Jamie Carragher Not Yet Ready To Tip Liverpool As Title Contenders

Jamie Carragher will only consider Liverpool title challengers next season if they are still in the hunt with 15 games remaining.

It is almost two decades since the Reds were champions of England and veteran defender Carragher has been involved for more than half of that period.

In recent years, Liverpool have been among the favourites to lift the Barclays Premier League crown when the season kicks off but their challenge has invariably faltered.

“People always talk about us pushing for the league, but to be honest it isn’t very often that we’ve even challenged,” Carragher told the club’s official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv.

“If we were challenging with 10 or 15 games to go then who knows?

“But just a challenge this season would be nice, to still be in the hunt.

“I think it’s only happened once since I’ve been in the team, when I played a few games under Roy Evans (in 1996-97).

“We probably should have won the league but let it slip towards the end.

“But since then, we’ve never even challenged, so that’s something we’re all looking for.”

Carragher, who has won every major domestic and European honour apart from the Premier League, added: “I’d take a title medal over anything else at the moment because that would make my full set, but I just want to be competitive in the league.”

Liverpool’s major problem in recent seasons has been their inability to get the better of their head to heads with title rivals Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

However, Carragher said: “They’re big games, but it’s not just about beating Manchester United or the other so-called big teams. I don’t go along with that.

“Manchester United lost twice to Manchester City (last season), which no-one expected, so who knows?”

Centre-back Carragher, 30, has made himself an automatic selection at Anfield but he could face competition this season from Martin Skrtel and the fit-again Daniel Agger.

But the Bootle-born stopper has no intention of giving up his place.

“I’ve had a few seasons like that over the years where the competition for places has been intense,” he said.

“But that’s what it’s about at Liverpool. It’s about the battle for your place and I’m prepared to fight and battle as well as anyone.

“I expected to play in the past and I expect to play again next season.

“Every day you go into training, you feel as though you have to prove yourself all over again, although to be honest I don’t think I’ll change anything. I always work hard and I’ll continue to do so.”

Murphy Backs Carragher For Management

Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy has tipped his former Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher to make the transition into management at the end of his career.

Carragher has long been regarded among the Reds faithful as top-notch coaching material, with many suggesting his leadership and organisational skills far surpass that of club captain Steven Gerrard.

The 30-year-old, though often criticised for his lack of prowess in possession, has earned endless plaudits for what he does behind the play – his ability to rally the troops, to bite his team-mates’ heads off when they need biting and to arrange the rearguard.

And Murphy, who spent seven seasons at Anfield, believes it is his ex-England colleague’s passion for the game that will see him succeed on the managerial front in the future.

“Jamie Carragher is probably the main candidate; he'll be a good manager,” Murphy told fulhamfc.com. “He knows more about football than anyone I know.”

Juve Meet Alonso Reps In Paris

Juventus’ bid to sign Xabi Alonso from Liverpool is no closer to being completed following a meeting between the two clubs in Paris.

The possibility of seeing the Spanish international in a Juve shirt next season is, at the moment, still a remote one.

Alonso is no closer to signing for the Old Lady after a meeting in Paris today between a FIFA agent and Rafa Benitez’s transfer man, Eduardo Macia, yielded no agreement.

The deal may take another week to complete as the clubs are looking to agree on a selling price for the 26-year-old European Champion. The two clubs may strike a deal worth €18m, a balance between Liverpool’s asking price of €20m and Juve’s offer of €15m.

Juventus are still searching for a world-class midfielder and if all goes well, fans of the Bianconeri will see the former Liverpool midfield pairing of Alonso and Sissoko re-united at Turin’s Stadio Olimpico next term.

Liverpool Accept Pompey Crouch Bid - Report

The Daily Mail claims that Portsmouth have finally had a bid accepted for want-away Liverpool forward Peter Crouch.

The imposing forward had stated previously that he wished to join the Fratton Park side, only for Liverpool to refuse the south coasters' advances.

So fervent were Crouch's desires to move to Pompey that he allegedly turned down moves elsewhere, stating that he would run down his one year deal on Merseyside unless given the chance to head south.

Liverpool, then, have apparently acquiesced and accepted a £10m bid for the England international, which will be lodged with the Football Association on Monday morning.

Should Crouch agree terms with Harry Redknapp's side then the move could even be completed on the same day.

The Reds, who will receive £8m up front, will then be able to focus on new targets such as Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry.

Fernando Torres: Rafael Benitez Pushed Me To Greatness

Few foreign players have adapted better - or as quickly - to the unique demands of top-flight football in England than Fernando Torres. In his first season, after arriving at Liverpool 12 months ago, he scored 33 goals in all competitions.

Yet as the prolific Spain striker ponders how he can improve next season, having set the bar so high, he is swift to pay tribute to the part that Rafael Benítez played in his rapid and spectacular progress. Without the intense guidance of the Liverpool manager, Torres maintains, he might not have made such an immediate impact.

“There are days when you think: ‘My God, this guy [Benítez] doesn't let you breathe',” Torres, a £20.2million buy from Atlético Madrid, said. “At times like that, you don't realise that all he wants is for you to improve.

“When you are in a team where things are going mostly well, players tend to relax. But you must always push yourself. Never become complacent; you try to do your best every single day. At a club like Liverpool, you can't sit back after scoring 20-odd goals and say: 'Well, that's it.' After you score 20, Benítez is at you during the next training session and stays on top of you all day, all week.

“He tells you to go off on your own and do new exercises. I want to progress in life, not relax, not be complacent, and you need someone close to you telling you to keep at it. It is impossible to do it otherwise. We don't always fancy someone that close but, in the long term, I am sure that everybody will thank him for it.”

Torres, 24, carried his form into the international arena this summer, scoring two goals as Spain were crowned European champions. His second goal - a trademark effort embracing power and pace - was enough to see off Germany 1-0 in the final in Vienna.

If Benítez's influence has been great, Torres has also reaped the benefit of playing alongside Steven Gerrard, the England midfield player. He has watched Gerrard closely - on and off the pitch - and used the Liverpool captain as an example of how to deal with life in the goldfish bowl that is Merseyside.

“I really admire Steven,” Torres said in an interview in Champions, the official magazine of the Uefa Champions League, said. “I know the pressure he is under every day, everybody talking about him all day long. In the changing-room, in the pubs, in the stadium. I've heard people say he should be stronger, have a stronger personality. I know by experience how difficult it is to deal with that because Liverpool is a huge club. And he's at another level, of course.

“People look at you from a distance and challenge you with their eyes. All that happens to Steve every day and he copes with it, everything that is expected of him all the time. He's always under tremendous pressure to perform and everyone looks to him to show leadership, to lift the team.

“He's a great example, and those of us who have been in a similar situation know how difficult it is to handle. It's incredible the way he carries himself regardless of what is going on around him. I'd love to be captain of another team one day and Steve has shown me how to be a great leader.”

During a career of many highs, Torres has had to endure his lows, too, particularly before his move to Anfield. He would turn to Olalla, his girlfriend, for sympathy and advice. “She has had to suffer much disappointed ranting and moaning, especially when I was at Atlético,” Torres said. “Now, she is also having a good time herself.

“She knows how to calm me down when I haven't been able to see the way out of the tunnel or wake me up when I've been sleeping. She pushes me when I need to be encouraged. The person that lives with you is sometimes the only one capable of helping you up when you don't realise how down you are.”

Javier Mascherano Called Up For Argentina Olympic Squad

Rafael Benitez has lost his battle to prevent Javier Mascherano from going to Beijing after he was yesterday named in Argentina’s Olympic squad.

The decision could prompt the Spaniard to speed up his attempts to sign Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry as Mascherano will now be unavailable for both Liverpool’s Champions League qualifying legs on August 12 and 27 as well as the first two games of the Premier League campaign at Sunderland and at home to Middlesbrough.

While Benitez was prepared to let 21-year-old Lucas go to China if he was selected by Brazil, he has complained bitterly about the prospect of £18.6million signing Mascherano, who at 24 is an over-age player with 36 caps for the full Argentina side, being called up.

At the end of last season, Benitez said: “We will try to find a solution with Mascherano that will be the best for the club and the best for the player.”

Mascherano, who already has an Olympic gold medal from the Athens games four years ago, is now in line to face Canada on August 6, Sweden on August 9 and hosts China on August 12 with potential quarter and semi-finals to follow before the gold medal match on August 21.

Mascherano been named in Sergio Batista’s 18-man party along with other high-profile players such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Juan Roman Riquelme.

Liverpool youngster Emiliano Insua – who signed a new long-term contract with the club on Wednesday will remain on Batista’s standby list.

Mascherano, Riquelme and Internazionale defender Nicolas Burdisso are the squad’s three over-age players.

Argentina will travel to Tokyo to play a friendly against Japan on July 29 before going on to Beijing.

Wily Benitez Hails Philipp Degen As Shrewd Slice Of Business For Liverpool

On the first anniversary of the day Fernando Torres arrived at Anfield in a record-breaking £28million deal, manager Rafael Benitez has hailed the potential of a player who cost the club nothing.

Defender Philipp Degen has been signed on a Bosman deal from Borussia Dortmund and met his new team-mates at Melwood for the first time yesterday.

