Pennant’s Convinced He’ll Stay At Liverpool

Jermaine Pennant is convinced he will begin the season as a Liverpool player.

The winger’s future has been the subject of much speculation during the transfer window as Rafael Benitez attempts to reshape his squad.

It is thought the Anfield manager would be willing to listen to offers for Pennant to raise funds for squad strengthening.

Blackburn Rovers are one of several clubs to have been linked with the 25-year-old who cost £6.7m from Birmingham City two years ago.

But Pennant says he has not been told he is up for sale, while revealing his determination to secure silverware with Liverpool.

“The boss hasn’t come to me and said any other club is interested,” he said. “There’s always going to be speculation about someone who isn’t playing as much, but I’m not going anywhere.

“I still have a contract, I’m not asking to leave, I haven’t told the boss that I want to leave and he hasn’t told me that he wants to get rid of me.

“Liverpool isn’t a club you leave easily, if you stay here you are more than likely to win things.”

After playing a key role in the team that reached the European Cup final in his first campaign, Pennant missed almost two months of last season after suffering a stress fracture and made only seven starts after his return to fitness in January.

And the winger accepts that the coming campaign could prove pivotal to his Liverpool career.

“With Rafa using the rotation, then no player is guaranteed a place in the team,” said Pennant, who played the second half of Liverpool’s 1-1 friendly draw against Wisla Krakow in Fribourg, Switzerland on Saturday.

“Every position is up for grabs and you have to take your chance when you get it.

“The second half of last season was a disappointment for me. My injury played a massive part, having three months out on the sidelines. By the time I came back, the team were playing well and it was difficult to get back in.

“I think this could be the most important season of my career. Every season is important to me, although I don’t know about this being a make-or-break one for me.”

Pennant will be hopeful of providing the ammunition for Robbie Keane, who is expected to complete his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur this week.

And the winger has warned Premiership sides to beware a potentially devastating strike partnership between the Republic of Ireland international and Fernando Torres.

“Robbie is a great player, he’s sharp around the box and is a great finisher,” added Pennant.

“If he does sign and is up front with Fernando Torres, it could be as good as anything in the Premiership.

“Robbie has done well in the past four or five years with Tottenham, and Torres was remarkable last season. If they both carry on in that form, it would be a great partnership.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool are closing in on the signature of 19-year-old Paris Saint Germain striker David N'Gog.

N'Gog was told last week he could leave PSG after refusing to sign a new contract with his current deal due to expire in less than 12 months.

Ablett: Pacheco Can Shine Under Rafa

Gary Ablett believes rising star Daniel Pacheco will continue to shine under the guidance of Rafael Benitez.

The 17-year-old Spanish striker arrived from Barcelona last season and enjoyed a superb debut year as he helped the reserves to a unique treble under the command of Ablett.

The reserve team boss, who watched on television as Pacheco set up a goal for Lucas against Lucerne last week, admitted he has been impressed with the way he has handled the step up to first-team level during pre-season.

Ablett believes he is a player with a bright future.

"Dani is a young lad with a lot of potential," Ablett told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"Last season was his first here with us and he more than played his part in what was an exceptional campaign.

"I have always said our main goal is to get players through to Rafa's first-team squad and it is pleasing to see Daniel doing well in the games he has played in pre-season.

"People have to remember, though, that he is only 17 and not to expect too much too soon, but there is no better man than Rafa to help him to achieve what he wants in the game."

Rafael Benitez Confident Of Robbie Keane Deal

Rafael Benitez remains confident of reaching a successful conclusion in his attempt to complete the £20 million signing of Robbie Keane, the Tottenham Hotspur forward, despite last week's angry attack on the Liverpool manager by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.

Benitez and Liverpool believe Levy's decision to report the club to the Premier League will come to nothing and that a deal will be struck that will permit Keane to join Benitez's squad within the next week.

The manager is also hopeful of completing the £18 million transfer of Gareth Barry from a reluctant Aston Villa and with Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso due to report back on Friday for the first time since helping Spain to Euro 2008 success, Benitez's pre-season preparations will begin to gather momentum.

The latest stage of those - Saturday's 1-1 with Polish side Wisla Krakow in Switzerland - was overshadowed by the return of captain Steven Gerrard to England for treatment on a groin problem that will keep the midfielder sidelined for around 10 days.

Gerrard’s Injury Not A Concern For Benitez

Rafael Benitez has played down any fears over Steven Gerrard’s fitness for the start of the season.

The Liverpool skipper returned home early from the club’s training camp in Switzerland after suffering a groin problem.

Gerrard sat out the 2-1 win over FC Lucerne in Grenchen on Wednesday and was back on Merseyside for the 1-1 draw against Polish champions Wisla Krakow in Fribourg on Saturday.

The midfielder has already been ruled out of tomorrow’s friendly in Germany against Hertha Berlin but is likely to return for the trip to Villarreal the following week.

“Steven has a groin problem, it’s not serious but he cannot train and he wouldn’t be available for this game so we decided to send him back to Melwood for training,” said Benitez.

“He should be okay in about a week. It’s not serious but there’s no sense to keep him here being unable to train or play.”

Philipp Degen also missed Saturday’s game due to a groin problem, but is expected to be available tomorrow night.

Liverpool’s other new full-back signing, Italian international Andrea Dossena, was cleared to make his first appearance for the club at the weekend.

The £6m arrival from Udinese played 62 minutes against Wisla, and Benitez said: “Dossena did okay but it was a difficult game for the full-backs.

“Wisla were good in wide areas with overlaps, but it was only his first game so I thought he was fine.

“It was important for him to play his first game. He is a good player and a good professional.

“He needs to understand our system and the way we play and he will get better with the more games he plays.”

Benitez added: “I think we did really well in the first half. We had really good possession, the understanding between the players was good and we showed an attacking mentality.

“We were playing against a team that was well organised and it was a step up in fitness for us.

“We had some chances but they did too so a draw was probably a fair result.

”Of goalscorer Voronin, Benitez added: “He was good, and played well the other day, so we know his quality.”

Reds Keen On PSG Ace

Reports in France claim Liverpool have made a bid to lure Paris Saint Germain young striker David Ngog, cousin of Jean-Alain Boumsong.

Ngog, 19, was told last week by head coach Paul Le Guen he can move on subject to a suitable offer be made and it has been claimed that Rafa Benitez has made an offer to sign the Frenchman.

The Reds’ French scout Laurent Viaud, a former Monaco player, is believed to have suggested the club sign the youngster.

The athletic attacker appeared 19 times in the top flight last season, scoring once at Parc des Princes.

Ngog refused to sign a new deal with the capital club and is under contract until 2009. He was not called up to play the friendly with Clermont last Saturday.

Crocked Gerrard Sent Home

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard's pre-season has been interrupted by a groin injury that has seen the midfielder sent home from the club's Swiss training camp.

According to the club’s official website the injury is not too serious although it will keep him out of action for the next week. Confirming the news Ian Cotton, the club spokesman, said: “Steven has a slight groin strain which will keep him out for between seven and ten days.”

Liverpool are currently in Switzerland ahead of the new season and are due to play Wisla Krakow this evening before facing German side Hertha Berlin next week. Gerrard’s injury will rule him out of both of these games and as such he has been sent home.

Cotton confirmed that the club captain had returned to England for treatment on the injury. Speaking about the midfielder he said: “He has left the training camp to return to Melwood where he will receive treatment on the injury.”

Liverpool began their preparations for the new season with a friendly against Tranmere last weekend. Although Gerrard didn’t start the game he replaced Damien Plessis after 65 minutes in a match which the Reds won 1-0, courtesy of a Yossi Benayoun strike.
The Anfield side then travelled to their training camp in Switzerland where they played FC Lucerne on Wednesday and managed a 2-1 victory, despite Gerrard not featuring in the game which saw Jamie Carragher captain the side in his absence.

Although the news will come as a blow to manager Rafael Benitez he will be hoping Gerrard can recover swiftly. Liverpool continue their pre-season preparations with friendlies against Villareal, Rangers, Vålerenga and Lazio before they open their Premier League campaign on 16 August against Sunderland.

Babel Hopes Against Rafa Olympic Fury

Ryan Babel hopes that heading off to the Olympics with the Netherlands won't negatively impact his Liverpool future.

Dutch winger Ryan Babel has confirmed that he's heading for Beijing and claims he doesn't have a choice in the matter.

Rafa Benitez is delighted to have Babel back after injury but is reportedly livid with Dutch Olympics coach Foppe de Haan for putting the 21-year-old at risk and keeping him out of Liverpool action.

Babel's commitments include an U-23 friendly against Belgium, the ING Cup in Hong Kong and the Olympics tournament itself, where the Dutch are tipped to be contenders.

