Liverpool Edge Out Tranmere In First Pre-Season Friendly

Rafael Benitez ran the rule over Liverpool's supporting cast while his mind was no doubt buzzing with ways of raising the money to complete deals for Gareth Barry and Robbie Keane.

The Liverpool manager admits he has to wheel and deal to do that - but he has raised almost £14million by moving on Peter Crouch and Danny Guthrie this week.

Steve Finnan and Scott Carson were, significantly, absent from Liverpool's 21-man squad for their first pre-season friendly against Tranmere at Prenton Park today with further moves likely soon.

And Benitez is not understood to be over-concerned about suggestions Arsenal are trying to snatch Barry at the last moment.

All business is now likely to be conducted while Benitez's squad are at a training camp in Switzerland for the next fortnight, during which time they will also play four matches.

It took a fine angled drive from Yossi Benayoun - who has made a point of committing his future to Anfield - to clinch a comfortable victory as Benitez's young brigade impressed.

Liverpool welcomed back defender Daniel Agger for his first game in nine months following a metatarsal injury and had Spanish teenager Danny Pacheco, the former Barcelona junior, up front.

Youngsters Stephen Darby, Jack Hobbs, Damien Plessis, goalkeeper David Martin and Emiliano Insua all had run-outs.

New signings Diego Cavalieri and Philipp Degen were introduced at the break.

Tranmere had their new names - John Curtis, George O'Callaghan, Bas Savage and Edrissa Sonko on show - but it was the expected better passing, movement and control of the Liverpool outfit that had them very much in control.

Martin had to save well from Chris Greenacre, but former Wales international Danny Coyne kept the score down until Benayoun's 20-yarder saw Liverpool ahead.

Jermaine Pennant, a target for Blackburn, hit the bar with Andy Taylor's free-kick clipping the foot of Martin's left-hand post before the break.

But this was little more than a gentle exercise in the sun to entertain a 15,000 full house.

Liverpool made seven changes at the break, with Fabio Aurelio, Martin Skrtel, Sami Hyypia and another couple of youngsters - Jay Spearing and Ryan Flynn - coming on, Academy product Martin Kelly also making a late appearance.

But the crowd had been waiting for Steven Gerrard, who arrived just after the hour-mark along with Andriy Voronin.

Gerrard had a strolling involvement, containing himself for sterner battles over the coming months.

O'Neill - Barry Deal Uncertain

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has revealed the transfer of Gareth Barry to Liverpool remains uncertain.

Liverpool have seen a number of offers turned down for the Villa captain, who O'Neill values at £18million.

O'Neill insists that no deal has been reached between the clubs but is confident that the saga will be resolved soon.

"We're entering a new season at the moment and the future is still uncertain," O'Neill told Sky Sports News.

"Nothing much has changed, but I'm sure like most situations in football it will resolve itself at some stage.

"We don't want to lose players, we're not really in a position to do so but we have the ambition and the determination to drive forward this season and get the squad that we feel the club deserves."

The Villa boss is also keen to strengthen his squad to improve on their sixth place league finish last season.

Goalkeeper Brad Guzan and Steve Sidwell are O'Neill's latest signings but he reveals he is hoping to bring in more players to Villa Park.

"We are in the market for players, we do want to try and improve the squad," added O'Neill.

"We did very well last season, touch wood, with injuries but I wouldn't want to rely on all of those things for another season.

"And if we do pick up injuries and suspensions I like to think we can cope with it. Last year we may have felt that difficult."

Brazilian Keeper Cavalieri Signs Four-year Deal With Liverpool

Liverpool have clinched the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri from Palmeiras.

The 25-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Barclays Premier League club and will begin life at Anfield as understudy to Jose Reina.

Cavalieri becomes the third Brazilian at the club alongside Lucas and Fabio Aurelio and is manager Rafael Benitez's third major signing of the summer following the arrivals of full-backs Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena.

Cavalieri, who also holds an Italian passport, fully accepted he would play second fiddle to Spain international Reina after joining the Reds.

'I know it won't be easy to get into the team,' he said.

'I watched some Liverpool games in both the Premier League and Champions League last year and I know Pepe (Reina) is a very good goalkeeper. But everyone has to fight for their place and I'm sure we will have a healthy rivalry.

'I know I will have to be patient and work very hard to achieve my aims - but it is always like that when you come from another country.

'You have to adapt inside and outside of the pitch and get used to the way things work. But with hard work you get there.

'My confidence has got me where I am today and maybe people are aware of whatI did at Palmeiras in Brazil.

'I am sure that one day I can get the number one position but that will only come with hard work.'

Despite the prospect of spending much of the coming season on the bench, Cavalieri, who is thought to have cost the club around £3million, hailed a 'dream' move to Merseyside.

'"The name Liverpool is known all around the world. It's an honour to wear this shirt' he added.

'It was a dream for me to come to Europe, though I was taken aback by how quickly everything happened. It's all been sorted out in one week.

'But I have been given a very good welcome from my team-mates and the manager, so I'm very happy to be here. I just hope I can respond to all this.

'Rafa and I spoke for a long time on the day I arrived. He explained to me how the football is here and the differences from Brazil. He also talked to me about the responsibilities of representing a club like Liverpool.'

Benitez Tells Anfield Faithful: Trust me - I Have To Sell To Buy But I Will Get Things Right For You

Rafael Benitez has called for Liverpool fans to 'trust him' as he works in the transfer market to improve the Anfield squad.

Liverpool are also toiling to conclude the frustrating, summer-long transfer saga over Gareth Barry's arrival at the club but there is now no chance that the midfielder will be signed in time for the club's first pre-season friendly.

Liverpool face Tranmere in front of a 15,000 sell-out crowd at Prenton Park tomorrow before heading off to their Swiss training camp and three more friendlies while they are there.

Benitez's fear now is that Barry - banned from Aston Villa's training ground - could miss as much as two weeks of vital pre-season training.

That situation could even cause them to doubt further the size of the transfer fee for the England midfielder.

And that would underline further Benitez's cash-flow problems. He said: 'We know the situation regarding what we can spend, and we are trying to find solutions if we do not have enough money.

'And we will still try to sign players that will make us better. But if you do not have too much money, and that is clear, we will have to have a little bit of imagination to progress in the market.

'Everyone knows what our ideas are and what players we want. We are working hard with different names now.

'We know we will have to sell some players if we want some cash. So we have to do that.

'Our aim is to bring through young players and that can save us money, money that we can spend on big names.

'We have a fantastic group of young players, in the future they will save us money. At the moment we have to still by big names and the only way to do that is to sell players.

'The fans must trust us, we are working hard during the summer with a lot of people in different countries working for us.'

Benitez claimed he does not have to sell Xabi Alonso to finance the Barry deal, and will have one or two new strikers in before the season starts.

David Villa looks out of the club's current price range, but Benitez has admitted there has been contact with Tottenham over Robbie Keane.

'Villa is one of the players on our list, but at this moment I do not see it being an option for us.

'Keane is also one of the names we are interested in, and we are still working on other possible situations.

'There has been some contact (over Keane) but we will have to see how things progress.'

The Spaniard has raised £15m from the sales of Peter Crouch and John Arne Riise, and has brought in defenders Philipp Degen, Andrea Dossena and goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri.

Benitez hopes that Steven Gerrard, Andriy Voronin, Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel will figure at Prenton Park.

Liverpool Confident They Can Capture Keane Because Spurs Need Funds To Bag Bentley

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is putting pressure on Spurs to sell Robbie Keane because he believes they need money to buy Blackburn's David Bentley.

Tottenham have insisted that they have no intention of selling their vice-captain, who is valued at £20million.

But Benitez knows Spurs have so far baulked at the £17m asking price for former Arsenal star Bentley.

The sale of Berbatov could finance the move but Tottenham have not had any serious offers for the Bulgarian despite rumours that Manchester United remain interested.

Yesterday's news that they are about to complete the signing of Espanyol's Luis Garcia, who plays in a similar position to the Republic of Ireland international, has given Benitez hope that they may allowKeane to join a team he has supported since childhood.

The Liverpool manager confirmed yesterday that he wants the striker, having ruled out a move for Valencia's Euro 2008 hero David Villa, and revealed Liverpool have been in contact with Spurs.

That refers to an enquiry he made a couple weeks ago which was swiftly rebuffed by the north London club.

