Asamoah Gyan: I Was Right To Reject Liverpool For Sunderland

Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has said he is "pleased" to be at Sunderland after making a transfer deadline day move, despite rumours Liverpool attempted to scupper the bid at the last minute.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson is known to have asked around about several strikers on deadline day - including West Ham's Carlton Cole and Fulham's Bobby Zamora.

And sources close to the Gyan deal suggest the former Cottagers boss even looked into the possibility of gazumping the Black Cats during the slow-moving talks with Rennes on Tuesday afternoon.

However, speaking after confirming his move to Sunderland for a reported club-record fee of £13million, Gyan said Steve Bruce's persistence had persuaded him to pick Sunderland.

"The Sunderland coach has faith in me because he has been following me for two years now," he said.

"My family is in England already and I am happy this is the right place for me.

"I am pleased I have the opportunity to come to the Premier League."

Hodgson's search for a second striker to play alongside Fernando Torres proved fruitless, meaning the Reds will need to rely on Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel, and David Ngog to provide support to the injury-prone Spaniard.

Javier Mascherano Promises To Reveal Truth Behind Liverpool Departure

Javier Mascherano has warned Roy Hodgson that he will reveal the truth behind the "lies" that surrounded his departure from Anfield – and admitted his £17m move to Barcelona was a year overdue. He also insisted there was never an offer on the table for him to join Rafa Benítez at Internazionale.

Mascherano was reported to have refused to play against Manchester City as he sought to force through a move to Spain, with Hodgson accusing him of being "selfish". But at his Barça unveiling, he said: "Roy Hodgson knows the truth. This is a happy moment for me so now is not the time to say it, but a lot of lies has been told about me and I will respond to them.

"Last year Liverpool would not let me leave. There was no way they would sell me. They had Xabi Alonso and me, and they would only let Xabi leave," said the 26‑year‑old.

"I was disappointed not to be able to sign last season. When the best club in the world calls you, then it is something that you want to happen. I have signed for the only club who really wanted me. In no moment did I ever think that Inter was a possibility. Rafa valued me and perhaps that is why people started saying that I could go there but this is the only club that pushed to sign me."

But Mascherano was keen too to rebuild bridges with fans at Liverpool, with whom he spent three seasons. "I hope they get back into the Champions League as soon as possible. I still have a lot of affection for the fans of the club and I always will."

Boss Looks For Improvement

John McMahon reflected on his reserve team’s opening goalless draw with Wigan Athletic and admitted it was a frustrating performance in many ways.

With chances at a premium in the first Barclays Premier Reserve League North game of the season, the likes of Daniel Pacheco, Jay Spearing, David Amoo and Nathan Eccleston all featured, but on a hot day at the Kirkby Academy they just couldn't make the breakthrough.

"It was a tough game for us and we just didn't have enough quality on the day in the final third," McMahon told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"Every time we play Wigan it is always a tough game. They had a lot of Scousers in their team with some ex-Liverpool and Everton players so they feel as though they have something to prove.

"We had some decent spells of possession and were comfortable on the ball but we didn't have enough threat going forward so we are disappointed in that respect.

"We had some players in the side who haven't played a full game for a while and I think it showed. They need match practice.

"You can do all the work you want on the training field but the only way the players will be at their best is when they are match fit."

Liverpool suffered an injury scare when Danish youth international Nikola Saric was stretchered off after a late challenge.

"The initial assessment is it's not as bad as we thought but we'll have to wait and see what the medical team say," he added.

"We are just keeping our fingers crossed for Saric."

The reserves are back in action next Tuesday when they make the trip to the North-East to take on Newcastle United and McMahon is hoping his side will put in an improved performance.

"It's an exciting league for us this season and we will have some good games," he added.

"Newcastle will be a tough game and they might have some experienced players in their side so we will go up there and try to give a good account of ourselves."

Reserves Held In Season Opener

Liverpool Reserves were held to a goalless draw by Wigan in their first Barclays Premier Reserve League North outing of 2010-11 on Wednesday afternoon.

The game - which was switched from an evening kick-off at Prenton Park to an afternoon clash at the Academy - turned out to be a low-key affair.

McMahon had to start the season without the likes of Andre Wisdom, Jonjo Shelvey and Michael Ngoo, who are all away with various England youth teams.

The injured Tom Ince and Daniel Ayala were also absent, as well as the talented young Spaniard Suso, who hasn't yet got international clearance to play in the league.

The team that did take to the perfect Academy pitch included Jay Spearing and Dani Pacheco as part of a new policy intended to give fringe first-team players more minutes for the second string.

The early exchanges saw Spearing and skipper Steven Irwin spraying balls forward to Nathan Eccleston without too much success.

Instead it was from a corner that Liverpool created their first serious opportunity, European U19 Championship winner Chris Mavinga heading wide from Pacheco's corner.

Another Pacheco delivery caused havoc on 14 minutes as three Reds players attacked the ball. It was David Amoo who ultimately connected but his header floated harmlessly over.

The home side was dominating possession without really threatening the experienced Mike Pollitt in goal, though Pacheco did have a curling free-kick saved.

The first scare at the other end came midway through the half when Callum McManaman shot after finding a yard in the box. Goalkeeper Martin Hansen spilled, allowing a follow up effort which Irwin did brilliantly to clear off the line.

