Twente Coach Admits He Would Be Forced To Consider Liverpool Offer For Bryan Ruiz

Twente head coach Michel Preud'homme has admitted he would consider a bid for £11 million-rated Liverpool target Bryan Ruiz.

Ruiz, 24, is rumoured to be at the top of new manager Roy Hodgson's wish list after his 24 goals sealed Twente's first Eredivisie title last season.

The Costa Rica international has hinted he would be prepared to move to a top side in Spain or England, and Belgian legend Preud'homme has declared he would be willing to do business if the price was right.

"The uncertainty for Twente is annoying, but we have to wait to see what happens," Preud'homme said to reporters.

"If he [Ruiz] gets an interesting offer from Spain or England, he will have to think about it."

Huge Leak On Merseyside

Today a hosepipe ban has been imposed on Merseyside. If you are unaware of what that is, it basically means that the use of hosepipes to water your garden or clean your car is outlawed until further notice. This is because the first 6 months of this year have been the driest for a long time. The water sources which fill Merseyside’s reservoirs are being diverted to give the resevoir in Cumbria, which supplies water to Manchester, a boost in resources.

United Utilities have asked customers to keep an eye out for any leaks and to notify them immediately.

So to get the ball rolling, I can think of one huge leak in Liverpool. A leak that is having the complete opposite effect on Manchester, it’s surrounding area and even spreading as far down the country as parts of London. These areas are being given the chance to flourish because of this leak, and it has been going for a while. This leak is located in the Anfield area.

Liverpool Football Club is leaking at a rate of £110,000 a day in interest repayments to the Royal Bank of Scotland. The amount of this leak is now amounting to somewhere in the area of £400m. This leak is not coming from the pockets of the ‘custodians’ of Liverpool Football Club, as they would have you believe. It is coming from the pockets of the fans. The money that fans pay that used to fund player purchases or a new stadium. It has been leaked from the transfer fees that have been brought in from selling players, contrary to what they would have you believe. It is being leaked out of a hole that Tom Hicks and George Gillett created when they said that they wouldn’t.

And by the sound of recent developments, no-one else seems to be diverting their supply to counter our deficiency any time soon. As a result of this, the leak is going to get bigger and bigger until there is nothing left to leak.

There have been leaks of this nature before. Leaks that have seen administrators being put in place to asset strip such football clubs as Leeds United or Portsmouth, and with nothing but grave consequences. We cannot let this happen. If Tom Hicks and George Gillett feel that they can carry on any longer by being blindly funded by the fans of this football club, they will. They will eek out every last penny from the money that is given to them by supporters who actually think the money is going towards something good for the football club.

Not a Penny More.

Liverpool FC Departures Unlikely Without New Signings First

There are unlikely to be any players heading out of Anfield until replacements have been lined up.

A number of Liverpool players are being linked with possible transfer window moves but manager Roy Hodgson is also keen to see what he has at his disposal before sanctioning any departures.

Fiorentina are reported to be ready to offer Liverpool in excess of £3.5million for left-back Emiliano Insua while newly promoted West Bromwich Albion are thought to be eyeing a loan deal for striker David Ngog.

Including Milan Jovanovic, Liverpool had 13 players on World Cup duty in South Africa – more than any other Premier League club.

With the majority of those players not expected to return to the club until after the pre-season training camp in Switzerland, Hodgson has a threadbare squad to work with and can ill afford to release anyone until he has brought new players in to the club.

First, though, the former Fulham boss has pledged to give everyone a chance to prove their worth at the club regardless of their status under the previous managerial regime.

His first opportunity to do that will be against Saudi Arabian champions Al-Hilal in Liverpool’s opening pre-season game a week on Saturday at the Cashpoint-Arena in Altach, Austria – home of Austrian second division outfit SCR Altach.

One player he may be able to call on soon is Jovanovic who is edging closer to securing his switch to Anfield from Belgian side Standard Liege.

The Serbian international revealed last week that he is hopeful of linking up with his new teammates in Switzerland, and the club are quietly confident that will be the case.

Jovanovic will join Liverpool on a free transfer. He can play as an out-and-out striker or in a wider attacking role and could fill the void left by Yossi Benayoun’s weekend departure to Chelsea.

Liverpool head to Switzerland next Wednesday, July 14.

Hodgson Confident Gerrard Will Stay At Liverpool

Despite heavy speculation surrounding the future of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, new Anfield boss Roy Hodgson is certain the midfield star will remain at the club.

"Obviously Steven and Jamie are the playing heartbeat of the club and it's very important we keep people like that with us,'' Hodgson told LFC Weekly after talks with Gerrard and vice-captain Jamie Carragher .

"I anticipate there might be a situation where other big clubs will try to sign Steven but he gave no indication that he wanted to leave.

