New Lease Of Life For Liverpool FC Academy

When the youngsters at Liverpool’s Academy returned to pre-season training on Monday there was a familiar face waiting to greet them.

Rafa Benitez had taken time out from his hectic Melwood schedule to make the short trip to the Kirkby facility and the presence of the Reds boss had an instant effect on the teenagers who dream of one day graduating to his first team squad.

“It was fantastic to see the manager down here,” said recently appointed Academy director Frank McParland.

“You could see it in the lads faces – every single one of them was delighted to see him and they listened intently to every single word he had to say to them.

“But you could see it even more in the way they have trained since then because there has been a spring in their step and a real buzz about the place.”

Not that it is all down to the Benitez factor of course. There is also the small matter of a 24-carat club legend – Kenny Dalglish – whose return has excited anyone and everyone who has Liverpool’s best interests at heart.

“Kenny’s a special person,” said McParland. “So just to have him around the place makes a real difference.

“If you think of what he has achieved in the game as a player and a manager then it really does give you goosebumps.

“The experience he brings is something that we can all tap into. Not just the youngsters but also myself and the coaching staff here.

“Football is at the very core of Kenny’s being and the knowledge he has is going to be such an inspiration to all of us.

“I saw an interview with Kenny recently in which he said he was relishing working at the Academy, well I think I can safely speak for everyone here when I say that we are all relishing working with him.”

If Dalglish brings experience, then there are others who bring youth and it is this mix which McParland believes bodes well for the future of the Academy as it attempts to kick start the production line to Liverpool’s first team which has been faltering of late.

“I’m not here to talk about what happened in the past, all that matters now is what happens in the future and if what I have seen so far is anything to go by then the future for the Academy is undoubtedly bright,” said the 50-year-old.

“It is all about getting the right blend and this is exactly what we feel we are doing.

“Obviously there is Kenny who brings with him that wealth of experience.

“We have appointed Jose Segura as technical manager and he has wonderful coaching experience but with a bit more of a continental perspective, so straight away there is a blend there – it gives us the best of both worlds.

“If you look at the players who Jose worked with at Barcelona – the likes of Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique and so on – then his track record of producing quality footballers is up there with any youth coach in the European game and we are delighted that he is now working with us.

“We have also brought Rodolfo Borrell in to work on the coaching side of things and he also comes with a fantastic reputation that he earned at Barcelona.

“Even in his first days at the Academy it is easy to see why he is so highly regarded.

“He is so naturally exuberant and so good at getting his message across and the young players are already really enjoying working with him.

“Along with hard work and dedication, enjoyment is one of the keys to producing good players.

“If the lads enjoy coming in on a daily basis then they are going to stand a much better chance of making it and Rodolfo is playing a big part in making sure that this is the case.

“I’ve got to say as well that one of the things that has pleased me most is that Jamie Carragher is continuing to come up here to work on his coaching.

“Can you imagine what it’s like for a 15-year-old or 16-year-old lad who dreams of making it as a Liverpool player to work with someone who has actually achieved their dream?

“Every time they see him they not only see what is possible if they work as hard as he did, but they also see a tremendous example of how to conduct yourself as a Liverpool player.

”Just by being here Carra is giving the lads a massive boost and by working with them then it just adds to the mix and supports what we are trying to achieve here.”

Jermaine Pennant Off To Spain To Become Latest Premier League Tax Exile

Jermaine Pennant has secured a "dream" move to Real Zaragoza after becoming the latest Premier League tax exile.

The former Liverpool winger, 26, has followed this summer's trend of snubbing England in favour of an amazing three-year contract in Spain.

Pennant will earn £45,000-a-week AFTER tax and be given a free villa and car as part of the package.

Spain's new rules mean tax is capped at 40 per cent and big earners can pay as little as 24 per cent tax if they exploit a loophole and acquire "foreign executive" status.

The tax rate is less than half of Britain's 50 per cent tax rate which has prompted Real Zaragoza to pick up Pennant's tax bill.

That allowed them to snatch Pennant ahead of AC Milan, Espanyol and Atletico Madrid, who were all keen to sign one of the most in-demand players in this summer's transfer market.

Any English club wanting to sign Pennant would have had to pay him £90,000-a-week to match the deal he is now getting at Real Zaragoza.

Pennant's decision to leave the Premier League is typical of the shift in power from the Premier League to La Liga this summer.

