Reds Suffer Last-Gasp Heartache

Liverpool U18s were left to rue missed opportunities as a last-gasp equalizer earned Everton a 1-1 draw in the mini-derby at the Academy on Saturday afternoon.

Craig Roddan had looked to have put Rodolfo Borrell's side on the road to victory when he powered home a diving header after his initial penalty was well saved on 55 minutes.

However, the Blues responded and snatched a share of the spoils when the hosts failed to deal with a 90th minute set-piece.

It was all the more frustrating for Liverpool after Conor Coady had failed to convert a first-half spot-kick.

Borrell told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It was difficult to take as I felt our overall display deserved more.

"We were the better side in the second half and we played some great football at times. I think the fans that came to watch us will have been happy with the way we played but disappointed to see us concede so late on.

"I think we deserved more and feel sorry for the lads because they did so well against a side that fielded three over-age players."

Liverpool U18s: Belford, Flanagan, Smith, Sama, McGiveron, Coady, Roddan, Sterling, Silva, Emilsson, Ngoo.

Unused substitutes: Stephens, Morgan, Sumner, Walsh, Regan.

Match Preview: Stoke City vs Liverpool

Stoke take on Liverpool in Saturday's evening kick-off in the Premier League at the Britannia Stadium, with both sides looking to kick on off the back of a recent improvement.

The first 12 games of the campaign have been no bed of roses for either side, with the Potters having lost four games straight before they rallied to beat Birmingham 3-2 on Tuesday.

Despite turning their home patch into something of a fortress in their time in the top flight, Stoke have looked vulnerable at the Britannia this term, exemplified by the Blues' two goals in two minutes to level matters, when it seemed the result was in the bag.

Dean Whitehead's late goal to win it however demonstrated the spirit of Tony Pulis' side, but Liverpool will pose far more of a test than they arguably would have earlier in the season.

Pulis has been disheartened by decisions from referees against his side in recent weeks, so he will be keeping his eye on the officials for any contentious issues not going his way.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have picked up their form since their derby defeat to Everton, having now gone unbeaten in their last four league games and finally looking something like the side that frequently sat in the top four of the division.

Wednesday however demonstrated that work was still to be done, when they drew 1-1 with Wigan at the DW Stadium despite seemingly being in control.

Star striker Fernando Torres looks to be getting back to his devastating best, with three brilliantly taken goals in his last two games.

Coming off the back of such a decent spell, manager Roy Hodgson will be confident his side can come away with something from the game, given Stoke's fragile state this season.

But he must be wary that his side have not won at the Britannia in their last two visits, and that this stadium is a place where the wheels have come off for Liverpool before.

At the start of 2009 Liverpool travelled to the Britannia leading the table and with an opportunity to extend their advantage over Manchester United and Chelsea to continue their march towards the title, only to fail in a dour goalless draw.

Then-manager Rafa Benitez's rant against Sir Alex Ferguson's manipulation of referees appeared to be the catalyst for a poor run of form that saw them lose their momentum and miss out on the title to United.

There is arguably as much at stake for Hodgson now as there was for Benitez then, but the 63-year-old knows that a victory would push them towards the top-four place captain Steven Gerrard still feels they can obtain.

It is over 25 years since the Potters beat the Reds, but Pulis' team always have the ability to upset the odds, and Liverpool the constant ability to disappoint.

Stoke skipper Ryan Shawcross is likely to make his return to the heart of defence after serving a one-match ban following his dismissal against Sunderland.

Other than that, Pulis may stick with the same side that beat Birmingham, with Danny Higginbotham the most likely to lose his place in favour of Shawcross.

Tuncay however could make a return to the starting line-up after Pulis admitted the recently recovered Ricardo Fuller may not be able to play two games in a week.

Jermaine Pennant should keep his place to face his former club for the first time since leaving Anfield to join Zaragoza in 2009.

Liverpool could welcome back Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Glen Johnson to the squad and the defenders are in contention to start.

Other absentees Jose Cole and Fabio Aurelio have also made a recovery form their knocks and are a possibility for the bench.

Hodgson used Martin Kelly at right-back in their win over Chelsea and draw with Wigan, but is likely to lose his place should Johnson return from his groin injury.

Kyrgiakos, who has had tonsilitis, has been in good form for the Reds, but it is yet to be seen whether he will make it into the starting line-up over Jamie Carragher or Martin Skrtel.

Midfielder Raul Meireles came off at half-time with illness at the DW Stadium, and will be assessed before a decision whether he will play can be made.

Hodgson has no new injury worries and is likely to stick with a similar midfield and forward line, with Ryan Babel and Daniel Agger still longer-term absentees.

Possible starting XIs:

Stoke: Begovic, Collins, Huth, Shawcross, Faye, Delap, Whitehead, Pennant, Etherington, Jones, Tuncay.

Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky, Lucas, Meireles, Gerrard, Rodriguez, Kuyt, Torres

Roy Gets Mixed Injury News

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has had mixed fortunes over his injury list after Joe Cole and Glen Johnson were both ruled out of the trip to Stoke.

He will be boosted however that centre-back Sotirios Kyrgiakos and goalkeeper Brad Jones have recovered and are set to at least make the bench.

Cole had missed the last three matches after sustaining a hamstring injury against Bolton, whilst Johnson has missed the previous two games with a groin strain.

The news is likely to force Hodgson's hand to make some changes to his side, after selecting the same line-up for their 2-0 win over Chelsea and 1-1 draw with Wigan on Wednesday.

Hodgson admitted that options were thin on the ground, but hoped that he could keep changes to a minimum and that they would be fit enough to last what is likely to be an exhausting encounter at the Britannia Stadium.

"I'm rather hoping that the two and a half days we'll have had after Wigan will have given us time to recover," he said.

"I don't think we've got that many possibilities to make too many changes.

"We've got senior players like Johnson, Cole and Daniel Agger who are not fit to take part in the game, and then it's young players like Jonjo Shelvey, Jay Spearing and Danny Wilson.

"There isn't an enormous luxury to make wholesale changes.

"If we do make any at all it will be the odd one here and there because the team is functioning well.

"The guys who played against Wigan and Chelsea had a very light training session on Friday, mainly just recovery and prevention of injury. A little bit of movement, but nothing serious.

"We're very aware that it's three very important games in six days, so we don't want to leave anything on the training field.

"We want all our energy, vitality and intensity when we go into the match."

Liverpool Line Up Wolfsburg's Diego Benaglio As Possible Replacement For Pepe Reina

Despite Pepe Reina’s denial of reports that he’s looking to leave Liverpool, the Reds have already lined up a replacement for the Spaniard should he depart, according to German reports.

The 4-4-2 Web site claims Liverpool are looking at VfL Wolfsburg goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.

Bayern Munchen are also said to be interested in the 27-year-old Swiss stopper, who is contracted to Wolfsburg until the end of the 2012/2013 season and is valued €10M-15M.

Benaglio is an extremely reliable goalkeeper. He boasts agility and sharp reflexes, is excellent on crosses and very commanding in his area.

The Switzerland No. 1 is also great in one-on-one situations.

New Torres Partner Could Be Available On A Free

Liverpool and Manchester City have been boosted by the news Italy striker Antonio Cassano will not be welcomed back by Sampdoria after a spat with their president.

After refusing to attend an awards ceremony, Cassano had a blazing row with president Riccardo Garrone, which led to ‘the jewel of Old Bari’ being frozen out of the Genoa-based club.

Now, according to Sky Sports, Sampdoria have asked the Italian league authorities for consent to annul his contract – paving the way for a sensational free transfer elsewhere.

Garrone said: “Obviously Cassano is the best and without him, our team loses a lot. But we will move forward with our decision.”

And the Premier League is a distinct possibility with Liverpool and big-spending Manchester City both interested, but they will face strong competition from Italian side Fiorentina.

Liverpool are currently looking for big name signings, particularly up front, and manager Roy Hodgson has recently stated he is looking for £20 million players to bring to Anfield.

Although Cassano could be available for nothing, he certainly fits the bill of a world class striker and would complement Fernando Torres if he made the move to Liverpool.

Furthermore, Manchester City are always on the lookout to bring the best players in the world to Eastlands and, with the FIFA rules on financial fair play coming in soon, the Citizens will be looking for cheaper players to bring to the club.

Liverpool Set To Swoop For Former Chelsea Star

Liverpool are being linked with a shock January swoop for England international winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.

The 29-year-old speedster is being tipped to make a January exit from current club Manchester City, and Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is thought to be one of the parties interested in a move for the player.

Speculation surrounding the player leaving Eastlands has circulated after Wright-Phillips' father, Arsenal legend Ian Wright, was quoted as saying he wants the former Chelsea player to get first-team football.

"I'd love him to get out of there on loan at least. We're talking about someone who is still in the England squad, so Fabio Capello obviously rates him," said Wright.

"I can just see him getting further and further down the pecking order. I want him to go somewhere he'll get a fair crack at the first team."

Liverpool were linked with the player last January, when former manager Rafa Benitez was thought to be interested in bringing the player to Anfield.

Hodgson is also thought to hold the player in high regard, and could see the player as an additional attacking presence alongside Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt.

The Reds boss is thought to have been given a transfer budget in the region of £35 million, with new Liverpool owners NESV keen to see attacking talent thrive on Merseyside.

Hodgson has reportedly ear-marked 'five or six' players to bolster the Anfield ranks, and the Metro links Wright-Phillips with a potential Liverpool move.

New Liverpool Supremo Targets £15 Million Double French Raid

New Liverpool director of football strategy Damien Comolli has seemingly added to rumours Dimitri Payet is on his way to England by heaping praise on the winger.

Former Tottenham director of football Comolli has even gone as far as to rate him as more naturally talented than Luka Modric.

