certain positions," he told the club's official website.

"It's really important to sign the right players with the right mentality - a winning mentality. You want players who are desperate to come here and win trophies."

Benitez is already looking to the next campaign, but admits he has learnt a great deal about his players after the disappointment of the 2007/08 season.

The Spaniard added: "You can always learn when you win, but you always learn more when you lose. In a difficult year you can see the character of the players.

"You can also see the character of all the staff and people around. You can see if they have the winning mentality that we want."

Gerrard Demands Summer Signings

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has reiterated the need for heavy summer spending in order to end an 18-year wait for the league title.

The Reds had been strongly tipped to secure 2007/08 Premier League glory, but Rafa Benitez's side ended the campaign in fourth position and 11 points adrift of champions Manchester United.

Swiss defender Philipp Degen is already set to make a free transfer move to Anfield on 1st July from Borussia Dortmund and Gerrard is keen to see more new faces over the coming months to end almost two decades of waiting for a league title.

Gerrard has previously called on Liverpool's American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks to splash the cash in order to keep pace with the league's top three and Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry is a £12million target, but the midfielder has now reiterated his demand.

"We say it every season, but it's massive," Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo. "Other teams are going to strengthen and become better sides so it's important we do the same.

"A lot of sides spend every summer, teams and squads become stronger and it's important we don't fall away.

"We want to stay up there with the best and for us to challenge and win the league and to keep doing well in Europe we need to buy players, there's no doubt about it."

Gerrard, though, admits he is in the dark over Benitez's close-season targets.

"I know as much as the other players and you guys outside about Rafa's plans," Gerrard added.

"He doesn't call me in and tell me names, but obviously he assures me and the rest of the boys that if any players become available that will strengthen the team he will go and buy them, but it's important that Rafa gets the right backing.

"It (a title tilt) is getting down to the small details again so if we can make the team that little bit stronger, have a few more options and a few more match-winners and be a tiny bit better defensively as a team then we can do it."

Rafa Proud Of Reds' Spanish Quartet

Rafael Benitez has hailed the Liverpool contingent in the Spain squad ahead of the impending Euros.

There will be few prouder than Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez during Euro 2008 when he watches four of his players swap the Red of Liverpool for La Roja of Spain.

Alvaro Arbeloa, Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Pepe Reina are all in the 23-man squad as Benitez's native Spain prepare for the Austria and Switzerland showpiece.

La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have fewer players involved and Benitez hailed his fab four, saying: "I will be supporting Spain, of course, because we have some very good players, including four from this club.

"As a manager of an English club, to see your players in any national team is really important. To see so many of our players in the Spain squad - I think we must be really proud because it is a special situation and one which is really good for us.

"It means that we are bringing in players with quality who are good enough to play international football, so that is very positive.

"The four Liverpool players who have been selected have shown the quality that they have.

"We know that Iker Casillas is a very good goalkeeper but for me Pepe Reina is as good as him.

"Arbeloa will have his chance because he can play in more than one position and he has more experience now, and Xabi, as we know, is a top-class player who can be at the same level of the other midfielders.

"Finally, we have seen how good Torres can be during the last season.

"Spain has a lot of quality. Everyone talks about the fact that they have not won a major tournament but statistics like this are there to be broken – maybe this will be their time."

Benitez hopes Liverpudlians will support Spain, because the Anfield club's success in Europe has gained them a fanbase in his homeland.

He continued: "In the first year we won the Champions League and many people in Spain were supporting us in the final and the other games.

"I think there are a lot of people in Spain who support us. Everyone has a first club – Barcelona, Real Madrid, Valencia, Villarreal, whoever – and their second club now is normally Liverpool."

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague added: "The interest in Liverpool has grown steadily in Spain since Benitez first arrived at Anfield.

"The fact that the manager of Liverpool Football Club was a Spaniard got everyone's attention and then the Spanish players came – the likes of Luis Garcia, Xabi Alonso, Josemi and Antonio Nunez. That made the interest levels grow some more.

"But this season that interest has gone to a new level and it is all because of one man – Fernando Torres."

Benitez To Keep On Spending

Rafa Benitez admits Liverpool must keep on spending if they are to mount a realistic title tilt next season.

Although Liverpool finished nearer to champions Manchester United this season than the previous campaign, Benitez will be well aware his side never looked likely to challenge for top spot.

Benitez and his captain Steven Gerrard have both called for a busy summer of spending at Anfield and in highlighting Chelsea's £16.2million capture of Porto right-back Jose Bosingwa, the Reds boss accepts the chequebook needs to come out.

"Every year you must improve a lot because the other teams are doing the same," he told the club's official website.

"I think Chelsea have just spent £16million on a right-back, even though they got to the (Champions League) final.

"This year we have improved a lot. We signed two or three really good players, and also players who've been good for the club."

Liverpool's season has been played out against an unsettling backdrop of boardroom wranglings and rumours of Benitez being axed.

The Spaniard concedes it has been a difficult campaign on Merseyside but he remains confident the club has made strides to narrow the gap on their Premier League rivals.

"Yes, it's clearly been difficult, special and different, but at the end of the day we tried to manage.

"It's not a perfect season because you need to win trophies but it's not bad because we finished in the top four in the Premier League and Europe.

"Not the best, but not as bad as it could be."

Liverpool Face Dossena Fight

Fiorentina could rival Liverpool for the signing of Andrea Dossena after Udinese confirmed a deal has not yet been agreed for the left-back.

Liverpool are in talks to sign the 26-year-old, with reports suggesting Udinese want £8million for Dossena.

The Serie A side have acknowledged discussions have taken place and are set to meet with the Reds again next week.

"We have not got an agreement yet with the English side," Udinese's sporting director Pietro Leonardi told the Italian media.

"We are negotiating, but we will talk again next week.

"For the moment, nothing is done."

However, Dossena's agent Federico Pastorello says the player has yet to decide his future, with Fiorentina also rumoured to be interested.

Dossena played under Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli at Verona earlier in his career and Pastorello hinted at interest from the Viola.

Pastorello told the Italian media: "The future of the player is still very uncertain. He will decide everything in the coming weeks.

"Prandelli knows Dossena very well, he is aware of his strengths and weaknesses."

Kewell Heading For New York?

Liverpool winger Harry Kewell has revealed his desire to finish his career in the United States, with New York his preferred destination.

Kewell, 29, has had an injury-ravaged career and is almost certain to depart Anfield this summer, having failed to convince manager Rafael Benitez that he has a future on Merseyside.

Speaking to the press in Australia where he is on international duty, he said: “Playing there [in the USA] is certainly something I’d consider. Not now, but further down the line ... you never know. I do love the place.”

Kewell who was married in Las Vegas and frequent holidays in America made it plain that he would be more than happy to finish his career in the MLS. He said simply: “I love it, I love the place.”

The Australian captain, who joined Liverpool from Leeds United in 2003, has made only eight league starts this season as injury, poor form and a host of new arrivals at Anfield have curtailed his first team chances.

Despite this, there is likely to be much interest in a player whose huge potential has undoubtedly never been truly fulfilled.

Portsmouth and Fulham have both been rumoured to be interested in the winger, although his wage demands may prove a stumbling block to any potential transfer.

Benitez To Spend £70 Million - Report

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is hoping to spend £70 million this summer as he rebuilds his squad and attempts to bring the Premier League title to Anfield for the first time.

Liverpool’s American owners are expected to hand Benitez £20 million to enhance his squad but Benitez is hoping he can also raise £50 million from player sales to ensure a massive summer spending spree.

According to the News of the World Benitez is hoping to be able to raise £50 million from the sales of players such as Xabi Alonso, Peter Crouch, Scott Carson, John Arne Riise, Jermaine Pennant, Steve Finnan and Andriy Voronin.

He will then use the money to help strengthen his squad and is reported to have his eye on Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry as well as Andrew Dossena from Udinese. Liverpool have also this week confirmed the transfer of defender Philipp Degen, albeit on a free transfer.

Despite the ongoing behind the scenes ownership battles at Anfield it seems likely that Benitez will be handed more time and money at Liverpool to challenge for the title.

Despite spending heavily last season on players such as Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano and Ryan Babel, Liverpool finished the season without a trophy and some eleven points behind champions Manchester United.

Captain Steven Gerrard has already called for more investment in the squad if his side are to close the gap on Manchester United and Chelsea and it seems as if his words are going to be heeded and another busy summer in the transfer market awaits for Liverpool.

