Nabil El Zhar Eager For More Liverpool FC Success

Liverpool’s Moroccan winger Nabil El Zhar has pledged to do all he can to prove his worth to Reds boss Rafa Benitez.

El Zhar admits he is living the dream at one of the world's top clubs and has vowed to make an even bigger impression next term.

El Zhar made 19 appearances for the Liverpool first-team last campaign and played a prominent role in some of the Reds' dramatic early season comebacks, leading Benitez to describe the 22-year-old as a 'lucky charm'.

Now El Zhar is eager to repay the faith shown in him by the boss and play his part in next term's title push.

"I have to work hard and God willing improve and prove my worth and play my part for the first team," he said.

"I feel as though I am more at home at the club now. I've been gaining more confidence by coming on more, and now I just have to keep on going, work hard and try and play many more games.

"You have to forget about the big names you are playing with and try to show people what you can do. I have to keep at this level.

"The manager has said to me that he wanted to give me more chances in the first-team. He told me that I had to work hard and listen to advice and take my opportunities when they come."

El Zhar, who scored his only goal of his Liverpool career so far against Cardiff City in a League Cup tie at Anfield in 2007, added: "I also love playing for Morocco and want to make a big impact. I have a lot of work to do and keep my feet on the ground but it was great to score in front of the Kop and now I am living the dream."

The Reds No.31 says he had no reservations about swapping Saint Etienne for Merseyside in October 2006 at the tender age of 20, admitting the prospect of playing for a club of Liverpool's stature was too good to turn down.

"I've read about all the history of Liverpool Football Club in France, and what they've won, and how a bigger name it is in world football," he continued.

"It's a well known club throughout many communities. Outside of the French clubs a lot of people from many backgrounds support Liverpool more than other English teams because of what Shankly and Paisley achieved. They inspired many people to support Liverpool.

"Also, there are a lot of French players who have played in England and developed into a big name. The club has many supporters back in Morocco and throughout the whole of Africa."

Many of Benitez's charges returned to Melwood on Monday to begin preparations for the 2009-10 season.

El Zhar is relishing another assault on the Barclays Premier League title, but acknowledges the Reds must find a way of slashing the number of home draws if they are to be crowned champions come next May.

"Liverpool are a top team, and we all know that we have to work hard," he says. "The whole squad knows that they have to be playing well and working hard to get into the team and stay there.

"By beating United and Chelsea, and drawing at Arsenal, we've shown that we can do well against the other top teams. But we're going to have to start winning more games against smaller teams if we want to remain contenders for the title."

Liverpool FC Sign French Starlet Chris Mavinga From Paris St Germain

Liverpool are set to make their second summer signing after agreeing a deal to bring promising French left-back Chris Mavinga to Anfield.

The France under-18 international has been snapped up from Paris Saint Germain under the nose of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who was keen to take Mavinga to the Emirates.

Liverpool will have to pay PSG a compensation fee for the 18-year-old who was yet to sign a full contract with the French club.

Mavinga’s recruitment is timely with Fabio Aurelio set to miss the start of the season with a knee injury and Andrea Dossena likely to leave Anfield should Liverpool receive a suitable offer for his services.

Emiliano Insua underlined his promise last season but Benitez will be happy that the young Argentinian will face increased competition for his place when the new season gets under way.

With Glen Johnson already signed from Portsmouth in a club record deal for a defender, the Reds boss has clearly earmarked Liverpool’s full-back positions as areas which can be improved.

Johnson was today undertaking his first day of training as a Liverpool player as he and fellow England international Steven Gerrard joined in with their team mates at Melwood.

Benitez gave the England duo an extra few days holiday to allow them to recover from their excursions with the national team in early June.

Time For Xabi To Put Cards On The Table

Xabi Alonso's future is threatening to overshadow Liverpool's pre-season build up for the second successive summer.

However, the circumstances now compared to a year ago are very different.

In 2008 Alonso was left feeling unwanted and let down by Rafa Benitez's willingness to sell him in order to finance the purchase of Gareth Barry.

His situation commanded sympathy from the majority of Reds fans who felt he had been unfairly treated.

Fast forward 12 months and the ongoing uncertainty over where he will be playing his football next season is all of his own making.

Real Madrid have been openly courting the midfielder but Liverpool have made it abundantly clear he is not for sale.

As for Alonso, he has repeatedly refused to come out and publicly state his own intentions.

In fact the 27-year-old has been doing so much fence sitting in recent weeks that he's in danger of getting some nasty splinters.

When pressed about his future on his return to Spain after the end of the Confederations Cup, he said: “It is always positive when various teams are said to want you because that is better than nobody being interested.

"I will be able to decide what happens next whenever it arises.

“I do not think a move to Real Madrid is impossible, but I would also have no regrets at all staying at Liverpool.

"I do miss certain things from Spain. I cannot rule out a move or even staying in the Premier League.”

A game of chess is being played out with Real, who have yet to officially submit a bid, seemingly happy to bide their time.

Benitez is loathe to lose Alonso but admits he can't keep someone who wants to be elsewhere.

If he reluctantly agrees to sell and the price is right then the Reds boss knows letting Alonso go won't be a popular decision.

And if Liverpool are going to do business, Benitez will rightly want Alonso to come out and admit he wants a transfer.

However, there appears to be little sign that the player, who has three years left on his current deal, is prepared to put his cards on the table.

Of course, there will be plenty of fans who feel Alonso is well within his rights to act like he is after the way he was treated last summer.

But that argument just doesn't add up. The reason Liverpool were willing to sell Alonso last summer was because during the 2007/8 campaign his form had dipped alarmingly.

Yes, he angered Benitez by his decision to miss the Champions League game against Inter Milan in March 2008 to attend the birth of his son.

But the decision to consider selling him wasn’t down to some petty grudge.

Alonso only played 27 out of 59 competitive matches that campaign and didn't look like the player whose slick passing had endeared him to Reds fans since his arrival in the summer of 2004.

He had lost his way and if anything last summer's saga gave him the kick up the backside he needed to get his career back on track.

His response was professional and emphatic as last season he was key to the Reds' sustained title challenge and a strong contender for the club’s Player of the Year accolade.

Losing Alonso would undoubtedly be a major blow but the most important thing now is that the issue is resolved as soon as possible.

Madrid are clearly happy for it to drag on hoping Liverpool will drop their asking price but time is not on the Reds’ side. Even if he goes for £30million, finding a replacement will be no easy task.

Alonso’s place in the club’s history books is secured and if he does want a new challenge then he should do the decent thing and come out and say so.

Another Reds player hardly covering himself in glory at the moment is Barcelona target Javier Mascherano, who has refused to distance himself with a move to Spain.

He said: "I am very proud and thankful for the interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid. It's good for me to have these two teams interested in me.”

Mascherano needs to remember two things. Who rescued him from the obscurity of West Ham Reserves two years ago? And who allowed him to fulfill his Olympic dream at a crucial stage of last season?

Liverpool's Fabio Aurelio Faces Six-Month Lay-Off After Holiday Injury

Liverpool could lose defender Fabio Aurelio for up to six months after the Brazilian picked up an injury on holiday.

The 29-year-old left-back suffered a twisted knee while playing football with his children and is likely to require surgery.

Aurelio is definitely ruled out for the start of the Premier League season and the club now fear he will be sidelined until the end of the year.

The injury means manager Rafa Benitez is set to pull the plug on Andrea Dossena's potential move to Juventus.

Dossena, 27, has failed to make an impact since his £7 million move from Udinese and it was widely expected that he would return to Italy this summer, with Turin his most likely destination.

That now looks remote, although even with Aurelio's injury, Dossena is still set to play second fiddle to Argentine Emiliano Insua, while Benitez has brought in Chris Mavinga from PSG as further back-up.

Taye Taiwo: Liverpool Step Up Chase For African Powerhouse After Aurelio Injury

Injury to Fabio Aurelio has led to Rafa Benitez stepping up his pursuit of Marseille’s powerful left-back Taye Taiwo. Aurelio seriously injured his knee while playing football on holiday in Brazil with his family and may be out until 2010 according to reports.

Taiwo issued a ‘come and get me’ plea to the Premier League big four at the end of last season which alerted Liverpool who are in the hunt to add a left-sided defender following the disappointing performance of Andrea Dossena last season. The Italian is expected to be offloaded to Juventus this summer leaving the club having to rely on Argentine youngster Emiliano Insua unless someone is brought in. Glen Johnson has already been brought to Anfield and if Taiwo can be signed, it would provide Liverpool with two of the most attacking full-backs in the Premier League.

The player had this to say to France-Football, “If I was to depart, then I would not join a small club.”It will be Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal.

“I do not want to leave Marseille for the sake of it. If I make it, it will be for a big club, to win the UEFA Champions League, in England, or why not Spain?

