Forgotten Men Come Good For Rafa Benitez As Race For Fourth Place Intensifies

It has been an unfamiliar feeling for Liverpool fans to wake up this winter with optimism coarsing through their veins. The Reds' Christmas was pretty much cancelled by their travails at home and in Europe, with their early exit from the Champions League and FA Cup supplemented by a miserable start to the Premier League campaign.

But now, three weeks into the year that was supposed to be Liverpool's, the promise has returned. Amazing what a difference 90 minutes can make.

Wednesday night's 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield hasn't fixed all the problems at Liverpool - the club's debt issue still refuses to go away, as does speculation over the future of manager Rafa Benitez, with Guus Hiddink the latest name to be thrown into the ring as a potential replacement.

But it certainly went a long way to mending the confidence shredded by last week's cup humiliation at the hands of Championship strugglers Reading.

The jokes had been doing the rounds on Merseyside all week - Rafa had admitted his grasp of English was poor: he was fine with speaking and listening, it was just Reading he was having trouble with, and so on - but Saturday's draw at Stoke, ugly and disappointing though it may have been, was a big moment for the Spaniard and his troops, and against Spurs they banished plenty, if not all, of their demons.

For Benitez, the victory was also a personal triumph. Surely no manager has had his transfer record examined with such ferocity as he has. Every disappointing result, or substandard performance, drew further rays of criticism from all quarters. His persona and his tactical acumen are often questioned, but his transfer-market prowess is the favoured stick with which to beat him.

How refreshing then to see some of the players who were supposed to ensure his departure from Anfield doing their utmost to guarantee his stay. The likes of Philipp Degen, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, David Ngog and even last-night's match-winner Dirk Kuyt have been held up as beacons of mediocrity, sub-par purchases in an era which demands instant perfection.

Even Alberto Aquilani, ten games into his Anfield career, was being written off. Some reports even suggested the Italian may be set for a return to Serie A in the form of Juventus, with Liverpool prepared to write off a sizeable portion of the £17 million they paid to Roma in June for the 25-year-old.

Benitez has long defended the capture of Aquilani. When Liverpool started sluggishly without the Italian, he said "we have signed the player for five years, not for five months". When fans grew frustrated at his lack of game-time during the Reds' torrid December run, Benitez urged patience. He was getting fitter and fitter, said the Spaniard, and then Liverpool would see the best of him. And on last night's showing, he was right.

Aquilani started the match as a traditional trequartista, playing in behind the lone striker, Kuyt. With both Mascherano and Lucas providing the insurance behind him, here was the Italian's chance to shine in the role he has always said is his favourite.
Six minutes in, he did just that. Collecting an astute chest pass from Kuyt, the Italian took a sublime first touch to evade Jermaine Jenas, before slipping the ball smartly back to Kuyt to steer the Reds in front. It was his first noticeable contribution to his new club, the first installment in paying back that £17 million fee.

His partner-in-crime Kuyt is another whose presence has been questioned this season. The forward is very much a mainstay of Benitez's team, but a string of haphazard performances have provoked serious debate on whether the £10m Dutchman merits his place amongst Liverpool's prized assets.

It is true that Kuyt, perhaps more than any other player, embodies the 'typical' Benitez style. Versatile, conscientious, yet largely unspectacular, the Dutchman is Benitez's unassuming lapdog on the pitch. Yet such a description overlooks the immense contribution Kuyt can make to the team.

Last season's tally of 15 goals was remarkable for what was essentially a right-sided midfield player, and the former Feyenoord man has now struck 8 times in this campaign, and often at the most important of times. His last minute, twice-taken spot-kick last night was as much a test of his character as it was his technique. He passed it.

And he wasn't alone. Degen's inclusion on team-sheets has, until this point, been met by gasps of shock and disappointment by Reds supporters. The 27-year-old has been plagued by injuries since his free transfer arrival from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2008, and has hardly looked the part in his brief appearances in the red shirt.

Yet those who have written off the Swiss, who has 29 caps for his country, may now be forced to adjust their opinions a touch. Degen was the pick of an admittedly bad bunch in the defeat to Reading, and has impressed with his energy and incision as an auxiliary right winger in the past two fixtures. Had he put a finish to a sweeping second-half counter-attack last night, it would have been ample reward for his endeavour.

Meanwhile Kyrgiakos, the towering Greek defender, has polarised opinion on Merseyside since his low-key £1.5m switch from AEK Athens in August. There are those who bemoan his agricultural style, and wonder how any ex-Rangers player can be considered good enough for Liverpool, whilst others simply use his transfer as an example of how Benitez has been denied funds with which to strengthen his squad sufficiently.

But in amongst that conjecture lies a footballer. Kyrgiakos may look ungainly, ragged even, but in the last two games he has been a rock at the back. He snuffed out Stoke's aerial threat at the weekend, and followed that up by sticking 6ft 7in Peter Crouch neatly in his back pocket last night.

His aerial presence even seemed to take the pressure off defensive partner Martin Skrtel, who had his best game for some time. Suddenly, the £1.5m fee looks a smart piece of business.

It was for the same fee that Benitez snared Ngog from Paris Saint-Germain eighteen months ago. But the waifish, flaky teenager who began his Anfield career is no more. The 20-year-old is developing fast. Indeed he has had little choice given the injuries to Fernando Torres and the ineptitude of Andriy Voronin and Ryan Babel. Last night's fifteen minute cameo proved his effectiveness as a substitute. In his short spell on the pitch he forced a fine save from Heruelho Gomes before winning the penalty from which Kuyt sealed the points.

Of course there are those who doubt the wiry Frenchman, many a complaint has centred around Benitez's refusal to consider a deal for Michael Owen last summer. The former Reds star joined Manchester United instead, and to Liverpool's detriment it was said. But Ngog's goals-per-minutes ratio (one goal every 125 minutes) far surpasses that of Owen's (one every 250 minutes), and in a struggling side too. Perhaps Benitez is entitled to a bit more credit where the Frenchman is concerned.

Yet one result and a battling draw does not change everything, and Liverpool were still at least two levels below their best even in victory last night. But with arguably their four most valuable players - Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson and Yossi Benayoun - all to return to action in the next month or so, and new-signing Maxi Rodriguez to be bedded into the side, who would bet against Benitez rediscovering the blend which made the Reds such a potent force at the back-end of last season?

And if the likes of Aquilani, Degen, Kyrgiakos and Ngog continue to confound the critics as they have been recently, maybe the Spaniard's transfer record will soon be a weapon in his armoury, rather than a signal of his incompetence.

Victory over Spurs, who failed to live up to their own expectations, leaves the Reds well-placed in the battle for fourth-place. They are now just a point behind Harry Redknapp's men, jammed between Manchester City and Aston Villa - who have a game in hand.

Indeed, the three points gathered last night means Benitez's men are just eleven points off the Premier League's summit, though it will take more than a couple of results to even begin setting any other target than fourth.

It’s Easy To Spot The Difference At Anfield

Injury time, Anfield Road end, penalty kick. But while seven days ago it nudged Rafael Benitez and Liverpool towards the precipice, last night the same scenario gave confirmation they are not willing to surrender their campaign without a fight.

Last week’s FA Cup exit to Reading, followed by the dramatic but damaging draw with Stoke City, had prompted the Anfield manager to admit their clash with Tottenham Hotspur represented a make-or-break encounter in his team’s season.

Given the increased pressure under which the beleaguered Spaniard has found himself lately, he could easily have been referring to his own position.

So the relief was tangible throughout Anfield when Dirk Kuyt rammed home from the spot at the second time of asking to put the seal on a deserved victory on a compelling evening.

Kuyt had earlier given Liverpool the platform of a sixth-minute goal before Benitez’s side dug deep to withstand a Tottenham revival to move within a point of their fourth-placed visitors and a Champions League qualification berth.

Games between these teams have often been a delight for the purists, but this was not a night for free-flowing, fancy football.

Even in January, both teams knew the significance of the encounter. As at Stoke City on Saturday, Liverpool, missing so many first-team regulars, showed themselves ready for a fight.

And quite simply, they wanted it more.

From the moment stand-in captain Jamie Carragher called for a pre-match huddle, the sense of defiance was evident both on the pitch and the stands. It was a stark contrast to seven days previous.

Tottenham were harried and harassed into submission.

Kuyt, as well as his two goals, didn’t give the visiting defenders a moment’s rest while Javier Mascherano revelled in the midfield scrap.

Players such as Philipp Degen and Sotirios Kyrgiakos, cited by Benitez’s critics as beacons of Liverpool’s mediocrity, put in a shift, the latter outstanding alongside centre-back partner Martin Skrtel in negating the threat of Jermaine Defoe, Peter Crouch and later Robbie Keane.

All, though, were eclipsed by Carragher who, leading by example, put his heart and soul into every challenge while cajoling and urging his team-mates into action.

True, Tottenham could reflect on the decision to disallow what would have been an equaliser for Defoe shortly after half-time. But Liverpool’s approach meant they deserved any fortune on the evening.