Kuyt And Babel On Target For Dutch

Dirk Kuyt staked his claim for inclusion in Holland's squad for Euro 2008 with the opening goal in Saturday night's 3-0 win over Ukraine.

The Liverpool striker has been included in Marco van Basten's 26-man preliminary party but, having been left out of the squad for the friendlies at the start of the year, is still fighting to seal his place on the plane to Austria and Switzerland.

He did his chances no harm though with a fine header midway through the first half before fellow frontman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar doubled the hosts' lead.

Another Liverpool man, Ryan Babel, rounded off the victory after the break.

Profile: Andrea Dossena

Andrea Dossena has been one of Italy's best defenders this term. He is on the verge of signing for Liverpool.

Statistics:

Name: Andrea Dossena

DOB: September 11th 1981

Height: 1.85m

Weight: 74kg

Position: Defender

Current Club: Udinese Calcio 1896

Andrea Dossena was born in Lodi, a small town in the region of Lombardy- home to both Inter and Milan. He began his football career with Hellas Verona and he quickly moved up into the club's youth system after showing incredible talent at a young age. In 2001 he left the youth team and made the step up to the senior squad under Alberto Malesani's tutelage.

Dossena made his Serie A debut on November 18 2001 and he was thrown in at the deep end as his first appearance was against bitter rivals Chievo in the Derby di Verona and he played alongside emerging talents such as Mauro Camoranesi, Alberto Gilardino, Massimo Oddo, Marco Cassetti and Adrian Mutu. He was quick to adapt within a side boasting plenty of youth and brilliant talent with massive potential.

Dossena spent four years with the Gialloblu but in 2002 his side were relegated to Serie B following a last day defeat to Piacenza. It was a steep learning curb for the player but he kept his place in the side and decided to stay where as most of his team mates jumped ship. It was a wise decision which paid off in 2005 when he was signed by Serie A outfit Udinese. Fiery character Serse Cosmi, who coached the left-back at the time, decided his left back was surplus to requirements at the Stadio Friuli and he sent him on loan to Treviso. Dossena made 21 first team appearances for the Biancocelesti but he couldn't stop them sliding into Serie B. At the end of the 2005/06 season, the stopper was recalled back to the Bianconeri by Giovanni Galeone.

The stopper went on to feature 28 times for the Zebrette and he was soon to be reunited with his old coach from Verona. Galleone was sacked by the Stadio Fruili based outfit after falling out with the club's directors. Alberto Malesani, who played a big part in Dossena's early career at the Gialloblu, was reunited with his former Verona star. Rise To Fame In just two years, the powerful defender has made massive strides towards a rewarding career. He has played 63 times for Udinese and this season he has impressed in Serie A. His performances against the top four clubs in particular were outstanding. He kept the Nerazzurri's star studied line up quiet in the 0-0 draw back in January.

Dosena marked Zlatan Ibrahimovic out of the game as his side stole a valueable point against the league leaders. The left-back was dangerous all night and his constant runs and dangerous crosses from the wings caused the Nerazzurri problems. The Udinese number 8 also gave his side a shock lead against Juventus but they went on to lose the game 2-1. The defender's work at the back helped his side earn a very respectable sixth place finish which rewarded them with a UEFA Cup place. However, the former Verona man might not feature in the competition.

The Italian stopper has the chance to play in the Champions League next term with Liverpool who are on the verge of signing their target. Rafa Benitez has been impressed by the Bianconero and the Reds are focused on taking the rising star to Anfield as a replacement for John Arne Riise. Dossena has similar qualities to the Norwegian but he is more graceful on the ball and has a sweeter first touch. He is also excellent in the air and has a commanding presence at the back. His current coach Pasquale Marino has revealed that the player will move to Liverpool. It is believed the Reds are close to signing the defender from Lodi for around £8m. The future is looking bright for the stopper and no doubt he will impress wherever he ends up playing.

Rafa Points To Agger Loss

Liverpool gaffer Rafael Benitez admits that failing to sign Gabriel Heinze, losing Daniel Agger through injury and the need to spent huge sums of money have all hampered the Reds this term.

Rafa Benitez has pointed to the loss of stopper Daniel Agger as an early blow to Liverpool's push for silverware this season.

The Dane provided both an aerial presence and a goal threat, with the Reds boss concerned about the amount of goals conceded from set-pieces in his absence.

Now, he admits that the defender comes back in good shape, but insists that only minor squad surgery is needed at Anfield this summer.

"The squad is better [than one year ago] and we have a better team," Benitez told LFC TV.

"Especially in the last three months, the understanding between the players was really good. We were winning games and scoring goals and we nearly got to the final of the Champions League.

"This year we have improved a lot. We signed two or three really good players, and also players who've been good for the squad.

"Every year you must improve a lot because the other teams are doing the same. I think Chelsea have just spent £16million on a right full back even though they got to the final."

In addition to the loss of Agger, Rafa admits that failing to sign Gabriel Heinze, who eventually signed for Madrid from Man Utd, was a blow. Asked if Heinze would have provided more defensive cover, the boss said: "Yes, I think so.

"We conceded goals at the end of games and drew. The centre backs - Carra [Jamie Carragher] and Sami [Hyypia] - were playing too many games.

"Sometimes Jack Hobbs or Alvaro Arbeloa played, but we clearly missed Agger. Agger is a centre back who can play the ball, he is a threat to the opposition.

"We have a lot of good players and we also have some really good young players; this is important. I think we have the spine of the team next season and now we need to add players in certain positions.

"We have analysed a lot of things this year. For example, we have conceded a lot of goals from set pieces. We need to understand why because last season we conceded six, now it's 16, yet we're doing more or less the same things.

"We can improve in this area. We also need to keep the team scoring in open play while at the same time improving a little bit in defence. We have been really good in defence for three of four years, but I think we need to improve a little bit if we want to be at the top of the table."

Benitez continued to say the money spent in the Premiership is daunting, particularly at the top end, before observing: "Clearly it's more difficult than in Spain because the top sides spend big, big money.

Riise - I Could Move On

Liverpool star John Arne Riise has admitted that his future at Anfield is far from certain.

The 27-year-old Norwegian has in the past expressed a desire to stay on Merseyside but it has been speculated his Liverpool career is drawing to a close.

Riise has endured an indifferent past campaign and with Liverpool closing on the signing of Udinese left-back Andrea Dossena it does looks as though Riise could be made surplus to requirements.

"I am uncertain. If I don't hear anything before the summer, I will have to consider my situation," Riise told Nettavisen.

"We have got to hope that we reach an agreement with the club about what will happen."

While an ideal scenario would see Riise remain at Liverpool, he concedes it is flattering to be linked with a number of high-profile clubs.

"A club change is not impossible," he added.

"I have said that I want to stay where I am, but there have been many rumours in the newspapers about many big clubs.

"It's fantastic to be linked with such clubs. At the same time, I am playing in a position which many clubs are trying to fill.

"I am truly enjoying myself where I am, but the situation is very uncertain at the moment.

"The most important thing is that I get to play regularly."

Gerrard Demands Summer Signings

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has reiterated the need for heavy summer spending in order to end an 18-year wait for the league title.

The Reds had been strongly tipped to secure 2007/08 Premier League glory, but Rafa Benitez's side ended the campaign in fourth position and 11 points adrift of champions Manchester United.

Swiss defender Philipp Degen is already set to make a free transfer move to Anfield on 1st July from Borussia Dortmund and Gerrard is keen to see more new faces over the coming months to end almost two decades of waiting for a league title.

Gerrard has previously called on Liverpool's American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks to splash the cash in order to keep pace with the league's top three and Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry is a £12million target, but the midfielder has now reiterated his demand.

"We say it every season, but it's massive," Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo. "Other teams are going to strengthen and become better sides so it's important we do the same.

"A lot of sides spend every summer, teams and squads become stronger and it's important we don't fall away.

"We want to stay up there with the best and for us to challenge and win the league and to keep doing well in Europe we need to buy players, there's no doubt about it."

Gerrard, though, admits he is in the dark over Benitez's close-season targets.

"I know as much as the other players and you guys outside about Rafa's plans," Gerrard added.

"He doesn't call me in and tell me names, but obviously he assures me and the rest of the boys that if any players become available that will strengthen the team he will go and buy them, but it's important that Rafa gets the right backing.

"It (a title tilt) is getting down to the small details again so if we can make the team that little bit stronger, have a few more options and a few more match-winners and be a tiny bit better defensively as a team then we can do it."