Comolli has been brought into the Anfield side to help manager Roy Hodgson identify the players they need to improve Liverpool’s league position and he has already drawn up a shortlist.

Payet seems to be at the top of that list, with Japan’s Keisuke Honda not far behind. Having served as director of sport at Saint Etienne, Comolli knows exactly what the 23-year-old would bring to Liverpool’s side.

“On a natural class level, Dimitri is stronger than a player like Modric, (who) I saw very closely at Tottenham,” he told France Football.

“It is a very high level. We never stopped repeating to him: 'It is only up to you to join a French team'.”

Liverpool boss Hodgson has admitted he is looking to challenge the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid in the January transfer window and has already picked a fight with AC Milan for CSKA Moscow ace Honda.

Furthermore, new Anfield owner John W Henry has made funds available to his manager but has insisted the club will not waste money on older players and has urged Liverpool’s decision makers to concentrate on youth.

Liverpool have also been linked with Payet’s young team mate Blaise Matuidi so Comolli will be hoping he will be able to sign both for around £15 million.

However, the co-president of the French side, Roland Romeyer, recently ruled out any outgoing transfers in January, telling the same publication: “We have built a roster for the season.

“There will be no departures during the winter transfer window. Should there be any movement, it would be the other way. Depending on injuries, for example, we could sign a player. But this is only a theory.”

Liverpool FC Takeover Has Helped Team's Results, Says Steven Gerrard

Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard believes John W Henry’s takeover of the club has been a factor in the team’s improved form, admitting "it’s nice and refreshing to know we’re in safe hands now".

American Henry completed his buy-out of the Anfield giants last month after a turbulent period under his compatriots and previous Liverpool owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

A seventh-placed Barclays Premier League finish last season preceded a woeful start to the current campaign, which saw the team stuck in the bottom three under new Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson.

Defeat in the Merseyside derby against Everton greeted Henry in his first game as owner, but since then Gerrard and company have put together a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

England midfielder Gerrard re-iterated that off-field matters were no excuse for the team’s poor form, but believes a more settled boardroom has played a part recently.

The Liverpool skipper said: "I think it helps.

"Listen, everyone wants to go onto the football pitch with everything right off the pitch and Liverpool had a hard 12 months with what’s been going on off the pitch.

"We certainly wouldn’t use it as an excuse for results on the pitch but it is nice and refreshing to know that we’re in safe hands now, everyone wants to move the club forward and everyone can concentrate on the football and on making headlines on the back pages rather than the front."

Gerrard, whose side travel to Stoke on Saturday, maintained: "At the beginning of the season our target was top four and that hasn’t changed, but at the moment I don’t want to get carried away.

"We are still in a position in the league we are not totally happy with so we need to keep this run going and see where it takes us."

Gerrard this week took time out to visit Salisbury Amateur Boxing Club in Liverpool to support his friend Paul Smith, who defends his British super-middleweight title against James DeGale next month.

And the England star believes some footballers could benefit from spending time in such down-to-earth environments.

"Maybe they could learn something," he said.

"I think it would certainly be an eye-opener for those type of players. I think sport, first and foremost, is about dedication and hard work, you get to the top of the game by putting all the hard work in and then you get your rewards at the end."

Gerrard, however, has never opted to don the gloves himself.

He said: "I’ve never even fancied the training!

"To be honest I’ve got so much respect for boxers, with how hard they train and the condition they get themselves in and sacrifices they make. I think that’s why I’ve got such a big interest in boxing, really.

"It fascinates me, the courage and bravery they show to get in the ring and fight in front of so many people. They put their careers on the line every time they fight and it’s fascinating to see and watch."

Pepe Reina Denies He Wants To Leave Liverpool

Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina has denied reports he has told manager Roy Hodgson he wants to leave the club.

Reina, 28, signed a six-year deal with the Reds in April and told the club's website: "It is completely untrue.

"I have not told the manager that I wish to leave in January, or at any other time. It is important our fans know this.

"I have a long-term contract at Liverpool and I am fully committed to the club."

Reina was signed by ex-Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez in a £6m move from Villarreal in July 2005 and has become a key member of the side having racked up more than 250 appearances for the Merseysiders.

The Spain international has consistently been linked with a move since the summer, despite the club enjoying a new-found stability since the takeover by New England Sports Ventures [NESV].

Arsenal, Manchester United and Inter Milan, now managed by Benitez, have been linked with Reina but he has moved to end any speculation over his future as the Reds try to climb the Premier League table following a poor start.

"Our new owner [John W Henry] met me and some of the other players last week and I was very happy with what he told me," added Reina.

"The entire squad and staff are working very hard to get us back competing at the top of the table. We will not be distracted by inaccurate media speculation."

Roy Hodgson Backs Steven Gerrard And Fernando Torres To Keep Starring For Liverpool

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has accepted that he will have to rely heavily on Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres to keep the club's unbeaten run going, at least until the January transfer window opens.