Benitez added yesterday: 'Keane is clearly a player that has game intelligence and we are looking for players who can fit into our systems and improve the team.'

By making their intentions known, Liverpool are confident they can force the issue as Keane has often spoken of his desire to play there.

It is a tactic that has worked with Gareth Barry, who has since demanded that Aston Villa allow him to go to Benitez's side, although an agreement has yet to be reached.

Spurs insist that Keane has not handed in a transfer request or is up for sale, but that won't stop Benitez from planning on pairing him with Fernando Torres up front.

Head coach Juande Ramos is still looking to sign a central defender and defensive midfielder and, though he is planning a mass clear-out, many of the players available won't generate too much money.

Newcastle Agree Fee With Liverpool For Guthrie

Newcastle's spending capabilities were further highlighted when they captured young Liverpool midfielder Danny Guthrie for £2million.

The 21-year-old, who spent last season at Bolton on loan, becomes Kevin Keegan’ s second signing after Jonas Gutierrez bought out his contact at Real Mallorca before concluding his own move to St James’ Park last week.

Kevin Keegan was dismayed at the amount he was told he could spend by owner Mike Ashley, believed to be in the region of £20 million, and desperately needs to add bodies to one of the smallest squads in the Barclays Premier League.

He has been forced to re-evaluate his plans and was alerted to Guthrie’s availability when he was offered the player when Rafa Benitez enquired about James Milner earlier in the summer.

Keegan, who is ready to offer Derek Fazackerly a role on his coaching staff, is facing another fight to keep volatile French midfielder Charles N’Zogbia.

N’Zogbia was unhappy for the majority of last season and has confirmed he wants to move to the capital.

'At the end of last season I didn't play a lot, so that has given me desire to play somewhere else,' he said. 'When I will talk with the coach it will be clearer. My priority is to play. I have dreamt about Arsenal since I was kid. I would be delighted to join them. It is a famous team that has big coverage in France, but Tottenham is exciting too.

'I have never played in Ligue 1. That could be an experience in my career, but frankly, it is not my current priority. I am playing in one of the best leagues in the world, and I feel a little like at home here.'

Newcastle team-mate Shay Given has curbed talk of his possible move to the Emirates Stadium.

'I don’t know where the story came from,' he said. 'I’ve said all along that I’m extremely happy living and playing here in Newcastle.

'I want to help to move this club forward and hopefully we’ll get new players in and strengthen the squad. We want to get this place going.'

Ashley meanwhile has reiterated his desire to have outside investment in the club he bought 13 months ago.

'It would be very useful if we had some multi-billionaire partners that wanted a stake in Newcastle United' he said. 'It would help but Newcastle United is not a thing you would make a profit on.'

Benitez Likely To Give Chance To New Players As Liverpool's Pre-season Campaign Begins

Rafael Benitez will give his supporting cast the chance to shine tomorrow in Liverpool's first pre-season friendly.

They travel across the Mersey to face neighbours Tranmere in a 15,000 sell-out match at Prenton Park.

Benitez cannot call on his Spanish contingent of Fernando Torres, Jose Reina, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa who are all still on holiday after their Euro 2008 triumph.

And skipper Steven Gerrard has only just returned to training after being given an extended break following his summer matches with England.

Benitez is likely to give debuts to new signings Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena, who were only unveiled at Anfield yesterday.

He said: 'We will field the players we have been working with this week, their commitment has been fantastic.'

Benitez is expected to also use Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel during the match, with the likelihood of a different eleven playing in each half.

Benitez added: "Our aim is to bring through young players and that can save us money, money that we can eventually spend on big names.

'We have a fantastic group of young players, in the future they will save us money. At the moment we have to still buy big names and the only way to do that is to sell players.'

Liverpool will leave for their Swiss training camp on Sunday, and they will play games against Lucern on Wednesday and Wisla Krakow next Saturday.

They will also travel to face Hertha Berlin on July 22 before returning to the UK to face Rangers in Glasgow on July 26.

Peter Crouch Completes Portsmouth Move

Striker Peter Crouch has finally completed his move from Liverpool to Portsmouth, signing a four-year contract with the FA Cup holders.

The deal, which could be worth up to £11 million, sees the 27-year-old return to Portsmouth six years after leaving the south coast club.

Crouch jumped at the chance of regular first-team football having struggled to establish himself in Liverpool's starting side.

Crouch, who will work with Harry Redknapp for the third time in his career, said: "It's fantastic to be back. I believe Harry gets the best out of me and think the best years of my career can be here. This club is going places and they can match my ambitions.

"The chance of regular first team football was part of the appeal. I know I'll have to work hard to prove myself in training, but I believe my best years are in front of me."

Crouch is convinced Portsmouth can break into the top four in the next four years.

"This is an ambitious club," he said. "It's getting a new stadium and it's going places. The squad and the team is in place to challenge.

"This year, coming on the back of winning the FA Cup, we might be able to improve our league form. There's a nucleus of clubs just behind the big four where we are at the moment and I think we can get to the top of that queue.

"I've signed for four years and hopefully beyond that. I certainly believe within that time frame we can get into that top four."

Portsmouth manager Redknapp, whose team will this season compete in the Uefa Cup for the very first time, said: "Bringing a player like Peter here shows how far we have come and how far we can go. I'm delighted he's back.

"I never expected to see him back here. He went off to Liverpool and did a fantastic job in my opinion and I'm looking forward to seeing him and Jermain Defoe up front - a big one and a little one - and we've got other good forwards here."

Crouch, who scored 40 goals in 135 appearances for Liverpool, began his professional career as a trainee at Tottenham before spells at QPR, Portsmouth, Aston Villa, Norwich and Southampton before joining Liverpool.

Rafa Hints At Alonso Exit

Rafa Benitez has hinted that he still intends for Xabi Alonso to leave Liverpool this summer, telling the gathered media ‘he knows my ideas and he knows why’.

Alonso has been the £14 million target of Juventus all season, in a deal that would facilitate Liverpool’s £17 million move for Gareth Barry.

The Reds want closer to £16 million for their Spanish midfielder, which has caused The Old Lady to stall on the transfer.

It now appears Alonso’s move may collapse, a situation that does not seem very satisfactory to Benitez.

"The situation with Alonso has not changed. Juventus made an offer that was not good enough and now we are just waiting,” he explained.

“I do not know, really, whether that will go through.

"Xabi wants to stay because he is happy here but he also knows that Juventus is a top side.

“I have talked to him, he knows my ideas and he knows why. So we will try to find a solution for him, for us, and the best for the club."

Benitez did reveal that all his signings will be made by using funds from the sales of others, and Alonso would certainly be the most lucrative departure for The Reds.

"We know the situation regarding what we can spend, and we are trying to find solutions if we do not have enough money.

"And we will still try to sign players that will make us better. But if you do not have too much money and that is clear, we will have to have a little bit of imagination to progress in the market.”

O'Neill Clears Way For Barry To Complete Liverpool Deal

Gareth Barry is set to finally secure his £18m move from Aston Villa to Liverpool in the next few days after the two clubs re-opened negotiations yesterday. The impasse was broken following a letter submitted to Liverpool by Villa manager Martin O'Neill outlining how he wants the deal to be structured.

Villa have not wavered in their valuation of Barry but are prepared to accept Steve Finnan, in exchange, as part of the transfer. O'Neill has told Liverpool he values the full-back at just £1m so would still want £17m for Barry. He has also insisted that Liverpool adhere to the Premier League payment structure of half of the Barry money to be paid now and the rest within the next 12 months.

Although Liverpool, who had a £15m offer for Barry rejected last week, are still quibbling over that and Finnan's value – they rate the 32-year-old at £2m despite the fact he is in the final year of his contract – it appears the deal is finally underway. None of the stipulations are insurmountable.

O'Neill, who has been preparing an £11m bid for Valencia right-back Miguel, does not regard the wrangle over Finnan as crucial and is keen to resolve Barry's future as quickly as possible so that his pre-season preparations are not affected any longer.

"Liverpool have come back to us and we have responded to their proposal with a letter," O'Neill said. "We're waiting to hear back from Liverpool after putting that proposal to them. I'm sure there will be some sort of resolution."

O'Neill is also more relaxed about the situation now that Steve Sidwell's £5m move from Chelsea has been agreed and wants to rule a line under the Barry saga. It has also become increasingly acrimonious with the 27-year-old Villa captain being fined two weeks wages, around £80,000, for giving an "unauthorised interview", and then banned from club premises.