Benitez Is United In Mission For Title

Rafael Benitez has warned his Liverpool side they can never be title contenders until they start beating Manchester United.

The Anfield boss is convinced that after what he sees as a season of progress, his young squad can develop into a side capable of challenging for the Premier League.

But first, he insists, they must break the vice-like psychological hold the champions enjoy over Liverpool.

"If you analyse our campaign this season closely, then you can realise that our position comes down to just one or two results that make all the difference," he said.

"We lost both matches in the Premier League to Manchester United, and that can explain why we finished fourth instead of being up there challenging.

"It is a simple equation. If you beat United once it results in a six-point swing either way and that can be the difference. That one win would have put us much closer.

"We have not enjoyed a good sequence against them in recent years, and we realise that must change if we are to get closer to our ambitions.

"We know what this club is about - winning things. So, we are terribly disappointed not to have won a trophy for the second year. That has to change."

Title Harder To Win In England - Rafa

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez remains hopeful of guiding the Reds to their first ever Premier League title, but insists that league glory is a taller order than it was when he won in Spain with Valencia.

Despite a Champions League and FA Cup triumph - and indeed a generally admirable record in cups, European in particular - Rafa Benitez has been unable to drastically change Liverpool's league fortunes in his four years at Anfield.

Many have heavily criticised the manager for an inability to mastermind consistent performances and instead relying on squeezing past opponents in incredibly unpredictable cup ties.

He has always remained defiant despite criticism of his squad rotation and transfer policies and insisted that it is a long-term plan that is still in progress.

Liverpool hold the record for most league titles with 18, but Manchester United have come to within one title of them, having won 10 of the 16 Premier League's since its inception, with Liverpool not having won competition as of yet.

Many feel that, unless Rafa can add the Premier League to his trophy haul within the next season or two, he may well be sacked by the club, whose boardroom situation is still far from clear, though albeit a lot less dramatic and embarrassing than it was earlier in the season.

Benitez won the league title with Valencia in Spain while giants Real Madrid were chasing European glory and Barcelona were in a slump. Consistency was the name of the game with Los Che, but Benitez has insisted that it is not as easy in England, an excuse that not many people find acceptable.

"Yes, clearly it's more difficult [to win the league] here than in Spain because the top sides spend big, big money," said Benitez.

"We will try to do our best and the key for me is to not talk about the title. The key is to be near the top, to be contenders. If we stay close then I think we are capable of doing it.

"It is an option, for sure. We know our weaknesses and our strengths. We know where we need to improve, so we'll try to build a new team looking at these things."

He continued, emphasising the positives to take from this year's campaign: "[This season] we showed character at the end and that's really important. We showed that in difficult times we can be good and win games.

"As a manager, it was also important for me to see how the people around the team reacted to everything.

"When you talk about a winning mentality and winning trophies, you need to see the character of your people. The season was very good in terms of knowing the people.

"We have analysed a lot of things this year. For example, we have conceded a lot of goals from set pieces. We need to understand why because the season before we conceded six, now it's 16, yet we're doing more or less the same things. We can improve in this area.

"We also need to keep the team scoring in open play while at the same time improving a little bit in defence. We have been really good in defence for three of four years, but I think we need to improve a little bit if we want to be at the top of the table."

After another disappointing league season, Benitez has again called for more transfer funds in order to compete with the likes off Manchester United and Chelsea at the top of the table, and expects to busy in the transfer market once more.

Full-back Philipp Degen has been signed for free from Borussia Dortmund, while Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry remains a primary transfer target.

"It's always the same: during the season you must do your job with the players you have and afterwards, in the summer, you need to do your job with the staff," explained Rafa.

"It's really important to sign the right players with the right mentality – a winning mentality. You want players who are desperate to come here and win trophies.

"We started last season well and when we had Agger we were playing well. But, after all the draws, it was important to regain the confidence. In the end we were playing really well, winning games in a row and producing good football.

"You could see the understanding between Gerrard and Torres, but other players were also scoring goals. As I've said, we have the spine for next season and now we need to add players in certain positions."

Dossena To Sign For Liverpool – Marino

Udinese coach Pasquale Marino has admitted that Andrea Dossena is on the verge of completing his move to Liverpool.

Dossena has had an excellent season for the Zebrette, playing 34 games, scoring two goals, and helping the club qualify for the UEFA Cup.

The left back has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool for a while now, and earlier this week it was reported in the Italian press that a transfer was on the horizon.

Bianconeri boss Marino has now confirmed that these stories are true.

“I think that a deal with Liverpool for Dossena is on the way,” told Radio Kiss Kiss.

“Everything is going smoothly. The requirements are in place and the player has given his consent because he wants to test himself at an important club after the season he has had.

“Our director general was in England partly because of that just two days ago.”

Dossena, who has won one cap for Italy, was also said to be attracting the interest of Juventus, however the Old Lady were apparently unwilling to match Udinese's asking price.

Juve Step Up Alonso Bid

Juventus are believed to have stepped up their interest in Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso by flying to England to hold talks over the transfer.

Reports emanating from Italy claim Juventus director general Jean-Claude Blanc has flown to Liverpool to discuss a deal for Alonso.

Juve have been linked with the classy Spaniard for some time, and now the Turin giants are ready to make an increased effort to lure him away from Anfield.

Alonso has suggested he was happy to stay at Liverpool, but he could be forced to rethink his position if Reds boss Rafa Benitez decides to listen to offers for the player.

It is believed the two clubs are in advanced talks about the move, but they have so far failed to agree a price with Liverpool holding out for £14million for the former Real Sociedad man.

However, Juventus are confident they can reach a compromise with Liverpool to see Alonso link up again with former Reds team-mate Mohammed Sissoko in Turin.

Blanc is also believed to have used the trip to England to hold talks with Chelsea over a move for Wayne Bridge.

Juve boss Claudio Ranieri is thought to be keen on signing on Bridge as he prepares for next season's Champions League campaign.

Ranieri is a big fan of Bridge having signed him during his time in charge at Stamford Bridge and with the full-back struggling to hold down a regular place in the side, Ranieri hopes the prospect of regular action at Juve could tempt him to leave England.

Rafa Sticks To Carson Stance

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has no plans to lower the club's asking price for goalkeeper Scott Carson.

The England international has spent the season on loan at Aston Villa and is keen to leave Liverpool on a permanent basis.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is hoping to hang on to Carson, but is understood to be reluctant to meet the £10million fee thought to be demanded by the Reds.

However, Benitez says the figure was agreed last summer when Carson originally moved to Villa Park on loan.

And the Liverpool boss sees no reason why that sum should now change as Carson looks for first-team football on a regular basis.

"It is a matter between the clubs," said Benitez. "We agreed the fee with Aston Villa last year.

"The fee has been there for one season, so to talk about the fee now is not correct.

"We agreed with Martin O'Neill and that was the situation."

Liverpool To Meet Villareal And Rangers In Pre-season Friendlies

Liverpool have announced a prestigious pre-season friendly with La Liga runners-up Villarreal.

And the Anfield club are also expected to confirm soon another warm-up game against Rangers at Ibrox.

So far the only date confirmed is the July 30 visit to Villarreal, a side Liverpool could end up facing in the Champions League next term.

The match is part of the deal that took Spain international goalkeeper Jose Reina to Anfield in the summer of 2005.

Liverpool are also almost certain to be facing a trip to Ibrox to face the beaten UEFA Cup finalists. That date could be July 26, but there has been no official confirmation yet.

Liverpool will travel to Switzerland in early July for their usual pre-season training camp, where a couple of games against local opposition will be organised.

Liverpool also hope to have a friendly on the weekend prior to the start of the new Premier League season.

There are no plans for a pre-season tour to the USA or the Far East, as Liverpool have staged in previous years.

Liverpool enter the Champions League at the third qualifying round stage next season, and the draw will be made on August 3.

The Premier League starts on August 9, with the third qualifying round first leg on August 12/13 with the second leg on August 26/27, with the group stages starting on September 16-17.

Reds Up Barry Bid

Liverpool have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry, raising their bid to ₤12 million.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill immediately rejected the Reds’ initial ₤10 million offer for Barry, and is desperate to hold onto the England midfielder.

But according to The Sun, the Merseyside giants are prepared to fork out at least ₤12 million to capture their main transfer target.

O’Neill and Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez have been at loggerheads in press recently regarding the latter’s decidedly open approach for the 27-year-old.

