Henry Gushes Over Anfield Atmosphere

Barcelona striker Thierry Henry has confessed his favourite place to play is not Camp Nou, but rather a famous little location in north-west England.

Henry established himself as one of the world’s greatest forwards during time at Arsenal, getting his name on scoreboards all over the country as he notched up 174 goals in eight seasons.

The Frenchman developed a notorious habit of scoring against Liverpool, and netted some of the most memorable goals in Premier League history against the Reds.

But that is not the only reason Henry is fond of the Merseyside giants, as the 31-year-old has named Anfield as his very favourite venue, praising the stadium’s legendary atmosphere.

"For my first few years at Arsenal we didn't do well there, but we improved," he said.
"It's the atmosphere I love. It's unbelievable.

"I've played in a lot of stadiums but for me there is nothing like playing at Liverpool."

Henry’s revelation will no doubt be interpreted as a rescue plea, after his decidedly indifferent debut season with Barca.

The former Monaco man moved to Catalunya for ₤16million but has failed to recapture the heights of his Gunners pomp, having spent most of the season out of position on the left wing.

Liverpool are in the market for a striker given Dirk Kuyt’s conversion to the right side of attack and Peter Crouch’s impending departure, and could be keen on a cut-price deal for an established Premier League goalscorer.

The Reds have been linked with the ex-Juventus forward on and off for several years, as he is on very friendly terms with club captain Steven Gerrard.

Rafa Benitez has already attempted to bring in Gerrard’s friend and England colleague Gareth Barry, but with Aston Villa demanding up to ₤20million, the former Valencia boss may look elsewhere to appease his skipper.

And while Henry insisted he has fond memories of his time in North London, he confessed his longing for the kind of support Liverpool players receive from their fans.

"Nothing can beat Highbury, of course, but playing at Anfield was great," he said.

"The fans always sing and hold up their scarves before and after the game - whether they have won or lost.

"It must be amazing if you are a Liverpool player."

Reds On Alert After Bentley Decision

Blackburn Rovers winger David Bentley has admitted that he will be leaving the club this summer in a move that will be of interest to Rafa Benitez, a self-confessed admirer of the Londoner.

The 23 year old has been at Blackburn for three seasons, and insists his decision to leave is based on career progression and not the fact that manager Mark Hughes has recently left.

Some sources have suggested that the player would prefer to return to the capital, with Tottenham Hotspur rumored to be interested, but they can’t offer the £12 million rated winger Champions League football like Liverpool can.

The player himself said:

“I made it clear to the club what I wanted to do.

“My situation is I want to move on, I want to be playing Champions League football, I want to be playing in Europe.

“I have been there for three years, I love the club and I love playing for them, but I feel like I’ve done everything I can and I want to move on and try and push up the ladder and be as successful as I can

“And I believe that lies elsewhere. I want a new challenge and I feel I want to push on somewhere else.

“I hope I have repaid them with the way I have played but I need to be moving on somewhere else.

“We’ll see what the summer brings and hopefully in this transfer window something can be sorted out.”

“I discussed things with the manager then (Hughes) and the chairman.

“Their situation has changed but mine hasn’t. I need to be pushing on and that’s what I’ll be looking to do.

“I’ve got ambitions to play for England and I want to be playing in the biggest games I can, and I believe that lies playing somewhere else.

“My decision is not money, it is purely based on football. I just want to be playing at the highest level.

“There are clubs interested but it lies in Blackburn’s hands. Managers that come in want to keep their best players but my decision has been made and nobody could persuade me to change my mind.

Liverpool Face Opening Day Trip To Sunderland

Liverpool will start their Premier League season away from Anfield for the fifth year in succession with a trip to Wearside to face Sunderland.

After Middlesbrough herald the start of the Anfield league season, the Reds’ second away fixture curiously is at Aston Villa, a reversal of last season’s opening two aways which saw victories at Villa Park and the Stadium of Light.

Liverpool entertain European champions Manchester United on September 13th with Rafa Benitez still looking for a first league win over his North-West rivals, with newly-promoted Stoke City due at Anfield a week later, before September ends with a trip across Stanley Park to face Everton at Goodison Park on September 27th.

The run of fixtures against regional rivals continues a week later with a trip to Manchester City before Wigan Athletic are at Anfield a fortnight later, due to an international break, on October 18.

Chelsea and new manager Luis Felipe Scolari host Liverpool on the last weekend of October before Portsmouth conclude the month with a midweek trip to Anfield on the 29th.

November sees away trips to Spurs on the 1st and Bolton on the 15th with home matches against West Brom (8th), Fulham (22nd) and West Ham (29th).

Ewood Park is the first port of call in the Reds’ December programme on the 6th before Nick Barmby returns to Anfield with newly-promoted Hull City on the 13th.

The festive programme produces a pre-Christmas cracker with Reds travelling to London to take on Arsenal five days before Christmas and Bolton Wanderers provide the Boxing Day opposition at Anfield with 2008 concluding at St James Park, Newcastle on the 28th December.

There is no scheduled New Years’ Day programme and the first league action of 2009 will take place at Stoke’s Britannia Stadium on January 10 before the return Merseyside derby at Anfield a week later.

The Reds face a midweek trip to the JJB Stadium to face Wigan on January 27th before Chelsea are at Anfield on the final day of the month.

February sees two long-distance away jaunts to Portsmouth (7th) and Middlesbrough (27th) which sandwich a home fixture with Manchester City (21st) whereas March’s only away game is Old Trafford (13th), Sunderland (4th) and Aston Villa (21st) being the Anfield visitors that month.

The crucial Spring run-in begins at Fulham on April 4 with Blackburn (11th) and Arsenal (18th) visiting Anfield before a trip to Hull City on April 25.

Newcastle visit Anfield on May 2nd, before the final two away matches at West Ham (9th) and West Brom (16th) before the final league fixture of the season, on the unseasonably late date of May 24th, against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.

Juve To Announce Xabi Alonso Signing Today?

According to reports coming from Italy, Juventus are set to announce the capture of Xabi Alonso from Liverpool later on today, even though there are still some minor details which need to be ironed out between the two clubs.

Italian daily 'La Stampa' revealed how the Bianconeri will announce the signing of Xabi Alonso later today as he completes his move from Liverpool for a sum of around 18 million Euros.

Juventus have been particularly busy in the transfer market and after being linked to various midfielders, Xabi Alonso seems the high profile player who the Old Lady need to increase their Scudetto and Champions League aspirations.

Serie A will be hoping that this is one of the first main transfers coming from abroad as in the last few years the Italian top flight has been in decline in terms of big players coming over to play, and this was highlighted by Deliotte's annual report of the profits made by the different football leagues.

Serie A in fact finished 4th, behind the Premier League, Bundesliga and Liga respectively, with the English league having a profit double that of Italy.

Crouch To Pompey: Almost Done?

According to English tabloid The Mirror, Portsmouth will seal the signature of England striker Peter Crouch within the next 48 hours.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has never made secret his admiration for the Liverpool forward, but at the same time has always baulked at Rafa Benitez's £15 million asking price.

The Mirror made no mention of proposed fees, but did claim that Crouch has already agreed to a four-year-deal worth £60,000 a month.

Redknapp's last public statement regarding Crouch was last week when he said "Crouchy is a brilliant lad and I do like him a great deal. I suppose if Peter Storrie was negotiating with Liverpool though, he wouldn't want me throwing figures around.

“We might feel Liverpool want a little too much for him even at £10million. We might want to pay a bit less, so it wouldn't be right for me to say a price."

According to the same report in today's Mirror, Redknapp will also offer a contract to Nolberto Solano as soon as the Crouch capture is completed.

Solano, 33, became a free agent last week, after just one season at Upton Park.

Fernando Torres Looks To An Anfield Silver Lining

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has reiterated his desire to remain at Anfield as he wants to win silverware with the club.

It has been suggested that manager Rafael Benitez would be prepared to sacrifice his leading goalscorer as he attempts to juggle his summer departures and arrivals.

However Liverpool have insisted the Spanish striker is not for sale, and the player himself has declared that he is not in the transfer market.

Instead Torres, on the mark as Spain booked their place in the last eight at Euro 2008 with a 2-1 win over Sweden, declared: “I came to the club to win trophies.”

Benitez is still haggling with Aston Villa over a price for unsettled captain Gareth Barry and, contrary to reports in Italy, Juventus are still to make a formal offer for Xabi Alonso, which has fuelled speculation in the London-based media that the Liverpool manager could be tempted to sacrifice Torres, should Chelsea come in with a world record bid, in order to push ahead with his rebuilding plans at Anfield.

However, Liverpool have always maintained that they have no desire to cash-in on a player who netted 24 goals in his debut season in the Premier League, eclipsing Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record, just 12 months after his arrival at Anfield for a club record £20million fee.

As well as the strong Spanish connection at Anfield, a desire to win silverware played a large part in Torres’s decision to join English football’s most successful club last summer, after failing to lift a major honour during his six seasons in the Atletico Madrid first team. It is the pursuit of trophies with Liverpool that is spurring the 24-year-old on.

He said: “I want to say very clearly that I’m not on the market and that it’s my desire to continue at Liverpool.

“I’m very happy there and I want to carry on. I came to the club to win trophies. I have many years left on my contract and I expect to win some silverware there.”

Performing on a big European stage is also important for Torres.

