Luis Suarez To Finally Join Liverpool Once Babel, Voronin & Dossena Depart

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is continuing to monitor the form of Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez in regards to a January move. The Ajax star has been in superb form in Holland with reports from the Dutch press suggesting that once funds have been raised by the sale of Ryan Babel, Andrea Dossena and Andrey Voronin we will see the creative star move to Anfield.

Suarez has been playing in Holland for the past three and a bit seasons and has consistently scored goals whether playing on the flanks or just behind the main striker. Last season was his best tally so far after scoring 22 goals in 31 league appearances (30 starts). Eight of those 22 goals came via the penalty spot as Suarez finished joint 2nd in the Dutch scoring charts. Despite the Uruguayan’s best efforts, Ajax finished 12 points behind champions AZ and one point behind 2nd placed FC Twente meaning they failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Ajax’s failure to qualify led Suarez to urge the club to bring in new recruits. He told Sportsweek in the summer, “It would definitely be useful for Ajax to sign some quality players. It’s up to the coach to decide on which position we need to strengthen the squad. However, we could use some physically strong players in my opinion.”

“I’m extremely disappointed that we failed to qualify for the Champions League once again. I need to play at top level in order to keep improving as a player.

“Nevertheless, missing out on Champions League football is not just bad for me, but also disastrous for the club. Ajax have to wait yet another year to play at the highest level.”

Liverpool were one of the clubs who were interested in providing the Uruguayan with the ‘highest level’ of football required as Rafa Benitez is a keen admirer. The player’s versatility also interested the Spaniard who was and still is looking to strengthen his squad significantly. However, Barcelona and Manchester United are also reported to be keen and no wonder as Suarez has started the season under new manager Martin Jol incredibly.

Ajax are currently 3rd in the Dutch top division, 9 points behind leaders FC Twente but there’s no disputing who is top of the scoring charts. Suarez has scored 18 goals in just 17 league appearances, five goals ahead of his nearest competitor. Only four of the eighteen strikes have arrived via the penalty spot. Not only has Suarez been his sensational form domestically but also in Europe and for his country. The Uruguayan has scored 6 goals in the Europa League with 4 coming in one match v Slovan Bratislava. He has also scored in two of his last five international appearances.

The 22-year-old began his career in his homeland with club Nacional where he won a Uruguayan title before moving to Groningen in the summer of 2006 for €800,000. In his only season for the club he scored 10 goals in 29 league appearances (26 starts) before Ajax made their move for a fee of €9.5M. He has been monitored by Rafa Benitez for a number of seasons but he has really caught his attention since he moved to Amsterdam.

Suarez has been a big hit since his move to Amsterdam after scoring 57 goals in just 81 league appearances (76 starts). His present contract expires in 2012 but with Liverpool, Manchester United, AC Milan and Barcelona still interested this may well be his last season in Holland. That is if he does not secure a move to Anfield in January. The deal depends on Liverpool’s ability to raise funds with Napoli eyeing Dossena, Birmingham chasing Babel and a number of Ukrainian sides chasing Voronin.

The Uruguayan with 9 goals in 28 appearances for his country does have a reputation for ill-discipline which is perfectly illustrated by the 25 yellow cards he has received in 3 and a half seasons in Holland. He was also sent-off on his international debut against Colombia in February 2007. However, for what he lacks in discipline, he certainly makes up for in talent. Not only does he score goals but he is also very creative and Liverpool fans will be rueing the fact they missed out on him in the summer. However, the press claim if a deal can be done that could change in January. Quotes from Ajax certainly back these reports up.

“It’s up to the technical staff to decide whether Luis will be allowed to leave the club. Nevertheless, we’re ready to talk about a transfer if an extremely good offer comes in,” club director Rik van den Boog was quoted as saying in Algemeen Dagblad.

“We still expect Luis to stay in Amsterdam until the end of the running season, but we are ready to listen to other clubs if a transfer is in the club’s or the player’s best interest.”

Ryan Babel has failed to make a big impression on Merseyside but is still highly regarded in Amsterdam and his homeland which suggests he may well be a make-weight in the deal. He has grown tired of his bit-part role at Anfield and would relish the chance to star in Martin Jol’s team. In nearly two and a half seasons in England, Babel has made 67 league appearances while scoring 9 goals. However, he has only made 24 Premier League starts and has become disillusioned with both his position within the squad and his position in the team when selected.

Liverpool's Rafael Benítez Unlikely To Be Flush In January Transfer Window

Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez is unlikely to be handed a significant January transfer budget despite hoping to raise around £15 million from the departures of Andriy Voronin, Ryan Babel and Andrea Dossena.

The Anfield club will turn down an £8 million offer for Babel, the Dutch international winger, from Birmingham and are unlikely to settle for anything but a marginal loss on the £11.5 million Benítez paid to bring the 23 year-old from Ajax in 2007.

A number of clubs – including the Dutch trio of PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord and Ajax and the Italian team Fiorentina – are believed to be keen to secure Babel's signature.

Dossena, meanwhile, was due to be presented as a Napoli player on Tuesday after the Serie A side agreed a £4.4 million deal with Liverpool, as well as a further £200,000 dependent on success, but could not travel to Italy because of the closure of the city's John Lennon airport.

He is expected to finalise a four-year contract by the end of the week, while Voronin, the Ukrainian striker, is due to speak with CSKA and Dynamo Moscow over a £1.5 million move.

Liverpool plan to offer goalkeeper Pepe Reina and midfielder Javier Mascherano new contracts to secure their long-term futures at Anfield, money that will bite into Benítez's funds.

The Spaniard remains confident of securing Maxi Rodriguez this week on an initial six-month loan with a view to a permanent move, but will have to pay a £1 million fee, as well as agreeing a wage package for a player on £85,000 a week at Atletico Madrid.

Reds In Maxi Talks

Maxi Rodriguez's agent has confirmed Liverpool are in talks to sign the Atletico Madrid winger.

Liverpool have lined up a move for the Argentine international as they look to bolster their squad during this month's transfer window.

Atletico are prepared to let Rodriguez leave as he has dropped down the pecking order at Vicente Calderon and his current contract is due to expire in the summer.

Rodriguez's representative, Jose Segui, has confirmed a deal is close after rejecting speculation in Italy that Juventus had entered the race for the 29-year-old.

"We are working. It's true we have spoken [with Liverpool], but there is nothing definitive," Segui told calciomercato.it.

"Juventus? We have spoken with Liverpool and other sides, but never with Juventus.

"As for Liverpool, I don't know when the negotiation could be closed. It's up to the two clubs and to their decision.

"Anyway it would be a permanent transfer."

Torres Working On Fitness

Fernando Torres has revealed he is doing additional fitness work to ensure he remains available for selection.

The Liverpool striker missed six matches leading up to Christmas due to a groin problem and there were fears that he might need to undergo surgery.

However, he has managed to play the full 90 minutes in his last four outings and is working hard to improve his sharpness.

The Spaniard is happy with the progress he has made and admits the club's difficulties on the pitch have helped to motivate him.

"I am good now. Much better than a couple of months ago," said the 25-year-old.

"I need to keep working three, four or five hours more than the rest of the squad because I need to keep recovering for the rest of the season.

"One of the reasons I'm working really hard is because I know in this situation Liverpool need every player fit.

"It's a difficult time but it's worth it if I want to play. I do the normal training session with my team-mates but before and after I have to do treatment, exercises and gym work to make my leg strong enough.

"We are doing a good job and I'm feeling nothing bad in my leg.

"I have been able to play 90 minutes in the last four games so I'm really happy with the progression. Maybe I'll have to do this all season."

Liverpool have already lost seven times in the Premier League this season and are realistically only battling for UEFA Champions League qualification rather than the title.

Torres concedes it has been hard to watch the team struggle from the sidelines, saying: "It's frustrating because I've never been injured before - not at Atletico and only one small one during my first season here.

"The last two seasons have been the first time I've had consecutive injuries.

"Always when the team is not in the best moment it's frustrating if you can't help your team-mates.

"It's really hard watching the games from the stands.

"I'm not old but I'm not that young, so I need to look after myself with extra work.

"I know I have to work harder in order to play three games a week until the end of my career. I need to work harder than before."

Torres Targets More Records

Fernando Torres has set his sights on rewriting the record books at Liverpool.

The Spaniard has already etched his name into Anfield folklore with his phenomenal goalscoring exploits on Merseyside.

His dramatic late winner in the Reds' 1-0 victory at Aston Villa saw him become the fastest man to 50 league goals in the club's illustrious history, taking just 72 games to reach that milestone.

Torres admits he is honoured to have joined the list of Liverpool greats in double-quick time, but hopes he will have many more accolades to celebrate in the future.

"It's unbelievable for me because Liverpool is not a small club, it's one of the biggest and most historic in the world," the 25-year-old frontman told the club's official website.

"All the players who have played here are top players who have scored a lot of goals. They've got massive records. I am ahead of them on this one now and that, for me, is one of the most important things I've done in my career.

