Reds Linked With Norwegian

SK Brann striker Erik Huseklepp has been linked with a shock move to Liverpool in the January transfer window.

Speculation in Norway has suggested the 25-year-old forward could be heading to the Premier League giants in the New Year with boss Rafa Benitez keen to bolster his striking options as he bids to resurrect a miserable season on Merseyside thus far.

The Reds have badly missed skipper Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres for long spells this season and only the inexperienced David Ngog has provided anything near an acceptable back-up to the Kop's star duo.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Victor Moses have all been linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks but a lack of finances looks likely to scupper Benitez's plans to secure a deal for any of the trio.

An alternative option for the Reds boss is Huseklepp, who would be a significantly cheaper choice, but the Norwegian international hardly boasts a prolific goalscoring record with only 12 strikes in his career.

Huseklepp has also courted interest from Hull City and Wigan, as well as a number of clubs in France, and the Norwegian international's agent has revealed the five-time European champions have yet to make contact with him about a potential move.

"In case these rumours are correct, it's great." Huseklepp's agent Stig Lillejord told Bergens Tidende.

"It's a big club and it's nice if they have noticed Erik. There are several clubs who are seriously considering Erik, but I can't comment which clubs."

Benitez Admits Torres Concerns

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez admits he is performing a delicate balancing act with the fitness of star striker Fernando Torres.

The Reds No.9 has persistently struggled this season and was absent for several weeks due to a groin injury which created rumours that he requires a hernia operation.

Torres was far from his best as he started Liverpool's defeat at Portsmouth last weekend, but he is again expected to be a member of the first XI for Boxing Day's meeting with Wolves at Anfield.

Liverpool, who sit eight points off the Premier League's top four, then face crucial matches against fourth-placed Aston Villa and fifth-placed Tottenham, with a trip to Reading in the FA Cup sandwiched in between.

Benitez is desperate to have Torres available, but confesses it is an uncertain process of nursing his record signing through matches, saying in the Daily Mirror: We know it is difficult for Fernando and we have to do it a different way.

"If he is okay, we can give him time. If he feels something, we have to rest him.

"We have to manage his injury. He could manage a full Christmas program, but we will see if he can start."

Meanwhile, Benitez has dismissed suggestions that he has held a specifically-arranged meeting with Steven Gerrard to discuss his captain's lack of form and confidence.

The Reds boss said in The Independent: "Have I had a meeting with him? We have a lot of corridors here and we bump into one another. We don't need to organise a proper meeting.

"I have a lot of conversations not just with Steven but a lot of players and they know they want to improve. Sometimes they try too hard.

"I was talking this week about how to improve. I was really pleased because they were positive."

John Aldridge: This Could Be The Most Important Week In Liverpool FC’s History

Christmas should be a time when you leave your worries behind and enjoy the festivities but, for Liverpool supporters, that is likely to prove impossible.

As I was privileged to play for the Reds and still enjoy a profile thanks to this column and my work for Radio City, rarely does a day pass by without me having a conversation with a fan about the state of our nation.

Never in my life, though, have I experienced a week like the one just gone.

Whether it has been at the shops, at the gym or in the pub, everyone I’ve spoken with has been in the doldrums; after witnessing at first hand the display at Portsmouth, it’s easy to see why.

When you compare our position today with where we were last Boxing Day, the only thing you could say about Liverpool is this is a club going backwards, one saddled with a massive debt and in real danger of slipping away from where it should be.

We are now faced with two massive games and, without being overly dramatic, the fixture at Villa Park on Tuesday evening is, in my eyes, one of the most important in our recent history.

Should we take six points off Wolves and Villa, the panic will start to subside but if we happen to lose to Martin O’Neill’s side, I would have to seriously doubt whether we would be able to retrieve an 11-point deficit – on fourth place!

But until our owners have sold up or we can move into a new ground, I cannot see a way forward for Liverpool and I’m starting to fear we are in decline; my biggest concern is that the situation has festered into the dressing room.

You could see that the body language of some of those who played at Fratton Park was not right; these lads are human. They know about the issues behind the scenes, they know we don’t have the money to compete for big signings.

Rafa Benitez, however, remains adamant that we will get back into the top four and has guaranteed he will achieve that objective; we, on the other hand, can only hope he is right – and pray his faith in certain players is not misplaced.

One Time Liverpool FC Owner Steve Morgan Is Back Home

It will be impossible for many Liverpudlians to watch this afternoon’s contest with Wolves without casting a wistful glance towards the director’s box.

While a battery of cameras will inevitably be trained on Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia, who is due back in town after a first visit in September, a rather more discreet, reserved gentleman will be the focus of attention for most.

Had things worked out differently, Steve Morgan could have been Liverpool’s owner but, for one reason or another in the summer of 2004, his dream was never able to come to fruition and he now finds himself as chairman of Wolves.

Whatever he feels, though, is unlikely to come close to the sense of ‘what if’ among the majority of the home crowd; had his takeover been completed, it is safe to assume Tom Hicks and George Gillet would never have crossed this particular doorstep.

“I have made mistakes in life,” Morgan said in an interview earlier this week. “But whatever disappointment came out of not buying Liverpool – and it was that at the time – something really good came out of it. I’m absolutely delighted to be in charge at Wolves.”

Perhaps sometime in the future, he will finally find a place back home.

Match Preview: Liverpool vs Wolverhampton

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez continues to guarantee that his side will finish in the top four of the Premier League, but the Spaniard will be well aware that anything less than three points against Wolves at Anfield will increase doubts.

The Reds have suffered a shocking campaign after producing numerous uninspiring displays to fall eight points off the UEFA Champions League places, a competition the 2005 winners were dumped out of at the group stages this season.

Defeat at Portsmouth last weekend was staggeringly a seventh league loss before Christmas and Benitez will therefore be desperate to avoid another setback on Boxing Day against 2008/09's Championship winners.

Wolves, though, will visit Merseyside high on confidence following a run of three wins from four games, which has seen the Midlanders climb to 12th position in the table.

The only defeat in the recent blip was when McCarthy grabbed the headlines for selecting a second-string side at Manchester United, a decision which paid off as survival rivals Burnley were beaten last time out.

Benitez could bring in Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani, who missed last weekend's defeat at Portsmouth with a calf injury.

Aquilani, a £20million summer signing from Roma, has yet to start a Premier League game for Liverpool having battled to recover from ankle surgery.

With Javier Mascherano suspended, Aquilani could be plunged into the Wolves match, while another option would be to slot short-on-confidence captain Steven Gerrard back into midfield and select Yossi Benayoun behind Fernando Torres.

Benitez has dismissed suggestions that lethal marksman Torres requires surgery on a hernia operation, but Albert Riera, Martin Kelly and Nabil El Zhar are not expected to return from injury until the New Year.

McCarthy, who has voiced his frustration at the criticism of his decision to shuffle his pack at Old Trafford, is poised to name an unchanged side for the meeting at Anfield.

With the exception of Michael Kightly, David Edwards and Andy Keogh, who all have ankle problems, Wolves have no other injury worries to contend with.

McCarthy's men follow the game against Liverpool with another tough clash against Manchester City on Monday.

Boss: Rest Will Boost Dirk

Rafael Benitez is confident Dirk Kuyt will return to his influential best after admitting the striker could need a break from first-team duty.

The Reds boss has been keen to give the Dutchman a breather in recent weeks but insists it is only a matter of time until he recaptures peak form.

"We have had some players who have had to play too many games this season and that is a consequence of the injuries," said Benitez.

"But I'm sure that if we have some more players we will be able to manage in a different way and give the ones who need it some rest, so they will be fresh for the next match. Dirk has played too many games, we know this.

"He could have had a little break against Fiorentina but (David) Ngog was ill and we needed to play him.

"But we know Dirk will get back to his levels, for sure.

"He is an amazing player, his work rate is fantastic and we can see that because we are watching all their statistics.

"He is always one of the players who runs the most during a match but we want him to have a rest if he can because I think that will help improve his game."

Kop In The Chase For Free Pandev

Rafa Benitez has joined Harry Redknapp and Carlo Ancelotti in the stampede for free agent Goran Pandev.

The striker has had his Lazio contract torn up by an Italian court last night.

Spurs boss Redknapp has been after Pandev for more than two years, while the fact that the Macedonian, 26, is not cup-tied for the Champions League means Arsenal could also move in.

