Javier Mascherano's Agent Reveals Inter Contact

The agent of Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has admitted Inter are ready to begin negotiations to bring the Argentine to the Giuseppe Meazza.

Mario Piccioli revealed that he has already spoken with Nerazzurri director Marco Branca over the telephone.

"With Inter, we have been in contact, but have not met Marco Branca personally," Piccioli told Itasportpress.it. "We have only spoken on the phone.

"There is nothing new to report. It is not a mystery that our player is coveted by the Nerazzurri and Rafa Benitez, but were are only at the preliminary stages at the moment.

"In the coming days we will schedule a new meeting to discuss some more details," he concluded.

Liverpool FC Owners Tom Hicks And George Gillett Branded ‘Asset Strippers’

The American owners of Liverpool Football Club have been labelled “asset strippers” by an MP in the House of Commons.

Labour’s Steve Rotheram, MP for Liverpool Walton, used his maiden speech in the Commons on Thursday to claim the actions of George Gillett and Tom Hicks “threatened the club’s existence”.

In a separate Commons motion he has accused the pair of failing “to exercise responsible stewardship of the club”.

The Americans, who bought the Reds in 2007, recently announced their intention to sell the club, which is £351 million in debt.

Mr. Rotheram, an Anfield season-ticket holder, said: “England’s most successful football club is slowly being drained by the greed of two American asset strippers and this is having a negative impact on regeneration projects for the whole area.”

Gerrard: It's A Pity He's A Manchester United Fan

Steven Gerrard has spoken of his pride at the news that world record breaking sprinter Usain Bolt has requested a replica kit signed by the England and Liverpool captain. The treble Olympic gold medallist, who is a well-known Manchester United fan, is understood to have been impressed by the dynamic midfielder’s contribution to the Three Lions opening World Cup match against the USA.

Gerrard put his poor domestic form for Liverpool behind him to score England’s first goal of the tournament after only four minutes last Saturday and will now look to lead Fabio Capello’s men to three points against Algeria on Friday. The Anfield hero inherited the national team captaincy from Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand after the centre-back was ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury.

Speaking of his admiration for Bolt, but showing open disdain for the sprinter’s Manchester United fanaticism, Liverpool hero Gerrard stated:

"I'd heard Usain Bolt was a big football fan and it was really flattering that he wanted my shirt.

"I'm just disappointed I haven't got his pace. Usain is an athlete I really look up to.

"It's a pity he's a Manchester United fan though. I was going to ask him to one of our training sessions when he's in England but I might not bother now.

"Seriously, as a sprinter he's the man, isn't he? He's a winner, an inspiration and someone I love watching."

Meanwhile, Gerrard’s future at Liverpool remains under a cloud with the player refusing to talk about his future on Merseyside until the end of the World Cup. Inter Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all thought to be tracking the player after Rafael Benitez’s departure from the Anfield hot seat threw the club into further disarray.

Milan Not Inter €30m Price

We've all, more or less, accepted that Javier Mascherano will leave Liverpool this summer, as we had around this time about a year ago when Barcelona were stalking him. Rafa managed to keep the midfielder at Anfield however a year, and a Rafa less Liverpool, later this is looking increasingly unlikely to be the case this summer. The Argentina captain's agent has already told the tabloids that it's almost certain that Mascherano will join Inter Milan to be reunited with Rafa again.

Mascherano wants to go, from the looks of things, and if this is what he wants to do then we've got to let him do this. Dumb and Dumber will be happy with this as well, not that it makes our search for a new Boss any easier if we're selling our best players before they even get into the hot seat. However if these players want to leave then we've got to let them leave, it would be nice if the new Boss was given some of this money instead of the American's gobbling this up to pay off their own debts!

The sticking point with Mascherano’s move to the Italian side seems to be the price. The Reds are believed to want €30 (more or less what was being asked last summer, minimum) however this is more than Inter want to pay. Further talks between all parties are believed to be taking place again next week so another long drawn out transfer saga like his on off move to Barcelona last summer, and Xabi Alonso's eventual move to Real Madrid, seems most likely again though. This'll be fun.

Benitez: I Left Liverpool On Good Terms

New Inter Milan boss Rafa Benitez has insisted that he still has a good relationship with his former Liverpool players and that he left the club on good terms.

Benitez left Liverpool by mutual consent after a poor season which saw them only qualify for the Europa League by virtue of Portsmouth's inability to compete in Europe while in administration.

But Benitez, who replaces Jose Mourinho as coach of the Nerrazzuri, said: "I had contact with 95% of the players (after I left). Everything was fine, very good messages, very positive messages.

"The relationship is really good with the majority. Maybe you have some members of the team who are not happy, but it has been good. The club was fantastic, the fans were amazing, so it was a sad day when I had to go. But things change so I had to do it.

"I was in contact with (Steven) Gerrard when it was his birthday and everything was fine. It was good. He was trying to focus on the World Cup."

Real Madrid Drop Interest In Liverpool Skipper Steven Gerrard In Favour Of Daniele De Rossi

Real Madrid have been dissuaded by the asking price for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and have instead switched their attention to Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi, according to a report from Spanish daily AS.