“I won’t make it for money, otherwise I could immediately leave for Ukraine, where I could earn just as much.”

The defender is confident in his ability to play against the very best in the Premier League as Taiwo’s comments illustrate, “I am not scared by the level in England. I believe I have the right level to defend against [Wayne] Rooney or Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Anyway I am more powerful than them. The only one with whom it would be much more complex is [Lionel] Messi.

“He is too small and too strong. That’s why maybe it could be better for me to join England rather than Spain.”

The 24-year-old Nigerian international has been linked to numerous Premier League clubs in the past year particularly Tottenham and Man City. The defender had this to say earlier in the season, “I have made my desire to play in the Premier League clear,” he told Sky Sports. “Tottenham are a big club, but I am at Marseille. I want to play in the Premier League, but I have a contract. But if the clubs agree…”

Man City, Newcastle and Sunderland had been heavily linked to the raiding full-back in the past though Liverpool are the club that would ideally suit the Nigerian from the current big four. Rafa Benitez summer signing Andrea Dossena has failed to impress since arriving at Anfield and faces the exit door. Fabio Aurelio performed well towards the end of the season although there are still a few question marks over his defensive and attacking qualities. Young Argentine Emiliano Insua shown potential when given the chance, however, Taiwo would fit perfectly into Liverpool’s style of play and has far more experience.

The left-back has played in France for the last 4 seasons and has made 134 league appearances for the club (10 goals). Marseille finished 16th in the 2007/08 season which led to speculation concerning a number of their players but they managed to retain the Nigerian and it has paid off. The club came 2nd last season just 3 points behind champions Bordeaux with Taiwo playing in 35 of the team’s 38 league games (34 starts).

Not only is Taiwo renowned for his no-nonsense defending but also his attacking forays and powerful shooting ability. His long range efforts have been clocked at over 80mph so expect him to fight with Steven Gerrard to take charge of free-kicks if he does sign for Liverpool.

Taiwo was signed by Marseille to replace legendary French full-back Bixente Lizarazu and has become a cult figure for the club. He was part of the Nigerian side that lost to Argentina in the final of the 2005 World Youth Championships. In fact, he was voted 3rd best player in the tournament behind Lionel Messi and Obi Mikel.

The Nigerian international has is a regular in his senior national side scoring 7 goals. He has also played in two African Cup of Nations tournaments.

Souness Believes Liverpool Do Not Have Finances To Compete Next Season

With escalating murmurs of player departures emanating from Anfield, together with the financial ambiguity of parent club Kop Holdings Ltd, the omens do not bode well for Liverpool's ability to compete next season.

That is the opinion of former Reds manager Graeme Souness, who informed Sky Sports News today that he does not think there will be much money spent at Anfield this summer.

"I think things will be tight," he said. "I see things being tight... I don't think there will be lots of money spent at Anfield this year."

Regarding the rumours that Real Madrid are interested in signing deep-lying playmaker Xabi Alonso, while midfield battler Javier Mascherano continues to head Barcelona's shortlist, Souness said, "They can't afford to let Steven Gerrard go anywhere, and they can't afford to allow both Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano to go."

When pressed as to what competition - the Premier League in particular - manager Rafael Benitez should prioritise, Souness answered without hesitation, "That, and the European Cup.

"It's an enormous task, though, and Liverpool don't have the finances."

Tranmere Rovers Eye Relationship With Liverpool

Tranmere Rovers are attempting to strike up a closer relationship with Liverpool in order to strengthen this season.

Anfield legend John Barnes (pictured) was recently appointed manager at the League One club, with fellow former Reds player Jason McAteer serving as his assistant.

And McAteer believes Rovers should become close to their Premier League neighbours in more than just a geographical sense.

"It would be daft not to try and exploit some sort of relationship with the likes of Liverpool," the retired defender told LFC Magazine.

"I haven't been in the job long but anyone I've already spoken to at Liverpool has been first class.

"Money is tight at this level. It can be really difficult when you're working on the budgets a club like Tranmere has to.

"We have to work within our means so we would be stupid not to sit down and listen to the likes of Liverpool if they wanted to help in any way or offer some advice."

Also a former Tranmere player, McAteer added that his new club would gladly take on some of Liverpool's exciting prospects on loan in order to assist their development.

He continued, "If they want to lend us players and the quality is there we will be more than happy to take them and help with their football education."

Tom Hicks Dissolves Hicks Sports Marketing Group

Tom Hicks, owner of Liverpool FC, the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Stars, has dissolved Hicks Sports Marketing Group (HSMG) and split its employees between the Rangers and the Stars. The Hicks Sports Marketing Group website is already offline.

HSMG was formed in 2006, primarily to sell corporate advertising and sponsorship for Hicks’ sports franchises. With finances forcing the American businessman into selling the Rangers - once a suitable buyer can be found - the group appears to have outlived its usefulness. That is certainly Hicks’ version of events: “It’s a natural progression where there isn’t a need for that service, so we’re streamlining the company,” he said. “This makes sense for a number of reasons.”

However, the impact the move will have on Hicks’ other franchises is unknown. He has admitted to serious difficulties attracting new investment in the franchises.

“You can’t continue to spend money if the team is losing money, “he said. “We are determined to create as much revenue as possible for each team, and that’s one of the reasons we have changed things. One of our biggest challenges right now is to find ways to market and sell our teams. “

Jim Lites, president of HSMG, is keen on being part of a takeover bid for the Rangers.

Liverpool Loan Youngster Ryan Flynn To Falkirk

Liverpool owned Ryan Flynn is said to be in the process of completing a loan switch to Scottish Premier League side Falkirk - according to the BBC website.

The 20-year-old wide-player had moved to Anfield from the Bairns in 2005, but now looks set to make a return back to his homeland.

The winger was afforded some time on loan to Wrexham last season, and the Welsh side had hoped to re-acquire his services again next term.

However, the young Scot was more interested in a move back home as he looks to hone his skills in a bid to break into Liverpool's first team.

Rafa Benitez Launches Kop Idol-style Talent Search

Rafa Benitez has launched a “Kop Idol” style search for new talent for Liverpool’s first team.

The Reds boss has called up half a dozen of Liverpool’s most promising youngsters to train with the first team squad – and challenged them to prove they are good enough to stay there.

Benitez is keen to see how much progress has been made by some of the Reds reserves during the last 12 months and is pitching them in with the senior stars in the early stages of Liverpool’s pre-season training.

Spanish trio Dani Pacheco, Mikel San Jose and Danny Ayala, Hungarians Krisztian Nemeth and Peter Gulacsi and locally produced central defender Martin Kelly are all being given a chance to stake their claim to stay with the big boys.

All six are rubbing shoulders with first team regulars including Jamie Carragher, Dirk Kuyt, Yossi Benayoun and Martin Skrtel as the Liverpool manager puts his players through their paces.

With fellow reserve regulars Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby already established in the first team set up, Benitez is keen to give some of the younger members of his squad the chance to shine ahead of the coming campaign.

Madrid Pessimistic On Alonso Move

Jorge Valdano admits Real Madrid are some distance away from Liverpool's valuation of Xabi Alonso.

Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for the Spain midfielder as part of their summer rebuilding under new president Florentino Perez, which has already seen the Primera Division outfit splash out almost £200million on Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol.

However, while Valdano admits Alonso remains one of their targets, the Madrid director general wants the price to be right.

"Xabi Alonso is a priority if he fits into our budget, and this doesn't seem the case. We are very far from the figures that Liverpool have set out," Valdano was quoted as telling Spanish radio station Onda Madrid.

Valdano added on Cadena Ser: "Liverpool have taken up a difficult stance over Xabi Alonso. I don't like to talk about the private details of negotiations.

"We are studying many alternatives. We want someone who can channel the play and there aren't many like that in the world."

With plenty of time before the transfer window closes and with a number of big-name signings already wrapped up, Valdano insists the Spanish giants have no great urgency to complete their summer shopping spree, though.

"After the great players who have arrived, we aren't in a hurry," he said.

"(We want) two signings, maximum three. That's the number with which the team will be able to cover all eventualities.

"With the arrival of Benzema, we are not going to sign (Valencia striker David) Villa. We are happy to have got the Frenchman. He is 21, powerful, and is enthusiastic and eager."

Mathieu Valbuena: Rafa Targets Marseille’s Midget Gem To Replace Alonso At Liverpool?

Liverpool and Wigan have been named as interested suitors of Marseille playmaker Mathieu Valbuena according to his agent Christophe Hutteau.

He told skysports.com, “Mathieu would very much be interested in playing in England as the Premier League is the best in Europe.”

“Wigan are interested in Mathieu, but I think Mathieu would like to go to a big team in England.

“Liverpool are also interested in Mathieu, but so are teams in Spain, Germany, Italy and Russia.

