Gareth Barry Hits Back At Rafael Benitez

Gareth Barry has rejected accusations from Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who suggested the England midfielder's move to Manchester City was motivated by money.

Barry left Aston Villa to join City in a £12 million switch at the start of last month after snubbing long-standing interest from Liverpool.

Benitez then criticized the decision, suggesting it was taken due to "money, money, money".

But England midfielder Barry claims the recent signings of Roque Santa Cruz and Carlos Tevez prove he was right to move to Eastlands.

"I think there was maybe a bit of frustration (from Benitez) because it was well documented that Liverpool were in the market to sign me for a couple of years," he said. "But Manchester City had agreed a fee with Aston Villa.

"Once I'd spoken to the manager, heard the ambition and he told me what the club were aiming for, that suited me.

"People can talk about the money because of the speculation in the media but the players that are now joining are proving my decision to be a correct one - these are players that are really going to improve Manchester City and take us to where we want to go."

Barry was speaking on City's pre-season tour of South Africa with the first game coming tomorrow afternoon against the Orlando Pirates.

He added: "I think all the players are delighted to be here in South Africa. We've just come back from holidays and we're mainly focusing on fitness over here.

"We see the two games against the big clubs over here as part of building up towards the start of the Premier League.

"We know the standard of the football here is very high, so we'll be having a big test and as I said, building towards the start of our own league."

Match Report: St Gallen 0 - 0 Liverpool

Glen Johnson had an impressive debut for Liverpool, but could not conjure up a victory in the Anfield club's first pre-season game in Switzerland.

Johnson, newly signed at £17million, came on as a second-half substitute in an unfamiliar left-back position, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez having limited options on that flank following the knee injury to Fabio Aurelio.

But Johnson almost scored within minutes of coming on, racing up on the left to fire across goal. And then he appeared on the right flank to create a great chance, spurned by Lucas.

Benitez played two entirely different sides in each half, and Yossi Benayoun also impressed, almost winning the game with a swerving shot beaten away by keeper Reto Bolli in the final seconds.

Youngster Dani Pacheco had twice wasted good opportunities, but St Gallen had the best openings.

Mario Caceres hit a post in the first half, while veteran striker Mario Frick planted an unopposed header wide from eight yards out in the second period.

Liverpool were without their Spanish contingent, as well as Javier Mascherano.

The build-up to this warm-up tour has been dominated by the possible transfer of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.

The Spanish club will try to complete a deal before the weekend, but they are still believed to be unwilling to pay the £30m asking price.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, now at Real, summed up his club's desire earlier in the day at the club's Dublin training camp by saying: "Of course we want good players, and Xabi is a very good player. I hope he joins us, we certainly all want that."

Benitez was confronted with "Don't let Xabi go" banners from Liverpool fans during this match, and he is clearly not prepared to be bullied over the issue by the Spaniards.

His immediate concern was getting pre-season off to a good start.

Liverpool began this friendly in the AFG Arena with just skipper Steven Gerrard and defender Jamie Carragher in the starting line-up who would expect to be on the pitch for the Premier League opener next month.

But it gave the chance for long-term injury victim Phillip Degen to make his comeback in his homeland, while striker Andriy Voronin started up front.

The Ukrainian had a successful loan spell with Hertha Berlin last season and has returned to the squad intent on proving he can salvage his Anfield career.

And he started well, linking with Gerrard and working constantly behind Hungarian youngster Krisztian Nemeth.

The 20-year-old saw a first-half shot scrambled away by keeper Bolli, while Gerrard went close from long range.

Liverpool used three goalkeepers during the game - Diego Cavalieri, David Martin and Peter Galacsi - and none of them had a shot to save.

But at the other end the Reds were unable to turn their greater possession into goals.

They are next in action on Sunday against Rapid Vienna in the Austrian capital, by which time the future of Alonso should be much clearer.

Aquilani Not Anfield Bound - Agent

The agent of Alberto Aquilani has brushed aside reports suggesting the Italy playmaker will leave Roma for Liverpool this summer.

Speculation in Italy claimed a delegation from the Barclays Premier League outfit had arrived in Rome to offer 16million euros for the player.

The highly-rated 25-year-old is considered a candidate to replace Xabi Alonso, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

But Aquilani's agent Franco Zabaglia told asromanews.it: "Alberto to Liverpool? Let's not say silly things.

"There's no point in even talking about this subject because there is no truth in this.

"The player recently extended his contract with Roma and is working towards recovering and giving his best to Roma."

Aquilani is under contract with the Eternal City outfit until June 2013.

A right ankle injury limited the player to just 14 league appearances for the Giallorossi last season.

Liverpool's £15m Aquilani Swoop

Liverpool have sent emissaries to Rome in order to complete a £15m swoop for Alberto Aquilani, according to several Italian newspapers.

The Reds have shown an interest in the Roma midfielder as a potential replacement for Xabi Alonso, who is heading to Real Madrid.

Now it’s claimed the club has taken the firm step of sending two emissaries to Italy for crunch talks. The Gazzetta dello Sport says they are FIFA agent Frank Trimboli and an unnamed assistant to Rafa Benitez.

Initially the offer for Aquilani was said to be £13m, but that has been increased to £15m with a five-year contract for the player worth almost £3m per season.

The Italian international only recently extended his contract with Roma until 2013, putting pen to paper in May, after links with Inter, Juventus and Milan.

He is still recovering from ankle surgery and will undergo another check-up in Amsterdam next week.

Roma have made no secret of the fact they need to raise funds in order to strengthen the squad amid a financial crisis.

Coach Luciano Spalletti also declared this week that “we have an abundance of midfielders and probably one player too many in that position.”

Matteo Brighi was thought to be the one sacrificed to Fiorentina or Napoli, but Aquilani would certainly bring in a lot more money.

Aquilani would also balance the books more effectively, as he is a homegrown player and therefore the £15m qualifies as a total profit.

Real Madrid Postpone Final Assault On Liverpool For Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid are still holding out hope of snapping up Xabi Alonso from Liverpool this summer.

The Merseysiders seemed resigned to losing the midfielder, who is reportedly eager to join the Spanish titans, and at the moment, the extravagant price tag is the only thing keeping the 27-year-old at Anfield.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez and his managing director, Christian Purslow, have placed a valuation of around €35 million on the Basque-born player, but Madrid have so far only tabled a bid of €27m.

The ‘White House’, however, are still optimistic of finding a middle ground, but according to AS, they will delay any further negotiations for at least 10 days to focus on ‘Operation Exit’: the club’s bid to offload at least five players from the squad.

Madrid currently have a 30-man unit, but with only 25 players allowed to be registered, director-general Jorge Valdano has been instructed to clear out the surplus before making any further purchases.

The sports daily also believes that the next proposal that the Merengues will make for Alonso will be the final offer.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have reportedly already made plans in preparation of the playmaker’s exit, with some rumours suggesting Roma’s Alberto Aquilani will be signed as a replacement, while others indicate Benitez will use the money to recruit Valencia’s David Silva.

Benitez Promises Voronin Chance

Rafa Benitez has told striker Andriy Voronin that he will be given the chance to fight for his Liverpool future.

The 29-year-old Ukraine international moved to England two years ago but had a difficult start to life at Anfield, leading to a loan spell at Hertha Berlin last season.

However, he regained his form in the Bundesliga with 11 goals in 21 league games and, while it is believed that Benitez would still be willing to cash in on the player, he has vowed to give Voronin the chance to prove himself.

"He did really well in Germany last season, scoring plenty of goals, and he has told me that he wants to stay at the club and fight for his position," he said.

"I have told him that will be difficult with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard as our first-choice strikers, but he realises this and the players we have in the squad.