The Reds are apparently after a 'Galactico' style deal for Gerrard, with his price tag set significantly higher than the £29 million (€35m) the Spanish outfit paid for Xabi Alonso last summer.

That has made the Madrid side reconsider making a move for Gerrard, with De Rossi now favoured as a cheaper alternative.

De Rossi scored ten goals for Roma last season and netted Italy's equaliser against Paraguay in their opening game of the World Cup in South Africa.

Inter President Massimo Moratti To Meet £25m Target Javier Mascherano's Minders Next Week Ahead Of Liverpool Bid

Inter president Massimo Moratti has set the wheels in motion to sign Liverpool hard man Javier Mascherano by arranging a meeting with his minders.

Argentina's World Cup captain was brought to Merseyside by new Inter head coach Rafael Benitez in 2007 and he is determined to have a reunion in Italy. A price tag of £25 million has already been set and the 26-year-old is reported to have begun Italian lessons.

According to Sky Sports Italia, Moratti has arranged a meeting with Mascherano's representatives for next week where initial details over his personal terms will be agreed. Whether the debt-laden Anfield club will be able to resist a big-money bid is yet to be seen.

Glen Johnson Puts Faith In England Manager Fabio Capello

Glen Johnson believes Fabio Capello’s single-mindedness will prove crucial in helping England negotiate their way into the World Cup’s knockout stages.

England left their training base in Sun City today to fly down to Cape Town for tomorrow night’s crucial Group C clash with Algeria.

Having drawn their opening fixture 1-1 with the USA – and seen Slovenia steal a march with a 1-0 win over the Algerians – England have little room for manoeuvre.

Capello has come in for criticism on a number of issues in the time since that game, largely down to the fact he did not name his team until two hours before kick-off.

Liverpool right-back Johnson, though, has revealed that Capello will not let any outside factors distract his approach – and that is why he is confident England will continue to progress.

“He is a very good manager and a nice man,” said Johnson, who was outstanding against the USA in Rustenberg.

“He is well aware of what he wants to do and he knows how to do it. He knows how to get the job done and is definitely a manager at the top of his game.

“Every kid dreams of playing for England in the World Cup so what I am doing now is a dream come true. There are a lot of good teams and every game is difficult.

“The further we go in the tournament, the better we will be. We just need to concentrate on playing the way we think we can and see what happens.”

Martin Skrtel Tells Of World Cup Heartache

Crestfallen Martin Skrtel has revealed his disappointment after an opening World Cup match draw with New Zealand.

The Slovakian defender was helpless as Winston Reid’s 94th minute header cancelled out Robert Vittek’s early second half opener to give the underdogs their first ever point in competition.

Slovakia had dominated a poor game and looked sure to kick-start their Group F campaign with three points but with seconds remaining Reid popped up to leave Liverpool’s Skrtel bitterly upset.

However the 25-year-old remained bullish his national side would make amends from the set-back when facing Paraguay in Bloemfontein on Sunday afternoon.

Skrtel said: “Obviously we are very disappointed. They had maybe two clear chances and they scored with the final whistle.

“Unfortunately it was the same thing as against Cameroon (in a World Cup preparation game which also ended 1-1). We didn’t give them a lot of space. It was not an excellent performance but this is how you play in the World Cup. It is the result that counts.

“It would have been a huge step forward but we didn’t manage to hold on to three points. Nothing is lost though.

“It hurts today but we have two more matches to play in our group. We were very disappointed but, as I said, we have to go on.”

Meanwhile, England right-back Glen Johnson has told of his delight at being with the squad in South Africa.

“Every kid dreams of playing in the World Cup so it is a dream come true,” he said.

Liverpool FC Banner Destroyed By FIFA

Liverpool fans campaigning for the removal of George Gillett and Tom Hicks were shocked and angered after a banner was destroyed by FIFA officials at a World Cup game last weekend.

The flag, seized by officials at Durban Stadium on Sunday evening, was part of an internet-based awareness campaign opposing the club's ownership by the Americans, who have saddled the Reds with debts in excess of £351million since seizing control in 2007.

Stewards confiscated and destroyed the inoffensive flag taken into the stadium by Nadeem Khan, a member of the South African Liverpool Supporters Club, proclaiming 'Save Liverpool FC - Hicks and Gillett out' during to the game between Germany and Australia.

The 29-year-old was told by representatives of world football's governing body that the flag contravened their rules against obscene or vulgar images being displayed at games, despite no such guidelines existing in FIFA's ticketing terms and conditions.

He said: "I then went to the second level of the stadium as soon the kick-off whistle sounded to hang up my banner with the rest of the team supporters’ ones there.

"Then I went back to my seat at the lower level and constantly gazed up to check on the banner, it was around the 27th minute of the game that I looked up and to my horror there were three security officials removing the banner from the rail.

"I immediately got up to approach to the officers but I was confronted by two officials as soon as I stood up and asked to go to the security office.