Top English clubs used to be able to attract Europe's top stars by being the biggest payers.

But now the increase in Britain's tax rate means that players can earn far more abroad and this summer has already seen the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid in a stunning £80m move.

The wage bill may still be higher in the Premier League but the tax rules mean that players can take home much more in La Liga and Italy's Serie A. Arsenal playmaker Andrei Arshavin revealed his dismay at discovering his wages were lower than he thought because of the increase in tax.

It means that Arsenal may have struggled to sign Arshavin this summer if a top Spanish club were in the market for him.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has already warned the days of Premier League domination will "soon be over".

Wenger said recently: "The new taxation system, and the collapse of sterling, means the domination of the Premier League will go. That is for sure.

"It will be a financial problem for all the English clubs." Mega-rich Manchester City are bucking the trend with huge contracts on offer for the likes of Carlos Tevez, Samuel Eto'o and John Terry.

But their wealth means that they can afford to pay players such big money that even with 50 per cent tax they will still be rolling in it.

However, for players like Pennant and other top stars in Europe the trend is changing and they can get topclass football and earn big money by moving abroad.

Jermaine Pennant: I'm A Liverpool Fan And I'll Miss Club

Jermaine Pennant last night set his sights on reigning in Spain after revealed his sadness at leaving boyhood heroes Liverpool.

Pennant, 26, has joined Real Zaragoza on a three-year deal after becoming one of the most sought-after players in Spain when Real Madrid tried to sign him in January.

The ex-Arsenal star said: "Another dream has come true for me. First I played for Liverpool and now I'm playing in La Liga for a great club like Zaragoza. After a fee was agreed in January for me to go to Real Madrid, I think my profile in Spain was a lot higher.

"When that move didn't happen it got me thinking about playing in Spain because teams like to play attacking football and all play with wingers.

"The last few weeks have been really difficult. I had to weigh up all the offers and decide where I wanted to play my football.

"Deep down I wanted to test myself in Spain and I'm so happy it's happened. It's sad leaving Liverpool because it's the club I supported as a kid but now I have a fantastic opportunity and I intend to take it.

"Players like David Villa played for Zaragoza and once you walk around the stadium you realise the fantastic history the club has.

"Maybe one day I will wear the red of Liverpool again but for now all I'm thinking about is repaying Zaragoza for the faith they have shown in me. I'm so excited about playing against Real Madrid and Barcelona."

Rafa Benitez: Liverpool Don't Need Franck Ribery

Rafa Benitez has dismissed suggestions Franck Ribery will join Liverpool by insisting he already has the talent in place to win the title.

Speculation was rife yesterday about a shock move for the French striker, after one bookmaker slashed the odds on Ribery leaving Bayern Munich for Merseyside.

But Reds boss Benitez rubbished the rumour and said: "I don't think we will be signing anyone else for big, big money - just maybe the ones who can fit into our team.

"I will be really pleased if we can keep this squad together because I don't think we need to do too many things to get us in position.

"Now we are just thinking of improving the fitness of the players, not thinking of the transfer market. We have the quality and will have chances again."

Benitez wants Valencia winger David Silva to bolster his squad, but only if he can snatch the Spanish winger for around £15m.

But the manager's main ambition is to keep his midfield together and has spent most of the summer fending off Real Madrid and Barcelona's attempts to snatch Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.

Benitez has given up hope of keeping full-back Alvaro Arbeloa, who will join Madrid next week for a fee of around £6m.

"We offered him an extension before, but if you have an idea and the agent has another one, you have to find solutions," he said.

Johnson A Flexible Friend

New boy Glen Johnson's versatility could be a major boost for Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez as the season approaches.

And the Anfield chief has already tried out the England man at left-back, which is going to a problem position when the new season starts.

With Brazilian full-back Fabio Aurelio out for a couple of months after knee surgery, Benitez lacks an experienced left-back for the start of the new campaign.

He has youngsters Emiliano Insua, plus newly-signed teenager Chris Mavinga from Paris St Germain while erratic Italian international Andrea Dossena is an option.

But in only his second training session, right-back Johnson was tried out on the left.

He says: "There is a lot of versatility to my game, I can play in different positions.

"At the end of last season I was even playing off the front two at Portsmouth as an attacker. That may have been a one-off, but I did enjoy it all the same.