The duo have turned on the style at the right time for Liverpool in the last five games, with Torres adding another wonderful strike in the 1-1 draw at Wigan Athletic on Wednesday night to the two that came against Chelsea at the weekend.

Gerrard, who single-handedly won the Europa League game against Napoli last week, provided an inch-perfect pass for the striker's goal against Wigan.

And apart from David Ngog's strike against Arsenal on the opening weekend of the season, all Liverpool's league goals have either been created or scored by Gerrard and Torres.

Hodgson said: "If we are going to do well this season we need those two firing on all cylinders, we need Torres' goals and Gerrard's manipulation and control of the midfield.

"We only saw it in glimpses against Wigan whereas against Chelsea and in our previous victories against Napoli, Blackburn and Bolton it was present in much larger doses."

Hodgson has had to juggle new arrivals and an ever-growing injury list since his arrival in the summer.

Against Wigan Liverpool were without defenders Sotirios Krygiakos, Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson, midfielders Joe Cole and Ryan Babel, and Raul Meireles went off due to sickness at half-time.

Hodgson hopes to strengthen in the January transfer window, with his focus up front and in defence.

He added: "Where we are badly off is if something goes badly wrong at the back, where we don't have a lot of players to cover.

"Up front if Fernando or David Ngog are not able to play we don't have options in terms of out-and-out centre-forwards.

"Those are a couple of areas where we need to look for help in the January transfer window."

Roy Admits Poulsen Struggles

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson admits summer signing Christian Poulsen is 'devastated' by the poor start he has made to his Anfield career

The Danish international has conceded he has yet to show his best form since his summer arrival from Juventus as he is still adapting to life in England.

Poulsen was withdrawn to ironic jeers against Napoli in the Europa League at Anfield last week while his late introduction for Dirk Kuyt during Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Wigan was booed by some Liverpool fans.

Since arriving as a replacement for Javier Mascherano, Poulsen has made 12 appearances for Liverpool but has not started in the Premier League since the 2-1 defeat at home to Blackpool in early October.

Hodgson admits Poulsen is struggling to reach his best form but insists the 30-year-old can handle the reaction of the club's fans.

"Unfortunately I can't do anything about the fans, but he's had one or two games in front of our crowd where he's not played well, he knows he's not," said Hodgson.

"He's devastated by that and the crowd, who aren't stupid, know he's not played well, it's a fact of life.

"But he's got quality, he's a good defensive midfield player. He's not that bad on the ball, but let's not beat about the bush and try to disguise the fact, he's had a bad start.

"When I took him off at half-time in one game he was devastated - not just because I'd made the decision (to bring him off) but because he knows he was nowhere near the level he can play.

"He knows having played in Italy, for Juventus, when you play well the crowd sing your name and when you're not playing well they boo you. He knows that.

"But I have every faith in him. We will get a lot of good use out of him over the year but he knows it will be tough to win the fans over.

"I can't wave a magic wand to do that, I can't speak for them, but I'd be surprised if the ones at Wigan said he didn't do anything for the team because he did.

"He won a lot of challenges, got us on the counter attack on several occasions, didn't miss a pass and won a few headers."

Gerrard - Reds Turning A Corner

Steven Gerrard thinks that his Liverpool team-mates are now 'producing, standing up and being counted' as they continue their resurgence in form.

The Reds star captained his side to a 1-1 draw at Wigan in the Premier League on Wednesday and the result ensured the Reds have now gone five matches unbeaten in all competitions.

Roy Hodgson's ninth-placed Liverpool have moved from the relegation positions to within one point of fifth spot in the table ahead of Saturday's difficult-looking trip to Stoke.

Gerrard is pleased with the upturn in fortunes but he is also well aware that there is still plenty of work to do if his club are to achieve their aim of a top-four finish in May.

"There's been a turnaround but we still haven't got there yet," he said. "We still haven't got fully around the corner but we're on our way round it.

"Results have improved, we're playing better so the feeling and the confidence are a lot higher than they were a couple of weeks back.

"I think that (the takeover) has helped but I think it's down to the manager's ideas coming across, a lot of hard work on the training ground and everyone pulling in the right direction.

"The players are producing, standing up and being counted and I think that is showing in our recent run of results."

As for his own psychological state following the upturn in fortunes, the 30-year-old England international said: "I feel happier.

"You're never totally happy in football. At the end of the season you get the rewards for what you put in, so we'll see what happens at the end of the season."

He added: "At the beginning of the season our target was top four and that hasn't changed but at the moment I don't want to get carried away.

Gerrard is also delighted by the renewed form of striker Fernando Torres, with the Spaniard scoring four goals in his last four games to suggest he has overcome a battle for self-assurance and fitness.

"He is certainly close," said Gerrard. "I think he said himself he can still do more. That is the way he is and why he is regarded as one of the best players in the world.

"I love playing with him. I think he is at his best but if he is telling me he can improve, fantastic."