Benitez’s side have now won four of their last six Premier League games and are the form team in the battle for fourth place. Manchester City and Aston Villa will have duly noted this result and Liverpool’s renewed appetite.

Of course, it was defeat at White Hart Lane on the opening weekend of the season that set the tone for a difficult campaign for Liverpool, and one of greater encouragement for the Londoners.

Yet history favoured the home side last night. Tottenham now haven’t won at Anfield in the league since 1993, which was also their last win at a ‘big four’ ground – a startling run of 66 games. On top of that, Harry Redknapp has now failed to win here in 13 attempts as manager.

Having been accused of defensive team selection at Stoke, Benitez brought both Alberto Aquilani and the fit-again Albert Riera into the starting line-up, and was duly rewarded.

Riera, making his first appearance since the goalless draw at Blackburn Rovers six weeks earlier, had become something of a forgotten man among all the high-profile absentees, but last night provided a genuine outlet and wing play that Liverpool have been lacking in recent weeks.

Benitez’s protective stance on Aquilani may polarise opinion, but the manager will not be swayed from gradually working the Italian back to full fitness, no matter how pressing Liverpool’s circumstance. And it took only six minutes for his decision to start with the £20million man to pay dividends, with Aquilani playing a significant role in a surprisingly straightforward opening goal.

It was real route-one stuff. Pepe Reina, having grabbed a dangerous Gareth Bale cross at the third attempt, swiftly pumped the ball upfield to the edge of the visiting penalty area towards Aquilani. The Italian then rolled a short pass into the path of Kuyt to finish first time into the bottom corner beyond Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

The first half was a real war of attrition that, while low on quality, was high on incident and tension. Carragher’s trademark tenacity won a corner in first-half injury time from which Benitez’s side should have doubled their advantage. After Gomes flapped at Reina’s delivery, Kuyt’s diving header was cleared off the line by Bale before Skrtel blasted the rebound wastefully over.

Moments later, Reina was pressed into his first real save of the match, diving low to his left to beat out a Luka Modric shot after a Wilson Palacios pass had given the Croatian rare space inside the Liverpool penalty area.

Tottenham thought they had equalised shortly when Defoe dispossessed Reina before firing into the empty net, only for referee Howard Webb and his assistants to decide the striker had been offside in an earlier passage of play.

Liverpool came close again on 51 minutes when Carragher sent over a deep cross from the right and Riera, rising above Vedran Corluka, smacked a header against the bar.

With the game opening up, Defoe should have passed to the unmarked Crouch in the penalty area, while Reina produced a resourceful stop to paw behind a swerving Jermaine Jenas drive.

As Tottenham cranked up the pressure, Liverpool could ill afford Degen and Kuyt refusing to pull the trigger between them after a break sparked by determined play from Riera.

Kuyt then blazed over on the volley at the far post after Degen flicked on Aquilani’s free-kick, and Riera shot narrowly over from 25 yards.

The final five minutes were frantic. Substitute David Ngog brought a fine save from Gomes before Kuyt missed another glorious opportunity, firing over from four yards after being found by Ngog’s cushioned header.

Still the chances came, Kyrgiakos beating the Tottenham offside trap to latch on to Skrtel’s hooked pass but thrashed straight at Gomes.

But Kuyt finally made the game safe when he netted a twice-taken penalty in injury time after Ngog was felled by Tottenham substitute Sebastian Bassong. The battle is now on.

Phillipp Degen Hopes Spurs Win Will Kick-Start Season

Philipp Degen believes last night’s win over Tottenham can act as the spur to kick start Liverpool’s season.

The Reds have struggled to build any momentum throughout a disappointing campaign but the Liverpool defender is confident the team can now claim a Champions League spot after moving to within a point of fourth placed Tottenham.

"It was a really important result for the team and everyone involved with the club," said Degen.

"The whole team showed great togetherness and we fought for the victory for the whole 90 minutes.

"We've had a difficult time recently, but I am really pleased after this win.

"Everyone is happy and we are now just one point off fourth place. We must now make this victory over one of our rivals count and make sure we get the three points at Wolves next week."

A succession of injuries since joining Liverpool from Borussia Dortmund 18 months ago have limited Degen’s involvement for the Anfield club.

Three starts in the last week however, suggest the Swiss international has overcome his problems.

With Dirk Kuyt spearheading the attack against Tottenham, Degen did well on the right of midfield in the 2-0 win.

He says there is plenty more to come from him and is ready to fight for a permanent starting place in Rafa Benitez’s team.

He said: “I didn't play for three months but now I've played three games in seven days and feel I have done okay.

“I have waited for a chance and I must now keep fighting and try to impress.

"I think I can improve a lot. I haven't had the best of luck with injuries during my time with Liverpool and I know there is still more to come from me.

“I have only played at around 60 per cent of my potential and hope I can show much, much more."

Match Report: Liverpool 2 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur

Dirk Kuyt's double strike injected new life into Liverpool's stuttering Premier League campaign as it secured a 2-0 victory over Tottenham.

The Holland international fired home in the sixth minute from the edge of the area and then converted a twice-taken penalty in second-half injury time.

Victory lifted the Reds to within one point of fourth-placed Spurs and eased the pressure on manager Rafael Benitez after early exits from the Champions League and FA Cup.

The importance of the match to Liverpool's top-four aspirations had been outlined by Benitez on Tuesday and his players responded in fine style.

It was a match the Reds could not afford to lose, having dropped two points thanks to Stoke's late equaliser on Saturday, and they did not disappoint an appreciative Anfield crowd.

There was a brief early scare when Jose Reina spilled a Gareth Bale cross under pressure from former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch, but he reclaimed the ball bravely from the challenge of Jermain Defoe.

Reina picked himself up to hoist a long kick downfield which Kuyt knocked back to Aquilani, playing in the hole behind the striker.

The Italian's close control took him past Michael Dawson, who brought down the playmaker, but the ball rolled to Kuyt on the edge of the penalty area and he fired low past Heurelho Gomes' right-hand to give his side the lead.

Jermaine Jenas was booked in the 27th minute for bringing down Philipp Degen as he raced over the halfway line but Liverpool failed to make the free-kick count.

And moments later Defoe was lucky to escape with just a talking to from referee Howard Webb after diving in and standing on Degen's foot.

The Switzerland international was on the end of yet more rough treatment in the 34th minute when Bale clashed heads with the makeshift midfielder, which led to the Wales defender being cautioned.

Javier Mascherano became the first Liverpool player to be booked when he lost possession and then slid in on Crouch.

In first-half injury time Kuyt's header from Albert Riera's inswinging corner was stopped by Bale yards from the line and Martin Skrtel blazed the rebound over.

Moments later Luka Modric's shot was saved well low to his left by Reina.

Liverpool have made a season of failing to hang on to leads and they almost gifted Spurs an equaliser straight after the restart.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos dithered on the ball before surprising Reina with a short back-pass which immediately put the goalkeeper under pressure from Defoe.

Fortunately for the Spaniard the Tottenham striker was adjudged to have fouled him seconds before Crouch rolled the ball into an unguarded net.

Wilson Palacios was next to go into Webb's notebook for pulling down Lucas as he attempted to run through the Spurs defence on the halfway line.

Riera almost doubled Liverpool's lead in the 52nd minute when his header from Jamie Carragher's cross beat Gomes but crashed back off the crossbar.

Considering their recent habit of conceding in the last minute the hosts desperately needed a second goal to give them a cushion but the longer the game went on without one the more confident Spurs became.

The danger was highlighted when Jenas' first-time shot from 25 yards had Reina going the wrong way before he stuck out a hand to deflect it behind.

Having sent on Alan Hutton for Vedran Corluka, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp then replaced Niko Kranjcar with ex-Reds striker Robbie Keane.

Liverpool should have made it easier for themselves in the 66th minute when Kuyt robbed Dawson on halfway to race clear but he opted to play in Degen to his right instead of shooting and over-hit his pass.

Liverpool continued to press and Kuyt volleyed over at the far post after Degen had flicked on Aquilani's free-kick while Riera was just wide with a 25-yard swerving left-foot shot.

Spurs, however, continued to threaten and Hutton's spectacular volley curled around the outside of Reina's right-hand post.

Substitute David Ngog almost secured victory within minutes of coming on when he turned fellow substitute Sebastien Bassong but curled a shot across the face of goal.

However, he won a crucial penalty in the first of five minutes of injury time when Bassong brought him down.

Kuyt scored the first effort only to be ordered to re-take by Webb, but the Dutchman held his nerve to send Gomes the wrong way and Liverpool heading in the right direction up the table.

Liverpool FC Managing Director Delighted As Money Rolls In For Struggling Team

Christian Purslow, the managing director of English soccer club Liverpool FC, has praised the club's off-field performance in a season that has seen them struggle to perform on the field.

Though Liverpool failed to reach the knock-out stages of the Uefa Champions League, have been eliminated from both domestic cups and have seen an expected title challenge become a scrap for fourth place, the Anfield club has secured a record shirt sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered worth £80 million.