"But he also knows that this club always plays more than 60 games a season and that means there are opportunities.

"He will fight for his place."

He added: "At this moment, he is a Liverpool player, but it depends on him.

"He is continuing to work hard and is playing well, so he will have a chance.

"It is good to have him back.

"When we signed him, we were looking for a player who could play between the lines as a second striker with quality.

"He has game intelligence, which is something we are always looking for."

Voronin featured for Liverpool in their pre-season friendly against St Gallen on Wednesday, which finished 0-0.

Agent: Lavezzi Turned Down Move To Liverpool

Argentine international and Napoli forward Ezequiel Lavezzi, nicknamed 'El Pocho' which means the chubby one, has turned down the opportunity to join Liverpool.

Talking exclusively to Sport.co.uk Lavezzi's agent Frederic Guerra revealed that Rafa Benitez was keen on the international, but admitted that the 24 year-old was only interested in staying in Italy with Napoli.

Talking to Editor Nigel Brown, Guerra said: “Liverpool, well I know many people in Liverpool but i'm afraid he doesn't want to change club. He is happy at Napoli. They are interested but he doesn't want change.”

Lavezzi scored seven goals in thirty appearances for Napoli last season.

Glen Johnson Lives Reds Dream

Glen Johnson has spoken of his pride after pulling on a red shirt for the first time.

The most expensive defender in Liverpool’s history fulfilled a childhood dream when he took to the field for Rafa Benitez’s side in the second half of last night’s goalless draw with St Gallen.

Johnson was happy with the way his run out went in Liverpool’s first pre-season friendly and thanked his team-mates for helping him to settle in quickly.

“Pulling that shirt on for the first time definitely lived up to my expectations,” said Liverpool’s £16m right-back.

“I know it was only a friendly game but it was my chance to finally get that shirt on my back so I’m really pleased about that.

“But obviously the big thing for me now is the thought of playing for Liverpool at Anfield – I can’t wait for that.

“The lads have been brilliant to me since I got here. It isn’t easy when you move to a new club and when I first arrived I think there were about 50 professionals there.

“Obviously it’s hard to remember all of their names straight away but the lads have been fantastic from the start.

“It’s nice when you know a couple before you start, as was the case for me.

“But, like I said, absolutely everyone has been great to me.”

Johnson played the entire second half in an unfamiliar left-back role, a position he has also been filling in during sessions at Liverpool’s pre-season training camp in Badra Gaz.

Benitez told the ECHO the temporary positional switch is designed to bring the best out of the 24-year old defensively.

“Johnson did well,” said the Reds boss. “I was using him on the left because he has to think more about his defending there.

“We know that he is really good going forward and in this game he played well in defence and well in attack so it was good.

“If he is playing left-back it means he cannot go in attack in the same way because he is not quite as comfortable with his left foot as he is with his right so this means he will think more about defending.”

Ever the perfectionist, Benitez may have been delighted to see his team create chances in their first friendly but he was unimpressed with the two or three opportunities they allowed the Swiss side.

“The team was good in attack and we created some chances which is always good,” he added. “I am a little disappointed because we gifted them three chances but then it is pre-season, we have a lot of new players so the understanding is not where it needs to be yet and neither is the fitness.”

English Angle: Ten Things Rafa Benitez Should Do Before Selling Xabi Alonso

Liverpool fans, it’s time to be honest – Xabi Alonso is all but on his way to Real Madrid. You didn’t want it to happen, he (initially) didn’t want it to happen, and perhaps even Rafael Benitez didn’t want it to happen, despite his previous attempts to sell off his fellow Spaniard.

Considering that the boy from the Basque Country has just come off a season in which he displayed the sort of composure, consistency and class that even Steven Gerrard never could in a central playmaking role, it would be sheer madness to even consider selling him... right?

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of suggestions that will hopefully keep Benitez so busy – and satisfy his financial, squad-balancing and Madrid-pleasing needs – that he simply won’t have time to ditch one of his most valuable players.

So, without further ado...

Ten Things Rafa Benitez Should Do Before Selling Xabi Alonso:

10. Shave the goatee. C’mon now, Raf – it’s had a good run, but it’s time to move on. You need a fresh look. Maybe a Mohawk.

9. Throw away that heart-shaped pendant with a picture of Gareth Barry inside. The moment’s gone. He’s run off with Sparky Hughes and there’s nothing you can do about it – his bank balance is bigger.

8. Buy back Robbie Keane. With Xabi gone, someone will have to step into the first team – thus leaving a space open on the bench for the impish (and very, very expensive) Irishman.

7. Sell Fernando Torres and bring back Emile Heskey. Offloading your most influential players is all the rage, apparently. ‘El Nino’ suffered through injury last term, so he’s in danger of being traded in for an inferior, English equivalent (as per Xabi-Barry last summer).

6. Make David N’Gog captain. He is the future, of course, and will be an ‘Untouchable’ once Torres’ move to Tranmere Rovers is completed. The most talented Frenchman ever to grace Anfield, Bruno Cheyrou notwithstanding...

5. Quadruple Lucas’ wages. It’s about time his salary matched his contribution to the team. I mean, he’s Brazilian – so surely he deserves it?

4. Give Alvaro Arbeloa to Real Madrid for free – and promise never to humiliate them by a record margin again. Does what it says on the tin. Five-goal drubbings begone!

3. Sell his stake in Pukka Pies. Not only would this provide an instant revenue boost, but the lack of freebie pastries would save millions in cash that would usually be spent on ever-roomier suits.

2. Flog all the club’s league titles and European Cups to Manchester City. They need history, Rafa needs money. It’s a win-win situation.

1. Rename the Kop the ‘Michael Owen Stand’. It’d be every bit as popular with the fans as selling one of the best midfielders in Europe.

Rafa Benitez Targets A “Perfect” Premier League Season

Rafa Benitez’s preparations for the 2009/10 campaign kick-off in earnest tonight – with the Reds boss targeting a “near-perfect” season.

Liverpool have closed the gap on champions Manchester United in recent seasons, from 11 points in 2007/08 to just four points last term.

But in order to make that final transition from nearly-men to champions, Benitez believes his side will have to enjoy a perfect campaign – which is why the pre-season preparations are so vital this summer.

“You have to do everything almost perfectly because in the Premier League you cannot lose many games,” said Benitez from the Reds’ training camp in Switzerland. “You need a good atmosphere, and we have a good squad now.

“The understanding is really good now between the players. The main thing for me is to be contenders.

“We have to be there in the top four and close, then see what happens.

“Chelsea, United and Arsenal are very strong, and this year you’ll have Tottenham, Aston Villa and City. It’s clearly the most difficult league.

“We are strong enough to beat anyone and we need to be consistent. We got 86 points – a record for the club in the Premier League – but we still need to improve. But we have a lot of confidence.”

Meanwhile, Benitez has a mix of senior players and youngsters for their pre-season friendlies in Switzerland.

The Spanish contingent and Argentina captain Javier Mascherano are enjoying an extended break, but record defensive signing Glen Johnson will get his first run-out in a red jersey, while skipper Steven Gerrard will also figure.

There will also be a rare appearance for Philipp Degen in his home country, after his debut season at Anfield was largely wrecked by injury.

“I think he’s the happiest man in the squad now – he can understand everyone!” joked Benitez. “He’s training very, very well and if he’s fit he’ll be a very good addition for us.

“We will try to use all the players. Our idea is to use one team in the first half and change it at half-time. The players have to compete for their positions. Philipp’s doing well, training hard and if he has no injuries maybe we will see the best of him.”