Torres never managed to qualify for the Champions League while with Atletico but is determined to go one better with Liverpool next season after playing in the Anfield club’s third Champions League semi-final in four seasons this year – ironically all of which have been against reported suitors Chelsea.

Atletico, who are set to come to Anfield for a pre-season friendly on Friday, August 8, have qualified for the Champions League in their first year without Torres but the Spaniard has no regrets about his move because of the big European nights with Benitez’s side.

He said: “I have gone through things I have never experienced before, like playing in a Champions League semi-final.”

David Villa, Torres’s strike partner in the Spain side who leads the scoring charts at Euro 2008 with four goals in two games, has revealed how he would love to link up with the player in Liverpool’s forward line.

Valencia maintain publicly that Villa is not for sale but with the player’s stock rising, financial constraints could force their hand.

Villa said: “Liverpool and Chelsea are both big clubs with a lot of attraction.

“Liverpool have a Spanish coach and I also have a lot of friends there. When Rafa (Benitez) was coach at Valencia and I was at Zaragoza there was contact about me joining Valencia but I couldn’t arrive until the year after he left there.”

Valencia are remaining bullish in public over their star striker. The Spaniard’s stunning form in La Liga last season, where he scored 18 goals in a campaign to forget for Los Che, had already reportedly attracted the attention of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool and Chelsea among others.

But Valencia technical secretary Juan Sanchez told Spanish newspaper Marca: “He’s our player, he’s under contract, and the coach is counting on him. We’re very calm and we’ve received no offer for him.”

Valencia president Agustin Morera added that rather than being worried by Villa’s eye-catching performances with Spain, the club should be proud of their player’s achievements.

He said: “He’s an icon who so far has managed to score four goals in the European Championship, something which very few players in the history of football have managed.

“We should be proud that he plays for Valencia, enjoy it, and when we read the newspapers from Barcelona, Madrid and the rest of the world remember that he’s our player.”

He also brushed off speculation linking Villa with a move away from the Mestalla after Euro 2008, saying: “There are offers for Villa every season.”

Meanwhile Barry, another player who sees his future at Anfield, is set to attempt to push through his desired move to Liverpool by handing in a transfer request at Aston Villa.

The England international midfielder, who has been at Villa Park for 11 years, is willing to wave a loyalty bonus of more than £1million in any potential deal to try and move proceedings along.

Despite Villa manager Martin O’Neill admitting that the player wants to move, the two clubs remain deadlocked over a fee and Liverpool’s next offer of up to £18million, which includes add-ons if Barry wins the Premier League title at Anfield and a further 30 England caps, is still unlikely to break the Midlanders’ resolve with Villa demanding £20million.

Villa Admits Reds Interest

Spanish star David Villa has hinted he would like to move to Liverpool, if he heads to England this summer.

The Valencia striker has lit up Euro 2008 with four goals in their opening two group games.

A host of clubs are tracking Villa with Liverpool and Chelsea reported to be heading the queue for the diminutive front-man.

Villa, who has linked up so well with current Reds star Fernando Torres for Spain, admits he would be tempted by the prospect of playing with him on a weekly basis.

"Liverpool and Chelsea are both big clubs with a lot of attraction," he told the News of the World.

Villa also admitted that Liverpool's Spanish coach Rafa Benitez could play a big role in attracting him as he tried to sign him earlier in his career.

"Liverpool have a Spanish coach and I also have a lot of friends there," he said.

"When Rafa was coach at Valencia and I was at Zaragoza there was contact about me joining Valencia but I couldn't arrive until the year after he left there."

Kuyt Expects “Something Beautiful”

Although Wes Sneijder has claimed the Man of the Match Award in both of the Netherlands’ games in the European Championship final phase so far, Dirk Kuyt has also been outstanding. And he’s looking forward to more of the same as the tournament unfolds.

The past few months have been tough for the Liverpool forward after he lost his father last June. However, he managed to feature in 48 games and score 11 times for The Reds, helping them find their way back into the European Champions League.

The former Utrecht and Feyenoord man was not a key Oranje figure in the European Championship’s qualifying phase, scoring once in six appearances. But that has changed in Austria and Switzerland: Kuyt started both of his national side’s last 16 matches, set up two of their goals against Italy and then netted the opener against France.

“It’s a great feeling to be a part of important moments in a match,” the 27-year-old told euro2008.com website. “But the most beautiful thing is just to win two important games such as these. It gives you a great feeling.”

Kuyt was one of the first new faces Marco van Basten brought into the Oranje squad following his appointment and after his September 3, 2004 debut he’s conjured up 39 caps and eight goals. “I’ve worked very hard to be at my best for this tournament and I’m very happy to have been in the line-up twice. And when I can play an important role by giving assists and scoring goals, then I’m doubly satisfied.”

With one game to spare the Dutch have already won the “Group of death” and they will either play Sweden or Russia in the quarter-finals, avoiding a clash with Spain – at least for now. But could they emulate the success of 20 years ago, when they won the Henri Delaunay trophy?

“We feel it’s possible for us to achieve something beautiful here,” Kuyt says. “We have delivered two excellent performances, but we must now prepare for the next step. We all want to achieve something beautiful here, and I think we can. But we should not look too far ahead yet.”

The Netherlands have grabbed the headlines not only for their showings on the field, but off it as well, as some 50,000 fans have painted the city of Berne in orange. “We are so focused on the matches that it’s hard to imagine how it is for the people that are here to support us,” Kuyt commented. “We really appreciate receiving so much support. We cannot experience all the celebrations, but that’s OK. A lot of people would also love to be standing in our shoes right now.”

Reds Like Look Of Magpie Milner

Newcastle winger James Milner is a reported target for Rafa Benitez, with the Liverpool boss keen to offload Jermaine Pennant in part-exchange.

Milner, 22, has already racked up almost 100 appearances for the Magpies since his £5million switch from Leeds in July 2004.

The hard-working midfielder, who is also interesting Aston Villa, has also been a key member of England's Under-21 side and is understood to be keen on a move to Anfield.

Newcastle are desperate to keep hold of Milner, who netted three times for the Magpies last season, and boss Kevin Keegan has already rejected out-of-hand a swap deal involving former Birmingham winger Pennant.

Midfielder Danny Guthrie, 21, has also been offered to Keegan, but the former England manager has set his sights on striker Peter Crouch.

Crouch, who is high on the hit-list of former club Portsmouth, has numerous admirers, but the £15million price tag is so far proving prohibitive.

Chelsea To Bid £40 Million For Torres

Seemingly undaunted by the player's declaration that he's going nowhere, Chelsea are planning to tempt Liverpool into selling star striker Fernando Torres by offering them £40 million for the Spanish striker, according to the News of the World.

Torres, who scored the opener in Spain’s 2-1 victory over Sweden in Euro 2008 yesterday, enjoyed a stellar first season in English football after signing from Atletico Madrid last July.

Although both Liverpool and Torres have previously stated that the striker is happy to stay at Anfield, Chelsea are thought to believe they can cash in on the current unrest between the Liverpool owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, and manager Rafael Benitez, by offering a British record bid that the owners will find difficult to turn down. This in turn could unsettle the youngster.

New Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is reportedly determined to make the striker his first signing even though he knows it will not be easy. A Chelsea source said: “Scolari is will aware it will be a real battle to try to get Torres out of Liverpool.”

However despite this, Scolari reportedly believes a huge bid may just make the transfer a possibility.

“He’s ready to make the sort of bid that will make even the Americans sit up and take notice” the Chelsea source said before adding, “Obviously he knows that Liverpool don’t want to sell one of their star assets but he still believes he can exploit the troubles and turmoil at Anfield to get his man.”

Torres signed for Liverpool last summer costing the Anfield club somewhere in the region of £21 million. He scored 33 goals in his first season breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record as the most prolific foreign striker in their debut season in the Premier League.

As recently as this week he told the media in no uncertain terms that he was going nowhere and that he was eager to continue with the Reds.

Portsmouth Set To Bid £8million For Peter Crouch

Portsmouth will table an £8million bid for Liverpool striker Peter Crouch within 48 hours.

The lanky England marksman - who was sold by Pompey boss Harry Redknapp to Aston Villa when he took charge at Fratton Park, and later played under him at arch-rivals Southampton - has been at the top of his summer wish-list.

The FA Cup winners will make their move in an attempt to stave off growing interest from, ironically, Villa.

Martin O'Neill is demanding that Crouch is included in a deal that would eventually pave the way for England midfielder Gareth Barry to move to Anfield.

Liverpool have tried to ease the 27-year-old striker's frustrations by offering him a new contract to stay at the club.

But after starting just seven Premier League games last season following the arrival of Fernando Torres, Crouch and his advisers refused to commit his long-term future to the club, prompting Liverpool to put a £15m price tag on his head.

Despite growing interest in Crouch from Pompey's rivals, Redknapp remains in the box seat to land his signature.

Crouch has always credited Redknapp with reviving his career when he was languishing in the Saints reserves.

While his prolific form in front of goal failed to stave off relegation, it paved the way for him to break into the England squad and seal a £7.5m move to Liverpool in the summer of 2005.

Portsmouth also hope to pull off the £4m capture of Manchester City captain Richard Dunne, who last night rejected an improved offer to stay at Eastlands.

Milner Pleads For Toon Exit

Newcastle winger James Milner has reportedly begged manager Kevin Keegan to let him leave for Liverpool.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is keen to bring the 22-year-old to Anfield, having offered midfielder Danny Guthrie – who spent last season on loan at Bolton – in part exchange.