"On my arrival there I was met by two other supervisors, both European and they showed me to a camera where they had recorded me. They had traced me from the time I got to the stadium until the time they called me.

"They saw the banner on live game footage and apparently had to remove it because FIFA's rules state that no material bearing obscene or vulgar images is to be displayed at their events.

"I pleaded my case then gave in after no joy and asked for the banner back so that I may keep it away, but they refused to return it to me. One steward sliced the banner up with his Stanley blade"

Nadeem, who had travelled to the game from Pietermaritzburg with his wife and child, had his phone searched as part of a crackdown on hooliganism and was warned that he would be closely monitored at future games he will be attending throughout the tournament.

"They then started lecturing me on football hooliganism and what charges they can issue against me and went through the call list on my phone," he added.

"My ticket number was recorded on their computer and they showed me all the games that I would be attending and how they will keep a close eye on me.

"By the time I returned to my seat Germany scored their fourth goal so I took my stuff and left with my wife and child who were terrified, not knowing what was going on.

"I only stopped shaking when I got back to Pietermaritzburg which is over 85 kilometres away."

Alan Cooper, one of Save Liverpool FC's co-ordinators, confirmed that the Football Supporters' Federation (FSF) are investigating why FIFA took such stringent against Mr Khan for displaying the banner.

He said: "We want an explanation from FIFA why a guy who was with his wife and kid was accused of being a hooligan and treated so badly.

"We understand them taking the banner down but I'd like to know why it was destroyed in front of him.

"The sensible thing to do would be to keep hold of the banner until the end of the game and then hand it back to him."

A FIFA spokesman confirmed to Click Liverpool that they were aware of the incident and "will revert in due course."

Two Irish fans were threatened with imprisonment for displaying an inoffensive flag during France's game with Uruguay last Friday whilst Americans were also threatened with jail terms for holding up a banner claiming, 'Wayne Bridge for USA' during their clash with England.

FIFA have been condemned by football fans worldwide for their censorship of this summer's tournament after they ejected 36 Holland fans from yesterday's 2-0 win over Denmark for wearing mini-dresses designed by Dutch brewer Bavaria, citing "ambush marketing".

Local businesses in South Africa have been banned from using the phrase 'World Cup 2010' unless they are officially recognised partners of the tournament whilst locally-made products are forbidden unlike FIFA's officially licensed merchandise, which was all made in Taiwan.

Rafael Benitez Has Only Added To The Managerial Confusion At Liverpool

Rafael Benitez's parting comments about Liverpool and who should replace him are extremely intriguing.

The new Inter Milan manager, who was released from his Liverpool contract with a £6 million pay-off a fortnight ago, outlined at his Inter unveiling that he believes Kenny Dalglish should be his successor. But does Benitez really mean it?

"I think they should look at Kenny Dalglish," he said. "He is the best man for the job. The owners should listen to the fans because they are unhappy.

"No one knows the club better than Dalglish and he would be perfect there. He wants the job and in my opinion should get it."

However, the internal wranglings at Anfield over the last 18 months mean the departed manager's words have to be treated with a note of caution.

It is no secret that Benitez and the Liverpool board could not stand the sight of each other towards the end of his tenure.

Benitez was as much to blame as anyone else for the poisonous atmosphere among the Liverpool hierachy as he could not resist becoming involved in the back-biting and walking through the uber-political minefield that is the Merseyside club at present.

Do not discount the possibility that Benitez's praise for King Kenny is one last dig at his previous employers.

The Liverpool board have made it clear that Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is their preferred candidate for the managerial position and, although Dalglish is a club legend, they do not consider he is the right man for the job.

However, there is an increasing clamour among the Reds' supporters for Dalglish to be put in charge - perhaps only in the interim - to try and steady the ship.

Benitez's comments are only likely to quicken the momentum behind the Dalglish campaign and put the Liverpool board in an even more difficult and unpopular position that it currently finds itself in.

To ignore Dalglish, particularly after the "endorsement" of the still popular Benitez, would simply prove to many fans that Liverpool do not listen or do not care about the wishes of their fans - and that is the last thing the club need at the moment.

He may have left Anfield and be in charge of the current Champions League winners, but it would appear that Benitez's ability to undermine and confuse matters on Merseyside remains as strong as ever.

Liverpool Must Realise That Roy Hodgson Will Not Wait Forever

If Liverpool do want Roy Hodgson, the Fulham manager, to be the long-term replacement for Rafa Benitez, as is looking increasingly likely, then they have a strange way of showing it.

Sources at Anfield have insisted for almost a fortnight that Hodgson is the preferred candidate to succeed Benitez, who has since moved to Champions League winners Inter Milan where he was unveiled as new manager this morning.

Hodgson, so the theory went and the sources suggested, was the perfect man for the Anfield hotseat for several reasons.

Firstly, he would not interfere with Liverpool's catastrophic boardroom situation in the same way that chief agitator Benitez did and Hodgson was also deemed to be dignified and calm enough to bring an element of stability to the club.

With £350m worth of debt and with co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks desperate to sell up, Liverpool certainly require a figurehead who will quell the unrest among the fans as well as get Liverpool playing winning football again and Hodgson appeared to tick all those boxes.