Sidwell will undergo a medical and should sign today before flying out to join up with the squad at their training camp in Switzerland. The 25-year-old is due to make his debut on Saturday in a friendly in Zurich.

At the same time Liverpool, having secured a potential £11m for Peter Crouch, who has agreed terms on a move to Portsmouth, feel they are in a position to push ahead with their bid for Barry. They are also close to completing a £3m deal for the Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri who will arrive from Palmeiras, and be understudy to Pepe Reina, after completing his medical and obtaining a work permit, with Charles Itandje on the verge of being sold to Galatasaray for around £2m.

Manager Rafael Benitez, who needs to generate funds to add to his transfer kitty of around £20m, is also keen to offload Scott Carson, who was on loan to Villa last season, but no club has come close to matching his £10m valuation.

Benitez spoke yesterday of his admiration for Valencia's David Villa and although the club are willing to sell, the striker appears to want to remain in Spain.

Benitez Keen On Keane

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez ruled out making a move for Spain striker David Villa on Thursday.

Benitez, who has allowed striker Peter Crouch to join Portsmouth, had been linked with the Valencia player who starred at last month's Euro 2008 finals.

"I said the other day that Villa is one of the names we had on our list, but I can say at this moment that it is not an option for us," Benitez told Liverpool's website (www.liverpoolfc.tv).

"We know Villa is a very good player, we know the price and we know the players we have, so when you consider everything we decided he was one of the names but, at this moment, not our target."

However, Benitez confirmed that a move for Tottenham Hotspur's Ireland striker Robbie Keane was a possibility.

"Keane is one of the other names and OK we are still working with other names. We were in contact and we will see now," he said.

Dutch Coach De Haan Blasts Benitez

Dutch U-23 boss Foppe De Haan is sticking to his guns, shrugging off Rafael Benitez concerns that Ryan Babel's Olympic participation could seriously disrupt his plans for the injury-plagued starlet.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez must have been relieved to see his Euro 2008 battlers arrive back on Merseyside with a tough pre-season schedule looming for the Reds.

However, the wily Spaniard wasn't happy to learn that Holland Olympics coach Foppe De Haan was eager to take injury-plagued Ryan Babel to Beijing, with Javier Mascherano also looking to join up with the Argentina squad.

De Haan previously admitted that crocked Babel was a big loss to the Netherlands’ Euro 2008 squad, saying: “His absence was a large blow to the national side. He could have been our secret weapon.”

The 21-year-old, an £11.5m signing from Ajax, last summer ruptured his Achilles’ tendon in training ahead of the Austria and Switzerland showpiece and Benitez was keen for him to rest up in order to enjoy a full pre-season in order to hit the ground running.

The worried boss told the Liverpool Echo this week: "This season is very important for him, so this is a big problem. We prepare him and then he goes away with the national team."

However, bullish De Haan has now hit back at Benitez, insisting "As I understand it, coaches always think about themselves first."

If Babel does indeed head for China, he'll miss a couple of early Premiership matches and the third round or Champions League qualifying.

Dossena: Liverpool The Most Prestigious English Team

Italian defender Andrea Dossena has given his first interview since joining Liverpool, and he has described his new club as the “most prestigious team in England”.

Dossena officially completed his transfer from Udinese last week, and in the process became Liverpool’s first-ever Italian signing.

The 26-year-old left back, who has won one cap for Italy put pen to paper on a four year contract at Anfield, and he believes that his English heart will make him a success in the Premiership.

"Even from training I realise English football is different,” Dossena told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"It's all about possession and the ball seems to move quicker. There is also a great determination among the players in training, but these are all qualities that are characteristic of me too. In this way, I feel half English, half Italian.”

Dossena also spoke about his pride at being able to play for such a prestigious side as Liverpool, who are England’s most successful ever club.

"It is an honour to be wearing such a prestigious shirt." he enthused.

"It was great for me that Liverpool were so determined to have me in their squad. It is a very important shirt to wear and I will do my best. I have a great will to work hard and succeed and achieve great results.

"Of course I'll feel very strong emotions when I wear the shirt at Anfield for the first time but after the first few seconds these will be replaced by a focus on what I am doing.

"There are so many great players here and I hope to be playing beside them as soon as possible.

"I believe I will bring determination as my main strength. I have a will to succeed and achieve results. These are also characteristics I have seen in Liverpool as a team."

Finally Dossena spoke about his international ambitions, saying that he hopes his move to Liverpool will lead to him winning a regular place in the Italy squad.

"The Premier League is followed and it will be up to the national manager to watch the players abroad," he said.

"I am aware, though, that I am at the most prestigious team in England. There are other players who play abroad who are getting caps, like Luca Toni."

Benitez: Duo Give Us New Threat

Rafa Benitez is convinced the arrival of Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena can give Liverpool the added dimension needed to make a sustained challenge for the Barclays Premier League title next season.

The Reds boss - who was speaking at an afternoon press conference held to unveil the duo to the members of the media - believes the full-backs will give his side more attacking verve in the wide areas.

"I think everyone was thinking the same as us, that we needed to improve in the wide areas," he said.

"We have the spine of the team with Torres, Gerrard, Mascherano and all these players that we know. In the wide areas maybe we needed something different so we were looking for full-backs with an offensive mentality.

"Dossena likes to play football, and Degen is the same, he goes forward with quality. So we now have two players who can go forward and they will compete for their positions and hopefully it will be good for the team."

Benitez has been linked with a whole host of Europe's top talent this summer but insists it is more about improving the side in areas where he feels they will benefit rather than signing big names.

"Sometimes it is not about how much money you spend but getting the players you need," he continued.

"We needed full-backs with different qualities and these two players could be good for us. Afterwards maybe you can sign big names and maybe people will be happy, but the priority is to sign the players that you want and need - in this case two full-backs who can give something more to the team."

While neither player has experienced the fast pace of the English league, the Reds boss is confident the two players - who arrive from the Bundesliga and Serie A respectively - will prove their quality and make a rapid transition into life in the Premier League.

"I think all foreign players need time to adjust and it depends on the mentality," he said.

"Both players are very good professionals and that was one of the things we were looking for; a strong mentality and they can compete as well, so I think they will be okay.

"They played in the Italian league and the German league. They are both leagues with a high level and strong players so I think they will settle quickly.

"Degen can talk English, although he is more comfortable in German and he can also speak French. His English is okay. Dossena is learning. He can understand Spanish so it will be easy for him and we can talk in Italian too, so it is not a problem."

The new additions mean Benitez has a variety of full-backs at his disposal for the new campaign and he expects his latest recruits to battle it out with the likes of Steve Finnan, Fabio Aurelio and Alvaro Arbeloa for a place in his starting XI - although he does feel Saturday's pre-season friendly at Tranmere could come too soon for both players.

"They will need to compete for their positions," he said. "We will also need to see about the international players who have returned. I think that with Dossena, maybe he will not play against Tranmere.

"Degen we are working with and we will see. In terms of the Premier League they can both be ready if they train well in the pre-season.

"If they can give us the things that they have both spoken about with an offensive mentality and quality with the ball then it will help us and also the two strikers."

Rafa Benitez: Title Is Priority For Liverpool FC

Rafael Benitez has made ending Liverpool’s championship drought his priority for the forthcoming campaign.

The Anfield outfit last won the title back in 1990 and finished last season in fourth place, 11 points adrift of champions Manchester United.

Since taking charge four years ago, Benitez has led Liverpool to glory in the European Cup and Uefa

Super Cup in 2005 and the FA Cup the following year.

The Anfield outfit were also beaten finalists in the League Cup and World Club Championship in 2005 and the European Cup two years later.

However, the Premier League has become the holy grail for Liverpool, particularly as United’s most recent triumph has moved the Old Trafford outfit to within one of their record 18 championships.

And Benitez, who hopes to bolster his squad numbers further in the coming days, has revealed realistically challenging for the title is now his team’s primary target.

“I’m confident this is our best squad we’ve had during my time here,” he said. “We were looking for players to improve our weaknesses. I think we have found some of them, hopefully we can find some in a few days or a few weeks.

“At a club like Liverpool you want to win every trophy. If you said to me to put them in an order of priority, I’d say the Premier League, then the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup. We’ll try to win all of them.