"I want to keep breaking these records so I am always in the books and in the memories of the people.

"I am just doing my job and I want to keep breaking records and keep making people happy."

Torres has 12 goals to his name this season, despite suffering ongoing injury problems, but insists helping Liverpool secure UEFA Champions League qualification is more important to him than reaching personal targets.

"I want as many goals as we need to get fourth spot and win the FA Cup," he added.

"I never say a number of goals but I always like to score more than the season before. Hopefully that won't be difficult because I only got 17 last season after the injuries."

Marouane Chamakh In Liverpool Talks As Atletico Madrid's Maxi Rodriguez Edges Closer To Anfield Deal

Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh’s representatives held talks with Liverpool yesterday over signing a pre-contract agreement.

The Morocco ace is available on a free transfer at the end of the season and Rafa Benitez is ready to act quickly to tie up the deal.

Atletico Madrid’s Maxi Rodriguez is expected to agree terms with Liverpool over the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Andrea Dossena is on the verge of completing his £4.5m transfer to Napoli but his agent says the four-and-a-half-year deal has been held up by the weather.

‘He can’t leave Liverpool because of the snow,’ said Roberto La Floria.

Liverpool Reject £5m Offer From Olympiacos For Yossi Benayoun

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has rejected an approach from Greek outfit Olympiakos for Yossi Benayoun, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

The Greek giants apparently offered the Reds £5 million for the Israeli winger, who would have reportedly been paid £40,000 a week after tax had he moved.

Benayoun has become a key man at Anfield and has made 20 Premier League appearances for the Reds this season, netting five goals.

Benitez would be reluctant to lose such a player at a time when he is set to sell misfit forwards Ryan Babel and Andriy Voronin in January.

A £9m approach for Babel from Birmingham City has been rejected by the Reds, according to reports in England today.

Benitez is also said to be in the hunt for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh, a player who has been strongly linked with Arsenal.

Olympiacos To Bid For Liverpool Midfielder Albert Riera

Olympiacos will return to Liverpool with a bid for Spanish midfielder Albert Riera after their £5 million approach for Yossi Benayoun was rejected by the Anfield outfit, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

The Spaniard has not managed this season to reproduce the fine form of his debut campaign on Merseyside, and Reds boss Rafa Benitez could be tempted to part with the left-sided midfielder.

Benitez is believed to be keen to raise cash in order to freshen up his squad this month and improve the fortunes of their faltering season.

He is unlikely to be handed massive funds by the club's owners and must apparently rely on sales to create space in his squad for new arrivals.

Riera impressed following his arrival from Espanyol in 2008. But he has struggled to match that form after suffering hamstring injuries this campaign.

VfB Stuttgart Lead Chase For Liverpool Defender Philipp Degen

Liverpool right-back Philipp Degen is set to leave Anfield this month, with Bundesliga outfit VfB Stuttgart leading the race for his signature, according to a report from The Times.

Several other German clubs are also believed to be interested in the 26-year-old Swiss, who has never managed to become a regular in manager Rafa Benitez's first team plans since joining on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2008.

It is not clear yet as to the size of the fee involved should Degen leave, as seems likely.

Ryan Babel and Andriy Voronin are also expected to leave Anfield this month, with Birmingham City and Galatasary interested in signing Babel.

Andrea Dossena's move to Napoli should also be confirmed this week, after the player was left stranded in Liverpool yesterday by snow which prevented him from travelling to Italy to conclude the deal.

Dinamo Moscow To Sign Liverpool Forward Andriy Voronin For £2m

Dinamo Moscow apparently lead the race to sign Liverpool striker Andriy Voronin and end the Ukrainian's difficult spell on Merseyside.

The Times reports that the Russian outfit are preparing a bid of £2 million for the player, who has spent much of his time with the Reds on loan elsewhere.

Voronin signed a four-year deal when he moved to Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer.

However, the forward has never really made an impact on the Reds' first team. He spent most of last season on loan at Hertha Berlin, where he scored 11 goals in 20 games.

He has played 27 Premier League games in total for the Reds, scoring five goals.

Ryan Babel Willing To Join Birmingham If Liverpool Agree Fee

Birmingham City's manager Alex McLeish has been told that Ryan Babel will consider a move to St Andrews if a fee can be agreed with Liverpool.

McLeish is understood to have had a £9m offer for the 23-year-old striker rejected, despite the fact that the Holland international has started just three Premier League games this season and has primarily been used as a substitute.

Although the Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez is eager to raise funds for his own transfer targets this month, Birmingham will need to bid closer to the £11.5m paid to Ajax for Babel in 2007.

Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Babel's agent Winnie Haatrecht said: "We know that Liverpool are seriously thinking about the offer from Birmingham. We would consider a deal if both clubs come to an agreement.

"In general Ryan wants to succeed at Liverpool, but if the people at Anfield conclude it's better he leaves, we have to think about the next chapter in his career. We will look then to the team, the perspectives of the club and Ryan, as well as a meeting with the manager."

With new owner Carson Yeung apparently providing a transfer budget of £40m, McLeish is being linked with a welter of players. He is believed to have failed with a £10m offer for Celtic winger Aiden McGeady, and is rumoured to be chasing the Rangers striker Kris Boyd.

He is also moving closer to landing long-term target Michel from Sporting Gijón. Sporting have authorised the £3m transfer for the midfielder as they are desperate for the funds.

The Sporting president, Manuel Vega Arango, said: "We have convinced the technical staff this is for the best, because we have to improve the financial situation at the club. I understand Manuel Preciado was keen to limit the damage to the squad, but this is what we have to do."

Jovanovic Keeps His Options Open

Milan Jovanovic has vowed to stay at Standard Liege until the summer before considering the best move for his career.

The Serbian forward will be a free agent at the end of the season and speculation has suggested Liege could be tempted to sell him this month.

AC Milan are understood to be interested in signing Jovanovic, while the player claims Liverpool and "another big European club" are also chasing him.

The 28-year-old maintains that stories of an agreement with Milan are premature as he does not want to make a decision on his future just yet.

"I will be a Standard player until June," Jovanovic insisted.

"News that I have already said yes to AC Milan are not correct. I am still waiting, I haven't decided.

"Also because AC Milan are not the only club interested in me. There is also Liverpool and another big European club.

"I repeat - my options are still very open."

Agent: No Reds Switch For Lavezzi

Ezequiel Lavezzi's agent does not think the Napoli striker will join Liverpool in the January transfer window.

The Argentina international was linked with a move to Anfield last summer but a transfer failed to materialise and it now looks like there is no chance of the deal taking place this month.

"There is interest. But it is impossible for Lavezzi to move, as Napoli want a lot of money for the striker, so it will be difficult. I don't think a transfer will happen in January," Lavezzi's agent Frederic Guerra told sport.co.uk.

One player who does look set for a move to Liverpool is Maxi Rodriguez with the Atletico Madrid midfielder's agent saying that a deal should be completed.

Ian Rush: Liverpool FC Must Become Champions League Heart Breakers

After breaking the hearts of one of our Champions League rivals last Tuesday evening, the time is fast approaching for Liverpool to repeat the trick.

You could tell from the way Martin O’Neill reacted to Fernando Torres’s late, late strike at Villa Park that his side had suffered an enormous blow – and you have to wonder whether they will be able to recover from it.

He knew Villa had a terrific chance to effectively put us out of the running for the Champions League – the gap between the side had the potential to be 11 points – but now it is looking like the odds are on Liverpool overhauling them.

Yes, there is an awful long way to go until the end of the season but sometimes incidents such as that can be impossible to get over and it’s entirely possible that Martin might go all guns blazing to win a Cup; after all, they have a real chance in the Carling Cup.

If that is the case, that leaves Manchester City and Sunday’s visitors to Anfield, Tottenham Hotspur, as the teams we are going to be vying with for fourth spot.

Tottenham have had a great season and are playing some good stuff but do they have the consistency – Wolves, for instance, beat them at White Hart Lane – to stay in the race for the long run?

Liverpool have been in this kind of battle before and will know what to expect but, equally, Rafa Benitez and his players will know the time has come to really make a statement.

Beating Villa was a start but they are going to have to up the ante again for Tottenham’s visit; should they do that, a Liverpool victory will put them in the driving seat, as it would really send confidence surging.

This is, without doubt, the most demanding run of fixtures Liverpool will face this season as in the next month Everton, Arsenal and City must all be played to go alongside a tricky Europa League test, as well as potential FA Cup fixtures.

It is impossible to escape the fact we have been too inconsistent this season but the win at Villa Park, certainly in terms of the Premier League, has given us a real platform to launch an attack in the second half.

The Reds have shown in flashes they are a talented side – once it clicks together, the situation will be saved.

Gerrard Blames Players For Flop

Steven Gerrard has delivered a hard-hitting assessment of Liverpool's disappointing season, insisting he and his team-mates must take responsibility.