McMahon's hopes of starting 2010-11 with a win were dented on 43 minutes when Nikola Saric left the field on a stretcher after a strong but not malicious tackle from former Liverpool youngster Jordan Mustoe.

And things almost went from bad to worse on the brink of half-time when Wigan full-back Adam Buxton rattled the crossbar with a neatly taken free-kick from the 18-yard line.

It was Wigan who attacked first in the second period when Scouser Jordan Rugg nodded an inviting delivery wide on 51 minutes.

Liverpool countered with a superb dribble from Pacheco, whose cross was diverted behind for a corner just before Amoo could pounce.

Substitute Alex Cooper lashed well over the bar on 66 minutes after good work from Jack Robinson, as once again Liverpool failed to convert possession into goals.

The final chance fell to Emmanuel Mendy but his injury-time blast never bothered Pollitt.

Torres Demands New Owners

Fernando Torres is desperate for Liverpool to find new owners in order to bring the glory days back to Anfield.

Reds co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks put the club up for sale in April and Barclays Capital was appointed to oversee the process.

But a buyer has yet to be found, with Hong Kong businessman Kenny Huang abandoning his interest and uncertainty surrounding a consortium fronted by Yahya Kirdi.

Star striker Torres, who ignored interest from Chelsea and Manchester City in the summer to voice his commitment to Roy Hodgson's new-look Liverpool, hopes a solution can be found quickly.

"It is fundamental new owners arrive that can make us a competitive side," he told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope.

"We're not that far behind. We had an appalling season last time around, but the year before we were just four points from Manchester United.

"Hopefully we can find a consortium that buys the club and can make Liverpool able to fight financially with Chelsea and United.

"Then let's see what we're capable of doing this season. Liverpool kept Steven Gerrard which is fundamental. It's still a great team.

"It's a delicate situation because we are not in the Champions League, but it is still the biggest club in England and to play at Anfield every week is a privilege.

"That's how I see it. I like to have targets, and to be able to help bring Liverpool back where they deserve is a beautiful target.

"It is always complicated when you start with a new manager and new players, but we'll see what we are capable of."

Torres has also revealed that Liverpool rejected bids for his services in the summer transfer market.

"The club received offers and decided to reject them," he said. "That's where it ends. Everyone thought I was leaving for Spain during the World Cup when there was nothing in it.

"I said the day I returned to train that my future was at Liverpool. I have a contract until 2013.

"This year our target has to be the top four. Like every team-mate, we all want to improve and win titles and for that it is fundamental we get new owners."

Babel - I'm Going Nowhere

Liverpool attacker Ryan Babel has dismissed rumours of a move to Tottenham or West Ham, saying he is 'going nowhere'.

The 23-year-old has been the subject of intense speculation on the final day of the transfer window, but insists he will be staying at Anfield for the foreseeable future.

Babel was reported to be flying south in a helicopter on Tuesday, headed for the capital with both Spurs and the Hammers possible destinations.

The speculation was fuelled further by the fact that Liverpool made an offer for West Ham striker Carlton Cole, with Babel mooted to be part of any potential deal.

However, the Dutchman has committed himself to the cause under new boss Roy Hodgdson.

He wrote on his Twitter account: "I'm going nowhere. LFC all the way. YNWA!!! (You'll Never Walk Alone)."

Babel moved to Liverpool back in 2007 from Ajax in a deal thought to be worth £14million, but has failed to make a real impact since his arrival.

Liverpool Midfielder Lucas To Reject Stoke City Loan Move

Lucas is set to stay at Liverpool and fight for his first team place rather than move to Stoke City on loan, according to the Daily Mail.

The 23-year-old has been pushed down the Anfield pecking order by the arrivals of central midfielders Christian Poulsen and Raul Meireles.

After making 41 appearances and winning the club's Young Player of the Year award last season, the Brazilian was believed to be considering a move away.

Stoke made contact about a temporary switch to the Britannia Stadium, but Lucas has desired to stay and impress new manager Roy Hodgson.

West Ham United were also understood to have made an approach during negotiations to bring Carlton Cole to Liverpool.

Liverpool’s Nabil El Zhar Makes Loan Move To PAOK

Liverpool has confirmed that winger Nabil El Zhar has made a season-long loan move to Greek club PAOK.

The Morocco international had previously maintained that he wanted to leave the club owing to a lack of first-team football.

He was signed by former Reds boss Rafael Benitez in 2006, but has since struggled to make it into the first-team.

The 24-year-old midfielder has also been out-of-favour under current boss Roy Hodgson, as he has not featured for the Merseyside club since the former Fulham boss took charge at Anfield.

PAOK claim that they also have the option to make the temporary move permanent, if the player is found to be worthy.

A statement on the Greek club's website reads: "FC PAOK announced the acquisition of Nabil El Zhar. The Moroccan international footballer was given on loan for one year from Liverpool, with PAOK FC reserving the right to extend its cooperation with the footballer in the summer of 2011 and for the next three years."

Liverpool Lose Out In Bid To Sign West Ham Striker Carlton Cole

For the second successive season Liverpool have been left over-reliant on the form and fitness of Fernando Torres having failed to improve cover for a striker who has suffered two injury-plagued campaigns and, as Roy Hodgson conceded on Sunday, is not fully recovered from the knee problem that impacted on his World Cup. The Anfield club made a belated attempt to wrest Carlton Cole from West Ham United yesterday, having considered previous options over recent days, but several offers were unable to convince the Hammers to sell the England international.

