Benitez Not To Blame For Liverpool's Woes

Rafael Benitez has denied responsibility for Liverpool's current woes, insisting: "It's not my fault, sorry''.

Benitez presided over a disappointing campaign in the 2009/10 season as Liverpool finished seventh. He was replaced by Roy Hodgson last summer.

Liverpool's fortunes have plummeted even further since then, however, with Hodgson sacked and replaced by Kenny Dalglish with the team only four points above the relegation zone prior to Saturday's clash with Wolves.

But Benitez, who joined Inter Milan in the summer but left before Christmas, admitted that not all of his moves in the transfer market were successful.

"I agree, so we know we made some mistakes,'' Benitez told the BBC. ”Sometimes, maybe one player is a good player and after he doesn't settle down, but if you see, we have a net spending of between 10, 12 million.

"So I think that this, for a top side ... it's not big money. And still I would say to you that we are not happy with some of the signings but we are really pleased with the majority of them.

"In the team now, Pepe Reina, Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Fabio Aurelio, Lucas Leiva, Fernando Torres, Maxi Rodriquez, Dirk Kuyt, so it's a massive, massive team.

"I am not taking all the credit, I think the team is good, the problem may be the mentality. So I think Kenny can change these things and will hopefully be good for the team.

"But the other thing is that Christian Purslow [the club's former managing director] and Hodgson, they signed seven players.

"Seven players are enough to change a squad, so you can take responsibility for signings in the past but seven players can change a squad. So you cannot continue with this story about the legacy. It's not my fault, sorry.''

Kenny: We’ll Play ‘Liverpool Way’

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is keen for the club to rediscover the style of their glory days — as it is the only way he knows how to play football.

The success of the late 1970s and through the 1980s was built on the pass-and-move doctrines instigated by Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.

Dalglish flourished as a player in those teams and tried to continue the legacy in his first spell as manager.

The game may have moved on since he was Reds boss nearly 20 years ago but, particularly in the last couple of years, Liverpool’s style became more structured and solid with less focus on attack and flair.

In the three matches Dalglish has been in charge since taking over from Roy Hodgson, there has been a noticeable move towards a more upbeat, positive approach.

It is a conscious decision by Dalglish to fill his players with the knowledge and expertise he learned when he wore the Reds’ famous number seven shirt. Asked if it was important to rediscover the attitude Shankly introduced at the club the 59-year-old Scot said: "Well, it has never gone for me.

"Pass and move isn’t old fashioned, it’s the Liverpool way.

"That’s the way I was brought up and I don’t think I could change. I think that’s the way the players would like to play as well.

"It’s great for the fans to watch and you can’t underestimate their role.

"Everyone has to play their role. We have to lift the fans. If the staff, the owners and everyone else sing from the same hymn sheet, which we are doing, then I’m sure we have happier days ahead of us.

"The sooner we start winning games the sooner we can look forward and upwards."

Dalglish has been given the job on an initial six-month basis after taking over from Hodgson but chairman Tom Werner said he is a contender to assume the role full-time.

"He has many of the qualities that we have articulated will be what we are looking for and he is going to be a candidate," said Werner.

Henry and Werner met with Dalglish yesterday and the subject of transfers understandably cropped up.

Those discussions were "positive" according to the Reds boss.

Liverpool Line Up €12m Strike Ace As Suarez Move Falters

Liverpool are reportedly set to turn their attentions to Lacina Traore - should they lose out on Luis Suarez.

Suarez's protracted move to Anfield has eked out for some time now and - according to The Telegraph - the Reds and Ajax are currently way apart in their valuation of the Uruguayan.

And, with Liverpool desperate for striking reinforcements in January, they could be forced to set their sights elsewhere in pursuit of more potent attacking options.

One of their reported targets is FC Cluj frontman Lacina Traore who, according to talkSPORT, could be available to Liverpool for €12 million.

Sportingo reports that Liverpool will have to fight of the advances of Fulham if they hope to sign the 6ft 8in striker who could prove to be an intriguing partner for Anfield hero Fernando Torres.

Although lacking the goalscoring prowess of Suarez, the 20-year-old Ivorian would work as a competent foil for Torres as Liverpool attempt to transform their season.

Despite the introduction as Kenny Dalglish as the new Liverpool boss, the Anfield club are still way off the pace in the Premier League and find their attacking department in desperate need of bolstering.

Damien Comolli Confirms Interest In Luis Suarez And Ashley Young

Liverpool Director Of Football Strategy Damien Comolli has dismissed suggestions that the English giants are in crisis this season, but confirmed the club are interested in signing Luis Suarez and Ashley Young.

The Reds are currently 13th in the Premier League table, having collected just 26 points from 22 matches, and are just four points above the relegation zone.