Aston Villa have already launched a ₤7million bid for the former Leeds youngster, who suffered an injury-ravaged campaign at St James’ Park.

News of the World reports that Keegan is willing to do a deal involving England striker Peter Crouch, who is expected to leave Merseyside after receiving limited opportunities last term.

Benitez also offered up the out-of-favour Jermaine Pennant, but the Magpies boss was not interested in the former Arsenal winger.

Liverpool FC Will Wait To Sign Gareth Barry

Rafael Benitez is prepared to dig in and play a waiting game with Aston Villa in order to sign Gareth Barry.

Villa rejected a third Liverpool bid for their captain on Thursday, believed to be in the region of £15m but with manager Martin O’Neill admitting that the England international has his heart set on a move to Anfield, Benitez is in no rush to push through the move this weekend.

The Spaniard is away from the club until next week and although he realises that Liverpool must now make a fourth offer for Barry, he is willing to bide his time to capture the player he knows is craving Champions League football next term.

An irate O’Neill, who is unhappy with the way Liverpool have publicly conducted their attempts to pursue Barry, has broken down all direct contact with Benitez and is also at odds with their valuations of Peter Crouch and Scott Carson who are possible makeweights in the deal.

Although O’Neill has conceded that Barry’s desire for a move will now mean that his club football now lies away from Villa Park, he and owner Randy Lerner remain determined to get as large a fee as possible for their prize asset who they value at £20m.

Benitez is also willing to wait on Barry because any potential exit from Anfield for Xabi Alonso is not likely to be completed until after the European Championship finals.

Reports in Italy yesterday suggesting that Liverpool had agreed a £14.2m fee with Juventus for the Spanish international midfielder are wide of the mark.

Although Liverpool have had lengthy talks with the Serie A club, who are now believed to be eyeing Bayern Munich’s German international Bastian Schweinsteiger as a possible alternative, they have still yet to receive an official bid for Juventus for Alonso who they value at £16m.

Financial constraints at Anfield mean that Benitez will have to offload several players this summer to balance the books for big money purchases like Barry.

Torres Reacts To Chelsea Rumours

Fernando Torres insists that he is perfectly happy at Liverpool in the face of reports that Chelsea are putting together a mega-offer in the hopes of securing his services ahead of next season.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has made it abundantly clear that there is no way that Liverpool will sell their prized asset, while the player himself has proven to be very un-ronaldoesque in doing his best to nip the rumours in the bud.

”I have no intention of leaving,” the Spanish star insisted.

”We have to focus our energies to give the little step we need to get to the top teams.

”If we only improve the team a little, we are going to manage to do so.

”I want to say very clearly that I’m not on the market and it is my desire to continue at Liverpool.

”I am very happy at Liverpool and want to carry on.”

Torres broke all sorts of records during his debut season at Anfield, scoring 33 goals in all competitions following his ₤21million move from Atletico Madrid last summer.

Going into the Euro 2008, some had questioned whether the 24-year-old would be able to replicate his club form at international level, and questioned whether he and Valencia hitman Villa would mesh as a pairing.

But all doubters have already been served a healthy dose of humble pie after La Furia Roja’s stunning display in their Group D opener, the pair having dovetailed beautifully as Villa’s hat-trick led the tournament favourites to a 4-1 win over Russia.

Alonso Signs For Juventus On Monday

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso is pratically a Juventus player and all that is missing is his signature which will arrive early next week according to Corriere Dello Sport.

Jean Claude Blanc met with Rafa Benitez on Friday and a deal was struck to bring the midfielder to the Stadio Olimpico.

Benitez will meet Bianconeri officials again either on Monday or Tuesday where the contracts will be signed, sealed and delivered. The player's agent Inanki Ibanez will also be present at the meeting to ensure that all runs smoothly.

Juve will be paying the Anfield Road club €17m which Liverpool will use to buy Aston Villa's Gareth Barry. Alonso has already reached an agreement with the Old Lady and he will sign a four year deal worth €3.5m per season as well as performance related bonuses.

The Spain international who is currently involved in Euro 2008 will undergo a medical in Turin after the tournament. It's a big hit for the Bianconeri who have, once again, convinced major players to come on board as they prepare to challenge for major honours both domestically and in Europe next season.

Bastian Scheweinsteiger's move from Bayern now looks highly unlikely after the capture of Alonso. The Bianconeri were on standby for the Bayern Munich midfielder in case the Alonso move failed.

Liverpool Must Sell To Buy Riera

Rafa Benítez is hoping to use the money the sale of Xabi Alonso to Juventus generates to bring in Albert Riera from Espanyol after the European Championships concludes.

The Liverpool boss knows that he will have to sell in order to finance a higher bid for the former Manchester City wideman, while saving the bulk of his transfer kitty for Gareth Barry, according to AS.

After having a €9.5m bid rejected recently, Benítez is determined to return with a €12m offer for Riera, which indications have already shown is likely to be accepted.

Espanyol are keen to off-load the player that they brought back to Spain from Bordeaux after his outburst against the club last month.

Riera voiced his frustration at having spent the majority of the second half of the season on the bench as the Blanc i Blau's quest for Europe fell apart.

Stating that he wanted to leave the club immediately, that wish was granted but only if a club were to meet Espanyol's evaluation because they too need the cash to bring in new faces.

Alonso is on the verge of a switch to Juve and the money raised will aid the Riera bid as well as freeing up a place in the midfield for Barry to arrive from Aston Villa.

Liverpool In For Balotelli?

Internazionale's young star Mario Balotelli has intimated that he may have no problems leaving the club, which appears to have put some top clubs on alert, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea linked with a move for the striker.

Balotelli, 17, is of Ghanaian heritage but was adopted by Italian parents. He is eager to represent the Azzurri once he turns 18 and is officially an Italian citizen, having already turned down the chance to play for Ghana.

Inter, however, he appears to have less loyalty towards. Recent quotes suggest that the powerful forward would have no problem leaving the club and that, as he has only been there for a couple of years, he has no special attachment to the Italian champions.

He enjoyed a fairly prominent breakthrough season, considering his age, scoring three goals in 11 starts.

The Times reports that Balotelli's signature is being fiercely contested for among three of England's big four. Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are said to be the clubs interest, with all possibly being in the market for a striker of his mould.

Red Letter Day For The Spirit Of Shankly

On Monday, the Spirit of Shankly (SOS) will celebrate six months in existence as the country's first ever football supporters union.

It has come a long way since the day it was formed on February 16 when around 1,000 Liverpool fans packed into the Olympia on West Derby Road ahead of the ill-fated FA Cup tie against Barnsley.

That rally was followed by a march to Anfield with all present united in their desire to see Liverpool Football Club rid of American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Despite the good turnout and the clear and vivid passion on display SOS was not without its critics and there was no shortage of Nay’sayers who wanted to know what a disparate group of fans from Liverpool and beyond could do to challenge the corporate might of a pair of American millionaires based thousands of miles away from the Olympia.

In truth, it remains a forbidding challenge and one which may never be achieved in a football world where money doesn't just talk, it shouts, screams and hollers.

That doesn't mean SOS hasn't made progress though. Far from it.

In those six short months it has established a fully operative committee comprising of a chair, vice-chair, treasurer, secretary, club liaison officer and fans liaison officer among others.

Meetings are held regularly and continue to be well attended and in the near future a city centre office will be opened to process the membership applications which continue to flood in on a daily basis and a fully operational website will also be set up.
Increasingly, the union is starting to resemble a fans co-operative with issues which concern supporters of all clubs being tackled in an age of spiralling ticket prices and related costs.

A fortnight ago, I was invited to attend their latest gathering to observe their work at first hand and found it to be as professional as any council meeting with a full agenda established at the very outset and reports and updates presented by the treasurer, secretary and chair.

There was no shortage of debate and nor should there be in a movement which was set up to represent the best interests of all Liverpool fans and not just a local clique of like minded individuals.

The debate was lively and well informed but never threatened to get out of hand and although there were occasions when agreeing to disagree was the best course of action resolutions were passed and conclusions were arrived at, much as they are in any board meeting.

The level of professionalism on show should not come as a surprise though as many of those involved come from the kind of background where such meetings take place on an almost daily basis and their experience is telling.

Equally importantly though, there are those who do not hail from a professional background and who are ready and willing to try and break through the traditional constraints which have left football fans at the mercy of profiteers for far too long.

After the recent experience of Athens and Istanbul, not to mention just about every other European trip Liverpool have been involved in, SOS are now looking at ways of making European and domestic travel more affordable to the average Reds fan.

Talks are ongoing with travel operators aimed at chartering flights for Champions League away games and a coach is likely to be laid on for the Reds forthcoming pre-season friendly against Rangers at Ibrox.

These initiatives are a small step in the right direction for a movement which has come an awfully long way in a very short time.

Should the progress they have made in their first six months be repeated in the next six then there is no telling as to how far SOS could go.

But as long as they continue to have the best interests of fans at heart then no-one should bet against them achieving their objectives, even if their avowed determination to rid their club of a pair of owners they have no time for does remain the tallest of tall orders.

Kuyt On Target As Dutch Destroy France

Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt opened the scoring as Holland continued their impressive start to Euro 2008 by defeating France 4-1 on Friday night. Kuyt headed home from a corner inside 20 minutes to give Marco Van Basten’s side the lead.