The Reds' campaign can already be described as a failure following their exit from the UEFA Champions League at the group stages.

Rafa Benitez's team are also in a fierce battle to qualify for next season's European Cup as ahead of Sunday's crucial meeting with fourth-placed Tottenham they trail Spurs by four points.

A number of poor displays have led to suggestions that Benitez, who guided Liverpool to second in the Premier League in 2008/09, could be facing the sack, but captain Gerrard is in no doubt as to where the blame should lie.

"People have said our position is puzzling after last season's success. It's not puzzling at all. The table never lies, we haven't been good enough," he told Zoo magazine.

"We are in this position for a reason and it tells us that we really haven't been good enough, and the players have to take responsibility for that.

"All us Liverpool players have got to look at our league position, roll our sleeves up and get this football club back where it belongs, as far up the table as possible."

He added: "It has been hard to take this season, yes. We're all very disappointed with the way things have gone, especially after finishing second last campaign.

"There was a big belief we could go all the way. But now is not the time for hiding. We have to look at ourselves and put it right.

"We must aim for the top four, and that is something big to play for still. It's a priority now, as it always is at this club, for financial reasons and because all top players want to play in the Champions League, me included.

"I still think we can turn the corner. As captain, I've got to make sure that happens. It's fine looking at why it's happening, but we need to put it right on the pitch."

Liverpool Stalwart Jamie Carragher Concerned At Lack Of English Youth

The influx of foreign footballers in the Premier League may have enriched the overall quality and competitiveness of the division, but has limited the opportunities of English youth graduating from the respective academies of club's in the top flight, according to Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.

Carragher, 32, regarded as one of the last bastions of "one-club-men", broke through the Anfield ranks and has amassed over 600 first-team appearances for the Reds.

However, the Bootle-born ex-England international believes it is harder for the nation's youth to establish themselves today, than when he was an eager teen.

"I think it's more difficult to come through the ranks now than when I was a youngster," he stated in the Liverpool Daily Post.

"There are a lot more foreign players at the club, and now with the level the team is at, basically if they want to come through then they have to be ready to play Champions League football.

"That shows how difficult it is."

Alberto Aquilani Is Just Like Xabi Alonso, Claims Liverpool Skipper Steven Gerrard

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard claims £20 million Alberto Aquilani is just like departed midfield lynchpin Xabi Alonso.

The Italy international has failed to hit the heights manager Rafa Benitez had hoped since his arrival from Roma - but the opening months of the midfielder's tenure at Anfield has been blighted by an ankle injury.

Aquilani was hailed as Alonso's replacement after the Spaniard completed a summer switch to Real Madrid.

And despite the 25-year-old's slow start to his Anfield career, Gerrard says he has already seen enough from Aquilani to suggest he can replace Alonso.

He said: 'It’s going to take Alberto a while to get up to speed, with his injury problems, but the boy is a player, there’s no two ways about it.

'He sees a pass, he’s on the same wavelength and he can dictate the tempo of a game. I don’t want to tempt fate, but he’s very similar to Xabi.'

Aquilani needs to find his feet as quickly as possible with Liverpool facing an almighty battle to ensure they make a top-four spot this season.

The Reds have endured a disastrous campaign to date after their early exit from the Champions League and their below par Premier League performances that have killed their title hopes for another season.

Maxi Rodriguez To Leave Atletico Madrid For Liverpool Within 48 Hours

The Mirror reports that Liverpool are on track to wrap up the signing of Maxi Rodriguez from Atletico Madrid by Thursday.

The Argentine wide-man's future at the Vicente Calderon has been a source of speculation since Antonio Lopez succeeded him as club captain last year.

The former Espanyol star has made nine league starts this season out of a possible 16, and it is understood that he is eager to move elsewhere in order to push his claim for a spot at the World Cup.

Anfield has long been considered a potential destination for Maxi, due the Reds' perceived lack of wide options and Rafael Benitez's preference for hard-working players.

As the 29-year-old's contract expires in the summer and he looks unlikely to extend his stay in the Spanish capital, Atleti are eager to secure a permanent transfer as soon as possible.

However, Liverpool are reportedly set on a short-term loan deal, with a view to signing 'La Fiera' on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Furthermore, it is claimed that Rodriguez will take a cut on his current wages - alleged to be in the region of £85,000 per week - in order to help the move go through.

Birmingham In £8 Million Bid For Liverpool's Ryan Babel

Birmingham have made their first move in the January transfer window by offering Liverpool £8 million for the services of Ryan Babel.

The move for the Dutch winger is the first sign that Birmingham City owner Carson Yeung is serious about backing manager Alex McLeish with the finances needed to continue the club's run of impressive form this season.

Having won seven and drawn four in their last 11 fixtures, McLeish has made no secret of the club's intentions to go for a place in Europe, and a player of Babel's calibre is what his squad is lacking.

According to the Independent however, a deal is far from being completed as Liverpool value the 23 year-old at £12m and in light of their financial woes the Merseyside club are likely to hold out for as much as possible.

With Charles N'Zogbia, Miguel Michel and Kevin Kuranyi also believed to be on Birmingham's wish list, McLeish has made no secret of the fact that come the end of the month the club hope to have made "a marquee signing".

"We won't rule out a marquee signing if there is someone out there who I think can make a huge difference to this team," he said. "We would try if we could but, again, there has got to be a cut-off point.

"I still don't think we have to spend £20m or £40m or whatever was quoted at the time. I don't think there's any point in bringing who are not as good as what we have - you don't progress doing that."

Liverpool In Hunt For Bordeaux Striker Marouane Chamakh

Liverpool have joined the race to sign Girondins de Bordeaux's highly-rated striker Marouane Chamakh, according to a report from The Times.

The Moroccan international has frequently been identified in the media as a long-term target for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, and was said to have been the subject of an offer from the Gunners last summer.

The 25-year-old's current contract at Bordeaux expires in the summer, and he is free now to discuss potential pre-contract agreements to move to other clubs. Arsenal are also expected to continue their pursuit of the player

Liverpool have also been linked with Aston Villa duo Emile Heskey and John Carew as well as Real Madrid's Ruud van Nistelrooy as Rafa Benitez looks to reinforce his striking options.

Andriy Voronin, Ryan Babel and Andrea Dossena are expected to depart Anfield over the next month.

Stopper Extends Stanley Loan Stay

Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman has extended the loan of Liverpool's highly-rated goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis until January 30.

The Australian born stopper joined the League Two side in November as an emergency signing following a knee injury to regular number one Ian Dunbavin.

Bouzanis has appeared in five games for the Reds and is sure to be handed a starting berth by Coleman when he takes his side to Lincoln on Saturday.

Liverpool Defender Andrea Dossena To Sign For Napoli For €5m

Liverpool's Andrea Dossena will shortly sign for Napoli in a €5 million deal, according to various reports in the Italian press.

Napoli's sporting director, Riccardo Bigon, arrived in Merseyside on Monday for talks that have apparently borne fruit.

Dossena, 28, arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2008 but has failed to settle into the rhythm of the English game.

With Fabio Aurelio dominating the left-back position, and other places in the squad also being unavailable, Dossena in fact made fewer than 20 first team appearances in two and a half season.

However, Liverpool held out on a sale until they were able to recoup some of their original outlay, which was in the region of €8.75m at contemporary prices.

Jan Molby - Liverpool FC Are No Longer An Attractive Destination For Stars

Former Liverpool star Jan Molby said today that the club's on and off-the-pitch problems was putting off top stars from joining Rafael Benitez's team.

Speaking to the Liverpool FC Supporters' Club New York through their MP Red Podcast, the 46-year-old - who played 281 times for the Reds between 1984 and 1996 - said that fans could no longer expect the world's star players to want to play for Liverpool.

"Liverpool right now is not something that anyone would want to get involved in," said Molby, "So what we [as fans] have to do is to concentrate on what we have got now. We have a manager in Rafael Benitez, we have a group of players, and we have to get on with it, to get the best out of that group of players.

"We can't keep turning up lists and hopes of what we can and can't do, we have to focus on what we have got. Other teams have had to do it for years, and Liverpool have to do that now."

Molby is one of a host of ex Liverpool stars to express concerns over the running of the club and the team's poor first half of the season, which has seen them crash out of the Champions League and lose seven Premier League games.

Last year Benitez admitted that the club's debt burden was affecting his side's title aspirations and co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are continuing to face a growing backlash from Liverpool fans.

In an interview published by Goal.com UK yesterday Molby accused Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard of having a 'sulk on' this season whilst he labeled the contribution of new £20 million signing Alberto Aquilani as 'zero'.

Molby also believes that 23 year-old Dutch forward Ryan Babel - reportedly the target of an £8 million bid from Birmingham City - has underperformed at Anfield and would be no great loss to the club should he leave this month.

"Babel seems to not want to do what he has to, to get his head down and work hard, and to grab the opportunities he is given.