The Gunners, however, are more likely to complete the cut-price signing of Bordeaux marksman Marouane Chamakh.

Kop boss Benitez is understood to have registered his interest but Ancelotti's Chelsea can better the wages the Anfield club would be able to pay.

Pandev had been frozen out by Lazio after asking for a move last summer. But he appealed to the Italian League's arbitration board, who not only ruled in his favour, but also ordered Lazio to pay damages and legal costs.

Now they will get nothing for him as Pandev is free to join any club he chooses.

Lazio president, Claudio Lotito vowed: "I don't give up. It doesn't end here. We'll see then who wins."

Pandev's case could mean other European clubs are now forced to include unsettled players in their plans, despite the disruption.

Desperate Liverpool Turn To Aquilani For Inspiration

Liverpool will finally turn to talented Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani against Wolves tomorrow as they seek to salvage their disastrous season.

Aquilani, a £20million summer signing from Roma, has yet to start a Premier League game for the Reds having battled to recover from an ankle injury.

But even though he is over that problem, boss Rafael Benitez has mystified fans with a stubborn refusal to use the 25-year-old despite Liverpool’s increasing problems on the pitch.

Benitez all but admitted that he was concerned about the slight Aquilani’s ability to handle the pace and physical demands of the English game.

But needs must and Aquilani is being lined up to face Wolves at Anfield on Saturday if he can overcome a calf injury which kept him out of last weekend’s abject defeat at Portsmouth.

Benitez said: “Alberto picked up a calf injury in the win against Wigan and was not able to travel to Portsmouth.

“He is getting better but we will have to see how he progresses. He is certainly in contention to play against Wolves.”

There was speculation that Aquilani was due to fly to Belgrade this week for treatment from the same specialist, Mariana Kovacevic, who has been used to treat Glen Johnson, Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera.

But bad weather put pay to flights to the Serbian capital and Benitez added: “Alberto was with us all week, working with our physios.”

With Javier Mascherano serving a four-match suspension, while recovering from a knee injury that will keep him out for three weeks anyway, there is a gap to be filled in midfield if Aquilani can prove his fitness and satisfy Benitez that he is up to the challenge.

Benitez could field Steven Gerrard in a deeper midfield role and play Benayoun or Aquilani behind Fernando Torres in another must-win game for Liverpool.

Benitez again refuted claims that Torres will need an operation on his hernia problem, despite suggestions from Spain that national team officials want the striker to have surgery now to avoid him breaking down again and missing the World Cup.

“An operation is not in our minds,” Benitez added. “I was surprised to hear such suggestions from Spain because we have a good working relationship with their medical team.

“We will continue to manage Torres’ problem and assess him on a game-to-game basis.”

After just four wins in 17 matches and with Liverpool eight points adrift of a Champions League qualification spot, their season is going from bad to worse with Benitez’s position constantly questioned.

But the Spaniard consistently declined to discuss his own future today.

Asked if he would resign if things did not improve, Benitez said: “We must start winning, against Wolves certainly, and then we will see a change.”

With Manchester City manager Mark Hughes axed last weekend despite being in sixth place, Benitez said: “I do not like to see any manager fired, it is important to give support to managers and to wait, to give them time.

“But things are changing in football, especially in England. However, it is important that people retain confidence in a manager.”

Asked if his own record of seven defeats in the league this season made him fear for his position considering Hughes lost only twice, Benitez again dodged the question, saying: “I am just concentrating on Wolves and preparing the team for the next game.”

Benitez Hails Liverpool Squad Strength And Expects Better 2010

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has declared in his Christmas message to the club’s official website that he is sure 2010 will see improvement in the side’s performance.

Bentiez also stated he was sure the fans would continue to back the team to help them through a difficult period.

"We know the fans are always behind us. We need to keep going and that is the way to change things."

The Spanish boss hit out at those who feel the squad he has assembled is not good enough, commenting: "The squad is much better than people think and we showed this last year. Now we need to show this again this year."

Benitez also pinpointed injuries as the major reason for Liverpool’s underperformance in the first half of this season. "We have had too many injuries this season, but now we have players coming back, which is good for us because it gives us more options and more quality."

Whilst Liverpool face Wolves at Anfield on Boxing Day, their meeting with Aston Villa just a few days later is more crucial than ever and will be a test of Benitez’s optimism.

Leeds Extend Martin Deal

Leeds United have extended the loan deal of Liverpool goalkeeper David Martin until the end of January.

Martin joined the League One leaders at the end of November and was due to return to Anfield after Monday's game against Stockport County.

However, Whites boss Simon Grayson is keen to ensure he has sufficient cover after Shane Higgs encountered a setback in his recovery from injury.

The deal means Martin will spend a second month at Elland Road and he is also eligible to play in the FA Cup, with Leeds travelling to Manchester United in the third round.

To date, Martin has made a solitary senior appearance for Leeds in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy against Accrington Stanley when he kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win.

Reds Keep Close Eye On Star Pair

Rafael Benitez admits the fitness of key men Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres is having to be carefully managed as Liverpool desperately seek an improvement in their form.

The Merseysiders have won just four of their last 17 games, and have fallen so far that Birmingham are ahead of them as the halfway point of the Barclays Premier League season looms.

Both Torres and Gerrard have had groin injuries which have restricted their involvement this season, and although they are presently available to boss Benitez, the Liverpool staff are closely monitoring their fitness.

Benitez said: "They still have some problems, so we must manage them carefully over a period of so many games in such a short space of time. We virtually have to decide on them before every game.

"And after each game we have to check them, to see how they are coping with their recoveries from injury."

Liverpool will be without suspended midfielder Javier Mascherano against Wolves, however Benitez is hoping the hard work carried out on the training ground will reap reward against Mick McCarthy's men.

"We do not need to talk too much about the problems we have, we have to work hard and find solutions. The only way to change things is hard work," Benitez said.

"I have been a manager for 23 years, and I know you have good and bad moments. The only way to change things is to keep working.

"We have tried to relax the lads. On Tuesday we had a Christmas meal for all the staff and players, which was a very positive occasion.

"We have a good team spirit, the players know we must improve and they know the only way is to stick together.

"We must show this unity on the pitch, and the players are concerned, they are talking about what is going wrong.

"I must manage and control the anxiety of the players, and the anxiety of the fans.

"We know we have to change the situation, sooner rather than later. That is clear.

"If we talk too much about having to win a title, or win a cup, it just makes things worse. We must help our players by making them concentrate on the next match and winning it."

Liverpool Football Club Lights Up Alder Hey Childrens Hospital

To anyone who reads this article and feels that it should not be on here as it is not really football related - please stop and think for a moment.

We have now reached the time of year when everyone should be in good spirits and ready for the two greatest events that take place every year. The first as everyone should know is the birth of the Baby Jesus in Bethlehem and the second as any child will tell you is the arrival of a certain gentleman called Father Christmas.

Unfortunately though there are some children who are unlucky enough to be ill and in hospital at this time year rather than being at home with their families. As part of their community affairs programme, Liverpool Football Club arrange for the Manager and players to bring some festive cheer to the patients and staff of Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Liverpool Football Club as you know are going through a crisis of confidence at the moment and I am sure were pleased to be able to turn their minds to things off the pitch. This week they took the time out from their training and match preparation to visit the children and distribute gifts donated by the club.

I am sure that the children were told that they would be having extra special visitors before the man in red arrives this evening.

The delight on the children's faces as you can see from the photographs that I have attached tells a million stories. Can you imagine lying on your sick bed, perhaps with something as bad as cancer and Fernando Torres and Stevie G walk up to your bedside? That I should imagine lifts the spirits of a child more than any medicine or story can do. Whether you are the Liverpool supporter or whether it is your parents, it is something that will be remembered for many years to come.

What has amazed me whilst looking at the photographs is how happy the children do look even though some of them are obviously really ill. It is a great compliment to the staff of Alder Hey to see that the children are well looked after and able to treat their illnesses as just one of those things.

This year Jamie, Albert Riera and Aquilani visited the special care baby unit which must have been a wonderful pick me up for the parents of these very young and very fragile children. Unfortunately though whilst there, they had to leave the ward rather quickly as a three week old little girl had a heart attack. On their return much to their relief they were told that she had survived and was again sleeping in her cot.