Holland, who defeated World Champions Italy 3-1 in their opening game, were impressive again with Kuyt replaced at half time allowing Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie to combine to make it 2-0.

Thierry Henry made it 2-1 with a deft flick from a cross but Holland restored their two goal lead within seconds of the re-start, Robben firing home from an obscure angle. The impressive Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder added a fourth in the final seconds to gauruntee they win the ‘group of death’.

The Dutch face Romania next Tuesday, who can go through to the quarter finals with a win, while France and Italy - the last World Cup Finalists - will hope the Romanians don’t get the win they need and will battle out it for the right to go through with Holland.

The other game on Friday saw Romania and Italy share the spoils, 1-1, although Adrian Mutu missed a penalty which would have the sent the World Champions home early.

Reina's Father Predicts More From Pepe

The father of Liverpool goalie José Reina says he's proud of his son's role as a Spanish back-up and insists the highly-rated shot-stopper is yet to peak.

Minguel Reina is, of course, following his son Pepe's goalkeeping career avidly, and thinks the much-admired 'keeper can do better yet.

The 25-year-old Anfield man picked up his third Premier League Golden Glove in succession last term and is currently with the hotly-tipped Spanish side as they gun for Euro 2008 glory.

The proud Spaniard and father is so excited about his country's strong start at the Austria and Switzerland showpiece that he isn't even sore about his son languishing on the bench behind first-choice Iker Casillas.

"Pepe is growing as a man and as a footballer before my very eyes," said Reina Sr. "But no way is he near his peak yet. There is so much more to come before he's either the finished product or as good as he can be.

"Watching my son train so hard for his country and playing with his little daughter at a time when Spain have just put in a tremendous performance to open the tournament is just great.

"Right now his role is fundamental. The substitutes have to train hard but also give total support to those who start. With affection, support and friendship coming towards the key players, Spain will see the benefit on the pitch. That's sure.

"This year I think we are at least going to the final and if we win so much the better."

Redknapp Still Wants Crouch At Pompey

If the price is right, says Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp, he still wants to bring Peter Crouch back to Fratton Park.

Liverpool have pinned a £15 million price tag on England striker Peter Crouch - and although Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp would like the player, that valuation is considerrably higher than the South Coast club are prepared to pay.

Redknapp told The News: “We are looking, but it is not always easy to get in the people we are looking for.

“But we are moving along and something could happen soon. Crouchy is a brilliant lad and I do like him a great deal. I suppose if Peter Storrie was negotiating with Liverpool though, he wouldn't want me throwing figures around.

“We might feel Liverpool want a little too much for him even at £10million. We might want to pay a bit less, so it wouldn't be right for me to say a price.

“At the end of the day he still belongs to Liverpool.

“I doubt if they would want me talking about their players really. I've always said I like Peter, though.

“There might be a deal there. If there's not then we will move on.”

Redknapp also confirmed to the local paper that he will definitely not be pursuing an interest in Marseille's former Liverpool striker, Djibril Cisse.

Cisse's agent climed earlier this week that the player was keen on a move to Pompey, describing them as a club who matched his ambition.

But Redknapp has ended all speculation by declaring: “He is a good player and we have looked at him before. But he's not one that I'm concentrating on at the moment.”

Torres Denies Showing Any Disrespect To Aragones

Spain striker Fernando Torres has denied that he was angry with coach Luis Aragones for taking him off in the team's 4-1 win against Russia in their opening game at Euro 2008.

Torres walked past Aragones when he was replaced by Cesc Fabregas early in the second half of Tuesday's match and did not acknowledge the coach's outstretched hand.

"I was angry with myself and it isn't true that I refused to shake the coach's hand," Torres told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser on Friday.

"Luis was six metres away from me, we weren't that close and I would never show any disrespect to a coach.

"I know that I can't get angry for more than 30 seconds when I've got team mates next to me who didn't play (in the game) at all."

Aragones, who coached Torres when he was at Atletico Madrid, said earlier this week that he understood the striker's anger at being taken off but that he would not let the incident pass.

"The big advantage of having an ex-player as the coach is that he has experienced these things hundreds to times," said Torres.

"Luis showed me the rules of dressing room when I was 16 years old and the important thing is that what happens is left on the pitch."

Torres is almost certain to be in the starting line-up when Spain play Sweden in their second match in Group D on Saturday.

O'Neill Tells Liverpool To Increase Barry Offer

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is determined to get the right price for captain Gareth Barry after dismissing Liverpool's third bid for the England midfielder as 'just not acceptable'.

Villa yesterday rejected a revised offer for Barry from the Reds believed to be around the £15million mark.

Barry has told O'Neill he wants to join Liverpool in order to play Champions League football and boost his England prospects but the Villa boss insists his club will not be bullied into selling.

He said: 'Gareth and I had a little chat when he got back from holiday and he has said he fancies going to Liverpool.

'That's obviously a big setback to us, but the offer from Liverpool is just not acceptable.

'It's very frustrating. We finished sixth last year, he was a major part of that and he has been a splendid player for us for some considerable time.'

O'Neill accepts it is a fact of life star players will be targeted by big clubs and has vowed the club will continue their bid to break the stranglehold of the big four in next season's Premier League.

'If Man United are having a struggle keeping hold of Cristiano Ronaldo, I guess the rest of us have a bit of trouble,' he added. 'It's difficult [to break into the top four] but that's what you're in the game for. If it's without Gareth Barry, we'll still have a go.'

Barry must now wait to see if Liverpool return with yet another bid or whether Rafael Benitez opts to look elsewhere.

It is believed previous offers for the midfielder included a cash-plus-player deal and this could still be the key to landing Barry.

Liverpool keeper Scott Carson spent last season on loan at Villa and O'Neill is keen to make the move permanent. But while Benitez is willing to sell, the two again disagree over Carson's valuation.

Liverpool Target Aistair Mackintosh Leaves Eastlands

Manchester City last night confirmed the departure of highly-rated chief executive Alistair Mackintosh – who Tom Hicks has reportedly earmarked to replace Rick Parry at Liverpool.

The Liverpool co-owner has made no secret of his desire to fire Parry as chief executive, branding his reign a “disaster” in an explosive interview two months ago.

The Texan is in no position to wield such power at Anfield yet, however, due to the deadlock in his fight for power with fellow owner George Gillett.

However, Hicks is thought to have been impressed by Mackintosh’s role in City’s move from Maine Road to Eastlands – while being critical of Liverpool’s stalling plans to move to a new home in Stanley Park – and will be intrigued by yesterday’s developments.

The future of Mackintosh had been the subject of intense debate following the arrival of Garry Cook as new executive chairman.

It had been thought Mackintosh may stay on at Eastlands for a little while but having been left out of the negotiations which saw Mark Hughes installed as manager last week, it became clear he had no long-term future.

Mackintosh has been seen as a pragmatic chief executive, who helped stabilise City’s financial position, then helped bring former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to the club.

“I would like to thank Alistair for his decade of service,” Cook said.

“He took us through a period of great change, particularly the move from Maine Road to our home here at the City of Manchester Stadium and goes with our best wishes for the future.”

However, the move is seen as an effective completion of his takeover by Thaksin, breaking the major management link from before his arrival 12 months ago.

Cook was a noticeable presence at Hughes’s unveiling last week, where he outlined his vision for City under Thaksin’s guidance.

As a former senior executive at Nike, Cook has well-placed contacts within the football industry which could yet bring Ronaldinho to Eastlands.

Meanwhile, the home tie of City’s UEFA Cup first qualifying round tie in July seems certain to be held at Barnsley’s Oakwell Stadium as Eastlands is unavailable.

Hughes will learn City’s opponents on June 27.

Martin O'Neil Refuses To Talk To Rafael Benitez Over Barry Row

Martin O'Neill has angrily broken off all contact with Liverpool after becoming infuriated by their dogged pursuit of Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry.

The Villa boss is refusing to acknowledge attempts by Reds manager Rafa Benitez and chief executive Rick Parry to enter into any dialogue over Barry.

Liverpool only learned their third bid of £13m for the midfielder had been rejected yesterday through a curt fax.

O'Neill, usually so hands-on, has instructed Villa owner Randy Lerner's PA Paul Faulkner to field all communications from Anfield.

His stubborn tactics have left Liverpool officials exasperated as they hoped to finally buy Barry, 27, this week. And the star himself is getting increasingly despondent at the failure of the two clubs to resolve his future after he made it clear to O'Neill he wanted to go.

Liverpool are now reluctant to table a new bid for Barry while they have no insight into what O'Neill will accept for the versatile left-sided player.

And the ill-feeling at Villa - sparked by Benitez making public Liverpool's initial £10m offer for Barry on the eve of the penultimate game of the season - has only increased.

O'Neill has since slammed the Reds' Spanish manager in a tirade and even dropped Villa's former Liverpool midfielder Patrik Berger for recommending that Barry moves to his old club.

O'Neill is now trying to concentrate his energies on strengthening his squad as they kick-off their InterToto Cup campaign in five weeks.

Brazilian midfielder Paulo Assuncao, 28, who has bought out the final year of his contract at Porto, is a target.

Degen's Switzerland Out Of Euro 2008

Philipp Degen was an unused substitute as host nation Switzerland crashed out of Euro 2008 after an injury time goal gave Turkey a 2-1 victory.