Babel, who missed Euro 2008 due to ankle ligament problems, understands his duty to The Netherlands, even if Benitez doesn't. He told the club's official website: "I'm going to the Olympics. I know the manager would want me to stay but I don't think he will hold it against me.

"It's a normal reaction from the manager to want me to stay. Every manager wants to keep his players to play at the club.

"But it's not my choice and it isn't the manager's. I’m under-age; the federation needs me; I've been called up so I have to go. It wasn't a choice for me.

"I don't think it's going to affect my career at Liverpool. The boss here knows I didn't have any choice."

Thus, the fleet-footed wide-man is set to miss the first two games of the Premiership season and two legs of Champions League qualifying.

Babel made a long-awaited comeback against Lucerne in midweek - helping the team to a 2-1 win - and admits he's keen to get back on track.

"I feel okay. My game's not perfect yet, but the boss wanted to test me. I thought I did okay and felt confident enough. It's good to be back," he added.

"I've got over the disappointment of missing out on the European Championships. Every player wants to play in it, and when you miss out only two days before you're due to travel to the finals, it's extra disappointing.

"But I'm even more motivated than before, and all I want to do now is look forward."

Inter To Turn Attention To Liverpool's Alonso If Lampard Bid Fails

Inter Milan are to switch their attention to Spanish International Xabi Alonso of Liverpool, if they fail to sign number one transfer target Frank Lampard at Chelsea, according to reports in Italy.

The Nerazzurri have already had one offer of £7.95million (€10m) turned down by the Blues, but have reportedly made an improved bid believed to be £11million (€13.85m) in a final attempt to lure the England International to the San Siro to be reunited with former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho - the new boss at Inter.

Mourinho has been quoted recently as saying he wants to sign a midfielder, with a link up with Lampard being the preferred choice for the ‘Special One’. However, should Inter’s advances for the goal-scoring midfielder be rejected again Mourinho will turn to Alonso.

Alonso had been linked with a move to Juventus all summer, but La Vecchia Signora would not meet Liverpool’s valuation of the 26-year-old, with Juve ending their interest in the EURO 2008 Winner by opting to sign Christian Poulsen from La Liga side Sevilla.

Inter boss Mourinho recently failed in an attempt to prise Marek Hamsik from Napoli and will reportedly try to sign Alonso, who the Reds value in the region of £15million (€18.9m), should Chelsea decide to stand firm and not allow Lampard to leave Stamford Bridge.

Reds manager Rafa Benitez is already on record as saying he needs to sell players before he can add to his Anfield squad, with it believed that the sale of Alonso will enable him to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa finally and bring Robbie Keane to Liverpool from Tottenham Hotspur.

Kuyt Hails Pacheco Impact

Dirk Kuyt admits he is not surprised youngster Daniel Pacheco has been hitting the headlines during the club's pre-season trip to Switzerland but insists he is just one of a group of young guns who are knocking on the first-team door.

The Dutch forward has been impressed by the way the Spaniard has handled the step up from reserve team level to the senior squad and thinks his performances have given boss Rafael Benitez food for thought ahead of the 2008-09 season.

"I think Pacheco has done really well for us," Kuyt told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"He's shown everyone what he is capable of here in Switzerland and has worked hard.

"But it's not just him, I also think some of the other youngsters have done really well - and that's not just what you are seeing in the games, they are also impressing during training too."

Kuyt appeared as a second-half substitute in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Wisla Krakow - a result that ended the Reds' 100 per cent pre-season record.

He admits it was the toughest test they have faced yet but feels the hard work they have put in during matches, and at the pre-season training camp in Interlaken will pay dividends ahead of what promises to be a long and hard campaign.

"Yeah I think it was the toughest test yet," he said.

"I only played for 20 minutes but it was tough and Krakow looked very sharp. Okay we had a few chances to win the game but sometimes in pre-season we work hard in training and we get tired.

"It's been really good in Interlaken this week. The weather's been okay, we've had a few showers but we've got a good big pitch to train on and we have been working really hard.

"We've got a good group and some young new players who are doing well."

Kuyt also had encouraging words for the likes of debutant Andrea Dossena and the club's other new boys, Philipp Degen and Diego Cavalieri.

"They are all good lads," he continued.” I haven't spoken too much to them because I've only been with them a few days but they are nice lads and have done well in training too. Hopefully they can enjoy a good first season with the club."

Mascherano Targets Special Season

Javier Mascherano believes Liverpool have the winning mentality to end a two-year spell without a trophy and has identified Fernando Torres as the man to fire them to what he feels could be a 'special' season for the club.

The Argentina international - who was speaking after the Reds' 1-1 draw with Wisla Krakow in Switzerland - wants Rafael Benitez's side to improve on their fourth-placed finish last time out and feels the hard work they have put in at the club's pre-season camp in Interlaken will go some way to helping them succeed in the future.

"We are working hard in pre-season which is an important time," Mascherano told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"We all want success at this club and we all feel we can do better than last season. We have some great players and we all have a winning mentality.

"If you look at Fernando (Torres) you can see he is a special player. He is a key player for us like Steven Gerrard and if you want to win things it's important for us to have players like them. We hope this year will be good for us and them.

"For me, I always try to give my best for the team and hopefully this can be a special season for us."

The tough-tackling midfielder came on as a second-half substitute against the Polish champions, in a match that also saw his compatriot Emiliano Insua feature for the Reds.

The attack-minded full-back enjoyed a superb season with the Reserves last year and although the arrival of Italian full-back Andrea Dossena has increased competition for the left-back berth, Mascherano is confident the youngster has a bright future with the club.

"He is a very good young player and he is doing well," he said. "He is working hard and wants to do show people what he can do.

"When he has played for the first team he has always done well."

Reds Held By Krakow As Dossena Debuts

Andrea Dossena yesterday made his long-awaited debut for Liverpool, who settled for a 1-1 draw in their friendly against Wisla Krakow.

Dossena arrived from Udinese earlier this month but had not yet featured due to some minor clearance problems. But the Italian defender finally took his bow in Krakow last night, lasting 60 minutes before being replaced by Argentine youngster Emiliano Insua.

Andriy Voronin, who struck the winner in the Reds’ last outing against Swiss side Lucerne, was on target again the Polish side, mopping up his own rebound to eventually slot home after some excellent interplay between Lucas Leiva, Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun.

It took only six minutes for the Merseyside giants to take the lead, and it took only six more before the hosts were level once again. Reds goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri, recently signed from Palmeiras, let in his second goal in as many games as Tomas Jirsak found the net with a low shot.

Each side had chances to take the lead – Voronin in particular should have doubled his tally – but neither could break the deadlock and the game finished 1-1.

Liverpool will travel to Germany to face Hertha Berlin in their next pre-season friendly on July 22.

Liverpool: Cavalieri, Dossena, Carragher, Agger, Darby, Leto, Plessis, Leiva, Benayoun, Voronin, Babel. Subs: Hyypia, Pennant, Aurelio, Pacheco, Insua, Kuyt, Mascherano, Skrtel, Spearing, Hobbs, Martin.

Pre-Season Pleases Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed he is happy with the club's pre-season preparations so far.

The club kicked off their pre-season with wins against Tranmere and FC Lucerne, matches which saw a number of fringe players given the chance to impress the boss.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.tv, Benitez admitted he had been pleased with what he had seen so far and singled out a number of players for praise. He said: “Voronin played really well the other day and Lucas did well. It is also very positive to see Daniel Agger playing again. It's very positive for us to see the likes of Pacheco, Lucas and Voronin playing really well.”

With two wins under their belt already and with friendly games against Hertha Berlin, Villareal, Rangers, Vålerenga and Lazio to come, Benitez admitted the players were working hard. The manager revealed: “All of the players are training very well and really hard. They are enjoying the training we are doing and that is the balance that you are looking for - to work hard and also to enjoy it.”

The Reds open their Premier League campaign against Sunderland on August 16th and the Liverpool manager admitted he hoped the hard work the players were putting in now would mean they were ready in time.

“They are working really hard and you need to push them. We have been doing some tactical and technical work and we have also had the players in the gym as well,” he said before adding, “The physical level of the players is getting better and better after every training session.”

After their excursions at Euro 2008 a number of the Liverpool squad have been given extended breaks including Dirk Kuyt, Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Pepe Reina.

However, Benitez admitted he was looking forward to getting all of his players back together. Benitez said: “We still have the four Spanish players on holiday and Dirk Kuyt arrived with us on Wednesday. When we bring all of the players back together it will be good for us because the understanding between them will be much better.”

The Liverpool manager also went on to speak about a couple of his new signings. Phillipp Degen and Andrea Dossena arrived at Anfield this summer and Benitez admitted hat his new defensive duo were settling in well.

“It is totally different for them because it is a new language,” he admitted before adding, “I was talking today with Philipp and Andrea and we were speaking in English and trying to encourage them. I think they are trying to settle down quickly.”