The Swiss international has become Liverpool’s first official signing of the summer after putting pen to paper on a four year-deal.

He had been offered a new deal by the German side, but was keen to test himself in the Premier League with Liverpool.

Benitez is delighted to have added to his squad a player who won three league titles and a domestic cup winner’s medal during his time at first club Basel and believes the added strength in depth will give added momentum to the drive for the Premier League title in the new season.

“We were working to try and find this kind of player in the full-back position with the ability to push forward, so I think he is a good signing,” explained Benitez.

“It was another good acquisition through the scouting department because it is another Bosman player.

“The season before last we were watching him and we knew he would be a good addition. But we made our move this year because it was a better situation in terms of the contracts, so it was straightforward.”

Benitez has been linked with a number of wide players during the transfer window, but he believes Degen’s abilities will add a natural width to the side.

He said: “He’s very strong. He likes to go forward; he’s very offensive and will give us options on the right-hand side.

“People talk about wingers but he will give us width from thefull-back area and that is important too.”

Degen may find his way to the first team obstructed by the likes of Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa, but Benitez is delighted to have added further competition for places.

“It is important for me to have one, two or even three players who can play in one position or different positions and compete for their place,” he explained.

Liverpool have made an early start to their preparations for the new season – with the exception of those involved in Euro 2008 – and the manager has been encouraged by the reaction of the players at the end of their first week.

“The commitment of the players is fantastic,” he said. “Sometimes you need to stop them because they play with a very high tempo.”

On the prospects for Spain’s Euro 2008 match-winner Torres in his second season in the Premier League, Benitez is confident he can have an equally stunning impact as last time round.

“Everyone knows he has been fantastic for us,” he said.

“We have our good memories about the day he arrived and how well he has done. I am really, really happy with him and hopefully he will be even better next season – if that is possible.”

Liverpool start their pre-season schedule with a match at Wirral neighbours Tranmere next week, with Benitez adding: “The first game is always important. It will be close to our people and interesting for Merseyside, so we will try to do well.”

Torres Reveals Anfield Boost

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres believes pressure from Rafael Benitez and inspiration from Steven Gerrard have helped him to become a global superstar and European champion.

The 24-year-old topped off a season during which he scored 33 goals in his debut campaign for the Reds by firing Spain to the Euro 2008 title last weekend.

And he claims manager Benitez's demand for constant improvement has driven him to ever greater heights following last summer's transfer from Atletico Madrid.

"After you score 20, Benitez is at you during the next training session and stays on top of you all day, all week," Torres told Champions magazine.

"I want to progress in life, not relax, not be complacent, and you need someone close to you telling you to keep at it. It is impossible to do it otherwise.

"We don't always fancy someone that close but, in the long term, I am sure that everybody will thank him for it."

The Spaniard has also been impressed by his club captain Gerrard, and in particular by the Scouser's ability to deal with the pressures that come with his high profile.

"He's always under tremendous pressure to perform and everyone looks to him to show leadership, to lift the team," Torres said.

"He's a great example, and those of us who have been in a similar situation know how difficult it is to handle.

"It's incredible the way he carries himself regardless of what is going on around him. I'd love to be captain of another team one day and Steve has shown me how to be a great leader."

Ten Things You Don't Know About Dossena

He's an Italian international who helped set Serie A alight with a series of impressive diplays for Udinese last season - but what else do you know about our new left-back?

Liverpoolfc.tv attempts to get you up to speed by revealing 10 things you probably never knew about Andrea Dossena:

1. Andrea started playing football for Fanfulla, an amateur side from Lodi. He then joined Hellas Verona at the age of 14. During his career he has also played for Treviso and Udinese.

2. He loves reading crime novels and listening to music. He also enjoys travelling around the world – he has already been to Mexico, the Maldives and visited the USA last year.

3. Andrea will be the first Italian international to play for Liverpool. The player passed his medical at Melwood earlier this month.

4. Dossena made his Serie A debut for Hellas Verona on November 18, 2001, in the derby against Chievo. His team went on to celebrate a 3-2 win over their city rivals.

5. In May 2008 the full-back revealed his passion for the Reds. He said: "Liverpool are a great team, and it is great to be linked to such a famous club. I want to play Champions League football, the Reds have already won it and they often get to the big games. In England, they are on the same level as Manchester United."

6. The 5ft 11 defender made 35 appearances for Udinese last year, netting two goals, including a screamer against Juventus. With the Zebrette he used to wear the number 8 shirt.

7. The left-back enjoyed a nine year stay at Hellas Verona and still regards them as one of his favourites teams. "I will never forget Verona, I always keep it in my heart," he insisted.

8. In October 2007, aged 26, Andrea earned his one and only cap for Italy taking part in a friendly game against South Africa. His debut was really positive as he set up a goal for the World Champions. In the 2000-01 season, he made four appearances with Italy Under-21 National Team.

9. After having long hair for several years, Andrea decided to shave his head at the beginning of the past season. "They told me I looked angry with that haircut, so I was forced to change," he said.

10. The 27-year-old was born on September 11, and shares his birthday with German legend Franz Beckenbauer and American singer Moby.

Cavalieri Charge Liverpool Close In On Keeper

Liverpool have prepared for Scott Carson's exit by making a £3m offer for the Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri, although their £10m valuation of the England international is frustrating his hopes of a move away from Anfield.

Carson wants to leave Rafael Benítez's team having spent loan spells at Aston Villa, Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday in the three years since joining Liverpool from Leeds United. The 22-year-old, capped twice by England, saw a proposed return to Villa fall through after Martin O'Neill deemed the goalkeeper over-priced, while interest from Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion also cooled over Liverpool's demands.

Another season-long loan remains possible for Carson but, with the player wanting stability and his club seeking to raise funds for Benítez's transfer budget, neither party is keen on the idea. Anfield officials are close to securing cover for Jose Reina next season after holding talks with Palmeiras over Cavalieri. Milan and Internazionale have both been linked with the 26-year-old but Liverpool are understood to have agreed personal terms with the Brazilian and hope to secure his signature next week.

Benítez completed his second signing of the summer yesterday when Andrea Dossena finalised his move from Udinese. The Italian left-back, capped once by his country, signed a four-year deal and will cost Liverpool an initial £6m, rising to £8m over the course of his contract. He follows the Swiss international Philipp Degen, who has joined on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund.

The veteran coach Archie Knox has joined Paul Ince's backroom staff at Blackburn Rovers. The 61-year-old former Manchester United, Rangers and Everton coach was released by Gary Megson from Bolton at the end of last season and will work alongside Ince and the assistant manager Ray Mathias as Rovers' first-team coach.

Councillors in Liverpool have formed a cross-party alliance to urge the government to call-in Everton's proposed stadium move to Kirkby. The £400m project between Everton and Tesco is currently under review by the Government Office for the North West. Leaders of the Labour, Liberal Democrat, Liberal and Green parties are to formally request an inquiry amid allegations the project breaks planning regulations.

Rafa After Palmeiras Keeper?

Coveted Palmeiras goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri is almost certain to join a European club this summer, with Liverpool being touted as a possible destination by some sections of the Brazilian press.

The 25-year-old, who has spent his entire career so far with the 'Verdão', is very highly regarded in his homeland, and was close to signing for Inter in 2005 before they opted for Julio Cesar instead.

As the surname would suggest, Cavalieri hails from Italian stock, which means he would have the added being able to obtain an EU pass should he make the move across the Atlantic.

AC Milan are also said to be keen on the Palmeiras gem in their search for a replacement for their Brazilian flop Nelson Dida, while Benfica, Valencia, Lazio and Fiorentina have all linked with moves over the last year.

Cavalleri is reportedly in Europe right now in order to secure a work permit and will almost certainly take the opportunity to meet with some of the aforementioned suitors.

His representatives have remained coy in their latest comments, though one of his agents Juninho revealed the following: “We have signed a document with the team that forces us to keep their name secret, that’s why we can’t reveal it at the moment.

“They came to speak to me, to Palmeiras, and the negotiations are in progress," he concluded.

Parry: Liverpool FC New Stadium Building To Commence In Autumn

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has disclosed that the club is ensuring that the New LFC Stadium building work in Stanley Park, starts in the autumn.

In his column on the Reds’ official website, Parry writes: “Most fans will be aware that "enabling" work has been started in Stanley Park regarding the New LFC Stadium. This is a very important step forward.

“We have obtained licence agreement from the council to start work on the park and it's a significant moment, being the first time any physical work has been undertaken. It's all about site preparation to ensure we are ready to commence building in the Autumn with completion planned for the summer of 2011.”

Club co-owner George Gillett had recently stressed that the new stadium, which is said to be worth £350m, is unique in design, hoping that it will keep intact the Anfield magic.

The American had said: "The stadium design is unique and will be recognised across the world as the Liverpool FC stadium.

"It incorporates a Kop stand that will hold 18,000 fans and we hope that the stadium will be as noisy and atmospheric on a matchday as Anfield."

The £20m Man: Keane Can Go If Benitez Agrees To Spurs' Terms

Robbie Keane returned to pre-season yesterday to find that Tottenham have slapped a £20million price tag on his head to ward off strong interest from Liverpool.