Liverpool have also secured lucrative commercial deals with the likes of 188Bet and Turespaña, while a new website has attracted millions of users and the club's first steps into social media have seen its Facebook page become the most popular of any Premier League club. The various innovations and partnerships have left Purslow claiming things on the business side "could not have gone better".

However, the club has still been unable to secure financing for a new stadium, with Purslow saying last week that he expects new investment into the club, currently owned by American businessmen George Gillett and Tom Hicks, to be a necessary forerunner to any bank providing the funds for the project.

"Obviously the most important aspect of any club is how we are doing on the field and I don't think any of us had expected the first half of the season that we have had," Purslow told the Liverpool FC official website. "That said, I'm very confident now that the vast majority of our players are fit and well, we'll see a transformation in our results in the second half of the season.

"But in terms of the business side of Liverpool, day to day things could not have gone better. Commercially, I think the business is better than I expected and performing better than I expected. And obviously my number one priority remains the strategic issue of bringing in new investment - and that is probably about where I would have expected it to be.

He added: "Going into the New Year I hoped that the initial process would have identified a smaller group of serious people who are interested in investing in Liverpool - and that's where we are today. While there can be no guarantees, I am confident and optimistic that in the next couple of months one of them will be brought to fruition."

Liverpool Skipper Steven Gerrard Denies Bust-Up With Rafael Benitez

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has laughed off rumours linking him with a move away from the club following an alleged row with Rafael Benitez at half-time during the FA Cup loss to Reading.

'Captain Fantastic' has set things straight by pledging allegiance to the Kop, while explaining that the team had a "good laugh" over the 'speculation' concerning his future at Anfield.

"I've heard about a dozen versions of the same rumour and they're all as daft as each other," Gerrard is quoted in The Mirror as saying.

"I'd love to know who comes up with this kind of stuff because they must have an unbelievable imagination.

"And if anyone thinks this nonsense unsettles either me or the club then they're mistaken. If anything it's brought everyone even closer together because we've all had a good laugh about it."

He added: "In the time since he's been here I've never had a problem with the manager or his staff, and certainly not at half-time in the Reading game when I was actually receiving treatment for the injury I'd picked up during the first half."

The England international is currently sidelined and is hoping to get back into action at the earliest opportunity.

Gerrard continued: "The important thing for me now is trying to get myself fit as soon as possible so I can get back to working with the manager and the team to try and improve our situation.

"All the stories about me leaving are unfounded. The fans can be assured that I am doing all I can to get back to top form and help Liverpool finish the season on a high."

Rafa Benitez One Of World's Best, Says George Gillett

Liverpool FC co-owner George Gillett believes Rafa Benitez is one of the top five managers in the world and that this season’s disappointing results are just a "blip".

The club have endured a difficult campaign so far and have fallen well off the pace in the Barclays Premier League, compounded by early exits from the Champions League and FA Cup.

Liverpool FC manager Benitez has been unmoved in his belief that he will turn things around and now he has received the backing of Gillett.

That is significant as Gillett has always been seen as less enthusiastic in his support for the Spaniard than fellow co-owner Tom Hicks, who has been behind Benitez from the moment the two Americans’ relationship began to become strained.

"We believe if you were to put a list together of the top five coaches, managers in the world, he would definitely be on that list for us," said Gillett, who was united in his agreement with Hicks to give Benitez an improved five-year contract towards the end of last season.

"And we think he’s been tossed a curve ball by circumstance, injuries and so forth.

"I think that’s been a real challenge to the coach. He’s had to really make some innovations and play some players out of position and so forth.

"And notwithstanding that, they’ve generally played with a lot of passion. I really believes it’s a blip."

Injuries have certainly compounded Liverpool FC’s problems with striker Fernando Torres, captain Steven Gerrard, right-back Glen Johnson and midfielder Yossi Benayoun all currently sidelined.

But they have also been unlucky in other areas, such as when a beach ball on the pitch at Sunderland back in October contributed to the only goal of the game for the Black Cats.

"That was a real low blow," Gillett said.

"He (Benitez) has had a struggle getting the morale of the boys back up but we’ve got a great group of young men."

Reds Hold Jovanovic Talks

Milan Jovanovic's representatives have held talks with Liverpool, skysports.com understands.

The Standard Liege star is out-of-contract in the summer and has made it clear he intends to take up the option of a Bosman transfer.

Valencia had hoped to land him in January, but now Jovanovic is holding talks with a number of interested parties.

AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are among the sides keen to seal a deal and are also believed to have discussed terms.

Now Liverpool have met with the Serbian's representatives with a view to bringing him to Anfield in the summer.

Despite holding talks this week, Jovanovic is unlikely to give Liverpool or any of his suitors a decision this month.

The 28-year-old, who can play on the left or up front, could even wait until after the World Cup - where he will be featuring for Serbia.

Federici Shrugs Off Liverpool Talk

Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici has pledged his immediate future to the Royals after reports linked him with a move to Liverpool.

The Australian goalkeeper impressed in both FA Cup games against the Premier League side but Federici is adamant his future lies at Madejski Stadium.

"I have worked so hard to be number one, why would I want to go up there, sit on the bench and start over? I'm enjoying my time as number one and I want to keep this up and go on from there," Federici told the Evening Post.

"It has been quite interesting reading about myself, but I have had no contact from anyone.

"It's good seeing your name in the paper and it is fantastic to be linked with a team like that, but I am a Reading player and am sure I will be for a long time."

Krasic's Agent In England

Milos Krasic's agent, Dejan Joksimovic, has revealed that he has been to England to talk to a number of clubs interested in the Serbian.

The CSKA Moscow winger was hugely responsible for helping the Russians qualify for the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League this term in a group that contained English champions Manchester United.

The 25-year-old, who scored four goals in six Champions League group games this season, was awarded for his sterling performances when he collected the Serbian Player of the Year title last month sparking more interest in his services.

CSKA are thought to want to keep hold of their prized asset until June in order to give themselves the best possible chance in Europe but a January move is not out of the question according to Joksimovic.

"Was I in Italy? No I was in England. Many English teams like Milos," he told calciomercato.it.

"Roberto Mancini is thinking of him but currently neither Manchester City nor the other interested teams have elaborated an official offer.

"CSKA Moscow want to keep him until June. If he leaves in January, Italian clubs are virtually cut off because the player has no EU passport and he costs a lot."

As well as Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are all reportedly tracking Krasic.

Reds On Huntelaar Alert

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is ready to quit AC Milan to save his hopes of playing for Holland at the World Cup.

Arsenal and Liverpool will no doubt be alerted by the 26-year-old's concerns as they look to add to their attacking options.

And both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have made moves for Huntelaar in the past.

The striker is concerned that his Holland place is in doubt as he has started just four of Milan's 19 Serie A matches this season.

Huntelaar has scored just three times since a £15million summer move to the San Siro from Real Madrid.

'I'm thinking of leaving,' he said. 'When I spoke with (Milan) officials, they comforted me and said they have faith in me. I played a little more, but I want more.

'It's important for me because, as our national team coach explained to me, to go with the national team it's important to play a lot for your club.

'I would like to stay in an important league to show I can be a player for Milan. I'd like to be loaned and then come back.'

A loan deal could suit Arsenal, who are a striker light since Robin van Persie ruptured ankle ligaments in the autumn - an injury that could rule him out till the end of the season.

Liverpool also want short-term cover for Fernando Torres, though they are at an advanced stage to take Kenwyne Jones from Sunderland.

Spurs tried to sign Huntelaar in the summer and may revive a deal if injury concerns scupper a move for Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Guus Hiddink's Agent 'Has Spoken To Liverpool' About Replacing Under-Fire Rafa Benitez

Guus Hiddink's agent last night suggested he had been approached by Liverpool.

The claim would cast serious doubts over the future of beleaguered Anfield manager Rafa Benitez.

Cees van Nieuwenhuizen confirmed that Turkey were interested in appointing former Chelsea manager, but said they were just one of nine suitors for his client.

'I have spoken with representatives of four clubs and five national federations,' Van Nieuwenhuizen told Sovetskiy Sport.

'Almost all of the options have previously been mentioned in the press - Manchester City, Liverpool, Juventus, etc.

'However, as I have repeatedly said, we have not held talks with anyone.

'To all we have said that there must first be talks with the new president of Russian FA and to know his position on the future.'

Hiddink rejected an approach by City before Roberto Mancini was appointed at Eastlands a month ago because the timing was not right.

But the 63-year-old recently admitted he was keen to work again in England, provided it was with the blessing of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

The Russian FA elect a president on February 3, but former Zenit St Petersburg president Sergey Fursenko is a shoo-in and Hiddink is keen to hold talks with him in the next few days.

Fursenko has broken his silence to say Hiddink should remain in his post at least until the end of his contract in mid-July, if not beyond. But Hiddink is still waiting for face-to-face talks with his would-be boss.

'Guus is ready to fly to Moscow at any time,' said Van Nieuwenhuizen. 'He is currently in Amsterdam, because in Russia at this time, no one plays football, and at the Russian FA, nothing happens because they are waiting for a new president.