Liverpool are believed to have offered Lucas Leiva, the Brazilian midfielder, and Ryan Babel, their Dutch international forward, in exchange for Cole but neither player wanted to leave Anfield for Upton Park. Babel reportedly travelled to London via helicopter in anticipation of a deal only to eventually Tweet that; "I'm going no where. LFC all the way. YNWA!!" as the clubs failed to agree on a valuation for Cole. With PSV Eindhoven's Ola Toivonen priced out of Liverpool's reach, and Bayern Munich refusing to release Mario Gómez even on loan, Hodgson will have to make do with Babel, David Ngog and Dirk Kuyt as cover for Torres until January.

The failure to sign a much-needed striker means Liverpool recouped more than they spent in this transfer window, another indication of the financial restrictions under the co-owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, and this after convincing Torres and Steven Gerrard to resist any overtures for their signatures in the summer.

Hodgson did at least resolve Liverpool's deficiency at left-back with the signing of Paul Konchesky from Fulham, the manager's former club, in a £3.5m deal that also sent promising youngsters Lauri Dalla Valle and Alex Kacaniklic in the opposite direction. The Liverpool left-back Emiliano Insua, who rejected a move to Fiorentina in the summer after a £5m deal had been agreed between the clubs, joined Galatasaray on a season's loan with a view to a permanent deal. The French midfielder Damien Plessis signed for Panathinaikos while Liverpool are still hopeful of releasing Nabil El Zhar and Charles Itandje on loan after the deadline.

Liverpool Fail In Last-Ditch Bid For Tottenham Striker

Liverpool has failed in an attempt to sign Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson is desperate to sign another striker before the transfer window closes and was hoping to finalize a deal for Pavlyuchenko, who has failed to settle at White Hart Lane.

The Russian international has a proven track record and Hodgson was hoping he could forge a lethal partnership with Fernando Torres in the Liverpool attack.

But Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp was not prepared to let Pavlyuchenko leave the club and leave him short of strikers as they prepare to play in the Champions League group stages for the first time in the club's history.

Emiliano Insua Ends Liverpool Nightmare With Move To Galatasaray

Emiliano Insua has left Liverpool for Turkish giants Galatasaray on a season-long loan with an option to make the deal permanent.

The 21-year-old full-back has been at Liverpool for the past four years, having joined as a youngster from Boca Juniors.

However, he struggled to break into the side and recent signing of Paul Konchesky by the Anfield club put another hurdle in his path.

"Galatasary announce that Argentinian Emiliano Insua has joined from Premier League club Liverpool on a one-year loan with a purchase option agreement," Galatasaray said on their website.

Insua made 44 appearances for Liverpool in total, the bulk of them coming last season. He scored his only goal for Liverpool in the League Cup against Arsenal last year.

Having been a regular at youth levels, Insua has two senior Argentina caps, both coming in World Cup qualifiers last summer.

He was strongly linked with Fiorentina earlier this summer.

Alexander Hleb: I Rejected Liverpool & Tottenham To Join Birmingham City

New Birmingham City signing Alexander Hleb has sensationally revealed he turned down Premier League rivals Liverpool and Tottenham to sign for the Blues.

The 29-year-old playmaker has joined the Premier League club from Barcelona on a season-long loan deal having spent last season with Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart.

Hleb – formerly of Arsenal, where he made 130 appearances in all competitions – has spoken for the first time since joining Birmingham and said he had rejected the sides of Roy Hodgson and Harry Redknapp this summer.

The Belarus international felt the Blues wanted to sign him more than anyone else and that made up his mind despite the lack of European football on offer with Alex McLeish’s side.

The player says Portuguese champions Benfica had also been chasing him.

"I had a few options - Liverpool, Tottenham and Benfica," Hleb revealed to ITV Sport. "It was necessary to explore each one.

"I wasn't able to come to an agreement with one of them.

"But Birmingham clearly wanted to do the deal more than the others, which is why I made my choice."

McLeish has said the signing of Hleb is like a ‘dream’ for his side, who has also signed defender Martin Jiranek on deadline day.

Lucas Vows To Stay And Fight

Lucas Leiva is determined to fight for his place at Liverpool following the signing of fellow midfielders Christian Poulsen and Raul Meireles.

The Brazil international, who featured regularly under former manager Rafa Benitez, has seen a rise in competition at Anfield since the arrival of new boss Roy Hodgson.

Despite impressing former Fulham manager Hodgson in pre-season, it appears Lucas, the club's young player of the season last year, will be third choice for his preferred central spot this campaign.

Speaking after Sunday's win over West Brom, Hodgson admitted selling the 23-year-old was a possibility if a significant bid was received, but added he was disinclined to lose a player so late in the transfer window.

And, despite being linked with a move to Premier League rivals Stoke, Lucas is prepared to stay on Merseyside and battle for a first-team spot this term.

"What is the situation? I don't know. I'm still playing," said Lucas.

"At the moment, I haven't had any offers. I don't know if the club wants to sell me. I just have to wait.