Spurs last week rejected a player-plus-cash deal involving Peter Crouch for Keane, whose desire to move has received high-profile backing from Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

Although Spurs are reluctant to sell their top scorer, Sportsmail understands that an offer of Crouch plus around £10m would be given consideration at White Hart Lane.

Keane has informed Spurs officials he wishes to join the club he supported as a boy if a deal can be struck.

But it appears Spurs, like Aston Villa with Gareth Barry, will not countenance the transfer unless Liverpool return with what they consider to be a realistic bid.

Manager Juande Ramos needs to generate funds after spending £30m on Luka Modric, John Bostock, Giovani Dos Santos and goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

Spurs remain favourites to sign Blackburn midfielder David Bentley while a move for Sevilla's Diego Capel could yet be resurrected despite the Spanish side rejecting a £12.6m bid earlier this week.

The sale of unsettled striker Dimitar Berbatov would cover Ramos' outlay thus far, if Spurs were to achieve their asking price.

However, Real Madrid are ready to pull out of the race to sign Berbatov in an attempt to appease Manchester United over their public pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo, but it is unlikely Sir Alex Ferguson will agree to the £30m fee Spurs are asking of rival Premiership clubs.

Galatasaray Claim Kewell Transfer

Galatasaray claim they have signed Harry Kewell - but the Australian's agent Bernie Mandic insists the deal has not been completed.

The Turkish club's website said Kewell, 29, had signed a three-year contract after he was not offered a new deal by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.

But Mandic said: "We have not finalised a deal for Harry and it's down to two possibilities."

Mandic added that Kewell's future may become clearer on Saturday.

Roma, Spartak Moscow and Portsmouth have all been linked with a move for the Australian international.

Kewell had five injury-troubled seasons at Liverpool after moving from Leeds.

A move to Galatasaray would end any possibility of Kewell being one of Australia's three over-age players at the Beijing Olympics.

Kewell was sent off playing for Leeds against Galatasaray in the 2000 Uefa Cup semi-final.

He scored a goal and helped set up another in Australia's 3-1 win over Qatar in June that guaranteed them a place in the second round of Asian qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

Hungarian Invasion Continues At Anfield

Liverpool’s ties with MTK Hungaria continue to blossom, with three of the Budapest side’s youngsters beginning trials at Melwood this week.

Zsolt Poloskei, David Keleman and Norbert Ode have joined up with the Reds reserves for pre-season training, where they will hope to sufficiently impress Rafa Benitez and thus earn an Anfield contract.

The 16- and 17-year-olds follow in the footsteps of compatriots Peter Gulacsi, Andras Simon and Kristian Nemeth, who made the switch from Budapest to Merseyside after successful trials last summer.

Nemeth in particular has proved a hit during his short and injury-interrupted spell so far, the 19-year-old's intelligence and finishing ability earning comparisons to Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler.

Hence, Benitez and co are excited at the two clubs’ growing relationship, as they believe they have discovered a potential goldmine of unheralded talent.

Parry On Rafa, Transfers And Pre-Season

It is extremely busy behind the scenes at Anfield right now as Rafael Benitez and myself work hard on the club's summer plans.

This relates to buying and selling and putting the finishing touches to our pre-season schedule which is crucial to our Champions League preparations.

We are spending a lot of time together. It is always a little frustrating when deals take longer than you might have hoped because of the complexities of transfers these days. However, fans can rest assured that we are putting in the hours to make things happen.

We remain upbeat about the way things are going and will keep fans in touch as things progress.

Having announced six away friendlies as part of pre-season build-up, we are now close to finalising a prestigious home game against Lazio at Anfield on Friday, August 8. The visit of the Italians will be an attractive proposition for our supporters who will remember the Rome side coming here for a friendly in July 2002.

We had a spell a few years ago when we arranged a number of games of this calibre against teams like Parma and Inter. Ironically, Rafa's former club Valencia was probably the last of those.

Gerard Houllier used to quite like matches at this level as part of his preparation and Rafa sees the value in the build-up to our vital Champions League qualifier in August.

The away games already confirmed are against Tranmere Rovers, FC Lucerne, Wisla Krakow, Hertha Berlin, Villarreal, Glasgow Rangers and Valarenga. We will take a lot of fans to Ibrox where I know we will get a great welcome.

It will also be the first opportunity on UK soil to salute our Spanish players after their tremendous success in the European Championship, not least matchwinner Fernando Torres. His world-class qualities were there for all to see against Germany.

Fernando's winning goal in a well-deserved 1-0 victory was a classic piece of finishing. Liverpudlians know all about his pace, determination and skill. All of these qualities played a part in a superb strike that stunned his marker Lahm. The defender looked favourite to win the ball, but he was caught out by Fernando's explosive speed. We all remember Kenny Dalglish's famous dink over the keeper in the 1978 European Cup final against Bruges. Spaniards everywhere will never forget the Torres equivalent as he clipped the ball into the back of the net over the advancing Jens Lehmann.

Our striker had already warned the Germans with a great header that came back off the post. Congratulations must also go out to Xabi Alonso who came on as a substitute to play his part and also squad members Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa who picked up medals as members of a talented Spanish group.

* Most fans will be aware that "enabling" work has been started in Stanley Park regarding the New LFC Stadium. This is a very important step forward. We have obtained licence agreement from the council to start work on the park and it's a significant moment, being the first time any physical work has been undertaken. It's all about site preparation to ensure we are ready to commence building in the Autumn with completion planned for the summer of 2011.

Liverpool Boss Benitez Hails Attacking Qualities Of Philipp Degen

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes new signing Philipp Degen will provide the width to facilitate the attacks, from the full-back position and bring about increased competition for places.

The 25-year-old Switzerland international right-back completed his Bosman move to Anfield on Thursday and met his Reds team-mates for the first time on Friday.

Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: “I'm really pleased (to sign Degen) because we were working to try and find this kind of player in the full-back position with the ability to push forward, so I think he is a good signing. It was another good acquisition through the scouting department because it is another Bosman player.”

Elaborating on the qualities of the former Borussia Dortmund player, Benitez said: “He's very strong. He likes to go forward; he's very offensive and will give us options on the right-hand side. People talk about wingers but he will give us width from the full-back area and that is important too.”

The Spanish tactician also disclosed that there are couple of areas that they focused on and the reason to bring Degen was to get more firepower in these regions. And now with the new addition, and Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa in the squad, the competition is bound to be severe.

Benitez said: “Yes, clearly. It is important for me to have one, two or even three players who can play in one position or different positions and compete for their place.”

Insua Signs New Pool Contract

Liverpool have tied down their talented young defender Emiliano Insua to a new three-year contract this afternoon.

19-year-old former Boca Juniors player Insua is a full-back, whose best position is in the left full-back role.

And the news that he has signed a new contract will come as a boost to fans of the Merseyside giants as the Argentinean is tipped to have a hot future in the game.

The deal to keep Insua, who last year was a regular for Liverpool’s reserve side that won the title, will keep him at Anfield until June of 2011.

To date, Argentina Under-20 international regular Insua has made just five senior appearances for the club, three of which have been in the Premiership.

The summer transfer activities are picking up for Liverpool as they have reportedly stepped closer to signing Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry after the England international was disciplined by his current club due to criticising manager Martin O’Neill in a newspaper interview.

Attacking midfielder Anthony Le Tallec has gone out the other way, joining French outfit Le Mans on a permanent deal, having spent last season on loan there, for an undisclosed fee. Le Tallec had been a Liverpool player for five years, but the vast majority of his spell was spent away from Anfield in loan stints.

Liverpool FC's Latest Bid For Gareth Barry Rejected

Gareth Barry’s Aston Villa nightmare deepened last night when the Midlands club claimed they had rejected a new bid from Liverpool.

But Villa insist the offer from Anfield was not the £17million one widely reported earlier yesterday.

Liverpool also denied they had made a £17m bid, and insisted it was “not their final offer”.

But on a day when Villa manager Martin O’Neill fined club skipper Barry two weeks’ wages for his Sunday newspaper outburst attacking his manager’s handling of the prospective deal, Liverpool were again told they had not matched Villa’s valuation.

Liverpool had previously seen three bids rejected of £10million, £12m and then £13m and the new offer was believed to be in the region of £15m. O’Neill, however, is holding out for £18m.

Barry had raised the stakes this week by publicly attacking his manager, and as well as being fined he was also told not to attend Villa’s first day of pre-season training today.

Villa’s latest statement said: “The club have received a renewed offer from Liverpool for the player but that still falls well short of Aston Villa’s evaluation, and has subsequently been rejected.”

Earlier yesterday O’Neill had denied he had received another offer from Liverpool.

Barry’s absence from training today will only heighten the drama over his move, with his current position at the club clearly untenable.

Barry upset O’Neill by intimating the Villa manager was more interested in being a television pundit for the Euro 2008 finals than speaking to him over his future.

It is also unlikely that the England midfielder will be part of O’Neill’s squad as Villa jet off to a Swiss training camp next week ahead of their first pre-season friendly away at FC Zurich on July 12.

Villa’s competitive season starts almost a month earlier than most of their Premier League rivals as they will travel to the winners of TPS Turku of Finland and Denmark’s Odense BK on July 19/20 but Barry is not expected to figure even if his desired move to Anfield has not been completed by then.