It was left to Rafa Benitez and Sammy Lee to visit the older children but I am sure they were just as pleased. I can just imagine the tales that will go around the school playground once they are discharged and back in their normal surroundings. To be able to stand there and say I have met Rafa and some of the team must be one of the greatest things that these children are able to boast about and I certainly can't blame them for doing so I will finish this article by giving my thanks to Rafa Benitez and the team for making a lot of children very happy. Of course my thanks also go out to the Staff who do a wonderful job day in and day out and I wish them all a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

To the Children I will say - don't forget to tell the nurses to leave some biscuits, sandwiches and a hot drink out for Father Christmas and also some Milk for Rudolph and the rest of the Reindeers.

Go to sleep when the nurses tell you too, and if you wake up in the night and hear the sleigh bells, close your eyes and listen, it means that Father Christmas is outside and waiting for you to return to the land of nod. You see, he likes to do things in secret. When you wake up in the morning, I am sure you will find that some wonderful gifts are waiting for you. He may even send in one of his helpers later in the day.

Pepe Reina And Emiliano Insua Meet Reds Fans

Hundreds of Liverpool FC fans queued up to get stocking fillers signed by their heroes.

First-team stars Pepe Reina and Emiliano Insua braved the Christmas crowds at Liverpool One to autograph team merchandise last night.

After one of the shopping centre’s busiest-ever days, the LFC store was closed and a crowd of fans snaked along Liverpool One’s upper level.

They were allowed to bring merchandise and memorabilia to get signed and meet goalie Reina and left-back Insua.

Sam Tyrer, pictured centre, left, who is from Bebington, Wirral, got Reina to sign a shirt.

It followed a similar event when midfielder Lucas Leiva and defender Fabio Aurelio were at the store earlier last week.

Rafael Benitez: Players Lack Confidence

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that he is responsible for lifting the Reds' low morale, following the recent performances that have seen the club go from title contenders to also-rans.

The Merseysiders are eighth in the Premier League, and have won only once in their last five outings in all competitions. Benitez admits this has caused a slump in self-belief among the players, something he must retrieve.

"That is my responsibility, to improve confidence," said Benitez.

"To do that I have to be positive, it is the only way. The message is very clear, we have quality in our squad and we must show that.

"We can win a run of games in a row, we have done that with these same players. That is the positive thought we must retain."

The former Valencia boss attributed the sharp dip in performances to the persistent injuries his skipper Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres have had to endure in recent times.

He added: "They have been included in FIFA's world team [of the year] this week, that shows how good they are and what they can produce. But when they are not fully fit, they cannot perform to those standards."

Ian Rush: Fernando Torres Will Stay At Liverpool Even If They Finish Outside Of The Top Four

Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes Fernando Torres won't leave the club - even if the Reds finish outside the top four this season.

The club has endured a shaky start to the season - exiting the Champions League at the group stage and slipping to 8th in the Premier League.

"He is a fantastic player. He is one of the best strikers in the world and the way he adjusted to the English game was fantastic," Rush told ESPN Soccernet.

"He is one of a few players that, if he becomes available, every top club in the world would want him.

Rush believes there will be interest in Torres, but thinks he will remain at Anfield because of the affection he has for the club.

"It wouldn't surprise me at all if teams were in for him in January, but he does have genuine affection for the supporters because he knows the supporters love him," he said.

"Him and Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher - the fans love them because of the effort they put in and the skill they have.

"I think that if they didn't finish in the top four, the likes of Torres and Gerrard would still be at Liverpool because they have a feel for the club. I think they will think, 'Let's give it one more go here. I owe it to the fans to give it one more go to get back into the Champions League'."

McCarthy - Reds Not Vulnerable

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy insists he does not view Liverpool as 'weak' ahead of their Boxing Day clash at Anfield.

The Reds are eight points off the top four in the Premier League after losing their seventh league game of the season at Portsmouth last weekend.

In contrast, Wolves have won three of their last four games and have climbed to 12th position in the table to ease relegation concerns.

But while McCarthy recognises that a trip to Anfield does not hold the fear factor of previous seasons, he maintains that Liverpool still represent a major threat.

The Wolves boss told Sky Sports News: "All through my life and football career, I have never ever thought that Liverpool are vulnerable.

"I suppose there are better opportunities than others, but I never see them as being weak, or go to Anfield thinking you can take advantage of their results.

"If it was us and we lost against Birmingham, and you see the resolve, determination and results we have had since then, I think that is what football clubs tend to do.

"There are two ways to look at it."

Alberto Aquilani Could Start For Liverpool Against Wolverhampton Wanderers

Alberto Aquilani could make his first league start for Liverpool against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on Saturday.

Aquilani, a £20million summer signing from Roma, has yet to start a Premier League game for Liverpool, having battled to overcome an ankle injury.

Despite his recovery from that injury, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has perplexed fans by his refusal to play the Italian more. But with Javier Mascherano currently injured and suspended, Aquilani could be asked to fill in.

Benitez said: "Alberto picked up a calf injury in the win against Wigan and was not able to travel to Portsmouth.

"He is getting better but we will have to see how he progresses. He is certainly in contention to play against Wolves."

There was speculation that Aquilani was due to fly to Belgrade this week for treatment from the same specialist, Mariana Kovacevic, who has been used to treat Glen Johnson, Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera.

But bad weather put paid to flights to the Serbian capital and Benitez confirmed: "Alberto was with us all week, working with our physios."

Aquilani's first appearance for Liverpool was as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat by Arsenal in the Carling Cup on October 28. He made his first start for the club against Fiorentina in the Champions League, a game they lost 2-1 on December 9.

Rafa Eyes Gerrard Improvements

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is expecting to see improvements from Steven Gerrard over the festive period.

The 29-year-old has struggled to perform at his highest level this season, due in part to a series of niggling injury problems, and that dip in form has coincided with the Reds' much-publicised fall from grace.

The Anfield club have won just four of their last 17 matches and currently sit eighth in the Premier League table, eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Benitez has spoken with his captain over the club's current predicament and is confident he will soon be firing on all cylinders once again.

"Steven knows that he has to improve but that for me is very positive," Benitez said.

"He knows he is a very important player for us and we were analysing his statistics and he is doing much better.

"In the last game he wasn't at his level but that can happen in one game. He knows he is improving physically and the main thing now is confidence.

"I was talking with him this week about how to improve. He wants to give more.

"I am 100 per cent that he wants to give more. He is the captain and he is very important for the team and the club. He is someone who is pushing now and wants to improve."

Atletico Madrid & Zenit St Petersburg Favourites To Sign Liverpool’s Andrea Dossena

Atletico Madrid and Zenit St Petersburg have emerged as the favourites to sign Liverpool flop Andrea Dossena in January, according to the Daily Mirror.

Dossena is almost certain to leave Anfield after a disastrous 18-month spell since his arrival from Udinese.

The Italian international left back has barely featured this season, and will depart Merseyside next month.

A host of Italian clubs have been sniffing around, including Napoli and Juventus, but Spanish strugglers Atleti and Russian outfit Zenit are now the new favourites.

Atletico sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch is reported to have already started negotiations, but Dossena may be swayed by the Italian influence at Zenit, as they are coached by Luciano Spalletti and include Alessandro Rosina amongst their ranks.

Rafael Benitez: No Hernia Operation For Fernando Torres

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has declared that striker Fernando Torres will not be going under the knife to correct a persistent groin problem.

The Spanish media had previously reported that the 25-year-old may have to undergo an operation in order to be rid of his problem, which could otherwise pose as a threat for 'El Nino' with regard to appearing in the 2010 World Cup.

The former Valencia manager insists, however, that the Reds will continue to "manage" their star striker, who has had his fair share of injuries in recent times.

"An operation is not in our minds, I was surprised to hear such suggestions from Spain because we have a good working relationship with their medical team," Benitez said, according to the Press Association.

"We will continue to manage Torres' problem and assess him on a game-to-game basis."

Torres is expected to lead the line against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on Boxing Day.

Liverpool Want To Sign Belgrade 'Placenta Doctor' Marijana

Liverpool want ‘placenta doctor’ Marijana Kovacevic to take a permanent role with the club.

Manager Rafa Benitez and his medical staff have been so impressed by Kovacevic’s work with their injured players that they want to discuss a deal that would see her prioritise care for them.

The club want to explore the possibility of the Belgrade housewife, dismissed by some as a quack, establishing a base at Anfield so their players do not have to travel so far for treatment.