'Guus is waiting for an invitation from Mr Fursenko, who for sure will become the new head of the Russian FA.

'There is a vital work, such as preparing for the friendly matches on March 3 and in late May. And in between these tasks he can ask the new head of the Russian FA and about whether he intends to continue cooperating with Hiddink.'

Turkey are believed to have offered to pay Hiddink a staggering £7million a year after having two offers knocked back since before Christmas.

Hiddink's salary with Russia is £6.25m a year after tax, already exceeding the wage of England manager Fabio Capello, whose £6m a year will make him the highest-paid coach at the World Cup this summer.

But Van Nieuwenhuizen said: 'Hiddink has already received better financial proposes than he receives now with the Russia team, but we are not discussing them all the same.

'The coach has an employer. Hiddink will fulfill his contract with Russia and then everything depends on negotiations with the future president of the FA.'

Van Nieuwenhuizen was keen to stress that no option was being discounted and he rejected any suggestion that Hiddink is too old to return to club management.

'It all depends on how a club is organised,' said the agent. 'For example, if the model is like Manchester United and Alex Ferguson, then Guus would be interested.

'After all, Sir Alex is not so much a coach at his club than a manager or technical director, identifying the club's transfer policy and organising the entire workforce.

'Ferguson does not even attend first-team training every day. This is a well-known fact!

'But Sir Alex is older than Guus. So I can easily imagine Hiddink leading a serious European club under such a model.

'But for now I see no point in speculating about it, because Guus's contract with the Russian FA is until the summer and perhaps it will be extended.'

Match Preview: Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur

Liverpool forward Ryan Babel comes back into contention for a place in the squad to face Tottenham after apologising to manager Rafael Benitez.

The Holland international accepted his mistake over remarks made on Twitter and Benitez has now deemed the matter closed.

Striker Fernando Torres (knee) and midfielders Steven Gerrard (hamstring) and Yossi Benayoun (rib) are all out.

Midfielders Alberto Aquilani and new signing Maxi Rodriguez could feature from the start if the Liverpool boss opts for a more attacking line-up at home.

Babel has been restored to the squad by Benitez after apologising to the manager.

The Holland international found himself in trouble at the club after revealing on his Twitter page last Friday that he had not been included in the party for the match at Stoke the following day.

However, the frustrated Dutchman has accepted his error and will now fight for a place in the squad to face Spurs.

"He came to my office and apologised,'' said Benitez.

"He knows he has made a mistake and for me that is enough and I don't need to talk too much about this.

"Ryan will be in the squad because we have 20 players ready for the training session tomorrow so it (selection) is between these 20 players.''

Jamie O'Hara has been included in the Tottenham squad.

O'Hara has returned from a loan spell at Portsmouth and is likely to start on the bench.

Spurs are without Tom Huddlestone (knee) while Ledley King will have a late fitness test on his long running knee problem.

Boss Harry Redknapp wants his side to be the big beneficiaries of the recent cold snap when they travel to Anfield to face a Liverpool side without Torres or Gerrard.

Spurs were due to face their rivals for a Champions League place earlier in the month but the match was postponed due to snow, with Gerrard and Torres then suffering injuries in the FA Cup defeat to Reading.

Redknapp's own options have been bolstered by the return of O'Hara as the Premier League's transfer embargo for Portsmouth meant the midfielder could not re-register on loan at Fratton Park.

"I'd be lying if I stood here and said that the absence of Gerrard and Torres won't matter,'' said Redknapp.

"Of course, they are two world-class players, and they will miss them.

"But they have a strong squad. I have never been there and had an easy game. It is a difficult place to go.''

Ryan Babel Back In Liverpool FC Squad After Apologising To Rafa Benitez

Ryan Babel has been restored to the Liverpool FC squad after apologising to Rafa Benitez.

The Holland international found himself in trouble at the club after revealing on his Twitter page last Friday that he had not been included in the party for the match at Stoke City the following day.

However, the frustrated Dutchman has accepted his error and will now fight for a place in the squad to face Tottenham Hotspur at home on Wednesday.

"He came to my office and apologised," said Benitez of Babel.

"He knows he has made a mistake and for me that is enough and I don’t need to talk too much about this.

"Ryan will be in the squad because we have 20 players ready for the training session tomorrow so it (selection) is between these 20 players."

Liverpool Striker Fernando Torres: Rafael Benitez Should Buy Either David Villa Or David Silva From Valencia

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres believes that manager Rafael Benitez should bring in either David Villa or David Silva from Valencia to partner him in the attacking third of the pitch.

After failing to land Sunderland hitman Kenwyne Jones on loan following Ryan Babel's decision not to move the other way, the Kop boss is believed to be keen to add to his strike force - particularly given the fact that Torres is currently sidelined following surgery on a cartilage injury - by offering the Black Cats £12 million for the Trinidad & Tobago international.

However, 'El Nino' insists that he would prefer the manager to bring either of his two Spain team-mates to Anfield.

"If I could, I would take David Villa or David Silva to Liverpool as a partner in attack," Torres said, according to The Sun.

"I wish they could come. It would be a great asset for our team."

"We need match-winners like [Wayne] Rooney or [Carlos] Tevez. We need footballers who break the deadlock in matches. Liverpool is losing the Premier League in home games against average teams."

It has been speculated in the past that Los Che may be willing to part with their stars owing to debts the size of Mount Everest that hang over the club.

Birmingham City Launch Fresh Bid For Liverpool's Ryan Babel As Tottenham Hotspur Enter The Frame

The Mirror reports that Birmingham City are preparing a third bid for Ryan Babel, just as Tottenham Hotspur lock their sights on the unsettled Liverpool forward.

The St Andrew's outfit have already had two offers knocked back, the second of which was said to be in the vicinity of £10 million.

Babel's reluctance to hold talks with the Blues allegedly stems from a fear that he will end up playing out of position on the left flank - a fate he has had to endure almost the entirety of his Anfield career.

However, it is believed that Birmingham's latest bid promises not only bigger wages, but also that the Dutchman will get first-team football in his preferred role as a central striker.

This may provide a perfect escape for Babel as he looks to boost his claim for a place in the Netherlands' World Cup squad - and to put a safe distance between he and Reds boss Rafael Benitez, after their alleged falling out.

Spurs are also willing to give the 23-year-old a new home, according to fresh reports, as Harry Redknapp looks to replace Roman Pavlyuchenko with an entirely different style of forward.

But it is understood that the former Ajax man - who has also been linked with Besiktas, Galatasaray, Olympique Marseille and Sunderland - has no desire to become the fourth prong in Tottenham's star-studded attack.

Liverpool are expected to use the money from Babel's sale (should it occur) to fund a move for Kenwyne Jones.

Aquilani Agent Quells Juve Link

Alberto Aquilani's agent has laughed off claims the Liverpool midfielder could return to Seria A with Juventus this January.

The Italian arrived as a £20million replacement for Xabi Alonso, who left for Real Madrid, from Roma last summer but has failed to live up to expectations at Anfield.

Aquilani has made just six Premier League appearances after struggling for fitness and form, and was singled out for criticism after the Reds' shock FA Cup exit to Reading this month.

Last January, manager Rafa Benitez sold Robbie Keane back to Tottenham at a heavy loss after just half a season at the club, prompting many to suggest he is ready to give Aquilani the same treatment.

However, the player's agent Franco Zavaglia is baffled by the speculation, despite reported interest from the Turin giants.

"There aren't possibilities that Aquilani will go back to Italy in January," Zavaglia told laroma24.it.

"The boy has started playing with some continuity only in recent weeks. So that hypothesis is really far from reality."

The 25-year-old has his work cut out if he is to make Marcello Lippi's Italy World Cup squad should he fail to up his game at Liverpool, fuelling further speculation of a possible loan deal back to Serie A.

Zavaglia again dismissed such claims: "On loan? This is fantasy football. Aquilani is happy at Liverpool and the adventure has not the slightest possibility of changing."

Sunderland Put Block On Liverpool FC's Move For Kenwyne Jones

Liverpool’s hopes of signing Kenwyne Jones were effectively dead today after Sunderland refused any attempt to do business.

As was reported in later editions of last night’s ECHO, the Reds spent the weekend trying to thrash out a deal to bring the Trinidad & Tobago international to Anfield on loan until the end of the season and were hopeful of doing so.

With Fernando Torres facing a spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury, boss Rafa Benitez wanted to bring Jones to Anfield to give his strike force a physical presence and increase competition for places.

Yet despite the player wanting to switch Wearside for Merseyside, Sunderland would not entertain any thoughts of a loan and insisted the only way the Jones would leave the Stadium of Light during this window was in a cash deal.

The Reds, of course, are not flush with cash at present and had no intentions of meeting Sunderland’s asking price of well in excess of £10m for Jones, who has scored 25 times in 85 appearances for the Black Cats.

Benitez, who is also in the race to sign Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh, is unlikely to give up his search to bring another forward in before the window closes and has vowed to keep “working hard” to find the right man.