O’Neill claims the former Valencia boss has been excessively aggressive in his pursuit of Barry, while Benitez feels the former Celtic manager should resign himself to the fact the player may have to leave Villa Park to achieve his European ambitions.

Villa have offered Barry wages of ₤70,000-per-week — a ₤30,000 raise — to stay, but the lure of Champions League football and the possibility of linking up with close friend Steven Gerrard could prove too difficult to refuse.

It is understood Barry has been targeted to replace Reds playmaker Xabi Alonso, who has reportedly become unsettled at Anfield after an injured-ravaged season.

Juventus director Jean-Claude Blanc travelled to Liverpool this week to negotiate a fee for the Spain star, who will represent his country at EURO 2008 this summer.

Juve reportedly offered in €14 million (₤12 million) for the 26-year-old, but Benitez is demanding in excess of ₤16 million for the man he bought from Real Sociedad for ₤10.5 million in 2004.

And it is believed that if the Barry deal does not go through, Liverpool will call off negotiations altogether.

Spain Hope Torres Can Show His Liverpool Form

If Spain finally manage to end their hoodoo of underachievement at major championships it is likely to have a lot to do with striker Fernando Torres.

The 24-year-old former Atletico Madrid player has had a spectacular first season with Liverpool in the Premier League, scoring 33 goals in all competitions.

Unlike many of his compatriots, the gangly centre-forward took little time to adapt to the high-tempo, rough and tumble of English football and there are already hopes he could go on to become an Anfield idol like Ian Rush or Robbie Fowler.

His pace, athleticism and skill have been used to full effect by Rafa Benitez's side and few would argue he has been one of the league's outstanding players this season.

The problem for Spain is that Torres has not yet shown the same form for the national side.

At Liverpool, Torres relies on quick service so that he has room to run at defences. Spain spend so much time elaborating their attacks that he is invariably closed down almost as soon as he receives a pass.

Torres has found the net just twice in the last year and a half for Spain and his total of 15 goals in 47 games is a relatively modest one for an international striker.

However, Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro believes Torres has become a far better player since moving to England.

"Fernando Torres has made an incredible improvement," said the Real Madrid defender.

"Last year I saw him as a bit of a softie, someone who hid, but then he went to the Premier League, where you can't be a softie and he exploded."

Spain will now have to exploit that talent if they are rise to the challenge of defeating likely quarter-final opponents of the quality of Italy, France or the Netherlands.

"El nino" (the kid) is certainly used to carrying the weight of expectation on his young shoulders.

He made his debut for Atletico Madrid at 17, was their youngest captain at the age of 19 and almost single-handedly led their attack for five seasons in the top flight.

Almost as soon as he made his international debut he was seen as the heir to Raul's crown as the national team's golden boy. Euro 2008 will provide him the chance to live up to that billing.

Liverpool FC Target Albert Riera Asks For Transfer

Liverpool have been placed on alert after target Albert Riera yesterday underlined his desperation to leave Espanyol.

Riera wants to exit the La Liga outfit after growing tired of criticism from supporters after the team’s poor ending to the season.

Espanyol sporting director Paco Herrera, a former coach and chief scout at Anfield, maintains Riera will only be allowed to leave should a club trigger the £16million release clause in the player’s contract.

Riera is one of several players Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has under consideration.

And the Anfield outfit are hopeful they could capitalise on Riera’s desire to depart to help significantly lower the asking price, with Argentinian winger Sebastian Leto a possible makeweight going the other way.

“I want to leave Espanyol,” said Riera, who is also interesting Blackburn Rovers. “I do not want to be part of a club that does not take care of or protect its players.

“I do not know if I will go to Liverpool or some other team. I am staying hopeful and I would really like everything sorted out within the next two weeks.

“It would be best for everyone concerned because I know that my transfer would clearly be beneficial. I do not want to cause any problems.

“I don’t want to be at a club where the supporters have no love for the players, or where it depends on whether the team qualifies for Europe or not.”

But Espanyol sporting director Herrera said: “If he says he is going to go then he has more information than his club – he must know that there is an interested club who will pay the amount of money needed.”

Sections of the Espanyol support held up large banners at their final game of the season against Almeria questioning the commitment of the players after they failed to win any of their last 10 games.

The sight dismayed Riera, who added: “The things with those banners last Sunday against Almeria was intolerable. All that about the European Championships and going on holiday was very unpleasant and should not have been allowed.

“There are some things that should not be allowed and we all know that in certain sections of the ground and with certain sets of fans the board allows almost anything to happen. That is not normal and cannot go on.

“I have had enough of all these stories about in-fighting, bad feelings between players and things causing problems. Every time we do not win this comes up. This does not help at all.”

Riera, who believes Espanyol’s poor form cost him a place in the Spain squad for next month’s European Championships, was on loan at Manchester City towards the end of the 2005-06 season.

The agent of Catania defender Juan Vargas has claimed Liverpool are also interested in the highly-rated Peru international left-back.

Gustavo Ghezzi said: “To know the future of Vargas will take some time, since there are so many teams chasing the player: in any case, I’m confident that Catania will sell him. They want £11 million cash.

“The teams? AC Milan, Inter, Napoli, Fiorentina, Roma, Palermo, Sevilla, Tottenham, Liverpool, Real Madrid. There is a queue.”

However, the 24-year-old is expected to join either Real Madrid or Fiorentina, with Liverpool having made Udinese’s £8million-rated Andrea Dossena their priority at left-back.

Meanwhile, Benitez has told Scott Carson that his transfer fee will only be determined by the club.

Carson this week called for a reasonable valuation despite Liverpool having agreed a price believed to be around £10m with Villa when the 22-year-old joined moved to the Midlanders on loan last August.

Villa must now decide whether to exercise their option to sign Carson on a permanent basis and Benitez is not prepared to reduce the fee.

“It is a matter between the clubs,” he said.

“We agreed the fee with Aston Villa last year.

“The fee has been there for one season so to talk about the fee now is not correct.

“We agreed with Martin O’Neill and that was the situation.”

Liverpool have confirmed their pre-season friendly in Villarreal will take place on Wednesday, July 30.

Rafa To Swoop For Garcia?

Liverpool are leading the race to sign Real Zaragoza forward Sergio Garcia, according to reports.

The 24-year-old has established himself as one of La Liga’s most promising attackers over the past few seasons, earning interest from several clubs across Europe.

Tottenham boss Juande Ramos is known to be a keen admirer of the former Barcelona trainee, and has long been linked with a move for the former Barcelona trainee.

But according to AS, the Reds are preparing to swoop for the ex-Levante striker, who was recently called up to Luis Aragones’ Spain squad for EURO 2008.

Rafa Benitez will be looking to strengthen his attacking options for next season, as Peter Crouch and Andriy Voronin are near-certainties to leave Anfield this summer.

Zaragoza’s relegation means Garcia will almost definitely be moving on, and although his contract contains a release clause of around ₤12 million, compatriots Ramos and Benitez could be forced into a bidding war for their fellow Spaniard.

With the Blanquillos preparing for a mass exodus, Benitez may be doing quite a portion of his shopping at La Romareda during the off-season.

Argentine attackers Diego Milito, Andres d’Alessandro and Pablo Aimar could well find their way onto Rafa’s wish-list, and the latter could be keen to link up with the man who coached him to two La Liga titles with Valencia.

Paul Ince Junior Joins Anfield Academy

Ince junior, 16, has been taken on by the club as a first-year Academy trainee, but unlike his father, who was an England captain as a midfielder, Thomas is a striker.

Paul, 40, is now manager of MK Dons and took them to promotion from Coca-Cola League Two this season, after previously taking charge of Macclesfield when his playing career came to an end.

Ince played for West Ham and Manchester United before moving to Inter Milan, and cited the fact that he wanted Thomas to attend school in England as the reason for his return from Italy to join Liverpool in 1997.

The Ince family have always kept their home in Wirral, where Thomas has worked his way successfully through the Liverpool’s schoolboy teams to the point that he has now started his career as a professional.

Liverpool have released three players from last season’s academy – defender Mattone Awang, winger Ben Parsonage and striker Michael Collins.

Swedish midfielder Astrit Ajdarevic, part of the FA Youth Cup winning side of 2007, is looking for a new club while still being under contract at the club.

Dirk Kuyt Confident Of Making Dutch Euro 2008 Cut

Dirk Kuyt is confident he won't be axed by Holland for the upcoming Euro 2008 finals.