"I'm going away with the national team (on Thursday) and I can't say any more than that.

"We don't have any games so we will be training for a week in Barcelona.

"If the club wants to sell me, what can I do? I just have to wait and see what will happen.

"I need to be playing and I want to be playing but I believe that I am doing well.

"The manager will choose who plays. I have a contract here and if I don't get anything good for me or for the club, then I will stay."

Tottenham Swoop For Liverpool's Ryan Babel

Tottenham have made a swoop for Ryan Babel after moves for four big-name strikers have fallen through over the last 48 hours, Goal.com UK have revealed.

Spurs have turned to the Liverpool forward after their attempts to capture Luis Fabiano, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Emmanuel Adebayor and Guiseppe Rossi all hit dead ends.

The north London club has made an initial enquiry about taking Babel on a season-long loan, but it is understood that Liverpool would only consider letting the Dutch forward go on a permanent transfer.

The Merseysiders are keen to recoup the £11.5 million fee they paid for Babel, 23, when he moved from Ajax three years ago.

White Hart Lane manager Harry Redknapp has become increasingly frustrated in his attempts to capture the big-name striker that he believes is essential to make Tottenham an established Champions League club.

Chairman Daniel Levy has money to spend after Spurs qualified for the Champions League group stages, but Fabiano signed a new two-year Sevilla deal yesterday and Huntelaar is close to clinching a £10.5m move from AC Milan to Schalke.

Levy could not agree a fee with Villarreal for £8m-rated Rossi and enquired about taking Adebayor on a season-long loan yesterday but Manchester City do not want to offload players to rivals.

City confirmed this morning that Adebayor will not be leaving Eastlands during the current transfer window.

Babel has emerged as Spurs’ latest target because they feel he has more to offer than Robbie Keane, who the Londoners want to offload in the final hours of the window when a deal is done.

West Ham, Aston Villa and Sunderland are all potential suitors for the Irishman but the Hammers are viewed as the favourites to land his signature.

Hammers Consider Cole Offer

Sky Sports News understands that West Ham are considering an official offer from Liverpool for striker Carlton Cole.

It was revealed on Monday that the Anfield club had made an enquiry regarding the £10million-rated frontman, with manager Roy Hodgson repeatedly admitting that he wants to sign a forward.

Liverpool are now reported to have progressed in their attempts to capture former Chelsea player Cole and West Ham are giving thought to a fee tabled by their Premier League rivals.

Cole has been linked with the Reds since before Hodgson replaced Rafa Benitez earlier in the summer and the 26-year-old is said to be interested in a move to Merseyside.

Reports also suggest that Liverpool are prepared to offer Ryan Babel, who has been linked with Tottenham, in a part-exchange deal and they will now hope to push through an agreement before Tuesday's transfer deadline at 6pm.

Hodgson has renewed his attempts to sign Cole after he decided to end interest in PSV's Ola Toivonen prior to reaching a dead-end in a pursuit of Bayern Munich's Mario Gomez.

The shortcomings of Liverpool's squad were exposed in an extremely disappointing 2009/10 campaign when injuries to Fernando Torres left the club with only youngster David Ngog as a recognized striker.

Liverpool Complete Signing Of Fulham Left-Back Paul Konchesky

Fulham defender Paul Konchesky has completed his switch to Liverpool for an undisclosed fee on a four-year contract.

Konchesky, 29, has been reunited with manager Roy Hodgson in a deal which sees youngsters Lauri Dalla Valle and Alex Kacaniklic head to Craven Cottage.

The club had been in the market for a new left-back all summer after they attempted to sell Emiliano Insua.

With the Argentine now on his way to Galatasaray, Konchesky will compete with Fabio Aurelio and Daniel Agger for the position.

The Charlton Athletic youth product has racked up 317 Premier League appearances and won two England caps.

Reds Sign Young Duo

Liverpool has today confirmed a double deal for youngsters Suso and Adam Hajdu.

Spanish hot-shot Suso - full name Jesus Joaquin Fernandez Saenz De La Torre - completes his move from FC Cadiz on a scholarship agreement, subject to international clearance.

The 16-year-old forward impressed for the reserves during pre-season and even featured for Roy Hodgson's first-team as a late substitute in the friendly defeat to Borussia Moenchengladbach.

His form prompted second-string boss John McMahon to say: "Suso is a class act, there's no doubt about it. He is a very clever player in the mould of Dani Pacheco and he is very exciting to watch."

Hajdu arrives from MTK Budapest on a temporary transfer until June 30, 2011. The deal is subject to international clearance.

The youngster is a Hungary U17 international and is teammates with the Reds' Academy starlets Patrik Poor and Krisztian Adorjan.

Insua Set For Gala Loan

Emiliano Insua looks set to leave Liverpool after statements on his Twitter page suggested he was moving to Galatasaray.

The Turkish giants are thought to be thrashing out a deal to bring the Argentine left-back to the club on a one-year loan after becoming surplus to requirements at Anfield.

Insua was thought to be joining Italian side Fiorentina this summer but despite the deal all but being done, the player's wage demands saw the transfer fell through.

The 21-year-old is unlikely to be a part of Roy Hodgson's plans following the imminent arrival of Fulham defender Paul Konchesky and the re-signing of Fabio Aurelio.