"I can play on the right of midfield, and I feel comfortable there. In my younger days I was a striker and at West Ham I played a lot in central defence for the youth sides.

"But it is not easy for a 17-year-old to play centre-back in the Premier League, so I was put in at right-back there.

"Rafa has spoken to me about my versatility, even in my first day of training with the squad he tried me at left-back.

"It is good for a squad that you can play in more than one position, I don't really mind where."

Johnson will make his Liverpool debut next Wednesday in the club's first pre-season friendly against St Gallen in Switzerland, and nobody should be surprised to see him given a run-out at left back, such are Benitez's problems in that area.

But long term, Johnson seems certain to replace Arbeloa on the right of defence, with the Spanish international likely to be sold to Real Madrid.

Johnson says of his new Anfield career: "The lads here had a fantastic season last time out, finishing second, and I just want to do my best to help them improve even more.

"I know already that the players here are determined to improve on that and it will be fantastic to play alongside people like Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

"People saw how I played last season, and I know I can do even better than that."

Johnson, 24, is just delighted to be back at a top-four club after his career at Chelsea nose-dived once Jose Mourinho took over.

The Greenwich-born player said: "I suppose I have come full circle. Back to a top-four club with the chance to play in the Champions League.

"It started well for me at Chelsea under Claudio (Ranieri), but when Mourinho came in and brought in his own players everything started to change. I wasn't getting games and I wanted to leave.

"I left Chelsea to do exactly what I have done, going to Portsmouth gave me the chance to play and improve. And aim now to keep that improvement going here.

"I wished I'd played more at Chelsea, but there is no point worrying about the past when I have a big future ahead of me.

"Liverpool were so close to winning the title last season, and I have already realised how desperate the lads here are to go that one more step now to win the title.

"Everybody at this club wants to improve, the fans want that and they want the league title. That is what the players here want to give them."

Liverpool fly out to their Swiss training camp on Sunday, with Javier Mascherano expected to join them on Tuesday. His wife, Fernanda, is due to give birth to the couple's second child this weekend.

Liverpool will be based in Bad Ragaz, and will travel from there to Vienna next weekend for the friendly against Rapid Vienna on July 19.

There they will be joined by the club's Spanish contingent, and the squad will fly direct to the Far East for matches against Thailand on July 22 and Singapore on July 26.

The party will then return to Liverpool after the match, and have three days off before returning to training ahead of the away friendly in Barcelona against Espanyol on August 2.

Being away from the UK for more than two weeks will mean that the futures of Mascherano and Xabi Alonso will be sorted out while Liverpool are on their travels.

Liverpool Eye Lee Cattermole To Replace Xabi Alonso Or Javier Mascherano

Liverpool are reportedly considering a surprise offer for Wigan Athletic midfielder Lee Cattermole if they end up selling either Xabi Alonso or Javier Mascherano this summer.

The Independent reports that the Reds are covering all bases in case one of their midfield linchpins decides to leave and they are setting their sights on Cattermole, who impressed for England’s Under-21 side in the recent European finals in Sweden.

Real Madrid have still not given up on signing Alonso, while European champions Barcelona are still said to be targeting a swoop for Argentina captain Mascherano.

Club boss Rafael Benitez recently insisted the two players are not for sale and are happy at the Anfield club, although the fact he is lining up potential replacements could mean he is yet to rule out a departure for one of the pair.

Cattermole will not be an easy target to land. Sunderland have already had a £7 million offer rejected for the former Middlesbrough player, while new Wigan manager Roberto Martinez had made it clear that the player is in his future plans.

Speaking earlier in the week, he said, "Lee is not for sale. End of story.

“He is a fantastic player, a leader on and off the field, and is central to our plans going forwards. We are not interested in selling him, which was why this offer [from Sunderland] was rejected immediately.

"It is not usually our style to discuss incoming or outgoing transfers until they are completed, but we have made an exception in this case because I feel so strongly about keeping Lee, along with all my best players. He is one of many talented players. Let's forget about this now and move on."

Liverpool, last season’s Premier League runners-up, did unveil one new signing this week, England defender Glen Johnson, who joined from Portsmouth for a reported fee of £17m.

Reds Target Cambiasso

Skysports.com understands Liverpool are lining up a move for Inter Milan's Esteban Cambiasso in case they lose either Xabi Alonso or Javier Mascherano.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is fighting to keep hold of midfield duo Alonso and Mascherano with the pair being strongly linked with moves to Spain.