"He doesn't seem interested in that, and he seems to want everything in life a little easy."

Molby said Liverpool had conceded far too many goals this season from set pieces and blamed Benitez’s much maligned zonal-marking system.

"Personally I am not a fan [of zonal-marking]" he said, "I would like to pick our four best headers of the ball and say to them 'mark their [the opposition's] four most dangerous players', then let everyone else deal with the space

"As a player, you like something to hold on to, to say 'that's my man'. I'm sure the likes of [Martin] Skrtel, [Daniel] Agger and [Fernando] Torres would prefer to say 'that's my man, that's my responsibility'.

"It almost comes back to the blame game if you like, and with a man-marking system you know who is doing their job and who isn't."

And with the transfer window opening, giving Benitez a month in which to bolster his squad, Molby believes the Spaniard will be looking to bring in at least one new face to Anfield.

The Reds have been linked with a host of players including West Ham midfielder Scott Parker, whom Molby believes could flourish at Anfield.

"Parker probably went to Chelsea at the wrong time in his career," said Molby, "but I think he would do a good job at Liverpool with the way Rafa sets his side up.

But Molby is sceptical over whether out-of-favour Real Madrid striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy would be a shrewd signing.

"With Van Nistelrooy, I'm not sure Liverpool can give him enough games to get him back to the level he was once at. He is very much a penalty-box player, and the way Liverpool set up perhaps wouldn't suit his style."

Rafa Benitez Optimistic Liverpool FC Will Find Form

Rafa Benitez remains optimistic for the New Year despite seeing Liverpool FC held to an FA Cup draw at Reading.

The Spaniard’s side must replay their third round tie at Anfield on Wednesday week after a 1-1 draw on Saturday at the Championship strugglers.

Wales international Simon Church gave Reading a 24th-minute lead only for Steven Gerrard to equalise 12 minutes later.

But with Liverpool having won their previous two Premier League games, Benitez is confident his team are showing signs of improvement.

“If you see the training sessions they are training really well, they are very positive, their commitment in every training situation is very good,” said Benitez.

“We have been improving in the last three or four weeks and against Aston Villa we were in control. Reading had one or two chances at set-pieces but we had control of the game and then hopefully it will be the same in the next games. I remain optimistic for 2010, yes.”

Benitez admits Liverpool are still attempting to coax Gerrard back to full fitness while asking the skipper to play.

Gerrard has responded with two goals in his last three games, and Benitez said: “I’m not surprised Steven has the desire to win every game. He was injured before but we were trying to give him some match fitness so he has to play games and you know that Gerrard, Torres, they can make the difference. We are trying just to take care of him and if he has to play, he has to play.

“But I will talk about all of the players, I don’t like to talk just about one. You could see my players were working very hard against a team that was tough and difficult to beat, so Steven was doing well, especially in the second half. And for me, Lucas Leiva has been amazing the last two or three games.

“The style of football is different in the FA Cup, you can see the passion of everyone, the fans and the players, so it is more competitive and I think it is a nice competition to win.”

Benitez sidestepped another tiresome debate over zonal marking after Liverpool conceded another goal from a set-piece.

“It was very difficult to defend,” he added. “It was a long ball and then the ball goes to the back post. It is always difficult to defend in these situations because I think the players think the ball is going out then you are having to be surprised.

“Every single week I can see a lot of highlights and you see man-to-man marking and then conceding goals.

“The last four or five games we didn’t concede so I think we are much better now and we have also to keep working high at set-pieces, but I don’t feel that we are worse than other teams.”

Before the replay, Liverpool entertain Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday knowing victory could move them to within two points of the fourth-placed Londoners.

And Benitez added: “Every game will be very, very important and difficult for us and Tottenham will be one of these games because they are in a good position in the table, and we know that we have to try our best and beat them. More or less every game for us has to be a must-win game.”

I'll Take A Pay Cut: Argentina Ace Maxi Rodriguez Desperate For Liverpool Switch

Maxi Rodriguez is willing to take a pay cut to seal a move to Liverpool.

The Atletico Madrid midfielder wants to play regular first-team football to cement his place in Argentina's World Cup squad.

The 29-year-old, who has also been linked with Boca Juniors and Juventus, is out of contract at the end of the season but, according to Spanish newspaper AS, will lower his £4.4million-a-year wage demands to secure a short-term move.

Rodruiguez is close friends with Reds midfielder and countryman Javier Mascherano but manager Rafa Benitez needs to sell before he can splash out with Andrea Dossena or Andriy Voronin the most likely to head for the Anfield exit.

Carragher Heaps Praise On Darby

Liverpool's Jamie Carragher has praised Stephen Darby's character after his fellow defender played in Saturday's 1-1 FA Cup draw with Reading.

Darby, 21, made an error in his previous start in the Champions League - a 2-1 defeat by Fiorentina.

"I think everyone was pleased for him because of what happened in the last game," former England international Carragher told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"I didn't want him to not play again and maybe it would have been his last."

He continued: "His first and only time playing for Liverpool and making a mistake at the end, but he played very well in that game and it was unfortunate at the end.

"I thought he was superb and not only in his performance [against Reading] but showing the character to come back after what happened in his last game - he has a very strong character.

"Credit to him and everyone is delighted for him as he is such a nice lad."

Darby believes he is gaining in confidence following his selection against Reading and he hopes run in the team will continue.

But it is the praise from manager Rafa Benitez and big names in the squad which have helped his progress.

"It gives you that confidence boost and it shows the manager has got faith in you," said Darby. "I have got to try and repay that faith and put in a good performance.

"Its a real confidence boost when you hear the likes of Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard saying good things about you.

"But at the same time you've got to be level headed and you've got to keep your feet on the ground.

"You've got to realise the hard work has just begun."

Darby Thanks Reds Team-Mates

Liverpool youngster Stephen Darby has expressed his thanks after returning to the Reds team against Reading.

The 21-year-old defender played 90 minutes as Liverpool drew 1-1 in the FA Cup at the Madejski Stadium, earning the Royals a replay at Anfield next Wednesday.

Darby made his Reds debut in the UEFA Champions League against Fiorentina in December, but what should have been a day to remember turned to disaster when he gifted Viola forward Alberto Gilardino a goal which sealed the win for the away side, ending Liverpool's European campaign on a sour note.

Darby admits he was at a low ebb after the error, but has thanked his team-mates for picking him up and giving him the confidence to bounce back.

"It's something I've got to learn from and I couldn't dwell on it too much," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"I tried to put it behind me quickly and use the experience to make me a better player.

"It was a night of mixed emotions; obviously it was amazing to make my debut at Anfield but to concede a goal like I did in the last minute was very disappointing.

"It really hurt for a couple of days after, I can safely say that. But the lads got behind me and gave me great advice and encouragement."

Darby was delighted to make manager Rafa Benitez's starting XI for the cup match against Reading, and hopes he has done enough to deserve another shot in the first-team with Glen Johnson out injured.

"Hopefully there will be a couple of more chances in the next couple of weeks," he added. "You've got to be level-headed and realise the hard work is only just beginning.

"It was important to get another game. Now it's just a question of continuing to work hard and hopefully showing enough to impress the coaching staff.

"There are a number of possibilities for the manager and he can change things around; the competition for places is massive but all I can do is keep working hard."

Liverpool were not on their best form for the trip to Berkshire, but although Darby admitted the team were disappointed with the performance, he expects them to prove their worth in the replay.

"We were disappointed to go a goal down but I thought we fought back well but, at the end, we were disappointed not to win the game," he remarked.

"They put us under a bit of pressure and we had a couple of chances but, unfortunately, we didn't take them; as a team I thought we battled well after going a goal down.

"It's only half-time, we've got the replay to come and hopefully we'll put it right.

"We were really compact and defended well; it was just a big confidence boost to start and shows that the manager has faith in me. Now I have got to try and repay it."

Jan Molby Blames 'Sulking' Steven Gerrard For Liverpool Woes

Liverpool legend Jan Molby has launched a scathing attack on the club's underperforming stars, stating that big-name players, such as Steven Gerrard and new signing Alberto Aquilani, need to step up their game if the Reds are to achieve the top-four Premier League finish promised by their manager Rafael Benitez.

Speaking through the Liverpool Supporters Club New York and their MP Red podcast, the Dane - who made nearly 500 appearances for the club between 1984 and 1996 - asked questions over skipper Gerrard's form, accusing the 29-year-old of "sulking" during the Reds' tumultuous start to the season.

"Gerrard has not been 100 per cent this season with his injury," said Molby.

"And it begs the question: 'what are we looking to achieve with him?'

"Yes he has been restricted by his injury, but to me it seems he has also had a bit of a sulk on this season. He looks heavy legged, there isn't really that spring in his step this season so far and the team has suffered."

Yet despite Gerrard's lack-of-form this term, and mischievous reports linking him away from Liverpool, Molby believes that the 29-year-old will remain a Red for the rest of his career.