He was still being pushed forward as the first choice even after club legend Kenny Dalglish revealed last week that he would love another go at the Liverpool managerial post, 11 years after his last day-to-day job in the game.

For Hodgson to still be ahead of King Kenny just goes to show how desired the Fulham manager is by the Liverpool hierachy.

Or is he?

Because, as of yet, Liverpool have hardly been falling over themselves to woo him.

A Fulham spokesman has confirmed that nobody from Anfield has been in touch and the man himself is currently said to be frustrated that his future remains uncertain.

Hodgson wanted any deal with Liverpool to be agreed before he left England for a spot of punditry at the World Cup but that has not happened and Liverpool's reticence may just come back to haunt them.

Why should Hodgson, at 62 and with 25-years of managerial experience behind him hang around forever for Liverpool to approach him?

Hodgson is adored by Fulham's fans, he has a chairman inMohamed Al-Fayed who has admitted he will give him "anything he wants" in order to try and keep hold of him and the job Hodgson has done at Craven Cottage has been widely saluted throughout the Premier League, indeed throughout Europe.

If Liverpool are not careful, he may just start thinking he is too happy in London, too old to be messed about and too sensible to get embroiled in the current continued drama on Merseyside.

Liverpool Expect Star To Leave Club This Summer

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun is expected to leave Anfield this summer but the club have yet to receive an approach for the Israel international.

Reports suggesting the Reds have agreed a £6million deal with Chelsea are premature but the Merseysiders are resigned to the fact the 30-year-old will leave and accept it is only a matter of time before an offer comes in.

Benayoun signed an improved contract only last year but even before the departure of manager Rafael Benitez earlier this month he had already dropped several hints he wanted to leave.

Back on May 2, after the 2-0 defeat by Chelsea at Anfield, the Israeli said "he couldn't say for sure" whether he would be at Anfield on the opening day of the new campaign.

Chelsea are believed to see the former West Ham star as a direct replacement for Joe Cole, whose departure from Stamford Bridge was confirmed when the two parties failed to agree terms on a new contract after his current deal expired.

Reports claim Benayoun has already agreed in principle a four-year deal with Chelsea.

Liverpool are still continuing their search for a new manager but do not feel there is any rush to appoint Benitez's successor and have given themselves a loose timeframe until the end of the month to finalise matters.

Beardsley: Dalglish Key To Keeping Star Duo

Liverpool legend Peter Beardsley is confident Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will stay with the club if Kenny Dalglish is re-appointed as manager.

The two players' futures with the Merseyside outfit are uncertain after a hugely disappointing 2009/10 season at Anfield and boss Rafael Benitez's departure by mutual consent earlier this month.

Dalglish - who is widely regarded as Liverpool's greatest ever player and enjoyed a successful spell in charge from 1985 to 1991 - is believed to be interested in succeeding Benitez, and Beardsley feels the Scot's return to the helm would be enough to persuade Gerrard and Torres to stay.

"I'm not saying he would be a massive success straight away because there are a lot of problems at Liverpool," Beardsley told Press Association Sport.

"They are not Kenny's problems but they need to be resolved - the Steven Gerrard issue, the Fernando Torres issue - and I think you would have more chance of keeping those players if you had a hero like Kenny in charge of the team.

"You look at Torres and he probably came to Liverpool on the strength of watching Dalglish as a player, and Gerrard grew up watching that team.

"So I would think you'd have no problem keeping both of them if Kenny Dalglish was your manager."

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is another name being strongly linked with the post, but Beardsley - who played for Liverpool between 1987 and 1991 - has no doubts that Dalglish is the man for the job.

"Roy Hodgson is obviously a great manager and has proved that with Fulham and all over the world, but I wouldn't look further than Kenny," said Beardsley.

"I played for four years under Kenny and won the league twice and the FA Cup. He gave me his number seven shirt and to wear it for Liverpool was special.

"We were not able to play in Europe in those days, so what he did in my time at the club, and winning the double before I even arrived, was sensational.

"I can't speak for the people of Liverpool but I know the fans would love him and when I look at him, his football knowledge and his football mentality, he loves the game.

"What he means to Liverpool is sensational and I would have no qualms about giving him the job."

Kenny Dalglish Still Believes He Is The Best Man For The Vacant Liverpool Job

Kenny Dalglish's doubts over the calibre of candidates to succeed Rafael Benitez as Liverpool manager appear to have been exposed after the Anfield legend's son, Paul, admitted his father was convinced he is the best man for the job.

Dalglish, the last manager to win the title with Liverpool, in 1990, who returned to Merseyside last year to work as an ambassador for the club’s academy, was named in an official communique as the man leading the search for Benitez’s replacement when the Spaniard left Anfield by mutual consent this month.

Liverpool identified Roy Hodgson, the Fulham manager, as their ideal candidate because of his experience in the Premier League and in Europe, as well as the perception that his understated manner might herald an end to years of internecine politicking under Benitez.