Insua is thought to be in Istanbul finalizing the details of the deal and undergoing a medical.

The player's page read: "Road to Istanbul, in search of continuity, I hope everything works out well!

"I am waiting for news about my future. Eager to play and keep dreaming big!"

Damien Plessis Arrives In Greece To Complete Panathinaikos Move

Damien Plessis has arrived in Greece to finalize his move to Panathinaikos.

The defensive midfielder was signed by Liverpool from French side Olympique Lyonnais in 2007 during Rafa Benitez’s reign.

The 22-year-old has only appeared eight times during his spell at Anfield and appears to be excluded from manager Roy Hodgson’s plans this season.

According to the News of the World, Plessis is set to complete his move to the Greek club today.

The Frenchman has not been handed a squad number this term and his previous No.28 was given to new arrival Christian Poulsen.

Barcelona Complete Javier Mascherano Signing From Liverpool On Four-Year Contract

Barcelona have confirmed on their official website that they have completed the signing of midfielder Javier Mascherano from Liverpool on a four-year deal but have not mentioned the transfer fee paid to the Premier League side.

The Argentine international successfully underwent his medical at the Camp Nou medical centre late Monday morning to seal his move from Anfield. Reports suggest that the amount paid to Liverpool is €21 million with an additional €2-3m in bonuses.

Barcelona though, has revealed that Mascherano's contract has a buy-out clause of €90 million.

Mascherano will join David Villa and Adriano as Barcelona's new signings for the 2010-11 campaign, bringing the Blaugrana's total spending in the summer transfer market to approximately €70.5 million.

Liverpool Switch Attention To £12m Spanish International Forward

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is keen on Atletico Bilbao forward Fernando Llorente and is ready to make a big money offer to bring the Spanish international to Anfield. The giant 6ft 5in striker has been a consistent attacking force for the past three La Liga seasons and is now part of Vicente Del Bosque’s all conquering World Cup winning side and could well be ready for a new challenge.

Llorente has been at the Basque club since the age of 11 and has proven a solid performer in recent seasons netting 53 times in the past three years but has seen Bilbao fail to make a move towards the European spots in the La Liga table.

Hodgson may feel that Llorente could complement Fernando Torres in a front pairing and now that the club has sold Javier Mascherano they should have funds to make an offer for the 25 year old. Having already offloaded Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera the Liverpool boss would hope to have money to further reinvest in his squad after bringing in Raul Meireles from Porto.

The fact that the Merseyside outfit has two prominent members of Spanish international side may well act as further temptation for the Pamplona born forward.

Liverpool Set Sights On £4.5m Monaco Playmaker Eidur Gudjohnsen

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has set his sights on snapping up out of favour Monaco midfielder Eidur Gudjohnsen. The Icelandic international is set to be offloaded by the Ligue 1 club who appears surplus to requirements at the Stade Louis II and the Anfield boss is looking to bring in the vastly experienced campaigner to give him added strength in depth.

Having completed a successful loan spell at White Hart Lane last term many believed the former Barcelona and Chelsea man would complete a permanent move to north London but a deal fell through leaving the 31 year old to wonder what his next move would be.

The adaptable performer, who was very successful as an out and out forward in his Stamford Bridge days, can now play across the midfield and behind the strikers in a number of positions and could be a very useful addition to Hodgson’s squad as they look for success on a number of fronts.

A move for Gudjohnsen would cost around £4.5m and the Monaco man would surely jump at the chance of a return to the English top tier where he has netted 106 goals in 349 appearances and is of course a double Premier League winner during his time at Chelsea.

Roy Hodgson Expecting To Complete Signing Of Paul Konchesky From Fulham By Tuesday

Paul Konchesky looks to be heading from Fulham to Liverpool with Reds boss Roy Hodgson confident the left-back will be arriving before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.

Asked if he expected the deal, which sees Liverpool youth player Lauri Dalla Valle go the other way, completed before Tuesday, Hodgson told reporters: "I hope so.

"One of our young players, a very talented young lad that Fulham have fancied for a long time, is going in the other direction and that's holding it up a little because he has to have a medical.

"I'm sincerely hoping it's just a technical hitch and that Paul will sign in the next couple of days."

"I didn't have a strong opinion on him [Dalla Valle] one way or another but Malcolm Elias [from Fulham's academy] did. The lad's got the quality to go into a first-team contingent."

Mario Gomez Wishes To Leave Bayern Munich For Liverpool

Germany international Mario Gomez has expressed his desire to leave Bayern Munich, if reports from Kicker are to be believed. In recent days, rumours of a potential move to Liverpool have gained momentum, reaching their apex today.

"When a club like Liverpool inquires, their interest cannot be pushed off the table," his advisor, Uli Ferber allegedly told Kicker.

Gomez is out of favour in Bavaria, and would "just like to play football again", according to Ferber. Liverpool allegedly would like to sign Gomez on a year-long loan spell, and are willing to pay the player's salary.

Gomez, 25, moved to Bavaria last summer for a record fee estimated to be between €30-35m He struggled in his first year in Munich, scoring just 10 goals in 31 appearances.

Hidgson Cool Over Lucas Exit Link

Roy Hodgson is not ruling out selling Lucas Leiva, but is not planning to let anyone leave Liverpool before Tuesday's transfer deadline.