“We will see if we can do something more in this window,” he added. “If we cannot we will stick together for the next challenge. We have a good team, a good squad and are not as bad as people think.”

A more immediate priority, though, is tomorrow night’s Anfield showdown with Tottenham Hotspur and the Reds’ boss wants to see his team show the same attitude and resilience as they did at Stoke on Saturday.

But, more importantly, he has urged them to develop a ruthless streak in order to prevent more precious points slipping away.

“We are in a position where we have to kill off games,” he said today. “Even in the last two games when we haven’t played well, we could still have won them.

“If we can do what we did against Wolves and Aston Villa, the confidence will be there. We might not have been doing well but still we can be close to where we want to be.

“That has to be the message to the players. We are still in there. We have to approach every game thinking that we need to get three points.

“The main thing is to be strong, be solid and if we can score, let’s try to kill the games. We haven’t been doing this enough. Against Reading, we started the second half really well but couldn't get the last pass right or find the player.

“Had we done that, we’d be talking about a totally different situation. We know that we have to improve but we have a game soon to do that.”

Rafael Benitez: Liverpool Just Laugh At Steven Gerrard Exit Rumours

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has brushed off rumours of dressing room unrest at Anfield by claiming that he and his players have been joking about tabloid reports linking skipper Steven Gerrard with a move away from Merseyside.

"We have been joking about the rumours in the media that there was a fight. There was nothing. We have been laughing about it," the Spaniard told his club's official website.

Gerrard will be missing from the Reds team which welcomes Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield on Wednesday evening. The England midfielder is recovering from a hamstring strain.

Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun are also out, whilst the Reds will wait to assess defender Daniel Agger.

"Fernando is feeling better after his operation," Benitez explained.

"He will be out for more or less the six weeks we were expecting, but it's always better to be cautious.

"Yossi has a broken rib and so just needs time and Glen Johnson is improving. He is in the swimming pool working and doing well.

"We have to check on Agger because he had a groin problem. We'll have to see if he's available for Tottenham. We have a session today and then again tomorrow before we can decide."

Benitez: Reds Have Made Progress

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has launched a staunch defence of his record at the club as speculation about his future refuses to die down.

The Spaniard insists there have been huge improvements since he took over in the summer of 2004 and that has restored pride among the staff and fans.

However, this season Liverpool have already suffered early exits from the Champions League and the FA Cup and are only seventh in the Barclays Premier League, 14 points behind leaders Chelsea.

Should the club not qualify for the Champions League his position would become increasingly fragile and the names of potential candidates for his job are already cropping up.

Along with the likes of Russia coach Guus Hiddink and Inter Milan's former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, there appears to be a growing campaign for Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish to be involved in a more hands-on role to help Benitez out of their current difficulties.

The Scot, a former Reds playing hero and the last Liverpool manager to win the title back in 1990, is currently occupied with overseeing the club's academy.

Benitez has spoken to Dalglish about the fortunes of the club but it was in relation to a long-term strategy and not in regard to their recent troubles.

"The difference between the club before (Benitez's arrival) and now is massive in terms of money, the value of the squad and the pride of the fans," said the Liverpool boss.

"When I arrived here the club needed to win and the people had been talking about [winning] the championship for 19 years.

"We won the Champions League (in Benitez's first season) after 21 years and we are the only club in England that has the trophy [to keep] for five wins.

"As a club we have pride again and that is important."

Benitez has a good working relationship with Dalglish and the pair often speak, but not necessarily about the specifics of day-to-day life at the club.

"We talk sometimes but he is with the academy so we talk about how the players are doing there but the other day was just a short conversation," said the Spaniard.

"But we were talking the other day and it was interesting because we were talking about football and how the club was improving and the difficulty of going one step forward at this level.

"We were speaking about taking short steps. That is the difference between being at the level we are now and being a little bit better.

"This shorter step is the most difficult. It is true we have improved from a six (out of 10) to an eight or nine. To go to nine/10 that is very difficult."

Despite the pervading air of gloom which seems to be associated with them, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last three league matches and only a last-minute equaliser at Stoke on Saturday prevented their tally being nine points in that time.

A victory over Tottenham at Anfield on Wednesday would put them just a point behind their fourth-placed visitors and firmly back in Champions League qualification contention.

In a season which has seen numerous last-minute goals, opponents being assisted by a beach ball and his team denied by the woodwork, Benitez knows there are only fine margins involved.

Although he accepts Liverpool are not playing well, he is aware of the power a victory over Harry Redknapp's side would have.

"If we can win against Tottenham the fans will be happier and the race for fourth place will maybe be easier," Benitez said.

"The main thing now is to improve and have more confidence and the only way to do that is by winning games.

"I was really pleased with the team-work and character the team showed the other day [at Stoke]. We needed to show this character.

"We want to win and if we can we will try to play well but when you don't have confidence it is important to get the result each time."

The Liverpool manager revealed Fernando Torres' operation on a knee injury last weekend went well but the striker was still likely to be sidelined for six weeks.

"Fernando and the doctor say it was much better than expected but it is still looking like five to six weeks," he added.

Blame Liverpool's Players, Not Rafael Benítez, Says Javier Mascherano

Javier Mascherano has said it is unfair that Liverpool's manager, Rafael Benítez, is shouldering the burden of criticism when the players are not performing.

After the FA Cup replay defeat by Reading and with the club seventh in the Premier League – 14 points behind the leaders, Chelsea – the pressure on Benítez is mounting.

But Mascherano came to his defence. "It's easier for them to criticise one manager than 20 players," said the Argentina captain. "When the team is not playing well, the press criticises the manager and not the players, but we don't have to pay too much attention.

"You have to realise that when we are playing like this, people will criticise Rafa, but we are a top side. We need to think about football and try not to worry too much.

"We have to work, continue training hard and show all our things on the pitch. The mentality among all of us is really good and we want to take Liverpool to the place it deserves to be."

Redknapp Lifted By Weakened Liverpool

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp wants his side to be the big beneficiaries of the recent cold snap when they travel to Anfield to face a Liverpool side without Fernando Torres or Steven Gerrard.

Spurs were due to face their rivals for a Champions League place earlier in the month but the match was postponed due to snow, with Gerrard and Torres then suffering injuries in the FA Cup defeat to Reading.

Redknapp's own options have been bolstered by the return of Jamie O'Hara as the Premier League's transfer embargo for Portsmouth meant the midfielder could not re-register on loan at Fratton Park.

"I'd be lying if I stood here and said that the absence of Gerrard and Torres won't matter," said Redknapp, ahead of the Wednesday evening fixture.

"Of course, they are two world-class players, and they will miss them.

"But they have a strong squad. I have never been there and had an easy game. It is a difficult place to go."

Rafael Benitez will also be without Yossi Benayoun, a player Redknapp has worked with before and rates highly.

Another creative player to miss the game is Aaron Lennon and the Spurs winger is struggling to face his former club Leeds in the FA Cup at the weekend.

Better news for Redknapp are the scan results on Ledley King's knee after the centre-back missed the draw against Hull at the weekend.

"He had another scan on his sore knee, but the scan showed up OK," Redknapp said.

Spurs have kept six clean sheets in a row but could not find a way past Hull's Boaz Myhill on Saturday, with Redknapp now needing to decide whether to recall striker Peter Crouch to face his former club.

Crouch came off the bench for Robbie Keane against Hull.

Redknapp said: "It is a good run we're in, so let's hope we can keep it going at Liverpool. It will be a different game there.

"When Crouch came on against Hull, and not being disrespectful to Robbie, we suddenly looked [more dangerous].

"They put so many bodies in there and it was hard to play through them. When Crouch came on we could miss them out and drop balls up to him and he won headers and we were getting shots on goal."

Rafael Benitez May Stick With Current Liverpool Squad

Beleaguered Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has admitted he may not make signings during the transfer window.

The Reds have lost Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun to injury, and are seventh in the Premier League and out of all major cups.

But Benitez said: "We will see if we can do something more in this window.

"If we cannot we will stick together for the next challenge. We have a good team, a good squad and not as bad as people think."

Liverpool have won only five of their last 17 games in all competitions, a run that has seen them eliminated from the Carling Cup, FA Cup, Champions League and ended any realistic title ambition, with the Europa League now their only hope of honours.

Their most recent result was a 1-1 draw at Stoke on Saturday, which came off the back of a home loss to Reading in the FA Cup.

But a belligerent Benitez added: "It is important to have confidence. When people say we need two strikers like Torres you say 'OK. Where are these strikers and how much can you pay for them?"'

Liverpool Fighting AC Milan For Milan Jovanovic

Liverpool have locked horns with AC Milan to secure the services of Standard Liege's Milan Jovanovic, according to The Sun.

The sought-after Serb had previously revealed the Reds' interest in luring him to England, while also explaining that he had been courted by the San Siro outfit.

Liege appear to be willing to dispose of their player before his contract runs out in the summer, and Merseyside is said to be smelling of a £2.5 million signing-on fee.