“I think Mathieu will leave Marseille and I think it is very possible he could play in England this season.”

The French midfielder enjoyed an excellent 2008/09 season as Marseille narrowly missed out on the title by 3 points to eventual champions Bordeaux.

However, the arrival of Didier Deschamps as new coach has unsettled the player according to Valbuena himself.

He told L’Equipe, “Deschamps told me he knows I have played on the flanks in the past, but he feels I don’t fit into his tactical approach. He believes I cannot operate as a winger.

“I have been told I could play a few minutes towards the end of matches, but I want to leave.

“I have received his message. I understand my future is not at Marseille anymore. I wanted to stay here, but that cannot happen.

“I am very disappointed, considering everything I have experienced here with the fans. They will understand me.

“I won’t stay in these conditions. It hurts and I will be leaving against my will.”

Valbuena’s agent Hutteau confirmed the clash of personalities. He revealed, “Mathieu is a player that needs to be motivated to give his best.”

“The arrival of Didier Deschamps has changed everything.

“So far the Marseille officials have always been happy with Mathieu and have always rejected the approaches of other teams.

“It seems as though other great European coaches do not have the same opinion as Deschamps.”

The 24-year-old was born in Bruges, Gironde and began his career as a youth team player with Bordeaux.

Valbuena was eventually rejected for being too small but it failed to stop the 5 ft 5 midfielder from joining Libourne in 2004.

The diminutive midfielder scored 10 goals in 55 league appearances (43 starts) before Marseille made their move in June 2006.

Valbuena failed to make an impact in his first season after picking up an injury which held back his progress. In fact, he made just 15 league appearances that season (2 starts).

However, the following season saw a turnaround for the midfielder due to him maintaining his fitness and the exit of star man Franck Ribery.

This included 29 league appearances (18 starts) and 3 goals. He also scored in Marseille’s 1-0 Champions League group win at Anfield which brought him to Rafa Benitez’s attention.

Last season Valbuena played in 31 league games, starting 25 and scoring 3 goals.

However, his time at Marseille seems to have come to an end with the introduction of Deschamps. The midfielder has yet to play at international level despite a call-up to the French squad to face England and Mali. Unfortunately for Valbuena, he missed the matches through injury.

Liverpool may be in the market for the player nicknamed ‘Le Petit Velo’ or the little bike in his homeland. Xabi Alonso continues to be linked to a move Real Madrid so Rafa Benitez may be on the lookout for a new playmaker and although small in stature, Valbuena is a big talent.

Real Madrid To Offer Liverpool €6M For Alvaro Arbeloa

Real Madrid are hopeful of pushing through a deal to sign back Alvaro Arbeloa from Liverpool for just €6 million next week, according to a report.

The Reds may be struggling to fend off the advances of the Spanish giants as Real attempt to prise Xabi Alonso away from Anfield; but they are prepared to do a deal for the defender.

Arbeloa is keen to return to the club where he rose through the ranks after joining them from Real Zaragoza, and with Glen Johnson's arrival from Portsmouth he will be allowed to leave, The Mirror states.

Liverpool have yet to name their price for the former Deportivo La Coruna full-back, but Madrid are preparing an opening gambit of €6m (£5m) and hope that talks will push a deal through.

While Johnson will become the English side's regular right-back, Sergio Ramos will have to compete with Arbeloa for the same position in Manuel Pellegrini's new-look defence.

The former Sevilla star can also play in the middle, but with Raul Albiol's arrival he will find that earning a place next term is more difficult than it has been since he joined Madrid.

Daniel Agger Reveals Admiration For Liverpool Team-Mate Martin Skrtel

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger may be in competition with Martin Skrtel for a place at the heart of the Reds' back-four, but that doesn't stop him admiring the Slovak tremendously for the assets that he has brought to the side since his move from Zenit St. Petersburg in January 2008.

Agger made 26 appearances for Liverpool last season, as Jamie Carragher and Skrtel established a solid partnership at the back. Despite not playing regularly, he still signed a new contract recently, and believes that the strength in depth at the club is a sign of good things to come at Anfield.

"Martin is a top, top player. I was surprised when he came just how good he was," Agger told LFC Magazine.

"I have to be honest and say I don't know much about the Russian Premier League, so I did not really know what to expect when Martin came to the club.

"But he's a really good player and, just as importantly, he's a really good guy to have in the dressing room too. He's a guy who's good to talk to away from the pitch and who I admire a lot because of the way he plays on it.

"If you play all the time, if you get the chance to play week in, week out, then you must be a good player. I don't care if Martin and I are rivals for a starting place, he's still a friend of mine and I'll still tell the world how highly I rate him.

"He's an excellent defender and will keep getting better. We are competing with each other, maybe, to play in the team, but it's not a rivalry. Both of us play and train to the best of our ability and then the manager makes the decision."

Liverpool FC Boss Benitez Closing In On Teenage Prospects

Liverpool FC have been linked with two more of Europe’s brightest prospects - and boss Rafa Benitez has challenged Anfield's youngsters to make an impact at the club.

Benitez also has to contend with continued speculation about the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, with strong rumours from Spain that Barcelona have lodged a £35million bid for the Argentina captain in the past 24 hours.

Liverpool FC declined to comment on that piece of speculation on Tuesday, but the Merseysiders are believed to be on the brink of confirming the addition of two more teenage stars to their ranks.

They have been linked with Danish 16-year-old Nikolaj Kohlert, from Esbjerg. The under-17 international had a trial at Anfield recently and is likely to sign a three-year contract.

Liverpool FC are also closing in on Paris St. Germain youngster Chris Mavinga on a similar three-year deal. The defender has already been capped by France at under-18 level.

Such acquisitions underline Benitez’s policy to search Europe for the best youngsters.

And as Liverpool approach their first warm-up game away to Swiss club St.Gallen on July 15, it is clear that Benitez will be running the rule over the club’s current crop of potential talent.

Spaniards Daniel Pacheco, Mikel San Jose and Daniel Ayala, Hungarian duo Krisztian Nemeth and Peter Gulacsi along with local defender Martin Kelly are training alongside Anfield’s senior players after the Reds returned to work at Melwood this week.

Benitez is urging the youngsters to make the most of their chance and stake a claim for first-team involvement next term.

It is a similar policy to last season when the likes of Jack Hobbs, David Ngog, Emiliano Insua, Stephen Darby, Damien Plessis and Jay Spearing were given opportunities in the early warm-up matches.

Benitez said: "We have already had conversations with the likes of Pacheco, Ayala and San Jose and we have told them that it depends on them.

"They are now training with the first-team squad and this is their chance to show what they can do ahead of the new season."

Real Madrid Give Liverpool Two Week Deadline For Xabi Alonso Deal

Real Madrid have set Liverpool a deadline of two weeks for the Xabi Alonso transfer to be concluded.

Amid all the stars coming in to the Bernabeu, Los Merengues have been trying without success to secure Alonso's arrival.

Now, according to Football365.com, 'Pool have been given two weeks to name a price for Alonso, so that Madrid, who are yet to put in a bid, can decide whether or not to match it.

New Real coach Manuel Pellegrini is keen to sign a defensive midfielder, but is not willing to spend much more time waiting for Alonso. Therefore, he has instructed the club not to pursue the matter beyond July 19.

That is the day that Xabi returns for pre-season training, so Rafa Benitez will have to make a decision before Liverpool fly out for their summer tour of Asia.

Liverpool Unlikely To Accept Barcelona's Initial Mascherano Bid

Barcelona are ready to submit an offer to Liverpool for Javier Mascherano, but it still may not be enough.

According to The Times, Barca have prepared a €30 million bid, but that is unlikely to seal the deal straight away.

Liverpool are holding out for a fee closer to €40m, and it is unclear as yet whether the Blaugrana will be willing to raise their offer.

Mascherano is believed to be keen on a move to the Camp Nou, but with Xabi Alonso also in serious demand from Real Madrid, the Reds are not going to let either of their defensive midfielders go for anything less than top dollar.

Liverpool Consider Bid For Portsmouth's Sylain Distin

Portsmouth could be set to lose another defender to Liverpool, as Rafa Benitez mulls over a move for Sylvain Distin.

Having already signed Glen Johnson from Pompey, Benitez is now ready to claim another one of their defenders.

According to French daily Le Figaro, Liverpool are preparing a €2 million bid for Distin. Portsmouth's transfer activity is currently shrouded in uncertainty due to their takeover situation, and Benitez is hoping to take advantage by snaring an unsettled Distin.

He has been at Pompey since 2007, making 74 league appearances.

Phil Thompson: Jamie Carragher Can Cut It As Coach

Jamie Carragher started preparations for his 14th season as a top flight footballer yesterday – but respected judges believe he should soon be preparing for life as a manager.