Kovacevic has already been courted by Manchester City, who flew her to Manchester earlier this year to discuss working for them. She also has an offer on the table from Romanian club CFR Cluj, which is believed to be worth £190,000 a year but allows her to carry on working with players from other teams.

She is believed to favour that type of arrangement rather than an exclusive deal which would limit her earning power.

A source close to Kovacevic said: ‘Marijana is in demand. Some doctors are not sure about her but many players from England, Germany, France and Holland are coming to her regularly because it works for them. Liverpool are obviously happy with the results so far.’

Kovacevic’s methods have attracted controversy over recent months after she shot to prominence with her efforts to repair Arsenal striker Robin van Persie’s torn ankle ligaments in November.

Frank Lampard was another high-profile visitor but Chelsea’s club doctor was not a fan of Kovacevic’s process.

She massages placenta fluid into the injured area and then treats it with an electro-magnetic device. However, questions have been raised over where the placenta is sourced, with conflicting reports it is from humans rather than horses.

Undeterred, Liverpool have used Kovacevic to help cut the recovery times of Alberto Aquilani, Albert Riera, Glen Johnson, Fabio Aurelio and Yossi Benayoun.

Indeed, Israel midfielder Benayoun insisted he had ‘no worries’ over the methods used in her placenta massage.

He said: ‘There were no animal parts used and no injections.

‘The doctor has treated a lot of players and seems to be held in very high regard. She explained everything to me beforehand and told me she would be using fluid from a placenta that had come from a woman.

‘Nothing went into the muscle itself. It was just a case of massaging the liquid on to the skin around the affected area. It meant I was able to play again within a fortnight and help the team at an important time.

‘I never envisaged being on the pitch again so soon, and it shows what can be done with this treatment.’

Kovacevic operates from a tiny first-floor clinic above a stairwell in an austere development of shops, offices and apartments in the area known as New Belgrade.

The mother of three, whose second husband is believed to run a betting shop, is said to cut an extraordinary figure. She ‘dresses crazily’, according to the owner of the hairdressing salon at the foot of the stairwell.

With long black hair, thick black eye make-up and thigh-length boots, ‘she always looks like she is going out for the night’, according to the proprietor.

Another bar owner, who has known her since she moved in a year ago, said: ‘She is an extrovert, but nice.

'She always wears big lipstick. She looks like Morticia from the Addams Family.’

Rafa Benitez Stands By His 'Hurt' Liverpool Players And Prays Steven Gerrard And Fernando Torres Don't Get Hurt Any More

Rafael Benitez insists Liverpool's under-performing players are hurt by their current struggles.

The Merseysiders, who have won just four of their last 17 games, were hit by criticism from former striker Ian Rush this week, the Welshman claiming not enough players were smarting after last weekend's abject 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth.

Rush, who exonerated Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Jose
Reina from blame, said: 'It should hurt them all, not just a few.'

But Benitez responded, saying: 'I do not accept that the players are not hurt by what is happening. They are working very hard to put things right. I can guarantee 100 per cent that they are trying to win every game and they are upset when things do not go
well.'

Benitez has held talks with several players - Torres and Gerrard included - to try to prompt an upturn in form ahead of the Boxing Day clash against Wolves and the trip to Aston Villa on Monday.

He said: 'I have spoken to several players, not just Gerrard and Torres. They are all determined to do well, but when we concede a goal now we lose any confidence that we have acquired.

'That is my responsibility, to improve confidence. To do that I have to be positive, it is the only way. The message is very clear, we have quality in our squad and we must show that.

'We can win a run of games in a row, we have done that with these same players. That is the positive thought we must retain. We have talked about just why we are in this position. There were many ideas, but the main one was that Torres and Gerrard were not fit.

'They have been included in FIFA's world team this week, that shows how good they are and what they can produce. But when they are not fully fit, they cannot perform to those standards.'

He added: 'They still have some problems, so we must manage them carefully over a period of so many games in such a short space of time. We virtually have to decide on them before every game.

'And after each game we have to check them, to see how they are coping with their recoveries from injury.'

Benitez, who will be without the suspended Javier Mascherano against Wolves, is hoping the hard work carried out on the training ground will reap its reward against Mick McCarthy's men.

'We do not need to talk too much about the problems we have, we have to work hard and find solutions. The only way to change things is hard work,' he said.

'I have been a manager for 23 years, and I know you have good and bad moments. The only way to change things is to keep working.

'We have tried to relax the lads. On Tuesday we had a Christmas meal for all the staff and players, which was a very positive occasion.

'We have a good team spirit, the players know we must improve and they know the only way is to stick together. We must show this unity on the pitch, and the players are concerned, they are talking about what is going wrong.

'I must manage and control the anxiety of the players, and the anxiety of the fans. We know we have to change the situation, sooner rather than later. That is clear.

'If we talk too much about having to win a title, or win a cup, it just makes things worse. We must help our players by making them concentrate on the next match and winning it.'

Liverpool Upset By Garry Cook’s Claim Of Roberto Mancini Approach

Garry Cook, the chief executive of Manchester City, has sparked fury at Anfield by claiming that Liverpool approached Roberto Mancini with a view to the Italian replacing Rafael Benítez as manager.

Cook’s latest controversial comments have landed him in hot water with the Liverpool hierarchy, who have refused to comment. Privately, however, they have not been impressed by his outburst.

The City chief executive has been at the centre of a storm of negative publicity after the sacking of Mark Hughes last Saturday and the subsequent appointment of Mancini as manager. In particular, Cook was criticised after he claimed that Mancini had not been offered the job until last Thursday, but it has emerged that the decision to replace Hughes had been taken three weeks ago.

Cook used Liverpool’s approach to Jürgen Klinsmann as a potential replacement for Benítez two years ago as evidence that clubs often have managerial successors lined up before the incumbent has been dismissed.

“It is naive to think that clubs are not looking at their options,” Cook said. “Of course they are. Do we think that Liverpool just talked to Klinsmann? I am sure they also spoke to others, and I have no doubt that Roberto Mancini was one of them. Of course he would have been.”

Shortly after talks were held with Klinsmann, in November 2007, Tom Hicks, the Liverpool co-owner, confessed that an approach had been made to the German, but said it was only as a contingency in case Benítez left the club to join Real Madrid.

At the time, Liverpool were not linked with any other manager nor was there any evidence that they had launched a recruitment offensive, with agents employed to sound out potential successors to the Spaniard.

Benítez will also see Cook’s comments as an unnecessary distraction as he attempts to reinvigorate Liverpool’s flagging fortunes.

Rafa - Wolves Win Is A Must

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has admitted the Boxing Day clash with Wolves is a must-win encounter for his side.

The Reds currently find themselves in eighth spot in the table and eight points off the pace in the battle to finish in the top four.

Liverpool welcome Wolves to Anfield aiming to bounce back from their shock 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth last weekend and Benitez accepts three points is a must if they are to keep alive their hopes of a top four finish.

"We have to win," said Benitez. "We must approach every game looking to win. You never know what will happen. This year all the teams are losing more games.

"We have confidence because in the past - for two or three seasons - we have done well in the second half of the league season. We have won a lot of games in a row and have confidence that, if we have players fit, we will do that again.

"We have to be ready for the first game. Hopefully we can win and if we do it will be easier, but it will be a tough game at Villa.

"City, Tottenham and Villa are doing well. We have to compete with them. Last year Villa did well but lost some games. Now they have spent some money and have good players, so it will be difficult to fight for this position."

Fernando Torres has spoken out in support of under-fire Benitez saying the players should take more responsibility for Liverpool's poor form this season.

Benitez insists everybody at the club is working hard to try and turn things around at Anfield.

Asked about Torres' claims, Benitez said: "I don't know if he said it. You can read things in the press but when you talk with the player, sometimes it is not the same. I have spoken with him and some of the other players. We know we have to improve on the pitch.

"As a manager you have some experience. Sometimes you will have good moments and other times, bad moments. But because we are a top side we will have to improve.

"We are preparing a lot of things that we were doing well. We are trying to correct mistakes. But after, we have gone on to the pitch - like against Arsenal - and done well, you need to score goals and finish the game. We didn't do that, so we look to the next one and it will be easier if we win.

"The players are working hard in every training session and I can guarantee they are working 100 per cent and trying to win every game."

Liverpool To Replace Rafael Benitez With Aston Villa Manager Martin O'Neill

Liverpool are considering bringing in Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill to replace Rafael Benitez at the forefront of the team's affairs, according to The Guardian.