"Steven Gerrard is a Liverpool player, there is nowhere else for him to play," he added.

"I'm not sure what it would mean for him to lift the [Premier League] title with another club. He wants to win the title with Liverpool but, if not, I have a feeling he could live without it."

As one of Liverpool's first foreign imports, signed from Ajax in 1984, Molby knows a thing or two about settling into a new football culture, and says that if the Reds' latest midfield maestro - injury-hit midfielder Aquilani - is to have an impact at the club, then next season may be his best bet.

"Being brutally honest, we are halfway through the season and his [Aquilani's] contribution has been zero," Molby continued.

"That is not all his fault, with the injury etc, but it is still a fact.

"I actually spoke to Rafa Benitez about him a few weeks back and said that, from my experience, if Aquilani is to make a big impact at the club, then it will probably be next season at the earliest."

Yet despite admitting to some misgivings about the Italian's ability to adapt to English football, Molby says Aquilani has the attributes to establish himself as a good signing for the Reds.

"It is a totally different style of play [to Serie A] and you have to learn to look after yourself quickly," he added.

"You have to face the Blackburns and the Sunderlands - with players like Lee Cattermole biting in - and you have to compete. If you don't fancy it, you can get snowed under very quickly.

"But if it comes down to talent, then Aquilani certainly has what it takes to be a success. He has ability, no question."

Molby is the latest ex-Red to stick the boot into Benitez’s embattled side, who welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield on Sunday knowing that a defeat would leave them seven points adrift of the top-four.

In December, former manager Graeme Souness declared that the club was on the verge of “meltdown” after their exit from the Champions League, whilst Ronnie Whelan and Jamie Redknapp have been highly critical of Benitez’s methods throughout Liverpool’s below-par start to the season.

Saturday’s FA Cup draw at Championship strugglers Reading represented another below par display in a season dominated by false dawns and disappointment for Reds fans.

One player who Molby reserves special praise for, however, is goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who the Dane believes can go on to become Liverpool's best-ever stopper.

"I said a few years ago that Reina has all the tools to become the greatest keeper in Liverpool's history, and I stick by that, he has been fantastic this season," said Molby.

"People say he doesn't come and catch enough balls, but I think he is a truly exceptional keeper, and deserves to be mentioned up there with the best."

And in a season of minimal promise for Liverpool supporters, Molby reveals his excitement at the prospect of young Spaniard Daniel Pacheco, who has shone in two first-team cameo appearances this season.

Molby concedes that the 18-year-old's lack of physical presence may prove a hindrance, but says Reds fans have reason to get excited about Pacheco's progress.

"I like the kid because he has great ability," added Molby.

"He has a great first touch - schooled in Barcelona of course - can spot a pass, and has fantastic set-piece delivery. If we talk about Steven Gerrard's ability from set-pieces, well this kid is something special.

"My only worry about him is his lack of strength, he is very slight. That probably means he is unlikely to dominate games, but he certainly has the ability to be a match-winner for Liverpool.

"He is confident, he always wants the ball, wants to play - that's down to his upbringing - and I think he is a very exciting kid for Liverpool fans to get excited about."

Napoli Director Riccardo Bigon Flies To Liverpool For Andrea Dossena Talks

Napoli sporting director Riccardo Bigon has flown to Liverpool in an attempt to reel in Andrea Dossena.

Sky Sport Italia claim the Partenopei are still keen on landing the stopper who has been tipped to leave Anfield. Dossena has endured a tough time in Merseyside since joining them from Udinese, and Napoli are ready to offer him a quick exit.

The report suggests Bigon will speak with the player, who has been linked with Roma and a number of Spanish clubs, and offer him a deal. It's no secret Dossena wants to return to Italy. He also wants regular action, something which has been limited under Rafael Benitez.

Napoli had already spoken with the Italian in the summer, but talks broke down after the two sides were unable to agree on terms.

Stalemate For Dossena

Andrea Dossena's agent has reiterated that his client's future remains a subject of much uncertainty.

The Liverpool defender is reported to be a January transfer target for a number of Serie A clubs keen to take him back to his homeland.

However, the Reds appear reluctant to do business, despite Dossena being regarded as little more than a squad player at Anfield.

Speculation continues to suggest that it is only a matter of time before a deal is struck, but for now stalemate has been allowed to set in.

"There is no news about Andrea," Dossena's agent, Roberto La Florio, told calciomercato.it.

"At the moment everything is blocked. It all depends on Liverpool who, until now, seem to have no intention of altering their strategy."

La Florio has also ruled out the possibility of Dossena being allowed to leave on loan, with any potential deal needing to see Liverpool recoup the majority of the £7million they paid Udinese for the Italy international in July 2008.

He added: "A loan with the possibility of being signed at the end of the season? At the moment I don't think Liverpool would consider this option."

Napoli, Roma and Juventus have all been linked with the versatile 28-year-old in recent weeks.

Liverpool’s Anfield Crowd Means Balance Sheet Makes Good Reading

Steven Gerrard's equaliser against Reading may have prevented the Championship club from recording a famous FA Cup victory over Liverpool, but the trip to Liverpool's famous Anfield stadium will be a boost to the Championship club's coffers.

The Royals had taken the lead through Simon Church, but were pegged back by Gerrard's equaliser. Neither team could find a winner, taking the tie to a replay in Liverpool next week. Gate receipts are split for FA Cup ties, meaning Reading's balance sheet will receive a significant six-figure boost as a result of the trip to Anfield.

Rafa Benitez, Liverpool's manager, bemoaned the addition of an extra game to the club's schedule as it chases a place in the top four of the Premier League, but paid tribute to Reading's performance. Fixture congestion presented no problem for Liverpool over the festive period, with Benitez's side recording a comfortable victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day before beating Aston Villa thanks to a late Fernando Torres strike three days later.

Reading, meanwhile, whose parachute payments of more than £10 million per season after their relegation from the Premier League will end this summer, are battling the drop into the third tier, and may well welcome the distraction from the league campaign.

Elsewhere, the biggest shock of the third round came at old Trafford, where Leeds United beat Manchester United 1-0 on Sunday. Ten years ago Leeds were top of the Premier League going into the New Year, but have since sunk to the third tier, though the Yorkshire club currently tops the division and is expected to seal promotion back to the Championship by the end of the season.

Couple Find Signatures Of Mersey Football Legends Bill Shankly & Ray Wilson In Living Room

Merseyside footballing legends Bill Shankly and Ray Wilson really did leave their mark – scribbling their cheeky signatures on the wall of a home.

Everton FA Cup hero Wilson, 75, was handed the same football club-owned house in Huddersfield Shanks vacated when his managerial career moved on in the 1950s.

Wilson moved everything into his new home only to find the beloved Liverpool FC icon had scrawled “Bill Shankly was here” above the dining room door.

Wilson, then just 18, couldn’t resist adding: “And so was Ray Wilson” in biro underneath.

Remarkably, both signatures still exist on the wall of the family home in Huddersfield.

Retired couple Antony and Sandra Greenwood have lived there since 1964 after paying just £2,000 to buy the house from Huddersfield Town FC.

It was Shankly’s home when he managed the club – famously signing a teenage Denis Law to the West Yorkshire side before he moved on to manage Liverpool in 1959.

The club handed the house to Wilson who played for Huddersfield for 12 years before following Shanks across the M62 to play for Everton in 1964.

Two years later he would play in the Blues celebrated 3-2 comeback win over Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup and lift the World Cup with England.

Former garage owner Mr. Greenwood, 73, was stunned to find both men’s signatures when he stripped the walls and 45 years later they still remain.

He said: “My sister lived three doors away and told me the house was going on the market. It was our first house when we got married,

“We knew Ray Wilson lived there after Shankly. Soon after we moved in we stripped the walls and there above the door it was written in ballpoint in his handwriting, with Ray adding his comment as well.

“They didn’t leave anything else in the house – there were lots of beer bottles in the old garage but I don’t know if they were Ray’s or Bill’s.”

Mrs. Greenwood, 69, said: “They hadn’t really changed the place that much because they would have been tenants of the club.

“Maybe the club sold the house because it was going to cost too much to modernise or the footballers were getting paid enough to buy their own.

“We’ve changed it of course, there’s now an extension across the back of the kitchen and the kitchen and dining room are open plan now.”

Mildred Wadsworth, 86, has been the couple’s neighbour since they moved in.

She has lived in the road for 64 years and remembers the Shankly family well.

She said: “Bill would play football with the local boys and of course it was a great opportunity for them.

“His wife Nessie was in the Huddersfield Flower Arranging Club and they had two girls Barbara and Jeannette. They were a lovely family.

“But I didn’t get to know Bill as well, of course. He was all about football. He wasn’t interested in anything else.”

Torres Would Cost £140 Million To Leave Anfield

Fernando Torres will become the world's most expensive footballer if he leaves Liverpool in the summer.

Manchester City and Chelsea have made Torres their number one target but would have to splash out more than £140m in transfer fees and wages to land the Spanish superstar.