Liverpool great and former Anfield assistant-manager Phil Thompson believes Carragher has all the qualities needed to break into the cut-throat world of football management.

Carragher is currently taking his coaching badges, and Thompson declared: “I would think he definitely has what it takes to be a manager one day.

“He’s got passion, enthusiasm and organisational skills. He loves his football and that's the biggest thing you need in order to carry on after playing. He has a real desire and love for the game in abundance.

“He’s also a student of the game. When Gerard (Houllier) and I were here, and I'm sure Rafa has noticed this too, it was clear that Jamie watches everything football-wise.

“He’ll watch Football First on a Saturday night and analyse other teams. He wants the knowledge and he wants to understand the game.

“And he’s learned from the likes of Gerard and Rafa how all the fine details need to be spot on.”

But Thompson admitted it was only when a player experiences the intensity of a dug-out on matchdays that he will discover whether he has the clear-headed thinking necessary to make it as a manager.

“You can have all the enthusiasm you want, but you also need a cool head to make decisions,” he added.

“You might say, 'How can Phil Thompson talk about cool heads?' But we will only see if Jamie's got that once he becomes a manager.”

Carragher was among a host of senior Reds players who reported back to pre-season training yesterday.

Amongst them were promising youngsters Stephen Darby and Jay Spearing, who have agreed new three-year contracts, while Israeli international Yossi Benayoun is also set to become the latest Liverpool star to commit his future to the Reds.

Although Glen Johnson remains Liverpool’s one signing so far this summer, Benitez has retained the services of Reds stars Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt with all four having committed themselves to new long term contracts.

Benitez said: “We had to guarantee the future of the club first and then afterwards if you can improve then you must try to do so.

“This meant that the first thing we had to do this summer was to guarantee the futures of some of the players who are already here and we are happy that we have been able to do this in so many cases.”

The majority of the first team squad returned to Melwood for a series of drills and tests ahead of pre-season trips to Switzerland, the Far East, Spain and Norway.

Johnson will join up with his new teammates for the first time tomorrow. He will take part in his first Melwood training session having been allowed an extra few days off, along with Steven Gerrard following their efforts on international duty with England.

The Reds Spanish contingent do not return until July 19 following their involvement in the recently concluded Confederations Cup.

Yossi Benayoun Extends Liverpool Contract

Yossi Benayoun has marked his transformation at Liverpool by agreeing terms on a new contract that will tie him to Anfield until 2012.

The Israel international has two years remaining on his current deal but, following an impressive ending to last season, has been rewarded with a pay rise and a 12-month extension by the manager, Rafael Benítez. An agreement is in place with the 29-year-old and the contract will be signed ahead of the new season, underlining the extent of the midfielder's rapid recovery at Anfield.

"I am very happy that we have reached an agreement," said Benayoun. "Of course, to be at a club like this is a dream come true and I want to keep playing here. Hopefully now I can concentrate on the hard work that needs to be done and try to play better and better and win some silverware."

Benítez said: "You know that our idea was to extend the contracts of some players and Yossi was one of these players. He has been really good for us over the last year, scoring crucial goals and getting assists, so we wanted to keep him and I'm really pleased with the extension."

Benayoun instigated talks on his Liverpool future with Benítez only in January amid concern over his lack of first-team opportunities. He responded to the manager's assurances with the finest spell of his career on Merseyside, scoring seven goals in the final four months of the campaign, including the winner at Real Madrid in the Champions League, and playing an influential role in Liverpool's lengthy pursuit of Manchester United for the Premier League title.

The midfielder is the fifth senior player to commit his future to Liverpool in recent months, following Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger, and Benítez admits stability in his squad – currently threatened by Real Madrid's and Barcelona's interest in Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano respectively – was a prerequisite for this summer.

"We had to guarantee the future of the club first and then afterwards if you can improve then you must try to do so," the Liverpool manager said. "This meant that the first thing we had to do this summer was to guarantee the futures of some of the players who are already here and we are happy that we have been able to do this in so many cases."

Harry Kewell: I Rejected Barcelona To Join Liverpool

Harry Kewell says he rejected the chance to join Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona, as he prepares to play under the new Galatasaray manager this season.

Kewell joined Liverpool from Leeds United in 2003, and he has now told Galatasaray TV that he not only turned down Rijkaard’s approach but a number of others in order to play for the English giants.

“While he was at Barcelona, Rijkaard asked me to transfer there,” Kewell said. “It would have been a great event to play for Barcelona and to be part of that team.

“But I preferred Liverpool. I’ve rejected many bids to stay at Liverpool.

“It was my decision.”

Though initially successful, the latter part of Kewell’s Liverpool career was hampered by injury problems, eventually leading to his departure from the club at the beginning of last season.

Seemingly out of favour with manager Rafael Benitez, the former PFA Young Player of the Year moved to Turkey, where his career was rejuvenated with Istanbul giants Galatasaray.

With his injury worries now behind him after a season of consistent first-team football, European competition and more than ten goals to his name, Kewell is now looking forward to playing under UEFA Champions League winner Rijkaard.

A world-class player in his day, the Dutchman made his name as a manager during a highly successful spell with Barca, where he led the club to a Champions League title and two league and cup triumphs.

Rijkaard forged a reputation for attractive football while at the Camp Nou, and Kewell says he is relishing playing in the coach's preferred 4-3-3 system as he looks to back-up from a successful debut season in Turkey.

“I think 4-3-3 is a very good system,” Kewell said. “Rijkaard successfully implemented this system at Barcelona.

“With everyone in the right position in the system, Galatasaray will be successful with it.”

It appears, however, as though Rijkaard will not be favouring the same man he coveted while he was at Barcelona, having brought in Cote d’Ivoire international Kader Keita from Olympique Lyonnais.

The 27-year-old will likely be in direct competition with Kewell for a starting place in the Galatasaray first team, though the Australian has welcomed the challenged.

“There is always competition,” he said. “Last year I was competing with Arda [Turan]. Competition is good.

“We want our players to be ambitious. Football is not an individual game, it is a team game.

“The club will win the league as a result of this competition.”

7 Games To Make His Season

In two weeks our pre season begins with 5 games against poor opposition, this is the time of the year when Krisztian Nemeth and Co have a chance to impress Rafa after a difficult season in the reserves.

Last season saw competitive minutes given to Jay Spearing, Nabil El Zhar, Steven Darby and Martin Kelly. This year should be no different with the likes of Nemeth, Pacheco and Dominguez eager to impress the gaffer.

Friendlies against St Gallen and Rapid Vienna will take place before our Spaniards return from holiday after the Confederations Cup.

And for Nemeth more than anyone this is a huge opportunity to show what he`s made of under Rafa`s management.

The Hungarian forward was loaned out to Blackpool at the start of the year to gain some vital experience, this loan however, only lasted a month as Rafa planned to bring the youngster back and harness his talent in the remaining games of the season.

Nemeth`s first and only game for Blackpool ended badly, with a broken cheekbone, and our number 29 didn`t play again till the Liverpool Senior Cup final where he scored the only goal of the game to clinch the trophy.

Last pre season, Nemeth featured in a 0-0 draw with Villarreal, where he came closest for Liverpool with a shot just over the crossbar. He also played a vital role 3 days later against Rangers where he had a fierce shot parried with Yossi tapping in the rebound. Nemeth also was brought down in the area after a great piece of work, and Xabi Alonso scored the resulting penalty. Except featuring as a substitute against Valerenga and Lazio, these where his only games playing for Rafa Benitez.

For those of you who haven`t seen him play, he has skill in abundance, a fantastic touch, great pace, brilliant vision and that striker`s instinct that sees him find the back of the net regularly, and he`s well known for his trademark back heels.

The striker already has the hopes of his nation resting on his shoulders; after defeat against Sweden in World Cup qualifier, the national sports newspaper headlined with a picture of Nemeth, the paper then went on to beg the coach to play him. The Hungarian coach, Erwin Koeman, has begun to integrate Nemeth into the squad as he has more goals than games to his name in youth categories for the national side.

Benitez is aware of Nemeth`s talent, shown when he was questioned about our lack of forwards after the sale of Robbie Keane, he named Nemeth along with his Spanish strike partner Dani Pacheco as quality youngsters that can step up to the plate, but neither where to make their first competitive start.

It`s becoming less and less likely that we will bring in another striker, meaning that this could be a big season for Nemeth, beginning with these pre season friendlies, games against the teams of less quality means that minutes are almost guaranteed for Nemeth, but our 5th and 7th friendlies are against quality opposition in Espanyol and Atletico Madrid and are a chance for the Hungarian to really show what he`s made of.

Nemeth partnering David Ngog in our attack could become a familiar sight in our Carling Cup and early round FA cup games, with this brilliant prospect receiving rave reviews from all that have seen him play.