Rafa Benitez Wants Playing Time For Entire Liverpool Squad In Swiss Friendly

The highly anticipated debut of Glen Johnson at Liverpool is sure to be hampered by Rafa Benitez's admission that he wants to afford game time to all 24 of his named squad members on Wednesday night in Switzerland.

The Reds take on second-tier Swiss team FC St.Gallen at the AFG Arena as they kick off their pre-season friendly fixtures.

The Spanish tactician has focused on the youth element at the club of late, and looks to continue that theme as he opts to allow several of his fringe youngsters a chance to shine this week.

"We will try to use all the players," said Benitez on the club's official site. "Our idea is to use one team in the first half and change it at half-time.

"We have the video of their game against Basel and they were well organised - the manager knows what to do. The main thing for us is to get the match fitness - the result isn't too important even though we want to win every single game - but it will be interesting.

"The important thing is to see how the team is on the pitch and see the understanding between the players."

Liverpool: Rumours - Xabi Out Silva In

The latest rumour, not that it's a new latest rumour, is that Xabi Alonso will complete his move to Real Madrid at the end of this week and then David Silva will be brought in by Rafa.

Real are signing Xabi one minute but not the next, with them coming in with a higher offer, before lower it or losing interest all together the next, all of which is (or has) unsettled the Spanish international.

Rumour has it that Xabi will finally complete a move to Real for more than £30m at the end of this week, after our asking price was reached?

This is despite the fact that the Spanish club are believed to be unhappy at having to pay so much, which is tough!

If Real want Xabi then they have to pay what is asked, and if Xabi does want to leave then it's best that he does.

Plenty of players have been linked with moves to Anfield but should Xabi finally leave, as is now looking increasingly likely, then Valencia's David Silva, and a long term target of Rafa, is expected to arrive.

Once and for all it's time to end this saga, as it's dragged on far too long! If we can also conclude our pursuit of Silva successful that's even better.

Liverpool Turn To Young As Real Close On Alonso

Liverpool will be installed as the favourites to sign Aston Villa winger Ashley Young if Xabi Alonso is sold to Real Madrid.

That move is looking increasingly likely as the Spain international is keen on a switch to the Bernabeu and a £27million deal could be concluded by the end of the week.

Any cash being deposited in the Anfield coffers will not stay there long, however, as Rafa Benitez will make a move for England international Young before seeking a direct replacement for Alonso.

Liverpool are keen on Stewart Downing but consider Young to be an upgrade of the Middlesbrough winger.

Xabi Alonso Sets Weekend Deadline For Real Madrid Move

Xabi Alonso wants his future sorted out before the weekend but faces the dilemma of whether to go public on his desire to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid.

The Spain midfielder has reportedly already told Anfield boss Rafa Benitez that he wants to be part of the Bernabeu revolution and is said to be frustrated by the lack of progress on a deal.

Benitez has been determined to hold on to the 27-year-old all summer, privately quoting a prohibitive £40million price-tag, and will not back down unless Alonso forces a move with a transfer request or public declaration.

The midfielder does not want to follow the risky strategy but is keen for talks to re-open.

Bernabeu icon Raul has stepped up the pressure by enthusiastically welcoming the prospect of playing alongside Alonso.

'I would like him to come because Xabi Alonso is a great player,' said the Madrid captain.

'The decision is made by other people at the club and the technical body, who see what the team need.'

Liverpool are due to fly out for their Asian tour on Saturday and it is unclear whether Alonso will be on the flight.

Madrid have used various tactics in their pursuit of Alonso since Florentino Perez took over as president at the start of June and made a public pitch to bring him to Spain.

In recent days they have publicly said the deal looks unlikely without closing the door, though alternatives that have been lined up have proved either as difficult to sign or mere smokescreens.

They were knocked back immediately when going for Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi while signing Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal was seen as fraught with difficulty.

Coach Manuel Pellegrini would like to raid his former club Villarreal for Santi Cazorla, but the 24-year-old is seen as more of an attacking midfielder rather than an alternative to Alonso.

There is also a suggestion that Madrid have been in talks for several weeks with Javier Mascherano with the thinking that if one of Liverpool's midfielders leaves, it must be to them rather than rivals Barcelona.

Udinese's D'Agostino would be relatively easy to recruit, but it is thought Madrid are using their interest in the Italy international primarily to put pressure on Liverpool to lower their asking price.

The Spanish giants similarly tried to show the Reds they would not be ripped off by actually lowering their bid for Alonso to £20m earlier this week.

A compromise around £32m may well get their man, but there is still some distance between the clubs' respective valuation and Madrid are desperate to sell at least five players in the next few days to fund further spending.

Benitez has lined up Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani as a replacement for either Alonso or Mascherano, according to reports in Italy.

Dudek Wants Alonso Reunion

Jerzy Dudek is hopeful that his former team-mate Xabi Alonso can join him at Real Madrid this summer.

Real president Florentino Perez has made the Liverpool midfielder his next big transfer target but talks seem to have broken down.

The Reds are thought to value the Spaniard at around £30million while Real are said to only be prepared to part with £20million.

However Dudek, who played with Alonso for three seasons at Anfield, is hoping that the two clubs can come to an agreement.

"I don't know (what's happening) let's hope so," he told Sky Sports News.

"This club needs good players and Xabi is a good player."

Dudek also confirmed that pre-season at their training camp in Ireland was going well with world record signing Cristiano Ronaldo settling in quickly.

"I think we are happy with what is going to happen on this trip ahead of the new season," he added.

"Cristiano is a nice guy and he wants to help us and we are happy with this.

"We are on the stage where we have little contact with the ball but next week we have some games and we will see how he compares."

The former Feyenoord shot-stopper also pointed out that failure was not an option this term following their extravagant spending this summer.

"I don't think we have another possibility because at this stage we always think about winning La Liga and the Champions League," he added.

"We need to win the trophies, that is a clear message to us."

Daniel Agger Out With Back Injury

Rafa Benitez’s pre-season preparations have been hampered after Daniel Agger was ruled out of Liverpool’s first warm up match against St Gallen in Switzerland tonight.

The Danish defender has been forced to remain behind on Merseyside after suffering a recurrence of the back problem which ruled him out of action for more than a month of the last campaign.

Agger first picked up the injury while on international duty with Denmark last February and though he recovered to win his place back in Benitez’s starting line up towards the end of the season the problem flared up again at the weekend and the Reds boss has opted to take no chances on his fitness.

The 24-year-old is currently undergoing treatment at Melwood and will also miss Liverpool’s second friendly away to Rapid Vienna on Sunday.

But Benitez is hopeful that Agger will have recovered in time to take his place on the club’s trip to Thailand and Singapore although the Reds boss will take into account the effects that a gruelling long haul flight to the Far East could have on the centre back before making a final decision.

Agger’s absence has handed an opportunity for young Spanish defender Danny Ayala to show what he can do.

The 18-year-old does not yet have a squad number and was not initially included in Liverpool’s travelling party to take part in the Swiss training camp but with Agger ruled out Benitez drafted Ayala in and could even give him a run out against St Gallen.

Andrea Dossena's Agent Rubbishes Liverpool To Napoli Rumours

Andrea Dossena's agent Federico Pastorello has played down rumours linking the Liverpool defender with a move to Napoli.

Reports in the Italian media intensified this week when Pastorello was seen meeting with Napoli sporting director Pierpaolo Marino.

The papers were quick to jump to conclusions, claiming both men had met to discuss the possibilities of Dossena moving to the San Paolo.

However, the agent has denied those claims, insisting he met Marino for very different reasons.

"Dossena to Napoli? It was all a misunderstanding," Pastorello told Calciomercato.it.

"I was in Milan and so was Dossena. I met with Marino to discusss Morgan De Sanctis with him, and then I met Dossena afterwards in order to deal with some fiscal issues.