“We have enough confidence. We are hopefully going to be better than last season. We must try to work as hard as before and get as close as possible. If we can challenge, then why can’t we do something more important?”

Liverpool’s best league finish under Benitez came in 2006 when they ended the campaign nine points adrift of champions Chelsea in third place.

The manager has already started reshuffling his squad, with Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena bolstering the full-back berths while John Arne Riise has joined Roma and Peter Crouch is poised to complete a move to Portsmouth.

“Everyone agreed that we needed to improve in the wide areas,” added Benitez. “We are looking for wingers and we’ve brought in two offensive full-backs in Degen and Dossena, who can go forward and give different options to the strikers.

“We are working really hard and are close to finishing some deals. We are hoping to progress with some big names and players who can improve us in the future.”

Liverpool are seeking a swift conclusion to the Gareth Barry transfer saga, although Xabi Alonso’s future is in limbo with the Serie A side considering their interest in the Spanish international.

Benitez is also tracking Robbie Keane and Valencia winger David Silva.

Juve Pull Out Of Alonso Deal

Juventus have reportedly pulled the plug on their pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, a decision which could have vast repercussions for both clubs’ transfer plans.

The Sun claims Juve have scrapped their plans to bring Alonso to Turin, despite the move appearing all but done after several weeks of negotiations.

Prior to EURO 2008, it seemed only a matter of putting to pen to paper but closing talks were put off during the tournament and have failed to pick up where they left off.

It is believed the Reds are now refusing to budge from their original ₤16million asking price, a figure the Old Lady simply will not – or cannot – meet.

Hence, the Bianconeri have turned to alternative targets such as Sevilla’s Christian Poulsen and Internazionale’s Dejan Stankovic – the latter of whose proposed move has met with angry protests from the Juve faithful.

But the situation at Anfield is even more interesting, as Alonso’s non-departure could effectively scupper Rafa Benitez’s hopes of landing Aston Villa wantaway Gareth Barry.

It is understood Benitez was to use the cash from the Basque playmaker’s transfer to fund the Barry deal, as Villa are demanding ₤18million for their skipper. The Merseyside giants have repeatedly denied that this was the case, but that stance will most certainly be tested now.

The timing of these happenings also leaves Barry in a particularly unpleasant situation, as the England midfielder effectively severed ties with Villa recently when he publicly declared his desire to join Liverpool.

As Villa have already secured a replacement in Steve Sidwell, the 27-year-old could be out in the cold if Benitez decides to drop the deal and focus on attacking reinforcements instead.

Rafa Still Chasing Silva

Liverpool are ready to step up their interest in Valencia winger David Silva, according to reports.

The Sun claims that the Merseyside giants are aiming to tie up a deal for around ₤16million as they seek to increase their flair options this summer.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez announced yesterday that he is keeping a very close eye on David Villa, the Valencia striker who scored four-goals at EURO 2008 last month to help Spain to their first major title in over four decades.

Benitez’s revelation sent up warning signals all across Europe, as many believed the wily Spaniard may have been using Villa – an obvious target, given his link with Fernando Torres for La Furia Roja – as a smokescreen for a more secretive deal.

And in Silva, who also featured prominently in Austria and Switzerland, he has a player who will cost half the price – in both wage and transfer fee – of his Mestalla team-mate and would bring some much-needed versatility to Liverpool’s attack.

Although usually classed as a winger, the 22-year-old is an elusive playmaker who can works all across the park and in between the lines, making him a perfect candidate to slot into either wide role in the Reds’ 4-2-3-1 shape.

Los Che may not necessarily be amicable sellers but their current financial state means they must offload either Villa or Silva, their two most bankable stars, with whom Barcelona have also been linked.

Villa Frustrate Liverpool Over Gareth Barry

Gareth Barry is facing up to the prospect of another weekend in limbo as Liverpool and Aston Villa continue to haggle over the finer points of his proposed move to Anfield.

Despite a busy day of transfer activity at both clubs yesterday, Barry remained in the West Midlands after Villa wrote to Liverpool outlining their demands to agree to the sale of the England international. Having already rejected bids of up to £15 million for Barry, the letter is understood to ask for £17 million, to be paid in full in the next 12 months, plus defender Steve Finnan.

Yet negotiations remain deadlocked as Liverpool rate Finnan at £2 million while Villa, who were last night in talks with Chelsea's £5 million-rated Steve Sidwell, a likely replacement for Barry, believe the full-back is only worth half of that figure as he enters the final year of his contract.

Rafael Benitez remains optimistic his main summer target - fined and banned from Villa's training ground for criticising manager Martin O'Neill - will sign but the delay in his arrival is a cause of frustration for the Liverpool manager as he prepares for his squad's departure for their Swiss training camp on Sunday.

With Peter Crouch due to complete an £11 million move to Portsmouth in the next 24 hours, Liverpool's money men could easily bow to all of Villa's demands but they insist that the second city club must meet their valuation of Finnan.

While Barry's arrival remains on ice, Liverpool will today officially unveil defenders Andrea Dossena, an £8 million acquisition from Udinese, and Swiss international Philipp Degen, signed on a free from Borussia Dortmund. Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri has undergone a medical and should complete his move from Palmeiras within days while Benitez has spoken of his admiration for Valencia's David Villa, who scored four times during Spain's triumphant Euro 2008 campaign.

"He is on our list but maybe it will be difficult, said Benitez, who fears he may be without Ryan Babel for the start of the season. Fit after missing Euro 2008 with an ankle injury, Babel could be selected by Holland for the Olympics.

Liverpool Fury At Losing Ryan Babel

Rafael Benitez is set to lose a third first-team squad member for the start of the new season after it emerged that Ryan Babel is almost certain to compete at the Olympics.

The Holland international has worked hard throughout the summer to overcome an ankle injury that ruled him out of Euro 2008 at the last moment.

Babel has now returned to full training with Liverpool at Melwood, and the Dutch are expected to name him in their squad for the Beijing Olympics.

Benitez said: “Obviously, we are really pleased that Ryan is coming back to training because he is an important player for us and he has worked hard to recover from the injury he suffered with Holland. But we are really worried because after getting him fit it is likely that we could lose him again if he is selected for the Olympics. This is a big problem – we prepare him, then he goes away with the national team.”

Benitez has already lost Lucas to the Brazil squad and fellow midfielder Javier Mascherano as an over-age player with Argentina, who are also likely to call up left-back Emiliano Insua after Real Madrid put a block on Gabriel Heinze’s participation.

Lee Delighted With Reds Role

Former Bolton boss Sammy Lee has declared he is delighted to be back in football since returning to Liverpool in the role of assistant manager.

Lee said: "I hated it. Since leaving school that was the longest time I had out of football.

"When you are in the game, any time you spend out of it is not a happy time. I just found it incredibly frustrating.

"I was able to go and watch matches, but I wasn't the best around the house and you tend to become a pain to the people closest to you.

"The new season can't come quick enough for me."

Lee also feels his tenure as Bolton manager in 2007 will help him with his coaching future.

He added: "My time at Bolton will certainly help me to become a better coach.

"I was very proud and honoured to be given the job and it was only heavily outweighed by the sense of disappointment I had of it not going well.

"Yes, I would have liked longer - you always do - but the facts are I got five points from nine games. I understand why I lost my job. But the Bolton fans were superb to me, my family and the players while I was there.

"I'm still fairly young and the short experience hasn't diminished my ambitions for management.

"But I am focused entirely on Liverpool now and I want to be a part of the success here."

Cavalieri Passes Merseyside Medical

Reports from Brazil claim that Palmeiras goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri has already passed a medical at Liverpool and will make the switch official later today.

Brazilian newspaper Folha claims Cavalieri travelled to Merseyside in the last few days and has successfully completed his physical examination, with the signing to be finalised later today.

The keeper’s agent, Juninho Parmigiani, said: "We will conclude everything tomorrow. He's already had the necessary medical examinations, talked with some of his new team-mates and has been impressed by what Rafael Benitez had to say to him."

Palmeiras’ sporting director, Toninho Celilio, added: "I spoke to him today. He has completed the examinations and is very happy. There are some clauses still being discussed but nothing that can block the deal."

The 26-year-old’s arrival will effectively end the Reds’ supposed interest in Fulham shot-stopper Antti Niemi, while simultaneously signalling the departure of Charles Itandje to Fenerbahce.