I for one will be keeping a close eye on the youngster over the up and coming pre season period as it`s not a case of if he will make the step up, it`s a case of when. At 20 years old this is a fantastic chance for Nemeth to prove himself prior to one of Liverpool`s most important seasons; his talent could become extremely useful in landing number 8 in both the FA and Carling Cup and most importantly Number 19 in the league.

Liverpool Close In On Starlet

Liverpool are on the verge of singing Esbjerg youngster Nikolaj Kohlert on a three-year deal, according to reports in his native Denmark.

The 16-year-old is scheduled to discuss personal terms when he returns from holiday next week but neither club are willing to confirm the switch.

The Denmark Under-17 international underwent a trial at Anfield last month and impressed so much that the Reds are anxious to get him tied down to a contract.

The midfielder is yet to make his debut for Esbjerg and should he sign for Liverpool he will continue his footballing education with the club's academy.

If Kohlert progresses as the club hope, he will gain a place in the reserve team squad during next season.

Although usually deployed behind the strikers Kohlert proved while on trial that he is more than capable of playing as a central forward.

Tykes Submit Hammill Offer

Barnsley manager Simon Davey has made a bid for Liverpool winger Adam Hammill.

The Anfield academy graduate spent the final two and a half months of last season on loan at Oakwell after a spell at Blackpool earlier in the campaign.

Davey is keen to sign him on a permanent basis but revealed that Liverpool are currently assessing Hammill before making any decision on his future.

Davey told the club's official website: "We have made an offer for Adam and were told that Liverpool wanted to have a look at him through pre-season.

"Our offer is still on the table but we cannot just wait around and we have to make sure we have other targets in mind if that answer is a negative one.

"On the other hand it is not going to blow our budget if we get the right answer on Adam two days before the start of the season."

Mascherano Would Be Welcome At Barcelona, Says Busquets

Liverpool FC's Javier Mascherano would be welcome at Barcelona, despite increasing competition for places, says midfielder Sergi Busquets.

Barca have been closely linked with a move for Liverpool FC’s Mascherano as coach Pep Guardiola looks to add reinforcements to his all-conquering squad.

If the European champions do manage to persuade Liverpool FC to part with the Argentina captain then it will add further competition to an already impressive midfield contingent at the Nou Camp.

One of the players whose position could be most threatened by the arrival of Mascherano is the 20-year-old Busquets, but the Spain international is not looking at it like that.

Asked if he was worried by the possibility of Barca bringing in Mascherano, Busquets said: "No, the more players that come the better, and they will be welcomed.

"He is a magnificent player and hopefully he can be added.

"The most important thing is that the signings will add to the squad," said Busquets, who believes he has slightly different attributes to Mascherano anyway.

"He is also a defensive player, but perhaps he moves around a lot more conducting play and I maintain my position more and play the ball quicker."

Torres Had To Leave Spain To Thrive - Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry believes that Fernando Torres has always been a great player but he had to go to England to realise his potential at the highest level.

The Frenchman is a big fan of the Liverpool striker and claims that the ability that has been allowed to come out at Anfield, was there during his time with Atletico de Madrid too.

Torres is now considered to be one of best goalscorers in the world, but some observers thought he was going stale at his boyhood club and moving abroad was the best thing for him. Henry agrees.

"Torres is outstanding. He was already like this but people in Spain didn't realise it until he went somewhere else - then they saw how great he was," he told French reporters.

"He is a fantastic player with speed, power and great control. Torres can finish with his left foot, or his right, and he's really cool in front of goal.

"Liverpool were crying out for a player like this to help them win the league and now they have it. There are a lot of amazing strikers in the Premier League but Torres, at the moment, has an edge on the others."

Roy Evans Believes Liverpool Can Win The Premier League

Liverpool's experience of having come so close to winning the Premier League last season will stand them in good stead for the coming campaign, believes former Anfield gaffer Roy Evans, who sees no reason why Rafa Benitez's men can't go one better and end the club's twenty season wait for a league title.

"I think, as a player, when you've come so close and you've been in the title race, then you know you're capable of going all the way and winning it," Evans told the club's official website.

"You gain confidence from that - not only in yourself, but also in the players around you.

"That's something you can never buy. No matter how great a footballer is, you have to learn to be a winner.

"We've done it in cup ties and competitions in recent years, but when it comes to the league it's over a longer period of 38 games and you've got to be consistent - that's exactly what we were last season."

Liverpool finished as runners up to Manchester United in last season's title race, despite losing fewer games and scoring more goals, and the disappointment of still conceding the title to their bitter rivals will provide a useful lesson to Benitez's men, according to Evans.

"Having played so well and amassed so many points, Liverpool will be disappointed they didn't win the title, but they should take confidence from that, rather than any negatives," he added.

"We could not have come any closer last campaign and I am very optimistic for next season."

Liverpool Need To Beat The Small Teams To Win The Premier League

Nabil El Zhar can be regarded as something of a lucky charm by the Liverpool faithful. He gained his reputation after a succession of substitute appearances last season coincided with some notable late revivals from Rafael Benitez’s side.

Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Standard Liege and Wigan Athletic were all only beaten once El Zhar was thrown on from the bench to add the element of surprise to the Liverpool attack.

Furthermore, he almost snatched all three points with a header against Arsenal that flashed narrowly wide of the target.

Despite being born in France, El Zhar chose to play for Morocco, the birth country of his parents. He first sprung to prominence in the 2005 World Youth Championships when he helped Morroco reach the semi-finals before they lost to Brazil. He feels it is an honour to play for the national team. “I love it,” says Nabil with a broad smile.

He cites former Coventry and Aston Villa player Mustapha Hadji as his inspiration. “I spoke to him recently in Marrakech and he is a good guy," he continues.

"I admire Hajdi because he was a great player and did very well when he played in England. I wanted to be like him and as young player who wanted to make the grade I looked up to him and should devoted all my efforts to the game and got my chance. But Liverpool have been very fair to me.”

While El Zhar believes Benitez’s side have shown they have the quality and determination to remain ahead of the pack, he accepts the Anfield outfit must stop dropping points in games that, on paper, they should be winning.

“Liverpool are a top team, and we all know that we have to work hard,” he says. “The whole squad knows that they have to be playing well and working hard to get into the team and stay there.

“By beating United and Chelsea in, and the draw at Arsenal, we’ve shown that we can do well against the other top teams. But we’re going to have to start winning more games against smaller teams if we want to remain contenders for the title."

The talented and speedy prospect signed a contract at Anfield in 2006 after he rejected the chance to remain with French side St. Etienne. He announced his arrival on the Anfield stage a year later when he scored a stunning 25-yarder in front of the Kop end on his full debut in the Carling Cup win over Cardiff City.

Despite the vote of confidence from Benitez, Nabil's ambition is to become the first French/Morrocan to play for Liverpool and Morroco on a regular basis. And the winger, hopeful of being involved in many more games down the line, feels he now belongs in the senior squad.

"I have to work hard and inshallah (God willing) improve and prove my worth and play my part for the first team.

“I feel as though I am more at home at the club now. I’ve been gaining more confidence by coming on more, and now I just have to keep on going, work hard and try and play many more games. You have to forget about the big names you are playing with and try to show people what you can do. I have to keep at this level. The manager has said to me that he wanted to give me more chances in the first-team. He told me that I had to work hard and listen to advice and take my opportunities when they come.

“As I have said, I also love playing for Morroco and want to make a big impact. I have a lot of work to do and keep my feet on the ground but it was great to score in front of the Kop and now I am living the dream."

Casting his mind back to his childhood, Nabil speaks about his upbringing. Born in the city of Nimes in the south of France, Nabil, along with 15-year-old brother Karim, was brought up by parents Kasem, an agricultural worker, and Amina, who works in a denim clothing factory. Fiercely proud of his roots, Nabil explains the word denim is derived from the French serge de Nimes - a type of fabric from Nabil’s home city which traces back to France prior to the 17th century.

Nabil feels he owes what he has become today to the efforts of his parents. “Although I couldn’t afford to buy a football shirt when I was young, we were from a good normal area,” he explains. “I always wanted to be a professional footballer that was all. I left home (with his parents’ approval) to play in St Etienne when I was 17. I was on my own as a young boy. I was told to be careful and look after myself by my parents. I try to spend as much time as I can with my family and friends.”

When asked about the Bill Shankly and Bob Paisely era to present day Liverpool Football Club, Nabil insists he is aware of the tradition and the glittering history of the club. He cites Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley as the men who inspired people from various backgrounds to support Liverpool.

“I’ve read about all the history of Liverpool Football Club in France, and what they’ve won, and how a bigger name it is in world football," says Nabil. "It's a well known club throughout many communities. Outside of the French clubs a lot of people from many backgrounds support Liverpool more than other English teams because of what Shankly and Paisley achieved. They inspired many people to support Liverpool. Also, there are a lot of French players who have played in England and developed into a big name. The club has many supporters back in Morocco and throughout the whole of Africa."