"The papers were quick to make a case, but there is nothing true in it. Dossena is a Liverpool player."

The Italian international was linked with Juventus in the past, but that trail went cold.

Javier Mascherano To Be Told: You’re Staying At Liverpool FC

Rafa Benitez will tell Javier Mascherano he will not be allowed to leave Liverpool when the Argentinian midfielder returns to pre-season training later this week.

The future of Mascherano – who became a father for the second time at the weekend – has been in question throughout the summer after the 25-year-old told the Reds boss that his wife was suffering from homesickness.

But with the likelihood of Xabi Alonso quitting Anfield increasing with every passing day, Benitez would be loathe to lose Mascherano as well and see his entire first choice central midfield wiped out in the space of a few weeks.

Mascherano has been attracting interest from Barcelona with Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola keen to employ him behind Andres Iniesta and Xavi in the European champions’ engine room.

Benitez is desperate to hang on to the Argentina captain though and has already made it clear he is not looking to cash in on a player he regards as one of the finest defensive midfielders in world football.

With Mascherano due to join up with his team mates at pre-season training in Switzerland in the coming days Benitez will take the opportunity to tell the former West Ham man that he won’t be going anywhere because he is needed for Liverpool’s assault on the Premier League title in the coming season.

Contrary to reports, there are as yet no plans to offer the player a new contract as a sweetener with Mascherano just 18 months into a four year deal signed in February 2008.

Benitez is hoping that the lure of possible glory with Liverpool rather than an increased pay packet will be enough to convince Mascherano that his future remains at Anfield.

Only if Mascherano commits himself to the Liverpool cause once again will a new contract become a possibility.

Johnson Fee Is Fine - Benitez

Liverpool's new £17m full-back Glen Johnson will make his Liverpool debut in Switzerland on Wednesday with boss Rafael Benitez insisting he is worth the money.

Johnson will play in Liverpool's first pre-season friendly against St Gallen.

Benitez admits, like Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson, that the transfer market has gone mad this summer.

The Spaniard said: "Yes, the money people are asking is crazy. I hear, for example, that people at Seville are asking for 41m euros for Daniel Alves. That is a lot.

"The market is crazy, but you must pay good money for good players.

"The money for Johnson is OK. He is English, an international with quality and he is worth the money.

"He is a very good attacking player. If you try to buy a winger it can be £50m to £60m at current prices, but Johnson as an offensive full-back can give us more options.

"He can be good for us, especially when we are at home and teams are defending against us. Going forward he will give us something different, something special. He is a good addition for us."

Benitez has 24 players at the club's Swiss training camp, and says: "We will try to use all the players. Our idea is to use one team in the first half and change it at half-time.

"We have the video of their recent game against Basel and they were well organised - the manager knows what to do. The main thing for us is to get the match fitness, the result is not too important even though we want to win every single game - but it will be interesting.

"The important thing is to see how the team is on the pitch and see the understanding between the players."

Apart from Johnson, Benitez will want to run the rule over a batch of youngsters with the squad. Martin Kelly, Mikel San Jose, Daniel Pacheco, Peter Gulacsi, Daniel Ayala and Krisztian Nemeth will all have a chance to impress.

Liverpool will be joined by Javier Mascherano on Thursday after he became a father for the second time at the weekend, which has delayed his arrival in Switzerland.

Transfer speculation still revolves around the Argentina captain, as well as Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is due to join up with the squad on Sunday after the friendly with Rapid Vienna in the Austrian capital.

Despite Real Madrid's continued interest, Alonso is due to travel to the Far East with Liverpool for next week's two friendlies against Thailand and Singapore.

Benitez has also made it clear that Mascherano - despite interest from Barcelona -- will be expected to honour his contract, which still has over two years to run.

Benitez said recently: It is clear that they both (Alonso and Mascherano) are under contract with long-term agreements."

Alonso has asked Benitez to allow him to join Real Madrid, but the Liverpool manager will not sell below £30m.

Agent Claims Hungarian Quintet To Have Trial With Liverpool

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has reportedly offered a quintet of potential Hungarian starlets for a trial at Anfield.

The clutch of players are goalkeeper Attila Abu, midfielders Krisztian Adorjan and Patrik Vass, striker Peter Horvath and defender Patrik Poor, who are all currently playing in the youth academy at MTK Budapest.

Their agent, Tibor Pataky, claims The Reds have shown plenty of interest in his clients and it will be the second visit to England for midfielders Adorjan and Vass.

"All of the players have been observed at least three times by a Liverpool scout, what's more at the end of May the new director of the Liverpool Academy, Frank McParland, went to Hungary to check the players' abilities," the agent told Pepsifoci.

"He invited five players to Liverpool. Krisztian Adorjan and Patrik Vass go to Liverpool for the second time, a year-and-a-half ago they trained with the youth team of Liverpool and played a game in England."

Liverpool already have quite a wealth of Hungarian talent at the club, including striker Kirsztian Nemeth, goalkeeper Peter Gulasci and midfielder Zsolt Poloski.

Hernanes: Rafa To Replace Alonso With Brilliant Brazilian At Liverpool

Interest is mounting for Brazilian hot property Hernanes who is strongly linked with a move to Italy but has also attracted the interest of a number of Premier League sides.

Liverpool are the latest club to be linked with the playmaker in the Brazilian press with claims that Rafa Benitez will replace want-away midfield schemer Xabi Alonso with the talented South American.

The 24-year-old’s full name is Anderson Hernanes de Carvalho Andrade Lime and he currently plies his trade for Sao Paulo.

Hernanes has been linked to the likes of AC Milan and Juventus but the Italian clubs have struggled to raise the fee Sao Paulo are demanding. The midfield schemer’s club have ridiculed a recent attempt by AC to sign the player with Sao Paulo Technical Director Joao Paulo de Jesus Lopes revealing to Globoesporte’s of the Italian club’s interest in their defender Miranda and Hernanes.

He had this to say, “I need to find how much a crate of bananas is worth, as that is how much they want to give us for both players.

We know that Milan ended the season in the red and not even the £60m from Kaka’s sale to Real Madrid was enough to balance the books.”

“If an offer does come for our two players, it is more likely to arrive from Spain, as their clubs are financially stronger.”

The player himself has spoken of his love for Serie A but the financial lure of the Premier League could sway the Brazilian to our shores. Hernanes revealed to the Gazzetta dello Sport, “I’m a player who loves to think on the pitch.”

“I understood that in every player there’s the time to evaluate and do the best things. My best qualities are probably dribbling with the ball and my hard shot.

“The comparison with Pirlo is very good, it definitely pleases me. He’s a complete player, probably the best midfielder in the world.

“I especially watch constantly the matches of Inter and Milan, also because there are many Brazilians. It would be something to be proud of and a pleasure to play in Italy one day.”

Hernanes has been touted as a readymade replacement for Real Madrid star Kaka at the San Siro after impressing in Brazil. He is far from a carbon copy of Kaka but has his own attributes; technically he is regarded as one of the best in his homeland especially as he is equally adept with both feet.

The 24-year-old is also extremely versatile and has played on both flanks as well as centrally as either and attacking or defensive midfielder. Unlike some Brazilians Hernanes is very much a team player and not one to over elaborate when a simple pass is available. His work rate is another plus point which explains why he is so highly regarded.

The Times report of the Top 50 rising stars of world football rated Hernanes the best prospect back in January and it’s easy to see why. The attacking midfielder came through the Sao Paulo youth academy breaking into the first team in 2005 when he made 16 league appearances (6 starts) and scored 3 goals. The following season he was loaned out to Santo Andre where he made a further 22 league appearances (7 starts) and scored 6 goals.