The former Valencia boss has come under intense pressure following a dreary start to the season, which has seen the Reds flushed from the Champions League at the group stage.

Consistently inconsistent displays have given rise to many false dawns, and the recent slump of one win in their last five outings in all competitions has drawn further criticism towards the Spaniard.

It is believed that the club's owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, are now pondering the possibility of bringing in O'Neill to do the job that Benitez has failed to accomplish.

The Villans are on fire at the moment, having lost only one game in their last 14, with five consecutive victories in all competitions.

Despite heavy speculation surrounding his future, Benitez has always maintained his loyalty to Liverpool, claiming that he intends to honour his contract with the Merseyside club.

Rafa Benitez Wants Emile Heskey Back At Liverpool

Rafa Benitez will be allowed to buy two players next month – and he wants Emile Heskey back at Anfield as one of them.

The Liverpool boss has come under sustained pressure following a dreadful first half of the season.

But Benitez will be offered backing by the board, proof he still has a future at the club.

Star striker Fernando Torres last night admitted the situation was bleak, as he said: “I think it is really difficult because I think we don’t have money to bring in the best players – and obviously we need players.

“But if we can bring in quality players, it should be really positive for us.”

Heskey scored 60 goals in four years at Liverpool before being sold in the summer of 2004 – a month before Benitez took over.

With the World Cup looming and his starting position at Aston Villa far from guaranteed, the England striker could be attracted back to the club.

Benitez admires Heskey’s unselfish approach and feels he could provide the perfect foil for Torres.

Benitez has also looked at Ruud van Nistelrooy and Italy international Luca Toni as alternatives.

He wants a wide player, and is considering a move for Celtic’s Aiden McGeady, available for about £8million. Also on the radar is Holland winger Eljero Elia, who could be prised away from Hamburg for £10m and Turkish flyer Arda Turan.

Benitez may have up to £15m to spend as he allows up to four players to leave in the transfer window, with Ryan Babel chief among his saleable assets.

He can also try to raise funds by selling Italy defender Andrea Dossena, Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin and Swiss full-back Philipp Degen.

Torres Bemoans Lack Of Funds But Backs Benitez

Fernando Torres has admitted he is concerned at the lack of funds available to Rafael Benitez to turn the club's season around - but is fully behind his manager.

Liverpool have already lost seven games this season - compared to just two in 2008-09 - and have been knocked out of the Champions League. It is a widely held belief that the Reds do not have enough quality running through the club to seriously challenge for the title, especially with the summer departure of Xabi Alonso.

However, with Liverpool's finances causing serious concern - the debt is around £240 million - it is unclear if Benitez will have anything to spend in the January window, a situation which could place their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season - and even the Europa League - in some doubt.

Torres, speaking in Zurich after being named part of FIFA's world XI, said: "Obviously we need players. If we can bring quality players it should be really positive for us, but I think the situation is really difficult because I think we don't have money to bring in the best players.

"It's a difficult situation but every top team in the world goes sometimes through a bad situation like Liverpool now. Like every top team in the world, Liverpool will get over the situation.

"I have confidence in myself and my team. I know we are good enough. We were playing really well last season with the same team. We have to just recover the mentality and the confidence in ourselves and everything will be different.

"I think sacking the manager is not a solution. The manager is not playing so we have to be positive with him, try to work with him. We are the main reason, the players are the people that have to find a solution to the situation. The manager is not playing, so we have to play much better.''

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, also named in the world XI, called on the team to pull together.

Gerrard said: "I don't think it's right to pick out individual players. We're a team, we're a group and we are responsible for where we're lying in the league at the moment. All of us have got to stick together and try and pull through and turn it around.''

Ian Rush: Fernando Torres Won't Abandon Liverpool

Liverpool's legendary goalscorer Ian Rush has told ESPN Soccernet that, even if the struggling club fail to secure a top-four finish this season, he fully expects the man now donning the famous number nine shirt, Fernando Torres, to remain loyal to the Reds.

The past three months have been a disaster for Rafael Benitez, with the club exiting the Champions League at the group stage and Saturday's disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Portsmouth meaning they have won just four of their past 17 games in all competitions.

With the turn of the year fast approaching, Liverpool sit in eighth place, one behind promoted Birmingham City, and are already eight points shy of Aston Villa, who currently occupy the all-important fourth place and the potential for Champions League qualification it brings with it.

The financial ramifications of missing out on European football would be damaging indeed for the Reds but, from a sporting perspective, it has also been suggested that star players like Torres and Steven Gerrard could be tempted away from a club that had lost the lustre of elite continental football.

But Rush, who scored 346 goals in 660 appearances for the club, feels that Torres has developed a genuine rapport with the club's fans thanks to his glut of goals in the past two and a half years and would remain faithful to Benitez and the Reds even if Champions League football was snatched away.

"He is a fantastic player," Rush told ESPN Soccernet. "He is one of the best strikers in the world and the way he adjusted to the English game was fantastic. He is one of a few players that, if he becomes available, every top club in the world would want him.

"It wouldn't surprise me at all if teams were in for him in January, but he does have genuine affection for the supporters because he knows the supporters love him. Him and Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher - the fans love them because of the effort they put in and the skill they have.

"I think that if they didn't finish in the top four, the likes of Torres and Gerrard would still be at Liverpool because they have a feel for the club. I think they will think, 'Let's give it one more go here. I owe it to the fans to give it one more go to get back into the Champions League'."

However, with financial pressures proving a constant theme at Anfield, Rush is concerned about which course of action owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks would take should the club finish outside the top four and huge bids be received for Gerrard and Torres.

"I think those two would [want to] stay," Rush said. "But the temptation that will be offered to both of them, if clubs offer ridiculous amounts of money, is a temptation for the owners as well. What do they do then?"

Ian Rush: Reds Must Retain Faith In Rafa Benitez

These are dark days for Liverpool. A club so accustomed to success are out of the Champions League before Christmas, have just four wins in 17 games in all competitions and sit eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa. There is no doubt that this is the most crucial juncture of Rafael Benitez's career at Anfield.

Even amongst the staunchly loyal cabal that is ex-Liverpool players, cracks have appeared. Graeme Souness recently angered Benitez by voicing fears about a potential "meltdown" while Ronnie Whelan delivered a very personal attack on the Spaniard, culminating in the declaration that "his days have got to be numbered".

But while certain pundits grumble and the media feverishly speculates on how long Benitez has left in the post, a man who played with both Souness and Whelan in the great Liverpool teams of the 1980s remains adamant that the club must keep faith with the manager who has won the Champions League and FA Cup since arriving from Valencia in 2004, but failed to claim the Holy Grail of the league title.

Ian Rush, scorer of a club-record 346 goals in 660 games for Liverpool, has questioned the wisdom of changing managers halfway through the season and has urged owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to withhold judgement until the club's fate is known for sure at the conclusion of the campaign.

"I think you have got to get behind the manager rather than go against him," Rush told ESPN Soccnernet. "It is easy to criticise when you lose and it is easy to be behind managers when they are winning. This is a time to stick together.

"I think when you are winning, then you ask questions, but at the moment you have got to stay united, group together and look at the situation at the end of the season or when we are guaranteed fourth or not finishing in fourth. Halfway through you have to get behind the manager. He says we will finish fourth and I still believe we will finish fourth.

"I don't think [a bad Christmas] will spell the end of him. You have to think long and hard and think if you replace him, who will you replace him with and are they going to do any better? Who is available? There is a lot to be asked there. Will they get any money in January to strengthen the squad? Only the owners and manager know that and we have to rely on them and what they are doing is right."

Despite such a poor run of form, Liverpool fans have still demonstrated their support for Benitez on numerous occasions and some have preferred to paint the American owners of the club as the villains of the piece.

Having presided over a number of PR disasters since arriving on Merseyside in February 2007, including admitting they had sounded out Jurgen Klinsmann as a possible replacement for Benitez, Hicks and Gillett also stand accused by some supporters of denying their manager the funds he requires to turn Liverpool into a title-winning side.

But Rush feels that the pair make a convenient scapegoat and that it is too simplistic to conclude that the club's current malaise stems from their off-field issues and high levels of debt that Benitez has made clear he is trying to ease. The Liverpool legend is also hopeful that additional finance will be freed up to allow the Spaniard to reinforce his squad when the transfer window opens.

"Of course there is [bad feeling towards Hicks and Gillett]," Rush said. "But if you put money into the club you have to know what is going on. The talk is that they may get money in January for Rafa Benitez.