Not only has Torres' value eclipsed the £80m Real Madrid paid for Cristiano Ronaldo, he can anticipate a salary offer of around £15m a year given the current inflated levels for the most wanted players.

It would require the biggest financial package in football history to secure a deal

City offered Brazilian Kaka a staggering £280,000 a week in their ill-fated bid a year ago, and Torres would comfortably match that.

Liverpool have made it clear they won't listen to any offers for their star striker and manager Rafa Benitez recently insisted he'd resign if the player was sold against his will.

But Liverpool also know matters will be out of their hands unless the club attracts investment and finish in the top four.

After years fighting against the financial troubles caused by the American ownership, the next six months will finally bring matters to a head at Anfield one way or the other.

If Liverpool don't sort themselves out off the pitch, their rivals intend to capitalise and are now openly targeting their most prized assets.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has also been pursing Torres for the last two seasons and believes Liverpool will be more vulnerable than ever unless Americans Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. get out of the Merseyside club.

Torres became the quickest Liverpool player to reach 50 goals earlier this week as he kick-started his club's bid to retain its Champions League status.

Sport of the World revealed last weekend how the striker's ongoing commitment to the Merseyside giants is conditional on the club proving it can continue to match his ambitions.

Kop fans have been reassured by the Spaniard's determination to help Liverpool recover their position and make interest in him irrelevant.

But the only way they can do that longer-term is by securing massive investment to ensure next season the target is winning the Premier League rather than 'managing the debt,' as Benitez recently suggested.

Benitez has 'guaranteed' Liverpool will finish in the top four. His confidence is geared at reassuring his star striker that this season's on-field problems are a one-off and warning Manchester City and Chelsea to keep their hands in their pockets.

Rafa Sets Record Straight On Dutch Duo

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has ruled out a move for Ruud van Nistelrooy and insisted Ryan Babel is staying put.

The Merseysiders have been credited with an interest in the Real Madrid striker while fellow Dutchman Babel has spoken about his desire to quit Anfield.

However, after being forced to replay with Reading in the FA Cup, Benitez stressed that, although talks are progressing well on other fronts, the January window will not map out as some had envisaged.

"I don't want to talk about individual players or names, but we are not trying for Ruud van Nistelrooy, so that will be very difficult to bring him in!" stated the Liverpool manager.

"We are working hard on getting some players in, and have had some good talks but my priority now is talking about good things with my players.

"And we are not trying to sell Ryan Babel either. On Saturday, we were thinking about using him but I wanted to play players who are focused. He has to work harder to get in the team and play if he wants to go to the World Cup.

"He will have a chance and work hard for Liverpool."

Rafael Benitez: Liverpool Aren't Looking To Sell Ryan Babel

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has shrugged aside any doubt over the immediate future of Ryan Babel, who has been widely tipped for a winter transfer.

The 22-year-old attacker has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Anfield, having shown only glimpses of the raw talent that earned him an £11.5 million move from Ajax in 2007.

The would-be rapper has thus had to settled for a near-permanent bench role, and persisting rumours of his discontent have led to speculation of a move abroad.

Babel's precarious position in the Dutch national team has only fuelled the flames, as he is eager to impress Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

However, Benitez has ruled out the possibility of Babel quitting Merseyside this month, albeit whilst making it plain that the fleet-footed forward must put in more effort on the training track.

"He [Babel] will have a chance to play," said Benitez, according to the BBC.

"He has to work hard. He's our player and he will have his chances. At this moment we are not trying to sell him."

Babel did not feature at all as Liverpool drew 1-1 with Reading in the FA Cup on Saturday.

In-Demand Victor Moses Not Keen On Palace Exodus

Crystal Palace's in-demand young striker, Victor Moses, insists he is happy to remain at Selhurst Park despite reports linking him with a move to Liverpool, Arsenal or even Barcelona.

Moses, who has represented England at Under-19 level, is widely expected to leave Palace in the January transfer window as the club are looking to ease their financial problems and could cash in on the striker who has been valued at £5 million.

With five goals in his past seven games, the 19-year-old has reportedly caught the eye of a number of Premier League scouts and Manchester City are the latest team to join a long list of potential suitors that includes European champions Barcelona.

But Moses is reluctant to contemplate leaving Palace at present and has underlined his loyalty to the Championship club at the start of what will no doubt be a busy month for the youngster.

"I'm under contract to the club until 2011 and at the moment talk of my departure is just speculation," Moses told the Sunday Mirror. "I just want to go out and play football. It would be easy to allow all of this to get to me but the vast majority of it just goes over my head.

"The truth is, until someone tells me differently I'm just going to keep working hard at my game and hopefully help Palace to get promoted.

"I have seen the speculation linking me with numerous clubs but to be honest I don't take a great deal of notice of it. I would be a liar if I said I had no interest in playing at the highest level in the game and if an offer came in for me that Palace felt was too good to turn down I would have to seriously consider it.

"But to be honest, I'm very grounded and I have a very supportive group of people who help me keep my feet firmly on the ground. While I'm flattered by the interest from other clubs, I am very happy at Palace.

"Players are frequently accused of being disloyal to their clubs but I wouldn't count myself among them. I owe a massive debt of gratitude to Palace. The chairman and manager have bent over backwards to help me and I have the utmost respect for them.

"Neil Warnock has been a joy to work for. He has supported me throughout and shown immense faith in my ability. I am a deeply religious boy and a day doesn't pass when I don't consider how fortunate I am."

Inter Boss Jose Mourinho Targets Liverpool Star Steven Gerrard

rpool captain Steven Gerrard is to be the target of a £40 million bid from Inter boss Jose Mourinho, according to a report from the Daily Star Sunday.

The Portuguese is a known admirer of the England international, who came close to linking up with Mourinho whilst he was manager of Chelsea back in 2004.

Now, the Inter boss believes that Gerrard could be tempted away from Anfield should the Reds fail to qualify for next season's Champions League, and may see his next challenge as playing abroad.

Whether £40m would be enough to tempt the Reds to sell such a talismanic player remains to be seen.

Liverpool Manager Rafa Benitez Admits New Signings Are A Must During The January Transfer Window

Rafa Benitez has been working hard in an attempt to lure 'quality players' to Liverpool during the January transfer window to bolster his club’s injury-plagued squad.

The Reds failed to reach the first knock out stage of the Champions League and currently sit 12 points behind leaders Chelsea in the Premier League, as enforced absences to stellar performers Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres took their toll.

Benitez told the club’s official website: “Yes, we are working hard [on transfers] and trying to do our jobs, and we’ll see if we can do something.

The Spanish tactician is ready to bolster his wafer-thin resources this month and a full-back is top of his priority list with Glen Johnson currently sidelined due to a knee injury.

Greek international full-back Vasil Torosidis and Malaga defender Ivan Gonzalez have been linked with a winter switch to Anfield.

“We are looking in the market but it’s not easy to find good players available because the majority of them are playing in top sides.

"But we are trying to find solutions if we can,” he added.

It is believed Liverpool are currently in negotiations with Athletico Madrid playmaker Maxi Rodriguez, while other players including Galatasaray’s Arda Turan, Crystal Palace youngster Victor Moses and Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic have also emerged on the club’s radar.

However, any dips in to the transfer market must be funded and Benitez may be forced to offload the likes of Andri Voronin, Ryan Babel and Andrea Dossena in an attempt to generate funds for any future acquisitions.

Benitez added: “We have some good players who people are interested in because they’re not playing too many games for us, but we have to manage [the situation] carefully.”

Liverpool Plan £3 Million Swoop For Aston Villa Striker John Carew

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is set to launch a surprise move for Aston Villa centre-forward John Carew, according to a report from the Daily Star Sunday.

Ready cash is in short supply at Anfield, but the powerful Norwegian could be prised away from Villa Park for £3 million. His current contract expires in 18 months' time, and there has not yet been any indication that manager Martin O'Neill is to offer him a new one.

Carew played for Benitez at Valencia, and the Spaniard is said to still be an admirer of the 30-year-old, who is apparently unhappy about slipping behind England striker Emile Heskey in the Villa Park pecking order.

Forwards Ryan Babel and Andriy Voronin are set to be sold in the next month as Benitez looks to raise some cash and move to strengthen his striking options.

Rush In Talks Over Reds Return

Liverpool are lining up Ian Rush for a shock return to the club as a striker coach.

Rush has held talks over the position he previously held under Gerard Houllier.

The Kop legend would work mainly at Liverpool's Academy as part of an ongoing strategy to encourage ex-players to work with youngsters, but he would also assist current stars such as Fernando Torres once a week.

His comeback would follow Kenny Dalglish's recent appointment as a club ambassador, as he's also closely liaising with the Merseysiders' youth staff.

Kop Four For Reds

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has backed Liverpool to finish fourth in the Premier League this season and claim an all important Champions League spot.

The Merseysiders currently lie seventh in the table, four points behind Tottenham after a disappointing first half of the season.