"Nobody at the club wants him to go so I will be doing my utmost to make sure he stays. I am confident he will.''

And Hodgson hopes he can convince Fernando Torres to remain at Liverpool, too.

"Fernando is a wonderful striker and I understand the fans' concerns about his future," he said.

"Unfortunately with the World Cup still on I won't be able to meet him face to face for another few weeks - that's just circumstance and you won't hear me complaining about it.

"When I do meet him I will be doing everything I possibly can to convince him that Liverpool is the place to be," continued the 62-year-old. "If he sees progress I am confident that he won't want to go anywhere else. I think he understands the club and the city."

Liverpool's Javier Mascherano Drops Transfer Hint To Inter

Liverpool's tireless Argentinian midfielder Javier Mascherano has dropped the strongest hint yet that he's set for a possible move to Inter, talking of his great relationship with former boss Rafa Benitez.

Football Italia have reported that Mascherano's agent believes a deal could be done towards the end of the transfer window after the player's post-World Cup break.

Agent Marco Piccioli said: "I know Javier and Benitez have a great relationship."

Inter may well have to sell to supplement a bid for the Argentine, but with the likes of Wesley Sneijder, Maicon and Mario Balotelli being linked all around Europe, they should be able to persuade Liverpool to part with their midfield maestro. Liverpool themselves are not in the most affluent of situations and may be forced to accept any large bids.

At 26 years of age, Mascherano should still have the peak of his career ahead of him and is becoming an integral part of the national side, with over 60 caps and the current captaincy to his name.

After working with Benitez for more than three years, it would appear the Argentine would see his future with the Champions League holders.

Ngog Linked With Loan Move

Liverpool striker David Ngog claims that he is not aware of reported interest from West Brom or Blackburn but he has not ruled out a loan move away from Anfield.

The arrival of Roy Hodgson as the club's new manager has led to speculation that the France Under-21 international may not feature in the long-term plans of the former Fulham boss.

But Ngog enjoyed his best season to date with the Reds in 2009/10 to represent a highlight in a terrible campaign for the club, which ended in the departure of Rafa Benitez.

The ex-Paris St-Germain forward featured in 37 matches in all competitions and scored eight goals for a struggling side and, amid the speculation regarding West Brom and Blackburn, his immediate focus is on improving.

"This season is a big season for me. I need to be consistent, play more and score more," he said.

"We have a new manager, who is a great manager, so we have to impress him."

But Ngog has not ruled out a loan move to another club, which could enhance his chances of first-team football rather than competing for a place with Fernando Torres, if the Spaniard stays at Liverpool.

The 21-year-old has been mentioned among the next generation of France internationals under new boss Laurent Blanc following their World Cup capitulation and so regular games at club level will be essential.

With regards to a loan, Ngog said: "I am not aware of it yet, but you never know."

Liverpool FC Ace Dirk Kuyt Can Join The Greats

As Holland’s players danced around the Green Point stadium on Tuesday night, their jubilation matched only by the country’s Royal family in the stands, few smiles shone brighter than that of Dirk Kuyt.

The celebrations which marked the Dutch’s first World Cup final appearance since 1978 – remember Buenos Aires, Mario Kempes and ticker tape? – went on long into the night.

Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Rotterdam found themselves at a virtual standstill; Cape Town was painted orange for the evening.

And in amongst it all stood Kuyt.

It was his floated 73rd minute cross which allowed Arjen Robben to head home the goal that finally killed off Uruguay, and his tireless running and intelligent use of the ball ensured Bert Van Marwijk’s side remained on the front foot throughout a frenetic second half.

He even popped up with a dramatic last-ditch tackle in his own penalty area, as Óscar Tabárez’s men surged forward in pursuit of a dramatic late equaliser.

It was typical Kuyt, and even more impressive given that many experts had criticised the Liverpool man’s selection, amid concerns over his ‘graft over craft’ style.

Van Marwijk’s faith, however, never wavered; it was he who took Kuyt to Feyenoord from FC Utrecht as a 23-year-old, and his former charge has started each of Holland’s six World Cup games this summer.

“In the Netherlands there were quite a few debates about which players I should play,” said Van Marwijk. “Dirk Kuyt, par excellence, is a team player.

“He is the example of a true and genuine team player. He’s so focused, he’s working so hard for the team and gives such a positive signal to the rest of the players. I’m so pleased with him.”

Van Marwijk’s words will sound familiar to Liverpool supporters. Since his move to Anfield in 2006, almost all talk of Kuyt has been punctuated with tributes to his spirit, his dedication, his attitude.

It is now impossible to speak of the 29-year-old without adding a caveat about his incredible work-ethic.

Kuyt himself is typically humble when asked about the role he plays within the Dutch dynamic.