"There are a lot of anti-feelings but I am one of those people who says 'give them a chance, none of us know the full story about the club'. I think it is hard for me to comment if I don't know the full facts. It is easy to blame the owners but they have put a lot of money in already and they may put more money in so give the owners a chance to see what they can or can't do.

"If they can do it, then fair enough. If they can't then maybe someone else is prepared to take over the club. From what I've read, the owners' interest seems to be with Liverpool Football Club. They haven't really had the desire to get out and from what I have read they appear prepared to back Liverpool Football Club."

If Benitez is undergoing a real test of his credentials and the American owners remain unpopular amongst the support, then at least one man continues to offer hope. In Fernando Torres, Rush feels Liverpool have a world-class player who must be kept at all costs. Indeed, he expects that the Spain international will remain at the club even if Champions League football is not forthcoming for next season.

"He is a fantastic player," Rush said of the striker who has scored 11 goals in 13 Premier League games despite Liverpool's struggles this season. "He is one of the best strikers in the world and the way he adjusted to the English game was fantastic. He is one of a few players that if he becomes available, every top club in the world would want him.

"It wouldn't surprise me at all if teams were in for him in January, but he does have genuine affection for the supporters because he knows the supporters love him. Him and Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher - the fans love them because of the effort they put in and the skill they have.

"I think that if they didn't finish in the top four, the likes of Torres and Gerrard would still be at Liverpool because they have a feel for the club. I think they will think 'let's give it one more go here. I owe it to the fans to give it one more go to get back into the Champions League'. I think those two would stay. But the temptation that will be offered to both of them, if clubs offer ridiculous amounts of money, that is a temptation for the owners as well. What do they do then?"

Another expensive foreign import with a big reputation is Alberto Aquilani who swapped Roma for Liverpool for £20 million over the summer. But so far the Italian has been something of an enigma having failed to start a single game after arriving injured and then struggling with his fitness.

His reluctance to use Aquilani has been a favourite stick with which the media have beaten Benitez, but Rush feels the manager has to be trusted to deploy the midfielder when he sees fit. And even if Liverpool are lacking creativity in the centre of midfield following the departure of Xabi Alonso last summer, Rush is urging caution over rushing Aquilani into action.

"I don't think any of us know if he is fit," Rush said. "I think he had a calf injury against Portsmouth but if he is there, you have got to play him and we haven't seen enough of him to judge. For £20 million you expect him to be a good player. He looks like a creative player so I think we are looking for people like that to come in and adjust to the English game and gel with the likes of Torres and Gerrard.

"You have got to rely on the manager and in a way the manager is trying to protect him. He doesn't want him to be out for another two months. The manager is trying to protect him and Benitez has been very good because there has been a lot of pressure to play him.

"The media don't know if he is 100% fit. If he had been then I am sure that Benitez would have been looking to play him more often, so you have to rely on the manager on that to say: 'I want him back 100% fit so he can show what he has done in Italy'."

Aquilani or no Aquilani, Liverpool are still facing up to the very real fear that they will fail to qualify for the Champions League this season, but who is to blame? A failing manager beset by the media and unable to coax the best out of his team? Owners who have saddled the club with debt and angered the fans? Players who have underperformed?

Liverpool's problems are myriad but Rush feels the solution is simple: belief must return to the side, and quick.

"I think it is confidence. You cannot become a bad team overnight. It is only a couple of months ago that we completely outplayed Manchester United. They won 2-0 but it could have been more. It is just the confidence and belief. They have to start believing.

"I think with the pressure of being at Liverpool, it is not always physical strength that is needed but mental. It is easy when you are winning but when you are not winning is when you find out the true player who is prepared to roll up his sleeves and fight. Sometimes it doesn't go for you, but you need to be mentally strong enough to overcome that and concentrate on trying that little bit harder and you will overcome it and you will turn it round."

Arda Admits He Wants To Play For Liverpool

Turkey international Arda Turan has expressed a long-held desire to play for Liverpool - and not just because they wear red shirts!

The highly-rated Galatasaray winger has been linked with a string of top clubs since shining at the last European Championship but the Istanbul outfit has resisted all attempts to cash in on his talents.

After being mentioned in connection with Rafa Benitez's side last summer and again this week, the 22-year-old has now admitted his aim is to one day represent the Merseysiders.

"When I've finished my business at Galatasaray, I will be happy to play in Europe and represent my country there," said Arda.

"I most want to play at Liverpool because of the culture of the club and the fans - and the fact that they have red shirts attracts me."

Newcastle failed with a £9million bid in the past for Arda so it is unlikely Benitez would have the funds to finance any transfer in January without selling first, but there could be the prospect of a move to Anfield in the future.

Galatasaray will bid to hang onto their outstanding captain, who has taken on the No10 jersey and playmaking duties this term.

Nevertheless, after he was linked with Arsenal last month, any firm bid from Benitez is sure to appeal to the player.

Footballer Steven Gerrard Shocked After Baby Had Heart Attack Nearby

Footballer Steven Gerrard was left visibly shocked during a hospital visit when a three-week-old baby had a heart attack on the ward he was in.

It happened as the Liverpool captain gave out Christmas presents at the city's Alder Hey Hospital with his Reds teammates, including striker Fernando Torres.

The baby survived but Gerrard said: "It was very upsetting for us all. We are professional football players and were completely helpless in that situation.

"It was not nice to see a little baby in that condition but the doctors and nurses, like always, were magnificent."

An onlooker added: "Steven was really upset, as were the other players who were with him. Fortunately they were later told the child was going to be okay.

"It was just a tiny little baby and it was hard to believe that it could have a heart attack so young. The players were in the ward and all of a sudden there were doctors and nurses rushing round like mad trying to save the baby.

"Steven and the lads went and stood in the corridor while everything was sorted out. It was worse for Steven as two years ago his three-year-old daughter Lexie was in hospital with suspected meningitis and he knows that feeling of helplessness."

The Reds players and boss Rafa Benitez visited 23 wards between them giving gifts and cards to seriously ill youngsters who will spend Christmas at the hospital.

Santa Cruz Hits Out At Rafa

Roque Santa Cruz has told Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez not to make promises he cannot keep.

Benitez stated last week that he could 'guarantee' Liverpool would finish in the top four of the Premier League this season.

The Reds are currently eighth after a disappointing start and must improve considerably over the second half of the campaign to ensure UEFA Champions League qualification.

Manchester City striker Santa Cruz does not believe it was wise of Benitez to come out with such a bold statement.

"I don't think you can guarantee anything," the Paraguay international said in the Daily Express.

"It is hard to guarantee things, especially when things are not going in the right direction, like for Liverpool.

"Things are not going the way they would want them to and to guarantee things in that situation is hard."

Saudi Prince Plans To Buy George Gillett's Stake In Liverpool

Troubled Liverpool face a Christmas of uncertainty with fresh claims that a Saudi prince is ready to buy the 50 per cent stake of co-owner George Gillett.

Prince Faisal bin Fahad bin Abdullah announced on television that he was flying to England to attend the Barclays Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on Boxing Day as a guest of Gillett.

Sources in Saudi Arabia immediately insisted that the wealthy prince was serious in his intent to acquire the holding and that Gillett was now ready to sell. They also understood that Gillett’s partner Tom Hicks would no longer block the sale.

This will be the second visit this season to Anfield of Prince Faisal, who watched the 6-1 hammering of Hull City in September.

Christian Purslow, who was appointed managing director by Gillett and Hicks earlier this year, has been leading talks with a number of parties about a share issue.

There has been particular interest from the Far East and there remains hope that a deal to raise at least £120m could be concluded in the new year.

Rafael Benítez Forced To Scrimp And Scrape For Reinforcements

Rafael Benítez is facing another financial balancing act in the January transfer window as he attempts to revive Liverpool's floundering season with a budget unlikely to stretch beyond loan signings and player exchanges.

The Liverpool manager is desperate for additions to improve the depth and morale of a squad languishing in eighth place in the Premier League and relegated from the Champions League to the Europa League. He is particularly keen to increase Liverpool's striking options in a campaign where injury to Fernando Torres has brought an over-reliance on David Ngog, but his spending will again be restricted to what he can raise through sales. Offloading unwanted players in January, when managers are often reluctant to spend, increases the complications for the Spaniard.