Hopes of European qualification are fading fast but Comolli believes that it's not the time to scream crisis at Anfield.

"There is no crisis," Comolli told Canal+Sport, according to Goal.com France. "I see things from the inside, but I do not have that feeling there.

"Yes, there is a problem [of confidence] in the side and we saw that against Wolverhampton. From the moment we conceded a goal, there was not much effort to stage a comeback.

"[Fernando] Torres and [Steven] Gerrard are exactly at the same physical level as they were in the year in which they finished second [2008]."

The Frenchman also spoke about the prospective recruitment of Ajax striker Luis Suarez and Aston Villa attacker Ashley Young. However, Comolli insisted that Liverpool were not 'in dialogue with Ajax' over signing Suarez - suggesting that the interview may have been conducted earlier this month.

"We are looking primarily for an offensive player because the team is short on pace. As for Suarez, At the moment there is no dialogue with Ajax but he is one of the players we are interested in. Will he be available in January? It's another issue.

"As for Young, if he is available then he will be of interest for us. But I do not think that this is the case."

Dalglish Insists Cole Will Get His Chance

Kenny Dalglish has played down the significance of Joe Cole's appearance for Liverpool reserves, with the Anfield boss insisting the move was designed to improve the midfielder's fitness levels.

Cole's name appeared on the team sheet for a Lancashire Senior Cup tie on Wednesday, leading to speculation that Dalglish did not fancy the England international.

Cole has had a torrid first season at Liverpool and it appeared his fortunes had not improved following the appointment of Dalglish, but the Scot has insisted the former Chelsea man will get his chance.

"Some people look at reserve-team football for first-team players as a punishment," Dalglish said. "But this was a necessity for everybody. It wasn't a punishment. If it was a punishment, the players would've been told that.

"It is all very well training but you still need a runabout on the pitch. Joe Cole will get an opportunity."

Liverpool And Arsenal Linked With January Move For Daniel Opare

Liverpool and Arsenal are confirmed challengers in the race to sign Daniel Opare.

The Ghanaian international defender has been linked with a number of Barclays Premier League clubs in recent months, and the player's agent has confirmed interest from Liverpool, Arsenal and a number of top English sides.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is thought to be in the market for a defender, and the Standard Liege 20-year-old is thought to be one of the players being monitored by the Anfield outfit.

Arsenal are also in the market for a defender, with Arsene Wenger admitting that the Gunners need to strengthen in the position due to an injury crisis taking hold of his Emirates side.

Manchester United, Spurs and Chelsea are also thought to be interested in the player, who joined Standard Liege in the summer from the Real Madrid Castilla side.

“Yes. He is a great player. He is a right defender and can play right-midfield," a representative of the player told Sport.co.uk.

"They call him the 'flying Ghanaian'. He is a great player, he is playing well and in the future we will see."

Liverpool is thought to have money to spend following the arrival of NESV as the club's new owners at the end of the summer.

Dalglish is thought to have targeted an attacking foil for Fernando Torres as the priority at Anfield, but the Liverpool manager is keen to strengthen in a number of core positions and Opare could provide the answers in defence.

Arsenal boss Wenger is also thought to have money to spend following the announcement of bumper profits in north London at the end of last year.

The Black Stars starlet developed his skills as part of the famed Ajax academy during his teenage years, and the French professor could look to get the best out of the 20-year-old at Arsenal.

Whilst a transfer fee or valuation is yet to be discussed, it's though that Liverpool, Arsenal or any of the clubs monitoring the player would have to pay in the region of £8 million to secure Opara's services.

Boudebouz In No Hurry

Ryad Boudebouz is happy to bide his time at Sochaux and wait for the right move to come along.

The Algeria international is attracting mounting interest, with his potential recognized across Europe.

At just 20 years of age he is regarded as a hot prospect for the future and the likes of Liverpool, Paris St Germain, Marseille and Lyon are all reported to be monitoring his situation.

Boudebouz is flattered to learn of the reported interest from afar and admits he would welcome the opportunity to test himself at a higher level at some stage in his career.

He is, however, in no hurry to make that step up and claims he would be willing to see out another 12 months at Sochaux.

"My future? I don't know what will happen," Boudebouz told L'Equipe.

"I am not looking for anything at the moment. I am happy at Sochaux in a team that plays good football.

"I want to reach a new level but if I have to wait another season to get there, that is not a problem."

Reina Remains Committed

Jose Reina is confident he will be challenging for top honours again with Liverpool.

Although Reina has been linked with an Anfield exit during a disappointing campaign for the Reds, the Spanish goalkeeper remains committed to the new six-year deal he signed only last year.