Big-spending Real Madrid have openly declared their interest in Alonso, while Barcelona have refused to rule out a bid for Mascherano.

Benitez insists the pair will not be leaving Merseyside, but he is thought to be drawing up possible replacements in case he loses one or both of them with Cambiasso thought to be at the top of his wanted list.

Cambiasso has established himself as a key player for Inter since his arrival from Real Madrid in 2004 and Jose Mourinho would be loath to lose him.

Benitez is thought to be a big admirer of Cambiasso and could step up his interest if he loses either of his two midfield stars before the close of the transfer window.

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard And Jamie Carragher Join Rafa Benitez On Stage In Theatre

Liverpool's football heroes are used to nights of great drama - but not in the theatre.

Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher took to the stage with assistant manager Sammy Lee at the opening night of a play about the club's greatest game. One Night in Istanbul follows a group of Liverpool fans trying to watch the incredible 2005's Champions League final win in a seedy Turkish hotel.

But there was a surprise plot twist when manager Rafa Benitez walked on with the European Cup followed by the other three Kop stars.

Captain Steve Gerrard said: "It brought back so many memories. But I don't think I'll take up acting."

The Reds heroes also had an important message for the crowd and wore armbands saying "justice" in support of Michael Shields, 22 - who was jailed for attempted murder after the Istanbul game.

Many people believe he is innocent and playwright Nicky Allt thought it was important he was not forgotten. He added: "We didn't want to mess the first night up so just went with armbands."

More Kop stars are due at the 11 remaining shows at the Liverpool Empire. Meanwhile, Shields' plight is to be debated by MPs after Justice Secretary Jack Straw last week refused him a pardon.

Liverpool's Ngog In Owls Link

Liverpool forward David Ngog is the latest name to be linked with a loan move to Hillsborough as the new Championship season approaches.

Owls boss Brian Laws is still on the lookout for a new striker to bolster his attacking options for the 2009-10 campaign, and has revealed that he's looking for a Premier League forward on loan.

And Ngog would fit the bill, with Reds boss Rafa Benitez willing to let the youngster go out on loan to gain some valuable first team experience.

Wednesday's Championship rivals Ipswich Town are also said to be interested in the player's services.

Laws has already been linked with West Ham's Freddie Sears, who's since moved on loan to Crystal Palace, while Everton hitman Victor Anichebe has also been linked with a switch to S6.

Xabi Alonso Yes, Cesc Fabregas No - Real Madrid Sporting Director

Real Madrid are set to pursue their interest in Xabi Alonso while trying to lower the asking price, but they have reiterated that Cesc Fabregas is not on their agenda.

Madrid's new sporting director, Miguel Pardeza is still keen to see a new midfielder added to the ranks to play alongside Lassana Diarra and outlined how things were progressing.

Alonso has been a target for Madrid throughout the summer, but Liverpool have not reacted well to the interest and manager Rafa Benitez has attempted to put them off although it does not appear to have worked.

"Madrid must not discard an option until it's totally gone," Pardeza is quoted as saying by Reuters.

"There is an insurmountable financial barrier at the moment, but it's something that could change.

"We're looking at other options, although there aren't many."

Madrid's director general Jorge Valdano explained earlier this week that Fabregas is too similar to Kaka in his style for Madrid to need him and Pardeza reiterated that the Arsenal star is not being looked at.

"He is a great player, there's no doubt about that, but at this moment he is not a target for Real Madrid," he continued.

"The club is working on other alternatives."

Real Madrid Hierarchy Calls For Patience Over Anfield Raid

Real Madrid’s director of institutional relations Emilion Butragueno, has suggested the club have not given up their pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, but called for patience amid reports the Premier League side are digging their heals in over the 27-year-old’s valuation.

Butragueno told Sky Sports: “There are many weeks remaining,”

“We must show patience. There is time.”

Alonso is reportedly keen to leave the club, and yesterday Spanish based journalist Guillem Balague intimated the player and his manager Rafa Benitez had fallen out, suggesting their relationship had reached “breaking point”.

Odds Slashed On Franck Ribery Joining Liverpool

The odds on Franck Ribery leaving Bayern Munich for Liverpool tumbled yesterday, plummeting from 66-1 to 8-13 on.