However, it was in 2007 when Hernanes came to the fore for Sao Paulo making 31 league appearances (29 starts) as his club won the Brazilian title before retaining the trophy in 2008. The 2nd title win resulted in Hernanes winning the Brazilian footballer of the year title and led to his first cap for his country in a 1-0 friendly win v Sweden in March 2008.

Hernanes also played for Brazil at the 2008 Beijing Olympics where he won a bronze medal. Despite only playing 80 league matches for his club (67 starts) and scoring 11 goals, Hernanes has attracted the interest from the likes of European Champions Barcelona but where he’d fit into a side brimming with playmakers is debatable.

Instead Hernanes would be a great acquisition for Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool if chief playmaker Xabi Alonso is indeed sold. As the speculation mounts regarding the future of Alonso at Anfield a move for arguably the best player playing in Brazil could prove to be a masterstroke. The club are likely to make a profit from these two deals too. One thing’s for certain Brazil’s next big export will be a global name once he moves to Europe.

Liverpool Look To Aquilani

Alberto Aquilani could be Liverpool’s replacement for Xabi Alonso, but Roma won’t part with him for less than £18m.

The Reds are looking at alternatives after Xabi Alonso reportedly requested a transfer to Real Madrid this week.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Rafa Benitez has already sent his men to ask Roma about Aquilani’s availability.

He recently penned a new contract with the club after a long saga in which he received interest from Juventus, Inter and Real Madrid.

However, Coach Luciano Spalletti hinted in his Press conference that it might not be the end of the transfer speculation.

“Having many midfielders, including Aquilani, it is possible we have a few too many players for that role.”

The 25-year-old Italian international has been beset by injuries in the last year, but is back to full fitness and ready for the new campaign.

If Liverpool want to prise the hometown boy from Roma, it will cost them at least £18m.

Manchester City Preparing Shock Bid For Liverpool's Xabi Alonso

Manchester City are being linked with a shock move for Liverpool's Xabi Alonso.

Alonso is widely expected to join Real Madrid in the near future, but, according to The Daily Mail, City have been encouraged into a move by the fact that the midfielder reportedly wants to leave Anfield.

However, Mark Hughes acknowledges that Alonso is unlikely to want to move to Eastlands, especially after holding out for a move to the Bernabeu for so long.

However, the one advantage City have is that they could potentially trump any Real Madrid offer for the player, both in terms of fee and wages.

Liverpool are thought to want around £35 million for Alonso, but that is a reduced figure arrived at after weeks of negotiations.

Liverpool FC Legend Robbie Fowler: I Could Never Join Man Utd Like Michael Owen

Robbie Fowler wished his old Anfield team-mate well last night, but the Liverpool hero admitted he could never have made the same decision as Michael Owen.

Owen was unveiled as Old Trafford’s new number seven yesterday.

But, speaking from Australia, where he is hoping to make a long-awaited debut for Queensland Fury tomorrow, Fowler was asked if he could ever have joined Manchester United.

“No, I don’t think so,” he declared.

With both England and Australia in Ashes frenzy, it was only fitting that Fowler should try to straight-bat questions about his former Liverpool partner’s controversial decision.

But like far too many of England’s top order, his best efforts came up short.

Fowler joined Australian side North Queensland Fury in February and after three months battling hip and groin injuries, the one-time Kop idol will get his first run-out with the A-League side in Perth tomorrow against Premier League newcomers Wolves.

But while happy to wish Owen all the best on a personal level, the man they called ‘God’ was yesterday reluctant to extend the goodwill.

“Obviously I want Michael to do well but I don’t want Manchester United to do well,” said Fowler, who used to taunt United fans by signalling Liverpool’s superior European Cup tally to their bitter rivals whenever he scored against them.

“It’s a sticky situation and I don’t want to get drawn into things with Michael and Man United. Everyone knows I’m a Liverpool fan,” he added.

“But if Michael scores a lot of goals then I hope Fernando Torres scores a lot more.”

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was once a big admirer of Fowler’s predatory instincts which saw him score more than 200 Premier League goals. But asked if he could have made a similar move to Owen, the striker said: “No, I don’t think so.

“I don’t want to go down that route as I leave myself open to criticism but Michael has done what he’s done and it’s not for me to judge what he should do or shouldn’t do. He’s a big lad.

“His record over the years has been fantastic. Again, I hope he scores a few goals but I hope they concede more.”

Fowler has been linked with another of his former team-mates, new Tranmere boss John Barnes, but he again dismissed talk of a move back to Merseyside.

“If people want to write stories that’s nothing to do with me,” he said. “The good thing is I quashed it straight away so it showed what my intentions were. Hopefully I’ve put a lot of things to bed.”

Townsville-based Fury, managed by former Rangers great Ian Ferguson, signed Fowler as their marquee player and he is one of the biggest names to join the A-League, which begins its fifth season next month.

And Fowler says is keen to make his mark.

“The last few months have been horrible,” he said.

“In terms of kicking balls I’ve not been able to do that, so hopefully there is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel and I’ve got something to look forward to.”

Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez Asks For Xabi Alonso Transfer Request In Writing

Xabi Alonso's link with Real Madrid grows stronger by the day as reports surrounding the Spaniard's future at Liverpool continue to circulate.

British sources such as the Guardian and the Mail have said that Alonso has indeed vocalised his wish to become a Galactico under Florentino Perez, with Rafa Benitez adamant that the player must first hand in a formal transfer request.

The Reds boss has made it abundantly clear that, even if Alonso does request a transfer to La Liga, he is not for sale for a sum any lower than £35 million. However, Madrid have recently reduced their original offer, which is now said to be around the £25 million mark.

Los Blancos coach, Manuel Pellegrini had this to say on the subject of the Spain international: "It is no mystery that we are interested, but it will not be easy."

Alonso: Benitez Doesn't Want Me

Xabi Alonso will force showdown talks over his future after failing to be convinced he is wanted at Anfield.

The Liverpool midfielder has made clear his desire to move to Real Madrid following two successive summers where he felt manager Rafa Benitez was trying to sell him.

The Spanish midfielder has yet to officially ask for a transfer but he doesn't believe he can remain at Anfield after a breakdown in his relationship with the Liverpool boss.

Alonso was devastated last summer when Benitez openly tried to sell him to Juventus, and then put him on general sale at around £15million.

He worked hard to save his Anfield career and was voted the club's player of the season.

But Benitez put a £35m asking price on his head when Real Madrid made an enquiry at the start of this summer, and that has persuaded the midfielder his future lies elsewhere.

The Anfield manager has made no secret of the fact he will sell Alonso at the right price, and now the Spanish international will seek showdown talks to resolve the situation.

Alonso believes the price set is too high, given that he was touted around at just £15m last summer.

He will this week ask Benitez to be more reasonable and allow him to return to Spain after five years at Anfield.

If Benitez gets his asking price then it will be £25m more than he paid for the elegant midfielder when he snatched him from Real Sociedad for £10m in 2004.

Alonso is due back in training this weekend but hopes to have his future resolved by then.

He believes that he isn’t wanted at Anfield, and that the current stance from his manager is merely to inflate what he will argue is an over-the-top valuation.

Xabi Alonso: I Want To Quit Liverpool FC For Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso has told Rafa Benitez he wants to quit Anfield and sign for Real Madrid – but Liverpool will not grant his wish unless the Spanish giants come up with a fee in the region of £35m.

Alonso has stopped short of putting in an official written transfer request but he has made it clear to Benitez that his future lies in La Liga rather than the Premier League.

The 27-year-old is due to join up with his Liverpool team mates on Sunday after being given extended leave following his involvement in the Confederations Cup in South Africa but Alonso and his agent Inaki Ibanez are hopeful that a deal can be thrashed out with Real before then.