But no formal offer has been forthcoming and, judging by comments made by Paul, Dalglish is far from impressed by Hodgson’s claims to become his latest heir and believes the most viable option for the club is to appoint him as manager at least until the search, led by chairman Martin Broughton and Barclays Capital, for new owners bears fruit.

“I do not think he is the best person for the job, but he is the best person of everybody available,” said Paul, now manager of the MLS side Tampa Bay Rowdies, of his father.

“It is not as though Jose Mourinho is going to come and do the job. It is not as though Fabio Capello is going to leave England to be the next manager of Liverpool.

“My dad wants to do the job and he feels he is the best person available to do the job. If Jose Mourinho was available and wanted it, my dad would not have any interest in the job, because all he ever does is act in the best interest of Liverpool.

“If new owners come in to invest money in the team and they can attract a Mourinho or a Capello, he would happily step aside if it was in the best interest of the club. My dad wants to do the job because he feels it is the best thing for Liverpool at this time. If that were to change, he would happily step aside.”

Benitez himself, meanwhile, revealed that “95 per cent” of his former players at Anfield, including captain Steven Gerrard, had been in touch to wish him luck after he was unveiled as Inter Milan’s new manager.

“Of course it was difficult to leave Liverpool,” said the Spaniard, who has signed a two-year contract at the San Siro. “I had been there for many years. But this was a perfect opportunity. I spoke with many of my players and they wished me luck.”

Benitez will return to Anfield in the coming weeks to secure the £30 million signature of Javier Mascherano, the Argentine international captain who confessed this week he is learning Italian, after Massimo Moratti, the Inter president, promised him the defensive midfielder as his first purchase.

The former Liverpool manager faces an almost impossible task to improve upon the work of his predecessor, Jose Mourinho, even if he manages to stave off the Portuguese’s determination to sign two of his key players from last season’s treble-winning campaign, Diego Milito and Maicon. Benitez, though, is not one to aim low.

“Mourinho did a tremendous job here,” he said. “But I am different and I want to do my own work. After his great year we have the chance to win six trophies and we will try to do so.”

Jan Molby: Serbia’s Milan Jovanovic Would Be An Excellent Signing For Liverpool

Former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby believes Serbia and Standard Liege forward Milan Jovanovic has all the attributes necessary to be an ‘excellent’ signing for Liverpool.

The Serbian forward, whose contract expires on June 30, is expected to join the Anfield club in the summer, and started Serbia’s opening World Cup 2010 game against Ghana. The match ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Serbs, and the Liverpool bound man was substituted late on for Neven Subotic.

“I did manage to see him and I felt as though he fell into how Serbia played on the day - they were really disappointing and I'd expected a lot more from them,” Molby told Liverpool’s official club website when quizzed about the player.

"I am confident they [Serbia] are better than their display against Ghana and I also know Jovanovic can play.

"He's got real pace and he'll be an excellent signing if we get him.

"I am not worried - there is much more to come from him [in the World Cup]."

Jovanovic, who turned 29 in April, scored five goals for Serbia during the qualification phase for the World Cup 2010 tournament.

New Barca Regime Targets Ibrahimovic Swap For Liverpool's Torres

New Barcelona president Sandro Rossell has met with coach Pep Guardiola to agree the Catalan giants' transfer targets. A swap deal to sign Liverpool's Fernando Torres in part exchange for Zlatan Ibrahimovic is top priority, according to Spanish daily 'Sport'.

Guardiola reportedly would not heavily object to seeing Swedish striker Ibrahimovic leave the Nou Camp. On paper, he enjoyed a good first season in Spain, scoring 20 goals in 41 appearances for Barcelona since his high profile move from Inter Milan last summer. However, his performances have been criticised by the notoriously harsh Spanish media.

Rossell and Guardiola both understand though that there are few clubs willing to part with the estimated 50 million euros Barcelona would demand for Ibrahimovic and therefore a part-exchange deal has become a priority, with Liverpool's Torres the main target.

There has been heavy speculation over the future of Torres at Liverpool after the Merseyside giants failed to qualify for the Champions League next season. The frustrated Spanish striker has recently made it clear that he wants Liverpool to show ambition and sign some top players. The Anfield departure of compatriot Rafa Benitez and the ongoing financial uncertainty at the club will likely further complicate Torres' position at Liverpool.

'Sport' speculates that if Barcelona fail to agree a swap deal involving Torres, they will turn their attention to a similar deal involving Ibrahimovic and Manchester City's Robinho .

Liverpool's Javier Mascherano Will Almost Certainly Join Inter - Agent Claudio Pasqualin

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano will join Rafael Benitez at Inter, Italian agent and transfer market expert Claudio Pasqualin has told Goal.com.

Benitez will be unveiled at the club officially on Tuesday and he will get to work on shaping his new team. Mascherano was his key pupil at Anfield, and he is likely to be his first new signing.

"Liverpool's financial situation is not the best and so it's inevitable that they will sell some of their best players. Mascherano will almost certainly be wearing the Nerazzurri shirt next season," Pasqualin, who is not the player's agent, told Goal.com.