Benítez spent only what he brought into Anfield from transfers in the summer, albeit with Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Daniel Agger and Yossi Benayoun signing new long-term contracts, as Liverpool began to reduce the £310m debt loaded on to the club by the owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

With their search for new investment yet to come to fruition, the manager will be in an identical predicament in the next transfer window unless the owners – who have either sold or are in the process of selling sporting franchises in the United States – respond to the threat of failing to qualify for next season's Champions League by reinvesting in the squad.

The Liverpool manager has received no indication that is the case and therefore plans to raise funds for a forward by finding a buyer or an exchange for Ryan Babel, Andriy Voronin, Andrea Dossena and/or Philipp Degen. All four are deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield, despite Dossena starting Saturday's abysmal defeat at Portsmouth in place of Benayoun, and will be sold should the opportunity arise. Benítez could be restricted to loan deals if the four remain in situ.

Voronin was reluctantly retained by the Liverpool manager in the summer only when it became apparent he did not have the resources to invest in a new striker. The Ukraine international enjoyed a successful loan spell at Hertha Berlin last season and several Bundesliga clubs remain interested in his services, although the 30-year-old's agent has ruled out a return to Hertha despite Voronin being ostracised by Benítez since the Champions League draw at Lyon. Napoli are among the clubs keen to take Dossena, a £7m flop, back to Italy, although they balked at Liverpool's asking price in the summer. Babel represents the most saleable asset of the four.

Javier Mascherano will spend his suspension recovering from the knee ligament injury sustained while collecting his red card against Portsmouth's Tal Ben Haim. has been banned for four matches for his second suspension of the season – and will miss league games against Wolves, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur plus the FA Cup third-round tie at Reading as a result – but faces three weeks out with injury. "The player had a scan which confirmed the medical team's initial diagnosis that he suffered a medial ligament sprain in his left knee," a Liverpool spokesperson confirmed. "He is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks."

Another injury victim, Alberto Aquilani, is reported to have visited the doctor in Belgrade who came to prominence for treating Arsenal's Robin van Persie with fluid from a placenta. The midfielder has been hampered by injuries since a summer move from Roma, the latest problem being with a calf.

Lucas Demands Winning Run

Midfielder Lucas admits Liverpool will have to win 'almost every game' if they are to stand any chance of Champions League qualification.

The Reds trail fourth-placed Aston Villa by eight points in the Premier League table and will be looking to make it back-to-back home victories when they face Wolves on Boxing Day.

Fans of the club have been short on Christmas cheer after last weekend's 2-0 defeat at bottom club Portsmouth and Lucas is expecting no favours from Mick McCarthy's side.

He told the club's official website: "It would be good and really important to finish the year (at Anfield) with a victory.

"I think we need to win almost every game now, so our target is to take each game as it comes and end the year well. Then, if we can also start the New Year with a win it will be important.

"But Wolves have quality. We have to respect them and try to show our own quality and play well for the fans.

"All games are tough in the Premier League, so we have to prepare well, work hard and have confidence. We have quality and if we can play well we can beat anyone."

The Brazilian admits it will be strange turning up for training on Christmas Day morning but is prepared to do all he can to make sure he is fully prepared ahead of the clash.

He said: "We will train in the morning on Christmas Day. It's strange because in Brazil the season finishes in November, so you are on holiday for Christmas, while in Spain and Italy they have a break.

"Here it is different, but you have to prepare for the games. Hopefully we can do well and get as many points as possible.

"For the fans, Boxing Day games are really good. I think it is good for them to be able to take their family to a match and enjoy it, so I hope we can give them a victory."

Steven Gerrard Cannot Take Much More Of Liverpool Crisis

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres took a private jet to Zurich yesterday for the FIFA World Player of the Year awards and a brief respite from the crisis engulfing Anfield.

It was an opportunity to rub shoulders with football's elite at a time when Liverpool's awful form has made a mockery of their claims to be among the world's leading clubs and Rafael Benitez's bold prediction that his side will finish in the top four of the Barclays Premier League once more.

A seventh league defeat of the season, at Portsmouth on Saturday, again exposed their frailties, leaving Benitez under more pressure than he has ever faced in his time as Liverpool manager.

Most worryingly for the Spaniard, it is no longer a problem with the weakness of his squad but issues at the heart of Liverpool that have proved most damaging this season.

Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen said cracks are starting to appear in the spine of Benitez's team, and nobody is suffering more than Gerrard.

The England midfielder has been having pain-killing injections in his troublesome groin injury just to get him on the pitch but it is clear he is operating at half speed as Liverpool have crashed out of the Champions League and fallen well behind in the title race.

Gerrard's driving runs are not what they were, the bursts of pace severely hampered by his condition. The goals have dried up too - just four for Liverpool this season and none in the last eight games.

The fact that he remains one of his side's most potent weapons is a sad reflection on his team-mates, who have, in the words of Hansen, failed to 'step up to the plate'.

Benitez admits the groin problem could affect Gerrard for the rest of his career, which is a terrifying thought for Liverpool fans who have grown accustomed to seeing their captain shoulder the burden of responsibility.

As fragile as Gerrard's body has become, questions are again being asked about his state of mind. He headed for Switzerland yesterday to stand alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Xavi and Kaka - players he would consider his equals but who are destined to finish their careers with a collection of medals to match their ability.

As he approaches his 30th birthday in May, how much longer can Gerrard afford to pursue his dream of winning the title with Liverpool? How many more seasons must be consigned to the dustbin?

The same could be asked of Torres. He too has been severely restricted by a hernia problem that will require surgery if he is overplayed. Much has been made of the absence of Gerrard and Torres this season, but both played at Fratton Park and neither caused Portsmouth too many problems.

There is little doubt Javier Mascherano, sent off for the second time this season on Saturday, has suffered through the sale of midfield partner Xabi Alonso, a decision that looks worse by the day as the club wait for his supposed successor Alberto Aquilani to make an impression.

Another key player, Jamie Carragher, has also fallen short of his high standards. Carragher was slow to react when Frederic Piquionne scored Pompey's second goal on Saturday, although keeper Pepe Reina will look at both goals and wonder whether he could have done better.

Hansen said: 'Last season Liverpool had players right down the spine - the keeper, Reina, Carragher was playing well, Mascherano was brilliant, Alonso, Gerrard, Torres, and the bits round the side were just filling in. They were playing with confidence and we thought they were half-decent players.

'The minute those six started to struggle - or, in Alonso's case, left the club - then the bits round the side had to step up to the plate and, unfortunately, they haven't been able to do it. Liverpool's results have been abysmal.'

Defender Daniel Agger admitted as much yesterday as he reflected on the latest setback and looked forward to what has become a huge Boxing Day game against Wolves.

'We are extremely disappointed and we know that it simply isn't good enough for this club,' said Agger. 'Why is this happening? It's a bit of everything, but we have to get some confidence from somewhere soon.'

Liverpool Defender Glen Johnson Faces Police Probe After Nightclub Incident

Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson could be investigated by police after allegations of an assault outside a west London nightclub at the weekend.

The Liverpool Daily Post reports that a man made the allegation against the Reds' star in a police station in the capital on Sunday, apparently claiming that Johnson had assaulted him outside the Movida club in Argyll Street at around 4am that day.

The victim claimed to have been punched. He apparently suffered very minor injuries to his arm, chest and face.

Police have reportedly confirmed that they will be looking closely into the incident before deciding whether there are sufficient grounds for charges to be brought.

"There have been no arrests," a Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed.

Johnson had been in the south of England following the Reds' disappointing defeat at Portsmouth on Saturday.

Ian Rush: Too Many Liverpool FC Players Are Wilting Under The Pressure

I still believe in Rafa Benitez and I'm convinced he will secure a top four finish for Liverpool this season.

However, a number of his players have got to have a long, hard look at themselves.

When I saw Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Pepe Reina and Jamie Carragher walking off at Portsmouth on Saturday they looked upset and annoyed.

After a defeat like that I want to see that in all 11 of them because it should hurt them all, not just a few.

Some players have got to be mentally stronger.

Big expectations come with playing for Liverpool Football Club and that goes back to the standards set years ago by Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.

We aren’t reaching those standards at the moment and too many are struggling to handle the pressure.

I thought Carragher was fantastic on Saturday. The effort he put in on his 600th appearance was immense. If only everyone was like him.

The manager said the sending off of Javier Mascherano changed the game but I don’t think it made a big difference to the outcome.