Barry’s situation has become so bitter at Villa though, O’Neill could well try to hold out to ensure his captain is not able to play for Liverpool in their Champions League qualifier on August 12.

And Benitez is also ready to embark on a similar war of attrition with Tottenham over striker Robbie Keane, with sources close to the Irish international striker claiming they know Keane wants to move to Anfield.

Liverpool’s willingness to meet Villa’s price tag for Barry could be assisted if Juventus meet their £16m valuation of Spanish international midfielder Xabi Alonso. Currently on holiday following Luis Aragones’s side’s success at the European Championship finals, Alonso admits that he had no idea where he’d be playing his club football next season.

However, with Juventus having been unable to lure Italian international midfielder Alberto Aquilani from Roma, they could now step up their attempts to prise Alonso away from Anfield.

Pompey Step Up Bid To Sign Peter Crouch

Portsmouth are ready to step up their bid to sign Liverpool striker Peter Crouch as it emerged that the FA Cup winners are heading for a showdown with Kanu over his contract demands.

After playing more than 20 matches for the Fratton Park outfit last season, the 31-year-old Nigerian triggered the offer of a new one-year deal as stipulated in the contract he signed with the club last summer.

However Kanu, who netted the winning goal against Cardiff in last season’s FA Cup final to give the south coast club their first major trophy for 58 years, is now expected to tell them he wants a two-year deal.

The former Arsenal and West Brom striker, who has enjoyed an upturn in fortunes under Harry Redknapp following relegation at the Hawthorns in 2006, has reported to have declared as much on Nigerian radio and is set to return to his club next Tuesday to discuss his future.

Portsmouth remain unconvinced though and chief executive

Peter Storrie who handles all contract and transfer details for Redknapp said: “Kanu will be back in training next week when we hope he will sign the contract he has been offered.

“In accordance with last year’s deal, we have given him another 12 months. At this moment in time he has not signed it. All talk he now wants a two-year contract is news to us. I was not aware of that at all. He hasn’t spoken to me about it. No-one knows whether what he has supposedly said is factual or not – I will be interested to hear what he has to say when he returns next week.

“As it stands there is a contract there to be signed. If he wants longer nothing has been said to me.”

Storrie has already revealed that Portsmouth remain still very much in the hunt for Crouch despite having a £9million bid for the Liverpool striker rejected last week.

Whether Kanu stays or not, the England international remains Redknapp’s number one striking target ahead of the club’s first ever European campaign.

In terms of physical stature and playing style, Crouch, who netted 19 goals in 39 games for Portsmouth between 2001-02 – the most prolific spell of his career – would be an ideal replacement for Kanu.

The 27-year-old, who has been linked to several other Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur with Benitez eager to acquire Robbie Keane in a swap deal, is believed to favour a move to Fratton Park, not just because of the success he enjoyed there previously but also because he has a good working relationship with Redknapp.

The pair were together at Hampshire rivals Southampton back in 2004-05 when despite suffering relegation from the Premier League Crouch netted 16 goals, earning an England call-up and £7million move to Champions League winners Liverpool.

Anfield officials could wait until European champion Xabi Alonso returns from holiday before they can sort out the Spanish midfielder’s future.

Alonso has been given a three-week break following Spain’s successful Euro 2008 campaign, with his proposed £16m move to Juventus seemingly on hold.

The player admits to having “no idea” where he will be playing next season.

Trap Pushes Keane Towards Anfield

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has urged his star charge Robbie Keane to jump on the chance to join Liverpool this summer.

Tottenham already have their work cut out for them to convince Keane to resist the lure of Liverpool, so they will not be in the least bit happy that his national team manager has so publicly encouraged his player to make a move to 'advance his career'.

Trapattoni told the Daily Mail: "I don’t know what is happening with Liverpool at the moment but I would be very happy for him (to move).

“I hope it happens for him because it will be a big challenge. It would be important for him and important for us.”

The Sun claimed on Monday that Keane has told Spurs boss Juande Ramos he wants to leave, while virtually simultaneously Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has weighed in with a Crouch plus cash swap proposal.

According to the Irish Independent, Tottenham have now made it clear that they will resist all offers for the 27-year-old, who is considered one of the key components of the London side's determined drive to become a genuine top four side.

Liverpool Aim To Capture Hat-trick Of Titles In Rome

All roads lead to Rome for Liverpool in next season’s Champions League competition. The 2009 final will be staged at the Stadio Olimpico in Italy’s capital and on two of the three previous occasions that the Eternal City has hosted European football’s biggest game of the season Liverpool have emerged as winners.

Juventus defeated Ajax on penalties in the most recent Rome final in 1996 but Liverpool took the cup – again in a shoot-out – against Roma on their own ground back in 1984 and won their first European Cup in the same stadium in 1977, defeating German club Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1.

Roma, who will be hoping to reach the final on their own turf again, are already guaranteed a place in the group stages alongside Serie A champions Internazionale who Liverpool knocked out in the quarter-finals of last season’s tournament.

This year’s finalists, Manchester United and Chelsea, also go straight through to the group stages courtesy of their one-two finish in the Premier League and will be joined by Spain’s Real Madrid and Villarreal, who will host Liverpool in a friendly match in the final week of this month.

UEFA Cup winners Zenit St Petersburg go straight through to the groups after winning the Russian League last autumn when Martin Skrtel was still at the heart of their defence.

Because of their fourth-place finish in the Premier League, Liverpool will enter the competition in the third qualifying round, the same stage as last year, alongside third-place Arsenal.

Their opponents will be one of the winners from the second qualifying round and high profile candidates include Rangers, Dynamo Kiev, Anderlecht, Sparta Prague, Fenerbahce, Panathinaikos, Basel and Rapid Vienna.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2008/09

Group stage:

Spain (2): Real Madrid, Villarreal

England (2): Manchester United, Chelsea

Italy (2): Internazionale, Roma

France (2): Lyon, Bordeaux

Germany (2): Bayern Munich, Werder Bremen

Portugal (2): Porto, Sporting CP

Romania (1): CFR Cluj

Netherlands (1): PSV Eindhoven

Russia (1): Zenit St Petersburg

Scotland (1): Celtic

Third qualifying round:

Spain (2): Barcelona, Atletico Madrid

England (2): Arsenal, Liverpool

Italy (2): Juventus, Fiorentina

France (1): Marseille

Germany (1): Schalke 04

Portugal (1): Vitoria Guimaraes

Romania (1): Steaua Bucharest

Netherlands (1): Twente

Russia (1): Spartak Moscow

Ukraine (1): Shakhtar Donetsk

Belgium (1): Standard Liege

Czech Republic (1): Slavia Prague

Turkey (1): Galatasaray

Gareth Barry Playing Dirty With Aston Villa

I always had Gareth Barry down as a straight guy, a decent footballer, a humble team man, the sort you want to see succeed. Silly me. If you thought that Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid was the tawdry business of the summer, you have not been paying attention to Barry's attempts to get himself a transfer to Liverpool, whatever it takes.

Last weekend Barry interrupted a holiday in Florida to talk to a reporter from a Sunday red-top newspaper. The majority of the conversation appears to have been spent criticising Martin O'Neill, his manager at Aston Villa.

This would be the same O'Neill who arrived at Villa Park and, in one of his first decisions, stopped Barry being sold to Portsmouth on the cheap. The same O'Neill who showed such faith in Barry that the club captain has become a stalwart of the England team under Fabio Capello.

His thanks was a laughable piece saying that O'Neill was more interested in commentating on Euro 2008 for the BBC than retaining his captain. About all there was to recommend the article was that at least it made a change from the clumsy leaks about Liverpool's interest and Barry's desire to move to Anfield that have mysteriously found their way throughout the summer into a friendly newspaper.

Such shabby behaviour might make sense if Villa were adamant that Barry was not going to leave under any circumstances, but O'Neill and Randy Lerner, the Villa owner, are intelligent men. They can understand why Barry's head has been turned by the approach from a Champions League club. They know that every player has a price when the big clubs come calling.

By any reasonable estimation, that price has to be close to £18million, given that Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves each joined Manchester United for something similar and Barry has overtaken both rivals in the England pecking order. For a 27-year-old established international player with two years left on his contract, it is the going rate.

The interesting question now is whether Liverpool want to spend that sum or whether they even have it available. One can only guess from the increasingly desperate behaviour of Barry and his genius of an agent, Alex Black, that those are questions they are asking themselves.

Surely Black is not so daft to have have promised Liverpool that he could get his player out for considerably less than £18million. Surely he was not in such a mad rush to pull off the transfer that he erroneously assumed that Rafael Benítez, the Liverpool manager, had a huge budget and would simply pay what it takes.

The questions take on particular pertinence, given that Villa are due to report back to pre-season training on Thursday, when Barry, in theory, will return as captain. It makes you wonder whether he is so embarrassed by the idea of having to meet O'Neill face to face that he has resorted to anything, even attacking his own club in the hope that they will wash their hands of him for the £13million on the table.

He is not the first footballer to stoop to such tactics, but instead of wasting time attacking his manager, Barry could more usefully have picked up the phone to Liverpool and instructed them to increase their offer. He must be wondering if they do not value him so highly after all, which is something we should all be asking, given his recent behaviour.