The 28-year-old, who signed from Villarreal in 2005, won the FA Cup in his first season with Liverpool and helped them reach the following year's Champions League final.

And while he admits it has been a tough season at Anfield, he is determined to battle through the bad times and believes he can help restore the club to its former glories.

"There have been moments when we've not played well, where it's been difficult to stay upbeat and positive," he told the club's official website.

"But this is football - and you have to fight every day to become a greater team.

"When things have gone badly for us, I've tried my best to do my bit to improve the team. There is no point being sad, so I've tried to be positive at all times.

"We are sailing on the same ship and we all want the team to produce the results which we're capable of.

"All I can do from my position is support my team-mates and play my own part.

"I signed a new contract last summer and still have more than five years left to run on it.

"Obviously, I want to be part of a team that has the chance to win the title, win major trophies and to play with the best players, but I expect that to happen here at Liverpool, and for the club to return itself to that level.

"I plan to stick with my contract."

Martin Kelly Thanks Glen Johnson For Helping Improve His Game

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly has said that fellow defender Glen Johnson has helped him improve as a player, despite both being in direct competition for the right-back role in the side.

Kelly has started in every one of Kenny Dalglish's three games in charge so far and has earned praise for his performances.

He started in the FA Cup loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford as England international Johnson had to pull out because his partner was due to give birth, and kept his slot against Blackpool and Everton, where Johnson was forced to play down the left-flank.

And Kelly said on the club's official website: "It was good to play in a big game like that at Old Trafford.

"I remember missing the FA Youth Cup final there through injury and I was devastated, so it was good to go back and play there.

"Glen has been a good help for me. Just watching him on the pitch and seeing how good he is on the training ground has also helped me. He's a great lad and we get on well.

"For me it's good to play at right-back. I could have been pushed out to left-back when Glen came back against Blackpool but the manager has kept me there, and hopefully my performances have shown I can stay there.

"I am enjoying playing at right-back but if the time comes when I'm needed to play centre-back I will play there as well.

"It's good to be able to play anywhere in the back four if need be.

"Playing against Manchester United and then Everton are two of the biggest games I've ever been involved in.

"I've only played 20 games for Liverpool so far and playing in the derby was enjoyable and tough, and I'm still feeling a little stiff from that."

Tom Werner Wants To Live Up To Reds Philosophy

Tom Werner has vowed to restore the principles on which Liverpool FC built their success.

But the Liverpool chairman insists he does not need to oversee a revolution at Anfield.

After a turbulent three-and-a-half-year period under former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, an air of relative stability has been brought to matters off the pitch following October's £300million purchase by New England Sports Ventures.

"We (Liverpool) have a philosophy which has been successful for more than 100 years. All we need to do is live up to that philosophy," said Werner.

The new American owners, through NESV subsidiary Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have spent the intervening period assessing all aspects of the club.

And it has been time well spent as Werner does not believe drastic change is required, although that could not save former manager Roy Hodgson from losing his job after just six months in charge.

"It is a privilege to work for Liverpool," said Werner, who achieved success with principal owner John Henry and NESV with the Boston Red Sox baseball franchise.

"I hope the fans would recognize that we have been winners before, we have been judged in baseball as among the best owners.

"We don't want to over-promise and under-deliver but I hope they see we have certainly shown a commitment to moving forward, that we are not interested in short-term results.

"If we can show progress that is good, and hopefully we are building a management team which can produce success year in, year out as we have in Boston.

"There are challenges, we need to increase our match-day revenues, we need to have a club that is younger, but I am more encouraged by the essential foundation of Liverpool."

Dalglish Given Green Light To Spend By Liverpool Board

Kenny Dalglish has been told he can splash the cash this month by the Liverpool board.

The Anfield legend is only in caretaker charge until the end of the season and there were concerns he would not be allowed to strengthen the squad.

But, after holding talks with owner John W Henry and chairman Tom Werner, Dalglish has been given the green light to bring in new faces.

“They are good people and we had a positive meeting with John and Tom. We discussed many things, one was obviously transfers,” said the Scot.

"There is no problem with transfers as long as we are responsible. We can go and look for players and try to sign them and bring them in.

"Any time I have been in a transfer market it has been responsible so I will continue to do that and try to spend the club's money as diligently as my own."

Liverpool has been heavily linked with a big-money swoop for Luis Suarez but Dalglish refused to confirm the club's interest in the Ajax striker.

"We are not going to give names or talk about sums of money," added the 59-year-old.

"We don't intend to mislead people but we have a huge responsibility to do our business in a way that has been done since I've known the club and that is in private."

Steven Gerrard Hopes Steve Clarke Can Become ‘Fantastic Addition’

Steven Gerrard is hopeful that Liverpool's new first-team coach Steve Clarke can help improve the team's defence and attack, after what has been a largely underwhelming campaign.