He knows he is no superstar, but football for him has never been about individual glory, and his attitude seems to be infecting the rest of a side notorious in years gone by for an inability to live in harmony.

“There are players who can change the course of a match with a single touch and others who are there to serve the team,” says Kuyt.

“I have no problem admitting I’m in the second category. I try to do what I can to win each match. I’m a battler.

“Every match is equally important to me, and if you win all the time, the titles will eventually come. That’s how I see things, anyway.”

Even Johan Cruyff is a fan. After Kuyt had helped inspire Holland’s quarter-final success over Brazil last week – negating the threat of the marauding Maicon, before setting up the game’s winning goal for Wesley Sneijder – the Godfather of Dutch football took time out to lavish praise upon the 29-year-old.

And considering the pioneer of ‘Total Football’ is today known almost as much for his cutting opinions as for his mesmeric displays of the 70s, that is something to be proud of.

“Look at what he did so far,” said Cruyff, “He started the tournament on the right, then as a forward, and then against Brazil on the left. Not only did he keep Maicon out of the game, he also went and set up the winner. Someone like that is worth his weight in gold.”

Praise indeed. And whilst, aesthetically at least, he and Cruyff could not be further apart – and there are those in Holland who lament the team’s sudden switch from beauty to pragmatism – there is also a growing feeling that players like Kuyt are emblematic of the new Dutch football spirit.

He may not possess the freewheeling appeal of Cruyff, the ruthless potency of Marco Van Basten, nor the effortless grace of Dennis Bergkamp, but he is now ready to tread where none of those icons could. ‘Total Football’ charmed the world in 1974, but ultimately failed. Van Basten, Gullit, Bergkamp and co never managed to right that particular wrong, but the new generation is looking to go one step further.

And if in Johannesburg on Sunday they can do what the greats of the past failed to, and lift the World Cup, then the name Dirk Kuyt may just be mentioned amongst the legends of Dutch football.

Not that he would ever say so himself, of course.

Shaun Wright-Phillips In Transfer Tussle Between Spurs, Liverpool And Arsenal

Arsenal face competition from Tottenham and Liverpool as they try to sign Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.

The Gunners were favourites to land the England international for around £6million after opening negotiations but wages are proving a problem.

City want the 28-year-old off their wage bill as he has two years left on his £60,000-a-week deal.

And the player wants a move after falling out with Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini after the club failed to offer him an improved deal.

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is hoping the cash-strapped Reds can put a package together.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is also interested but it is unlikely his club would match the wages Wright-Phillips is on at City.

Mark Lawrenson: Roy Hodgson Fits The Bill – But He Has A Fight To Keep Liverpool FC Stars

Roy Hodgson might not have seemed like the ideal candidate to be Liverpool manager a year ago.

But when you consider the current plight the club finds itself in, he fits the bill perfectly.

This appointment is not about scouring the continent for a bright, emerging coach, as was the case when Liverpool chased down Rafael Benitez when they were last in the hunt for a manager.

This is about taking someone who isn’t afraid of a challenge and has a proven record of turning round a club’s fortunes.

He’s seen it all before. He’s gone to a place like Inter Milan and changed the whole make-up of the side. He could still be there now, in a behind-the-scenes role taking it easy – but he wants more of a test than that.

He’s dealt with big name foreign players and managed on the international stage.

And, most importantly, he proved in his time at Fulham that he can take a set of players and make them better.

That could be vital at Liverpool because, as good as I think the appointment is, I don’t think he holds the key to persuading the top players to stay.

If a player wants to leave a club, he can be told a new manager’s plans, he can have the vision sold to him, but it’s unlikely to change his mind.

But I genuinely feel Hodgson wouldn’t be fazed by this.

If Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres decide it’s time to leave, even if Hodgson gets half of the money into his transfer budget then that’s good business.

He has a decent record in the market in recent times, proving that he can get results without necessarily relying on superstars.

If he did lose Liverpool’s two best players he would be disappointed – but he would have a plan B.

I think the board has also been sensible in their recruitment, in not going for major upheaval.

They know that if a sale comes through, the new owners could change things drastically and Hodgson could just turn out to be a short term appointment.

No reflection on him, that’s just the way football is.

So we won’t have a situation similar to Benitez, who brought in all his own staff from Spain.

I don’t think Hodgson will bring a whole entourage with him and a lot of the current Anfield staff seem keen to stay so it saves the board money and inconvenience of overseeing wholesale changes.

So all in all it makes sense. I spent a couple of days with Hodgson in South Africa when he was working for the BBC and there’s no doubt that he is a nice guy who is easy to get on with.

But there’s also no doubt that underneath all that he is tough – and the players will respect him.

He is exactly the right person for this job at this time.