Bookmakers Skybet last week slashed their odds ahead of Michael Owen's shock move to Manchester United and are taking no chances this time around, even though the money is only coming from a small group of punters.

Skybet's Dale Tempest told sports betting website oddspreview.com: "Every price we have put up has been taken on Ribery moving to Liverpool, which has left us stumped as in recent weeks he has been liked with every other club but the Reds!

"After seeing money for him to join Man United and Real Madrid at the same time that Bayern Munich say he’s going nowhere, we’ve now seen a flood of bets on him to join Liverpool.

"8/13 may seem a very short price but after the losses we made last week on Michael Owen, who was gambled down from 20/1 to move to Manchester United, we are taking no chances."

Rafa Wants Loyalty From Duo

Rafa Benitez believes Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano owe it to Liverpool to stay at the club.

Midfield duo Alonso and Mascherano have both been strongly linked with moves away from Anfield to Spain this summer.

Real Madrid have openly declared their interest in Spanish ace Alonso, while Barcelona are keeping tabs on Mascherano.

Benitez is confident the key duo will remain on Merseyside and he has revealed he would like the pair to show some loyalty to Liverpool.

"I do not think Alonso or Mascherano will go. It is clear that they both are under contract with long-term agreements. That is it," insisted Benitez.

"There has been a lot of things written, a lot of rumours, but both players are under contract and we have no more need to talk about things.

"They are both very good players and I will be very pleased to keep them. They both have very good contracts.

"We signed them both from different situations. Alonso was coming from Real Sociedad and nobody had really heard much of him outside of Spain, he did well and we renewed his contract because of that.

"Mascherano came from West Ham where he had not been doing well. We brought him here and gave him a good contract, so we are very pleased with them both and that Liverpool has been very good to them."

Pennant Completes Zaragoza Switch

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has joined newly promoted Primera Liga outfit Real Zaragoza.

Speculation about the future of the once highly regarded England youth International reached fever pitch in the January transfer window, with a number of high-profile Spanish clubs rumoured to be interested in securing his signature ahead of his release by the Anfield club.

However, following a largely anonymous loan spell on the south coast with Portsmouth, the 26-year-old has opted for Zaragoza and joins on a three-year deal.

"I wanted to come to Spain and I had offers from important teams in Europe but joined Real Zaragoza," explained Pennant.

"I really want to get started and do well in the league."

The move to Spain brings to an end a troubled career in English football, which saw the once record-breaking youngster gain notoriety for playing for Birmingham City while wearing an electronic tag following a drink-driving conviction.

'Crazy' Transfers Concern Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed his club are struggling to compete in an over-heated summer transfer market.

The Reds paid £17m for Portsmouth right-back Glen Johnson, but saw long-term target Gareth Barry opt for Manchester City rather than Anfield.

The Spaniard is also preparing to fend off enquiries for midfield pair Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.

"The market is now crazy. It is all money, money, money now," he said.

"We had to pay big money. But we were signing a good player, an England player (Johnson), and that is very positive."

Johnson was reportedly tracked by Chelsea and Manchester City, two clubs whose owners have contributed to spiralling transfer fees for top players.

Since he bought the club in 2003, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has supplemented Chelsea's transfer funds with large loans, while City were taken over by the ambitious and wealthy Abu Dhabi United Group in September.

Barry, 28, who came close to joining Liverpool last summer, became the latest big-money arrival at Eastlands as he followed Roque Santa Cruz, Jo, Robinho and Craig Bellamy in an £12m move at the start of June.

"City have signed a lot of good players, but that is no guarantee they will win anything. But it will be interesting to see what happens next season," said Benitez.

The summer's most spectacular spending has taken place at Spanish side Real Madrid, where Benitez spent his early years as a coach.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol have been recruited at a combined cost of about £183m, but the Reds boss warned that building a team through the chequebook is no guarantee of success.

"Things have changed. You have to adapt to a situation. Manchester City and big clubs in Europe are spending big money, so the market has changed and we have to work harder," he added.

"If you spend big it is always easier to perform well but when you have a good understanding between players, that is also important. If they are together, they work hard, that is just as important."

Glen Johnson Reveals Choosing Liverpool Over Chelsea Was ‘Easy’

Glen Johnson appeared in a calm and composed mood during his first press conference as a Liverpool player following his lucrative £18 million switch from south coast club Portsmouth, revealing to the attending press that making the move to the Anfield outfit was an "easy" decision.