Degen - who will sign for Liverpool on July 1 - was on the bench for the second game running as Turkey came from a goal down to win.

The result means Switzerland cannot now qualify for the knock-out phase.

A heavy downpour in the first half contributed to Switzerland's opening goal which was scored by Hakan Yakin.

However, Turkey equalised in the second half when substitute Semih Senturk headed home.

The Swiss came close to winning the game near the end but Turkey keeper Volkan Demirel made a fantastic double save.

Then deep into stoppage time Arda Turan won it for Fatih Terim's side after a swift counter attack.

Degen will be hoping to make his tournament debut on Sunday night when the Swiss face Portugal in their final group game at 7.45pm GMT.

Rafa Wants Spanish Villa With Pool

Rafael Benitez reportedly wants to pair David Villa with Fernando Torres in Liverpool's attack - but has been warned he won't come cheap.

Villa combined with Torres to devastating effect with a hat-trick in Spain's 4-1 demolition of Russia in their opening Euro 2008 fixture on Tuesday.

And Reds boss Benitez is keen to see the pair wreak similar havoc on Premier League defences next season.

Torres took to England's top flight like a fish to water after moving from Atletico Madrid for £27million last summer - and Valencia director Juan Sanchez admits Villa's price tag will rise with every goal he scores at Euro 2008.

Villa looks destined to leave Los Che this summer, as the Primera Liga side's financial worries dictate that they will be required to reluctantly part with their biggest assets.

Villa certainly tops the list in the Mestalla sale and new Valencia boss Unai Emery can expect a busy close season as he sets about reshuffling his pack.

His star striker is valued in the region of around £17million, but that figure could rocket if he continues his electric form in Austria and Switzerland.

Villa's current employers are prepared to sit out a bidding war, with Sanchez revealing that the club will bide their time before deciding on the player's worth.

"He has a contract and is having a great Euro," the Spanish director said in The Sun. "We are calm and we hope he will continue to score many goals. You never know what will happen if we get offers.

"It's not a question of putting a price on him.

"What will come in the future will be assessed then."

Chelsea and Barcelona have also been linked with Villa, but it remains to be seen whether the Blues' interest will continue following the announcement that Luiz Felipe Scolari is set to become their new boss.

However, despite the growing speculation surrounding his future, the talented forward is refusing to be drawn on the issue until after Euro 2008.

"I'm not going to speak about my future until after the Championships," he insisted.

Roma Ready To Bid £3m For Liverpool's John Arne Riise

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti admitted last night he wants to take Liverpool misfit John Arne Riise, 27, to Serie A.

Norwegian left-back Riise's Anfield career is over after his catastrophic Champions League semifinal blunder against Chelsea and the arrival of Udinese's Andrea Dossena.

And Spalletti is ready to table a £3million bid for the 27-year-old.

Spalletti said: "A player like Riise can give a different kind of dimension. Considering the challenges that await us next season, he has the qualities that we are looking for."

Juventus Enhance Alonso Offer

Juventus have increased their bid for Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso as they attempt to lure the midfielder to Turin.

The Bianconeri are keen on the Spanish international and recently Giovanni Cobolli Gigli confirmed the club are in on-going talks with the Reds for the midfielder.

However, so far talks have hit a brick wall as Liverpool are not willing to budge on the £15m price tag.

According to reports in Italy, Juve only wanted to offer half of what Liverpool were asking for but now it seems as if the Old Lady has upped the ante as she attempts to prize Alonso away from Anfield.

Stadio News 24 claims the Old Lady has offered Liverpool €18m (£14.2m) which is still slightly off the £15m that the Reds are asking for.

However, it is likely that the Merseysiders will accept this latest offer as the Bianconeri are not looking to move any further up on their latest bid.

Claudio Ranieri is a big admirer of the Spanish player and he will be hoping to add him to his midfield department to partner Momo Sissoko.

Juve have returned to the Champions League and they are currently building a side for the future capable of challenging for major honours.

The Old Lady believes it would be a shame if Juve lose out on Alonso having come so close this time and she is trying her best to capture the player before other clubs beging swooping.

Liverpool Prepare £15m Barry Offer

Liverpool are putting together a £15 million cash bid for Gareth Barry in the hopes of finalising the deal for the Aston Villa captain by the end of the work week.

Villa have reportedly already rebuffed a number of of bids over the past days, including a ₤12million bid and a host of offers involving part player-swaps. This despite the it being clear that Barry, 27, is itntent on moving to Liverpool for Champions League football after 10 years at Villa Park.

The latest official statement from the Claret-and-Blues on the matter read as follow:

"Gareth Barry has stated in discussions with our manager he would like to leave Aston Villa to join Liverpool.

"But Liverpool's bid for the player has been rejected and they have been informed of Villa's continued position in this matter."

It will be interesting to see whether £15m will do the trick this time, as Villa boss Martin O'Neill has always maintained that Barry is worth at least as much as Argentine midfielderl Javier Mascherano who officially made the Liverpool switch in January for £18m.

Milner-Pennant Swap In The Works?

According to the latest reports emanating out of England, Newcastle are strongly considering accepting a swap deal put forward by Liverpool that would see James Milner leave St. James' Park in exchange for Jermaine Pennant.

British daily The Mirror alleges that Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has made a significant breakthrough in his quest to lure Milner, 27, to Anfield, and now all that stands between the completion of the deal is to wrangle over how much cash will be included along with Pennant.

Should the reports be validated, it would represent a dramatic improvement on the Reds' opening offer as Newcastle were said to be downright insulted by Liverpool's proposal of switching Argentine full-back Emiliano Insua, central defender Jack Hobbs and one other youth prospect in exchange for Milner.

Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill was livid when Benitez attempted to capture Gareth Barry with a similar deal, though he won't be best pleased to learn of this news either as Villa were reportedly keen on £7million-rated Milner as well.

Spain Coach Luis Aragones Denies Euro 2008 Rift With Bemused Fernando Torres

SPAIN coach Luis Aragones has dismissed speculation his decision to substitute Fernando Torres during the 4-1 Euro 2008 victory against Russia has caused a rift with his star striker.

Aragones chose to withdraw the Liverpool frontman after just 54 minutes on Tuesday, replacing him with midfielder Cesc Fabregas, with his team already holding a 2-0 advantage.

The 69-year-old coach later explained his reason for substituting Torres was a tactical one as he sought to add "one more player in the midfield to try to keep a clean sheet."

Torres, however, was clearly bemused by the decision as he left the pitch, opting not to acknowledge Aragones’s outstretched arm as he passed the coach.

Despite that show of petulance, Aragones said there was no ill-felling between himself and the player with the pair resolving the matter in the dressing-room after the game.

"I understand why the player is angry and I am behind him, but it is important to correct these things afterwards," Aragones said.

"They are things which stay in the dressing-room...(but) things won’t stay like that, we won’t let things like that fester."

Torres was instrumental in Spain’s opening goal of the night when he unselfishly laid off a pass to strike partner David Villa to tap home into an unguarded net.

That would be the first goal of a hat-trick for Villa whose impressive display stole the limelight from Torres, who was expected to spearhead the Spanish attack.

After scoring his third goal of the night, Villa raced to the bench where he embraced the already- substituted Torres and Aragones said that gesture was reflective of the "cohesion" in the team.

"I understand that a player gets angry when he is substituted, it has happened to me, but the atmosphere in the team is extraordinary," Aragones said.

Aragones also took time to praise Torres for his contribution while he was on the pitch, highlighting his defensive work to limit the contribution of Russia’s attack- minded full-back Roman Shirokov.

"Torres also contributed and worked up front to block Shirokov and he did it perfectly," Aragones said.

"The goals are a product of Villa, but the first (goal) was given to him by Torres."

Former Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho was also glowing in his praise for Torres, pointing the striker’s assist for the first goal as evidence of his importance to the team.

"Torres’s generosity in the first goal was admirable," he said.

"When you are a striker, it’s not easy to see a team-mate when you are bearing down on the goalkeeper, but he had the presence of mind to give the ball to Villa. That was a great gesture."

Camacho, who led Spain to the quarter-finals of Euro 2000, was delighted with the performance of Aragones’ side.

"It was a great start," he said. "They have demonstrated that they are here at the European Championship with an attacking football, with a passing game and creating plenty of chances.

"(Carles) Puyol, (Marcos) Senna and Villa stood out in a team at a very high level," he added.

Camacho also praised Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta.

"Iniesta can do everything with the ball at his feet," he said.

"Only players with something different in their head and in their feet are capable of passes like the one for the second goal."

However, Torres admitted: "At the time I wasn’t happy but the disappointment soon went. The team is the important thing."

Meanwhile, hat-trick hero David Villa paid tribute to strike partner Torres.

Immediately after slotting the ball past Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev to complete his treble 15 minutes from time, Villa raced to the Spain bench to embrace Torres, who had been substituted in the 54th minute and replaced by Cesc Fabregas.

That was the third Spain match in just over a week where Torres has been taken off early, with coach Luis Aragones substituting the Liverpool striker at half-time in both friendly matches against the United States and Peru.

Torres has now failed to score in each of those three matches – albeit whilst not always at peak fitness – and although he has been prolific during his first season at Liverpool, he has notched just once for his country since 2006.

All that has led to speculation about the striker’s ability to perform for Spain the way he does for Liverpool, but Villa was keen to show Torres he is fully behind the former Atletico Madrid man.