Fernando Torres Named One Of The ‘Beautiful People’ At The World Cup Finals

The Dutch may have substituted their usual ‘total football’ for a more functional approach in order to reach Sunday’s World Cup final but it seems ‘The Beautiful Game’ has not disappeared completely.

The self-styled ‘experts’ at www.BeautifulPeople.com, the dating site with a strict ban on ugly people, has put each World Cup player through its merciless rating system to reveal who scores when it comes to looks.

There is plenty of Mersey interest in both the winners and losers with Liverpool’s Fernando Torres coming runner-up overall in the ‘Most Beautiful’ category.

The Anfield hero may have endured a difficult World Cup despite Spain’s progress but he’s been a major hit compared to the man he missed out on for top spot.

According to the ‘test’ Fabio Cannavaro was the most attractive player at the tournament but that should be scant consolation for the Italy captain after his side went from heroes to zeroes as the defending World champions were knocked out in the first round, finishing bottom of their group below New Zealand.

Landon Donovan, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Everton last season, wept when he helped the USA qualify from their group but he also broke England’s hearts as his last-gasp goal against Slovenia condemned Fabio Capello’s side to runner-up spot and a subsequent second round encounter with Germany that led to elimination.

Along with former Goodison team-mate Tim Howard, Donovan and the Americans also fell at the second hurdle but he was at least named the fourth most attractive player in South Africa.

Greg Hodge, managing director of BeautifulPeople.com said: “Collectively, the worst looking team is Algeria.

“The term ‘trophy head’ could have been coined for most of their team.

“England follows close behind, led by the most unattractive player on the planet, Wayne Rooney.

“The England team does have very beautiful wives and girlfriends, but this is surely due to their bank accounts which certainly makes them a lot more attractive.”

Liverpool-born striker Rooney was voted the ugliest out of all the players while David James was the only England player to be rated as beautiful enough for the site.

Most beautiful World Cup players of 2010 (in order of attractiveness) 1) Fabio Cannavaro, Italy 2) Fernando Torres, Spain 3) David Villa, Spain 4) Landon Donovan, USA 5) Thierry Henry, France 6) Edinson Cavani, Uruguay 7) Kaka, Brazil 8) Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal 9) Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast 10) Keisuke Honda, Japan 11) David James, England.

The ugliest World Cup players of 2010 1) Wayne Rooney, England 2) Franck Ribery, France 3) Carlos Tevez, Argentina 4) Vladimir Stojkovic, Serbia 5) Benjamin Huggel, Switzerland 6) Zdenko Strba, Slovakia 7) Rafik Saifi, Algeria 8) Scott Chipperfield, Australia 9) John Terry, England 10) Ryan Nelson, New Zealand 11) Daniel Agger, Denmark.

Ex-Liverpool FC Player Craig Johnston Hits Out At World Cup Ball

The row over the controversial Jabulani World Cup ball is refusing to die down with former Liverpool striker Craig Johnston having written a 12-page letter to FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticising the ball.

Johnston, the Australian who developed the Adidas Predator boot, has collated all the criticism of the ball from players and coaches and delivered a detailed and technical description of the problems with the ball.

The Jabulani ball is manufactured by Adidas but that has not spared them from Johnston’s withering letter.

He puts the fact there have been so few goals scored – an average of 2.22 goals per match, down on 2006 and 2002 – down to the ball.

Johnston says in his letter to Blatter: “If a sponsor came into your office before the World Cup and said: ’We are going to give you a new, perfectly round match ball, the players won’t like it at all, there will be more mistakes made than in any other World Cup, there will be less goals scored, less free-kicks scored, less passes complete, less control by players and roughly 70% of crosses and shots on goal will miss wide and go way over the crossbar. What would you say to them?’

“I am risking my reputation and goodwill within certain football circles by writing this open letter to yourself and anybody else who is interested in the Jabulani ball issue and why its endorsement by FIFA could ruin the game as we now know it.”

Johnston expects to be blacklisted by FIFA as a result of his letter.

FIFA say the Jabulani issue will be one of the main topics debated by the national team coaches at a World Cup de-brief expected to be held in September.

Liverpool Plotting Aston Villa Raid

New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson's desire to bring some of the best young British talent to Anfield could begin with a double swoop for Aston Villa duo Ashley Young and James Milner, with Dutchman Ryan Babel offered in part exchange.

While Hodgson will work on trying to keep the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres at the club, he also knows that he needs to move to fast assemble a stronger squad and give them a decent amount of time to work together.

Reports suggest that he has already homed in on Milner and Young, two players who could also form a part of Fabio Capello's England rebuilding.

Babel has not exactly pulled up any trees since moving to Merseyside in 2007, and Hodgson hopes that by offering Villa a player and around £35m in cash he will be able prise the two young Three Lions away.