"As for [Fernando] Torres, no one knows. And for [Steven] Gerrard, he is the symbol of Liverpool so he is likely to stay there."

With the picture on possible arrivals painted, Pasqualin said Maicon will be sold to Real Madrid if they upscale their offer.

The Brazilian's agent Antonio Caliendo has already said there is a gap that needs to be bridged between demand and offer.

Pasqualin said: "I think he will go because the player wants to join Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho.

"But Real don't seem like they are in the mood to spend big this year. Therefore they could land the player for around €20 million, no more."

Rafael Benitez Admits Decision To Leave Liverpool FC Was Hard

Rafael Benitez has admitted the decision to quit Liverpool was a tough one but insists he leaves with good memories.

The Spaniard was officially unveiled by Inter as their new manager yesterday after agreeing a severance deal with the Anfield side to end his six-year reign.

Benitez’s position in the Liverpool hot-seat was coming under increasing pressure after a disappointing season which saw the side finish seventh in the Premier League, fail to qualify from the group stages of the Champions League and Reading dump them out of the FA Cup third round.

With speculation mounting Benitez’s relationship with the club’s American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett was becoming ever more frayed and the likelihood the manager’s ambitious summer transfer plans would not be matched, the 50-year-old opted to agree to a departure.

Though ending his tenure in far from glorious circumstances, Benitez will be remembered for the famous Champions League and FA Cup triumphs he brought to the club.

Speaking to the assembled Italian media, Benitez talked fondly of his time at Anfield but refused to discuss his relationship with Liverpool’s owners.

Instead he reflected on the positive times on Merseyside and his aspirations to repeat those successes at the San Siro.

“It was difficult to leave Liverpool after six years working there, I had amazing times there”, said Benitez.

“Also my daughter is seven, she lived most of her life there.

“It’s not easy but things changed so I needed to move and I had the perfect opportunity to come to Inter.

“I hope it will be perfect for me and perfect for Inter.

“The club (Liverpool) was fantastic, the fans amazing so it was a really sad day when I had to go but things changed so it was obvious I had to do it.

“The owners are the owners. Now I’m in a different club and I’m very happy to be here.

“My relationship with Liverpool fans was great from the beginning and I hope it will be so here. I think the fans will be happy.”

Naturally, Benitez’s move to Inter has sparked rumours that he will raid his old club for new players but the Spaniard was refusing to comment on speculation linking him to, in particular, Javier Mascherano.

“I have been in contact with the majority of players and the majority said thanks for everything and all the best”, added Benitez.

“I talked to Gerrard when it was his birthday and he’s fine. He wants to talk about the World Cup now, not anything else.

“I wished them all good luck for the World Cup. Now they’re all focused on that.”

Liverpool’s Philipp Degen Linked With Olympique De Marseille Switch

Currently on the hunt for a right-back, Olympique de Marseille are ready to make a move for Liverpool’s Philipp Degen, according to Le Parisien.

The Ligue 1 champions are ready to part company with Laurent Bonnart, who was their regular in the full-back slot last year. Les Phoceens have been unable to come to an agreement over a new contract for the former Le Mans player, who seems set to depart the Provence outfit imminently.

Already the rumours have been flying with regards to potential replacements. Albin Ebondo (Toulouse), Rod Fanni (Rennes), Abdoulay Konko (Sevilla), Juliano Belletti (Chelsea), Francois Modesto (Monaco) and Mathieu Debuchy (Lille) have all been associated with the Didier Deschamps-coached outfit, but now Swiss international Degen is the latest name.

Experienced in the Bundesliga and the Premier League, 27-year-old Degen has struggled to make an impression since moving to Anfield in 2008, hindered by injuries and an inability to break into the first team. Indeed, he played only seven league matches for the Reds last term and could see a move to France as an attractive way to close the book on a poor spell in his career.

No transfer fee has been mooted, though Liverpool’s well publicised financial problems may mean they are willing vendors.

Rafael Benitez: Give Kenny Dalglish The Liverpool Job

Inter manager Rafael Benitez has backed claims that Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish should replace him as manager at Anfield.

Benitez left Liverpool following a reported £6 million severance package agreed upon by both parties and although the Reds are strongly linked with a move for Fulham coach Roy Hodgson, the Spaniard believes they should look in house and towards Dalglish for the most suitable candidate.

"I think they should look at Kenny Dalglish," Benitez told the Italian media in his first press conference as Inter boss.

"He is the best man for the job. The owners should listen to the fans because they are unhappy.

"No one knows the club better than Dalglish, and he wants the job and in my opinion he should get it."

The former Valencia manager spent six years at Liverpool, winning the Champions League and FA Cup in his first two seasons.

Agger Pledges Loyalty To Liverpool

Daniel Agger insists he wants to stay at Liverpool despite the turmoil currently surrounding the club.

Liverpool remain up for sale, but there is little evidence to suggest a takeover deal is close and there are widespread reports they could cash in on their star players this summer.

Agger, currently on international duty with Denmark, says he is shocked that Rafael Benitez has left the club but insists he wants to stay at Anfield.