The Liverpool striker was among a 26-man preliminary squad named at the weekend by Holland coach Marco van Basten.

That party will be cut to 23 when the final squad is announced on Monday, with rumours in Holland suggesting Kuyt will be one of the three to miss out. But the Liverpool man reckons his return to form over the past three months should be enough to earn him a place on the plane to Switzerland and Austria next month.

“If I show the same here as I did in the recent months at Liverpool, I don’t have to worry,” said Kuyt. “I think I will be a part of the squad. I am convinced that I can be important to my country. Few players can be compared to me style-wise.”

Kuyt struggled for form earlier in the season as he came to terms with Rafael Benitez’s rotation policy and the death of his father.

But the 27-year-old has enjoyed a renai-ssance having been moved to the right flank of a three-man strikeforce – a similar position to one he has previously played in for Holland – and netted crucial Champions League goals against Inter Milan, Arsenal and Chelsea.

Ryan Babel is also in the preliminary squad and is expected to be named in the final party next week.

Fulham Eye Finnan Return - Report

Fulham are reportedly eager to bring Liverpool full-back Steve Finnan back to Craven Cottage this summer.

The Republic of Ireland international enjoyed five years with the Cottagers before being picked up by Liverpool, where he has won the Champions League and FA Cup in the past five seasons.

However, having recently turned 32, injuries are beginning to get the better of him, and the arrival of Borussia Dortmund's Swiss full-back Philipp Degen has all but signalled the end for Finnan, who signed for £4 million in 2003.

Having just sealed survival in the Premier League in the most dramatic fashion, Fulham will now be eager to bolster their squad in order to build on this season and hope they are not involved in such a dogfight again this time next year.

While their first eleven is fairly solid, it is beyond that that they come undone, and with Paul Stalteri not impressing at right-back while being on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, plus the sale of Liam Rosenior to now relegated Reading, the west London outfit are decidedly short in right-back.

Finnan's experience, familiarity with the club and undoubted quality and commitment when fit would prove an asset to Roy Hodgson, should a deal be agreed between the two clubs.

Rafa To Start Anfield Clear-out

Xabi Alonso could be one of several players to leave Liverpool this summer.

He was only a late substitute in the club's final home game of the season against Manchester City and then did not figure at all in the last match at Tottenham.

Although Alonso, who is in Spain's squad for the Euro 2008 finals next month, has recently claimed he still sees his future at Anfield, a move to Italy would certainly interest him.

It is no secret that Benitez has been told he must sell as well as buy this summer as be re-builds his squad.

And Alonso found his senior appearances restricted last season following the £18.6million arrival of Javier Mascherano and with young Brazilian midfielder Lucas also making an impact.

With Benitez still trying to tie up the move of England international midfielder Gareth Barry to Anfield for £10million, the departure of Alonso would not be a surprise.

Alonso was one of Benitez's first signings when he took over as manager four years ago, arriving for £10.5million from Real Sociedad.

The 26-year-old has played 163 games for the club and scored 14 goals but featured little towards the end of the season.

Rafa Benitez also left out Jermaine Pennant, John Arne Riise and Peter Crouch from the side at Spurs, along with Harry Kewell, who knew by then his contract would not be renewed.

Benitez has already been active in the transfer market having signed defender Philipp Degen from Borussia Dortmund.

The Liverpool manager is also believed to be chasing Ulrich Rame, Bordeaux's France international goalkeeper, and Italian left-back Andrea Dossena from Udinese.

But the possible departure of Alonso will disappoint Liverpool fans, the Basque-born star being a key player over recent seasons and scorer of one of the goals in the 2005 Champions League final win in Istanbul.

Lucas Excited About Future

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva believes he can only improve as a player.

The Brazilian put in a number of impressive performances in the Reds' midfield last season, rarely looking out of place as his side reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and finished fourth in the Barclays Premier League.

"I really enjoyed my first season with Liverpool," said the 21-year-old, who joined the club from Gremio.

"To play 31 games for a club like this in your first season is something I am proud of because it is not easy to adapt to football in a new country.”I did not play any games in the first three months because I was still adapting to the style but now I feel much more comfortable on the pitch and, hopefully, next season will be better.

"English football is completely different so I needed to learn quickly. I spoke a lot with Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano because they know what it takes to play in my position in England and they helped me a lot.

"I tried to do the right things and to learn from them because when you have players like them around you it makes you feel more confident.

"I think I got better as the season went on because at first I did not go forward as much as I would have liked. I was adapting and I wasn't that confident on the pitch. But as the season went on I improved and hopefully next season will be better.

Starlet Flattered By Reds Link

Grenoble youngster Sofiane Feghouli has admitted he is flattered to be linked with a move to Liverpool.

The 18-year-old is regarded as one of the best young players in France after helping Grenoble win promotion to Ligue 1 this season.

Scouts from a host of clubs have watched Feghouli in action this season and Grenoble are bracing themselves for a fight to keep hold of their prize asset.

Ajax are also thought to be interested in Feghouli, but the teenager believes he is too young to move abroad.

"The interest of those great clubs is flattering. But my priority is to go on to improve in France, above all at Grenoble," Feghouli told L'Equipe.

"I try to keep level-headed. For the moment, the best is to stay here. Only an offer from a big Ligue 1 club could make me think about (leaving)."

Benitez Hopes To Improve

Rafael Benitez reckons that just one win against Champions League finalists Manchester United would change Liverpool's season next time around.

Such has been Liverpool's dreadful recent record against the champions, that even co-owner Tom Hicks suggested after December's home defeat that the Reds did not look as if they believed they could beat their rivals.

It is certainly a matter of worry for fans and seeing United win their 17th league title - one short of Liverpool's record - and reach another European Cup final has heightened the concern.

Benitez accepts the problem and told the LFC magazine: "If you beat Manchester United once it results in a six-point swing either way and that can be the difference."

Liverpool finished 11 points behind the champions this season and Benitez wants his team to be hungrier next term.

He said: "Clearly, just one team can win the league, so it doesn't really matter if you are three, six, nine or 11 points behind as we are this season.

"It is not a massive difference. It may just come down to one game over the course of a season.

"The key for me is knowing there is a difference between us and the three teams above us and that we must now reduce this gap.

"It was not massive this season. We came closer than last season. Hopefully next season we will be closer again, maybe even on top of them."

Benitez has so far made just one summer signing, Philipp Degen from Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer, and said: "This club is all about winning things so we are disappointed not to have picked up any trophies this season.

"But we will be hungrier next season. Clearly, we are winners and want to win silverware every year.

"We have not done that for two seasons so we will be looking to improve again in order to try and deliver something for our supporters next time."

Despite an end-of-season run that saw them lose just two of their 19 games, one of those defeats was a painful 3-0 mauling at Old Trafford.

In Benitez's four seasons at Anfield, Liverpool have lost seven of their league clashes with United, with a 0-0 draw their only point in that time. Benitez's only victory against them was a 1-0 FA Cup fifth-round success in 2006.

Benitez will now focus his attention on summer transfer targets but he may have to sell as well.

There is strong speculation in the Italian media that Juventus are trying to sign midfielder Xabi Alonso for £12million.

Benitez still hopes to use £6million-rated goalkeeper Scott Carson as a makeweight in a deal to bring Aston Villa's Gareth Barry to Anfield, while Fulham are believed to be interested in re-signing Steve Finnan for £2million.

Benitez is also trying to land Bordeaux's veteran goalkeeper Ulrich Rame, with the unimpressive Charles Itandje moving in the opposite direction.

Liverpool's Xabi Alonso Close To Juventus Move

Xabi Alonso, the Liverpool midfielder, is set to sign for Juventus next week.

The Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Juventus director Jean-Claude Blanc met with Rafael Benitez yesterday and that the two clubs have agreed in principal to the transfer.

Juventus have reportedly offered 12 million pounds for the Spain international - four million pounds below Liverpool's valuation - but it is believed a deal will soon be concluded, with Alonso keen to play in Italy.

Alonso joined Liverpool from Real Socieded in 2004 and became a key figure for Benitez in midfield alongisde Steven Gerrard.

The 26-year-old Spaniard scored the goal which drew Liverpool level at 3-3 against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final and took the game into extra-time.

Liverpool won the match on penalties to cap an excellent first year in the Premier league for the Spaniard. He has made more than 150 appearances for Liverpool and represented his country 41 times.

Benitez has already been active in the transfer market having signed defender Philipp Degan from Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

The Liverpool manager is also believed to be chasing Ulrich Rame, Bordeaux's France international goalkeeper, and Italian left-back Andrea Dossena from Udinese.