Fernando Torres Refuses To Commit To Liverpool As Chelsea Prepare Bid

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has put talks with the club on hold, as Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich flies to South Africa to prepare a record-breaking bid.

The Merseyside star has emphasized that he will not enter talks with new manager Roy Hodgson until he has returned from the World Cup and taken a holiday.

He also refused to opportunity to commit his future to Liverpool, telling Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo 'I suppose that when the World Cup finishes I will speak to the people at Liverpool and they will explain to me the real situation of how things are at present, the future of the club,

'And I will talk to the new coach.

'There's time for [Liverpool], but I want to finish the World Cup, go on holiday, as I haven't had a holiday for three years, rest and then there will be time to talk about all of that.

'The situation isn't going to change whether we talk soon or later. Honestly, teams won't be able to do anything until the World Cup has finished. The players here prefer to wait – there is time.'

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is reported to have flown out to South Africa, in preparation for what is likely to be a record-breaking deal for the Spain star.

Hodgson will fight to keep Torres at Anfield, though if the final offer comes close to the rumoured sum of £70m, it will be sure to test the new manager's resolve.

Roy Hodgson Ponders Move For Inter Midfielder Rene Krhin

Liverpool is set to move for Inter starlet Rene Krhin, according to La Stampa.

Roy Hodgson likes the player and his good relations with Inter could help him push through a move for the Slovenian midfielder.

Jose Mourinho used Krhin sparingly last season, but he was registered as part of the Champions League squad.

The 20-year-old Khrin hopes for regular action and he could be turned on by the lure of Premier League football.

He has also been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United, but Hodgson's friendship with Inter chief Massimo Moratti could prove pivotal if negotiations take off.

Liverpool Want Twente Star Bryan Ruiz

Premier League outfit Liverpool is closely monitoring the situation of Costa Rican international Bryan Ruiz, currently under contract with Dutch champions Twente, according to a report in Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

The English giants are desperate to add to their ranks in the summer transfer window and newly appointed manager Roy Hodgson supposedly sees the 24-year-old Ruiz as the perfect addition to his squad.

Ruiz joined Twente from Gent in the summer of 2009 and immediately developed into the Tukkers' star player. The tricky forward helped Twente to the Eredivisie title by netting 24 goals in 34 appearances and has since been linked with a move to many a bigger club.

Teams such as Valencia, Sevilla, Wolfsburg and Fulham are all believed to be keeping tabs on the versatile forward. Ruiz has an ongoing contract with Twente, but he has a €15 million release clause in his deal and Liverpool appears to be ready to meet that clause.

Representative Of Liverpool's Javier Mascherano Claims Inter Move Is Possible In Future

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano could make an Inter switch towards the end of the transfer window, claims Italian representative Marco Piccioli, unless Barcelona beat them to it.

Mascherano has been tipped to rejoin Rafael Benitez at Inter, but Spanish reports have linked him with a move to Barcelona.

Inter sports director Marco Branca last week said the club was in no hurry to force a move for the €25 million rated midfielder.

That ambling attitude has left the Blaugrana with a clear sight on the Reds man as they take aim.

But his agent for Italy believes the Milanese club are just biding their time and feels a grainy path could soon become smooth.

"I know that Mascherano and Benitez have a great relationship," Piccioli told Calcionews24.com.

"However, sometimes this is not enough. We will see in future. A deal can only happen towards the last part of the transfer market, that's my vision at least."

Roy Hodgson Hoping To Persuade Joe Cole To Join Liverpool

New Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is reportedly hoping to convince free agent Joe Cole to join the Merseyside club.

The 28-year-old recently parted ways with Chelsea after his contract at Stamford Bridge came to an end, and he is now free to talk to any club he chooses.

Goal.com UK had previously revealed that Cole has agreed in principle to join the Gunners, despite Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp recently expressing a desire to sign the creative playmaker.

Now The Sun claims the former Fulham manager views the player as an ideal replacement for midfielder Yossi Benayoun, who has joined Cole's former club Chelsea.

Cole had previously been linked with moves away from England, but his agent recently maintained that his client would likely remain in the Premier League - playing for a club that would compete in the Champions League.

'Roy Is Ideal For Liverpool'

Former Blackburn Rovers assistant manager Tony Parkes believes Roy Hodgson is the perfect man to take Liverpool forward.

Parkes was on Hodgson's coaching staff at Ewood Park and claims the former Fulham boss has unfinished business to attend to in English football.

He led Blackburn to a top-six finish in his first full season in charge but parted company with the Lancashire club the following season.

"I think with the players he's got to coach and work with at Liverpool, I think he'll be the ideal manager," said Parkes.

"I think by coming back to this country he's got some unfinished business.

"He's very experienced, he's very determined and you'll find that he doesn't like certain things. His team talks are usually all about his own team and he mentions the opposition very little.