It is believed Cavalieri will cost in the region of ₤3million, although no specific fee has been mentioned as yet.

Liverpool Boss Benitez States Valencia's David Villa Is No.1 Target

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has admitted that CF Valencia and Spain forward David Villa is top of his list of potential targets this summer after England striker Peter Crouch's transfer to Portsmouth.

26-year-old Villa excelled for Spain in the Euro 2008 Finals and, despite picking up an injury, scored four goals in the tournament to help Spain’s La Furia Roja win their first major trophy in 44 years.

Villa performed well in tandem with Fernando Torres in the EURO 2008 Finals in Austria/Switzerland last month and Villa could provide an excellent partner for Torres, who had a spectacular debut season for The Reds.

24-year-old Torres moved to Anfield last summer in a club record deal from Atlético Madrid and went on to become the Reds’ highest goal-scorer for the 2007/08 season, scoring 33 goals to set a new record for a foreign striker in his debut Premiership campaign.

Whereas the other Liverpool strikers – Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and Andrei Voronin - only managed a combined total of 17 goals last season, with Benitez desperate to bring in an out-and-out striker to Anfield.

"We have Torres, Voronin, Kuyt, Babel and Steven Gerrard, who can play as a second striker," said Benitez.

"But we will try to bring in another option.”

David Villa had another excellent season for Los Che, scoring 18 goals for the Primera Liga outfit, but there is competition to sign Villa, not only from Premiership sides Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, but also from the Continent.

Villa has already stated that he would feel comfortable with a move to Liverpool, saying recently to the Daily Mail: "Liverpool and Chelsea are both big clubs with lots of attraction.

"Liverpool have a Spanish coach and I have lots of friends there.”

Benitez has also now confirmed his interest, and knows the challenge ahead if he wants to convince Villa to make a move to Anfield.

"Villa we know all about. He is on our list. But maybe it will be difficult," said Benitez on Tuesday.

Liverpool FC Back In Talks To Seal Gareth Barry Move

Liverpool are in further negotiations with Aston Villa in an attempt to finally seal the transfer of Gareth Barry.

The Midlanders have sent their Anfield counterparts a letter outlining their demands for the England international midfielder.

It is understood the asking price remains at £18m, with Villa manager O’Neill prepared to lower that to £17m if Steve Finnan heads to Villa Park in part-exchange.

While Liverpool value Finnan at £2m, Villa believe the right-back is worth only half as he has already entered the final year of his contract.

Any agreement will also hinge on the method of payment, with Villa insistent that Liverpool follow the traditional Premier League structure of half the money down immediately and the rest in 12 months’ time.

Rafael Benitez has previously been unwilling to spend £18m on Barry, valuing the player nearer the £15m mark.

However, O’Neill is confident the situation will soon be resolved.

“Liverpool have come back to us and we have responded to their proposal with a letter,’’ said the Villa manager yesterday. “We’re still waiting to hear back from Liverpool after putting that proposal to them. It’s really up to Liverpool. I really don’t know how it’s going to work out at the moment.

“I’m sure there will be some sort of resolution at some stage or another.”

Villa have already made plans for life without their skipper Barry, with Steve Sidwell expected to be unveiled today after finalising his move from Chelsea.

Meanwhile, newly-promoted Stoke City are reportedly ready to raid Liverpool as they seek to bolster their squad for their first-ever Premier League campaign.

Manager Tony Pulis has been monitoring goalkeeper Scott Carson’s situation, although Moroccan international Nabil El Zhar is a more attainable target.

The Reds’ youngster Lucas Leiva has been included in Brazil’s squad for the Olympic Games football tournament next month in Beijing.

And with Javier Mascherano having already been named in the defending champions Argentina’s squad, it means Liverpool are poised to be without both their South American central midfielders for the start of the new Premier League season, which begins with a trip to Sunderland on August 16.

Yossi Benayoun: I’m Staying At Liverpool FC

Yossi Benayoun says he is determined to stay at Liverpool – because manager Rafael Benitez “loves” him.

Manchester City and Tottenham are both keen to recruit the Israeli international midfielder, but Benayoun believes there is no chance of Liverpool cashing in on him.

He said: “Even before the season ended, we determined that I would be staying.

“Benitez told me unequivocally that he brought me here, that I had a very good season, that he’s depending on me and that there’s no way I’ll leave Liverpool.

“I have very good chemistry with Benitez. He loves me. He bought me. I really enjoy being with him – moreover, I had an excellent season. I even surprised myself.

“Benitez didn’t want to hear and isn’t prepared to hear about any possibility of letting me go at any price.”

Benayoun scored 11 goals in 48 appearances in his debut season with Liverpool, although he regularly had to settle for a place on the bench.

But he says the only circumstance in which he would leave the club would be if he was told he was no longer wanted.

He added: “Liverpool is good for me, and it was always clear I want to stay and Liverpool wants me. I got better offers financially, but these tempting offers don’t change my mind.

“If Liverpool wouldn’t want me, I’d leave there in seconds. Even if I had a contract, if I understood they didn’t want me, I’d get up right away and leave. But I’m not leaving Liverpool.”

Meanwhile, Benitez has challenged the club’s youngsters to show him during pre-season they are ready for a first-team call.

The Reds boss knows the likes of Krisztian Nemeth, Damien Plessis, Emiliano Insua and Daniel Pacheco have made great strides over the last 12 months – now he wants them to take another step forward.

Their task will be made easier over the coming weeks as Benitez uses the full contingent of his playing staff during pre-season trips to Switzerland, Spain, Norway and around the UK.

However, a slight complication arises from the fact Nemeth, Andras Simon, Mikel San Jose, Dean Bouzanis and Peter Gulacsi will all be appearing in the European under-19 Championships in the coming weeks.

The manager said: “Clearly some of the young players will be involved in some of our games during pre-season and this is an opportunity for them to show what they can do, although some of them are so good they will play some games with their national teams.

“But we have a lot of confidence in them so if they can be with the first-team players and work with the coaching staff I am sure it will be good for them.

“It is important that they develop their experience at this stage of their careers and afterwards we will see, but it is clear that they have a chance.”

Hungarian trialist Zsolt Poloskei will spend a season-long loan at Liverpool, the club has confirmed.

The midfielder was one of three MTK Hungaria teenagers to arrive at Melwood for pre-season trials.

Having impressed staff, the 17-year-old has already been handed a loan deal and will battle it out for a place in Gary Ablett’s reserves during 2008/09.

Poloskei’s settling in process will be helped by the presence of Peter Gulacsi, Krisztian Nemeth and Andras Simon, who all arrived from MTK a year ago.

Benitez Admits: I'll Be Sorry To See Crouch Go But I Still Have Torres, Voronin, Kuyt, Gerrard - And Maybe Even Villa

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has admitted he wanted to keep Peter Crouch as the England striker prepares to complete his move to Portsmouth.

Crouch has completed a medical at Fratton Park and the finer points of his £11million move back to the south coast are almost complete with Pompey likely to formally confirm the move tomorrow.

But Benitez has preempted Crouch's final departure from Merseyside by saying: 'He is a good professional and a nice person, and we would have wanted him to stay. We offered him a new contract.

'But sometimes you have to understand the player. He wanted to play a lot more, and with Fernando Torres now first choice, that was always going to be difficult.

'I can understand Peter's situation. But he did very well for this club and we always supported him when people doubted the decision to bring him to Anfield.'

Benitez made it clear that he will now try to sign a replacement striker, and refused to rule out a possible move for Spanish star David Villa.

He said: 'We have Torres, Andriy Voronin, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and Steven Gerrard, who can play as a second striker.

'But we will try to bring in another option. Villa is a player we know all about and he is on our list. But maybe it will be difficult.'

Benitez now hopes to complete the drawn-out saga of Gareth Barry's move from Aston Villa, which the club still hope to have sealed by the weekend.

Whether that will be in time for Liverpool's first pre-season friendly at Tranmere on Saturday is debatable.

But Benitez would wish to have the midfielder on board for the training camp in Switzerland which starts on Sunday and includes three matches before a return to the UK ahead of the trip to play Rangers in Glasgow on July 26.

Peter Crouch Agrees Personal Terms With Portsmouth

Peter Crouch has agreed personal terms with Portsmouth and is expected to complete his £11 million move to Fratton Park in the coming days.

The Liverpool forward is expected to undergo a medical today before completing his move to the club he left in 2002. While the 27-year-old hopes the move will reinvigorate his England career, Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, hopes the influx of cash will allow him to secure his top targets.