"I'm a little surprised because I didn't see it coming," Agger said in the Liverpool Echo. "Of course there has been a lot of talk about it but I didn't see it happening right now. The time with him was good.

"He is a good manager, he knows his stuff and he knows what football is about. When I return from my summer holiday, I'll see what is new, but his exit has no bearing on my future. I'm committed to Liverpool."

Fulham Insist Liverpool Have Yet To Make An Official Approach For Roy Hodgson

Liverpool have not yet made a formal approach for Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, the London club confirmed today.

As speculation increases that the Merseysiders will open talks with Hodgson before he heads off to the World Cup on Wednesday to act as a pundit for the BBC, Fulham said there has not yet been any contact from Anfield.

“We have had no official approach from Liverpool about Roy Hodgson,” a club spokesperson told Goal.com UK.

Although Cottagers owner Mohamed Al Fayed has been quoted as saying he is confident of holding on to the manager, it is expected that Liverpool will step up their search for Rafael Benitez’s successor by contacting the 62-year-old before he heads out to South Africa.

But Fayed, who appointed Hodgson in December 2007, believes Hodgson has no reason to leave Craven Cottage.

“I don’t think he’ll leave me,” Fayed said. “I’m sure he’ll have lots of approaches from other clubs, but I give him anything he wants to reach results and we have a very good relationship.”

Hodgson, who guided Fulham to the Europa League final this season and has previous experience across Europe, including two spells with Inter Milan, has a 12-month rolling contract, negotiated last summer.

However, it contains a clause which allows him to leave a top club for a compensation figure of around £2.5 million.

Despite the expectation that Liverpool’s directors will give the green light to approach Fulham, there is a growing clamour among Anfield supporters for club legend Kenny Dalglish to take over for a second spell at the club.

Dalglish, the current club ambassador given the task of helping managing director Christian Purslow to find Benitez’s successor, has told friends that he would like the job, although he is not willing to compromise the board in any way by making his interest in the position public.

Liverpool FC Deny Agreeing Deal To Sell Want-Away Midfielder Yossi Benayoun To Chelsea

Liverpool dismissed suggestions they have agreed a deal to sell want-away midfielder Yossi Benayoun to Chelsea.

Several reports emerged last night which claimed Benayoun had effectively wrapped up a move to Stamford Bridge by negotiating a four-year contract.

Though it is almost certain the Israeli midfielder will leave Anfield this summer, Reds officials have moved quickly to make it clear they have not entered into discussions with their Chelsea counterparts – nor are they in any hurry to do so.

With Chelsea allowing Joe Cole to leave on a free transfer, they are eager to bring in a midfielder with craft and guile and their search has brought them to Benayoun.

The 30-year-old – who only put pen-to-paper on an improved deal at Anfield 12 months ago – is understood to be anxious to leave Merseyside and has been linked with several clubs, including Serie A side Roma, in recent weeks.

Benayoun, ironically, first cast doubt on his Reds future after Liverpool were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea on May 2, when he stating that “he couldn’t say for sure” whether he would be at Anfield on the opening day of the new campaign.

But Liverpool, however, are not simply going to step aside and let Benayoun quit the club without a fight; for starters, they would be anxious to consider the views of their new manager – Roy Hodgson remains the favourite.

Yet they are also realistic to know that Benayoun, clearly, has his heart set on securing one more lucrative move before the end of his career and it now seems all the more apparent that the former West Ham has played his last game for the club.

Benitez Takes Liverpool Target To Inter

Serbian winger Milos Krasic is set to seal a move to Inter Milan in the coming weeks after the Italian club lodged a firm offer with CSKA Moscow ahead of talks in the Russian capital. It is understood that Rafael Benitez is the driving force behind the move for the tricky wide man and had been intending to take the 25-year-old to Anfield. Manchester United and Manchester City have also been heavily linked with the player after he impressed in the Champions League this season.

Tipped to provide competition to Nani and Valencia at Manchester United and as a replacement for Martin Petrov, Robinho and Craig Bellamy at Manchester City it looks as though Benitez had formally contacted Krasic’s representatives as he looked to strengthen the wide positions at Anfield. However, having had his transfer budget slashed by Liverpool’s American owners and having failed to secure Champions League football, the Spaniard left Merseyside to take over at reigning European champions Inter Milan.

Having added the Champions League title to a domestic double, Inter are flush with cash from both prize money and television revenue. Already promised funds to shape the Nerazzurri in his own image it has been confirmed that Krasic has been approached by Benitez and is open to a move to Italy. The news of the continental competition will come as a blow to Roberto Mancini at Manchester City and Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, while for Liverpool supporters it is just another dent in their aspirations to wrestle back their status as one of England’s top clubs.

"Rafa wanted Milos when he was at Liverpool and now he is at Inter they have made a written offer," said Krasic's agent Dejan Joksimovic.

"We have been in negotiations with Juventus as well, but Inter are coming to Moscow to speak to his club about him in the next few days.

"There was interest from the top clubs in England, but they weren't quick enough.

"It is almost 100 per cent Milos will be going to Italy."