When asked about the lack of British Asian players plying their trade in the domestic game, Nabil sits back and explains why he believes Asians will one day make their mark in the professional game.

"My parents were very supportive of me and I know of many people in France who were very good football players but did not get the chance to make it," he adds.

"Fortunately, I was lucky enough to sign for Liverpool and Liverpool seems to be a very supportive and kind club, everyone has been very nice to me here and given me a fair chance."

Nicknamed 'El Zhario' and 'Zaroualinho' Nabil could be a superstar in waiting, only time will tell. But one thing for sure, he has a slight touch of Kevin Keegan about him; he is humble, quick, determined and willing to learn. Hungry for success and with people like Steven Gerrard watching his back, there could be good times ahead if he really makes his mark next season.

El Zahr will be patiently waiting to force his way into Rafael Benitez's Anfield plans and is determined to make a more substantial contribution to Liverpool’s Premier League challenge.

No wonder some Liverpool supporters feel that the 22-year-old could just be the Reds' lucky charm as they look to end the drought and win the Premier League for the first time in its history.

Liverpool Eye Inter Star Esteban Cambiasso

Liverpool have laid their eyes on Inter midfielder Esteban Cambiasso as an alternative if Xabi Alonso leaves Anfield this summer, according to Tuttomercatoweb.com.

Today's report suggests Reds manager Rafael Benitez is preparing himself just in case Spain star Alonso joins Real Madrid. Los Merengues have been keen on Alonso, fuelling speculation that Liverpool are keeping close eyes on Nerazzurri all-rounder Cambiasso.

The 29-year-old Argentine still has a year left on his current deal, but the Nerazzurri have not moved in to secure his services beyond that date just yet.

However, despite the speculation linking Cambiasso with a move to Merseyside, earlier reports from Spain claimed Real Madrid would be pulling out of the race to sign Alonso.

In addition, signing the Argentinean is likely to be hard to get right as Inter boss Jose Mourinho sees Cambiasso as a key part in his squad. The midfielder played 46 games in all competitions last season, scoring five goals altogether.

Conflicting reports in England claim Liverpool are keen on Udinese midfielder Gokhan Inler with the Daily Mail linking the Swiss star with a move to Merseyside.

Reds Duo Agree New Deals

Liverpool duo Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby have agreed new deals, skysports.com understands.

The Reds have been in talks with the home-grown pair for the last few months as they look to secure the duo on long-term deals.

The pair are entering the final year of their existing deals and Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is keen to reward them with three-year extensions.

Midfielder Spearing, who captained the FA Youth Cup-winning side in 2007, made his debut for the first team last season and impressed as a substitute in the UEFA Champions League win over Real Madrid.

Full-back Darby is highly-rated at Anfield and he made three appearances in the first team last term.

The duo are expected to put pen-to-paper on the contracts next week when Liverpool return for pre-season training.

Real Madrid To End Pursuit For Liverpool Star Xabi Alonso

Not for the first time this summer, Real Madrid look set to give up in their chase for a player, namely Xabi Alonso.

According to Sport, Los Merengues are unwilling to pay the €50 million that Liverpool are demanding for the midfielder. Though money is seemingly in plentiful supply at the Bernabeu, Florentino Perez refuses to pay over the odds for any player.

Madrid are willing to go as high as €35m, but Liverpool have made it clear that they will not budge from their asking price.

In recent times, Alonso has been non-comittal about his future, refusing to rule out a move to Real. It remains to be seen whether he will be content to stay content at Anfield, should Los Merengues indeed end their interest.

Reds Battle Real For Silva

Liverpool are facing another battle with Real Madrid over long-term target David Silva.

Rafa Benitez is ready to revive a bid for the Valencia star if he is forced to sell Xabi Alonso, 27, to Real for £25million.

But the Kop boss fears England's new 50 per cent tax law and the poor Euro rate are making it impossible to compete with La Liga sides.

Real are closing in on £20m Silva, which would scupper Benitez's plans to use funds from Alonso's sale to recruit the Spaniard.

Benitez is also prepared to sacrifice midfielder Alberto Riera, 27, to raise funds.

Liverpool Demand €50 Million From Barcelona For Mascherano

Liverpool are willing to sell Javier Mascherano to Barcelona, but for no less than €50 million.

According to Marca, however, Barca have no intention of paying such a lofty sum to Liverpool. Indeed, a defensive midfielder is said to be the least of Barcelona's priorities.

The Catalan club are more concerned with signing a forward, a central defender, and a left-back. Only after these positions are accounted for will they pursue Mascherano or another defensive midfielder.

However, the chances of €50 million still being avaliable at the end of those operations is remote at best. Nevertheless, Barca sporting director Txiki Begirisitain has an agreement with Mascherano, should the clubs ever come to an agreement.

Therefore, Mascherano's transfer to Barca from Liverpool is still a distant possibility, but should the funds become available, a deal could yet be in the works.

Liverpool Midfielder Pressing For Move To Barcelona

Liverpool's title plans have been thrown into disarray by a standoff between Javier Mascherano and manager Rafa Benitez.

The pair fell out at the end of last season after Benitez rotated the team, leaving Mascherano out of some crucial matches.

The 25-yearold captain of Argentina is now pressing for a move to La Liga,
declaring he is ‘flattered’ by reported interest from Barcelona.

The player’s attempt to force his way out of Anfield has stunned Benitez, who is also having to reconsider letting Xabi Alonso go to Real Madrid for an inflated ￠G35million.

Benitez has always regarded Mascherano as one of his “untouchables” along with Pepe Reina, Steve Gerrard and Fernando Torres. He saved him from rotting in the reserves at West Ham and hopes their past ties will help him talk the player round to staying.

But if Mascherano sticks to his guns, it leaves the Spanish manager needing to re-think his entire summer transfer strategy. Originally he wanted to replace Alonso with long-time target Gareth Barry but needed to rethink when Barry signed for Manchester City.

He was willing to sell Alonso for an inflated ￠G35million to Real Madrid aware he could use the money to strengthen other areas of the team.

But Benitez knows he cannot afford to lose both midfield players if Liverpool are to win their first league title since 1990.

Benitez has faith in young Brazilian midfielder Lucas to play a more significant role next season but will also listen to offers for Andriy Voronin and Ryan Babel to strengthen other areas of the team.

He is a confirmed fan of Valencia’s Spanish international David Silva and wants Portsmouth’s £2million centre-half Sylvain Distin to replace Sami Hyypia.

Rafael Benitez Delighted With Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool Return

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed his delight at the return to the club of Kenny Dalglish.

The Anfield legend arrives back on Merseyside in a senior role at the Liverpool Academy, overseeing the development of young players, as well as adopting a role as an ambassador for the Premier League runners-up.

And Benitez believes the Liverpool hero is the perfect man for the job, due to his passion and experience.

"I am really pleased to have Kenny as a part of the staff," Benitez told the club's official website.

"We were looking for someone who has the knowledge and passion for the club and Kenny is the perfect choice.

"He will help at the Academy with the development of players and will also have an ambassadorial role at the club. If you're looking for somebody to go around the world on behalf of Liverpool Football Club, then I don't know anybody better than Kenny.

"When you talk to him, about players and football systems, it's clear he has a lot of experience. That's good for the club and also for the young players coming through."

Michael Owen Would Have Taken Huge Pay Cut To Rejoin Liverpool

Prior to signing for Manchester United, Michael Owen was reportedly desperate to rejoin Liverpool and would have agreed to return to Anfield for as little as £25,000 a week, claims the News of the World.

The British tabloid reports that even whilst in talks with the English champions, Owen was hopeful of a move back to Merseyside, but was denied by manager Rafael Benitez.

Despite insisting he would accept a huge pay cut to return to the Reds, the striker was refused his dream move with Benitez seemingly unwilling to take a gamble on the 29-year-old.

The Liverpool boss reportedly had too many doubts over the player’s form and fitness to bring him back to Anfield, despite Owen being available on a free transfer and owner George Gillett also being keen on the deal.

The report also goes on to reveal that the Spaniard was concerned he might upset the club’s fans with a move for Owen, particularly as they remain unimpressed with the striker’s decision to leave the club for Real Madrid in 2004.

The former Newcastle United man also reportedly delayed travelling to Carrington for his United medical, in the hope that a move to Liverpool might appear.

However, the Reds were not interested, leaving the way clear for their bitter rivals to complete one of the most surprising transfers in recent years.

You Put Cash Before Honour!

Pepe Reina has hit out at Gareth Barry and Carlos Tevez for snubbing Liverpool and opting for the riches on offer at Manchester City.

The Spanish keeper was a key part of the Reds side that finished just four points below Manchester United in the club's best Premier League season for years.