Liverpool accepted Portsmouth's offer on Monday, of which £2m is conditional on his success at Fratton Park. And far from being worried by a perceived drop in class, Crouch, who scored 19 goals in 39 appearances in an earlier spell at Portsmouth, is delighted with the move, having been frustrated by Benítez's selection policy last season.

The striker believes that regular first-team football will help his England career, having yet to start a match under Fabio Capello, the manager.

Alonso Happy To Stay A Red

Xabi Alonso insists he would have no problem staying at Liverpool, as a proposed move to Juventus stalls due to the two clubs' inability to settle on a transfer fee.

The classy Spaniard was expected to tie-up a switch to Serie A at the conclusion of the European Championship after Liverpool intimated a willingness to sell.

Gareth Barry's long-protracted move from Aston Villa was thought to be reliant on Alonso's exit generating funds but the likely departure of Peter Crouch to Portsmouth would swell the transfer coffers significantly.

And should it be that Juve fail to match Liverpool's valuation, Alonso will be more than content to stay on Merseyside.

"I am very happy with Liverpool, the city, the people and they treat me very well," Alonso is quoted in The Sun.

"It's great to be European champion with my club and with my country but I'd love a league medal.

"It's the one that is missing."

Graeth Barry Would Be 'Crazy' Not To Join Liverpool FC

Former Wales international Mark Delaney claims Gareth Barry would be “crazy” not to move to Liverpool.

Delaney, who made 158 appearances for Villa between 1999 and 2007, believes the Champions League represents a career path too good to refuse.

“He has been Villa’s best player for the last four or five years and I am surprised it has taken this long for a big club to come along,” said the 32-year-old, who was capped 36 times for Wales.

“When that knock on the door arrived it was Liverpool and they are an unbelievable club.

“Gareth will be 28 in February. These are his ‘twilight’ years. If he goes he will win trophies and if he doesn’t go it will be crazy for his career.

“He has to give it a go. If he can’t go the opportunity may never arise again. Liverpool might not ask again.

“He has to grasp this with both hands. This choice is Champions League and England with Liverpool or the InterToto with Villa.”

Villa manager Martin O’Neill is demanding £18m to allow Barry to join the Reds, but

Delaney says O’Neill would have swapped Nottingham Forest for Liverpool in his playing days had the call come.

“Martin O’Neill knows Liverpool are a bigger club than Villa,” he said. “It hurts me to say that as a Villa supporter through-and-through. The club mean a hell of a lot to me.

“If he (O’Neill) didn’t say he would have done the same as a player he would be lying. Anyone would.

“Randy Lerner could probably match what Liverpool offer Gareth in terms of wages but this is not about money.

“And the reason Martin has probably reacted like he has is that he knows Gareth will be hard to replace.

“It is unfortunate for Villa but these things happen.”

Delaney, now a part-time coach with Villa’s Academy, admits he is a huge fan of O’Neill and the revolution that is taking place at Villa Park under Randy Lerner.

But he says Villa cannot yet hope to break into the top four.

“Gareth has been as loyal as any Villa player. The thing is, I cannot see them breaking the top four in his time,’’ he added.

“They exceeded all expectations last season. But can they do it again? I don’t know.

“If Gareth has a bad season in terms of form, or he gets injured, then there is no way Villa will get £18m.

“He loves Villa, as I do, but for his career this is the right move.”

LFC Rumourmill: More On Barry, Reds For Reira And Meir?

Liverpool's Steve Finnan could be used as a deal breaker in the on-going saga regarding Gareth Barry's future, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Liverpool are reported to be offering the Irishman to Aston Villa in a last ditch attempt to bring the 27 year old to Anfield next season.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is said to be a big fan of Finnan's and would need the £15 million in order to see through his own transfer target - Chelsea's Steve Sidwell.

And although Finnan has given no sign that he wants to leave Liverpool there is no doubt that if he has a fan in O'Neill he would be guaranteed a first-team place.

RUMOUR RATING: Three stars - something needs to happen to break the impasse between the two clubs; everyone knows the Barry transfer is going to happen - it is just how.

Liverpool are supposedly set to reignite their interest in Spanish winger Albert Riera according to reports in The People.

The Reds reportedly had a £9.5 million plus Sebastian Leto bid rejected for the Espanyol winger. The Spanish outfit are thought to be holding out for a deal closer to about £13 million. The 26 year old caught the eye of Rafa Benitez with his solid performances over the past few seasons which have also seen him earn several call ups to the Spanish first team.

It is still unknown whether Liverpool will up their bid to the La Liga outfit's asking price.

RUMOUR RATING: Three stars - Liverpool's interest is already known but how Benitez juggles his transfer kitty will hold the key to any deal.

Liverpool duo Steve Finnan and Scott Carson could be making exits from Anfield this Summer in order to make way for Gareth Barry and Diego Cavalierei.

Rumour site Football Corner says Gareth Barry's move to Liverpool is looking ever likelier as the England international was fined and asked to sit out of preseason because of his poor media relations over the past few weeks. Steve Finnan may be used in a player plus cash deal with Aston Villa in order to secure the signature of the 27 year old.

Diego Cavalieri is another player who may be brought in this Summer, as back up for Pepe Reina. With the introduction of the £3 million Brazilian shot stopper that will almost certainly see the end of Scott Carson's time at Anfield. Premier League new boys Stoke City are thought to have an interest in signing the previously £10 million rated keeper.

RUMOUR RATING: Five stars - there will be a number of comings and goings at Liverpool this summer with the Brazilian keeper expected to sign in this week.

Liverpool are eyeing Stuttgart defender Fernando Meir, reports Tribal Football.

His agent, Roger Wittman, said: "If the club puts him up for sale, everything will happen very quickly. There's always interest in a player of his quality."

RUMOUR RATING: One star - Liverpool would seem well blessed with defenders and given the priorities elsewhere in the team, another one might seem excessive.

Aston Villa Ready To Do Gareth Barry Business After Steve Finnan Sweetener

Martin O’Neill is ready to accept Liverpool’s £15 million offer for Gareth Barry now that Steve Finnan has been offered in a part-exchange deal. As Barry, the England midfield player, was expressing his disappointment at the controversial nature of his departure from Aston Villa, the manager was preparing to sign Steve Sidwell as a midfield replacement.

Sidwell is due to have talks with Luiz Felipe Scolari over the next 24 hours, when it is believed that the new Chelsea manager will confirm that the midfield player, signed from Reading on a free transfer last summer, will be told that he can join Villa for £5 million.

Villa head to Switzerland on a two-match tour today, with Barry left at home after being banned from preseason training in the wake of a critical interview in a Sunday newspaper that has left him as public enemy No 1.

Martin Laursen, the leading candidate to succeed Barry as Villa captain, has been on the phone to his friend. “I have spoken to him,” the Denmark defender said at the launch of Villa’s new kit yesterday. “He’s not happy with that [being cast as the villain]. I understand supporters want to keep their best player, but I hope that they can remember all he’s done for the club.

We’re talking about a guy who’s played here for ten years, become the youngest player to play 300 Premier League games, been our captain, done so many good things for the club. I’m sad that the fans are angry with him now and they should remember what he has done for this club.”

The £10 million sale of Peter Crouch by Liverpool to Portsmouth means that Villa can expect to receive half the fee for Barry up front, with half to follow in 12 months, while O’Neill will be delighted to acquire Finnan after being without a recognised right back last season. Liverpool will also pay add-ons if Barry wins the Champions League with them.

Laursen rates Barry highly but does not believe that he is irreplaceable. “Obviously, it’s a big loss,” he said. “He was a very good player, a nice guy, a good captain, but there are a lot of players who can do as good a job as he can. I’m sure we can bring in a player who is as good as Gareth.”

Rafa Benitez To Step Up Transfer Activity Following Peter Crouch Sale

Rafael Benitez is ready to step up his summer recruitment drive after Peter Crouch moved to the brink of a move to Portsmouth.

Crouch held talks with the Fratton Park outfit yesterday and underwent a medical after Liverpool accepted an offer for him.

The proposed deal will see Portsmouth make an initial payment of around £8.75million, a figure that could rise to almost £11m with add-ons and incentives over the course of Crouch’s contract.