They are unlikely to be the last signings at Liverpool this season. The club have been strongly linked with moves from Gareth Barry and Robbie Keane and Benitez admitted new developments may still occur.

“My mobile is always on and it must be like this at this time,” he said before concluding, “If we can find the targets then that will be good.”

Liverpool To Enter Eto'o Frame

Samuel Eto'o could make a surprise move to Liverpool if the Premier League club fails in their bid to prise Robbie Keane away from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Cameroonian striker is being offered to Europe's major clubs and many have already previously made contact to ask about his annual salary and transfer fee.

While all those enquiries have failed to lead to a single concrete offer, Barça are determined to sell Eto'o this summer and may lower their demands in the coming weeks.

That would allow Liverpool to make their move and Rafa Benítez believes that the powerful 27-year-old could form an incredible partnership alongside Fernando Torres.

Finances at Anfield may be tight, but following the sale of Peter Crouch to Portsmouth, there maybe some room for negotiation with the Catalan giants.

Manager Rafa Benítez is said to want Keane, but Tottenham will not let their captain go cheaply and his asking price could even rise above the amount Barça are requesting for their striker.

Eto'o has flown back to Barcelona after a promotional trip to Uzbekistan and is due to return to pre-season training with the Blaugrana on Saturday.

Talks are set to be held between the player, his agent, José María Mesalles, and Barcelona and they are predicted to not be easy as the striker has done nothing himself to push for an exit.

Liverpool would be a destination that could attract Eto'o, however, and the promise of Champions League football is the key thing in his list of priorities of any would-be suitor.

Pep Guardiola has stated that if no deal can be done and the goalscorer remains then he will have no problems incorporating him into his squad for the new season.

Barcelona's board have said on various occasions that they want to off-load the forward, who joined the club four years ago from Real Mallorca, and buy a replacement.

Lee Ready For Liverpool Start

Liverpool assistant, Sammy Lee, is desperate for the new season to get underway so that his side can start competing.

Former Kop player and current coach Sammy Lee, 49, has revealed on the clubs official website that he is 'desperate' for the new campaign to get underway.

Lee has been impressed with what he has seen so far in training, and sees no reason if the squad continue in the manner they have started, why they cannot transmit this optimism and enthusiasm onto the pitch.

On their Switzerland training camp, Lee said: "The boys are applying themselves very well and the facilities are fantastic. The hotel is excellent, the playing surface is terrific... it's nice to change the environment and the players appreciate this."

On their current priorities concerning preparation, the former Bolton boss mentioned: "Pre-season is primarily to do with fitness but I think when you wear the Liverpool shirt, the result is always important. You don't want to go anywhere and get beaten. We have other objectives: working on fitness; tactical awareness; getting the understanding between players and ensuring the members of the squad all get playing minutes."

Speaking on his relationship with head coach Rafa Benitez, Lee spoke warmly: "We are trying to develop and hopefully that will evolve over the years. He is a great person to work with and I've said before that his attention to detail is fantastic. I feel privileged to be back at Liverpool."

He concluded by mentioning his ambitions for this squad: "We have to believe we can be better than the others top teams - not just as good as them. Liverpool Football Club doesn't accept second best. Everyone is working tirelessly to get where we believe we should be."

Liverpool face a friendly game in Poland on Saturday, against Wisla Krakow.

Adios Voronin, Hola Barry?

Newspaper speculation suggests Benitez is ready to sell Voronin in order to finance the Barry move.

The long-drawn out transfer story involving Gareth Barry has taken another twist today. Press focus has shifted back toward Liverpool, with the Daily Mirror suggesting that the Anfield club are ready to offload Voronin, in an effort to raise funds to meet Aston Villa's valuation of their captain.

The midlands club are holding out for £18million, and refuse to settle for anything less for their number 6 who has been with them since 1997.

The sale of Voronin is likely to bolster Benitez's kitty with an extra £3million. With Peter Crouch's Portsmouth move also granting Liverpool an added £11million, they may be able to land the man they deem perfect to partner Gerrard, in a three-man midfield anchored by Mascherano.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will be assessing his squad over the next few weeks as his side see through their pre-season regime.

On Saturday 19th July they face Wisla Krakow, in Poland.

Pellegrino Pleased With Anfield Return

Mauricio Pellegrino, who played at Anfield for a brief spell as a defender, has returned to Liverpool as a first team coach.

The Argentine had a brief and fairly forgettable experience on Merseyside in 2005 towards the end of an established career in which he played for an unbreakable Valencia side as well as Barcelona.

Having retired in 2006, he has been called upon by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez for a third time. The tactician favoured him at Valencia, then brought him to Anfield and will now be requiring his services in a coaching role.

"I am really proud and pleased because for me it is a nice opportunity to work for this club again," Pellegrino told Liverpoolfctv.

"Rafa has shown his trust in me once again and I'll try to do the best for the club and do my best to repay him.

"It was a surprise to get the call because I was training with the youth team in Valencia and studying to finish my qualification to become a professional trainer.

"But when Rafa got in touch I knew I had to act quickly and after I had talked to my family and they told me they understood, it was a great opportunity that I could not turn down.

"I will try to do as much as I can for this club and I hope to enjoy working with the Liverpool players.

"It has changed a lot since I was last at Liverpool.

"There are maybe 15 new players but the medical staff and people who work in Melwood are the same.

"There's still the likes of Gerrard, Carra, Sami, Alonso and Finnan - but the rest are new faces.

"It's a different sensation for me. My work has changed completely, my role at the club is very different and every day I am thinking about how I can improve our team; whereas before, when I was player, I would just focus on what I was doing in the session."

Hammill Ties Up Blackpool Loan

Blackpool have completed the signing of Liverpool youngster Adam Hammill on a six-month loan deal.

Skysports.com confirmed earlier on Friday that Hammill was set to move to Bloomfield Road following interest from a clutch of clubs.

The winger, who spent last season on loan at Southampton, had been keen to gain further experience away from Anfield.

Hammill admits that Blackpool had always been his preferred choice and he is looking forward to playing for Simon Grayson's side.

"We've known for the last few weeks that this is the club I wanted to join," Hammill told the club's official website.

"There's been a lot of interest, but I met Simon a few weeks back and he come across very pleasant - and we decided this was the best club for me.

"He told me about his plans for the season, his ambitions - and I was in them - that was enough for me.

"I'm just looking to have a successful season here and I can't wait til the season starts and gets the ball rolling."

Baggies Confim Carson Deal

West Brom have completed the £3.25million signing of England international Scott Carson from Liverpool.

As revealed by skysports.com, Carson has signed a four-year deal at The Hawthorns with the club having the option of adding another year to the deal.

Carson has decided to leave Liverpool after dropping further down the pecking order at Anfield following the signing of Brazilian keeper Diego Cavaleri.

Stoke made the first move for the former Leeds man after agreeing a fee with Liverpool, but pulled out of a deal after learning that other clubs had also joined the race for Carson.

Carson is Baggies boss Tony Mowbray's seventh signing of the summer following the arrivals of Roman Bednar, Luke Moore, Do-heon Kim, Graham Dorrans, Gianni Zuiverloon and Marek Cech.

The 22-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, will battle it out with Dean Kiely for the No.1 shirt at West Brom this season.

Pool Close To Keane Capture?

The Liverpool Echo reports that the Reds are close to landing Tottenham Hotspur vice-captain Robbie Keane.

The Reds have had a busy summer thus far and made few friends in their pursuit of Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry.

As that move looks to have broken down due to the Reds demanding too much from Juventus for Xabi Alonso - the man Barry was set to replace - their attentions have since diverted to bolstering their forward line, with Keane thought to be top of the billing.

The Irishman has become a fan-favourite at White Hart Lane - essentially captain due to Ledley King's constant string of injuries - and has been prolific in front of goal throughout his time in London, particularly alongside Dimitar Berbatov, who is also being chased by one of the Big Four - Manchester United.

The Echo reports that a deal for the player to move to Merseyside is just 48 hours away from completion, as Spurs coach Juande Ramos is resigned to losing a star player or two this summer in order to balance the books.

Keane, thought to be a boyhood fan of Liverpool, is said to be eager for the switch, which would likely bring the total value of his transfers throughout his career well over £50 million.

West Brom Wait On Carson As Blackburn Linked With Liverpool Keeper

West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Mowbray has disclosed that he is yet to hear from Scott Carson having held talks over a possible transfer for the Liverpool goalkeeper.

The 22-year-old England international, who spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, is expected to leave Anfield this summer as he has already had a chat to Baggies’ rivals Stoke City as well, while fellow Premiership outfit Middlesbrough are also linked.

Blackburn Rovers are also said to be in the frame as doubts mount on Brad Friedel’s future at Ewood Park with Manchester City and Aston Villa linked.

Baggies boss Mowbray, meanwhile, is waiting for the answer from Carson as he prepares the squad for the top-flight football.