The defender, who vastly improved his game last season and firmly established himself as England manager Fabio Capello's first choice right-back, claimed that working under the tutelage of Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was a key reason in signing for the Reds.

Johnson noted that, despite Chelsea's reported interest, there was only one destination for him.

"When I left Chelsea I needed to play games, so I'm grateful to Portsmouth for taking me on," he enunciated clearly to the nation's journalists.

"Hopefully I've shown people a greater perspective of what I can do. I want to try and do what I did last season, with Liverpool, and also push on."

The Greenwich-born West Ham United academy product continued, "Even though I'm from south London, the first kit I had was a Liverpool one, but don't ask! I don't know how that happened!"

On the decision to sign for Liverpool ahead of a return to west London club Chelsea, Johnson said, "It was easy. Rafael Benitez was keen to help me improve and turn me into the best player that I can be.

"According to the press there was a lot of interest [from Chelsea], but when I knew of Liverpool, it was an easy decision."

Liverpool will be the fifth club that Johnson will have signed for. He received his footballing education at West Ham, before enjoying a loan spell at Isle of Dogs side Millwall.

He then signed for Chelsea, becoming the first addition in the Blues' money-laden era bankrolled by Roman Abramovich.

After failing to establish himself he left for Portsmouth, where he began to display the exceptional form that booked his Liverpool transfer.

Benitez Backs Mature Johnson To Show Chelsea What They're Missing

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has hailed the £18million arrival of Glen Johnson and insists the former Chelsea reject in now ready to assert himself amongst the big four.

Johnson collected a Barclays Premier League title medal at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho's stewardship yet the former Blues boss deemed the full-back not good enough for his squad and sent him swiftly packing to Portsmouth.

But after three successful seasons at Fratton Park, the 24-year-old recovered to establish his spot in Fabio Capello's England squad, earning his rightful place among the Champions League contenders ahead of next year's World Cup.

Despite the Spaniard's recent admission that he was forced to pay over the odds for the one-time West Ham star, Benitez is confident Johnson will prove to be a snip.

'We are really pleased because we've signed a really good player, an England international,' he told the club's official website at the player's unveiling today.

'It's very positive. He has quality and a very good mentality, and from the first time I spoke with him it was clear he wanted to come here.

'Chelsea were trying to win big trophies at the time he was there and they needed experience in order to win.

'Now it is a good moment because he is a much better player, he has the experience and the desire. He has quality, that's clear. He's more mature now.'

Johnson quickly underlined his ambition to help Liverpool celebrate their first league trophy since 1990 by eclipsing reigning champions Manchester United this season.

'We've got some fantastic players and I wanted to come here and help Liverpool win the league,' he said.

'We want to go as far as we can in every competition but all the lads want to win the Premier League and that would be a great start.

Rafa Pleased With Gerrard Deal

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admits he is 'really pleased' that captain Steven Gerrard has finally signed a new contract.

Gerrard originally agreed a two-year extension to his deal back in April and has now put pen-to-paper after returning to training this week.

The contract ties the inspirational midfielder to Anfield until 2013 and Benitez is happy to have secured the long-term future of another key player.

"We have spent this summer trying to secure the players we have," said Benitez.

"It's really good to keep Kuyt, Torres, Agger, Benayoun and Steven. They are the here and now of the club and for the future it is really good.

"We are really pleased. We have a lot of good players who want to stay, to win and compete.

"The message has to be the same again this year - to be there, to be contenders and to fight.

"If we can win trophies it would be fantastic."

Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez Plays Down Xabi Alonso & Mascherano Exit Talk

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has attempted to play down the transfer talk linking two of the Spaniard's midfield stars, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, with respected moves to Real Madrid and Barcelona, by reminding the press that both players have a number of years left on their contracts.

Alonso and Mascherano have proved a formidable midfield pairing for Liverpool. The Argentinian battler anchored and protected his defence last season in admirable fashion, while Alonso's deep-lying playmaking credentials allowed the creative hub in front of him, whether this was Steven Gerrard or Yossi Benayoun, to develop play.

Their sterling performances have attracted interest, with Florentino Perez wanting to lure Alonso to Madrid as his Galactico policy continues after the acquisitions of Kaka, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo, while Barca trainer Pep Guardiola is believed to be a keen admirer of Mascherano's skills.