“We have reached a verbal agreement with Portsmouth and have given them permission to speak with Peter,” confirmed a Liverpool spokesman yesterday.

While short of Benitez’s £15m public valuation, Portsmouth’s bid would represent a profit on the £7m Liverpool spent to sign the striker from Southampton in 2005.

Crouch, who has less than a year remaining on his present Anfield deal, has rebuffed Liverpool’s offer of a new contract and is keen to leave Anfield in pursuit of regularfirst-team football.

Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with Crouch, but the player has always preferred a move back to the South Coast and a chance to link up again with Harry Redknapp, his manager at Portsmouth during his previous stay at the club in 2001-02.

Crouch’s departure will signal the start of an intensive period of transfer activity at Anfield.

Benitez is hopeful the Gareth Barry saga can be concluded shortly, with Aston Villa having intimated they would take Steve Finnan in part-exchange. However, the Midlanders are still holding out for an overall deal of £18m, above Liverpool’s valuation of the player.

Robbie Keane is Benitez’s first-choice replacement for Crouch, but the manager is aware of the difficulties in prising the striker away from Tottenham Hotspur.

Benitez will also intensify his search for a winger.

Valencia’s David Silva and Espanyol’s Albert Riera are the prime targets, although both Spanish clubs would have to lower their demands if any deal is to become a reality.

Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri has arrived on Merseyside with Liverpool keen to finalise a £3m deal for the 26-year-old Atletico Mineiro man, who will become Pepe Reina’s understudy with Galatasaray still interested in Charles Itandje, despite the Frenchman’s excessive contract demands.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have confirmed the signing of 17-year-old Denmark youth international striker Nikola Saric on a three-year deal.

Reds Swoop For Danish Starlet

Liverpool have signed promising Danish youth international striker Nikola Saric on a three year deal.

The 17-year-old, who was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia, is an Under-18 international for Denmark.

The former Herfolge player was recently on trial with SC Heerenveen at the Otten Cup tournament, hosted by PSV Eindhoven.

In 2007 Saric was named Denmark's Under-17 Player of the Year.

Saric told Herfolge's official website: "Of course, I want to join Liverpool FC.

"I will get to train with the big names over there and develop in the reserves. It is a tremendous chance for me and I am very happy.

"Since I feel the time is right and that I am mature enough for a new challenge, we have been waiting for the right club to come with an offer."

Parry: We Will Benefit From Euro Group

Rick Parry believes Liverpool and English football will benefit from the creation of a new European Club Association, of which he has been appointed a board member.

The Reds chief executive is one of 15 board members at the helm of the ECA, which replaces the now-defunct G14.

The Association is charged with tackling the game's pressing issues over the next two years – and Parry believes it has far greater clout than its predecessor.

He explained: "This body has far greater credibility than the G14, both with fellow clubs and UEFA, because G14 was always seen as an elite group.

"Now we have clubs with widely diverging interests. We wanted a proper say in the issues that affect us most and it's important that there's an English voice on the board."

Rangers director John McClelland could not disguise his pride at also becoming a board member to represent not only Scottish interests but those of all other so-called second-tier clubs.

"It's very important that clubs of our size, those that were outside G14, are represented," McClelland said. "Now we have one solid voice, including many of the so-called two-tier clubs."

Five English teams are among the 103 ECA members: Newcastle, Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Liverpool Boss Benitez On Missing Agger, Hails Skrtel

Liverpool missed Daniel Agger during his injury problem, according to boss Rafa Benitez, who feels had the defender been fit the Reds would have had a chance of mounting the Premier League title challenge.

The Danish aided the side to have a brilliant start to last season’s campaign which saw them concede just two goals in their first seven matches. However, his season was marred with a broken foot which resulted in an early end to his season.

In the Liverpool Daily Post, Benitez is quoted as saying: “I think it cost us early in the season. We conceded goals at the end of games which finished as draws because Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher were playing too many games in a row.

“We were using Jack Hobbs in some games and Alvaro Arbeloa as a centre-back and clearly we missed Daniel Agger.

“He is a centre-back but good on the ball and a threat for the other team too.

“We missed Agger.”

The Spanish tactician reinforced the defence in January transfer window bringing in Martin Skrtel from Zenit St Petersburg.

Benitez added: “We knew this player (Skrtel) when he was 18. It was funny because some people were going to see Everton against Zenit and were saying this player really has ability.

"But we already had four or five videos of him which we liked. We had already sent our people over there and we knew he was the player for us.

“It can be difficult to settle down in this country but Martin has been really good.

“We know the players we want whenever the window opens and we try to sign the players we want at the right price.”

Star Names On Merseyside Trains

Four trains are being named after legends from Liverpool’s sport and music scenes after being chosen by ECHO readers.

Blues’ star Dixie Dean and former Liverpool Football Club manager Bob Paisley will now both be immortalised on Merseyrail units.

The Beatles will also be recognised.

The first train officially named following the competition organised by the ECHO and Merseytravel pays tribute to three times Grand National winner Red Rum.

The nameplate is expected to be unveiled in a ceremony at Southport station on July 14.

“Rummy” used to train on the sands at nearby Ainsdale beach.

Merseytravel chairman Mark Dowd said: “These four trains have been named by the people of Merseyside and that’s what Capital of Culture is all about – getting people involved and leaving a lasting legacy of a special year.

“All four trains have been named after true icons of this great region and as a lifelong Blue I'm obviously delighted Dixie Dean has made the final four.

“I'd like to thank everyone who took time to make their choice. They should be able to spot these trains across the network very soon.”

Rail Service chairman Chris Blakeley said: “These trains will forever be linked to these great icons. They are your trains, named after people – or horses – you’ve chosen.

“It's nice to see both football clubs represented too. Dixie Dean and Bob Paisley are two famous sporting personalities who have forever left their mark on this region.

“As for the Beatles, well their mark is indelible.

“The first train being launched will be Red Rum, a local horse, but famous across the world.”

Thousands of votes were cast in the online competition organised as part of Capital of Culture year.

Readers were asked to choose from a list of 20 leading men and women from the region in the fields of sport, music, politics, acting, comedy, business, health, invention, religion and war heroes.

Among those on the list were Harold Wilson, war heroes Noel Chavasse and Captain Johnnie Walker, Sir Simon Rattle, John Peel, Frank Hornby and Arthur Askey.

Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun: “No Way I'll Leave Liverpool”

Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun has rubbished all reports claiming that he is heading for an exit from the club.

The Israeli insisted that leaving the club is not at all part of his plans as he loves the club and the manager Rafael Benitez simply “loves” him.

Benayoun has been linked with a move to a number of clubs over the summer but the midfielder has been quick do deny any such linkups claiming he was delighted to be a part of the Reds side and also went on to reveal his relationship with boss Benitez.

"It seems the media in Israel and England are in a contest to see who's more bored during the slow summer months," he told Ha'aretz.

"The media in England published a story [on] Friday that Rafael Benitez told me finally that I'm staying at Liverpool. These reports are the work of the writer's imagination because, even before the season ended, we determined that I would be staying.

"Benitez told me unequivocably [unequivocally] that he brought me here, that I had a very good season, that he's depending on me and that there's no way I'll leave Liverpool.

"I have very good chemistry with Benitez. He loves me. He bought me. I really enjoy being with him, moreover, I had an excellent season. I even surprised myself.

"Benitez didn't want to hear and isn't prepared to hear about any possibility of letting me go at any price.

"Liverpool is good for me and it was always clear I want to stay and Liverpool wants me. I got better offers financially but these tempting offers don't change my mind.

"If Liverpool wouldn't want me, I'd leave there in seconds. Even if I had a contract but I understood they didn't want me, I'd get up right away and leave.

"But I'm not leaving Liverpool."

Stoke City Linked With Liverpool’s Carson As Aston Villa Focus On Signing Tottenham’s Robinson

Newly-promoted Premiership outfit Stoke City is reportedly interested in Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson, who had spent the last season on loan at Aston Villa.

The England international returned to the Merseyside at the end of the last season as Villa did not take the option of a permanent move.

The 22-year-old has been apparently valued at £10million that has forced Villa boss Martin O’Neill to look elsewhere with Tottenham’s £5m-rated Paul Robinson said to be the prime target.

Neverthless, the Potters manager Tony Pulis is looking to bring in an experienced custodian and could jump at the chance to sign Carson, who is looking to leave Anfield for regular football.