Euro Champ Alonso Keeps Liverpool Waiting As Juventus Wait In Wings With £16m Offer

Liverpool may have to wait until European champion Xabi Alonso returns from holiday before they can sort out the Spanish midfielder's future.

Alonso has been given a three-week break following Spain's successful Euro 2008 campaign, with his proposed £16million move to Juventus seemingly on hold.

But Alonso admits to having 'no idea' where he will be playing next season.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez needs funds from player sales to maintain his interest in Aston Villa's Gareth Barry and what is believed to be a player-plus cash offer for Tottenham's Irish forward Robbie Keane.

Alonso told Spanish football expert Guillem Balague's website, www.guillembalague.com: 'I have no idea [what the future holds]. Right now I am just thinking about going on holiday, sitting back and relaxing.

'We all need time to sit back and think about what we (Spain) achieved and to take it all in.

'I will be able to think about all that has gone on and what is going to happen regarding my future later on. We will see what happens when I get back.'

Alonso's performances have made him a European champion for club and country since joining Liverpool, and many fans do not want to see him sold.

Some are dismayed that the current American ownership seem unable to fund Benitez's transfer dealing without selling high-profile players.

Talks between Juventus and Liverpool over Alonso are believed to have stalled over the fee demanded by Benitez.

Benitez is involved in a delicate financial balancing act, and wants to offload Peter Crouch, Jermaine Pennant and Scott Carson.

John Arne Riise has moved to Roma for £4m, and Harry Kewell has been released, with reserve goalkeeper Charles Itandje on his way to Galatasaray for £2m.

Yossi Benayoun and Steve Finnan could also depart.

Benitez is believed to have offered Crouch plus £5m to Tottenham for Keane, a lifelong Liverpool fan.

Portsmouth also want Crouch, a situation confirmed by Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie yesterday. But Benitez clearly want to use the England striker as a makeweight in a deal for Keane.

Benitez's activity in the transfer market continues as American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett maintain their search for funding for the new LFC stadium - as the club now wish the project to be named - planned for Stanley Park.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) are holding off on the delivery of a £9m grant for the project until the club show they have the money for the £350m scheme.

Steve Broomhead, chief executive of the NWDA, has held talks with Kop Holdings, the Americans' company, over funding for the new stadium.

Last week the club started preliminary work in Stanley Park, with both Gillett and Hicks being quoted on Liverpool's website together for the first time in months.

The work is being financed by the £60million set aside from the January re-financing package which is likely to run out by the end of the year.

The £9million from the NWDA will fund regeneration work around the stadium and is a drop in the ocean considering the overall costs of the scheme.

Winner Torres Thanks Liverpool Fans

The man who scored Spain's winner in Sunday's Euro 2008 final has acknowledged a debt of gratitude he feels to his English club and their fans.

Fernando Torres, the Liverpool and Spain striker, has been effusive in his praise of the Anfield club's fans for the part they played in his success with his country thi9s summer.

Torres was the scorer of the only goal on Sunday against Germany as Spain won their first major honour since 1964.

And the 24-year-old ex-Atletico Madrid striker says Liverpool have given him self-belief and helped him hone his technique.

"I have had a wonderful first season at Anfield and the 33 goals I scored for Liverpool gave me the confidence and belief I needed for the European finals," he was quoted as saying in the Daily Telegraph.

"I would like to thank the manager Rafa Benitez and his staff because I have improved as a player thanks to them.

"But it is not just the people at the club who have helped me, it is also the supporters and the people of the city.

"From the moment I first came to Liverpool I have been made to feel welcome and that is why I am able to enjoy my football so much.

"It is incredible. The Liverpool fans have given me so much support and I know that they have even been supporting Spain and this is something I will never forget and I thank everyone for that.

"Now I am looking forward to competing for trophies with Liverpool because I know that means so much to the club and the fans."

Reds Lodge Last Barry Bid

Liverpool have reportedly lodged one last ‘take it or leave it’ bid for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

The Sun reports that the Reds have offered ₤17million for Barry, topping their previous best bid of around ₤14million.

The deal would comprise of ₤15million up front, while the remaining ₤2million would be triggered by Liverpool’s league position during the England international’s tenure.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill has already knocked back three bids from the Merseyside giants and is demanding no less than ₤18million straight cash for the 27-year-old.

But the Ulsterman may be forced to concede defeat after Barry recently went public with his desire to move to Anfield, slamming his manager’s lack of communication in the process.

Many suspected Reds boss Rafa Benitez might even lower his bid following Barry’s announcement, given that Villa have also been in negotiations with Chelsea for his potential replacement, Steve Sidwell.

O’Neill will hold crisis talks with Barry this week but the situation appears beyond repair and a deal could be done within days.

Lawrenson: League Title Next For Torres

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has backed Euro 2008 winner Fernando Torres to shoot Liverpool to next season’s Premier League title.

Ex-Atletico Madrid forward Torres was a key player for Spain and scored the winner in the final to hand his nation a 1-0 victory over Germany in Vienna on Sunday.

And after the Spaniard picked up his first piece of major silverware, in the process ending his side’s 44-year wait for international gold, Lawrenson believes that more titles could beckon for the striker, starting with next season’s Premier League.

"Amazingly, winning the European Championship was the first major piece of silverware that Torres has lifted during his career but now that he's off the mark it can only bode well for Liverpool next season," the BBC pundit told the press.

"Having become a European champion with his nation, Torres will be eager to repeat the feat at club level and following the end of Spain's long wait he'll be determined to bring to an end Liverpool's search for the Premier League title too, which I think he will do."

Torres' goal on Sunday, a perfectly weighted chip over the onrushing Jens Lehmann, was the perfect way to cap a high quality tournament, and Lawrenson feels that he was the only player on the pitch capable of producing such a moment.

"Grabbing the winner in the final against Germany was obviously a great way for Fernando Torres to end the Euro 2008 tournament and I reckon that he was probably the only player on the pitch capable of scoring that goal," he added.

"We're all well aware now that Torres is a special player and when you look at where he was and the fact that Jens Lehmann was hurtling towards him, he did incredibly well to get his goal.

"With that little bit of pace and little bit of power he was able to get the better of the German goalkeeper and secure Spain's first silverware in 44 years.

"One or two people have suggested to me that Liverpool’s number nine actually had quite an average tournament overall but I’d have to disagree.

"Torres was instrumental in David Villa finishing as top scorer although I thought he actually played better without the Valencia striker alongside him.

"He was able to play more of his natural game in the final with Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas operating just behind him in a Steven Gerrard-style role.

"Torres is similar to Thierry Henry in his pomp at Arsenal in that he likes to play up front on his own, getting his support from the various creative outlets in midfield.

"He enjoys the freedom and as a result Christoph Metzelder and Per Mertesacker were given a torrid time throughout the final."

Liverpool's Keane Bid Encounters Difficulties

Liverpool must overcome a series of obstacles to entice Robbie Keane to Anfield, with Tottenham's valuation of the Republic of Ireland captain and Rafael Benitez's limited transfer budget hindering attempts to unite the striker with Fernando Torres.

Keane has asked to be kept informed of Liverpool's interest after being the subject of a cash-plus-Peter Crouch enquiry last week, but is unlikely to jeopardise his relationship with Tottenham by submitting a transfer request. That could change if Liverpool lodged a formal bid for the 27-year-old, a boyhood fan who shares an agent with Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, but Spurs' £20m valuation would still be prohibitive to the Anfield club.

Liverpool are expected to make a fourth offer of around £15m to Aston Villa for Gareth Barry in the next 48 hours and, with the £8m transfer of Andrea Dossena merely awaiting the Italian left-back's signature, Benitez will then have to sell before making any purchases in the Keane price-bracket. Consequently Liverpool, who sold John Arne Riise to Roma for £4m and hope to raise another £1m by off-loading reserve keeper Charles Itandje to Galatasaray, would prefer to include Crouch in a deal for the Spurs striker. However, with the England international considering several options and Xabi Alonso yet to complete a move to Juventus, Benitez will have to bide his time before formalising his interest in Keane.

Tottenham will not be deflected in their interest in the Sevilla winger Diego Capel despite the Spanish club rejecting their opening £12.5m bid for the midfielder. Juande Ramos hopes to add pace and invention down the flanks with the capture of Blackburn Rovers' David Bentley and Capel but, as yet, has seen offers for both players knocked back.

Sevilla were quick to reject the approach from their former manager for the 20-year-old, despite Spurs offering more money than the buy-out clause in the Spaniard's contract. "That clause is only valid when a Spanish team makes a bid," confirmed the Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido. "We do not negotiate with any figure less than that amount. Tottenham made a superior bid and we rejected that because it was not close to the amount we believe the player is worth abroad where, we believe, the buy-out clause does not apply."

Ramos worked with Capel at Sevilla, where the winger made his debut as a 16-year-old before establishing himself as their first-choice left winger last term. An improved offer is likely to be made, as it will be for Bentley after Blackburn rejected an initial bid of around £7m and the England winger Aaron Lennon as a makeweight in the deal.

Tottenham Set To Lose Robbie Keane To Liverpool As He Signals Intention To Leave

Tottenham striker Robbie Keane has told the club's management that he wants to leave after hearing of Liverpool's interest in signing him.