Doubt has also been cast over the transfer of Standard Liege free agent Milan Jovanovic after reports in Serbia and Italy hinted that the striker’s move to Liverpool could be cancelled following Benitez’s departure. In a move which would further rankle the Kop, it is believed that Jovanovic, a compatriot of Krasic, could also move to Inter Milan.

New President Sets Sights On Steven Gerrard

Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard. Newly installed president Sandro Rossell has his eyes set on Arsenal man Cesc Fabregas but if he fails to secure the Spaniard he will push for a move to bring the England midfielder to the Nou Camp.

Rossell has stated publicly that he will not be spending vast sums to bring in countless Galatico style signings but has suggested that one big name could be sought this summer and it appears that the England captain is a fall back option if Arsene Wenger manages to fend off moves for the Emirates star.

The £40m rated one club man has had something of a disappointing season but his own very high standards and the recent dismissal of Rafa Benitez along with the sorry financial state the club is in has led some to believe that Steven Gerrard would consider a move away from Anfield.

Clearly Tom Hicks and George Gillett would be very unwise to consider selling one of the clubs top performers, especially after such a torrid season, however if an offer was made and the 30 year old made it clear he was open to such an offer then that may make things problematic.

Barcelona are not the kind of club to give up lightly in pursuit of a target. They have hounded Arsenal for years in the hope of bringing their former youth team player back to the club, so if they really do push for a move to bring Gerrard to La Liga then expect the Catalan club to use any means necessary to win his signature. Real Madrid have also been linked with a move for the mercurial Reds hero.

Barcelona Set To Step Up Pursuit Of Liverpool Star Fernando Torres

Barcelona are prepared to make a £70 million move for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres this summer.

Sandro Rosell, the new Barcelona president is determined to pair Torres with his international striker partner David Villa, who the Catalan giants recently acquired from Valencia, according to The Mirror.

Chelsea and Manchester City are also ready to open their wallets for the 26-year-old superstar who suffered through an injury-plagued season at Anfield this season.

Any attempts to sign Torres might hinder Barcelona’s chance to bring Arsenal skip Cesc Fabregas to the Nou Camp as the Catalan giants would struggle to afford both players.

Torres, who played for Atletico Madrid during his time in La Liga, has acknowledged that the only club in Spain he would join would be Barcelona.

With Rafael Benitez joining Inter Milan, Liverpool is left managerless at the moment, and with the turmoil occurring at Anfield there are fears that Torres and Steven Gerrard could leave the club this summer.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho would be very interested in bringing Gerrard with him to the Bernabeu, while a lack of Champions League football could lead Torres to leave Liverpool as well.

Benitez To Bid For Liverpool's Johnson If Maicon Joins Real Madrid

With right-back Maicon looking increasingly likely to leave Inter Milan for Real Madrid, new San Siro boss Rafa Benitez will look to replace him with Liverpool's Glen Johnson, according to Spanish daily AS.

Maicon is considered one of the world's top full-backs, particularly due to his attacking style. The Brazilian scored seven goals in 46 appearances in Inter’s Treble winning season.

There has been intense speculation that Maicon will follow Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid. The player's agent Antonio Caliendo added fuel to the rumours yesterday by stating that, "The most likely scenario clearly remains Madrid."

He added that only the fee remained a stumbling block to the deal, but he commented, "I believe that with two prestigious directors such as Moratti and Florentino (Perez), it is not difficult to reach an agreement."

Should Maicon move to the Bernabeu, Spanish newspaper AS reports that new Inter Milan boss Rafa Benitez will look to raid his former club Liverpool, to sign Glen Johnson.

Benitez brought Johnson to Anfield a year ago in a reported £18 million transfer from Portsmouth. Johnson's performances were a rare highlight in a deeply disappointing season for Liverpool.

The 25-year-old is currently starring for England at the World Cup and should his stock rise during the tournament, AS indicates that Benitez may look to take advantage of Liverpool's uncertain financial future to lure the right-back to Italy.

Jamie Carragher: The Champions League Is Better Than The World Cup

Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher believes that the Champions League is superior to the World Cup.

Carragher insists that the European Cup is a step up from the World Cup due to the fact that the big clubs around the world can buy whatever stars they please, with no national allegiance hindering the building of an all-star team.

"We talk all the time about whether the World Cup is a step up for us as players but I'm with what Jose Mourinho said the other day," Carragher told The Mirror.

"The Champions League is the highest level because teams can go and buy whoever they want.

"As far as players on the pitch are concerned, I think Barcelona and all the top teams in Europe would give Brazil and Spain a game.

The Liverpool veteran thinks that players are looser when playing for their club teams, allowing for the stars to play better and the competition to be better as a result.

"The pressure of playing [for your country] is more intense than playing for your club. Most players play better for their clubs because they are used to it and I would say the latter stages of the Champions League is the better spectacle.

"But what is different is the pressure with playing for country because you are going onto the pitch representing everyone.

"Look at what's happened to Robert Green. You are under so much scrutiny. If you make a mistake like that for your club there wouldn't be so much scrutiny."