Disillusioned Jovanovic Prepared To Stay At Liverpool

Milan Jovanovic admits he is not playing his natural game under Roy Hodgson, but he is prepared to stay at Liverpool.

Jovanovic began the season as a regular member in the Liverpool line-up, but he has recently lost his place with Hodgson beginning to find a more consistent formula. Even with Joe Cole sidelined by injury, Jovanovic has remained absent from the starting XI, with Maxi Rodriguez switched to the left for recent fixtures.

The Serbian attacker was a Rafael Benitez signing during the summer and has largely been employed as a winger by Hodgson, despite spending the majority of his career behind a striker. However, ignoring interest from Belgian side Anderlecht, Jovanovic insists he is prepared to fight for his place at Anfield.

"Since I moved to England I've done everything regarding my job the way the coach wants from me," he told Blic. "I was really focused on not making many tactical mistakes. I've not done things my way. I didn't do things my way, I didn't take risks with my moves and actions.

"I'm just thinking about Liverpool. I'll stay here because I'm no quitter or a person who doesn't fight. I know that Anderlecht rate me very highly and I'm proud about that.

"Anderlecht are the biggest club in Belgium and I respect them, but I have a contract with Liverpool and I'll stay."

Russian Sensation Confirms Liverpool Contact As Deal Edges Closer

Zenit St Petersburg striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov says he has been approached over a potential move to Liverpool.

The Russia international scored two hat-tricks in nine days for Zenit last month, and this recent goal splurge seems to have attracted Liverpool as they look to bolster their strike force in January.

Kerzhakov, 27, has since admitted that Liverpool have been in contact with his agent to express their interest in his signature, although the former Sevilla hotshot says he is content at his current club.

"The talk about Liverpool is not baseless. The British club came to my agent with a proposal but I did not give an answer. I have other things to think about and in all respects I am happy in Russia," he told told Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

"My team is in first place in the national championship and I have always said that I wanted to play for Zenit.

"In the case of Liverpool I will take no initiative, but I can count the fingers on one hand for the amount of clubs I could theoretically go to.

"This is because Zenit is playing beautiful, modern football and the club is growing rapidly. And I am here, at home."

Roy Hodgson has made no secret of his desire to bring another striker to Anfield in the New Year to take the goalscoring burden away from Liverpool hero Fernando Torres, and Kerzhakov is just the latest in a long line of players to be linked with a move to Merseyside.

Liverpool Playmaker Target Drops Huge Hint To Hodgson

Liverpool target Balazs Dzsudzsak dropped a major hint to Roy Hodgson in-front of watching scouts after a brace in PSV Eindhoven's 2-1 win over FC Utrecht.

The Hungarian international has been in fine form at the Phillips Stadium this season, and produced a match-winning display at the perfect time to send his Eredivisie side second in the Dutch league table.

A versatile attacking midfielder who can play in either central or wing positions, Dzsudzsak began his career at Debreceni VSC before moving to PSV in October 2007.

After only a handful of appearances for the club in his first season, Dzsudzsak returned double figure goals in the following seasons in all competitions, and already has 12 to his name this season in just 19 appearances.

This form has alerted a string of European and Premier League clubs, with Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson thought to be one of the major parties monitoring the player.

The Reds are thought to have sent scouts to the game on Sunday, with reports in the Dutch media stating Spurs also sent representatives to watch the game.

Liverpool boss Hodgson is thought to be chasing 'five or six' players when the transfer window re-opens in January, with new owners NESV pledging to invest a sizable amount of funds into a transfer war chest.

A string of players have been linked with an Anfield move in recent weeks, with Mario Gomez, Jonathan Reis and Peter Crouch all reportedly on the Liverpool radar as the manager searches for a Fernando Torres foil.

Neither club has commented on the interest, but Liverpool will have to pay in the region of £10 million to stand a chance of landing the 23-year-old.

Reina Wants Out Of Anfield

Pepe Reina has told Roy Hodgson he wants to leave Liverpool - possibly as early as January.

Mirror Sport has reported that Manchester United, Arsenal and Inter Milan are interested in the goalkeeper and now he has made it clear to Hodgson and the Liverpool board he wants to go.

Hodgson has tried to persuade the keeper who has a £20 million buy-out clause in his contract to stay, but is now looking at possible replacements.

Top of his list are Germany international stopper Manuel Neuer, and Ajax number one Maarten Stekelenburg, who was the Holland keeper in the World Cup final.

Neuer is widely regarded as one of the best young keepers in Europe after helping steer his country to third place in the World Cup during the summer.

He was the keeper who helped con referee Jorge Larrionda that Frank Lampard’s shot had not crossed the line, during the now infamous showdown with England during the tournament in South Africa.

The keeper has little more than a year left on his current contract with his German club Schalke 04, and has already interested Bayern Munich, but it is thought he would like a move abroad.