But instead of adding to the squad over the summer, Reina has so far seen two transfer targets turn down the chance of a move to Anfield and could also see team-mates like Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano leave Liverpool in search of moves abroad.

Barry looked a certainty to arrive on Merseyside in the close season after missing out on a move from Aston Villa 12 months ago.

But City seized the opportunity to snatch the player by offering him £120,000 a week before Liverpool had a chance to put in place the finance to sign him.

Tevez has been offered £140,000 a week to move to Eastlands after failing to agree a deal to extend his career at Old Trafford.

Liverpool also thought they were in pole position to land the Argentine by offering him Champions League football. Instead, the pair look to have chosen the money available at City. And Reina believes they should have prioritised their prospects of achievement above their wages.

He said: "Apparently, they moved for the money. That is their decision but I also think it is their problem if they cannot see that Liverpool is a bigger club.

"It's up to them what they do but let me tell them that I am very proud to play for Liverpool. We can offer European football and I think that should have been a consideration for them.

"Everybody knows what it is to play for Liverpool. It's a pleasure and a tremendous honour. I am surprised they didn't consider these things. Some things in a player's career should be more important than money."

Liverpool's latest balance sheet shows why they appear unable to offer anywhere near the kind of lucrative wages City are tempting players with at present.

Figures announced last month showed that joint owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are struggling to service the £350million loan they took out to buy the club.

Kop Holdings, the parent company that owns Liverpool, lost nearly £43m last year and backers RBS have moved to assure fans that their club is safe.

As it stands, manager Rafa Benitez is having to sell players before he can strengthen his side.

Even so, Reina, 26, insists Liverpool will be strong enough come the start of the season.

He said: "At Liverpool, you have to be fighting for the title and that's what we will be doing this year.

"We are involved in four competitions and just targeting one of them is not enough. The big one of the Premier League would definitely be best."

Kenny Dalglish: Fernando Torres Is Invaluable To Liverpool

New Liverpool academy advisor Kenny Dalglish has stated that he has been very impressed with the impact striker Fernando Torres has had on the club.

The Anfield legend, who returned to the club yesterday, feels that Torres has taken the Reds to a new level, and has said that the Spaniard is now an invaluable member of the squad.

Speaking to Liverpool's official website, Dalglish said, "Fernando has been invaluable to Liverpool Football Club in the two years he's been here and he has made a massive contribution, both in terms of the number of goals he's scored and his sheer presence on the pitch.

"A lot of people stood up and took notice when he scored his first goal for the club against Chelsea at Anfield because he took it so brilliantly.

"If people hadn't already taken him seriously, they certainly did from that moment on.

"He's since scored some spectacular goals, but it is his clinicalness that I like - his goal against Blackburn earlier this year was fantastic.

"Torres is a real threat that opponents don't like coming up against and Fernando can be more than delighted with what he's achieved since he came here because he's certainly made a profuse contribution."

Dalglish also feels that Torres can be the man to take the club to the next level and win the Premier League trophy for the first time in their history.

"There is a real determination at Anfield for the club to be as successful as they possibly can," he continued.

"I'm sure he would not have agreed a new long-term contract if he didn't believe the club were moving in the right direction.

"Last season was a bit of a stop-start one for Fernando. It was a long season and he obviously picked up some injuries along the way.

"At times, Rafa had to even leave him out or take him off early in games to try and protect him, but although last campaign was difficult, he will have benefited from that experience and he'll be ready for this season.

"He's very happy here, which is great, and it's a real bonus that we've got him in our side."

Torres has been at Anfield for just two years, and has already settled into life in England, scoring 38 goals in just 57 league appearances.

Alonso In Kop Swap

Xabi Alonso will get his dream move from Liverpool to Real Madrid - if Rafa Benitez takes striker Alvaro Negredo in a swap deal.

Spanish midfield star Alonso wants to join Madrid's new Galacticos in a £32million move, but Kop chief Benitez has been holding out for more - and is now being offered £10million-rated Negredo.

The 23-year-old has been a major success during two seasons on loan at Almeria in La Liga, top scoring with 13 and then 19 goals.

He was hoping to get a shot at playing for Real - only to find out there are bigger names filling the shirts.

Now he has emerged as the key player in the deal, with Benitez considering taking him to play with Fernando Torres in his Anfield attack.

Negredo should be strong enough for the Premier. His nickname is the 'wild animal' because of his robust style. Benitez would rather pick his own players, but the Real reserve could be the answer.

Alonso has made his feelings about a move known with heavy hints in the media and to pals.

His departure would also be softened if Benitez could land a midfielder and sources in France reveal he is still on the trail of Marseille's Albanian skipper Lorik Cana.

Rafael Van der Vaart: £8M Dutch Master Ideal To Replace Alonso At Liverpool

According to reports in the Spanish, Dutch and German press Rafael van der Vaart will be allowed to leave the Bernabeu for a knockdown fee of just £8m.

The player’s stock has definitely fallen since his move to La Liga but the Dutchman would surely be the ideal man to replace the likes of Xabi Alonso at Liverpool.

The multi-million pound arrivals of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul Albiol and soon Karim Benzema will mean that Real will need to recoup some of their incredible outlay by selling a number of fringe players.

Van der Vaart is expected to be one of those. However, he claims not to be worried, “On the one hand the uncertainty about our positions grows with each signing, but on the other hand I’m quite relaxed about it.

“I signed a contract for five years. If the club management tells me clearly I need to go, I’ll look for something else, but I want to battle.”

Van der Vaart began his Real career with 4 goals in his first 4 games including a goal on his debut against Numancia and a hat-trick against Sporting Gijon.

However, since then the Dutch playmaker has failed to score and increasingly been relegated to substitute appearances.

The €13 million summer signing has played 32 league games for the Spanish champions but only started 15 of those games.

Apart from starting the two final league games of the season, his previous last full 90 minutes came in a Copa Del Rey match versus Real Union in November and his last full game in La Liga was way back in September, hence his frustration.

After all, in 3 seasons for Hamburg he started 72 of his 74 league appearances and scored 29 goals.

Prior to leaving Hamburg his manager Martin Jol had this to say about his star player, “He is one of the best five play-makers in Europe and he dictates the rhythm of Hamburg.” That’s high praise indeed but the 26-year-old had proven to be a huge hit both in his homeland with Ajax and in the Bundesliga with Hamburg.

The 2007/08 season was the Dutchman’s most prolific campaign in 3 seasons in Germany.

He scored a total of 12 goals in 29 League appearances taking his overall League tally for Hamburg to an impressive 29 goals in 74 appearances. Not bad for a playmaking attacking midfielder.

This is a similar scoring rate to the one he enjoyed with Ajax where Van der Vaart scored a total of 52 goals in 117 League appearances.

This record includes the 2002/03 season when the Dutch international scored a staggering 18 goals in 21 League appearances.

The diminutive playmaker has also got a decent scoring record at international level for Holland after netting 14 goals in 68 games.

The Dutch star certainly has all the attributes to be a major hit in the Premier League and at a mere £8m would surely be an absolute bargain for a number of clubs.

Especially as he can play centrally, on either wing or as 2nd striker.

Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez Does Not Want To Sell - Pepe Reina

Liverpool custodian Pepe Reina has declared that only a very large sum of money will tempt the club to sell a player.

The Spanish keeper's compatriot, Xabi Alonso, has been linked to Real Madrid as Florentino Perez continues his strengthening of the Merengues.

Real's returning president confirmed reported interest in the Liverpool midfielder and has raised alarm bells at Anfield after claiming that a deal for the ex-Real Sociedad man was just a matter of time.

However, Reina, who joined the Premier League outfit in 2005, has now indicated that Liverpool are not looking to sell in the summer.

"I believe that the mister [Benitez] has his mind very clear and his idea in these moments is to not sell," Reina told EFE.

"He wants to continue with a team he has known for a long time, with an already fundamented base and where we know almost everything.

"Whoever wants to touch this team or this structure [Liverpool] will have to pay a lot of money."

Jason McAteer Hails Liverpool's Signing Of Glen Johnson

Liverpool's capture of Glen Johnson from Portsmouth has been hailed as one of the swoops of the summer transfer window by the club's former winger Jason McAteer, who feels that the powerful right-back is just the kind of player the Reds need to boost their bid to end the long wait for a league title.

"Glen is the kind of player I'm really happy the club have brought in," McAteer told LFC Magazine. "He looks like he's nailed down the England right-back position now and from what I hear he's a great lad off the pitch as well. He'll be good to have in the dressing room, plus he already knows the Premier League inside out.

"Johnson is young and is exactly the kind of player Liverpool needed to sign. I think he will be a massive signing."

The player's versatility could be crucial as well, McAteer feels, with Johnson having turned in some sterling performances for Pompey on the right wing last season, providing a genuine attacking threat with his pace in wide areas.