The Reds boss has confirmed the club would entertain a significant bid for the Brazil international, whose first-team place is under threat after Raul Meireles' £11.5 million switch to Anfield over the weekend.

The rumour mill has linked Lucas with a shock move to Liverpool's Premier League rivals Stoke, who are keen to bolster their first-team squad before the transfer window closes

But Hodgson insists he is not planning to offload the 23-year-old midfielder, who struggled to get a foothold in Sunday's 1-0 victory over West Brom.

"If someone came in and offered us £20million for him and he wants to go we would consider it but it is a bit late in the day, that's for sure," said the Reds boss, who is understood to have made an enquiry for West Ham striker Carlton Cole.

Hodgson added on the club's official website: "I'm not anxious to be getting rid of any players this late in the day.

"I'm certainly not looking to move anyone out now because if they are moved out now the chances are they won't be replaced because the transfer window is nearly closed."

Agger: We Need The Competition

Daniel Agger today welcomed the imminent arrival of a new left-back - and insisted he would battle to hold onto his place in Roy Hodgson's team.

The Danish international has been operating on the left side of the Reds' defence in the early weeks of the season as the manager continues to look to strengthen that area of his squad.

With Hodgson admitting he is hopeful a deal to sign Paul Konchesky can be completed before the transfer window slams shut, Agger knows he could soon have a fight on his hands to remain in the starting eleven - especially given the excellent early season form of Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel in the heart of the defence.

"I've done the job but it's not really my place in the team," said Agger. "The boss knows it and I know it. But as long as the boss wants me to play there, I will do it.

"I won't complain. I will do the job for the team. If he thinks that I am the best man for that role, I will keep doing it.

"It will be good if and when he (Konchesky) comes in. He is a specialized left-back and I'm not. It all means that it is good for the team.

"We need the competition. It has always been there and it always will be. It will be good for going forward."

The Reds got their first win of the league season on the board on Sunday thanks to Fernando Torres' volleyed Kop end winner against West Brom.

"It was important to get the win and it was a great goal from Fernando," added Agger. "He will only get better and better from now.

"It was a hard day but a good day. We knew it would be tough as West Brom are a good team; luckily we got the three points."

Roy Hodgson: I Hope Spain Rest Fernando Torres In Upcoming Euro 2012 Qualifier Against Liechtenstein

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has sent out a plea to his Spain counterpart Vicente del Bosque, asking him to rest Fernando Torres during the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifier against Liechtenstein.

Spain open their qualifying campaign against Hans-Peter Zaugg's men on Friday, and have an international friendly against Argentina next Tuesday.

The hitman has only just returned to competitive football as he continues to recover from a knee problem.

Torres had not scored for either club or country for almost 500 minutes before an excellent volley owing to an assist from Dirk Kuyt saw him open his account in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, the former Inter boss believes that it would be wise to leave the 26-year-old out of the national squad for the moment, to allow him to continue training on Merseyside and regain full fitness.

"We hope Spain will not call upon his services and give him the chance to continue his pre-season because he needs training more than matches," Hodgson said, according to The Mirror.

"It would be very nice if Del Bosque would look kindly on us because there's no doubt that he would prosper from two weeks of serious training, hard training, to continue his pre-season work.

"If he's going to go away with them and play matches, that's quite a different kind of training and preparation. That's not what he requires at this moment in time and he requires a much more rigorous training program.

"We also want to keep an eye on the knee, which caused him so many problems in the build-up to the World Cup.

"We can't say he's unfit to play football because we've just seen him play 85 minutes of football [against West Bromwich Albion]."

Hodgson added: "I will speak to the manager of the Spain team, although I don't know if it will be Del Bosque himself. We can only propose this for the player that this is the best thing, but we don't have the right."

Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs. West Bromwich Albion

Liverpool will be desperate to build on Thursday's Europa League play-off triumph over Trabzonspor by recording their first win of the 2010-11 Premier League season against newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

Reds fans will undoubtedly still be reeling after the club's dismal 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in their last league outing, although the 2-1 win out in Turkey, without influential twosome Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, will have helped repair the damage.

While only two games into the new domestic season, Roy Hodgson will no doubt be under pressure to deliver a victory at Anfield with the Merseyside outfit already five points off the pace and having only picked up one point against two potential rivals for a top four finish.

With Javier Mascherano on his way to Barcelona and Dirk Kuyt committing his immediate future to the club, the Reds can now begin to focus on the challenges that lie ahead this term, albeit with the signing of a left-back before the close of the current transfer window seemingly still a priority.

West Brom's start to life back in the Premier League has been something of a mixed bag, although following the 6-0 trouncing at the hands of Chelsea on the first weekend of the season, boss Roberto Di Matteo will be delighted to have recorded a 1-0 win against Sunderland last Saturday.

The Baggies will be hoping for more of the same from recent signing Peter Odemwingie following his winner against Steve Bruce's side, and after the capture of former loan star Marc-Antoine Fortune from Celtic, Di Matteo certainly has options up front.

Albion haven't recorded a victory over Liverpool since 1981 and they will be hoping their luck will change at Anfield, where they have failed to grab a win since way back in 1967. The last time the two sides met on Merseyside, Robbie Keane grabbed a brace as the Reds triumphed 3-0 in the Premier League back in 2008.