He fits the bill perfectly for Liverpool. Anfield’s new owners NESV are keen subscribers to a more radical approach to recruitment, where they invest big money in key players who make a real difference.

They want young promising talent with a potential sell on value and the capacity to improve. They also want to pay high wages only to a handful of stars, with more reasonable salaries given to the rest of the squad.

Reina currently commands a salary of almost £100,000 a week, over the course of a contract which has four and a half years left to run. He is 28, and if Liverpool are to get money back on him, would have to sell now.

It is unlikely a bid at such a massive price - which would then invoke the clause in Reina’s contract - will materialize in January, but even if he has to wait until the summer, it seems clear the Spanish keeper will force a move away from Anfield.

He has become more distracted with life at Anfield and less satisfied in recent months.

If the Reds could fetch £20million for him, and replace him with a younger player of an almost equal level and on a third of the salary, it would offer a real bonus to the new owners, who would then be able to invest any profits in signing the top stars they feel Liverpool need in key positions.

Neuer’s fee would be only around the £7million mark, and perhaps even lower because of his contract situation, and that would leave the owners with funds to invest in the transfer market.

Carragher Wants £2 Million

The 23 Foundation aims to give local kids in Merseyside a chance to achieve their dreams through local charities, clubs and community initiatives by providing the means to make a difference.

That is whether it be helping local kids recover from illness or helping to provide a framework for achieving their goals! The Merseyside community – of which Jamie Carragher himself is very much a part of – can help develop more confident, well rounded individuals. In giving children a reason to recover from illness or the means to express their talents, we can show them there are many ways to succeed on a personal and career level by being part of a team.

“There’s no set idea of exactly where the money will go. Each year we’ll look at different causes and projects and then see where we feel the money will be best spent.”

Jamie Carragher and the 23 Foundation are aiming to raise a minimum of £2 Million pounds which once achieved will be invested and the capital will never be touched. It is the aim of the 23 Foundation to help give kids a chance in the Merseyside Local Community by only ever spending the interest raised on the capital investment.

“With an initial target of raising £2million, the plan is to use the interest gained to pump £100,000 a year back into the community to assist those in need.”

Jamie Carragher and his wife Nicola have very kindly decided to donate all the proceeds from Jamie’s Testimonial Game, Gala Black Tie Dinner and Charity Golf Day to the 23 Foundation which will go some way towards the total. There are many other initiatives running in parallel with these events which will also help. There will be a lot of work to do and it is not going to happen overnight!

“The 23 Foundation aims to give local kids in Merseyside a chance to achieve their dreams through local charities, clubs and community initiatives by providing the means to make a difference in society whether it be helping them recover from illness or helping to provide a framework for achieving their goals! We will eventually help by pumping cash into the local community but, in the meantime, where possible, we will help out in other ways”

Match Report: Wigan 1 - 1 Liverpool

Liverpool's four-match winning run was halted by a lively Wigan at the DW Stadium as Roy Hodgson's side faded badly after taking an early lead.

Despite being given an early advantage by Fernando Torres' third goal in four days, the visitors lost their grip on the game midway through the first half and never regained it.

Wigan equalised through Hugo Rodallega in the 52nd minute and finished the better side as the Merseysiders appeared to feel the exertions of beating Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea on Sunday.

That will be a concern to manager Hodgson, who has complained about the depth of quality in his squad, with a trip to Stoke next up on Saturday.

The draw meant Liverpool missed the chance to move into the top five - a scenario which seemed a distant prospect just a few weeks ago with the Reds mired in the relegation zone until they put together three league wins to add to a victory in Europe.

It must also have annoyed Hodgson because, as they did against Chelsea, his side began strongly with Sunday's man of the match Lucas Leiva unleashing a 25-yard strike which Ali Al Habsi just managed to tip over.

The next time the visitors attacked the goalkeeper was given no chance by a clinical Torres.

An unusual statistic for this season is that all Liverpool's league goals, apart from their opening match against Arsenal, have either been scored or provided by Steven Gerrard and Torres.

The Reds' star duo demonstrated why their partnership is so successful in the seventh minute when Gerrard was given far too much time to carry the ball through midfield.

His perfectly-weighted 30-yard pass allowed Torres to outpace Gary Caldwell and fire across Al Habsi into the far corner of the goal.

It was the 26-year-old's first away goal since March 21 and, considering his prolific record, only the 17th in 41 matches outside Anfield.

The simplicity of that strike was contrasted by their next move, which saw Gerrard, Torres and Dirk Kuyt combine before the captain volleyed over from the Dutchman's header.

Torres was looking at his dangerous best and when Antolin Alcaraz stumbled he was clean through only for referee Peter Walton to pull play back for a non-existent foul.

Charles N'Zogbia looked Wigan's best outlet and he thought he had equalised in the 33rd minute when he seized on Lucas' weak pass and played a one-two with Rodallega to tap home but his team-mate had already been flagged offside.