Benitez, though, claimed that the aforementioned pair are a part of the club's long-term future.

He explained to the press today that, “Both players are our players and we are really pleased with them. Both have two to three years on their contract so we don’t need to do anything,” he concluded.

The ambiguous financial future of Liverpool's parent club Kop Holdings Ltd paved suggestions that if Benitez is to continue to reinvest in his squad, then he may need to sell one of the two in-demand midfielders, but his latest comments imply that he is keen to dig his heels in, in order to ward off foreign interest.

Italian Press Claim Ferguson And Benitez Are Ready To Lock Horns

Italian newspaper Il Corriere dello Sport claims that Manchester United and Liverpool are leading the chase for AS Roma striker Mirko Vucinic and that a bidding war for the Montenegrin international looks a likely outcome.

The publication also claims that Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Redknapp is monitoring the situation should Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafael Benitez decide to pull out of negotiations.

The striker, who only signed a new contract extension last month, is thought to be happy in the Eternal City but could find himself the victim of his club’s poor financial state.

The report suggests that Liverpool have made indirect contact with Roma as boss Rafael Benitez tentatively weighs up partnering Vucinic with Spanish hitman Fernando Torres.

The news comes off the back of an enquiry last summer from Old Trafford which was eventually turned down, a scenario that appears unlikely to repeat itself following Vinico Fioranelli’s failed takeover and the continued instability at boardroom level.

Indeed this week sporting director Daniele Prade reported to Il Corriere dello Sport that no player’s future with the Giallorossi was secure.

"I cannot guarantee that certain players will stay," he stated.

Vucinic is thought to hold a value in excess of €23 million and could be followed out of the door by midfielder Daniele de Rossi who is set to move to Real Madrid.

Balague: ‘Alonso Has Asked Rafa To Release Him’

Respected Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has revealed Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has told Rafa Benitez to allow him to move to Real Madrid.

The Spanish journalist who is a regular expert on Sky Sports’ ‘Revista de la Liga’ suggests at the moment the deal is in danger of falling through because of Liverpool’s lofty valuation of the former Real Sociedad star, yet Balague intimates it might be better for all concerned to let the 27-year-old leave Anfield.

Writing on his official website, Balague said: “It is true that Real Madrid are getting a little impatient with the situation (Alonso transfer saga) and they would like to find a solution as soon as possible – not only with Xabi Alonso but they would like all of their transfer activity complete before pre-season in around two weeks time.”

“Rafa Benitez has been publicly sending out the message that he does not want Xabi Alonso to leave – but I cannot help wondering if, in these circumstances, it is entirely fair to do so when Xabi appears determined to move on.”

Balague also suggested the relationship between Alonso and Benitez is nearing a breaking point.

The esteemed journalist continued: “Their relationship may have reached breaking point: Rafa decided to sell him last summer and the player accepted the situation. However, when there were no concrete offers that matched Rafa’s valuation, Xabi was told he would be staying. Xabi was previously asked to sign a new deal and he did so.”

“The player now feels it is time to move on and he has asked Rafa to release him so that he can pursue fresh challenges.”

“Under entirely normal circumstances, when there are healthy relationships between player, manager, agent etc – everything would be fairly straightforward and concluded with the minimum of fuss.”

“However, it appears that nobody is willing to make compromises or make concessions and the situation seems to be in stalemate.”

If a deal is not concluded between Real Madrid and Liverpool, Balague intimates it would not be beneficial for the player or indeed Liverpool.

Balague added: “The danger is that Real Madrid will run out of patience and focus their attention on other targets (the Spanish newspaper Marca is reporting that De Rossi of Roma is already being lined up as an alternative).”

“If that were to happen, and Xabi ends up staying at Liverpool – I have to ask how healthy that would be for the relationship between manager and player at Anfield, and how motivated will Xabi be next season?”

“This could also lead to another potential problem for Benitez: if a price tag has been placed on Alonso, a player who has asked to leave – what happens if a premiership rival puts that money on the table after Madrid have withdrawn their interest?”

“Would it have been better to have sold to Spain, rather than to a Premier League rival?”

“Perhaps a bid may come in from one of the big Italian clubs, but if not, the situation becomes increasingly more complicated and I fear it may not end to everyone’s satisfaction”

Benitez Calms Aurelio Fears, Insisting Injured Defender Could Return For The Start Of The Season

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has allayed fears that first choice left Fabio Aurelio will be out for the rest of the year after confirming the extent of the Brazilian's freak injury.