"I'd go down the road of saying nothing is done, nothing is agreed," said Mowbray in the Birmingham Mail.

"We've had conversations but we can’t say any more as it may come to nothing more - we don't know.

"There is nothing to comment on at the moment.

"We haven't set a timescale and we may hear no more about it.

"Things will either move along or they won’t”

Mowbray also dismissed the link with Bolton defender Abdoulaye Meite after constant reports claimed that the Ivorian was a top target for the Baggies.

"There's nothing happening there," he added.

"If comments have come out of Bolton then that's disappointing but it's just speculation and no more."

Liverpool Keen To Push Through £20m Deal For Spurs Striker Keane

Liverpool are ready to make an improved bid for Tottenham striker Robbie Keane after failing with an initial offer of Peter Crouch plus £5m.

Eager to avoid a repeat of the protracted Gareth Barry saga, they will table a package that - with add-ons - will match Tottenham's £20m valuation of the Republic of Ireland international.

While their pursuit of Aston Villa midfielder Barry is likely to drag on, Liverpool hope to secure Keane's signature by the start of next week.

Plans for an improved bid came as Spurs boss Juande Ramos gave a clear indication yesterday that he will listen to offers for Keane and Manchester United target Dimitar Berbatov.

Speaking from the club's Spanish training retreat, Ramos said: 'The idea is signing young players and if important offers for older players are made, studying it to see what is best for the club.

'We are talking about two very important players. For the moment they are with us. There are some big clubs who have spent a lot of money over many years and have a certain advantage.'

Reports from Spain suggested United might face competition from Barcelona for £30m-rated Berbatov, having failed with a £20m offer.

Meanwhile, Ramos has denied any interest in Espanyol striker Luis Garcia.

Kuyt: Future's Bright, Future's Red

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt believes the future is bright at Anfield after observing the performance of a host of youngsters during the side’s 2-1 friendly win over Switzerland side FC Lucerne.

Manager Rafa Benitez stated last week that several of the young prodigies would be handed their first-team opportunity to “show (him) what they can do”, and the midweek game saw the likes of Jay Spearing, Emiliano Insua and Damien Plessis feature.

It was, however, the performance of 17-year old forward Daniel Pacheco that caught the eye, the Spaniard slicing open Lucerne’s defence to set up fellow apprentice Lucas Leiva for the opening goal.

The performances caught the eye of Kuyt who believes that the group’s inclusion will aid their development at Anfield.

“The tour is important for everyone to get to know each other but this is also a big chance for the young lads,” the Holland international said.

"They did very well tonight and with a bit more luck we could have had four or five goals."

The 27-year old also admitted that he is relishing the hard-work which lies ahead during pre-season as the squad look to regain their fitness ready for the start of the Premiership in August.

"This was my first day back but the lads have told me they've been working very hard this week,” he added.

"The most important thing at this stage is not the result, it's working hard and making sure we are fit for the season.

"The Swiss league starts next week and Lucerne showed they were ready, so it was a good test."

Leiva Looking For Goals

Liverpool youngster Lucas Leiva has set his sights on the opposition goal as he looks to improve his goal tally during the coming season.

The 21-year old Brazilian, who made his senior international debut last summer, found the net just once last campaign, against Havant and Waterlooville in the FA Cup.

The player, who has been included in Brazil’s Olympic squad, opened his account for The Reds on Wednesday, albeit in a friendly against Lucerne.

And after a solid debut season at Anfield, the £6.5 million signing from Gremio is looking to take advantage of manager Rafa Benitez’s instruction to push forward as he looks to replicate the goal-scoring prowess he demonstrated in his homeland.

"It's always nice to score a goal, and it was a good goal and a good win for the team, so I'm happy about that," the midfielder said.

"We know we have to work hard in pre-season because we have a long season ahead and we are trying to put the things we are doing in training into practice in the matches.

"The manager has given me more freedom to go forward and that suits because that is my style.

"I think my form and fitness are improving every day even though it has been tiring because pre-season has been hard but I am happy with my goal.

"I am confident that I can score more goals. Last season I got only one but in Brazil I scored quite a few so I have the belief that I can score more for Liverpool."

The player’s midweek goal was set-up by a defence-splitting pass from fellow prodigy Dani Pacheco, the 17-year old Spaniard, and Leiva feels that the pair can play a key role as Liverpool look to mount a serious title bid.

"It was good for us to win because it helps with our confidence but it wasn't vital at this stage,” he added.

"It is more important for us to get our form and our fitness and that is what we are working really hard to do.

"But Andriy's goal gave us the win and it was a very good goal. He did really well to score because he spotted the keeper off his line and chipped him - he will be pleased with that.

"Also, it was a great pass from Pacheco for my goal. He is a very intelligent player and he is getting better and better all the time.

"He is only 17 but I think he has a good future because he is already showing his qualities for Liverpool."

Liverpool Have Option On Hungarian Loanee

The agent of Hungarian goalkeeper Zsolt Poloskei - who has joined Liverpool on loan - claims that the Reds have the option of signing him on a permanent deal.

Tibor Pataky, agent of 17-year-old Zsolt Poloskei, says Liverpool could exercise an option to sign the goalkeeper on a permanent basis.

Poloskei has signed on a one-year loan from Liverpool’s feeder club, MTK Budapest, becoming the fourth youngster from the Hungarian club currently at Anfield.

Krisztian Nemeth, Andras Simon and Peter Gulacsi are already on Merseyside with the Reds.

"Liverpool officials have seen his performances a couple of times in the last two years and spoke highly of him so it was expected that he would get a contract," Pataky told the Hungarian press.

"He arrived at Liverpool with an injury but the club have been confident about their willingness to sign him, after some days Poloskei could begin training. Liverpool have the option to buy the player permanently after one year."

No Stoke Switch For Carson

The Premier League new boys had looked favourites to sign the goalkeeper at the beginning of the week, after having had a reported £4m offer accepted by Liverpool, but evidently negotiations with the player did not have the desired results.

"We can announce that we are no longer pursuing Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson," read an official Stoke statement.

"The club will continue to look to improve the squad and remain hopeful of closing in on several new signings ahead of the Barclays Premier League campaign."

Middlesbrough and West Brom will especially be encouraged by the news, and Liverpool can count on at least equal to Stoke's offer from both of them.

Carson would almost certainly favour a move to Boro, however, as their immediate prospectives as a club are inevitably far greater than his two other suitors, who were both just promoted to the Premier League.

The fringe England international spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, who were eager to make the move permanent until the Reds all-out offensive for Gareth Barry soured the relationship between both clubs.

Injured Barry Sees Hope Of Liverpool Move Fade

Gareth Barry was last night facing up to the sobering possibility of starting the season as an Aston Villa player, after it emerged that Rafael Benítez was beginning to explore other options in the transfer market. The Liverpool manager has become exasperated with Villa's refusal to negotiate over their £18m valuation of Barry, leaving the midfielder, who picked up an injury on his return to training yesterday, increasingly unsure of his future.

The 27-year-old was expected to hold talks with Martin O'Neill on his first day back at the club - he was banned from reporting for pre-season training for two weeks after giving an unauthorised interview - but those discussions are now likely to take place today after the Villa manager spent yesterday in meetings. Barry is keen to push through a move to Liverpool, although there is no sense that O'Neill or Villa's owner, Randy Lerner, will drop their asking price.

The impasse has left Benítez deeply frustrated and prompted him to concentrate his efforts on making other signings before considering another move for Barry. Even then it is doubtful if Liverpool will offer £18m, increasing the likelihood that the England international will still be at Villa when the Premier League season starts in little more than four weeks' time. He will certainly play no part against Odense in the Intertoto Cup on Saturday after picking up a foot injury.

Liverpool FC Ready To Launch Robbie Keane Bid

Tottenham Hotspur are bracing themselves for a substantial bid from Liverpool for Robbie Keane.

Rafael Benitez has earmarked the Republic of Ireland international as he attempts to bolster his strike-force following the departure of Peter Crouch to Portsmouth.

And Liverpool are expected to make an official offer in the next few days as Benitez’s transfer priority shifts away from Gareth Barry.

Tottenham are keen to keep Keane, particularly as speculation increases over Dimitar Berbatov joining Manchester United, and will ask for £20million.

Liverpool consider that valuation exorbitant. But Keane is a lifelong Liverpool fan and is desperate for a move to Anfield to become a reality.

The development comes after Benitez opted to put a proposed move for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry on ice, following the collapse of Xabi Alonso’s transfer to Juventus.

The Liverpool manager, working within specific financial constraints, still wants to bring Barry to the club, but will only move if Villa lower their asking price.

Benitez saw his players continue their pre-season preparations with a 2-1 victory over FC Lucerne in the Swiss town of Grenchen last night.