Many pundits, including Redknapp tipped Rafael Benitez's men for the title this season after they finished second last year with 86 points - their highest ever total in the Premier League.

However, injuries and loss of form have seen one of the countries most decorated sides competing with Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester City for a place amongst Europe's elite next season, and the financial rewards it brings.

Redknapp admitted it was not easy watching his former side struggle, but was convinced they will be playing Champions League football next season.

"It's so frustrating," he told Soccer AM. "The last two results have really helped them, beating Wolves at home and Villa away, but I have to be honest at the start of the year when I was asked 'who do you think will win the league?' I said Liverpool but I couldn't have been more wrong.

"I think they've conceded too many goals and at the back they're not quite as good as they have been. A lot of people have been saying they won't finish in the top four but I honestly still believe they will finish fourth."

Former Liverpool legends, including Graeme Souness have speculated what will happen to the club if they do fail in their task to secure a place in the top four, with some suggesting an exodus of star names from Anfield, including captain Steven Gerrard.

Former Reds midfielder Redknapp admitted it was a worry, but believes Gerrard will finish his career at Liverpool.

"I can't imagine Steven Gerrard playing for anyone else," he said. "I genuinely couldn't see him in another football kit. But I can see Fernando Torres, if Liverpool don't make the Champions League for a few years. He's cut a frustrated figure of late I think."

Liverpool's inconsistent form has been further highlighted by the rise in prominence of Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa this season.

All three teams have beaten a team from the big four this campaign and Redknapp told Helen and Max that the gulf between the sides at the top and the rest is closing.

"If you take Cristiano Ronaldo out of your team who's the best footballer alongside Lionel Messi in the world, of course (Manchester United) are going to be weaker.

"Chelsea are stronger this year because they have had (Michael) Essien back and fit, although he isn't at the moment. And if you look at Liverpool they lost (Xabi) Alonso, although I think there's more to it than just losing one player, but it certainly weakens you.

"It's great though because Tottenham and Aston Villa are doing well and Man City have spent fortunes so they're obviously going to be a better team and I think it definitely makes for a better league."

Rafa Admits Replay Relief

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez admitted he was satisfied just to still be in the FA Cup following the 1-1 draw with Reading.

The Royals have been struggling in the Championship of late but they upset the form book to earn a replay at Anfield later this month.

Simon Church tapped in to give Reading an early lead but Liverpool drew level courtesy of a Steven Gerrard effort before half-time.

The Reds then found themselves on the back foot for much of the second period and Benitez was glad to hear the final whistle.

"I'm relieved," said the Spaniard.

"To play in front of the TV and against Liverpool I think was a massive boost for them and you could see they played really well.

"They were pushing and working very hard from the beginning until the end so we had to do our job.

"It was a difficult game and the most positive thing is that we will play another game at Anfield."

Benitez selected a strong starting XI including both Gerrard and Fernando Torres and he has vowed to try his best to win the competition.

"We know that we have two clear chances to win trophies - the Europa League and the FA Cup - so we will try our best in both and keep improving in the league," he said.

"This is the way now so we try to win.

"Our aim is to win trophies so we have to start winning these games."

Match Report: Reading 1 - 1 Liverpool

Steven Gerrard rescued Liverpool again with an equaliser at the Madejski Stadium to earn an FA Cup third-round replay against Reading and avoid an embarrassing defeat.

It was hardly the most influential performance from Gerrard but the Liverpool skipper produced a goal when his side needed it most, as he does so often, meaning the two clubs will meet again at Anfield.

Simon Church had bundled in an opener to give the hosts the scent of an upset but Gerrard levelled before the break for Rafael Benitez's men.

Liverpool had been defeated on their last visit to Reading's stadium, little more than two years ago, but plenty has changed since the days of Steve Coppell's men upsetting the heavyweights in the Premier League.

The Royals head back into Coca-Cola Championship action sitting just above the relegation zone in 20th place and there is a feeling of frustration from fans against chairman Sir John Madejski, who is yet to appoint a new manager following Brendan Rodgers' dismissal last month.

Reading chief scout Craig McDermott has been in charge and while survival is the priority, a run in the FA Cup tends to boost confidence.

They also had Brian Howard, who scored a famous winner for Barnsley against the Reds in 2008, on the bench after a jaw injury.

Liverpool's season has seen them knocked out of the Champions League and also struggle to keep pace with others teams in the hunt for a top-four place in the Premier League, so the cup has been seen as one of their only genuine chances of success.

With that in mind, Benitez picked a strong team - Gerrard and Fernando Torres started - but they started poorly, not helped by the tricky conditions at Reading's ground, a venue that also hosts rugby games for London Irish.

The hosts had the ball in the net when Jobi McAnuff met Pepe Reina's punch but the header was correctly ruled out as Grzegorz Rasiak was offside and also impeded the Liverpool goalkeeper to allow the finish to trickle over the line.

Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici was fortunate to escape further punishment when he handled outside the penalty area, claiming a ball Gerrard pushed through to Fabio Aurelio. Martin Atkinson only awarding a free-kick.

The West Yorkshire referee was also lenient when he turned down a Reading appeal for a penalty when Martin Skrtel tugged on Gylfi Sigurdsson's shirt, but Emiliano Insua finally went in the book when he fouled McAnuff on the right flank.

That led to Church's strike. Ryan Bertrand swung over the deep free-kick to the far post, with most Liverpool players expecting the ball to drift out of play.

They did not count on Rasiak darting around Lucas Leiva and pulling the ball back from the byline. Church used his shins to tap in from close range for his fifth goal of the season.

Liverpool looked to Torres to get them back in the game and the Spain striker headed just wide when Dirk Kuyt crossed from the right channel.

It was their other talisman, Gerrard, who grabbed the equaliser. The midfielder picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and shaped to cross, with Kuyt stepping over the delivery to fool Federici.

Gerrard sent Torres through before the break and Federici spread himself well to block the finish, and Aurelio also drilled wide when sent through.

Reading's disgruntled fans spotted their former manager on his duties as a pundit and chanted "we want our Coppell back", as they hope for a return to the days of success.

The club have been in freefall since relegation from the top flight two seasons ago and the likes of Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt have been sold - but at least the current players were not giving up. Sigurdsson unleashed a swerving shot that required a decent Reina save.

Torres had threatened just after the break when he went just over the crossbar from the edge of the area.

Federici appeared to pull a hamstring midway through the second half, so Ben Hamer came off the bench and saved on the line from Alberto Aquilani before the end. Torres headed just over in stoppage-time.

Liverpool 'Swoop' For Ruud van Nistelrooy And Rafael van der Vaart

Liverpool could sign Rafael van der Vaart as well as his Real Madrid and Holland team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy in January, according to a report.

With manager Rafael Benitez urgently needing reinforcements, The Sun reports that the much-touted loan deal for former Manchester United striker Van Nistelrooy will be agreed "in the next few days".

But, although Liverpool hope to conclude a six-month loan deal for Argentina winger Maxi Rodriguez, the paper also reports that 26-year-old winger Van der Vaart could also be on his way to Anfield in a "dramatic double swoop".

The major sticking point in any deal for Van Nistelrooy, whose contract with the Spanish side expires at the end of the season, is the striker's estimated £140,000 weekly wage packet.

That could see Liverpool turn their attentions to Aston Villa's Emile Heskey, the former Liverpool forward.

Substance As Well As Style With Alberto Aquilani

Patience is a virtue sorely lacking in modern football and that is something Alberto Aquilani will have discovered this week.

Despite the fact he is just starting to find his feet after enduring a 12-month spell that was decimated by injury and included the upheaval of moving to another country, he is being branded a flop two Premier League starts into his Liverpool career.

For some commentators, it wasn’t enough that he stroked the ball around with elan, tried his hardest to launch attacks whenever he received possession or that he kept getting up from every robust tackle that knocked him out of his elegant stride.

No. Judging from some of the views that have been raised in the days since his performances against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa, it has already been decided that Aquilani is going to be a Liverpool flop.

Perhaps his reviews would have been kinder if he had scored goals in each game from inside his own half as well as hitting a series of raking, cross field passes into the path of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, to show he has a telepathic understanding.

But neat and tidy isn’t good enough any more, is it?

In this era when everything must be done yesterday and there is no time for reflection, knee-jerk reactions are commonplace and determine whether footballers are instant triumphs or turkeys.

It is, quite frankly, ridiculous. Had this same rationale been applied at the end of the 1990s, Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry, for instance, might have been drummed out of Arsenal because the English game was too much for them.

Thanks to a bit of time and understanding, though, they became two of the greatest players ever to appear in the Premier League; now this is not to suggest Aquilani will become an all-time great but you get the picture.

Simply, it is his misfortune that he has to follow in the footsteps of Xabi Alonso; his sale to Real Madrid is used as the reason why Liverpool’s campaign came off the rails and the inference is that the Reds are no longer a force now he has gone.