There were fears that Aurelio would be missing for the rest of the year after he suffered damaged his knee in a kickabout in his back garden.

But Benitez refuted reports of a six month lay-off and insisted the 29-year-old full-back is expected to return in time for the new Barclays Premier League campaign.

'He was injured playing with his son and really disappointed because he was enjoying the summer,' Benitez said.

'He had the operation - he has had a problem with his cartilage - so he will be one month, maximum two months, not six months like I see in the press.'

The setback, however, has forced manager Benitez to abandon any thoughts of allowing Juventus to follow up their interest in Andrea Dossena, who could still have a part to play in the opening weeks of the season.

Meanwhile, uncertainty still surrounds Xabi Alonso's Anfield future after Real Madrid continued to send out mixed messages about their pursuit of the Spain midfielder.

Just 24 hours after appearing to concede defeat and launching a bitter attack on Benitez over a £35m asking price, Real director Jorge Valdano said: 'Everything can still be turned around. Everyone knows we have always been interested in Alonso.'

Steven Gerrard Puts Pen To Paper On New Contract

Steven Gerrard has officially put pen to paper on a contract extension that will keep him at Anfield for the rest of his career.

The Liverpool captain agreed two years on top of his current deal - which ran for another two seasons - back in April.

And now, having returned for pre-season training after being given extra days off following his commitments with England, he has finally made it official by signing a contract until 2013, worth a reported £26 million in total.

Gerrard has said this will likely be his last deal and is considering retirement after it expires, when he will be 33.

The news of Gerrard's signature will come as a further huge boost to manager Rafa Benitez, who had already tied down Yossi Benayoun to an improved four-year contract earlier this week.

Benitez will now push ahead with contract paperwork for Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger, who have all agreed to extend their current Liverpool deals.

The Spaniard will also sit down with Javier Mascherano and urge the Argentine to ignore pleas from Barcelona for him to swap Anfield for the Nou Camp.

Messi Eyes Cesc And Mascherano

Lionel Messi is hoping Barcelona can push through deals for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Liverpool lynchpin Javier Mascherano.

Both players have been heavily linked with summer moves to the Nou Camp, with Thursday's Daily Star suggesting Barca are ready to cash in on Samuel Eto'o to raise the funding needed to move for Fabregas.

The Spaniard recently voiced his frustration at Arsenal's lack of silverware - though within hours had insisted he remained committed to the club.

That has apparently not put off his former club, though, with Mascherano also reportedly featuring on the European champions' summer shopping list.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has insisted the Argentine is "not for sale" but speculation persists in both England and Spain that a deal is on the cards.

And Messi is hoping both Fabregas and Mascherano will join him.

He told Sport: "I hope Mascherano can come and we can form a solid partnership. His qualities are always appreciated.

"The same goes for Fabregas. A good footballer like him who can contribute is always welcome."

McDermott Hails Rafael Benitez's Decision To Tie Up Yossi Benayoun

Three-time European Cup winner Terry McDermott has backed Rafael Benitez’s decision to tie Yossi Benayoun to a long term deal at Anfield.

The Israel captain put pen to paper on a two-year extension to his Liverpool contract earlier this week and declared: “Now I can concentrate on the hard work that needs to be done and try to play better and better and win some silverware."

It means the 29-year-old has now committed his future to the club until 2013.

And McDermott, who scored 81 goals in 329 appearances for Liverpool, admits he is thrilled at the decision and is backing the Israeli international to go from strength to strength in 2009-10.

"I think it's brilliant news for club and I'm delighted," said the current assistant boss at League One side Huddersfield.

"It's definitely a good signing for Rafa as I'm sure there are plenty of clubs out there who would like to have him.

"Yossi is a great player and has proved how good he is since he moved to Liverpool. He's busy, creative and scores goals. He is a great asset to the club.

"He was excellent at the end of last season and it's that form he showed that probably earned him the new deal.

"His displays in some of the bigger games, the likes of Real Madrid away, were fantastic and he's demonstrated he is a man for the big occasion.

"I don't see any reason why he can't replicate the superb form he showed at the end of last campaign this time around.

"He was one of our top performers last season and, with the confidence of signing a new contract, I am sure there is more to come from Yossi."

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."