A source from Standard allegedly said: "It looks like its 50-50 between Liverpool and AC Milan for Jovanovic.

"There are many other clubs but those two are ahead of the rest.

"It seems he will make a decision very soon."

There have also been reports claiming that the 28-year-old may have signed a pre-conractual agreement with Liverpool.

Javier Mascherano Backs Liverpool's Team Spirit To See Them Into Premier League Top Four

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has called on the players at Anfield to not allow themselves to be downhearted by the club's current situation.

Instead, the squad must pull together even more, and believe in the collective spirit and tradition of the Anfield club as they continue to push hard for a top four finish.

"The situation is enough to get anyone down, but this team is going to keep going forward because of the spirit and history of the club," the Argentine told the Reds' official website.

"It is normal that we are being criticised - we are all to blame for going out of the Champions League and FA Cup."

"We share the credit when things go well and the blame when things go badly.

"Rafa [Benitez] has a difficult job because this season key players are getting injured, which would upset the plans of any coach.

"[Fernando] Torres and [Steven] Gerrard are fundamental for us and any team would miss them.

"It is true we are not in certain competitions now but there are still things to resolve."

Winning the Europa League is also a target worth achieving this season, Mascherano feels.

"Being champions of the first Europa League sounds good and getting into the top four after all the problems we have had, anyone of us would sign up for that now," he added.

"They are the objectives and nobody is going to drop their guard, because it is impossible to do so with our manager.

"We have to sort out the problems and win. For once, I'd prefer to get the points over the level of our performance."

Kop Get Torres Op Boost

Fernando Torres has had successful keyhole surgery to save his season.

The Liverpool striker needed the op on his damaged right knee and his surgeon later revealed everything had gone to plan during the 45-minute procedure.

Dr. Ramon Cugat, the specialist who operated on the troublesome cartilage in a Barcelona hospital, said: "The surgery was a success and, if there are no problems, Fernando will be OK in six weeks."

That will be a huge relief for Kop boss Rafa Benitez, who first feared his talisman could be lost for months after the player limped off in the FA Cup loss to Reading last week.

A source close to the striker said: "Fernando is calm and satisfied after hearing the news from the medical staff.

"They think he can make a quick recovery so he can help Liverpool improve their season, then help Spain in the World Cup."

Babel Fined And Set For Swift Exit After Benitez Bust-up

Ryan Babel will be swiftly shipped out of Liverpool after a row with Rafa Benitez sealed his fate.

The Dutch striker has been hit with a fine of a week's wages – around £60,000 – and effectively told by manager Rafa Benitez that he has no future at the club, after a furious argument between the pair.

The Holland international stormed out of the Melwood training ground yesterday, following a confrontation with Benitez over his Twitter revelations on Friday.

Babel had infuriated his Reds manager by telling the world on his Twitter site that he had been dropped at the weekend.

Yesterday Benitez hauled the out-of-favour star into his office to demand an explanation, and told him to axe the site immediately as he gave the forward a real dressing down.

While Benitez was furious with what he saw as such an unprofessional attitude, the player himself hit back by accusing his boss of ignoring calls from his agent Winnie Haatrecht, over a move.

Babel was informed the matter was being handled by Liverpool's chief scout Eduardo Macia, and to concentrate on actually playing well enough to even be in contention for the first team.

But the volatile Dutchman took that to mean he isn't wanted by the club, and he immediately stormed out.

He subsequently returned half an hour later following a telephone call, and Benitez will now hit the Dutchman in the pocket, to the tune of around £60,000.

The set-to is the most serious in a host of controversies surrounding Babel this season, and has sealed his fate after talks about a possible move to Sunderland or Birmingham.

He had to explain himself to Benitez after claiming he felt let down by the Kop boss earlier in the season, and only on Saturday he KO'd a potential trade for Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones.

Benitez is hoping to offload the 23-year-old and bring in much-needed attacking power, especially with Fernando Torres out for six weeks with cartilage damage.

But Babel has rejected both moves out of hand, even though he now accepts he has reached the end of the Anfield road.

The player was in talks with his agent last night over his next move, but it seems only a matter of time before he departs, with Besiktas or Galatasaray a possible destination.

Ryan Babel And Liverpool In Confusion Over Offer To Sunderland

Rafael Benítez's strained relationship with Ryan Babel deteriorated further yesterday when the Liverpool forward left the club's Melwood training ground without permission after a misunderstanding over his Anfield future.

The Dutch international was called into the manager's office yesterday morning, having been omitted from the squad that drew at Stoke City on Saturday and offered to Sunderland in exchange for the striker Kenwyne Jones. Steve Bruce, the Sunderland manager, was not receptive to the proposal but Benítez may return with a cash bid for Jones should he manage to sell Babel before the close of the transfer window.

After the meeting with Benítez, Babel drove away from Melwood under the impression that he was not wanted at training. It took a phone call from a member of the Liverpool back-room team to inform the player that was not the case. He eventually returned to the training ground.

The Liverpool manager publicly challenged Babel to prove himself at Anfield. He said: "I was talking with Ryan one week ago and I explained the situation very clearly to him. After the meeting everything was fine.

Cats Rule Out Jones-Babel Swap Talk

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce insists he has no intention of sanctioning a swap deal involving Kenwyne Jones and Liverpool's Ryan Babel.

Bruce is adamant the Black Cats will not be offloading key men during the January transfer window, despite speculation to the contrary.

He claims reports regarding the future of Jones, who is believed to be a target for a number of Premier League clubs, are wide of the mark.

Liverpool are one of those said to be keen on the Trinidad & Tobago striker with Rafa Benitez keen to cover the loss of Fernando Torres to injury.

A deal involving Dutch winger Babel, who is unhappy at a lack of first-team opportunities at Anfield, has been mooted - but Bruce has made it clear he has no interest in discussing such an agreement.

"The one thing I am trying to do is build the squad and build the squad to improve," he said.

"The last thing I want to be doing is trade or anything like that."

While Babel may not be heading to the Stadium of Light, his time at Liverpool could still be coming to a close.

He was left out of the Reds' matchday squad for Saturday's trip to Stoke and Benitez admits he needs to be convinced of the 23-year-old's commitment to the cause before bringing him back into the fold.

"If Ryan trains hard and is ready to play he will be available for the next game (against Tottenham on Wednesday)," said the Spaniard.

"If not, he won't be available.

"I was talking to Ryan one week ago and I explained the situation very clearly to him. After the meeting everything was fine.

"He was working and he was on the bench and he played against Reading. After that game I decided he would not be on the bench and that is it."

Aurelio Unimpressed By Mason

Fabio Aurelio feels referee Lee Mason was partially responsible for costing Liverpool two points at Stoke.

The Reds were held to a 1-1 draw by the Potters at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, piling yet more pressure on under-fire coach Rafa Benitez.

A lacklustre display did little to suggest that Liverpool are capable of rescuing their season and securing a top four finish in the Premier League, with few opportunities created by both sides during a disappointing contest.

The Reds do, however, feel that luck was firmly against them in the Potteries, with the match officials, sloppy defending and the woodwork combining to ensure they were forced to settle for a point.

Brazilian full-back believes that Benitez's men were deserving of a morale-boosting success, after battling bravely against stubborn opposition, but insists referee Mason did all he could to deny them a welcome win.

"We mentioned before the game that we just had to let the referee do his job and not speak to him because he has not been very good for us in the past," Aurelio said in the Liverpool Daily Post.

"In the end, during the game, we had to push him on things because we could see a lot of decisions that should have been in our favour.

"Speaking to Lucas, he said he has two clear penalties turned down.

"There were a lot of decisions that the referee just didn't see. That's why we are so disappointed."

Benitez also feels that referees who underperform should be held accountable for their actions and has called on the appropriate authorities to take action.

He said: "They have people in charge of referees who analysis these things and they know. We have to try to be positive after this game, it is important we stay positive, and we have to be disappointed with the decisions. They were not the best.

"I don't think you can change too many things (about this game) even if you do say anything. The question is, they have people who are in charge and they have to decide what to do when they have seen the performance of the referee on the pitch.

"It's like me dealing with a player. If a player makes a mistake then you put the player on the bench."

Liverpool FC Managing Director Says Banks Won’t Loan Club Cash For Stadium Without New Ownership

Christian Purslow, the managing director of English soccer club Liverpool FC, has revealed that the banks with which the club hopes to secure financing for a new stadium will only deal with the club if new investment can be attracted.

Liverpool's owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, are keen to sell a stake in the club, in what Purslow says "could be part ownership or it could be complete ownership". Either way, it appears that the club's plan to build a new stadium and move from its current home of Anfield has no chance of success while Hicks and Gillett remain the two co-owners of the club.

"Late last year, the bank market was essentially shut," said Purslow. "It's now very much open for business and a number of banks are very interested in financing our new stadium. However, a condition of all those banks' interest is that in the first instance, we have brought new investment into the club. So I see it as a two step process - new investment in the next couple of months which reduces our existing debt to a very low level, to enable us then to push on with discussions with banks about financing the stadium."