Fernando Torres - Liverpool FC's Heavenly Body From The Gods

It’s customary at this time of year for columnists to cast their eye back over the season just finished and, with the benefit of hindsight, pick out the moments that defined it.

Either that or pick their own personal player of the year, and eulogise over the contribution made by that individual to the success or otherwise of the team in question.

Mindful of needing to improve my green credentials, and reduce the size of my carbon footprint (whatever that is), I intend to save space and trees by combining the two approaches – so here is my review of the composite player of the season.

No doubt about his head – no single incident had a greater impact on our season than John Arne Riise’s inexplicable attempt to clear a Kalou cross, that zipped into our six-yard box in injury time of a Champions League semi-final, with a header on the half-volley rather than swipe it into the stands with his right foot.

The clue as to why he chose this ridiculous course of action is in the last two words of the previous sentence – this particular artefact being the object of Indiana Jones’s latest quest.

Not that John gets the whole skull – it’s suitably adorned with Andrei Voronin’s ponytail, which will hopefully disappear next season along with its owner; and the mouth of Javier Mascherano, which got him sent off at Old Trafford and doomed us to another miserable day out at Hogwarts.

The arms are provided by Phil Neville and Frank de Bleekere. No need to introduce the former, a former Manc and a Bluenose – a rare cocktail indeed. So there was no-one better to handle the ball on the line during the closing minutes of the Goodison derby, get sent-off and present us with the winning goal.

You could argue that the appendages of Jamie Carragher deserve a mention, wrapped as they were around Joleon Lescott seconds later, to give Mark Clattenburg the opportunity to endear himself to Kopites for all time.

But my second upper limb is grafted from another official, the Belgian de Bleekere, for it was he who used the aforesaid to raise the red card in the direction of Marco Materazzi, paving the way for the defeat of Internazionale and setting up one of the great matches against Arsenal in the next round.

The torso, heart and lungs are the property of Mascherano, Carragher and Gerrard respectively. Collectively they are the spine of the side, and I wouldn’t swap them for anyone.

The backside belongs to Didier Drogba, whose performance at Anfield in April reminded me of that balsa wood furniture in old westerns: apparently tough, but falls apart at the slightest touch.

Unfortunately Rafa’s criticism of his theatrical reactions to physical contact, while hardly news, did seem to inspire him to knock us out of Europe in the second leg.

There are plenty of feet vying to be part of my composite footballer; who knows what might have happened had the seasons of Xabi Alonso, and more seriously, Daniel Agger, not been curtailed by broken metatarsals.

A strong case too, can be mounted for the size-12s that Tom Hicks inserted in his own mouth with a regularity that suggested his PR adviser was Duncan Ferguson.

But for me the honour goes to the 10 digits attached to the swift, apparently be-winged legs of the sublime Fernando Torres.

Curling the ball home at Derby County; steering it past the keeper at the end of dazzling runs against Marseilles and Chelsea; launching powerful strikes against Middlesbrough and Internazionale; turning and firing in one movement against Arsenal.

Yes this is a true heavenly body, destined for a place amongst the footballing gods.

League Title Is Within Our Grasp, Insists Confident Sammy Lee

New assistant manager Sammy Lee believes Liverpool are already "close" to a title-challenging team.

Lee rejoined the club’s coaching staff last Friday as number two to Rafael Benitez following the departure of first-team coach Alex Miller to Japan.

Benitez has also wasted no time in strengthening his playing squad for next season, with Philipp Degen yesterday officially confirmed as a free transfer arrival from Borussia Dortmund when his contract with the Bundesliga club expires on July 1.

And Lee, who rejoined the club’s coaching staff on Friday, reckons Liverpool are not far away from being genuine contenders.

He said: “This club has made great strides over recent years. People ask when are we going to win the league, and there is no doubt about it, that is the one the fans want.

“Liverpool will always aim to be number one, you do not aim for anything else at this football club.

“I do not think we are very far away from a title-challenging side. People may say differently, but I do not think so.

“It is fine lines in certain games, little things here and there. We are not far away.”

He added: “Everyone wants the title, everyone at this club, not just Sammy Lee. Everyone who supports this club knows exactly what we want and that is what we are aiming for.

“We do not aim for anything less than the top spot. We have not had it for a while, granted, but to aim for anything less would be doing this club a disservice.

“I can say that everyone here has been and is looking forward to getting that number one spot.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool winger Harry Kewell is determined to show Rafael Benitez that he was wrong to let him go.

The 29-year-old will be released by the Anfield outfit this summer after five years at the club which have largely been ruined by injuries and lack of form.

The former Leeds United player remains confident of his own abilities, however, and insists he has nothing to prove to anyone – except Benitez.

“The one person I’d like to show is my old manager,” said Kewell. “I didn’t get a chance to show him a lot of what I could do and it would be great to show him what I was capable of doing.

“I didn’t put my hand up to be injured. It’s one of those things you have to go through in your life and it’s a shame.”

Kewell has also played down reports claiming he has already agreed a deal with Portsmouth.

“Apparently my agent did it (a deal with Portsmouth) while he was on the plane coming over to Australia, so I don’t know how he’s done that,” Kewell said on a trip to his homeland.

“But I’ve never shied away from going abroad. I’ve never shied away from playing in the Premier League, I’ve never shied away from playing anywhere.

“My options are open and we’ll see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Academy team have released defender Mattone Awang, winger Ben Parsonage and striker Michael Collins.

Swedish midfielder Astrit Ajdarevic, who was part of the FA Youth Cup-winning team in 2007, is still under contract as an Academy player but is currently looking for another club, while Shane O’Connor and Michael Scott will stay on at the Academy next season as third-year players.

Hamsik Rubbishes Liverpool Link

Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik has dismissed reports linking him with Liverpool, insisting he has no intention of leaving Italy.

The Slovakia international is believed to have caught the eye of Reds boss Rafa Benitez, and it has been rumoured he is scheduled to fly to England on Sunday to discuss terms.

But the 20-year-old, who has also been targeted by Manchester United and Chelsea, has rejected such speculation and insists he is happy in Naples.

When asked about the Reds rumours by Slovak newspaper Pravda, Hamsik replied: "Really? That is absolute nonsense. I don't know anything about travelling to Liverpool on Sunday.

"It is still valid that I would prefer to stay at Napoli. At the moment I am not thinking about any other possibility."

Mark Lawrenson: Sammy Lee A Great Choice For Liverpool

Sammy Lee is the perfect choice to be Rafael Benitez's number two - and I'm delighted he is back at Liverpool.

There are two main reasons for this. The first centres around his qualities as a coach, which are so good Trevor Brooking once made him the FA’s man to coach the coaches.

He gets players to do their jobs both in training and on the tactical side. But he’s not just someone who concentrates on the team, he will work one on one just to help somebody out because that’s all he wants to do.

I remember some of the Bolton lads talking about how he was the first on the training ground in the morning and the last to leave it because he was always staying behind to work with someone and give them some extra help.

It’s that kind of enthusiasm which can only have a positive effect on the Liverpool squad.

But the second reason why he is the right appointment is because of what a character like Sammy represents.

He has Liverpool Football Club at his heart. Those type of people have been sadly lacking during this past season of off-field turmoil so this sends out the right message.

The supporters like the fact that the backroom staff has someone that has the club in his blood – it’s a hark-back to the old Anfield boot room mentality.

On a personal note, I’ve know Sammy for many years since we played in the same Liverpool team and it’s no surprise he has made such a good coach.

He was never really a leader in terms of his personality, but he was a great leader by example.

The key to Sammy’s game was he knew what he was there to do – he was a continuity player in our team. Get it, give it, get it back, give it again.

When you played with him you could close your eyes and pass to him because you always knew where he was going to be. He had that discipline and awareness of his role and he has since successfully drummed that ideal into the players he has worked with. He also has the pedigree. Playing for England, winning European Cups, coaching with England. Many of the players will know his methods and Benitez knows he has someone whose opinion he can trust.

I wouldn’t go as far as to say Sammy was born to be a number two though.

I think it was always going to be a tough ask for whoever took over from Sam Allardyce at Bolton and it didn’t work out.

When you’re in charge of everything and all the other issues that come with managing, it can detract from what you’re really good at and I think being in that position at the Reebok had a detrimental on how good a coach he is.

At the end of the day, there aren’t many managerial jobs about and it was always going to be easier for Sammy to take up another coaching role before he considered going back into management.