But with Real reluctant to spend more than £27m for the Spanish international and Benitez adamant that he will not allow Alonso to leave for that kind of figure, a compromise is some way off.

Alonso could try to force the issue by handing in an official transfer request but the midfielder believes that he deserves to be able to have his future sorted out without taking such formal measures after giving five years of service to the Reds. Real’s public pursuit of Alonso is now becoming incessant with recently appointed manager Manuel Pellegrini becoming the latest leading Bernabeu official to speak of his club’s desire to snap up the Liverpool man.

Pellegrini said: “He’s an important player as he has shown with the Spanish team.

“It’s no mystery that Real Madrid are interested in his services, but it will not be easy.”

Benitez is fully aware that Alonso’s desire to leave Liverpool will make it increasingly difficult to hold on to the former Real Sociedad man despite the fact that he still has three years of his Anfield contract remaining.

But the Reds boss is adamant that he will not let Alonso go on the cheap, no matter how much pressure Real put Liverpool under.

Benitez knows there are precious few midfielders around of Alonso’s quality and he is likely to have to re-shape his side if the Spanish international leaves - and that would inevitably be an expensive process.

So unless Real come up with the kind of money which would enable Benitez to go on a mini spending spree of his own, then the Liverpool manager will not budge.

Liverpool To Offer Javier Mascherano Mammoth New Contract

Liverpool are set to offer Javier Mascherano an astronomical pay increase in order to encourage him to remain at Anfield, and resist the charms of Barcelona.

British tabloid The Daily Mail is reporting that Mascherano's wife is unhappy in England, and did not want to return after a summer break in Argentina, leading to concern at Anfield that he may want to move soon.

As a result, the Liverpool hierarchy are set to offer him a new deal which would triple his wages, according to The Mail, as they look to keep the 25-year-old on Merseyside.

Last week, Reds boss Rafa Benitez had responded to talk of the player perhaps leaving Anfield, along with Xabi Alonso, by hinting that the two players owed Liverpool for igniting their careers in England.

"We signed Xabi when no one knew him, then renewed his contract two years ago and it seemed he was happy," Benitez said, according to The Sun.

"With Mascherano, you know the situation, so both players know they owe Liverpool a lot. They are players the fans like and they owe us, in terms of loyalty.

"We have to be very clear - we are preparing our squad for next season, not talking of selling players."

Despite those combative words, Real Madrid are still hovering with intent over Alonso, and, should the offer of a new contract materialise, it would seem that there is still some anxiety on Merseyside over Mascherano's future as well.

Real Madrid Decrease Offer For Liverpool's Xabi Alonso

Spanish sports daily Marca claims that Real Madrid have decreased their offer for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso by €3m in the face of a lack of response from the English club.

According to the Sunday edition of the Madrid-based paper, the Merengues' original offer of €27m expired on July 8, necessitating a new bid.

This offer has apparently been replaced by a decreased bid of €24m in an attempt to coax a response from the Anfield outfit.

At a weekend press conference coach Manuel Pellegrini stated that the Spanish international would fit nicely into his new-look, Galactico-studded line-up, as speculation over the ex-Real Sociedad crack's future heats up.

It is further rumoured that Xabi is keen to return to Spain, having apparently communicated these wishes to his coach, Rafael Benitez.

Martin Skrtel Believes Defensive Competition Is Beneficial To Liverpool

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel believes the competition for places at the centre of defence is pushing everyone in the squad vying for the position to their peak.

The Reds are notoriously strong in the centre back position, last season boasting Martin Skrtel, Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia and Daniel Agger as their four top options.

Hyypia has since departed for Bayer Leverkusen in the twilight of his career, but Skrtel says he still has plenty to learn from his remaining team-mates.

"I hope there is a lot of improvement still to come. I am 24 and Daniel Agger is also. This is still very young for a centre-back," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"Every day in training you can learn from players like Carra. Every day I watch Daniel, Carra and last season Sami - this helps me in my job.

"That's very important and very good for us. Hopefully when we play in the future the things we learn every day will come through in our games."

He continued: "I have been competing not only with Daniel but also Jamie and last year Sami. Always when I get a chance I try to play very well and help my team win. But all four of us do that. You just have to play for the team.

"Everyone wants to play but when you don't you just have to wait for your chance. You have to show you're a good player."

Skrtel has made 50 appearances for Liverpool since arriving during the January transfer window of the 2007/08 Premier League season.

Jose Antonio Reyes: Liverpool Battle Everton For £4M Bargain Former Arsenal Star

Reports in Spain and Portugal claim Benfica have offered just 4m euros to buy out the remaining 75% of Atletico Madrid’s former Arsenal star Jose Antonio Reyes’s contract. The club has missed a number of deadlines imposed by Atletico in regards to the deal leaving the Spaniard’s career in limbo as he is not wanted in Madrid. Despite a spectacular fall from grace, Reyes is a talent and for such a small fee would hardly be much of a gamble for a number of Premier League clubs including his former side Arsenal.

The 25-year-old’s career has taken a downturn since leaving the Gunners in the summer of 2006 but surely a player of his age, quality and experience is well worth a gamble as the undoubtedly talented player looks to rebuild his career. Merseyside rivals Everton and Liverpool have reportedly enquired about his availability so a move back to the Premier League may now be on.

Reyes spent last season playing for Benfica on loan where he made 24 league appearances (20 starts) and scored just 4 goals. The Lisbon club finished a disappointing 3rd in the league although they did win a League Cup on penalties against Sporting with Reyes scoring the equaliser in the initial 1-1 draw. The Portuguese giants are rumoured to be in financial difficulty which has made a permanent deal for the Spaniard highly unlikely. This has left the Spaniard facing a return to Atletico where he struggled to start a match.

Despite being just 25, Reyes has already played for five different clubs including Sevilla, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Benfica. He began his career with Sevilla and was extremely popular after scoring 22 goals in 86 league games from a left-wing position. Reyes signed for Arsenal in a £10.5m deal in January 2004 joining a side that were in superb form and would remain unbeaten in the league leading to the tag ‘the Invincibles’. His departure from Seville caused the Spanish fans to demonstrate in protest at the sale of their cult hero. In two and a half seasons the Spaniard scored 16 goals in 69 league appearances in North London (53 starts).

An excellent start to his first full season in England saw Reyes score in each of the first five matches but his form waned and rumours of home sickness came to light. He signed a new 5-year contract in July 2005 and played his part in Arsenal’s march to the 2006 Champions League final in where he came on as a substitute in the defeat against Barcelona.

Reyes joined Real Madrid on loan that summer in exchange for Julio Baptista but struggled to break into the first team making just 14 starts in La Liga as well as 16 substitute appearances while scoring 6 goals. Despite a disappointing time at the Bernabeu, Reyes finished on a high as he scored twice on the final day of the season for Real to win the title. The Madrid giants had been 1-0 down when he came on as a substitute and scored with his first touch.

Instead of signing permanently with Real, Reyes moved to their rivals Atletico but again struggled to make an impact. He made 26 league appearances (10 starts) and failed to score. This prompted the club to loan him to Benfica last season after selling 25% of his playing rights to the Portuguese club.

Not only has the player’s club form deteriorated but he has also disappeared from the international set-up. Reyes earnt his first Spanish cap in September 2003 but failed to make the Euro 2004 squad. He was part of the 2006 World Cup squad but has drifted out of the international set-up as his club form has dipped in recent seasons. The Spaniard has won 21 caps and scored 4 goals at that level.