A Ronnie Stam pass intended for Rodallega at the near post rolled agonisingly wide of the far upright as Wigan finished the half on the up.

Raul Meireles was replaced by Jonjo Shelvey for the start of the second half and the teenager's first contribution was to give the ball away to Rodallega but his forward pass to N'Zogbia was too strong.

The Colombian was not so wasteful moments later when Jose Reina could only palm Stam's low cross into his path and he gratefully fired home left-footed.

Wigan sensed their chance as Liverpool's play became increasingly ragged and Martinez sent on young forward Victor Moses for Jordi Gomez.

Kuyt's strike from Shelvey's deflected shot was half-saved by Al Habsi before it crossed the line but the Holland international had come back from an offside position and it was ruled out.

It was a brief rally as Stam again found room down the right to cross and Martin Kelly had to hack away at the far post under pressure from Tom Cleverley.

Gerrard's shot 10 minutes from time crashed down off the crossbar but not over the line with Al Habsi beaten as the game became end-to-end.

But it was Liverpool who were grateful for the final whistle as Mohamed Diame and N'Zogbia both forced low saves out of Reina.

The result may prove to only be a blip in Liverpool's recovery but Hodgson cannot allow his side to lose any momentum having built up so much confidence over the last three weeks.

Wigan may ultimately have been disappointed with a point, having won the corresponding fixture last season and finished so strongly, but it at least avoided a third successive league defeat.

Gerrard Deserves Place Among The Liverpool Legends

Jamie Carragher was no doubt awash with adrenalin and relief when he claimed his team-mate Steven Gerrard was the best player ever to pull on the red shirt of Liverpool. He had, after all, just watched Gerrard destroy Napoli with such single-handed authority and power he might have been a combination of Batman and Roy of the Rovers.

But is Gerrard better than Dalglish, Souness, Smith, Keegan, Rush, Callaghan, Hansen, Barnes, St John, Hunt and, for a few electric seasons, Michael Owen? It is a formidable roll call of extraordinary ability, and achievement, even when you exclude the man many Merseysiders will go to their graves believing was the best of them all: the legendary Billy Liddell.

For those of us who didn't see the Scotsman there is certainly no lack of glowing testament to his consistent brilliance along the wing. There are also two nuggets of evidence suggesting he indeed belonged in the very highest echelon. On the only two occasions a Great Britain team was selected, in 1947 and 1955, Liddell was included – at the expense of the great Sir Tom Finney. Sir Stanley Matthews played on the right in a 6-1 victory and a 1-4 defeat against the Rest of Europe, and in the first game some witnesses claimed they had never seen such wingers.

If Finney ever needed any reassurance after those rejections it would come, generously enough, many years later at the place where Liddell was so revered. Bill Shankly was asked how he would compare an up-and-coming star of the day, Tony Currie of Sheffield United and England, with his former Preston North End team-mate and idol. "Very favourably," Shankly said with due solemnity, "but remember Tommy is in his sixties now. However, I would still play him even in his overcoat."

No doubt Shankly would have loved Gerrard, and especially adored his ability to break open a game with his extraordinary eruptions of power and virtuosity, but then he also put a huge value on craft and guile and a mean fighting instinct. This, surely, would have carried Graeme Souness high on his list. For sheer accomplishment in what they did, Souness, Kenny Dalglish, Alan Hansen, Ian Rush and Ian St John would have received plenty of recognition in any assessment made in the shadow of Gerrard's current impact. He said of St John: "If he had been a boxer, as he could have been, St John would have been a middleweight. I love that weight. It has both power and speed."

Any inclination, though, to accuse Carragher of excessive partiality towards a friend and a team-mate, is impressively cautioned by a man who has either seen or played alongside all the contenders for the prize handed to Gerrard last week. Ian Callaghan, who would himself be on the long list of most sound judges, played 857 times for Liverpool, which makes him particularly well placed to bring down the stones from the top of the mountain.

He agrees with Carragher, after drawing up his own short list of Liddell, Dalglish and Gerrard. Still, a hundred questions rise up. Would Gerrard, if uprooted from Anfield, make the kind of impact in Italy that Souness did when he moved there after his superb contribution to Liverpool's achievements in Europe? Would he look quite so outstanding in a team surrounded by the quality that accompanied those such as Dalglish and Rush and Hansen on their journey along the peaks of the game?

Really, who can make such arbitrary judgements? Certainly, though, there is no hardship allowing Carragher his prejudice – and agreeing that he enjoys the company of one of the great Liverpool players.

Comolli Impressed By Payet

Liverpool official Damien Comolli has heaped praise on St Etienne winger Dimitri Payet, rating him as more naturally talented than Tottenham man Luka Modric.

Comolli, who was appointed as the new director of football strategy at Anfield last week, had plenty of time to observe Payet in his former role as director of sport at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

The Frenchman is also familiar with Spurs midfielder Modric, having spent three years as director of football at White Hart Lane.