Yes, Alonso was a majestic player. His five years on Merseyside were littered with many highs, he scored some wonderful goals – not least the equaliser in Istanbul – and he was a terrific ambassador for the club.

The way he conducted himself after moving to Madrid also screamed class, backing Benitez to turn Liverpool’s fortunes around, for instance, when it might have been easy for him to stick the boot in.

What those commentators who are labelling Aquilani as a dud now are conveniently forgetting, though, is that in his penultimate season at Anfield, Alonso had what can kindly be described as a dip in form.

Alonso’s quality is missed at Liverpool but he, like 2009, is now part of the past; 2010 is the future and, contrary to certain opinion, it is bright for Aquilani, particularly if he continues in the same vein he has shown so far.

There have been comparisons made with his style being similar to that of Jamie Redknapp but Aquilani is much more adventurous, eschewing the backwards or sideways option at all cost to push forwards.

That trait – first shown in the Champions League dead rubber with Fiorentina – has been the most encouraging aspect of his start to life here, as has the way Aquilani has not let the physical nature of the English game bother him.

Only by the end of the season will we really be able to truly gauge what Aquilani has brought to the side but, if the body language of Torres and Gerrard are to be used as a barometer, it is so far, so good.

Of course, that he hasn’t done anything headline-grabbing to date, other than arrive with an injury, will mean his worth has already been assessed in certain quarters; fortunately, Merseyside’s footballing public is much more knowledgeable – and patient.

Real Madrid Ready To Part Company With Ruud Van Nistelrooy

Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy appears to be on his way out of the Santiago Bernabeu after Real Madrid have told the attacker that he will be allowed to leave in the winter transfer window.

The 33-year-old is finding regular first team football hard to come by at Los Merengues and has made only one league appearance for Real Madrid this term, scoring once.

Madrid are reluctant to let any players go in January, but a report in Marca claims that they are ready to make an exception for Van Nistelrooy in order to keep the Dutchman's World Cup dreams alive.

Van Nistelrooy retired from international football after Euro'08, but he recently expressed his desire to make a comeback at the 2010 World Cup in a final attempt to win silverware with Oranje.

The report that Van Nistelrooy may leave Madrid in January will be good news for Liverpool. The beleaguered English powerhouse are believed to be eager to sign the Dutchman.

Liverpool FC Fans Are Finding Their Voice For Lucas

The away section at Villa Park on Tuesday evening was, not surprisingly, a noisy, joyful place after Fernando Torres scored a goal of huge magnitude.

But while the hymn that is dedicated to him was sung long and loud, with plenty of bouncing, he wasn’t the only Liverpool player to be feted in verse by the travelling contingent – the identity of the man in question, though, may come as a surprise.

Having once been shamefully booed when coming on to the pitch for a game at Anfield, Lucas has started to turn the way supporters perceive him and it would not be wrong to suggest his performance at Villa was his best to date for the club.

Running tirelessly and tackling relentlessly, the Brazilian was magnificent in protecting the Reds’ back four and relished the responsibility he was given by Benitez; it was a display that suggested he is coming of age.

Quietly and efficiently, Lucas has been one of Liverpool’s success stories this year and has never gone missing in the big games they have played; more of the same will ensure his name is sung with an increasing frequency.

John Aldridge: Fernando Torres’ Aston Villa Strike Can Transform Liverpool FC Season

A season can change on one pivotal moment and hopefully Fernando Torres’ winner at Villa Park will be it for Liverpool.

We rode our luck a bit and Pepe Reina produced a couple of great saves but it was a fighting performance.

We still have to play better but it was a massive win and the spirit we showed was very pleasing. Hopefully it will restore the belief that seemed to have gone missing.

We’re in a mini league with four teams for fourth place and we’ve got to get our heads down and fight like we did against Villa.

There’s a lot of work to do and we’re going to have to hit a tremendous run of form to finish in the top four.

The problem we’ve got is that Manchester City will spend big this month, but at least on the back of two wins there is light at the end of the tunnel.

It’s vital we keep grinding out positive results away. Our home form has been similar to last year with us only two points worse off now compared to this stage last season.

However, before the Villa game we were 13 points worse off on our travels. We’ve been so disappointing away but the win at Villa should be a real confidence boost.

Torres only got one chance but he showed his class and stuck it away, making him the fastest player in the club’s history to reach 50 league goals. It only took him 72 games and I’m delighted for him.

In comparison I got to a half century in 83 games, while it took Ian Rush 84 and Robbie Fowler 88.

The three of us all played with fantastic players around us. We had creative wide men who provided us with a lot of service.

Torres hasn’t had that and apart from his understanding with Steven Gerrard he’s had to do most of it on his own.

Robbie and I both took penalties and Rushie also took a few, but Torres doesn’t - which really puts into perspective what a magnificent achievement it is.

He’s been a great signing for the club and hopefully he’ll be here for many years to come.

One newspaper in particular has been stirring things up, suggesting Torres may move on next summer. It’s been bad enough being a Liverpudlian in recent months and the last thing we need is scaremongering

Torres has said how much he loves playing for the club and living in the city but I’d love to see him come out and quash the latest rumours.

Benitez Scouring Transfer Market

Liverpool's transfer activity is threatening to overshadow their FA Cup third-round trip to Reading on Saturday.

Manager Rafael Benitez is promising "not too many changes" to his side for the clash at the Madejski Stadium, but there could soon be changes to his Anfield squad.

The Spaniard has been linked with a host of players with the transfer window having only just opened, while sources in Spain and at the club suggest there is a good prospect of Atletico Madrid's winger Maxi Rodriguez arriving on a six-month loan.

Talks are believed to be ongoing for the 29-year-old, who is a close friend of Reds midfielder and Argentina team-mate Javier Mascherano.

Striker Andriy Voronin could be the first to depart, with Zenit St Petersburg and Spartak Moscow both interested in the player.

Voronin has been on holiday over the Christmas period, having been frozen out by Benitez since a wasteful appearance in the Champions League draw in Lyon.

A string of missed chances by the Ukrainian ultimately ended Liverpool's genuine hopes of qualification for the last 16.

Benitez is considering Greece international full-back Vasil Torosidis as a replacement for Glen Johnson, who could miss up to two months with his knee injury.

Asked if he was considering signing a full-back, Benitez said: "Yes, we are working hard (on transfers) and trying to do our jobs, and we'll see if we can do something.

"We are looking in the market but it's not easy to find good players available because the majority of them are playing in top sides. But we are trying to find solutions if we can.

"We have some good players who people are interested in because they're not playing too many games for us, but we have to manage carefully."

Ryan Babel will be allowed to leave, but his agent has been told there is no chance of a loan move, while Andrea Dossena is a target for Atletico Madrid.

Other players linked with Liverpool are Galatasaray midfielder Arda Turan, Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic, Malaga defender Ivan Gonzalez and Crystal Palace youngster Victor Moses.

But first, Liverpool need to avoid a cup disaster in Berkshire, having established some measure of confidence and form with back-to-back league wins over Wolves and Aston Villa.

Benitez added: "The FA Cup is always important, but when you are out of the Champions League it becomes a major trophy.

"Our fans are still thinking of winning silverware this season, so that means the FA Cup. It is a very important competition for us now.

"We must look at our squad and decide what we are going to do at Reading. We have more training sessions to see how they are, but because the competition has added importance now maybe we will not change too many players.

"We know we are facing Spurs eight days later, but that does give us more time to get players fit so we can field a strong team at Reading."

Andriy And Wife Off To Hertha

LIVERPOOL flop Andriy Voronin is on the verge of heading back to Hertha Berlin for around £2.5million.

But he does not look too bothered as these pictures show - and who can blame him!

While his Kop team-mates shiver in the cold, Voronin is on a sunshine break in Miami Beach with wife Yulia.

The Ukraine striker, who spent last season on loan at the German club, is in advanced talks with Hertha.

Voronin scored 11 goals for Berlin to help them finish fourth - he has managed just five league strikes in 27 Kop outings.

Hertha, fighting to avoid the drop this season, wanted him last summer but failed to agree a fee with Liverpool.

Italian Andrea Dossena is also set to leave Anfield with Napoli the likely destination despite Atletico Madrid's interest.

The left-back, 28, joined Liverpool for £7m from Udinese and has made just 22 starts in 18 months ago.

Tottenham And Liverpool Player Swap Deal Is Touted

Despite the well documented money problems, Liverpool are expected to sign a new striker during the transfer window.

And that could be good news for Tottenham - with Reds boss Rafa Benitez said to be interested in Roman Pavlyuchenko.

But Harry Redknapp can forget about recoup the transfer fee Spurs paid for the Russian - because the deal would quite possibly be a swap.

Winger Ryan Babel, out of favour at Anfield, is being tipped to head to White Hart Lane if a swap deal was proposed.

Benitez is also interested in signing former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy on a six-month loan deal.

Huge wages could prove to be a stumbling block.