Lucas Leiva gave Liverpool the lead in the 10th minute following a fine pass from impressive youngster Dani Pacheco and although Mario Gavranovic equalised three minutes later, Andriy Voronin netted the winner with an exquisite chip eight minutes before the break.

“I think it was a good workout tonight,” said Benitez. “The idea was to continue improving the fitness level of the players, I thought it was a good game with many opportunities so it was positive.

“This was another game where their goalkeeper was man of the match.

“We scored two good goals and the understanding between Voronin and Pacheco was good. The team worked really hard, and that was main idea.”

The game was notable for the appearance of Sebastian Leto who, because of work permit problems, last played a competitive match for the reserves against Middlesbrough in December.

The Argentine caught the eye on the left wing, and Benitez revealed Liverpool hope his situation will be resolved in the next fortnight.

“Leto is a good player and he showed tonight the quality that he has,” said the Anfield manager.

“He has had some problems with his work permit but hopefully that will be okay because has a lot of quality.

“We are waiting to hear when that permit will come through and we should find that out in the next 10 days.”

Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt made their first appearances of pre-season as late substitutes.

Babel – who Benitez last night confirmed will go to the Olympics with Holland – was making his comeback after missing the recent Euro 2008 finals through injury. And Benitez said: “Ryan did well in his time on the pitch, and Dirk Kuyt also played at the end despite only arriving earlier in the day.

“We needed to use them both at the end as the rest of the team was tired.”

Steven Gerrard missed the game as a precaution after complaining of feeling tired, while Jermaine Pennant was also absent after receiving a knock against Tranmere Rovers at the weekend.

New signing Andrea Dossena is still waiting on international clearance, with Benitez hopeful the Italian can make his debut against Wisla Krakow on Saturday.

Steve Finnan, meanwhile, returned to Merseyside yesterday for treatment on an ankle injury suffered earlier in the week and will miss the rest of the training camp.

Promise Of Pacheco Has Fringe Benefits

Twelve months ago in Grenchen, a Spanish forward took the first step towards making his name at Liverpool.

But, with Euro 2008 hero Fernando Torres on a richly-deserved vacation, last night it was the turn of a younger striking compatriot to command the headlines.

Daniel Pacheco has been earmarked as one to watch ever since Liverpool persuaded him to leave Barcelona.

And in the sleepy Swiss town of Grenchen at the foot of the Jura mountains, Pacheco gave further compelling evidence of his huge promise as Rafael Benitez’s side continued their pre-season preparations with victory over FC Lucerne.

Pacheco created Lucas Leiva’s opener with a sublime pass and his overall display richly-merited the warm ovation he received on being substituted 12 minutes from time.

With Torres, who made his Liverpool debut in Grenchen last year, still on extended leave, Dirk Kuyt having only arrived in Switzerland earlier in the day and Krisztian Nemeth on international duty, Pacheco was again given his chance last night.

And, as at Prenton Park on Saturday, the Spanish youngster indicated why there has been much gnashing of teeth at the Nou Camp over his departure.

Pacheco possesses great pace and composure and it’s easy to see why the senior players have been impressed by his impact while training with the first team.

The 17-year-old’s potential was perfectly showcased in the 10th minute, turning away from his marker on the edge of the area and slipping a reverse pass for the incoming Lucas to finish confidently past Lucerne goalkeeper David Zibung.

Pacheco’s exuberance was evident throughout. Although guilty of over-elaboration later in the half when allowing Zibung to smother his effort after Yossi Benayoun had dummied Andriy Voronin’s pass, the Spaniard remained confident enough to assume set-piece duties, his right-wing corner headed wastefully over by an unmarked Daniel Agger.

The second half saw more of the same. However, Pacheco’s failure to turn many of his chances, often self-made, into goals underlines his potential role more as playmaker than clinical marksman.

It is a minor quibble. Even since his impressive cameo appearance as substitute in the reserves’ final against Aston Villa in May, Pacheco appears to have grown a few inches.

Continue this progress over the next 12 months and the youngster could easily be pushing for a regular place in the matchday squad at the very least.

Opponents Lucerne, who finished sixth in the Swiss Super League last time out, are much further down the line in their pre-season preparations, with their new campaign beginning at the weekend.

It was therefore a genuine work-out for Benitez’s side, with a surprisingly entertaining encounter helping further shake off the inevitable ring-rustiness.

Besides Pacheco, other fringe players also made the most of their opportunity. The lesser-spotted Sebastian Leto, his Liverpool career stalled by eligibility issues, was lively down the left and should have capped his 55-minute performance with a goal, instead dragging a presentable opening wide before the break.

With so few options available to Benitez on the left flank, an available Leto would be a definite asset on this showing.

Of course, pre-season can be notoriously deceiving. Voronin, for example, suggested goals aplenty following his exploits during last season’s summer warm-up programme but faded horribly once the serious stuff started.

The Ukrainian was at it again last night, sending a sumptuous chip over Zibung from 25 yards for Liverpool ’s second goal eight minutes before half-time.

But with the likes of Pacheco waiting in the wings, Voronin will most likely need a lot more where that came from over the next 10 months.

There were some warning signs for Benitez, however. When Philipp Degen was officially unveiled to media at Melwood last week, he cited pace and attacking ability as his main attributes.

By inference, even the right-back himself accepts defending is not his strong suit. And Lucerne’s 13th-minute equaliser was a case in point, Degen beaten in the air to a deep far-post cross by Djamel Mesbah, who nodded across goal for Mario Gavranovic to head in.

Early days admittedly, but such strengths and weaknesses do not bode well and are so similar to that of a foreign import of Anfield past that the Swiss may soon earn the tag Vegard Degen.

Yossi Benayoun, having netted a fantastic goal against Tranmere at the weekend, was far less effective last night, although young Damien Plessis’s stock continues to rise after another mature display.

Ryan Babel made his first outing after missing Euro 2008 through injury, while Daniel Agger continued down his long road to full fitness with another 45 minutes.

Diego Cavalieri enjoyed a full debut in goal, and Dirk Kuyt and Javier Mascherano returned to the fold in the closing moments.

However, as last year, it was the sight of Spanish forward that lingered most in the minds of the sell-out crowd.

Rafa Revels In Leto & Babel Returns

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed his delight at the return of young guns Sebastian Leto and Ryan Babel to his side for their friendly win against Lucerne last night.

Leto joined the Reds last summer from Argentine outfit Lanus for just under ₤2million. He arrived on Merseyside alongside the better-known Lucas Leiva but expectations were nonetheless high.

An unorthodox-looking winger given his height (188cm), the 21-year-old starred for the reserves early in the season and impressed in training – so much so that he earned a start against Olympique Marseille in a crucial Champions League clash.

Liverpool lost that game and much of the blame was laid at Benitez’s feet for picking Leto, who has not played for the first-team since. Many thought this was because he had fallen down the pecking order, but it has since been revealed that bureaucratic red tape is the culprit.

Hence, Benitez was thrilled to see Leto play 55 minutes in Switzerland last night and hopes his permit problems will be sorted by the start of the competitive season.

"Leto is a good player and he showed tonight the quality that he has," he told the club’s official website. "He has had some problems with his work permit but hopefully that will be okay because has a lot of quality.

"We are waiting to hear when that permit will come through and we should find that out in the next 10 days."

Also featuring in the Reds’ 2-1 victory was Ryan Babel, who is on his way back to fitness after suffering an ankle injury that ruled him out of EURO 2008.

The Dutchman will miss the start of the season due to Olympic commitments, as will Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano, who also featured against the Swiss side. Dirk Kuyt also played, while Steven Gerrard and Steve Finnan sat out through fatigue and injury respectively.

"It was good to give Ryan Babel, Dirk Kuyt and Javier Mascherano their first games," said the Spaniard on the club’s official website. "Kuyt has only just joined us for training and wanted to play tonight.

"Steven Gerrard was a little bit tired so we didn't want to take any risks. Jermaine Pennant has a knock so like Gerrard we didn't want to take any risk.

"Steve Finnan has a problem with his thigh and he is back in Liverpool receiving treatment."

Liverpool To Snub Greek Offer For Lucas?

A reported approach to Liverpool by Greek side Olympiakos about the possibility of signing Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva is expected to be politely rebuffed.

Olympiakos have reportedly enquired about Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva, who is expected to feature for Brazil at this summer's Olympic Games in Beijing.

However, the Reds are expected to be distinctly cool about any sale, given their frustrating time so far this summer with midfielders.

One of manager Rafa Benitez’s prime targets, Gareth Barry, remains an Aston Villa player, and the prospect of his moving to Anfield remains up in the air. Meanwhile Xabi Alonso, who had earlier looked likely to join Juventus, bringing in cash to help fund a bid for Barry, is in limbo after Juve signed Christian Poulsen from Sevilla instead.