Comolli suggests Payet, who has been recently linked with a move to Liverpool, has more to offer than Croatian playmaker Modric, and says the 23-year-old would be more than capable of plying his trade outside his homeland.

"On a natural class level, Dimitri is stronger than a player like Modric, (who) I saw very closely at Tottenham," Comolli told France Football.

"It is a very high level. We never stopped repeating to him: 'It is only up to you to join a French team'."

Sochaux coordinator of sports Jacques Crevoisier, former assistant to Gerard Houllier at Liverpool, agrees Payet has massive potential, likening him to French stars such as Djibril Cisse and Thierry Henry.

"Dimitri is a sprinter," said Crevoisier. "He is a little like Djibril Cisse and Thierry Henry when they were 14 or 15-years-old.

"Two years ago, I advised St Etienne to make him work on his endurance. He is now good on that level."

Juventus Join Inter Milan In Race For Daniel Agger

Juventus have joined Inter Milan in the race for Liverpool centre-back Daniel Agger , according to Italian reports.

The Tutto Mercato Web Site says Inter Milan are favourites to land the 25-year-old Dane, who would be reuniting with his old manager Rafa Benitez.

The Dane, in his sixth season at Liverpool, is currently out injured with a calf problem and hasn't played since September 25.

Agger is contracted to Liverpool until 2013/2014 and is valued at €7.5M-10M.

Liverpool Keeping Tabs On Talented Basel Midfielder Valentin Stocker

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is tracking Basel's highly-rated midfielder Valentin Stocker as he continues to make plans for his Anfield revamp.

Stocker, 21, already has six caps for Switzerland and is renowned for his goalscoring ability.

He scored twice against Wales in last month's European Championship qualifier.

Liverpool are also watching PSV Eindhoven left winger Balazs Dzsudzsak, 23, along with Arsenal and Tottenham.

Liverpool Boss Sets Sights On £8m Rated Ivica Olic

Liverpool are reportedly interested in making a move for Bayern Munich striker Ivica Olic. The hugely experienced Croatian international has found it increasingly difficult to force his way into Louis Van Gaal’s first team picture even though last season 19 goals helped the Bavarian club to a Bundesliga title and a Champions League Final berth.

The 31 year old is clearly in the latter stages of his career but still has a great deal to offer and would be available at a much cheaper price than Mario Gomez who had previously been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool. The German international has gone on to have a terrific start to the season at the Allianz Arena where he has become a regular starter and has netted ten goals already.

Ivica Olic has been a very consistent marksman during his time in Germany with both Bayern and Hamburg and was also huge success in Russia with CSKA Moscow and may well be ready for a new challenge and at his age the Croat will not want to be wasting time bench warming waiting for his colleagues to get injured or suspended so that he can make an impact this has led to the striker being handed just three Bundesliga starts this season.

Rafa Benitez was said to have been interested in signing the powerfully built striker back in 2008 and Hodgson seems similarly interested. The Anfield manager has stated his hopeful intentions to bring in five or six players in January and adding a further attacking threat would have to be very high up on his priority list.

Olic is thought to be valued at around £8m and Bayern Munich would more than likely not put up much of a fight if they felt that the player wanted to leave. Louis Van Gaal has a host of attacking options, many of whom are significantly younger that Ivica and therefore his chances of forcing a way back into a regular starting spot seem problematic.

Frank Rijkaard Would Find An Offer From Liverpool 'Attractive'

The agent of former Barcelona and Galatasaray coach Frank Rijkaard has claimed that the Dutch coach would like to manage in the Premier League or Serie A, with Liverpool being an attractive option.

Speaking to El Mecurio, Rijkaard's agent Perry Overeem indicated his belief that his client would favour a move to either England or Italy, with Liverpool previously strongly linked, citing his experiences at Barcelona to prove that the Dutchman is a capable coach.

"He wants to choose major European football teams in the Premier League or Calcio," Overeem said.

"I think that is attractive to a coach who showed in Barcelona he has the ability to manage in the best leagues in the world. He will surely be working in one or two months."

Rijkaard's agent also denied any link to the vacant Chilean manager's job, following the departure of Argentinean coach Marcelo Bielsa, affectionately nicknamed "El Loco" by fans for his eccentric style.

"I have not received any call from Chile or from that side of the world," the agent stated.

"The story is nothing but a rumor."

NESV Appoint Firm To Recruit CEO

New England Sports Ventures (NESV) today confirmed that it has appointed Spencer Stuart, the global executive search firm, to advise on the recruitment of a new Chief Executive Officer for LFC following the departure of Christian Purslow.

The search, which is to begin with immediate effect, will be led by Jonathan Smith at Spencer Stuart and will look at candidates from within the UK and internationally.

The focus for the appointment will be on business leaders with an interest in, and experience of, football.

NESV Principal Owner John Henry and NESV Chairman Tom Werner will be responsible for appointing the new Liverpool FC CEO and hope to be able to complete the process early in the new year.