Realistically, he would be taking charge of a team in the Championship now and someone like him needs to be working at the highest level, whatever the role.

So when he gets an offer to do that at a club he would die for, it was always going to be a no- brainer – both for him and Benitez.

Gerrard: Torres And Babel Will Shine In Euro 2008

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has sent award-winning team-mates Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel off to Euro 2008 with ringing endorsements after their first season at Anfield.

Torres has been named the club’s player of the season, while Babel is the young player of the season in the poll of Reds supporters.

Torres is now heading for the European finals as a key part of the Spanish squad, while Babel will be playing for Holland in Switzerland and Austria.

Torres is the runaway winner of Liverpool’s top player award with a remarkable 78% of the votes cast.

The striker hit a stunning 33 goals in his first season in English football, and broke the record for goals in the top flight scored by a foreign player in his debut campaign.

And Gerrard, who will have to watch the tournament on TV with England failing to qualify, expressed his delight at the impact Torres and Babel have made.

He said: “I enjoy playing alongside Torres, it is great to have him here and he has been player of the year hands down. His movement and runs are fantastic. Hopefully he can take this into next season.

“What has struck me about him, besides the goals, is his work rate and how much he is up for it.

“Usually when you bring in foreign players there can be a concern about whether they will be able to handle the physical side of the Premier League. How long are they going to take to adapt to the push and shove?

“But from the first game against Chelsea, he was all over their defenders, harassing them. If he gets kicked he’s straight back up. He loves it! This is what has struck me most because I always expected him to get the goals.”

Gerrard added: “He is a powerful boy, he doesn’t go down. He is strong, has great character and works hard for the team. He is a great buy so far.

“As for Ryan, he is still young and has made a big impact from the bench, and he has also done well in some matches he has started and he has a bright future.

“If he’s willing to learn then he has got the right players around him to help his game. But it is all about Ryan now and how much he wants to take his game to the next level, because he has certainly got the attributes.

“He has got the ability, there is no doubt about it. He is strong, quick, can set goals up and score. He’s got it all.

“But I have seen it with so many players when they have had this ability and not taken it to the next level.

“It is up to him now how much he wants to be one of the top players about, because he certainly could be.”

Torres is now aiming for even more success in Euro 2008, having been selected for the Spanish squad along with club colleagues Jose Reina, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.

Spain face friendlies against Peru (May 31) and USA (June 4) before kicking off their opening group match against Russia in Innsbruck on June 10.

Meanwhile, Argentine international Javier Mascherano is desperate to win silverware with the Reds

He said: “It is a matter of great pride for me to represent the famous name of Liverpool.

“I want to play my part in making this club even more successful. I want to ensure this is the last season without a trophy for a long time.

“We had a season which had many highlights but also left us with a feeling that maybe we could have achieved more.

“There are some important lessons we must think about as a team during the summer months and learn, before we come back for next season.

“We lost too many points at home – we cannot do that next season. We lost too many late goals and did not kill teams off sometimes when we had the chances.”

Harry Kewell: I Want To Show Rafa Benitez What I Was Capable Of

Unwanted Liverpool winger Harry Kewell is determined to show manager Rafael Benitez that he was wrong to let him go.

The 29-year-old will be released by the Reds this summer after five years at the club which have largely been ruined by injuries and lack of form.

The former Leeds star remains confident of his own abilities, however, and insists he has nothing to prove to anyone - except Benitez.

“The one person I’d like to show is my old manager,” said Kewell. “I didn’t get a chance to show him a lot of what I could do and it would be great to show him what I was capable of doing.

“I didn’t put my hand up to be injured. It’s one of those things you have to go through in your life and it’s a shame.”

Kewell has also played down reports claiming he has already agreed to join Portsmouth.

“Apparently my agent did a deal with Portsmouth while he was on the plane coming over to Australia, so I don’t know how he’s done that,” Kewell said on a trip to his homeland.

“But I’ve never shied away from going abroad. I’ve never shied away from playing in the Premier League, I’ve never shied away from playing anywhere.

“My options are open and we’ll see what happens.”

Rafa Benitez Looks A Bit Sheepish

Two Liverpool icons came face-to-face – and found they had something unexpected in common.

Rafa Baa-nitez has been revealed as the latest signing of Go Superlambananas, and the real Liverpool manager was on hand to give his seal of approval to the lookalike.

With the glasses, red and white scarf and distinctive goatee, Baa-nitez is an instantly recognisable tribute to the Liverpool manager, who was happy to sign his name on the sculpture.

Go Superlambananas takes over the city for 10 weeks beginning in June.

As part of the summer celebrations of Capital of Culture year, 100 small replicas of the much-loved Liverpool icon are being transformed into unique, exciting artworks displayed throughout the streets, parks, neighbourhoods and open spaces.

Dozens of Superlambanas are being adorned before going on display throughout the city.

After the event, many will be sold at a charity auction with a significant percentage of the proceeds going to local charities. Baa-nitez has been sponsored by Finch – The Ideas Agency.

Joint-MD Tim Crutchley said: “The Baa-nitez concept really resonated as Liverpool is a city that is synonymous with sport and football is at its very heart.

“And with Rafa and his wife, Montse, being supporters of The Lily Centre Charity in Liverpool, he has very kindly given his time and the new Baa-nitez will be used to help raise awareness and funds for the centre.”

Degen Deal Announced, Back-up Keeper Linked

Liverpool FC have officially confirmed today that Philipp Degen is to join the club when his current contract with Borussia Dortmund runs out at the end of the month.

Degen, in the Swiss squad for Euro 2008, will officially become a Red on July 1st.

Reds boss Rafa Benítez said today of the 25-year-old right-back: “Philipp is still young but has gained great experience from playing in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and on the international stage with Switzerland. He also played in the Champions League during his time with Basel and so is used to top level football.”

He went on,”He is an offensive player with great energy and a winning mentality. His strength is going forward and I am confident he will prove to be a quality addition to our squad.”

Some Liverpool fans have been critical of the fact that Liverpool are signing players on free transfers, but Rafa sees the benefits of spreading his budget as far as possible, and no fee doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality: “Sometimes you can find these players on the market. When you find a player like him who costs no money it means you can use money for improving other parts of the squad. He is a good signing, a player of potential, who can help us improve in the wide areas.”

Degen himself said he didn’t need to be asked twice: “When I received the offer from Liverpool, there was no doubt I would accept it. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I am looking forward to the challenge of establishing myself there and playing in the best league there is.”

One of the players he’ll be competing with for a place in the Reds line-up is Alvaro Arbeloa, who has just been called up for Spain’s Euro 2008 challenge. He said he was delighted to be involved with his country: “I’m very happy to be here, I’m really excited and I’m determined to do well. I want to fully enjoy this experience and go far in the tournament. It’s important to think that we have to win, although we haven’t won much in Spain. That’s the right mentality. We know that we have to go bit by bit but the objective is to win Euro 2008.”

Meanwhile reports in France have linked Liverpool with a move for a 35-year-old goalkeeper. Ulrich Ramé has just ended the season with Bordeaux, finishing second in the French top flight, and leParisien now say Liverpool have looked at him as cover for Pepe Reina. Liverpool’s previous three French keepers have been Pegguy Arphexad, Patrice Luzi and Charles Itandje, and enthusiasm amongst supporters for this possible signing is likely to be rather low. Hopefully so inside Melwood too.

Harry Kewell Linked With Portsmouth Move

Harry Kewell, the Australia midfielder released by Liverpool this month, has been linked with a move to FA Cup winners Portsmouth as he attempts to rebuild his career.

After five injury-plagued seasons at Liverpool, Kewell is available on a free transfer and may appeal to Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth manager. But Kewell played down the reports, saying he was keeping his options open.

"I have never shied away from going abroad, playing in the Premiership or playing anywhere," Kewell said.

Kewell has been dubbed an expensive flop by many Liverpool supporters and some newspaper reports have taken to suggesting that he is pricier than episodes of Neighbours, the Australian soap. The calculation is based on Kewell costing Liverpool £160,000 per game during his 138 appearances for the club, providing a meagre return of just 16 goals.

But Kewell, who is training with the Socceroos ahead of their friendly against Ghana in Sydney on Friday, dismissed the jibes as something newspapers specialise in.

"When are they ever polite? There are always scapegoats, there are always people they want to blame," Kewell said. It's unfortunate I was one of them because I didn't put my hand up to get injured. It's a shame because I ain't done nothing wrong.