At 25 the player still has the opportunity to return to the top level and David Moyes may be the man to resurrect the Spanish star’s career. Everton may have shown an interest but Liverpool need cover in a number of positions and with their club packed with Spanish talent and staff, surely problems with home-sickness would not arise. Reyes could act as understudy to Torres up front or to Steven Gerrard as 2nd striker. He can also play on the wing so surely for such a low fee he could prove to be the bargain of the summer. Reyes has the pace and dribbling ability to offer something different to the current Liverpool squad without breaking the bank so could prove to be an absolute snip.

Fernando Torres And Xabi Alonso Celebrate Big Days In Their Private Lives

Two Liverpool FC stars were celebrating big days in their private lives over the weekend.

Star striker Fernando Torres and his wife Olalla were photographed showing off their newborn baby girl, Nora, outside a hospital in Galicia, Spain.

The infant, the couple’s first child, was born on Wednesday, weighing 8lb 4oz.

His Liverpool teammate Xabi Alonso married his long-time sweetheart Nagore Aramburu in his home town of San Sebastian.

Around 200 guests attended the wedding, including Everton’s Mikel Arteta and former Anfield star Luis Garcia.

Liverpool Midfielder Damien Plessis Wanted On Loan By Cardiff City

Cardiff City could be preparing for life without Joe Ledley next season as they look into the possibility of taking Liverpool midfielder Damien Plessis on loan for a year.

The Daily Mirror is reporting the Frenchman as a target for Bluebirds manager Dave Jones as the chase for Ledley's signature is hotting up between a trio of Premier League clubs.

Everton have been rumoured to be monitoring the Welshman, while Hull City and Stoke City are also said to be in the hunt.

Ledley is a highly-regarded young talent and has been a central figure in the Cardiff squad for a number of years having made his way through the youth ranks at the club from the age of nine.

He made 40 appearances in the Championship last season and has cemented his place in the Wales international setup.

The 22-year-old also scored the only goal in the FA Cup semi-final win against Barnsley, setting up a Wembley encounter with Portsmouth which they narrowly lost.

Plessis meanwhile is seen as one of the most exciting young prospects at Anfield and has made a handful of first team appearances since arriving from Lyon in 2007.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez could allow The French starlet to go on loan to gain valuable experience, should he manage to secure the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.

Liverpool Legend Ian Rush: Rafael Benitez Can Bring Title To Anfield

Liverpool's all-time leading goalscorer Ian Rush is fully confident that manager Rafael Benitez can bring the Premier League title to the club this season.

The ex-Wales striker feels the Spanish manager has now assembled a squad capable of making a real push for the club's first ever Premier league trophy.

The Reds finished just four points behind eventual winners Manchester United last season, and Rush feels that this season could be their big chance.

Speaking to Liverpool's official website, Rush said, "I think every football supporter begins the season hoping his team will do well and I was exactly the same last year.

"But the difference is this year I believe Liverpool will do well, rather than hope they will.

"The hope has been replaced by a genuine belief and I cannot wait for the season to start.

"The way we finished the last campaign was fantastic and Liverpool will know they can beat anyone.

"I'm very optimistic about our Premier League chances."

The Reds won 10 of their last 11 games during the 2008/9 season, to take the title race to the wire, and Rush feels these results can be taken and repeated over the course of the whole season

"Teams were coming to Anfield, putting 11 men behind the ball and frustrating us.

"But beating Real Madrid injected real belief into the players and from then on we went out to win games right from the very start.

"If we can beat Real Madrid 4-0, then we can beat any team in the world at Anfield and we embarked on a fantastic run after that.

"It's important we carry the excellent form we showed at the end of last season into the new campaign and if we can turn those draws into wins this year, I think Liverpool will win the league."

Benitez has made just one main addition to his squad this summer, with the £17 million purchase of right-back Glen Johnson from Portsmouth.

Liverpool Bid To Keep Want-Away Stars Javier Mascherano And Xabi Alonso

Liverpool will make a last-ditch plea to want-away stars Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso: "Stay one more year and we'll Kop the title."

Boss Rafa Benitez plans to tell the midfielders if they pledge their future to the club - even for just this season - he is confident they will be rewarded with the Premier League crown.

And Liverpool are feeling upbeat about their chances. Manchester United have lost Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, while Chelsea are having to adapt to another new manager for the third straight season.

Mascherano and Alonso are coming under mounting pressure from Liverpool fans to state their intentions.

Real Madrid have already had a £25million bid for Alonso, 27, knocked back, while Argentinian Mascherano, 25, is keen to join Barcelona for family reasons.

But Benitez is determined to bring the lingering transfer worries to an end with clear-the-air talks next week.

Real Madrid Still Interested In Liverpool's Mascherano

Not content with chasing Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid are set to submit a bid for Liverpool's other defensive midfielder, Javier Mascherano.

According to El Mundo Deportivo, Los Merengues have been keeping the Mascherano option throughout their negotiations for Alonso, and could now be set to turn to the Argentine.

Alonso remains their first choice, but Madrid believe they can get Mascherano for a smaller fee. In addition, a deal for Mascherano would scupper Barca's hopes of landing the Argentina captain, thus dealing another blow to their eternal rivals in the transfer market.

Apparently, Madrid are ready to offer Mascherano a similar five year deal to that which is being proposed for Alonso, with greater financial terms than Barcelona have presented.

Therefore, if the Xabi Alonso deal is not finalized in the near future, his team-mate could be the one on his way to the Bernabeu.

Rafael Benitez Considered Michael Owen Signing For Liverpool

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed he had considered the possibility of taking Michael Owen back to Anfield this summer.

Owen, a youth product of the club, joined Real Madrid during Benitez's reign and now arrives at Manchester United via Newcastle United on a free transfer, after his contract at St James' Park expired.

The Spanish boss has admitted to monitoring the situation regarding Owen's transfer but decided to opt out of a deal similar to the previous signing of returning Anfield legend Robbie Fowler.

"We had contact with different people and were analysing the situation. But if you want to play Torres and Gerrard there is not always a lot of space for other players." Benitez said, according to the Sunday People.

"When I brought back Robbie Fowler it was a different situation. We were looking for someone who could understand his role clearly and he was a good finisher.

"But we have a World Cup coming up and all the top players want to play. In his position it would be hard for Owen to play every week at Liverpool.

Benitez also believes there is enough strength in Liverpool's current strike force to leave them fully equipped for the 2009/10 Premier League campaign.

He continued: "We are confident in Kuyt, Babel, Ngog and Voronin for next season. We have players with quality."

Rafael Benitez Looks To Liverpool Defence For Added Firepower

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is looking to his defence to help add to the club's goal tally this season.

The Reds finished second in the Premier League in 2008-09 despite being unbeaten at Anfield in the competition.

Teams such as Stoke City, West Ham United and Fulham left Merseyside with a point, and Benitez is keen to see some members of his back four join the attack in such situations.

"We want to improve our power in attack, this is our idea," Benitez told the club's official website.

"We were talking last season about the draws we had at home and when teams play really deep against you, you need quality in the full-back and central defensive positions.

"When we talk about Daniel Agger scoring goals and using the ball well it is because we know that these qualities are necessary if you want to turn the draws into wins."

The signing of Glen Johnson could give Liverpool an extra attacking edge from the back next season, as the right-back likes to get forward in support and chipped in with his fair share of goals for Portsmouth last season.

The Reds start their Premier League campaign away at Tottenham Hotspur.

Alonso Not Indispendable - Pellegrini

Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini is adamant the Spanish giants will cope if they cannot bring in Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Although they have already spent close to £200million on Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol this summer, Madrid are still looking to bring in more new faces and Alonso is near the top of their wanted list.

However, Madrid are not finding it straightforward to cut a deal for the Spain international, with the big-spending La Liga outfit admitting this week that they are some way short of Liverpool's valuation of the Euro 2008 winner.