Purslow, whose time at Liverpool has been marked with some significant off-field success, including a record shirt sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered that will begin in the summer, is confident that the team's on-pitch struggles would be a thing of the past in a new ground. "It's that stadium which holds the key to us transforming our fortunes both economically and in football terms," he added.

"The stadium is absolutely central to the club's strategic development because with a new stadium comes a transformation in the financial resources of Liverpool that can be ploughed back into the core of our activity - which is our playing squad."

Liverpool hope to build the new ground close to Anfield, the club's current home, in the city's Stanley Park.

Liverpool Owners Split On Rafael Benitez

News of the World claims that Liverpool's owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, are divided on the subject of Rafael Benitez's future at the club.

The manager's position has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks - and especially since the Reds' humiliating defeat to Reading in the FA Cup on Wednesday.

Saturday's stalemate at Stoke City has only served to turn up the heat on the Spaniard, who is losing the favour of the fans with each passing disappointment on the pitch.

However, it is believed that the Kop board can do nothing for the time being, as the owners are at odds over whether or not Benitez should be given time to turn things around.

Hicks has voiced his support for the under-fire gaffer on numerous occasions this season, but it would appear that his partner - with whom he shares a frosty relationship - holds a different view.

An unnamed source is quoted as saying: "George Gillett believes the warnings about giving the manager a new five-year deal last season have proven true. He feels he was railroaded into making that decision and the team is now suffering because of it.

"At the very least, he believes the board should be having a healthy debate about the manager's position but it's evident Liverpool have backed themselves into a corner by publicly insisting it's not even up for discussion."

Beardsley Urges Liverpool To Stick With Benitez

Former Anfield star Peter Beardsley believes Liverpool should stick by under-pressure manager Rafael Benitez.

And he insists the Spanish boss, who has signed more than 100 players in his five years on Merseyside, is the best man for the job even if Liverpool do not finish in the top four at the end of the season.

Beardsley puts most of Liverpool's woes this season down to injuries to their most influential players, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.

Beardsley said: "He's (Benitez) signed a lot of players but look at most teams in the world. If they lost their stars then they would struggle. If you lost Rooney out of Manchester United's team they would struggle.

"The criticism is a bit over the top. I would definitely stick with him. What have they got to lose? It's only going to be the same players I would imagine for whoever takes over anyway. I would give him to the summer definitely and beyond then because he has done a brilliant job at Liverpool.

"They were really close last season to winning the league. When you look at the Premier League as a whole this season most of the top teams have lost three, four or five games which is unusual.

"He has got the respect of the players. In the main, most of the fans want him to stay.''

If the board decides Benitez, whose side drew at Stoke on Saturday after exiting the FA Cup against Reading in midweek, should lose his job, however, Beardsley believes Kop legend Kenny Dalglish would be the perfect man to take over.

Dalglish currently is working with the academy and Beardsley, speaking on Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme, said: "If they were to make a change that would be the perfect change. He (Dalglish) knows the club inside out. He and Sammy Lee get on like a house on fire so there wouldn't need to be wholesale changes. But at the moment I wouldn't do anything.''

Beardsley also believes there is no chance Gerrard, who was on the brink of joining Chelsea in 2005, will leave his hometown club.

He said: "When he turned down the Chelsea thing I think he committed himself to Liverpool for life and I genuinely believe he'll be there for life.''

Rafa Benítez Deserves The Chance To Overachieve With Liverpool Again

It is always hard to tell much from Rafael Benitez's manner, so guarded is he in public, but those who see a dead man walking must have felt a burst of schadenfreude when he emerged for his Friday press conference clutching his notes.

A Nixon-style resignation speech? No, a Clinton-style apology.

That simple assumption of responsibility, that simple act of modest contrition, punctured some of the mounting hysteria and bloodlust.

This is a man who is not doing his job very well, a man who used to do his job very well indeed less than a year ago. Is it entirely heretical to suggest that Benítez might deserve a chance to put right the mess he has made of this season?

This kind of hysteria is ultimately driven by results, but they have been bad for a while. Suddenly we have reached the tipping point.

The ex-players are wheeled out to pronounce the death sentence but, when it comes to running a multi-million pound football club, do they have credibility? Ronnie Whelan has not managed for eight years but when he did it was Southend and some clubs in Cyprus and Greece. Jason McAteer? He was sacked as John Barnes' assistant at Tranmere this season. Not exactly judges with gravitas.

What about the supporters? There has been fierce loyalty to Benítez at Anfield over the years, especially when he has taken on Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Now a significant portion of the support has turned on Benítez.

It is easy to pour empty flattery on to Liverpool fans, but really they are not much different to football fans the country over. More active than many in taking a direct interest in how the club is run on every level, sure, but still prone to shouting one thing at the final whistle and thinking another when reflecting in the pub.

The mentality of the pack, the mass, the herd develops its own momentum and, from the outside, it is hard to see Benítez surviving beyond the end of the season. This is a real pity because Benítez – eccentric, political, stubborn and vindictive as he can be – is a man who has been overachieving ever since he arrived at Anfield.

Take this rather imperfect analogy: Benítez as a Formula 1 driver. He comes in and starts driving for a team that has a resonant name, a history full of great deeds, fresh memories of famous victories. The problem is, the car isn't good enough. The owner's not putting the money in, the marketing guys can't get the lucrative sponsorship deals and the engineers are complacent.

Still, Benítez drives out of his skin. Race after race, he squeezes every last bit of juice out of this failing car and delivers some famous victories. Then, bang, he loses it. Perhaps it was the persistent technical disasters, that prompted it, but suddenly he is suffused with self doubt: he can't pick the racing line, he breaks too early or too late. He's struggling just to finish, let alone compete.

Now what do you do? Fire the driver? The car is still worse than its rivals – worse and getting worse. For one bad season in which he has failed to overachieve again? You need a special combination of ambition and patience to succeed driving in this team – a combination that is rare enough.

For a start, Liverpool will not sack Benítez before the end of the season (barring open player revolt or a truly comical series of results). Who next? Jose Mourinho? Guus Hiddink? Great drivers but are they going to risk their reputation getting into this car, with its huge expectation but poor performance?

The silver in the trophy cabinet can skew your perspective of a football club. If you are brutally objective about Liverpool, they look like a club equipped for the 20th century not the 21st. Compare them to one of their potential usurpers in the top four, Tottenham Hotspur, who they host at Anfield on Wednesday. It's not a flattering one.

Spurs have not won an away game against the big four since they won in the League Cup at Anfield in November 1998 – that's no away win in 65 attempts. Historically, Liverpool are the superior club. But you look at the future and there is only one club pointing in remotely the right direction.

Tottenham turned a profit last year. The diggers are in at their new training ground at Bulls Cross in Enfield, which will be one of the very best in the world. Planning permission is in for a new 60,000 stadium – the only significant debt the club will take on will be directly linked to the stadium.

If the success of Arsenal's move to the Emirates (the corporate dollar pays: 20 per cent of supporters generate 80 per cent of the earnings) is any guide, Spurs will be able to service that debt with ease.

Liverpool's huge interest payments mean that their parent company made a £42.6 million loss in the last financial year. The new stadium in Stanley Park was supposed to be finished by 2012 but remains in limbo, waiting for global economic recovery.

Their debt stands at £240 million but without a hike in match day or commercial revenue, or substantial outside investment, they will spend all profits servicing it, rather than playing catch up on the field. To get Liverpool pointing in the right direction, Christian Purslow, the chief executive, has to turn a tanker in a canal.

On the pitch, Spurs have a squad full of young hungry internationals with a high market value. Even more importantly, they have some of the most promising academy players in the country: John Bostock, Dean Parrett, Andros Townsend and Ryan Mason should all break into the first team in the next few years.

Liverpool have three world class players (Gerrard, Reina, Torres) and a motley crew of the not-quite-first-rate and the definitely-second-rate. The academy has not produced a player deemed fit for Liverpool since Gerrard and seemingly will not any time soon.

Benítez has certainly been one of the main architects of this season's eyesore, but he is also responsible for the construction of some of this club's finest recent monuments.

Dealing with controversial owners and dwindling revenues, Benítez has proved he can get this club punching above its weight. He deserves another round, a chance to put right the mistakes he has made.

Benitez Grateful For Fan's Support

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has told the club's fans he "will be fighting until the end" after a 1-1 draw at Stoke which means he remains under pressure.

Benitez had to dismiss claims that captain Steven Gerrard had been involved in a dressing-room row with his assistant Mauricio Pellegrino at half-time during last Wednesday's FA Cup humiliation at the hands of Reading.

He said: "There was nothing there, nothing."

But he is still being confronted with claims that Gerrard wants out, that Fernando Torres will follow and that he is only in a job because joint owners Tom Hicks - his main supporter - and George Gillett cannot agree on the way forward.

Benitez privately believes he is safe this season and is planning for a summer transfer spree. By then new money should be in the club.

All the Liverpool manager can do until then is hope his players continue to fight and the majority of fans still give him their backing. And he had those crumbs of comfort at Stoke.