So with no Barry deal agreed, and Alonso's future uncertain, Benitez may be reluctant to let Lucas to leave the club - assuming the player was prepared to swap Anfield for Piraeus.

Benitez is thought to rate Lucas, 21, having bought him from Gremio a year ago for some £6million. And he is unlikely to want to see him leave so quickly - unless Olympiakos are ready top make him an offer he can’t refuse.

Lucerne 1-2 Liverpool

Goals from Lucas Leiva and Andriy Voronin saw Liverpool claim a 2-1 win over Swiss Super League outfit FC Lucerne in their second pre-season friendly.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez handed new goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri the gloves for his debut, while fellow newcomer Philipp Degen was also in a first XI which included Spaniard Danny Pacheco but not Steven Gerrard, who was left on the bench.

Pacheco was the architect of the 10th-minute opener, combining well with Brazil midfielder Lucas before the latter slotted home coolly to round off the move.

Benitez's men were pegged back soon after when Degen failed to win a far-post header, allowing the ball to break to Gavranovic who converted an uncontested header.

Pacheco and Yossi Benayoun both shone in the first half and the visitors soon moved back into the lead through the equally impressive Voronin.

The Ukraine forward took control of the ball 16 yards from goal before producing a sweetly-hit lob to make it 2-1.

Voronin, a constant thorn for the Lucerne defence in the second half, went close to grabbing a second but there were no further goals.

There was, though, one further plus for Benitez who gave Dutch winger Ryan Babel his first 45 minutes since sustaining an ankle injury in his country's Euro 2008 preparations.

Valero Loving Liverpool Link

Real Mallorca midfielder Borja Valero left little doubt that he would seize the opportunity to join Liverpool in heartbeat.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is reportedly considering making an offer for the 23-year-old midfielder, who responded by risking antagonising his own fans by proclaiming Liverpool to be the greatest club in the world.

"There's no club greater than Liverpool," Valero is quoted as saying by www.setantasports.com.

"I will stay here at Mallorca until I am told otherwise. If Liverpool are indeed interested in me then I feel very flattered by that.

"Mallorca would surely prefer to keep the squad in place that did so well last season but at the end of the day they are a selling club.

"My aim has always been to win trophies and to grow as a footballer."

The former Real Madrid prospect has been a revelation since signing for Mallorca in 2007, and the belief is that Benitez will move for him if they fail in their long-standing efforts to prise Gareth Barry away from Aston Villa.

Mallorca's sporting director Nando Pons have already indicated that they would be open to selling Valero to LIverpool should the right offer arrive.

“The club needs money but we don’t want to break up the team we had last season," he said last week.

"However, if a great offer arrives we will be forced to consider it”.

Gunners Keen On Alonso - Agent

Xabi Alonso's agent has claimed the Liverpool midfielder is aware of interest from Arsenal.

The Spaniard has seen a possible move to Juventus hit the buffers after the Italian giants signed Christian Poulsen from Sevilla.

However, reports continue to suggest that Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is prepared to sell Alonso to fund his own spending plans.

Alonso is rated in the £14million bracket and has now been linked with a move to the Reds' Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is in the market for a midfielder after losing Mathieu Flamini, while Gilberto Silva is set to join Panathinaikos.

Reports in Spain suggest contact has been made between the two clubs and the 26-year-old's agent Inaki Ibanez says the player is waiting for Liverpool's decision.

"The player knows about this subject and now the decision lies with Liverpool," Ibanez told Spanish newspaper Publico.

Alonso's sale would give Benitez the funds to sign Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry, who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal.

O'Neill Expects Reds Contact

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill expects Liverpool to come in with a new bid for Gareth Barry.

Liverpool have been frustrated in their attempts to sign Barry, with Villa reportedly looking for in the region of £18million for the England international.

Barry is set to return to pre-season training with Villa on Wednesday after being suspended for two weeks for his public outburst against O'Neill.

Speaking after Tuesday's friendly at Lincoln, O'Neill says he expects Liverpool to get back in contact regarding Barry, after Villa outlined their demands for a deal to go through.

"I haven't heard anymore," O'Neill told Sky Sports News. "We should be in communication with Liverpool, but he is coming back (to training)."

Villa have been linked with a host of players in recent weeks, including David Bentley, Brad Friedel and Stewart Downing and O'Neill admits it is imperative he adds to his squad.

"I think umpteen players have been linked with us, but definitely we would need a proper squad," added O'Neill.

"I have said it before that last season we worked with the smallest squad in the Premiership and that is the situation we want to address this year."

Rafa Benitez Wants Assurances Over Ryan Babel

Rafael Benitez will seek reassurances from Dutch officials after Ryan Babel’s Olympic call-up yesterday.

Liverpool’s 21-year-old was named in the Holland squad for the Beijing Olympics, meaning he could miss the first two games of the Premier League season.

But of more concern to Anfield manager Benitez is the forward being rushed back into competitive action after his recovery from the ankle ligament tear that ruled him out of Euro 2008. Benitez has already lost Brazilian Lucas and Argentinians Javier Mascherano, and – probably – Emiliano Insua to the Games next month.

And as Babel has battled back to fitness earlier than expected, it has allowed the Dutch to call him up to coach Foppe de Haan’s 18-man squad.

As part of their preparations for the Games, Holland will face Belgium on July 23 before flying to Hong Kong for the ING Cup.

The team will then move on to Tianjin in China, where they play their first Olympic match against Nigeria on August 7 before also facing Japan and the United States in Group B.

This schedule is galling for Benitez given the recovery program Babel has begun at Melwood last week, but he cannot stop the player going under the competition rules.

Benitez said recently: “Obviously, we are really pleased that Ryan has come 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 we will lose him again. This is a big problem – we prepare him and then he goes away with the national team.

“This season is very important for him. In his first season he was settling in but this time he has more experience and we are looking for him to give something from the beginning, so it is really important for him to start working with his team.”

It is likely that Babel will clash with Everton’s Victor Anichebe when their countries meet in the first group match.

Liverpool FC Confident Of Signing Gareth Barry

Liverpool remain confident of sealing the signature of Gareth Barry despite his return to pre-season training with Aston Villa today.

That is also despite Arsenal monitoring the Barry situation after the Gunners joined the race to sign the midfield ace.

Villa released a statement last night confirming their captain – who they value at £18m – would return to their Bodymoor Heath HQ this morning.

It came less than a fortnight after Martin O’Neill fined Barry a reported two weeks’ wages and declared he wouldn’t be allowed back to training after the player publicly criticised his manager for the handling of the transfer saga a fortnight ago.

But with O’Neill also admitting Arsenal have asked to kept informed of Barry’s status, he is aware of the need to avoid too much disruption to his pre-season preparations.

Villa have accepted the midfielder’s desire for Champions League football but know that he will only yield their asking price if he is kept to the peak of his fitness during the summer.

Barry’s return to training is merely more evidence that his club are prepared to accept his departure for something more in the region of the £15m Liverpool are prepared to pay.

Manager Rafael Benitez is reluctant to abandon the deal at this stage and is pondering a fifth bid as Arsenal’s interest gathers momentum.

But his chances of netting both Barry and Tottenham striker Robbie Keane still hinge on pushing through a big-money departure to subsidise his outlay.

Those hopes were dealt an emphatic blow yesterday when Juventus confirmed they are not in the market for any more players after Monday’s capture of the Danish international Christian Poulsen, thus calling off their pursuit of Xabi Alonso.

“If I have to be honest, unless something extraordinary happens, we can say that we have concluded our transfer activity,” said Juve president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli.

Alonso may well attract interest from Premier League clubs despite his £14m asking price. Allowing him to leave for much less would defeat the object of selling him to raise funds.

Liverpool Must Bid Big For Keane

If Liverpool really do want Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane, they will have to be prepared to bid up to £20million for the Irishman.

According to The Sun, Liverpool must offer big money for Spurs striker Robbie Keane.

The newspaper reckons Tottenham are prepared to sell their talismanic striker, provided the price is right.

It says Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is "waiting for an offer he can't refuse from Liverpool," and that means around £20million, a fairly astronomical figure which the Reds will almost certainly baulk at paying, given that Fernando Torres cost them only a little more than that - and that the Anfield club are reluctant to meet Aston Villa's £18 million asking price for long-time target Gareth Barry.

Barry's position at Villa has become strained if not unsustainable since he was barred from the club's facilities, with Liverpool continuing to haggle over that £18m price tag. and Arsenal apparently poised to move on with a bid.

So Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez seems unlikely to meet Tottenham's asking price for boyhood Reds fans Keane, suggesting that Spurs will have to lower that price to do business - or keep an unsettled player at White Hart Lane.

Mark Lawrensen: Bringing In Goal Machine Must Be Top Of Agenda

With a month to go until the new Premier League season ask yourself this: As it stands, have Liverpool for the players that can score the goals to give them the title?