Keane, the club's vice-captain and a popular figure with both players and the fans, was the subject of an initial inquiry last week, with Rafael Benitez offering a player plus cash deal of Peter Crouch and £5 million.

The club rebuffed the offer, but Benitez will be encouraged by Keane's eagerness to join the club he supported as a boy.

The Republic of Ireland international also has a strong friendship with both Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher and is enthused at the prospect of being involved in the Champions League.

Tottenahm value the 27-year-old at £20 million, a figure Liverpool believe they had reached as they have priced Crouch at £15 million, despite the highest bid received to date coming from Portsmouth at £9 million.

Tottenham are taking Portsmouth's bid as the market value of Crouch and so Benitez will have to increase the cash element of the deal before they will do business.

A further complication arises from the fact that Crouch, who has now conceded his future lies away from Anfield, favours a return to one of his former clubs, Portsmouth, rather than moving to London.

Tottenham manager Juande Ramos would be reluctant to lose one of his most consistent performers, especially at a time when he is trying to offload £17 million flop Darren Bent and the future of Dimitar Berbatov remains clouded in uncertainty.

Keane scored 24 goals in all competitions last season and has been an integral part of the side since signing from Leeds United for £7 million six years ago.

Should Keane leave, Ramos would have to buy a completely new front line for next season, though with considerable funds to chase long term-targets David Villa and Lukas Podolski.

Liverpool are locked in a protracted round of negotiations with Aston Villa over Gareth Barry and have limited funds to rush things through.

Tottenham do not need to sell before they can buy this summer as Ramos continues to overhaul the squad he inherited mid-way through last season.

However, Keane's head has been turned by Liverpool's interest and forcing him to remain at the club after he has expressed a firm desire to leave is seen as counter productive by Ramos.

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson's assertion that Manchester United are interested in making just a single, major signing this summer has raised once more the possibility that Berbatov could, at the third time of asking, be lured to Old Trafford.

Twice before, most recently last summer, Ferguson has inquired about the Bulgarian's availability only to be told by Tottenham that he is not for sale.

Tottenham value Berbatov at £30 million whilst United are willing to pay around £23 million and will not be forced to pay over the odds despite having money available to spend.

Asked about his transfer plans, Ferguson said: "There could be some dialogue, but I wouldn't think any more than one player. People think it's easy to buy players nowadays but it's not - money plays a big part.

"Clubs with ambition don't want to sell their best players so it's not as easy as you think."

Torres Tipped To Match Henry

Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has told Fernando Torres that he is still not as good as Thierry Henry at his best, but could get there in time.

Torres was the match-winner for Spain in the Euro 2008 final as he latched onto a Xavi pass and finished expertly past Lehmann.

Lehmann has been impressed by the Liverpool striker but feels there is still room for improvement.

Lehmann believes Henry is the greatest striker of recent times, having played with the Frenchman at Arsenal.

"I played in the same team as Thierry Henry, who was like a god," said the 38-year-old shot-stopper.

"There is still a difference. Torres could get there, but it takes a while."

Christoph Metzelder had a torrid time against Torres in Vienna and the Germany defender agrees that he is one of the most difficult forwards in the game to come up against.

"There are many good strikers - it's difficult to say who the best is," said Metzelder.

Alonso Puts Future Plans On Hold

Juventus target Xabi Alonso's future is no closer to being sorted out and there is unlikely to be any developments in this regard within the next fortnight.

When pressed on the whether he was still looking to leave Liverpool in the summer, the 26-year-old responded that all he wants to do now is take a rich deserved break to reflect on Spain's magnificent Euro sucesss with his family.

"I've no idea [what the future holds]. Right now I'm just thinking about going on holiday, sitting back and relaxing," he was quoted as saying in Guillem Balague's official website.

"We all need time to sit back and think about what we achieved and to take it all in.

"I'll be able to think about all that has gone on and what's going to happen regarding my future later on.

"We'll see what happens when I get back."

The Spanish midfielder has been heavily linked with the Turin giants since the end of last season, but his proposed move has been stuck in limbo since with neither team able to make any real progress while he was in active duty for his country in Euro 2008.

Reds Eye Wantaway Juninho

Liverpool have been tentatively linked with a move for disgruntled Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Juninho Pernambucano.

Juninho recently told l’Equipe that he may leave Stade Gerland this summer, as he is less than satisfied with Lyon’s decision to sack Alain Perrin as coach and hire Claude Puel in his stead.

And rumours have sprung up that Reds boss Rafa Benitez is willing to pay ₤3million to bring the 33-year-old to Anfield.

The Brazilian playmaker may not have youth on his side, but he is nonetheless regarded as one of Europe’s pre-eminent attacking midfielders and arguably the finest free-kick taker in the world.

While all reports at this stage are little more than mere speculation, the former Selecao star could be seen as an ideal mentor for his young compatriot Lucas Leiva and, of course, the solution to Liverpool's inconsistency from dead-ball situations.

Rafa To Rest Spanish Stars

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will give the club's Spanish contingent an extended holiday after their efforts at EURO 2008.

Reds striker Fernando Torres was the hero for Spain on Sunday, his first-half strike against Germany leading La Furia Roja to their second European Championship crown.

The ex-Atletico Madrid hitman was one of four Liverpudlians in Luis Aragones' title-winning squad, alongside Xabi Alonso, Jose Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa.

And Benitez revealed he will allow his compatriots an extra three weeks to recover from their exploits in Austria and Switzerland before summoning them to rejoin the squad for pre-season training.

"We have about 18 back today, then some of the internationals will be back in the next week," he told the club's official website. "The four Spanish players should be back in three weeks."

Liverpool Yet To Make New Gareth Barry Offer

Liverpool have still yet to make an improved bid for Gareth Barry after Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill admitted that his unsettled captain could move to Anfield if Rafael Benitez met their valuation for the England midfielder.

An increased offer of around £18million is now expected to be enough to end the long-running transfer saga and prise Barry away from the Midlands club but despite Benitez and several members of his squad returning to Melwood yesterday, Liverpool are still plotting their next and likely to be decisive, move.

O’Neill has hit back in his row with Barry and told him he is free to join Liverpool – for the right price – after the 27-year-old claimed the Ulsterman had not done enough to convince him that he was wanted.

However, O’Neill responded to his player’s verbal attack yesterday by saying: “The chairman and I were surprised at Gareth’s comments.

“Contrary to what he said, we desperately wanted to keep him – and he knows that.

“We asked both Gareth and his agent to consider what had been discussed at our meeting which included a variety of options to incentivise the player.

“But Gareth came back from England international duty in June and reiterated his intention to join Liverpool and he told me so.

“Liverpool’s valuation of Gareth has been consistently well short of our own and at the moment remains so.

“But if they meet our valuation, Gareth will get his expressed wish to leave. Until then, he remains an Aston Villa player.”

Liverpool’s pursuit of Barry depends on whether they can raise funds by offloading some of their fringe players and Portsmouth have insisted that they remain in the hunt to bring Peter Crouch back to Fratton Park despite having a £9million bid rejected last week.

Chief executive Peter Storrie said: “Harry (Redknapp) has made it clear he wants Peter Crouch. He’s the sort of quality we want to add to the team.

“We have made a fair bid for him and that was turned down but we are still interested.

“It’s now the case that we have made known our position and Liverpool have made known theirs – we will see what happens after that. This is not the end of it.

“We are still interested, he’s a quality player.”

However, reports that Harry Kewell whose contract with Liverpool expires today could be set for a move to the FA Cup winners have been dismissed.

Storrie said: “As for Kewell, that is two years out of date. Back then we were interested and then he had that bad injury. That was the end of that. Nothing’s happening now, though.”

One new arrival confirmed at Anfield yesterday is former Liverpool player Mauricio Pellegrino who has returned to the club where he made 12 appearances in 2005 as first team coach.

Benitez, who also worked with the Argentinian at Valencia, from whom he arrives again having been working as youth team coach, said: “His role will be first-team coach, and he’ll also carry out specialist training sessions.

“He can also work specifically with the defence, and also the reserves.

“Pellegrino has a winning mentality. He won the Intercontinental Cup before going to Spain with Barcelona and Valencia.

“He has a lot of passion.

“When I asked him to come he was very pleased, but first he wanted to find out if there was a school where his three children could play good football. He is a football man.”

Liverpool FC Chief Rick Parry Determined To Stay Put

Liverpool FC chief executive Rick Parry yesterday said he still saw his future at “the best club in the world” as he picked up an honorary degree.

Parry donned a cap and gown yesterday to pick up his honour from the University of Liverpool.

The football executive, a Liverpool maths graduate in 1976, was awarded an honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws at a ceremony at the Philharmonic Hall.

Parry came under fire earlier this year from American LFC co-owner Tom Hicks, who called on him to resign for under-performing in his stewardship of the club, but the chief executive said he loves LFC and sees his future with the club.

He said: “I’m looking forward to working with Rafael (Benitez) and helping improve on last season’s result.

“Our standards are very high, as is the standard our fans demand. Winning the league, that’s the prize we’re all striving for.”

He added: “I have very fond memories of Liverpool University and I’ve seen it from both sides, seeing all the new graduates outside I can recognise what they’ve been through.