Madrid have not given up on Alonso yet, but Pellegrini has dismissed any suggestion that the 27-year-old is "indispensable" to the team.

"Indispensable players do not exist. He's an important player as he has shown with the Spanish team. It's no mystery that Real Madrid are interested in his services, but it will not be easy," said Pellegrini.

The Chilean coach believes Madrid are not far away from finishing their summer rebuilding, with just a few more additions needed, and hopes everything can be settled sooner rather than later.

"We are looking at some alternatives in a few positions. The attacking part is complete, and maybe we lack a player in the middle of the pitch and a full-back, but the rest of the positions are covered," he said.

Rafa Benitez Snubs £65M Real Madrid Bid For Fernando Torres

Rafa Benitez put a stop to Real Madrid's incredible spending spree - by rejecting a massive £65million bid for Anfield idol Fernando Torres.

Madrid swooped for Torres AFTER sealing deals for £80m Cristiano Ronaldo and £56m Kaka. It was an astonishing move from the Spaniards, given that Torres made his name at their bitter rivals Atletico Madrid and is as important to Liverpool as skipper Steven Gerrard.

But Bernabeu president Florentino Perez reckoned the cash-strapped Merseysiders would be vulnerable to a big-money raid and agreed the offer for Spain's No.1 striker.

And he was prepared to win a bidding war with Chelsea and Manchester City, who also sniffed around Torres.

Liverpool boss Benitez, who is trying to keep Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano from Spanish clutches, said last night there was never a chance of accepting Madrid's millions.

Benitez said: "We always knew when a bid came we'd say no because the main thing was the player wanted to stay.

"People know the player wanted to stay here but it did not stop them trying. Football has changed and there is big, big money around - but we still have the same idea to keep the spine of the team and work hard for next season.

"We wanted to send a message that we are strong and want to improve. We don't want to lose any of our big players."

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is also believed to have put Torres at the top of his wish-list. But even though Roman Abramovich would have bankrolled the deal, Torres would not have moved to another Premier League club.

That also scuppered City's plans after they had lined up a third move for Torres following initial enquiries a year ago and further interest in January.

Johnson Couldn't Trust Mourinho

England defender Glen Johnson has claimed he knew his career at former club Chelsea was over because of the breakdown of trust with then coach Jose Mourinho.

Johnson, who this week completed a £17million move from Portsmouth to Liverpool, has accused Mourinho of breaking promises when they were both at Stamford Bridge.

Johnson revealed he realised he would have to continue his career elsewhere when he did not feature against Barcelona in the Champions League before later moving on to Pompey for £4million.

Johnson said: "I remember the lowest point was when Chelsea were set to play Barcelona in the Champions League.

"We had a couple of Premier League games to play before we played Barca, and Mourinho picked me for one of those games and told me in front of five witnesses that if I played well I would keep the shirt.

"I immediately told my agent that it didn't matter how well I played I would be dropped - because Mourinho wouldn't want me anywhere near the team for the Barcelona game.

"Sure enough, I was voted man of the match - and I was dropped from the squad."

Johnson remains puzzled over the reasons why he did not figure in the Portuguese coach's plans.

"You would have to ask Jose Mourinho what his reasons were, but I know it was because he didn't want to see me play well again and be forced to pick me for the Barcelona game.

"That was the day I knew I had to leave Chelsea. Managers have to stick to their word. You have to be able to trust them."

Trio Bid £60M For Nando

Rafa Benitez claims THREE Premier League clubs have made £60million bids for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

But the Kop boss has told Man United, Man City and Chelsea that his Spanish superstar is NOT for sale.

Benitez said: “We had very good offers for some of our key players and we said ‘no’. Very, very big offers.

“This summer people have asked about Torres.

“We always wanted to keep Fernando but we heard rumours and agents were telling us things.

“We said ‘no’. The main thing was that the player wanted to stay.

“People know the player wants to stay here but sometimes the people will try.

“We’re trying to become stronger at Liverpool and build the squad to compete and challenge in the Premier League. That’s our idea.”

Real Madrid have also been linked with Torres but that deal will never get off the ground because of the bitter rivalry between the Spanish giants and the striker’s old club Atletico Madrid.

Benitez is still hoping that Javier Mascherano, 25, will finally commit himself to the club over the next week.

Rafa Wants Liverpool FC To Attack At Home Next Season

Rafael Benitez believes attack will be the best form of defence for Liverpool as they bid to turn Anfield into a fortress in the coming season.

Seven home draws were the main reason why the Reds were unable to wrestle the league title from Manchester United’s grasp in the last campaign and Benitez is now looking to create an increased spirit of adventure in his side this time around.

The Reds boss believes new signing Glen Johnson will prove pivotal to his new philosophy with his ability to raid forward from a full back position.

And he also reckons the ball carrying ability of Daniel Agger will help his team turn defence into attack, particularly in fixtures when Liverpool’s opponents are employing negative tactics.

“We want to improve our power in attack, this is our idea,” said Benitez.

“There have been games in the past we have played with three centre backs and two offensive full backs, it depends on the game.

“But normally we play with a line of four in defence because this suits the way we play on most occasions.

“We were talking last season about the draws we had at home and when teams play really deep against you, you need quality in the full back and central defensive positions.

“When we talk about Daniel Agger scoring goals and using the ball well it is because we know that these qualities are necessary if you want to turn the draws into wins.”

Liverpool’s preparations for the forthcoming season will step up tomorrow when the first team squad travels to Switzerland for training.

They will play their first pre-season friendly against St Gallen on Wednesday.

Meanwhile new boy Johnson’s versatility could be in for an early test.

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

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

He said: “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.”

Liverpool Sign Chris Mavinga From PSG

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of French defender Chris Mavinga from Paris Saint Germain.

Reports in France earlier this week claimed Liverpool had offered Mavinga a three-year deal at Anfield and the 18-year-old has now put pen-to-paper on the contract.

Arsenal were believed to be interested in signing the versatile defender, but Liverpool have won the race to bring Mavinga to England.

Mavinga follows in the footsteps of David Ngog in leaving Paris for Liverpool following the striker's switch last summer.

The young Frenchman is Liverpool's second signing of the summer following Glen Johnson's arrival from Portsmouth.

El Zhar Signs New Liverpool Deal

Liverpool forward Nabil El Zhar has signed a contract extension that is set to keep him at Anfield until 2012.

He joined the Reds from French side St Etienne in October 2006.

The 22-year-old Moroccan international made 19 appearances for the first team last season, helping the club finish second in the Premier League.

El Zhar follows Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Yossi Benayoun and Daniel Agger in committing his long-term future to the club.

El Zhar was born in France and played for Les Bleus at youth level before opting to play for Morocco, where his parents were raised.

He was recruited by Liverpool after impressing during the 2005 World Youth Championships where he helped Morocco reach the semi-final stage.

El Zhar's senior Liverpool debut came as substitute against Portsmouth in 2006, and his only goal to date came at Anfield in a 2-1 victory over Cardiff in the fourth round of the Carling Cup in 2007.

Wrexham Target Liverpool Keeper

Wrexham hope to secure the loan signing of 18-year-old Liverpool goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis.

Liverpool have agreed to the move that would see the Australian continuing to train at Anfield several days a week but playing in the Blue Square Premier.

Wrexham manager Dean Saunders hopes to conclude the deal next week.

Bouzanis arrived at Liverpool from the New South Wales Institute of Sport, although he was loaned to Sydney FC until his 17th birthday.

Bouzanis, regarded by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez as one of the best young goalkeepers in the world, is eligible to play internationally for Australia and Greece.

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."