"The first two goals were with the help of Torres," said Villa.

"You saw what happened with the first one and with the second he opened the space so (Andres) Iniesta could make the pass to me," Villa added.

"I think he had a very important game, he’s a key player to us and I wanted to dedicate that third goal to make him happy."

Villa’s treble, with the goals coming in the 20th, 45th and 75th minutes, ensured Spain got off to a flying start in their bid to win their first European Championships since 1964.

The performance earned Villa the man-of-the-match award, but the Valencia man was more pleased with the fact that it took Spain a step closer to the quarter-finals.

"More than anything I am happy with the three points that give us a lot of options to continue to the next phase, and of course I am very happy to have scored the goals as well," said Villa, whose role in the Spain side and compatibility with Torres was an area of debate heading into the tournament.

"My aim is continue helping the national team, to work hard to try and score more goals.

"I want to play as much as possible."

Spain coach Aragones spoke glowingly about both his strikers, saying: "Villa has played very well, he scored three goals and could have scored more.

"Torres also did a good job, especially in the first two goals. I am happy with the team."

Russia coach Guus Hiddink famously got one over on the Spanish in the 2002 World Cup when his South Korea side won a quarter-final showdown on penalties.

There was little chance of Hiddink’s latest side achieving a similar scalp once Villa had taken the game by the scruff of the neck, but the Dutchman believes his inexperienced team could take a lot of out of the game.

"We had our chances, but we were too naive and ended up being punished because Spain have players who can to that," Hiddink said.

"In any case, I think that we can learn from this lesson. There are two games remaining and I have told my players that although it has been a heavy result, we can still bounce back if we learn from the match.

Liverpool Coach Benitez Says Club Can Cope Without Expensive Signings

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez expects less spending power in the transfer market, despite a plea by star striker Fernando Torres to sign more big-money players.

Benitez doubts getting much cash to bolster his squad to mount a Premier League title challenge against the backdrop of an unremitting feud between American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr.

Newly released accounts show that the Americans, who gained control in March 2007, had net losses of 33 million pounds (then US$67 million) by July 31, 2007.

Hicks has prioritized raising equity to buy out his estranged partner's 50 percent-stake and fund a new stadium.

Torres said last week that Liverpool needs "a lot of 20 or 25 million pound (US$39 or 49 million) players'' like Manchester United and Chelsea to bring the league title back to Anfield for the first time since 1990.

"Some teams around us are spending 20 million pounds and 30 million pounds (US$59) on one or two players,'' Benitez responded.”But the important thing is to get the right players and my staff are working hard to do that.''

Benitez said fellow Spaniard Torres was one of the key inspirations for keeping him at Liverpool, which finished fourth last season in the league and was ousted in the Champions League semifinals by Chelsea.

Benitez 100% Committed To Liverpool

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has moved to alleviate concerns that he may still be unsettled at Anfield.

The Spanish tactician endured an incredibly tough season both on and off the pitch. The Reds ended trophyless again, but far more pertinent in respect to Rafa's job was the drama off the pitch with co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Disputes began to lessen and the situation seemed placated towards the end of the season, but as the transfer window re-opens and the finances of the club once again come under scrutiny, many feel the former Valencia coach may leave if he does not get the backing he feels he deserves.

However, he told the Liverpool Echo he is fully focussed on the job at hand and nothing more: "I said at the end of the season I was very happy here and I will say it again.

"The supporters have been absolutely magnificent with me and the staff are working very hard.

"I would not have brought players like Fernando Torres and the young players we have here if I did not have a long term vision for the club. Now is not the time to be saying goodbye.

"Fernando's agent has asked about my Liverpool future and my answer is that I am 100% committed.

"If we had a lot of money to spend it would obviously be better," he said.

"But if we don't it doesn't matter.

"It is not about buying the most expensive players, it is about buying the right ones.

"We have the spine of the team and we can sell some players to get the others we need."

Anderson Set To Discover Liverpool Intentions

Liverpool FC youngster Paul Anderson is set to discover his part in the Reds' future when he meets with chief executive Rick Parry tomorrow.

Several Championship clubs are intent on capturing the 19-year-old winger's signature for a loan deal, while Premiership clubs have expressed an interest in a permanent deal.

The moves have come after Anderson completed a successful loan spell with League One champions Swansea City, who are also among the chasing pack.

Reports at the end of last week suggested Nottingham Forest were favourites to land Anderson, from John O'Gaunt, on a season-long loan, but he is still unsure as to exactly what the Anfield club has in store for him.

Forest's rivals Derby County have also staked a claim, as have Watford, Burnley, Ipswich Town, Doncaster Rovers and Leeds United among others.

Dad Phil Anderson said: "At this stage there is no story until an agreement is reached with Liverpool and until they know what they want to do with him.

"It hasn't been discussed with Paul yet, but I think it should be a lot clearer by Friday.

"Forest have expressed an interest and made an official approach, but no agreement has been made.We were hoping to have all this sorted out prior to going away on holiday, but the wait has happened for all the right reasons."

While Liverpool's intentions should be known by the weekend, a deal with another club is not expected to be finalised until the middle of next week.

Villa Full Of Praise For Unselfish Torres

David Villa strengthened his reputation as one of Europe's most lethal finishers with his hat-trick in Spain's 4-1 drubbing of Russia.

The 26-year-old took his international tally to 17 goals in 32 games with his Euro 2008 Group D treble at the Tivoli Neu stadium in Innsbruck on Tuesday.

Villa has a significantly better strike rate than attacking partner Fernando Torres, who has scored 15 goals in 50 games for his country and has only found the net twice for Spain since the last World Cup.

But Villa, who notched 18 league goals last season despite a difficult campaign at troubled Valencia, praised Torres for his unselfish work and explained why he had gone over to the bench to celebrate his hat-trick with his substituted team mate.

"I scored two goals benefiting from his work," Villa told a news conference on Wednesday. "He did the unseen work and I got the credit and that's why I celebrated with him."

Villa said he hurt his finger when he got it tangled in Torres's shirt as the two celebrated the first goal but described the injury as nothing important.

When Luis Aragones named his squad for Euro 2008 the main talking point in the Spanish media was the absence of former captain Raul but Villa's neatly-taken treble has helped lay that debate to rest.

Although Villa, who wears the number seven shirt once favoured by Raul, said Tuesday's performance may not have been his most complete, he called it his most memorable.

"It was my best game because of the circumstances. It was our opening game in Euro 2008, we won and I got three goals," said the striker.

Villa said he had English-speaking team mates Pepe Reina and Xabi Alonso to thank for getting Austrian referee Konrad Plautz to agree to give him the match ball as a souvenir of his hat-trick.

"The referee said he couldn't give it to me because of a UEFA rule but Pepe and Xabi Alonso talked to him in English and managed to get the ball for me."

Liverpool To Make Fresh Gareth Barry Bid

Liverpool are to test Aston Villa's resolve by launching a £15 million cash-only bid for Gareth Barry.

Villa have already turned down two offers from Liverpool for Barry, with the midlands club reportedly valuing the England international at £20m.

Earlier this week, Barry told manager Martin O'Neill that he is keen on a move to Anfield, but last night Villa issued a statement saying: "Gareth Barry has stated in discussion with our manager that he would like to leave Aston Villa to join Liverpool. But Liverpool's bid for the player has been rejected and Liverpool have been informed of Villa's decision on this matter."

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez originally tabled a £10m offer for the midfielder which was rejected out of hand. A £12m bid ensued, which was also met with a flat no.

Benitez, however, is known to be a big fan of Barry, who has shone for England on the international stage as a holding midfielder, and will come back with a new £15m offer that Villa may find hard to turn down.

Benitez is also reportedly willing to do a player-plus-cash deal that O'Neill would be swayed by if it involved Peter Crouch or Yossi Benayoun.

Benitez`s Modest Budget Won't Be Cut

Rafa Benitez has reportedly been assured that his transfer budget will not be affected by the losses suffered by Tom Hicks and George Gillett since their takeover of Liverpool - but any euphoria at the news will be quelled by suggestions that the Spaniard has relatively little money to spend this summer.

The first set of accounts published since the Americans arrived last year reported a loss of £33million in the year ending July 2007.

However, according to The Guardian, 'Despite these ominous figures, has been assured his transfer budget will not be reduced'. But the sting in the tale is that 'Spaniard's spending rests heavily on the amount raised through player sales this summer and the budget 'is understood to be far from what the manager would like'.

This suspicion is borne out by fresh reports linking Pool with Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing - hardly the type of high-calibre player the club require to produce their long-anticipated title bid.

According to the Daily Mirror, 'Benitez has been a longtime admirer of Downing and considers that he can play not just in the wide left role, but also in a more central position.

'He is prepared to bid around £12m for the England international.'

Xabi Delays Juve Decision

Liverpool star Xabi Alonso is delaying any decision over a move to Juventus until he has completed his Euro 2008 mission with Spain.

The Basque playmaker has hinted that he wants to quit Anfield for Turin and there have been reports that Juve and Liverpool have agreed a fee of just over £10m.

But the 26-year-old has put the brakes on somewhat by insisting that he won’t be making any decision before this summer’s events in Austria and Switzerland are complete.

“I know that Juventus are interested,” Alonso told El Mundo Deportivo.

“But right now I won’t talk about that because I have enough to think about here with the national team.”

Meanwhile, Juve could make space for Alonso by selling unsettled forward Raffaele Palladino.