"It's all about how his team will play and he has good knowledge and he's a good tactician and I think the players will enjoy working with him.

"I think when Roy was at Blackburn, when he first came, he got the team buzzing.

"We were second from top at Christmas and he was top of the list for the England manager's job at the time and things were going great for him.

"I do think they [the Blackburn board] sacked him too early.

"I think if they would have carried on with Roy I think he would have got us out of the trouble we were in."

'We Must Improve Attack'

Liverpool fans believe Roy Hodgson should make strengthening our forward line his top priority in the transfer market.

We asked supporters where they felt reinforcements were needed this summer - with 66 per cent stating they want to see signings in attack.

A total of 19 per cent of Kopites think defence is where Hodgson needs to concentrate, with 16 per cent concerned about midfield.

Meanwhile, another of our online polls discovered that 90 per cent of Liverpool fans are behind the introduction of goal-line technology.

Just 10 per cent are in favour of the status quo following a terrible refereeing decision which cost Frank Lampard and England dearly in the World Cup last 16 defeat to Germany.

Agent Denies Making Comments About Fernando Torres' Departure From Liverpool

Fernando Torres' agent has denied making any comments regarding the 26-year-old's future at Liverpool to the English press on Monday morning.

Jose Antonio Martin says that he hasn't spoken to the English media in months and has dismissed claims that the Spain international is thinking of switching to another Premier League club this summer.

Martin was earlier quoted as saying that although Torres will remain in the Premier League, he cannot guarantee that his client will stay with the Merseyside club. However, Torres' representative now says that he did not make those comments.

"For many months I have not spoken to the English press because their quotes are totally false," Martin has been quoted as saying by Sky Sports. "Now is not the moment to speak about this issue because Torres is focused completely on his work for Spain.

"After the World Cup Bahia Internacional will possibly meet with the player but the truth is that Fernando has signed a deal with Liverpool which is for the present and the future."

Torres' current contract with Liverpool runs until 2013. At the moment the former Atletico Madrid forward is with the Spanish squad in South Africa preparing for their semi-final clash with Germany on Wednesday evening.

Roman Abramovich Travels To South Africa To Lure Liverpool Striker Fernando Torres To Chelsea

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has travelled to South Africa to discuss a possible move with Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, according to a report from The Daily Telegraph.

The Blues owner is believed to be ready to offer a massive £50 million for the Spain star, who is also a reported target for Manchester City.

City's chances seem to be reducing now though, with the Spaniard understood to be keen to play Champions League football next season.

Torres' representatives have denied the 27-year-old wants to leave Anfield, but Chelsea and City both believe that, in reality, he is seeking a move.

Barcelona are also said to be interested, but Torres is apparently not keen on a move back to Spain.

Chelsea are set to bid below Liverpool's valuation of the player, which could complicate matters, but Abramovich is understood to be pushing very hard for the deal after his club already landed Yossi Benayoun from the Reds earlier this summer.

Liverpool FC Target Ashley Young Unlikely To Leave Aston Villa

Reputed Liverpool target Ashley Young is unlikely to leave Aston Villa, according to reports emerging in the West Midlands.

New Anfield boss Roy Hodgson made a pledge to try and buy English players this summer with 25-year-old Young strongly linked with a move to Merseyside.

However any potential interest in the England international may subside with suggestions that Martin O’Neill would not be willing to let two of his prize assets leave Villa Park.

Manchester City are expected to return with an improved offer for James Milner after their initial £20m bid was rejected in May.

If Villa and owner Randy Learner receive a fee deemed too good to refuse, Milner’s exit is likely to signal Young will remain with O’Neill’s men with boardroom sources saying a sale of a second top star would not be tolerated by the club faithful.

Fernando Torres Eyed By Manchester City For Stephen Ireland Plus Cash Deal

Roberto Mancini is to step up his pursuit of Fernando Torres with an offer to make him the world's best-paid footballer and hand Liverpool a player-plus-cash transfer deal including highly-rated Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland.

City's bosses have given the OK to present the Spanish international with a wage packet in excess of £200,000-a-week - which is reportedly the salary of fellow new signing Yaya Toure.

Liverpool has recently come under new management in the form of former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson, following the departure of Rafael Benitez.

As a result of the upheaval at Anfield, which includes the ownership of the club and the disappointing 2009/10 season, Torres' future has become the subject of intense speculation.

City is desperate to add one of the world's top strikers to their ranks and will offer fringe players as well as a significant transfer fee in excess of £30million for the former Atletico Madrid star.

Hodgson has already been told he will be given any transfer fee recouped from the sale of players to reinvest in the squad.

And he may accept Stephen Ireland plus cash is a fair deal for Torres - a player whose heart may not be in it anymore after his former manager, and the man he left his boyhood club to work for, departed in the summer.