What concerned me most was the lack of creativity. We only had two shots on target and when you are playing against a club like Portsmouth that’s just not good enough.

I really felt for the fans on Saturday because it was a bitterly cold day and most had left Merseyside in the middle of the night to get to the south coast for lunchtime.

It’s been a really tough few months but as ever the supporters have been fantastic and remained behind the team.

That’s all we can do because there is nothing to be gained from slagging people off. The end of the season is the time to ask whether we’ve progressed and if not why not?

The critics are having a field day at the moment but Liverpool are right to keep faith with Benitez.

Everyone is dropping points in a very open league this season and if we can put a run of wins together well soon climb the table.

With Aston Villa and Spurs to come in the league after the visit of Wolves on Boxing Day, we’ve got the ideal chance to force our way back into contention in the race for fourth spot.

Reds Handed €35 Million Cash Boost Despite Underachievement

Such is the financial importance of the Uefa Champions League to Europe's elite soccer clubs that even underachievement in the competition is richly rewarded, according to a study commissioned by MasterCard.

Liverpool, the English soccer club that won just two games in the competition this season before being eliminated, secured €9.1 million in prize money alone. The team, managed by Rafa Benitez, beat Debrecen both at Anfield and away from home, but managed just one point from four games against Lyon and Fiorentina. Liverpool failed to score more than one goal in a single game, with talismanic stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres not recording a single goal in the competition.

Despite that, the boost to Liverpool's bank balance from the competition is considerable. Uefa awards €3.8 million to each team that qualifies for the Champions League, plus €3.3 million for participating in the group stage. A group stage win was worth €800,000 per game, or €400,000 for a draw. Should Liverpool have qualified for the knock-out stages, the club would have netted an instant €3 million prize payment.

The team, which has also struggled in the Premier League, has benefited to far more than the tune of €9.1 million. Uefa will make additional payments to group stage teams dependent on the commercial success of the tournament, which the MasterCard-commissioned report suggests could amount to approximately €12 million per club. The study reports that ticket revenues have generated an average of €8.55 million in income from the group stage, with commercial and marketing revenues accounting for a further €6 million on average.

All in all, it would be a surprise if Liverpool failed to collect €35 million from participation in this season's competition - an amount that underlines the genuine financial threat facing the club if it fails to qualify for the competition next year. Liverpool must finish in the top four of the Premier League to qualify; the Reds currently sit eighth, eight points behind fourth-place Aston Villa and 14 points away from league leaders Chelsea.

Mark Lawrenson: Liverpool FC Running Scared Of Bottom Club Represents A New Low

There are many reasons why Liverpool’s defeat to Portsmouth on Saturday was the lowest point of a season with, let’s face it, quite a few contenders.

But the one that sticks out for me came before the game even kicked off – it was the way the team was set up.

I find it really worrying that we go to the team at the bottom of the table and turn up with seven defensive outfield players.

It’s almost as if Rafael Benitez needs to get some psychotherapy sessions booked in to change his mindset. This is a team struggling to score goals at the wrong end of the table and the manager makes his first priority to stop them from playing.

Given that we finished runners-up last year with 86 points and scored more goals in the Premier League than any other side, are we really not at the stage where we can go to somewhere like Fratton Park and take the game to the home team?

We should be going for the win and then, if we are winning, shore it up later on. Get the lead and then play it defensive. That’s fine.

Don’t take anything away form Portsmouth. They played well and scored two very good goals.

But they must have got a boost from the fact that the Liverpool side facing them had so few players capable of causing them problems in their own half.

With a back four, goalkeeper, two defensive midfielders and Dossena on the left of midfield, that’s three players you’re asking to go and win you the game.

And I don’t care how good Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are, that’s putting too much pressure on them

Those two and Dirk Kuyt must have been looking round the changing room before the game wondering who was going to help them in their efforts to create the chances and score the goals to win the match.

When confidence is low you need to pick an attacking team and tell them to go for it, and that’s how you get the best out of your top players.

That’s what some of the lower sides have done to the big boys and it’s made this season’s Premier League a completely open book.

Maybe that has played on Benitez’s mind and he is being extra cautious against teams like Portsmouth as a result.

Either that or he just doesn’t trust his back four.

But if that’s the case then keep the ball away from them by picking an attacking, threatening line-up.

The current slump is the type that would cost many managers their job – but it’s easy to sack a manager, much harder to replace him with a good one.

So it’s not the manager I would like to see change – it’s Benitez and his selection policy.

Liverpool Midfielder Alberto Aquilani Undergoes 'Placenta Treatment'

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani is the latest Premier League star to fly to the Balkans for treatment on his injury using horse placenta.

The Italian, a £20 million summer switch from Roma who has barely featured for the Reds after undergoing ankle surgery in the summer, travelled to Belgrade on Sunday with reserve striker Nabil El Zhar for the treatment, according to The Daily Mail.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez seems to have great faith in this controversial procedure, having also sent Glen Johnson, Fabio Aurelio, Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera to undergo the treatment from Marijana Kovacevic.

With Javier Mascherano injured and suspended for four games, and Steven Gerrard struggling to shake off a groin injury, Benitez needs Aquilani fit for the festive period.

The Italian was prevented from making his full Premier League debut against Wigan Athletic last week when he pulled out due to a calf injury.

He did not travel to Fratton Park for the weekend defeat by Portsmouth. He lasted for 76 minutes of the one game he has started, a Champions League game against Fiorentina, before being substituted.

Liverpool FC Deny Move For Standard Liege's Serb Star Milan Jovanovic

Liverpool have no interest in Standard Lieges Milan Jovanovic despite reports in Belgium suggesting they have made an approach for the striker.

The 28-year-old Serbian international, who is out of contract next June, is set to be sold during the January transfer window and is available for around two million euros.

Sources close to the player have claimed he is currently weighing up the chance to make the switch to Liverpool, AC Milan or Stuttgart with Anfield his favoured destination.

However, Liverpool won’t be submitting a bid for the Belgrade-born former Shakhtar Donetsk and Locomotiv Moscow frontman.

Jovanovic was crowned Belgiums player of the year in 2008 and in January this year he claimed he had turned down the chance to move to Everton.

Liverpool Join List Of Luca Toni Suitors

Liverpool are the latest club to express interest in Bayern Munich outcast Luca Toni, according to The Sun.

The player has made no secret of his desire to leave the Bavarians after not featuring regularly for coach Louis van Gaal. The former Fiorentina striker hopes to work his way back into the Italy national team mix before the World Cup in South Africa next year.

The relationship between Toni and the club has become so strained, that president Uli Hoeness is willing to let the 32-year-old leave for free.

Liverpool have endured a difficult start to the season, as they were eliminated from the Champions League and sit in seventh place in the domestic table.

With the Reds in financial difficulty, Toni being available will allow them to add more firepower without breaking the bank. Fernando Torres' frequent injury troubles have left the outfit short of strikers on occasion.

Other clubs rumoured to be tracking the 2006 World Cup winning hitman are Roma, Dynamo Kiev, Inter, and Benfica.

Benitez Calls For Focus

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez says his side must not dwell on their defeat to Portsmouth and focus on the next game.

The Reds slumped to a 2-0 defeat on Saturday thanks to goals from Nadir Belhadj and Frederic Piquionne either side of Javier Mascherano's sending off, which led to Benitez launching a bizarre rant at referee Lee Mason.

The Spanish tactician continually described Mason as 'perfect' in the aftermath of the defeat which leaves Liverpool eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa in the table.

Wolves go to Anfield on Boxing Day and Benitez insists the squad must shift their focus and prepare for the next game.

"We have to start working this week, preparing the next game," he said.

"You have to change your targets and think about one game at a time. That is the only way. We know we have to work harder now."

After the game, Benitez said: "The referee was perfect. He didn't make any mistakes. He was perfect in giving fouls to (Fernando) Torres, he was perfect in everything. He was perfect."

He did, however, credit Avram Grant's Portsmouth for putting the 10 men under pressure at Fratton Park.

"The 10 players were working very hard," he added.

"Credit to them, they were in the game. They (Portsmouth) were playing counter-attack and with the pace up front it's not easy."

Benitez will have summer signing Alberto Aquilani back for the remaining Christmas period after the midfielder missed the Pompey trip with a calf problem.

"He has a kick in his calf and he didn't train properly," he remarked.

"He is not serious so he will be okay for next week but he couldn't be here."