"Johnson is very attack-minded and is also versatile," he added.

"He can play in midfield and I'm sure he could slot in at centre-half or left-back if required. At this level of the game, a right-back needs to have those strings to his bow.

"They have to be able to play wing-back, centre-half or as a conventional right-back to fit into various systems. That's why they don't come cheap. What Rafa's doing with Johnson is he's buying versatility. He's getting a player who can play in a variety of positions.

"That can be of particular use when you go into Europe where he's pitting his wits against some of the world's top managers. It gives him that flexibility to mix it up and throw different kinds of systems at them."

And McAteer, who has recently been appointed as assistant manager to John Barnes at Liverpool's cross-Mersey neighbours Tranmere Rovers, thinks that Benitez deserves much credit for the astuteness of the deal, adding that Liverpool beating their major rivals to the player's signature is a sign of the progress the club is making.

"That's all credit to Rafa. He's put himself in a very, very strong position in the transfer market," he continued.

"Whereas last season or the season before Johnson might have gone to Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester United, it's a different story now when Liverpool start making enquiries.

"Players are getting enticed and it's whetting their appetites again. They know Liverpool are knocking on the door when it comes to the title and winning things.

"Liverpool signing Johnson under the noses of other clubs with Champions League ambitions is sending out a clear message that the Reds mean business again. That is certainly what Rafa will want to be telling everyone."

Liverpool Interested In Inler

Liverpool are said to be targeting Udinese duo Gokhan Inler and Gaetano D’Agostino, but are concerned at the price-tags.

While the Daily Mail reports that Rafa Benitez is very interested in Swiss midfielder Inler, Italian newspapers suggest teammate D’Agostino is also on his shopping list.

The problem in both cases is the price-tag that Udinese have slapped on to the two players.

The Friulani are said to be asking for around £18m to part with 25-year-old Inler, whereas Liverpool are only prepared to pay £10m.

Similarly, Italian international D’Agostino has been valued at around £14.5m, but talks with Juventus have collapsed because of the fee.

It would not be the first time that Inler has been heavily linked with a Premier League switch, as he was targeted by Arsenal last season.

Dalglish Out To Take 'Fantastic Opportunity' At Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish has promised to make the most of his second chance with Liverpool.

The Scot – branded 'King Kenny' by the Anfield faithful after winning eight league titles and three Europeans Cups with the Reds as a player and then manager – confirmed yesterday he has accepted a senior role in the club's academy and as a global ambassador for the Merseysiders.

He immediately revealed his gratitude towards manager Rafael Benitez for handing him an official position at Liverpool for the first time since he quit as boss in February 1991.

"I spoke to Rafa a few months ago, and things have progressed from there," Dalglish told www.liverpoolfc.tv.

"Now that it has come to fruition I am very excited, but also a bit nervous.

"For the boss to put his trust in me is a great compliment, and I am coming back as a very lucky person.

"When you leave a club you don't often have a chance to return, so I am fortunate for being given such a fantastic opportunity."

Dalglish's appointment is part of a wide-ranging revamp of the Liverpool academy, which has been criticised for failing to produce enough youngsters with first-team potential.

Frank McParland was brought is as director last month, and Dalglish is delighted to be part of the renewed focus on youth.

"Rafa has made a very brave decision to revamp the academy," he said.

"Everyone knows the most important team at the club is the first team, and we hope we can start producing players to challenge for a place in Rafa's plans."

Benitez, who has been criticised for often favouring fellow Spaniards for key positions at the club, believes the appointment of Dalglish shows he is sympathetic to Liverpool's glittering past.

"We are changing things at the academy; we are bringing in new ideas and new people – but we're keeping the spirit and the heart of the club," he said.

"Kenny has played for the club; he's managed the club; he's done everything. He's a fantastic signing."

More Financial Fears For Liverpool FC Co-Owner Tom Hicks

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks could be forced out of one of his American sports teams, as reports in the USA claimed his financial position is becoming increasingly acute.

Hicks is owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team, but it has been claimed that Major League Baseball, the sport’s governing body for the USA's national sport, has been forced to step in and loan Hicks millions of dollars in the last week to pay his players.

“He won’t be running the team much longer,” a source said.

“Major League Baseball is helping him through this until someone else can be put in place to run the club.”

The latest news comes on top of reports that the Hicks Sports Group defaulted on an interest-only payment on a $525m loan to his US-based sports operations.

The report is unlikely to affect the refinancing of Hicks and George Gillett's LFC loan with Wachovia and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

But it highlights the increasingly precarious financial position Hicks finds himself in.

Liverpool FC Icon Ronny Rosenthal Is More Than A Missed Open Goal

When the second link down on a footballer’s Google search is a clip of a missed open goal, you could be forgiven for thinking such mishaps summed up their career.

But it seems YouTube has handed Ronny Rosenthal a bit of a raw deal.

His hilarious execution of the crossbar challenge at Villa Park in 1992 does make great viewing and today the Israeli looks back and has a good laugh at it.

But it barely tells the story of a striker who became an instant cult hero – and league champion – at Anfield when he joined towards the tail end of the 1989-90 season.

Where’s the footage of the hat-trick on his full debut at Charlton Athletic? The last-minute Merseyside derby winner? The celebratory title-winning scenes that acted as a climax to the unexpected impact he made while still on loan from Standard Liege?

Rosenthal was the perfect back-up striker at the time of the Reds’ last title success, which teeters on the brink of an unwanted 20th anniversary in the coming season.

He knew he was always going to be the understudy in a forward line that boasted leading lights like Ian Rush, Peter Beardsley and John Barnes.

But as his incredible full debut at Selhurst Park proved, and the subsequent goals he hit to help Kenny Dalglish’s side regain the First Division crown from Arsenal, his importance to the squad couldn’t be downplayed.

Such a ‘super-sub’ that David Fairclough got jealous.

It might seem to be stretching it to question what Liverpool would give now to be able to call on a similar impact striker from the bench.

But those who lament the points dropped last year when Fernando Torres was missing should be craving someone in the Rosenthal mould.

And what sums him up better than any fluffed sitter is the time when, still awaiting his first start of the 1990-91 season as Christmas crept ever closer, he came in to the side when Beardsley was out injured and scored twice in a 3-2 win over Southampton.

And Rosenthal’s assessment of the Liverpool of today can’t help but notice the lack of such automatic and reliable back-up.

“I just don’t think Liverpool’s squad was deep enough last year,” said Rosenthal, who returned to Liverpool from his London base for last week’s Masters tournament at the ECHO Arena.

“They did have the numbers but did they have the quality? As an 11, they could have won the league, but you need players who come off the bench and win you games.

“I’m sure Rafael Benitez knows he needs these type of players because that is part of the reason they did not win the league.

“A lot of Liverpool games were very close and very tight and you sometimes need someone who can make a difference.

“That’s why you need the same quality sat on the bench as you have on the pitch. So if a quality player comes off after 60 minutes, you don’t notice the quality of the team going down in the last half hour of a game.”

Rosenthal’s most remarkable ‘super-sub’ show came when he moved on to Spurs, hitting a hat-trick after coming off the bench in an FA Cup tie at Southampton – it inspired a fightback from 2-0 down.

All of which says a lot about his attitude, his refusal to sulk and let his game decline despite a lack of first team opportunities.

And it perhaps explains his reflection on the embarrassing moment for which he will always be remembered.

“I’m glad I did it,” said Rosenthal, clearly forgetting the fact that Graeme Souness was waiting for him in the dressing room after the 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa in the first season of the Premier League.

“It puts me on the map and it’s just one of those things that happens. Every player has one funny thing that happens to them and that was mine.

“I’m not sure anyone saw the funny side at the time. Jan Molby turned away when I rounded the keeper and went to celebrate with the fans.

“Then he heard a strange noise, saw no-one in the Liverpool end was celebrating and the game was still going on.

“Even when we came off the pitch he couldn’t understand what had happened and when he found out he was a bit shocked.”

When Rosenthal made his permanent £1.1million switch from Standard Liege, little could he have known that instead of jumping on an unstoppable juggernaut of success, he was actually about to see that particular journey come to a shuddering halt.

But he’s in no doubt that if Liverpool can finally mark the 20th anniversary of their last title win with their 20th next season, they will look back on the start of their decline in the early 90s as wistfully as he looks back on his Holte End horror.

“If you had told me 20 years ago that it would have been Liverpool’s last title I would have said it was impossible,” adds Rosenthal, now aged 45.

“But then other clubs have advanced and Liverpool didn’t.

“You could see for a long time that Liverpool weren’t going to win the league again and it just carried on.

“But in the last two or three years they have got better and better but next season will be a big test for them. They have to get better again.”

And if they do, at least Rosenthal won’t have to log on to YouTube to cheer himself up.