Liverpool Rival Sunderland For Wigan Man

New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is ready to do battle with Steve Bruce over Maynor Figueroa, according to reports.

Black Cats' boss Steve Bruce failed with two attempts to land the Honduras international last season, but is thought to be ready to renew his interest in a player who would fill the problem left-back position.

However, even if Bruce can convince former club Wigan Athletic to part company with Figueroa, it now seems he faces competition for the defender.

Hodgson has also identified the left as an area which the Reds need to strengthen with Fiorentina target Emiliano Insua having struggled for form during his time at Anfield.

Having worked with Figueroa while in charge at the DW Stadium, Bruce will be hopeful of getting his man.

The Sunderland boss used his Latics links to land Lee Cattermole last summer, but came under fire from Athletic chairman Dave Whelan after twice returning with bids for Figueroa.

That won't prevent Bruce from testing the water once again, with the Black Cats manager believed to have already made a tentative approach for Figueroa's Wigan team-mate Charles N'Zogbia.

Former Newcastle United man N'Zogbia is understood to be keen on a move away from the DW Stadium.

However, Whelan and Latics manager Roberto Martinez are likely to want to keep hold of one of their star players.

That could mean a high asking price being set for one or both players, with a bidding war in the offing should Hodgson step up his interest.

However, Bruce has insisted he will not pay over the odds for players.

Reina Makes Torres Warning

Pepe Reina today warned Germany that Fernando Torres is ready to break their hearts for the second time.

The 26-year-old striker has so far failed to score in five South Africa outings and by his own admission has yet to reach full fitness following knee surgery in April.

But speaking ahead of Wednesday's semi-final clash with Joachim Low's men, Reina backed his clubmate to repeat his Euro 2008 final heroics by ending German hopes of glory.

"Torres is a fully mature guy now and has experienced both tough and sweet moments in his career and knows that's the way football goes," said the goalkeeper.

"He knows he enjoys the confidence of the coach, the players and he has strong self confidence. He won us the final against Germany last time and we all hope he repeats that this time."

Gerrard - I'm No Quitter

Liverpool ace Steven Gerrard insists he will not call time on his international career despite England's World Cup disappointment.

The midfielder skippered Fabio Capello's side through their faltering Group C campaign followed by the 4-1 second round loss to Germany.

Since the defeat, Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher, who was persuaded to come out of retirement for the tournament by Capello, has again announced his withdrawal from the England scene.

The Italian boss is also thought to be planning to make wholesale changes to his side, replacing some of the 'old guard' with younger blood.

But Gerrard insists he will not be quitting England duty and he desperately wants to add to his 84 caps and make amends for the Germany disappointment.

He told Liverpool's official website: "There is no way I want the disappointment of the Germany game to be my last for England.

"It was such a low and I am determined to do as much as I can to make amends for what happened.

"I expect there to be a lot of changes to the squad and it is up to the manager whether I am selected, but I am going to continue to make myself available for my country."

Roy Hodgson Explains Winding Career Route Which Took Him To Liverpool

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson believes that his keen work ethic may be what has kept him away from a job at one of England's top clubs until now.

The well-travelled coach has enjoyed a varied career all over Europe and the Middle East and feels his willingness to take jobs and eagerness to return to the game when out of work have created a somewhat indirect path to Anfield.

"I wouldn't say I've done things the hard way because there are all kinds of routes a person can take in football management that throw up contrasting challenges," Hodgson told LFC Weekly magazine.

"It would be disrespectful to other managers to say that I've had it tougher. What I would say is that my route to Liverpool has been slightly different.

"My problem has been that I love working and I hate being out of it. Whenever I have been, after a few weeks I have found myself yearning for a return. So maybe on occasions I've been prone to jumping at an offer at a smaller club when I should have waited a little longer before a better job has come around."

Hodgson also believes that his ability to fit in to foreign environments fairly seamlessly has often meant that English clubs tended to forget about him when it came to finding a new manager.

"There have been times when I've tried to blend in too well to the surroundings I'm in, rather than be myself and portray my Englishness," he added.

"I sometimes think that people in England probably view me as the least English of the English managers. Maybe that's one of the reasons why it has taken me longer than others to get one of the big jobs."

Roy Hodgson To Receive '£40 million' Transfer Budget At Liverpool

Roy Hodgson will receive a £40 million transfer budget to re-build the Liverpool squad and avoid a repeat of last season's disappointing seventh-place finish.

Hodgson, who was recently confirmed as the replacement for Rafael Benitez, has been guaranteed £12million, which will rise to around £40m with the expected sales of Javier Mascherano and Albert Riera, according to the News of the World.