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Having been kept back for the trip to Trabzon, both Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard should return to action at Anfield on Sunday.

Javier Mascherano's protracted move to Barcelona appears to be coming to a close and the Argentine will almost certainly be left out of the Reds' squad for the third consecutive game.

Joe Cole will definitely miss out as he serves the second game of his three-match suspension following his red card against Arsenal, while Daniel Agger and Milan Jovanovic could return to the side having missed out against Trabzonspor.

Possible Starting XI: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger; Kuyt, Lucas, Gerrard, Jovanovic; Torres, Ngog.

West Bromwich Albion

The Baggies made a number of changes for their League Cup victory over Leyton Orient on Tuesday and there will likely be recalls to the starting XI for the likes of Peter Odemwingie, Chris Brunt and Graham Dorrans.

New signing Marc-Antoine Fortune may have to settle for a place on the bench if his international clearance is granted in time, while Jerome Thomas (ankle), Joe Mattock (foot) and Ishmael Miller (thigh) look set to miss out.

Possible Starting XI: Carson; Jara, Olsson, Tamas, Cech; Barnes, Morrison, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Brunt; Odemwingie.

Roy Hodgson Warns Doubters Not To Write Off Liverpool

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has hit back at critics of his side following their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Monday night.

The Reds began the season with a draw at home to Arsenal but were soundly beaten at the City of Manchester Stadium, leading some commentators to dismiss their title hopes, something that bemused the former Fulham boss.

"I can't get my head around why, on the second game of the season, it should be seen as such a watershed," Hodgson told Fifa.com.

The Anfield outfit bounced back by beating Trabzonspor home and away to secure qualification to the Europa League and Hodgson praised his side for their efforts in Turkey.

He continued: “We lost a football game. But we showed great character, to keep going and keep playing the right football against Trabzonspor and I was really pleased we achieved victory against a team which are notoriously difficult to beat.

"It is always important to win games and it was good preparation for Sunday.

"It wouldn't have been nice going into the game with two defeats behind us so getting a victory was important for the psychological feeling coming up to a West Brom game."

Next up for the Merseysiders is the visit of West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League and their manager is looking forward to recalling some key players to the starting line-up.

"It will be nice to play at home again and hopefully get the players who weren't in Turkey back into the fray again and maybe a little bit rested," he added.

"That will be useful. It was a very tiring pitch in Trabzon and, had we had to fight with the same XI that we had against Manchester City against West Brom, it would be very tough for them.

"It is good to give one or two of them a rest and psychologically it will be a boost we won the game because you don't want to be going in staring at the possibilities of three bad results on the trot.

"I've spoke to the medical staff; Steven [Gerrard] is feeling better and they are optimistic he will be okay. [Milan] Jovanovic will be okay, but Maxi Rodriguez is still sick and Daniel Agger is feeling a lot better too. It is really only Maxi who is a great doubt.

"This Europa League is in some ways harder on a squad than the Champions League because you get more teams from the far eastern part of Europe. Then you are playing Sunday-Thursday-Sunday, so you need a very big squad."

Carlton Cole 'Set For Liverpool Transfer' After Reds Sign Raul Meireles

Carlton Cole is the next name on Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson's shopping list after the club clinched the signing of Raul Meireles.

Hodgson hopes to use the funds from the sale of Javier Mascherano to Barcelona to rebuild his squad and began that process by bringing in Portugal midfielder Meireles.

The Reds have paid Porto £11.5 million for the 27-year-old, who is a direct replacement for Mascherano.

Hodgson now wants to strengthen his forward options by signing a target man and, according to the News of the World, has set his sights on West Ham's Cole after learning that Tottenham's Peter Crouch is not for sale.

Cole has been the subject of interest from Stoke City and Sunderland over the summer, but Liverpool hope to win the race for his signature by offering the Hammers a cash-plus-player package.

Liverpool In Hot Pursuit Of PSV Eindhoven Striker Ola Toivonen

Liverpool are in hot pursuit of PSV Eindhoven striker Ola Toivonen.

According to the Star, Liverpool ambassador Kenny Dalglish watched the Swede play against AZ Alkmaar last weekend and urged Reds boss Roy Hodgson to sign him.

Liverpool are set to offer PSV £8m for the 24-year-old forward.

And Hodgson says boosting his fire-power is now a priority.

“If the right player comes along it would be good if we could bring in another striker," he said.

“I don’t make any apologies for saying that but I would want it to be the right man. There are a lot of players we can sign and we’re linked with a lot every day because they would like to come and play for Liverpool.

“It’s important for me that if we bring someone in that he really fits the profile which I have sketched out for this player and that he fits in with our transfer policy.

“The striker I want would also be a player who has got some of Fernando’s qualities that’s for sure."

Mascherano Rejects Criticism

Javier Mascherano has denied going on strike at Liverpool as he prepares to seal his move to Barcelona.

The Argentine international is expected to tie up his move to Barcelona on Monday after Liverpool reluctantly agreed a fee for the midfielder on Friday.

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson aimed a swipe at Mascherano following a deal being agreed with Barca questioning his professionalism after the former West Ham man reportedly refused to play in last Monday's defeat at Manchester City.

However, Mascherano has blasted Hodgson's criticism and claims he was 100 per cent professional during his time at Anfield.