Personally, I don’t think they have. My biggest bug-bear with Liverpool is that they need to realise it’s okay to lose some games as long as you’re trying to win them.

Put another way, the defence is fine, especially now Daniel Agger is back. So forget playing things safe because that’s where draws come from – and Liverpool had far too many of those last year.

They took only one point from almost a third of their games but draws mean nothing now. When it was two points for a win, a draw was half a win but now it’s a third, it’s worthless. Especially when Manchester United and Chelsea are winning so many week-in, week-out.

So my point is, who is going to make sure that if Liverpool go all out to win games that they will score the goals to ensure it happens?

Obvious answer is Fernando Torres.

But 33 goals weren’t enough to sustain a challenge last year and the odds are he won’t score that many again this season. He needs help.

And what if he falls over at Sunderland on the opening day of the season and is out for months?

Now Peter Crouch has gone that currently leaves Andriy Voronin and Dirk Kuyt – and he can’t really be trusted to come in and bang the goals in as he’s been more used to a role wide on the right.

There is of course the possibility of Robbie Keane coming in but good player though he is, he’s more of a streaky scorer.

He’ll go on a run and get 10 in 10 but the that’s half his average season’s tally gone in one go.

He can’t guarantee the kind of regular goalscoring Torres was making a habit last season.

I have to admit that being negative this early on isn’t always wise – I’m sure Rafael Benitez does have some ideas up his sleeve for when the market speeds up.

The Spaniard David Silva would be an exciting addition and although that is unlikely to come off, at least some-one of that ilk would at least get Liverpool some way towards matching the top two in terms of firepower.

But at the moment I think it must be a worry for the Anfield faithful that there isn’t that kind of player they can pinpoint as being good enough to turn them into genuine contenders.

And with Javier Mascherano and Ryan Babel looking set for the Olympics it could be a very tricky start to the season if Benitez is unable to boost his forward line before the big kick-off.

It’s even got to the stage where I’m reading reports of Jermaine Pennant leaving for Blackburn and being concerned about losing him.

After all, he’s quick and creative and in terms of players who can operate in the vital wide areas he is an option.

And Benitez is going to have to gather an awful lot of those in the next month.

Torres Targets Liverpool Captaincy

Liverpool's Spanish sensation Fernando Torres has vowed not to become complacent after he managed to top his record-smashing debut season in England by scoring the goal which ended his country's 44 year trophy 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.

His transition from the Estadio Vicente Calderon to Anfield has been so seamless, that he even has designs of succeeding Steven Gerrard as captain of the storied Merseyside club one day.

Torres told The Mirror: "I really admire Steven Gerrard because I know the pressure he is under every day, everybody talking about him all day long, in changing rooms, in the pubs, in the stadium.

"I've heard people say that he should be stronger, have a stronger personality. And I know from experience how difficult it is to deal with all that. He is at another level of course, because Liverpool is a huge club.

"But I was captain of my team from a very young age and I know everybody was talking about me. I could feel it. I could see it out of the corner of my eye - especially when things weren't going right.

"People look at you from a distance and challenge you with their eyes. All that happens every day to Stevie and he copes with it - he copes with 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 has been a great example to everyone and those of us who have been in a similar situation know how difficult it is to handle.

It's incredible how he carries himself regardless of what's going on."

"I'd love to be captain one day - Steven has shown me how to be a great leader."

Torres also was keen to give Rafa Benitez credit for his career reaching a whole new stratosphere over the past year.

"Rafa has taught me to demand a lot of myself daily, not to relax. When you are in a team where things are going mostly well, players tend to relax.

"But you must always push yourself and never become complacent, 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, Benitez is on 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.

"There are days when you think, "My God, this guy does not let you breathe'. At times like that you don't realise that all he wants is for you to improve.

"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 having someone like that so close. But in the long term, I'm sure everybody will thank him for it."

Toon In For Insua

Newcastle United are thought to be keen on a loan move for Liverpool's promising full-back, Emiliano Insua.

The Argentine was kept at Anfield for this coming season supposedly under express orders from manager Rafael Benitez, but the Toon are still hopeful of securing his services, if only for a year on loan.

With new signing Andrea Dossena and Fabio Aurelio more established internationals in Insua's position, the move may remain an outside possibility, particularly as John-Arne Riise has left for Roma.

The 19-year-old would most likely head straight into the Magpies' starting line-up ahead of Jose Enrique, who has failed to live up to his £6.3 million billing from Villarreal.

Nicky Shorey of relegated Reading and Wayne Bridge, Ashley Cole's deputy at Chelsea, are other targets being eyed up by the Toon.

"I've got to sign another left-back, as I've only got one at the club," said coach Kevin Keegan.

"That's not to say I don't fancy Jose [Enrique], I do, but I need another left-back."

Rovers To Replace Bentley With Pennant?

With Blackburn Rovers looking increasingly likely to have to sell winger David Bentley, however reluctantly, Liverpool's Jermaine Pennant is emerging as their main target to replace him.

Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Ince is being tipped to make a move for Liverpool midfielder Jermaine Pennant as soon as David Bentley leaves Ewood Park, which is looking increasingly imminent.

According to The Independent, Tottenham Hotspur have offered Rovers a range of player options as makeweights in their bid to secure Bentley's signature, but Blackburn are said only to be interested in cash - and apparently they see Pennant as a ready-made replacement.

Pennant, who like Bentley was developed at Arsenal but couldn't command a regular starting place in Arsene Wenger's side, has been told by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez that he can leave Anfield.

He would be happy to join Ince's exciting new project at Ewood, but Liverpool will demand £6million for the 25-year-old. Rovers, though, are reportedly prepared to pay no more than £4million at this stage, so there could be some hard bargaining ahead.

Ironically, earlier in the summer Liverpool were one of the clubs being most strongly linked with a move for Bentley.

Satisfied Juve Rule Out Alonso

The chances of seeing Xabi Alonso in a Bianconeri jersey have dropped dramatically after Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli confirmed that the club's summer spending is over.

Cobolli Gigli's comments come a day after Juve manager Claudio Ranieri announced that Christian Poulsen would be their last addition ahead of next season.

The fact that the Dane plays the same position as long-term Juve target Alonso combined with the club's announcement means that if the Spaniard is to leave Liverpool in the summer it almost certainly won't be for Turin.

"We will not make any other buys. We have opted for the Dane because we have a very strong attack and needed a wall in the midfield," the Juve chief told local reporters.

"Everyone knows that the transfer market ends on August 31," but if I have to be honest, unless something extraordinary happens, we can say that we have concluded our transfer activity.

"I am convinced that we have made a good choice by acquiring Christian Poulsen," he added.

"This signing is not a bet made by (Claudio) Ranieri but rather a tactical decision taken by Juventus, knowing that a powerful attack can only be supported by a strong midfield."

Gigli's comments also have a direct impact on the future of Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic, who was all set to join Juventus last month only for the fans to effectively veto the deal through an online protest which the club simply could not ignore.

Hyypia Not Afraid Of Competition As Agger Finally Plans To Return From Injury

Liverpool veteran Sami Hyypia today welcomed back young rival Daniel Agger from his 10-month injury nightmare and vowed to fight for his first team place.

Hyypia, 35 in October, has a new one-year contract and the chance to complete a remarkable 10 years at Anfield in style before considering his future options.

And the big Finnish defender figured in over 44 matches for the club last season when 23-year-old Agger was out with a metatarsal injury.

But although Agger made his comeback in Saturday's 1-0 friendly win at Tranmere, and would expect to become first-choice as the season progresses, Hyypia has promised the young Dane that he will be battling to keep his place in the team.

He said: 'It's nice to have him fit because players always want to play and it will have been hard for Daniel to deal with not being fit for so long.

'It must have been devastating for him to be out for almost a whole season.

'It is not something I would really know about because I have never suffered that kind of thing but I'm sure it was very difficult for him.

'But I am really glad that he is back and he can help the team to win trophies.

'I am sure the manager is happy because it means he has five centre-backs to choose from now.

'That means we all have to fight for our place but that is the way it has always been at Liverpool and this season will be no different.

'It is good to have that kind of challenge, though. I will be fighting for my place and I am sure the other defenders will be doing exactly the same.'

And Brazilian full-back Fabio Aurelio underlines the strong competition there will be in Liverpool's defence now that boss Rafael Benitez has brought in two new full-backs, Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena.

Both made their debuts at Tranmere, and Aurelio told liverpoolfc.tv: 'At a club like Liverpool there is always massive competition to get into the starting XI because of the players we have for each position, but that is good and it can only improve the team.

'We are trying to fight for every title and we have more possibilities this season.'

Carson In Talks With Stoke

Scott Carson is holding talks with Stoke City after Liverpool accepted a £3.5million bid for the goalkeeper, according to Sky Sports News.

Carson moved to Anfield from Leeds in January 2005, but has been unable to force his way into Rafa Benitez's first-team plans.