Hodgson will receive all of the funding from the transfers, though will not benefit from the £5.5m sale of Yossi Benayoun, with the money already put aside to pay off ex-manager Benitez and a £2m compensation bill to Fulham.

Rumoured targets include Ashley Young and Steven Taylor, though Hodgson faces a battle to keep captain Steven Gerard and striker Fernando Torres onside after Liverpool's torrid Premiership season.

The quality of any new signings will play a major factor in the battle to keep both players at Anfield, who are said to be unhappy with the club's inability to challenge for top honours.

Mascherano looks increasingly likely be sold to Barcelona rather than Inter Milan as a replacement for Yaya Toure, who recently joined Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan are rumoured to be interested in Albert Riera, who failed to attend midweek pre-season training, reports the News of the World.

Hodgson is however determined to hold onto £20m signing Alberto Aquilani, despite the Italian's injury-hit début season with the Reds.

Liverpool Scare Off Inter Milan With £8 Million Lucas Leiva Valuation

According to the People, both Panathinaikos and Palermo have already had bids rejected by the Reds, but with Benitez a big supporter of the Brazil international he could find himself following his former manager to the San Siro this summer.

Benitez signed Lucas during his six year spell at Anfield and stood by the former Gremio man when he was singled out for abuse from supporters following some poor individual performances.

Liverpool are said to be attempting to raise much needed funds for new manager Roy Hodgson to rebuild the side before next season, and the selling spree could begin with Lucas.

However, the Merseysiders will not want to lose Lucas, who made 32 Premier League starts last season, on the cheap and look set to be holding out for a big offer before offloading their unsettled star.

Ayala Heading Back To Spain

Liverpool defender Dani Ayala is set for a season-long loan move to Spanish second division club Real Valladolid, with a view to a permanent move.

The youngster joined the Anfield club from Sevilla back in September 2007 and Reds reserve team coach John McMahon claimed that the 19-year-old had all the attributes to succeed.

However, the hot Spanish prospect only has one year left on his contract and, following Rafa Benitez's move to Spain, he is now excited to be possibly returning to his homeland with Valladolid, who were relegated from La Liga last season.

"Right now I am waiting to see what my future is because I don't know what will happen now Benitez has left. I am happy at Liverpool but I would be very excited to play in Spain," he said in The People.

Ayala made five appearances for Liverpool last season, starting two games, against Stoke and Burnley.

Dirk Kuyt Close To Fulfilling Lifelong Dream At World Cup

Dirk Kuyt admits he has dreamt of playing in a World Cup final all his life, but the Holland and Liverpool winger knows he needs to put those thoughts aside and focus on the job ahead.

The hard-working 29-year-old has been a key player for Holland and is certain to take his place in the starting line-up against Uruguay in their World Cup semi-final on Tuesday.

He said the whole team was excited at still being in the tournament, but they were not getting carried away at the prospect of meeting either Germany or Spain in the decider.

"We are all so happy and we know how close we are to getting to the final," he told the Liverpool website.

"This is something we have dreamed about our whole lives but we know that we have got to be careful and everyone expects us to get there now.

"We have got a lot of hard work to do. We have got to make sure we stick together and not get too carried away because the semi-final will be the hardest game we play. But we have got a fantastic opportunity."

Kuyt, who blossomed at Feyenoord where he scored 83 goals in 122 matches, moved to Liverpool in 2006 and said he was looking forward to working with new manager Roy Hodgson.

"It is good news that everything is sorted out," said Kuyt after Hodgson agreed a three-year deal with the club last week to replace Rafael Benitez.

"I haven't spoken to the manager yet because everyone at Liverpool wanted me to prepare for Holland's game but I'm looking forward to speaking to him."

Hodgson has taken steps to introduce himself to all members of the Liverpool squad, including those still on World Cup duty, which include Kuyt and fellow Dutchman Ryan Babel.

Fernando Torres 'Happy' With Roy Hodgson's Appointment As Liverpool Manager

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has declared that he is happy with the arrival of Roy Hodgson as manager at Anfield.

The Spain star hopes that the former Fulham manager can provide the Reds with the kind of stability and guidance that they have seemingly been lacking for a while now.

"I was happy he got the job," Torres told reporters.

"I haven't had a chat with him yet but I will talk with him soon and we will see his ideas about the future.

"He did really well at Fulham and I am sure he can do better for Liverpool. He is a very good manager. Hopefully he will be the right man to give Liverpool the opportunity to be strong again."

Rumours persist that Torres is set to leave Liverpool this summer, with Manchester City said to be keeping a close eye on his situation.

The player insisted that his situation would be discussed after Spain's World Cup campaign is over.

"I have a contract so it is the reality now. My future is here [at the World Cup] now," he said.

"South Africa is too important to think after that. I'm sure I will talk with him soon."