"I showed at Liverpool that I am always 100 per cent professional and nobody can doubt that," Mascherano told The People.

"Against Manchester City I was not right to play. I spoke with the coach and he understood my position. It was better for the team.

"I have never had any problems with the new coach - I accepted his orders and Roy Hodgson would confirm it.

"My team-mates knew it was my decision and did not say anything about it to me."

Mascherano insists his move to Barcelona is not driven by money and he is excited about joining the Spanish champions.

"Liverpool will always be in my heart, but my time there has finished and now it is time for a new challenge," added Mascherano.

"I have not left Liverpool to join Barcelona for money, just for sporting reasons. The Barca project is very exciting. They have been interested in me in the past and this second opportunity to join them was impossible to reject.

"I will for ever be grateful to Liverpool for what they did for me, but I have done all I can for them on the pitch in return.

"The fans were always brilliant with me and now I must wait to see if they view my exit negatively. That is football."

Mascherano also revealed former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez wanted to bring him to Inter Milan, but that Lionel Messi played a big part in persuading him to move to Camp Nou.

"Inter was the first option," he added. "Rafa wanted me for his new project, but my family and the challenge Barcelona provides made me choose Spain.

"Lionel Messi was also a big influence. He spoke with Pep Guardiola and told him Barcelona needed me."

Di Matteo Has No Regrets Over Turning Down Hodgson

Roberto Di Matteo has no regrets about turning his back on the chance to play for Roy Hodgson.

The Baggies boss takes his side to Anfield for today’s game against Hodgson’s Liverpool admitting he has a lot of respect for Hodgson due to the veteran manager’s time as boss of Switzerland.

Di Matteo was born and raised in Schaffhausen, in Switzerland, but opted to play for Italy, as both his parents were Italian.

His decision to play for the Azzurri coincided with Hodgson’s spell as manager of the Swiss national side between 1992 and 1995.

But Di Matteo, while respectful of the Liverpool boss, believes he made the right choice to opt for Italy over his birth nation.

Meanwhile, across Merseyside, Spaniard Mikel Arteta has offered his services to England, assuming he is eligible.

Di Matteo believes the choice should lie with the player.

“I was given a choice but I decided to retain my Italian nationality,” said Di Matteo.

“It turned out to be a good decision but it depends how he (Arteta) feels and what he thinks of his career.

“It’s a very personal decision for someone to make.

“Look at the German or Swiss teams. The majority or, at least half of the team, are second generation of immigrations.

“I’m open-minded. We live in an era where there is a European Union.

“I feel very European because I’ve lived in Switzerland, Italy and England. The choice is there.

“I know Roy Hodgson well and it goes back a long time to when he was national coach of Switzerland.

“He is a nice man. He had two fantasic seasons with Fulham and did an amazing job.

“But if you look at what he’s done over his career he’s done a great job wherever he’s been.

“He qualified for the World Cup with Switzerland. He was revered over there – he was very successful.

“I could have played for Switzerland but I had already made my choice, which I felt was right.

“But, Roy, yes I’ve known him for years.

“I wasn’t surprosed to see him appointed at Liverpool. He was the ideal candidate for the job in my opinion.

“He came from two fantastic seasons with Fulham. He’s a balanced person, knows the Premier League, he’s experienced.

“He’s coached Inter Milan, Switzerland, some big clubs along the way and now he’s got his reward with Liverpool.

“I think he will do a good job there.

“He’s a new manager in at Liverpool and is at a restructuring phase. A new manager has his philosophies, how he wants to play. Roy will do well.”

Meanwhile, Di Matteo believes the rule about home-grown players will impact on managers at the top of the Premier League as the transfer window enters its final days.

Albion have almost concluded their deals, with maybe one more player set to arrive before Tuesday’s deadline.

And all Premier League clubs are now having to make sure their 25-man squads have eight home-grown players.

Arsene Wenger described it as an artificial supression of talent.

Di Matteo believes the new directive will test those managers who prefer to do their shopping abroad. He also feels it is a mere reaction to the nation’s progress.

“The home-grown rule is an interesting one,” added Di Matteo. “The 25-man rule isn’t too bad but what will have an impact is eight home-grown players. Clubs will have to think about how they move players around.

“We’re okay here. Young players don’t have to be named in the 25 so it’s not a massive problem in that respect.

“And poaching will always go on. But this is the first step towards bringing a limit in for foreign players without contravening any European Union rules.

“Look at Inter Milan – they won the Champions League with no Italian players.

“We’ve had this before – you could only have three foreign players at one point. We had it in Italy.

“Then they change it – it usually comes on the back of a national team not doing well in the European Championship or a World Cup.

“Spain will probably not be too concerned about this right now, for instance.”

Jamie Carragher Donating £25,000 To Everton

Jamie Carragher, a boyhood Everton fan, is donating £25,000 from his testimonial fund to the club he supported.

All the proceeds from Saturday’s Anfield friendly between his Liverpool team and an Everton Xl are going to charity, with Carragher insisting that £25,000 goes to a cause chosen by Everton.

He said: “I was an Everton fan as a kid, so it’s fantastic the two teams are coming together for my testimonial.

“Hopefully it will be a game where Reds and Blues can sit together, like I did when I went on The Kop as a young Evertonian.”