“It’s a day for them, not for me.”

Parry, 53, has had a varied and successful career since his first job as a trainee chartered accountant in 1976.

He was instrumental in planning the new Premier League and was appointed chief executive in February 1992.

His plans for the league were ratified seven days later by the Football Association allowing Parry to negotiate a television deal then worth a record £214m.

As chief executive he oversaw the development of the league into the international hotbed it is today, developing top stadiums and attracting worldwide football stars.

An unashamed Liverpool FC fan since his school days at Ellesmere Port Grammar School, he was appointed chief executive of the club in July, 1998, by the then chairman David Moores.

Speaking to the Daily Post ahead of his ceremony yesterday, Parry said it was a great honour to receive the degree in “his favourite city in the world.”

He said: “It’s a great honour being given the degree from the university I attended in the best city in the world.

“It’s really very special and was such a shock and surprise when they told me. I studied hard for three years for my degree, but I haven’t had to do any work at all for this one.

“When people ask me about my career I’ve never thought about it, I’m always looking forward, football never stops to pause and think.

“There have always been a lot of other people involved in everything I do and it’s been a privilege to have 10 years at the best club in the world.

“Being involved in the formation of the Premier League was exciting and great fun. It was a challenge, times have moved on and it’s fiercely competitive. The fact there were three English teams in the Champions League semi-finals shows the strength of the English formation.”

In response to critics of overpaid Premier League footballers and fans priced out by rising ticket prices, Parry said football had to move with the times.

He said: “I remember years ago people wanted football to stop, to keep everything as it was then, but it has to keep moving forward.

“It’s getting even more competitive, even more difficult, that is the way and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.”

Transfer Talk: Liverpool's 2008/9 Prospects

Liverpool’s season was marred by an internal war between manager, shareholders and owners. All eyes went from watching the football to round the clock analysis of the goings on between Rafa Benitez and the Liverpool board.

Anfield seemed to be in turmoil in April with co-owner Tom Hicks reportedly asking Rick Parry to hand in his resignation. Turmoil began as George Gillet admitted he was happy to sell his share of the club – this sparked a repeated interest from Dubai International Capital to take control of Gillet’s share – Hicks meanwhile was working on raising enough capital to buy-out his partner.

All this was going on as Liverpool prepared themselves for their Champions League semi-final against Chelsea – their third appearance in the last four stage in four seasons under Benitez.

Benitez’s position was further undermined when the media reported that former Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann had been approached as the Spaniard’s replacement – emergency talks were arranged, and as the season came to and end Benitez’s job was as safe again.

As every season, Liverpool will go in to the next campaign talking of a genuine title challenge but it is clear that investment in the playing staff is required to make that ring true for once.

Manager:

Rafa Benitez

Benitez has been with Liverpool since 2004 replacing Gerard Houllier. Much like the team he coached previously at Valencia, Benitez has struggled with a talented squad who persistently seem to under perform. European success and domestic cups have edeared him to the fans and hinted at what can be achieved but for all at Anfield winning the Premier League becomes more important the longer they go withoutn doing it.

Benitez is a football man - some would say football obsessive - and his constant search for the right balance in the team has yet to yeild a satisfactory solution with Liverpool.


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Last season:

4th - 76 points


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The pot:

Rafa Benitez is reported to have ‘demanded’ £50 million from Hicks and Gillet in a bid to bring three major signings to Anfield next season. This is something the manager has denied. Liverpool’s finances do not appear all that healthy however; their asking price for Peter Crouch has been branded too high by Harry Redknapp, and their persistent bids to bring Gareth Barry to the club reveal their inability to provide excessive funds. With a new stadium to finance as well Benitez may have to cut his cloth a bit more cleverly than the rest fo the big four if he is to compete for signings.


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What they want / need:

Liverpool need width. At least two wide players with pace and the ability to beat a man would add massively to a side that is central midfield heavy. Also, a decent strike partner for Fernando Torres is essential, despite his best efforts as a lone front man last season.


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Who their targets are:

Liverpool are expected to make a fourth offer for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry, reports suggest they hope to close a deal in the coming days. They are also targeting Valencia - said to be cash-strapped - in a bid to land David Silva. The departure of John Arne Riise to Roma also makes way for Liverpool to sign Udinese left-back Andrea Dossena for £7m.


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Special One:

Having already made three bids for Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry it seems the midfielder is Benitez’s top priority.


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Expect to see:

More boardroom turmoil.


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Don't expect to see:

A title challenge

O'Neill - Barry Can Leave

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has conceded that Gareth Barry will be allowed to fulfil his wish to join Liverpool, so long as The Reds meet the club's valuation of the player.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is keen to land England international Barry, who on Sunday reiterated his desire to play UEFA Champions League football, as he looks to bolster his midfield ahead of the 2008/09 season.

However, the Anfield club have failed in their previous attempts to secure Barry's services, despite upping their offer earlier this month.

O'Neill has remained adamant that the club are desperate to retain their captain, but has now admitted Barry will be granted permission to leave - for the right price.

"The chairman and I were surprised at Gareth's comments," O'Neill told The Sun.

"Contrary to what he said, we desperately wanted to keep him - and he knows that.

"But if Liverpool meet our valuation, Gareth will get his expressed wish to leave. Until then, he remains an Aston Villa player."

Liverpool's latest offer was reportedly in the region of £15million, but rumours claim Villa are holding out for a fee of £18million.

Anfield Is The Only Place For Me, Insists Gareth Barry

GARETH BARRY insists that his future lies at Anfield because Liverpool want him more than Aston Villa and claims that Martin O’Neill’s lack of support is driving him closer to a move.

Villa are stubbornly trying to get as large a fee as possible for their unsettled captain and have already rejected three bids from Liverpool so far this summer.

Manager O’Neill is furious with the way Liverpool have conducted their pursuit of the player in the public arena and has cut off all contact with the Anfield outfit, leaving negotiations in the hands of chairman Randy Lerner’s assistant, Paul Faulkner.

But it is a lack of dialogue between O’Neill and himself that has apparently upset Barry.

O’Neill has been appearing as a regular pundit on BBC television’s coverage of the European Championship finals in Austria and Switzerland over the past three weeks and despite the Ulsterman insisting that he wants Barry to stay, the player insists he has not heard from his manager during this period.

He said: “My mind’s made up, I want to join Liverpool.

“There’s no going back, it’s time for me to move on. I’m desperate to play Champions League football and that’s why I have to leave Villa. Villa kept saying they wanted me to stay, but I have not heard from the manager for weeks.

“It’s seven weeks now since the season finished, but while the gaffer’s found time to be a pundit for the BBC at Euro 2008, he hasn’t found the time to speak to me.”

In contrast, Barry claims that Liverpool’s high-profile chase for his signature shows just how wanted he is at Anfield.

He said: “Rafa Benitez has shown how much he wants me at Anfield. I am obviously flattered that someone as successful as Rafa Benitez thinks so highly of me.

“And that he’s not been afraid to put his valuation of me in black and white for Villa and all the world to see.

“But have Villa offered me anything to try to persuade me my future is at Villa Park, not Anfield? Not a thing.”

Barry is eager to push a move through this week to spare him having to return to pre-season training with O’Neill’s side but after more than a decade of service to the Midlands club, he hopes the Villa supporters can understand the reasons behind his desire for a transfer as he looks to test himself in Champions League football.

He said: “I hope the Villa fans understand. I have given my all for the club for 10 years and I’m only leaving because now I need to test myself at the very highest level.

“And I can honestly say if Villa were in the Champions League I wouldn’t even consider leaving this great club.”

Rafa Benitez Set To Ring Changes At Anfield

MAURICIO PELLEGRINO is poised to return to Anfield as Rafael Benitez attempts to bring Robbie Keane to Merseyside.

Argentinian Pellegrino, 36, who played 12 games for Liverpool in 2005, has been approached by Benitez for a second stint at the club, this time as part of his coaching staff.

Liverpool are also trying to prise Keane, 27, away from Tottenham Hotspur in a swap deal involving Peter Crouch.

Anfield insiders have confirmed that Benitez's interest in the Republic of Ireland's all-time leading goalscorer is genuine, but admit that it could prove difficult to reach an agreement with the north London club.

Keane, who netted 23 goals last season, is a big favourite with the White Hart Lane supporters, who voted him their player of the year having helped inspire Spurs to a Carling Cup victory.

Pellegrino's expected arrival will be part of Benitez's rebuilding of his backroom staff after a couple of high-profile departures.

The Spaniard's partnership with long-time assistant Pako Ayesteran ended last season.

Although the 45-year-old fitness expert's contract at Anfield doesn't officially end until today, he has not been present at Melwood for several months.

Ayesteran, who has been linked with several coaching positions both in England and Europe, also worked with Benitez at Tenerife and Valencia.

Former first team coach Alex Miller also left at the end of the season, to become manager of Japanese club JEF United Chiba, ending his nine-year association with Liverpool, having been brought in by former manager Gerard Houllier as chief European scout.
Benitez has already brought another former Liverpool player and staff member back to the club in Sammy Lee, who has been appointed assistant manager having worked as coach under Houllier. Although Pellegrino, who is back at Valencia as youth team coach, only played 12 games for Liverpool in the second half of the 2004/05 season and was generally considered to have lacked enough pace to adjust to the Premier League game, he was always a big favourite with Benitez.