The former Azzurrini star has been frustrated at a lack of first-team football in Turin and is reportedly close to agreeing a deal with hometown team Napoli.

The Old Lady may insist upon a co-ownership agreement rather than an outright sale and are expected to ask for around £6m for 50 per cent of his rights.

Barry Seeking Reds Move

Gareth Barry wants to join Liverpool in the summer, according to the Aston Villa captain's agent.

Liverpool have made the England international a leading transfer target and have already had one bid rejected by their Premier League rivals.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is determined to ward off any further interest in the 27-year-old, who has spent his entire career with the club.

But Barry's agent Alex Black says the player has held talks with O'Neill to outline his desire to play UEFA Champions League football.

Black also intimated that Barry is keen to discuss a move to Liverpool after making almost 400 appearances for Villa.

"Gareth has spoken to Martin since he returned from England's game in Trinidad and told him how he feels," Black told The Sun.

"At this stage of his career Gareth wants to be playing Champions League football and believes this is his chance to do it."

Reds skipper Steven Gerrard recently admitted that he is 'desperate' for his good friend to join him at Anfield.

Liverpool FC In Hunt For Espanyol Winger Albert Riera

Liverpool are back in the hunt for want-away Espanyol winger Albert Riera – but will not allow themselves to get caught up in a bidding war.

Manager Rafael Benitez is lining up a £9m offer for the former Manchester City winger but will resist the Spanish club’s attempts to inflate his value.

Espanyol initially insisted that Riera would only be allowed to leave if a club triggered his release clause of £16m, way beyond what Liverpool are prepared to pay.

They are ready to come down to accepting £12m but Benitez will be loathe to pay over the odds for the 26-year-old.

Liverpool’s transfer budget is unaffected by the £33m loss that was revealed yesterday in the accounts of Kop Holdings Ltd – the company set up by George Gillett and Tom Hicks when they bought the club.

But the money needed to prise Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, after the Midlands club already rejected bids of £10m and £12m, means Benitez is unwilling to enter into an auction.

He is wanted by a number of clubs across Europe, after they were alerted to his availability following an outburst against Espanyol at the end of the last campaign when fans protested against the team’s displays.

Riera said: “I want to leave Espanyol. I don’t 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. But I do not want to be at a club where supporters have no love for the players.”

Riera, who is a left-sided midfielder, played in the Premier League for Manchester City when he was on loan from Espanyol towards the end of the 2005-06 season.

Benitez is keen to add to his options in wide areas, and has already tied up deals for full-backs Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena.

Benitez’s stance on players’ valuation has the full support of the man he paid a club record transfer fee for, Fernando Torres.

“If we can’t keep up with them (United and Chelsea) economically, then we have to get it absolutely right in the transfer market,” said Torres.

Torres Adapting His Game For Spain

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is not the only Spanish Premier League star being quizzed on why they cannot recreate their club form for country, but he insists he is still adapting.

Torres, 24, enjoyed a magnificent debut season in England with Liverpool on a personal level, finishing joint second in the Premier League goal scoring charts and netting 33 in all competitions - breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy's record made at Manchester United for most goals in a debut season by an overseas player.

For his country, he still performs very much as he did at his hometown club, Atletico Madrid. His ability is rarely called into question, but his failure to apply himself and win games for his side on a consistent basis has made him the subject of scrutiny.

However, coach Luis Aragones - an Atletico Madrid legend himself in his day - persists with El Nino and we await results at this summer's European Championship, with added interest from England adding to the expectation.

Torres explains that the difference in style means he too must adapt in order to succeed: "This tournament is different, with more vertical and long passes, so I have adapted my game to fit the national team."

Spain kick off their campaign against Russia this evening in Group D, which also contains Sweden and holders Greece.

Fabio Capello Wants Steven Gerrard To Captain England For World Cup Qualifiers

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has emerged as the leading contender to take over the England captaincy full-time.

According to the Sun, England manager Fabio Capello says he will make a decision in a fortnight.

And the Italian has also revealed that he sees a midfielder as the ideal choice to take the armband when England begin their quest for World Cup qualification against Andorra in September.

Last week, Capello revealed the battle for the England captaincy had been narrowed down to two candidates with Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand leading the way.

The England head coach has also given John Terry, David Beckham and Gareth Barry the captain's armband during his first four matches in charge.

Beckham started as skipper in England's last friendly against Trinidad and Tobago before Barry took over from the LA Galaxy midfielder when he was substituted.

A source close to Capello said: "Fabio is thinking very hard about this decision but likes to see his captains in the middle of the park bossing the game.

"No one has been ruled out but it looks like Gerrard is ahead."

Capello has been happy with the progress made in the four friendly internationals since he replaced Steve McClaren nearly six months ago. "I think we will be okay the minute we play against Croatia,” he said last week.

"For the qualification games, we will be okay. I am very happy with the progress we are making."

We Want You Out, Liverpool FC Fans Tell Owners

Hundreds of Liverpool fans united to protest at Anfield against the club's American owners.

They gathered on Walton Breck Road outside the Kop yesterday in another message of opposition to Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Banners saying Yanks OUT and Repossessed were pinned on railings around the ground.

A padlock was fastened to the Shankly Gates in a symbolic gesture to signify their unhappiness with the current regime.

The SOS fans group also planned to lobby supporters visiting the club shop about the protest.

Alan Kayll, from Spirit of Shankly, said: “When David Moores sold the club, he did so to allow the club to compete for the very best players and simultaneously build the stadium.

“The stadium finances are nowhere near being secured and we cannot compete for top quality now or have any great prospects for the future.

“Selling the family silver to Hicks and Gillett has proven to be a massive mistake, and every Liverpool supporter has to act and campaign against what is happening to our club.”

Red Francis Stanton added: “Our repossession is about the rightful owners of the club claiming it back from the "tenants".

“Why can the club not afford to bid for 17-year-old prospects even when the manager wants them? We have paid the rent for our custodians long enough. It’s time for an eviction.”

The ownership of Liverpool remains in the balance with American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett at loggerheads.

The Dubai-based consortium DIC has shown interest buying the club, but Hicks has repeatedly stated his intention of keeping hold of his 50% share.

Liverpool Owners Claimed £1.4m In Expenses

The cost of Tom Hicks and George Gillett's takeover of Liverpool is becoming clear after the club published their first set of accounts since the Americans arrived last year.

Kop Football (Holdings), the company set up by the Americans to buy Liverpool, made a loss of £33million in the year ending July 2007, quite the achievement when one considers the pair only took over the club in the February of that year.

Given that the Americans transferred the debt they took on to buy Liverpool to the club, it is not surprising to learn that interest of £64million on those loans must be paid to Kop Football Ltd, the club's immediate parent company.

However, while those figures were largely expected and anticipated, Liverpool fans may not be best pleased to learn that Hicks and Gillett claimed more that £1.4million in expenses in the period covered by the accounts, and given that they have paid plenty more visits to Britain since, that won't be the end of things.

The Time reports that the owners wrote off another £10.3million when they scrapped the existing plans for a new stadium when they took over. The pair brought in their own design, a design that they have been forced to scale back in recent months because of the constraints of the global credit crunch.

A number of Liverpool fans held a demonstration at Anfield on Sunday, demanding 'repossession' of the club and posting eviction notices for Hicks and Gillett.

Bolton Eager To Hold Onto Liverpool Prospect

Bolton boss Gary Megson has confirmed that he is keen to sign Danny Guthrie to a permanent deal following his strong showing while on loan from Liverpool last season.

Indeed, the 21-year-old midfielder enjoyed an impressive campaign at the Reebok, becoming an important factor in their survival in the Barclays Premier League.

Guthrie made 25 Premier League appearances and also featured 7 times in the UEFA Cup last season and has himself stated that he is happy to stay at the Reebok Stadium having thoroughly enjoyed his loan spell at the club.

Megson said: "Nothing's hard and fast. Danny did well for us. I don't think he'd been involved too much before I arrived and in his time since then I know there were times when he was disappointed when I picked a team to get a certain result. But he's got some good qualities."

"Danny is only a young player and is one we might look at as the summer goes on," he added.

"We have some things at the moment that need to be sorted. Other things can take a little longer."

With Liverpool already strong in central-midfield with the likes of Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso, along with Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry still being heavily linked with the club, a future on Merseyside looks unlikely for the youngster.

Lucas Is A Step Closer To Olympics With Brazil

The possibility of Liverpool being without Lucas for the start of the season moved a step closer after he was called up for an Olympics warm-up game.

The Brazilian’s absence has been on the cards since he was named in an initial preliminary squad of 74 and his latest call-up for a friendly on June 22 only heightens his chances of making the final cut.

The tournament coincides with the start of the Premier League season and could keep players away from their clubs for more than two weeks – which leaves Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez with a midfield dilemma. He is confident of landing Gareth Barry once a fee has been agreed for the England man with Aston Villa – but losing Lucas, Javier Mascherano and Ryan Babel at once could leave him short of reinforcements.

Especially as Xabi Alonso has admitted his interest in a move to Juventus days after his agent declared the clubs were close to agreeing on their valuation of the player.