He spent all of last season on loan at Aston Villa, after a similar arrangement with Charlton Athletic for the duration of the previous campaign.

The Whitehaven-born shot-stopper was handed his competitive England debut for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley last November.

But he endured an evening to forget as his early howler handed Slaven Bilic's side an early advantage, with the visitors going on to record a 3-2 triumph in the Wembley rain to deny England a place at Austria and Switzerland.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has been scouring the market for a new goalkeeper this summer and it will be something of a transfer coup if he can bring Carson to the Britannia Stadium.

Villa considered a deal to make their former loan star's move permanent, while West Brom and Middlesbrough were also credited with an interest in the No.1.

Reds Starlet Set For Loan Move

Liverpool starlet Robbie Threlfall is set for a loan move away from Anfield as Rafa Benitez looks for him to gain valuable first team experience.

The 19-year-old full-back is highly regarded at Anfield having come through the youth ranks and recently signed a three-year deal at the club.

Threlfall had a spell with Hereford last season and Benitez is keen to send him out on loan again as he continues his policy of farming out his best young players to aid their development.

The Reds have made the talented left-back available for loan and the news has alerted a number of clubs north and south of the border.

A couple of League One sides and SPL clubs are believed to be tracking the defender as they look to secure his services.

Threlfall is looking forward to the chance of moving out on loan as he looks to get regular action under his belt.

"I have been informed that Liverpool are willing to let me go out on loan and I am relishing the prospect of playing on a regular basis," Threlfall told skysports.com.

"I am aware of some interest in me and I am prepared to go anywhere to continue my development.

"I believe going out on loan will prove a valuable experience in my bid to establish myself in the Liverpool first team in the future."

Sissoko - Xabi Happy With Reds

Mohamed Sissoko has cast further doubt on Xabi Alonso's proposed move from Liverpool to Juventus.

Sissoko made such a move himself in January but believes the Spaniard is happy at Anfield.

His comments come as the transfer of the £16million rated midfielder appears to have stalled.

Sissoko told Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport: "Yes, I have talked to him.

"And he told me he is happy at Liverpool."

Sissoko could instead link up with Sevilla midfielder Christian Poulsen as the Bianconeri look set to pay the player's 10million euro contract release clause.

The Denmark international has already agreed personal terms and is set to be confirmed after a medical on Monday.

Some Juve fans are unhappy with the signing but Sissoko believes the pair can form a solid partnership in the Juventus midfield.

He said: "We have different characteristics. In fact I think our styles can fit together very well, as can our qualities.

"He gets stuck in more and also scores more goals. There's no doubling up.

"Certain choices don't depend on me, but here there's space also for Poulsen."

He added: "I want to win the Scudetto. We are strong and we have the quality to improve still further.

"Now it's up to us, we have a great desire to win, we have a pile of dreams, we want to achieve them all."

Lee - We Can Be Champs Again

Sammy Lee believes Liverpool can get back to their glory days in the league.

The Reds assistant manager - who was part of the famous Liverpool sides that lifted the league in the early 80s - returned to Anfield earlier in the summer as boss Rafa Benitez's right-hand man.

He knows how much the club wants a first-ever Premier League crown, and believes they are not far off achieving this aim.

While the Reds will have to overhaul Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal for top spot, Lee believes they can better these sides.

He told the club's official website: "They are three very good teams. Only results will prove whether I'm right or wrong, but I feel that we need to be looking to be not just as good as, but better than those three.

"We just need that little stroke of luck, that little attention to detail, and you never know.

"We are not that far away and I feel we have proven on many occasions over the past four or five years that we can be better than them. Not as good as - but better."

Liverpool came within 11 points of eventual champions Manchester United last term, their nearest finish since 2002.

Lee added: "That shows we are getting closer. I have never been one for making promises. There are enough people out there who give promises and I would never do that.

"But what I would say is that I feel we are going in the right way. I feel with just a little bit of tweaking here and there we will not be far off.

"Only time will tell, but what I will say is that everyone is striving and working hard to try and make sure that we can close that gap and overhaul it."

Lee is delighted to be back at Liverpool - who he left in 2004 to take up an England role - after a stint as Bolton manager did not work out last term.

He added: "It's not easy to get back into the game, so to get the chance to come back here was the greatest honour I could ever receive.

"To be perfectly honest, it wasn't very easy for me to leave here in the first place - I just thought it was the right thing to do at that particular moment in time.

"I was very proud and very honoured to be given the Bolton manager's job and it was great to work with Sam Allardyce, it really was.

"That sense of pride and honour was only outweighed by the sense of disappointment that it didn't go well.

"I wanted to do well, but everybody was superb. The fans at Bolton were fantastic both to me, my family and the players at that time. I think they saw what we were trying to do, even if the results didn't mirror that."

He added he was disappointed that some people only saw him as ever being a number two.

"I don't think that's true. I thought I'd served an apprenticeship as a coach, reserve team coach, first team coach, assistant manager - it's not a natural progression but I thought it was part of my apprenticeship," said Lee, who has not ruled out a return to management.

"I have to be careful when I say I'd like to be a manager again because people might think I want to do it here when the top man's already here and doing a terrific job, or people might think I'm angling to go somewhere else when I'm not.

"At this precise moment in time, all I'm looking for is to try and do the best I can for Liverpool Football Club, to be a good help to Rafa and the players and to try and get us back to where I certainly believe we belong."

Daniel Agger To Fight For Liverpool FC Place

Daniel Agger has vowed to fight for his first-team place after returning from his injury nightmare against Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.

The Denmark international, who played for 75 minutes of the 1-0 victory at Prenton Park, has missed almost 10 months of football with metatarsal problems, with his previous appearance for Liverpool coming against Portsmouth last September.

Agger’s absence has been offered up as an excuse for the Anfield outfit’s failure to challenge for the title last season by his manager Rafael Benitez, who was left with just two senior centre-backs, Sami Hyypia and vice captain Jamie Carragher.

Martin Skrtel was recruited for £6.5m in the January transfer window as cover, with the imposing Slovakian defender impressing in the end of season run-in alongside Carragher as Liverpool reached the semi-final of the Champions League.

And now Agger admits he will have to prove his first-team credentials all over again.

He said: “I feel like I am starting over. You can say that I have missed a lot of football or, you can say that there is a lot to come.

“I didn’t play and that’s how it is. I am focused on this season and I really, really have been working hard to keep my fitness level up.

“Of course, I worked throughout the summer and my target has been to keep my fitness high so that I am ready for the first day of the season.

“The competition for places will be hard. That’s what you expect at a club like Liverpool. I will fight for my place and the rest of the players will do the same.”

The 23-year-old admits the last 10 months have been the toughest of his fledgling career.

“It has been way too long for me,” he added.

“It has been the most frustrating time of my career and I am trying to look forward now and not back on how bad it has been. I am concentrating on this season now.

“I was low, but you have to concentrate on coming back as soon as possible, keep working and that is the most important thing, don’t be sad about what happened but keep looking forward.

“Everybody helped me, but I know myself best and I have a really strong will to get back.”

Agger’s return is a major boost for Benitez, who is confident of tying up a deal for Gareth Barry this week.

“I think Agger did okay,” said Benitez.

“The main thing for us was to see if he could come through and he had no problems so he will be a good plus for the team.”

Several of Gary Ablett’s reserve side produced assured displays in the win, with former Barcelona starlet Danny Pacheco in particular impressing in a lone striker role.

The manager said: “Today I think Pacheco was really good and he had two or three chances and was a threat in attack.” Meanwhile, Jermaine Pennant appears to be heading for the Anfield exit, with Blackburn Rovers boss Paul Ince ready to offer around £3m for the winger.

Aurelio Ready To Fight For Starting Spot

Liverpool full-back Fabio Aurelio is ready to fight for his place in the side following the signing of Andrea Dossena.

Dossena, an Italian international, arrived from Udinese this summer, and along with hot prospect Emiliano Insua, will be challenging Aurelio for the sole left-back slot, something the Brazilian is looking forward to.

"It's good to be back training for the pre-season and I'm hoping to work hard and get as fit as possible to improve my fitness," he told the club's official website.

"At a club like Liverpool there is always massive competition to get into the starting XI because of the players we have for each position, but that is good and it can only improve the team.

"We are trying to fight for every title and we have more possibilities this season."

Aurelio also had kind words for compatriot Diego Cavalieri, another new signing - the third Red Brazilian along with Lucas - and Aurelio believes his club have snapped up the second best goalkeeper in Brazil.

"I know last season he was the second best goalkeeper in Brazil," he continued. "He's a good goalkeeper so he's now got a good opportunity to show what he can do.

"We are trying to help not only Diego but Andrea and Philipp [Degen, another new signing] settle in as well. We hope they can feel good in the dressing room and we all try our best to help everyone as best we can."