The pair had great success together at the Mestalla - winning two Spanish titles - and Benitez remains adamant that it was Pellegrino's run-outs during his short spell on Merseyside that enabled Sami Hyypia to stay fresh ahead of Liverpool's Champions League final victory.

Meanwhile, Anthony Le Tallec has finally formally ended his Liverpool career by signing for French First Division club Le Mans UC 72.

The 23-year-old, who can operate either as an attacking midfielder or striker, has spent the past four seasons away from Anfield out on loan at St Etienne (2004-05), Sunderland (2005-06), Sochaux (2006-07) and Le Mans (2007-08).

Starting his career with Le Harve, Le Tallec impressed former Liverpool manager Houllier at the World Under-17 Championship in 2001 and arrived at Anfield two years later alongside Florent Sinama-Pongolle. However, neither player was able to hold down a regular first team place and Le Tallec made just 17 appearances for Liverpool.

Riera Requests Transfer - Report

El Mundo Deportivo reports that Espanyol winger Albert Riera has made formal his determination to leave Montjuïc this summer.

It comes as no surprise that the Spanish international has sent in a transfer request as various European clubs look to secure his services.

Furthermore, Riera has personal reasons for wishing to leave. As he told the media after Espanyol's disastroud second half of the season, he was hurt by the banners from fans that read: "Stay on vacation. We won't be in Europe, and you won't be at the Euros."

While he then informally signalled his intention to leave, president Daniel Sánchez Llibre stated that he would be going nowhere unless his €24m release clause was met.

Riera, then, has set his agent about finding him a new club of considerable financial wherewithal - a search that continues. Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be among those interested.

Striker Luís García, too, could be on the way out as his agent begins to make preliminary enquiries about a move elsewhere.

Rafa: Torres Proved Critics Wrong

Rafa Benitez has spoken of his pride after Fernando Torres confounded his critics to fire Spain to their first major honour since 1964.

The Liverpool boss admits certain sections of the Spanish press were critical of the striker's performances in Euro 2008.

However, El Nino's winning goal against Germany on Sunday night has made him a national hero – and Benitez believes the strike will be talked about for decades to come.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I am very proud, especially after he has been criticised from some journalists in Spain.

"Everyone remembers the Marcelino goal from 44 years ago, and the last final Spain were in was 24 years ago. Now people will talk about Torres in the same way."

Benitez watched the goal from the comfort of his sofa, from where he was in no doubt the best team won.

"Spain played well. For 10 minutes at the start of each half Germany were pressing, but after that Spain controlled the game," he said.

"The first goal changed the game. After that Metzelder pushed forward and Torres was left one versus one. Spain could play on the counter and that was important.

"They had three or four players in the middle with real quality and played good football."

Torres and Spanish counterparts Alvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso and Pepe Reina will now be given three weeks' rest before returning to Melwood ahead of the new campaign.

Rafa Gets Tough: Only Winners Wanted Here

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is only seeking summer transfer targets who can help the club foster a winning mentality.

Benitez told Liverpool's official website that the players he'll bring to Anfield this summer must be winners.

The Spaniard has made it clear that, like just about every Liverpool fan, he wants more than anything to bring the domestic League title back to Anfield. Liverpool hold the record for most English title successes - 18 - but haven't been crowned champions since the 1989-90 season, and have seen arch-rivals Manchester United lift their tally from seven to 17 in the meantime. It means the Reds have never been title winners in the Premiership era.

That glaring omission eats at the soul of every Liverpool fan - and club captain Steven Gerrard is no different. He has stressed that he will consider his career unfulfilled if he cannot count at least one Premier League winner’s medal among his haul by the time he retires from playing.

And Benitez is also clear that winning the League is the one that matters most to him now, having already achieved European glory.

"Winning the title would be the biggest achievement of my career," said the manager. "It's more difficult than in Spain because teams here spend big money.

"But we will do our best. The key for me is not to talk about winning the title but to talk about doing a good job so we can be close, so we can be contenders.

"If we are close I think that we can win the title."

So far only Philipp Degen has been added to the squad at Anfield, though Benitez has several players in his sights. However, he stressed that anyone he brings in must be a winner.

“The key, though, is to sign the right players with the right mentality – a winning mentality – competitive players, players who are desperate to come here to win something,” he told liverpoolfc.tv.

"That is the key for me. We have been analysing a lot of things this summer. For example, we were conceding a lot of goals last season from set pieces.

"We need to know why because the previous season we only conceded six, but this year it has been 16. We need to know why so we can improve in these areas, but keep the team scoring goals in open play.

"We have been really good in defence for three or four years but we need to improve a little bit if we want to be in contention."

Liverpool Keen On Robbie

Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane has emerged as a transfer target for Liverpool, according to a report in the News of the World.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is reportedly keen on bringing the striker to Anfield to partner Fernando Torres up front as the Reds go in search of their first Premier League title.

According to the paper Liverpool are willing to offer Tottenham a massive £20 million for Keane and are happy to throw in Peter Crouch as part of the deal too.

Keane, 27, joined Spurs from Leeds in 2002 and is the club captain at White Hart Lane. His current partnership with Dimitar Berbatov is one of the most prolific in the Premier League, both players netting 23 goals each last season for Tottenham.

The Irishman has enjoyed a successful last season at Spurs, winning his first major competition, the Carling Cup, with the club and also scoring his 100th Premier League goal and his 100th goal for Tottenham.

However, with Berbatov expected to leave the club this summer in search of Champions League football, it is unlikely the club will also want to let the talismanic Keane leave as well, hence the offer of Peter Crouch as part of the deal.

Crouch has been widely linked with a move away from Liverpool after failing to cement a regular place in the starting line up at Anfield. The striker managed only nine league starts for Liverpool last season although he did end the season with five Premier League goals to his name.

Whilst Crouch is rumoured to want to leave the club in search of regular football and to improve his international prospects, manager Rafael Benitez is clearly reluctant to let him go and has reportedly already rejected approaches by Portsmouth for the striker.

Martinez Criticises Anderson Snub

Swansea boss Roberto Martinez has questioned Paul Anderson's loyalty after the winger snubbed a return to the Swans to join Nottingham Forest.

The Liverpool man impressed during his season's loan spell at Swansea last term and Martinez was willing to pay £100,000 for a second 12-month loan.

Spaniard Martinez said: "Everyone knows being grateful or loyality in football does not exist anymore."

The deal for the 20-year-old midfielder should be finalised over the weekend.

Martinez continued: "We are proud to be involved in the development of a player that no-one wanted 12 months ago who now has six or seven choices.

"We are delighted how he adapted as we allowed him to enjoy his football, that's why he has enjoyed a lot of interest from clubs this summer."

Anderson, Swansea's young player of the year in their League One title-winning season, will link up with his new Forest team-mates on Tuesday.

He told Forest's website: "I enjoyed last season at Swansea but after speaking to Forest I just felt it was the right move for me."

Should Rafa Go After German Striker?

With Rafa Benitez reportedly on the look out for a foil to play alongside Fernando Torres next season, and names such as David Villa being bandied about by the press, one striker who could be available for the right price has confirmed he is thinking about a move from his present club.

Lukas Podolski, Bayern Munich's free-scoring German international has admitted that he may have to find himself a new club once the European Championships are over, after a season playing second fiddle to Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni at the Allianz Arena. Podolski told German newspaper Sport Bild:

"I will tackle this subject after the European championships. I will have enough time on holiday to think about my situation and I will make a decision on my future then.

"I have made it clear to him (new Bayern manager Jurgen Klinsmann) that I am unhappy with my situation in Munich. He knows what he has in me. He has even said that he understands my problems. We shall sit down together after the Euro and see what happens."

With the ever-popular (yeh right!) Tom Hicks and George Gillett understood to be close friends with Herr Klinsmann, maybe there's a chance that if Rafa does express an interest in Podolski they could help broker a deal. But maybe this time they could talk to Rafa before making contact with the German...

Can Rafa Bring Us The Title Next Season?

Rafa Benitez has revealed that winning the Premiership title with Liverpool would be his greatest achievement as a football manager.

Speaking to the club website, Benitez admitted that despite winning two La Liga titles during his time at Valencia and the Champions League in his first season at Anfield, winning the league in England is a bigger and more difficult challenge than any other.

He said: "Winning the title would be the biggest achievement of my career. It's more difficult than in Spain because teams here spend big money.

"We will do our best. The key is not to talk about winning the title but to talk about doing a good job so we can be close, so we can be contenders. If we are close I think that we can win the title."

"The key is to sign the right players with the right mentality - a winning mentality - competitive players, players who are desperate to come here to win something.

"That is the key for me. We have been analysing a lot of things this summer. For example, we were conceding a lot of goals last season from set pieces. We need to know why because the previous season we only conceded six, but this year it has been 16. We need to know why so we can improve in these areas, but keep the team scoring goals in open play.

"We have been really good in defence for three or four years but we need to improve a little bit if we want to be in contention."

But what do you think? Can next season be the year that the title finally comes back to Merseyside after almost two decades of watching the Mancs and the capital clubs' hauding domestic glory?