Benitez still hopes that Mascherano doesn’t feel obliged to answer any call from Argentina and will discuss the issue with him when he returns for pre-season next month. Mascherano, who was 24 yesterday, is wanted as an over-age player as he looks to repeat the gold medal victory he enjoyed in Athens in 2004. But clubs are powerless to prevent players who qualify directly for the under-23s going on international duty. In the case of Babel, while he is wanted by Holland, Benitez will be keen to ensure he has fully recovered from the ankle ligament damage that is keeping him out of Euro 2008, before releasing him for any competitive action.

Lucas has, however, already signalled his determination to join up with Brazil in Beijing.

“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.”

Manchester United’s Anderson is also among 12 overseas-based players named by Dunga to play in the warm-up game.

Brazil are yet to announce an opponent or venue, but that did not stop Dunga releasing an initial squad following Friday night’s shock 2-0 loss to Venezuela in Foxborough in the USA.

O'Neill Fancies Finnan - Report

Liverpool defender Steve Finnan could be set for a ₤2million summer switch to Aston Villa, according to reports.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill is desperate to sign a new right-sided defender following the departure of Swedish international Olof Mellberg for Juventus.

And reports from England indicate the Ulsterman has targeted Irish full-back Finnan to replace the former Racing Santander man in the Villa back-line.

Finnan, who moved to Anfield from Fulham in 2003, struggled for starts last season due to consistent injury problems and a general loss of form.

The former Notts County man is only likely to fall further down the pecking order following the arrival of Swiss international Philipp Degen from Borussia Dortmund, and may be keen on making the move to Villa Park.

The 32-year-old has two years remaining on his deal with the Merseyside giants, while Villa are prepared to offer the ex-Birmingham defender man a three-year deal.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez may be keen to use Finnan as bait in his attempts to prise Gareth Barry away from Villa, having had previous offers involving John Arne Riise and Jermaine Pennant rejected.

Reds In Shock Bid For Gunners Ace - Report

Liverpool are reportedly planning a sneaky ₤6million bid for Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is keen to add depth to his forward line over the summer, and reports from England claim he is considering a shock swoop for the Danish youngster.

The 20-year-old has received limited opportunities with the Gunners due to the emergence of Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor, with whom the Dane has had a rather drastic falling out.

Bendtner has generally struggled to live up to his billing as one of the most promising young strikers in Europe, although late last season he exhibited glimpses of his significant potential.

Wenger will be reluctant to sell given the respective injury issues of Robin van Persie and Eduardo da Silva, not to mention the growing uncertainly surrounding Adebayor’s future at the Emirates.

But Benitez will almost certainly have to replace the unsettled Peter Crouch, and is willing to offer ₤6million for a player Wenger snatched virtually free of charge from Copenhagen outfit Kjøbenhavns Boldklub.

The deal would prove something of a coup if it went through, given that almost all Premier League clubs flat-out refuse to trade with their rivals these days – as evidenced by Benitez’s failure to secure defender Gabrielle Heinze from Manchester United last summer.

Financial Figures Pile Pressure On Reds Owners

Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. will no doubt be forced to endure increased animosity from supporters following the publication of the club’s accounts.

More than 300 disgruntled Reds fans congregated yesterday to post eviction notices all around Anfield, continuing their push to oust the Merseyside giants’ warring possessors.

And the pressure on the bickering Americans will only continue to mount after the release of their first set of financial figures since they took control of the club in February 2007.

The Times reports that, according to accounts submitted to Companies House last week, one of Liverpool’s parent companies Kop Football (Holdings) Ltd endured a ₤33million loss as of July 31, 2007.

The club’s ₤350million in loans must be refinanced by January, while they will also have to pay interest on a ₤64million borrowing from Kop Football.

The accounts also revealed that Hicks and Gillett wrote off some ₤10.3million when ditching designs for Liverpool’s new stadium, while claiming in excess of ₤1.4million for personal expenses – figures which will do nothing to improve their standing with Reds fans.

Toon Outraged At Reds' Milner Bid

Liverpool have reportedly offered up three youngsters in an ambitious bid for Newcastle United winger James Milner, incurring the wrath of the Tyneside club.

The Evening Chronicle reports that Reds boss Rafa Benitez is hoping to trade Argentine full-back Emiliano Insua, central defender Jack Hobbs and one other in exchange for Milner.

Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill was livid when Benitez attempted to capture Gareth Barry with a similar deal, although the Ulsterman never revealed which players his Reds counterpart had put forward.

But a Toon source claimed Insua and Hobbs, both 19, were definitely involved in the Milner offer, although the third player was such a “nonentity” that his name was not even worth remembering.

Magpies boss Kevin Keegan is reportedly insulted by his former club’s meagre advances, and will no doubt seek a significantly more attractive proposal before he considers parting with the England under-21 international.

Liverpool signed Insua from Boca Juniors in 2004 and is highly rated within the club, while Hobbs is expected to be offloaded after spending the second half of last season on loan at Scunthorpe.

Ability To Adapt The Key For FernandoTorres

It is not just the hair, blonder with each dye, that makes Fernando Torres stand out in the company of his countrymen. In a squad conspicuously short of six-footers, most look quite a way up to their centre-forward. The public already give him a status above any other Spanish footballer. As the squad left Santander for what they hope will be an absence of nearly a month, the loudest squeals from fans were for Torres, formerly El Niño. Now he has a right to be appreciated as El Adulto.

Torres does not naturally seek what Spaniards call protagonismo; he’s not a loudmouth attention-seeker and has a gentle, low-key way with autograph-hunters and those who want their photograph taken alongside him. He would not have appreciated that his team had been booed from the field in Santander at half-time the previous evening by their own public after a stultifying final preparation match - they beat the USA by a solitary late goal - but he used to hear far worse when he was the one man band, teenaged captain of Atletico Madrid. Besides, the vat of self-confidence Torres takes to the European Championship remains full.

He has just broken local records in Liverpool marking the impact of a new striker at a club that so prizes its No 9s: 24 goals in his debut Premier League season. And his national team are undefeated in 16 matches, winning all but two. Spain, like Liverpool, have their dogmas. If they are to win their first major championship since 1964, they will do it with elegance, with overwhelming possession and passing accuracy. “For us, the most important thing is to keep the ball as much as we can,” says Spain coach Luis Aragones. “We are a team that can find it hard to win the ball back.”

Aragones, 69, has been around the block, and if he seems set in his ways, it is because ways are set for him. “Idiosyncrasies exist in certain teams,” he says. “Barcelona have always played better-looking football. It so happens that Real Madrid tend to win more. The best counter-attacking team in Spain has tended to be Atletico.” And in England? “In England the pace of the game is very high,” says Aragones. “I like it, but I prefer the ball to be doing the fast moving, and sometimes the players. That’s what we are good at.”

So here’s the contradiction: Spain will stress the virtues of Spanish football while taking on the rest of the continent with the most expatriate XI in their history; at a pinch, five of their team could be footballers who work in England. Euro 2008 stands ready to applaud Spain for the elegance of their passing and swift geometry of their midfield exchanges, while audiences recovering from another breathless 10 months of the Premier League perk up at seeing leading figures from Liverpool and Arsenal’s last seasons wearing the red of España. Yet Cesc Fabregas, who drives the sweet machinery of Arsenal’s football, may not get into Aragones’s first lineup, against Russia on Tuesday. Liverpool’s Torres will, but must alter his game significantly.

“Spain’s style is slower with many more touches on the ball. With Liverpool everything is more direct,” says Torres. Which did he prefer? “The style of play with Liverpool suits me very well, but now I am with Spain and I have to adapt.” Adapt what? “Liverpool is a hard-working team and that gives you more time to pace yourself up front. I have teammates like [Dirk] Kuyt, who is out of this world with his physical effort. He does his work and some of mine, too. Maybe with Liverpool I get fewer chances in front of goal, but in a way, I have a better chance to convert them.” So what does the adaptation, from prolific Liverpool Red to Spain’s Roja, mean?

His goals for Liverpool would more likely come from crosses, he gives as an example, while those for Spain will be “a one-two in the penalty box, a piece of individual skill, maybe via a reverse pass. You have to be ready for that.” And the alteration, the distinction between the adrenalin of Anfield and the tension around Spain, the team who eternally wait to be the sum of their parts, remains one of these championships’ main intrigues. Will Spain be more worldly for their Premier League nous? Or less Spanish? Torres would like an amalgam of the two. And he’d like one extra piece of Liverpool to become Spanish these next three weeks. Which one? “Steven Gerrard, of course,” says Torres, smiling.

Mourinho After Gerrard, Again?

Internazionale coach Jose Mourinho has been rebuffed yet again in his attempts to lure Steven Gerrard away from Liverpool, according to reports.

News of the World reports that Inter had made the England midfielder a priority target before Mourinho’s arrival, pondering a ₤30million bid before their inquiry into the Reds skipper’s availability was ignored by club and player.

The 28-year-old is keen to stay on Merseyside despite the boardroom battles currently raging at Anfield, and despite Liverpool’s continual failure to challenge for the Premier League title.

Inter had hoped to capitalise on the Reds’ unrest by quietly monitoring the situation to see if Gerrard might be tiring of the upstairs antics and offering him a way out.

During his time at Chelsea, Mourinho twice attempted to sign the boy from Huyton, only to be rejected at the last hour – and the Special One will thus be reluctant to pin his hopes on Gerrard this time around, whether he agrees and move or not.

But ‘Stevie G’ is planning to stay with his boyhood club for the long haul, as he hopes to link up with close friend Gareth Barry next season and continue to forge a dynamic attacking partnership with Fernando Torres.