Keane Told He Will Not Join Liverpool

Just like every other Tottenham striker, Robbie Keane has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane this summer. Berbatov is reportedly chased by Manchester United and Arsenal while Darrent Bent is wanted by a host of mid-table clubs.

Robbie Keane is wanted by Liverpool, but he has been told to forget about those rumours because he will not be allowed to leave.

“My first task at pre-season last week was to pin Robbie to the wall and tell him: ‘You’re staying!’” Said Gus Poyet, according to The People.

“I was shocked when I heard him being linked with Liverpool - he’s a very important player for us.”

Robbie Keane was thought to be interested in a move to Anfield where he could give himself a shot at the big club. But Tottenham have done everything they could do to ensure that Keane stays put.

According to the report, the 27 year old would cost potential buyers about £20 million and it is thought that Liverpool do not have that kind of money to spend on a striker who is on the wrong side of his 27th birthday.

Torres Is A Revelation - Thomas

Former Liverpool midfielder Michael Thomas has described current Liverpool hero Fernando Torres as a “revelation”, believing that the striker and Steven Gerrard’s partnership could see the club end their Premiership title drought.

The 24-year old moved to Anfield from Atletico Madrid in a £22 million deal last summer, and despite doubts from several leading pundits, went on to score 33 times for The Reds in his debut campaign.

‘El Niño’s’ link-up with Gerrard, who manager Rafa Benitez used in a withdrawn role behind the striker, was a rewarding one, with the pair scoring a combined total of 55 goals.

And Thomas believes that the Spain international, who also scored his nation’s winning goal in the Euro 2008 final against Germany, will only improve over the coming years.

"I've been to watch a lot of Liverpool games recently and Torres has been a revelation," Thomas told LFC magazine.

"The Newcastle match - where he scored the second and made the third - showed exactly how good he is. They couldn't stop him that day.

"I'd heard some people say he wasn't a natural striker and they were surprised by his goalscoring ability. I'm not.

"I already knew a bit about him before he moved to England and he's got everything; pace, power, technique, touch, vision. He really is the perfect centre forward.

"His partnership with Steven Gerrard has been devastating and if they continue to play together like that then the team should get better and better."

Another of Benitez’s recruits, Ryan Babel, struggled to make as much of a mark as Torres, though Thomas saw enough in the young Holland forward to believe that he too could prove to be a major hit on Merseyside.

"I really like the look of him," he said.

"It's probably fair to say he had a slow start in the Premier League when he was obviously adjusting to a different style of football in a new country.

"But as the campaign progressed he started to do really well, especially when coming off the bench.

"I honestly believe he's got everything you need to be a top attacking player.

"And if he continues to develop and improve I can see him eventually moving out of a wide position to play as a centre-forward, maybe even alongside Fernando Torres. That would be a great combination."

Juve Set To End Alonso Chase

According to reports in Italy, Juventus are set to drop their interest in Xabi Alonso after growing frustrated at the lack of progress during negotiations with Liverpool.

The Bianconeri are well known to be in the market for a top class centre midfielder, and they have been heavily linked over the past several weeks with Roma’s Alberto Aquilani, Napoli’s Marek Hamisk, Inter’s Dejan Stankovic, as well as Sevilla midfielder Christian Poulsen.

With deals for Aquilani and Hamsik impossible, and Stankovic also unlikely due to fan protests, Alonso had emerged as Juve’s new first choice signing.

The Old Lady have been attempting to negotiate a transfer fee with Liverpool for the player, but have grown increasingly frustrated at the failure to reach a compromise, with the Merseysiders said to be demanding €20m and Juve only prepared to pay €15m.

Over the weekend Ranieri stated that Alonso was not the only centre midfielder that Juve were interested in, and according to latest reports in Italy, the club have become so fed up with proceedings that they are ready to end their chase for Alonso.

Alonso signed for Liverpool in 2004 from Basque Country-based Spanish side Real Sociedad.

Kewell Ready For New Chapter

Harry Kewell revealed Galatasaray were the pick of several clubs interested in him after signing a two-year deal with the Turkish champions on Saturday.

The 29-year-old arrived in Istanbul on Friday evening before putting pen to paper on a deal after five seasons at Liverpool.

Kewell turned down a contract offer with Liverpool in May and entered the current transfer window as a free agent, with many clubs across Europe chasing his services.

He was reported to be heading to Celtic, Italy's Roma or English Premier League side Portsmouth, but Kewell admitted Galatasaray quickly won him over.

"They're a great club," he told Sky Sports News. "They showed faith from the very start.

"There were other clubs out there but they were persistent and treated me very courteously.

"There are a lot of nice people over here, it's a great country and I'm looking forward to it.

"There were a few other clubs involved, other English clubs, but Galatasaray showed a lot of faith in me and were very strong from the start and that's why I signed for them.

"It's a new chapter for me, I'm looking forward to it. They've got a great young squad, I'm looking forward to meeting with the boys and training with them."

Kewell played against Galatasaray eight years ago when he was with Leeds in a UEFA Cup semi-final which was overshadowed by the stabbing to death of two Leeds fans on the eve of the match in Istanbul.

His move to the club has attracted criticism from Leeds fans, but Kewell is hoping the negative press will be short-lived.

"It was a tragic thing what happened but we can't live in the past," he continued.

"We've got to look to the future and that's what I'm concentrating on.

"I gave a good nine years to Leeds and left on good terms, there shouldn't be any bad feeling."

The move to Turkey also seems set to end Australia's hopes Kewell would represent them at the Olympics in Beijing next month.

The striker had said if he was without a club, he would consider representing the Olyroos as one of their three over-age players.

But Kewell admits the decision is no longer in his hands.

"The Olympics Games depended on whether I had a club or not," he explained.

"Now I do and it's down to Galatasaray (whether I play). If they want me to go then fair enough but my first priority is to play for Galatasaray."

Agent: Cavalieri Going To Anfield

The agent of Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri has revealed that Liverpool have been given permission by Palmeiras to open talks with the player, with regard to a transfer to Anfield.

Juninho Parmigiani stated that the two clubs were set to agree the details for a deal involving the 26-year-old, who has been at Palestra Italia since the beginning of his career. Both player and agent are ready to make the trip to England to finalise terms with Rafael Beintez’s side.

Parmigiani claimed: "Palmeiras' board released Diego to negotiate with Liverpool and we are going to fly to define the last details. We still cannot say that everything is closed because there are some things between Liverpool and Palmeiras and other details in the contract.

"I believe everything is going to be solved this weekend. If everything goes as it was agreed, he is going to sign the contract and be introduced."

Cavalieri has yet to be capped for the Brazilian national team, but has caught the eye of a number of European clubs nonetheless. Internazionale were said to have run the rule over the goalkeeper in 2005, before ultimately opting for Julio Cesar.

Should Cavalieri arrive at Anfield, it may well push Scott Carson further towards the exit door; the 22-year-old has spent the past three seasons on loan away from the club, and Beintez is willing to part with the English international should a sufficient bid materialise.

Finnan Key To Barry Deal

Steve Finnan has emerged as the key component in the deal which may finally see Gareth Barry make the move from Aston Villa to Liverpool, reports the News of the World.

The two clubs are currently haggling over the transfer fee for Barry with Liverpool having reportedly offered £15 million for the Villa captain, whilst Aston Villa value him nearer the £17 million mark.

The protracted transfer has taken an ugly turn in recent weeks with Barry having been disciplined by Villa after comments he was reported to have made in a newspaper. His career at Villa Park is clearly over and it looks as though finally he may be granted his wish to join Liverpool.

With Benitez determined to add Barry to his ranks it now appears that Liverpool are willing to offer veteran full back Steve Finnan as part of the deal and with Martin O’Neill apparently an admirer of the defender, an agreement may finally be close.

The paper quotes a Liverpool source as saying: “There has been so much haggling in the past week and the mood has been very tense at times but both sides seem to be close to deal.”

Finnan signed for Liverpool from Fulham in 2003 and has made almost 150 appearances for the club winning Champions League and FA Cup medals.

However, the Irishman lost his place in the starting line-up towards the end of last season, making only nine league appearances in 2008, which has led to speculation that he no longer features in manager Rafael Benitez’s plans.

This speculation has increased this summer as Benitez has brought in extra defensive in the shape of Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena. With Finnan likely to be guaranteed first team football at Villa Park it is unlikely he will reject a move away from Anfield.

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.”