Benitez saw another last-gasp goal - this time from Robert Huth - rob him of a victory Sotirios Kyrgiakos' first goal for the club appeared to have given Liverpool in a grimly-fought, turgid match.

He said: "We were very good in terms of character, and effort. That is what I wanted to see from them.

"I am also pleased for the fans because we had to give them something.

"I can see some light at the end of the tunnel. I was pleased to see the players showing the reaction you expect from them.

"We are missing five top players, so I was really pleased with the way the other players reacted on the pitch."

He added: "It was special for me to hear the fans singing my name in such circumstances. I decide to stay here (last season) because of the fans, they know I will be fighting until the end.

"It is a difficult time, but everyone has to show character, the manager, the staff, everyone. The fans show the same, they are behind the team and that is the main thing for us.

"The players worked very hard, and they showed their disappointment after the game after having two penalties denied them. I have to be pleased with their response.

"Their positive reaction is something we have to maintain for the future.

"We knew it would be a difficult game with the ball in the air a lot. Every throw-in, free-kick and corner meant that Stoke would put the ball into our box.

"You have to be very strong in defence to cope with that, and we were."

Liverpool face Spurs at Anfield on Wednesday in what will be another night of nerves and intrigue. Benitez said: "We have important games coming up now, but if we work like we did at Stoke then I know we can improve our results. With that character we can beat anyone.

"The players beforehand were talking of taking more responsibility, they wanted to show that we are united as a team so that is why they introduced the huddle again before the match. It is not something we normally do.

"We showed that we can stick together, everyone could see that. I was pleased with the team effort, and pleased with the performance."

Utility man Fabio Aurelio underlined the squad's feelings, saying: "I thought the attitude of everyone was really good after the bad moment the team is having. We have to fight in every game.

"We can take confidence from this performance. We don't have our stars but we have to go with what we have. We all have to take responsibility and work hard.

"We need to put on a good performance for our fans on Wednesday. They were fantastic again for us at Stoke and got behind us from the beginning to the end."

Legend Eyes Davies Swoop

Liverpool icon John Aldridge has urged manager Rafa Benitez to move for Bolton Wanderers captain Kevin Davies.

Aldridge says Liverpool need a centre-forward to cover for injured ace Fernando Torres.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "We have to get another striker in and if money is tight Benitez might have to be canny.

"Someone like Kevin Davies from Bolton would do a job. He's strong, can hold the ball up and put himself about a bit.

We might have to sell (Ryan) Babel to strengthen but that wouldn't be a bad thing."

Club Debts Could Lead To European Ban

Liverpool and Manchester United would be banned from the Champions League if Michel Platini’s “Financial Fair Play” criteria for European club competitions were introduced, according to senior sources within Uefa. Manchester City and Chelsea would also be at risk, despite their owners having paid off their debts recently.

Rules governing the amount of debt clubs can accrue are being discussed within Uefa committees and though they are far from fixed, and at least three years away from being implemented, it is clear that many of Europe’s biggest clubs would fall foul of the criteria being proposed by Platini, the Uefa president. His guiding principle is that over a period of time clubs cannot spend more than they earn.

“Manchester United and Liverpool would be barred from the Champions League and the Europa Cup because they have debts piled directly on the club as a result of their owners’ takeovers,” a Uefa executive told The Sunday Times.

“Chelsea and Manchester City would fail to meet the requirements because we want to prevent a situation where you can overspend a great deal, then inject cash to balance the budget at the end of the season. Arsenal would qualify. They make more than they spend, including debt repayments. So do Tottenham.”

However, it is not just English clubs that would be affected. Some of Europe’s most celebrated clubs have built up huge debts and they too face exclusion from the Champions League. “As things stand, Real Madrid would fail and Inter Milan. But for now it’s all theory, based around a principle that needs to be made into something workable,” the source said.

Debt in English football has been highlighted again because United’s new financial figures, released last week, showed they made an annual profit of £48.2m only thanks to the £80m summer sale of Cristiano Ronaldo, inset. United paid £41.9m in interest in the year on debts that are now above £700m. Chelsea’s most recent figures showed a £44.4m loss, while City’s showed they lost £92m. Both those clubs’ owners have wiped out debts in excess of £300m to clean up their balance sheets. Liverpool’s debts are £240m-plus. Arsenal have £297m of debt, but this was acquired mainly for building Emirates stadium, now a cash cow that helps fuel profits. Arsenal’s repayments are easily serviced.

England’s Big Four plus City can take solace in that Uefa’s plans are far from complete. Even Uefa officials are uncertain whether rules will be applied retrospectively. “That might not be possible,” the source said. All clubs will have to meet requirements to balance income and spending, but grey areas and loopholes will remain.

Uefa’s only public statement on the subject so far is nebulous, saying there is an “obligation for clubs whose turnover is over a certain threshold, over a period of time, to balance their books or break even”.

The rules will be framed by an independent 11-man Club Financial Control Panel, chaired by the former prime minister of Belgium, Jean-Luc Dehaene. The aim is to introduce the rules in the 2013-14 season. Most of the CFCP, and Platini, accept that debt is not to be outlawed per se, but want it to be manageable if it is on a club’s books.

Uefa insiders are aware that if it banned most of the biggest clubs from its competition there would be a danger of a breakaway league. They also accept that its rules are susceptible to legal challenges. For now, there are three more years of work before proposals turn to rules.

Mascherano - We Are Cursed

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano thinks his team are cursed following their draw against Stoke on Saturday.

The Reds were undone by a late equaliser from Robert Huth at the Britannia Stadium, having taken the lead through Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos in the 57th minute.

In a week when they also crashed out of the FA Cup after a home defeat to Reading, Mascherano is beginning to feel like there is a spell on the Anfield club.

"It seems like we are cursed in terms of injuries and letting in incredible goals in the last minutes of games," he said in The People.

"The situation is enough to get anyone down, but this team is going to keep going forward because of the spirit and history of the club.

"It is normal that we are being criticised - we are all to blame for going out of the Champions League and FA Cup."

Manager Rafa Benitez has come under severe pressure following a dreadful season for the Reds, which has already seen them slip out of the title race in the Premier League.

However, Argentina international Mascherano says the whole team must take collective responsibility for their bad form of late.

"We share the credit when things go well and the blame when things go badly," he added.

"Rafa has a difficult job because this season key players are getting injured, which would upset the plans of any coach.

"Torres (Fernando) and Gerrard (Steven) are fundamental for us and any team would miss them.

"It is true we are not in certain competitions now but there are still things to resolve.

"Being champions of the first Europa League sounds good and getting into the top four after all the problems we have had, anyone of us would sign up for that now.

"They are the objectives and nobody is going to drop their guard, because it is impossible to do so with our manager.

"We have to sort out the problems and win. For once, I'd prefer to get the points over the level of our performance."

Ryan Babel Angers Liverpool By Rejecting Sunderland Swap Deal With Kenwyne Jones

Liverpool's out-of-favour Ryan Babel is reportedly ready to infuriate manager Rafael Benitez by rejecting a transfer to Sunderland, which would have seen striker Kenwyne Jones move the other way.

Babel’s future at Anfield remains the subject of much speculation with Birmingham City believed to have failed with a bid for the Dutchman while a range of other clubs including Marseille, Besiktas and Fiorentina have also been linked with the 23-year-old.

The former Ajax man was also left out of Saturday's squad to face Stoke City, despite injuries to Yossi Benayoun, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, a move which is likely to further intensify speculation surrounding his future.

The Sunday People now reports that Babel is ready to reject a move to Sunderland in a deal which would have seen striker Jones switch to Anfield.

The tabloid claims Babel is “reluctant to go to Wearside” a decision which is unlikely to impress manager Benitez who, according to the report, is keen to sign Jones as cover for the injured Fernando Torres.

Playing At Atletico Madrid Was The Best Stage In My Career - Maxi Rodriguez

Former Atletico Madrid winger Maxi Rodriguez has spoken emotionally about his switch from the Vicente Calderon to English Premier League side Liverpool, saying that his time with Los Colchoneros was the most enjoyable period of his career.

The Argentine completed his move to Anfield last week and made his debut for Rafa Benitez’s side in the 1-1 draw with Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.

The 29-year old held back tears for the majority of the press conference in which he bid farewell to Spanish football, and was appreciative of how the Atletico Madrid had allowed him to develop.

Speaking frankly, Maxi said, “I would like to thank Enrique [Cerezo, club president] and the entire club. I find it difficult to speak, because I spent years here and it was very nice to spend the best years of my career where I felt at home.

“It was many years and I want to repeat that this club always treated me very well through good times and bad times.”

The former Espanyol star, who moved to the capital club in the summer of 2005, also spoke of his move to Merseyside, and added that it was a tough decision to move on.

He stated, “It was difficult, but I have always liked challenges. It is a new experience and I will probably spend my last years as a professional in Europe at Liverpool.

“Hopefully I can enjoy it to the fullest and give the same performance that I gave with Atletico Madrid.”