"It's something that they live and die for. They want to write things that aren't nice, but you just don't read it and you get on with your life."

However, Kewell, who signed for Liverpool in 2003, nevertheless regrets being unable to show manager Rafael Benitez his best form. The 29-year-old said he knew what he was capable of producing on the pitch but injuries stopped him from doing so.

"The one person I would like to show is probably my old manager," he said. "I didn't get a chance to show him a lot of what I could do. It would be great just to show him what I was capable of doing."

Earlier this month, Benitez said Liverpool had tried to reach an extension with Kewell but the two parties could not agree.

Liverpool To Offer Pair For Barry?

Liverpool could be set to offer two players to Aston Villa in exchange for the Villans' coveted captain, Gareth Barry.

According to the Daily Mirror, Liverpool are willing to exchange Peter Crouch and goalkeeper Scott Carson in exchange for Aston Villa's England midfielder Gareth Barry.

Rafa Benitez has been upfront about his desire to take Barry to Anfield, where he would link up with his good friend Steven Gerrard, the Reds' captain.

The player-exchange deal is apparently seen by Benitez as a hopefully more attractive offer than the £10 million bid for Barry which Liverpool had rejected last month.

However, Villa manager Martin O'Neill has been adamant when talking about his wish to keep Barry at Villa Park, and he seems in highly determined mood on the subject.

On the other hand, both ex-Villan Crouch, and Carson - the keeper on loan to Villa from Liverpool - have been linked with moves to the West Midlands club in recent weeks.

But are both together a big enough lure to tempt O'Neill into reluctantly parting with Barry?

Mascherano: Next Season Will Be Different

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano told LFC Magazine that the Reds will not be also-rans again next season.

League and the Champions League this year, but the Argentine had stated that there will be no such failures in 2008-09.

He said, "Next season will be very, very different.”Next season teams will have to believe in our challenge.

"We have the supporters of a champion team, we have a team of potential champions and who all believe in the same things.

"How can we not achieve our dreams when that is true? We will be back in August more hungry for silverware than ever."

As one of the more diminutive midfielders in the league, Mascherano went on to talk about his unique physical attributes.

"I am not as tall as Steven (Gerrard) or even as tall as any of the players that I play against. So I need to be brave and prove for every minute of every game that I have a big heart," he said.

"I would say that in my position, because of my size, I have to try twice as hard as the opposition players I am playing against.

"I am the smallest player in the Liverpool team. I am maybe one of the smallest central midfielders in the country and people will, I am sure, look at me before we play them and think that they will be able to dominate me physically.

"I think that in the course of my time at Liverpool I have proved that they can't. I won't let them."

To this end, the Reds fans have nicknamed him 'Monster Masch'.

"I meet supporters and they tell me this. It makes me happy because it tells me I made the right decision coming to England and coming to Liverpool," he beamed.

"It shows I am doing the things I need to and doing them right."

The 23-year-old concluded by stating that he was proud to be at Anfield and felt that he was settling in nicely.

"It is a matter of great pride for me to represent the famous name of Liverpool," he emphasised.

"I want to play my part in making the club even more successful. I want to ensure this is the last season without a trophy for us for a long time.

"We had a season that had many highlights, but also left us with a feeling that maybe we could have achieved more.

"I would say of course that I could be better. I am not finished as a player and I look at the other boys in this team and try to learn little things from them.

"But I have definitely had a more consistent season this year than I had in the six months after I first arrived."

Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher Refuses To Rethink Decision Of Retiring From International Fold

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has insisted that he wont be reconsidering his decision to retire from the national squad.

It was speculated that new England boss Fabio Capello was hoping to convince the defender to rethink his decision of retiring.

However the 30-year old claimed that he will be standing by his decision no wont be going back to the international fold.

"I said when I stepped away from playing for England that it would help my fitness to keep myself right for Liverpool, and this proves I made the right decision," Carragher told the Sunday Mirror.

"I feel I've benefited from regular rests during international weeks and it has helped with little knocks and niggles clearing up.

"My only disappointment was that Stevie and I didn't have another 90 minutes to add to the total by playing in the Champions League Final as well!"

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard Requests Full Backing For Rafael Benitez In Transfer Market

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard asked the owners of the club to give full support to boss Rafael Benitez in the transfer market this summer, so that quality players can be brought in, to aid the Reds in challenging for the title next season.

The English international claimed that he was disappointed for not having made it to the top spot this season.

However Gerrard insisted that with the bringing in of the right players to the squad during the summer would help them in lifting silverware next season.

"It hurts more and more when we get to November or December every season and have to accept we're out of the title race again," he said.

"Every year seems to be following the same routine. The manager asks for more support in the transfer market in January, while we're all saying to ourselves this should have happened the previous summer.

"The time to act is now, not in January when we're already too far behind. Look at Chelsea. A day after they've lost the league, what do they do? They spend £16 million on a full-back.

"That's the kind of ruthless approach to transfers the Liverpool fans and players want to see, making the signings the manager wants.

"The manager knows where we need to strengthen and the players and fans have faith in Rafa — but he needs the backing to act on his plans.

"There's no point us waiting all summer again and then possibly missing out on the players we need.

"If we do that we'll just end up going through the same experience as previous years.

"The only way to achieve this is to give the manager the kind of backing which gives us a chance. You only get better when you improve the quality in the squad.

"Everyone can see we've got a lot of very good players here. I honestly don't believe we're that far off if we can make two or three top-class additions.

"The spine of the side is definitely there. But we know United and Chelsea are going to go out and spend millions again this summer.

"You can see what Fernando Torres added to our team this season. He made a big difference.

"No one is saying we should be spending that kind of money on every player we sign, but if we're going to mount a serious challenge for the title we have to bring in proven quality.

"I'm not just talking or thinking as a player here, but as a fan. This isn't just about what I feel, but about what the fans, the players and everyone who loves the club wants.

"Our supporters deserve more of a challenge than we've put up — but they also need to feel we've a realistic chance of competing.

"Like all of us, they'll be watching what's happening at the club over the summer very carefully.

"They'll be reading the papers every day to find out what's going on, and desperate to feel positive about the future.

"I've always seen summer as a really important period because that's when all the planning gets done.

"League titles aren't just won on the pitch from one week to the next, they're won by managers planning ahead and assembling squads which can cope with the demands of English and European football.

"We have to be doing everything in our power over the next few weeks to prevent another disappointing season."

He added: "I've won every major honour at Liverpool except one. It hurts more and more not only to have never won the league, but to have never really gone close.

"It would be bad enough if we only narrowly missed out on the title, but we've never got to March or April recently and thought we were in contention.

"That's what we want more than anything at Anfield, but we'll only achieve that when everyone is working together for the same goal.

"I watched United last week and as a Liverpool fan it killed me to see them win the league again.

"They deserved to win it and I have the utmost respect for their achievement, but we've got to do everything we can to get it off them next season."

Four Reds In Spain Squad But No Place For Reds Target

Luis Aragonés has named four Liverpool players in his final 23-man squad for this summer’s European Championships, to be held in Austria and Switzerland.

Pepe Reina, Álvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres are all involved.

Spain will play a friendly against Peru on May 31st, but their Euro 2008 fixtures get underway on June 10th against Russia in Innsbruck. Four days later at the same venue they play Sweden before ending their group games with a match against Greece on June 16th in Salzburg.

The decision to omit some star names, including Real’s Raul, whilst including the uncapped Santiago Cazorla and Sergio García has raised eyebrows, but Aragonés was clear that he would make the decisions he felt were right: “I’m the one, for better or worse, who has to choose and I have chosen.” Álvaro Arbeloa has only played around 15 minutes for Spain too.

Aragonés caused upset at Espanyol by not picking any of their players in his squad, including Liverpool-linked winger Albert Riera. DiarioSport reported earlier this week that Riera was a Liverpool target with Sebastian Leto part of the deal. They suggested Liverpool had made an offer of around £8m with Espanyol holding out for £12m. Fiorentina were also said to be interested, but Liverpool may be helped thanks to Espanyol’s sporting director being former Liverpool head scout and long-time friend of Rafa’s Paco Herrera.

The inclusion of Liverpool’s young Argentinean midfielder Leto in the deal would be on a loan basis. Leto has suffered from passport problems this season and hasn’t played for the first team since October. Spanish government rules on work permits are different to British rules so he should have no problems playing in Spain whilst waiting for a resolution to the issue.