The Reds have managed to keep only six clean sheets in their 22 Premier League games, and have conceded 31 goals in the process. Their attack has also been found to be wanting with striker Fernando Torres having problems in front of goal, and they have a goal difference of -4.

"I think he's a great appointment," Gerrard was quoted as saying by the Liverpool Daily Post. "From what I've seen he's supported some fantastic managers in his career. He played at the top level and has vast experience in the game.

"It's early days yet but the training sessions have been good. If he can come in and help us tighten up defensively and help us improve going forward he'll be a fantastic addition to the coaching staff.

"It's exciting to see how his relationship will work with Kenny. Hopefully the pair of them, along with Sammy Lee, can help guide us up the league.

"Between them that trio have plenty of experience and should make a very good coaching team."

Fabio Coentrao Admits Anfield Interest

Liverpool has been boosted in the race to sign Portuguese international left back Fabio Coentrao.

The Benfica defender has been linked with an Anfield switch in recent months, and has now revealed his personal feelings towards Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool side.

"I love Liverpool," Coentrao is re-quoted as saying on Live4Liverpool.

The 11 cap international also admitted that it was nice to be tracked by Real Madrid, and that being coached by the 'Special One' would be difficult to turn down.

"Who would not want to be coached by Mourinho?”

A product of the Rio Ave youth system, Coentrao joined Benfica in 2007. After three loans the following season, the player settled well into the Águias first team and has been a regular for the past two years.

Manchester United has also previously taken an interest in the player, and were again linked less than a week ago by the Daily Mail.

It is Liverpool who have been following the player more closely in recent months though, with scouts reportedly sent to watch the 22-year-old wingback at the Estádio da Luz.

Dalglish has been promised money to spend at Anfield by the club's new owners, NESV, and a left back is thought to be high on the Liverpool agenda in an effort to cover the under-performing Paul Konchesky.

The Reds would hope to negotiate a deal lower than the £20 million valuation, and Liverpool could face competition for the player were an offer for the highly-rated player accepted.

Gervinho Rules Out Exit

Gervinho has quashed talk of an impending move to England by committing his short-term future to Lille.

Various reports have suggested that the Ivorian striker is a target for a number of Premier League clubs.

Speculation claimed a switch during the January transfer window was a possibility, with Liverpool believed to be among those leading the chase.

Gervinho, though, claims he has no intention of moving on any time soon, with his full focus at present on helping Lille land the Ligue 1 title.

"There is no way I'm leaving Lille now," the 23-year-old said.

"I am enjoying my football now more than ever before. We are playing well, scoring goals and our team spirit is fantastic.

"I want to win the league here, that is very important and would give any player a lot of confidence.

"My ambition is to play for a big club one day, in a big league, but at the moment Lille is the place to be and I am enjoying being part of their success."

Pressed on whether a switch to England could happen in the future, Gervinho added: "One day I expect to play abroad in a very good team that can challenge for the Champions League."

Charlie Adam Linked With Liverpool Move

Charlie Adam could be set to leave Blackpool this month and join Liverpool after the Reds chairman Tom Werner declared a mountain of transfer funds will be made available to manager Kenny Dalglish.

The 25-year-old Scotland international has expressed his desire to play at a top level club after impressing in the Premier League this season.

Pulling the strings in midfield Adam has netted three times so far, fuelling further interest in his future with Aston Villa another potential suitor.

‘It really isn’t difficult to ignore all the talk. The bottom line is that everybody knows I want to play at the highest level,’ Adam said.

Werner has promised to give Dalglish the best possible chance after taking over from Roy Hodgson, indicating that he’s happy for Liverpool to increase their wage bill rather decrease it.

‘I don’t want to get the wage bill down, I want it to increase and we have the resources to do that. I expect us to move forward and improve our position,' he said.

‘We will be driven by value but we certainly have the resources to have some targets.'

Liverpool’s new American owner New England Sports Ventures has already proven they’re ready to spend big with £25 million reportedly on the table for Ajax’s Luis Suarez after John Henry met with the striker's agent on Tuesday.

With Blackpool manager Ian Holloway fighting tooth and nail to keep the box-to-box midfielder, it’s expected Adam will depart the club for no less than £5 million more than double his estimated price of £1.7 million.

Paul Konchesky 'Back To Fulham' As Liverpool Eye Clint Dempsey Transfer

Fulham have been offered a boomerang deal to take back Paul Konchesky, with Liverpool keen to use him in a transfer deal to buy Clint Dempsey.

Konchesky, a Roy Hodgson signing, has been a flop in front of the Kop in his four months at the club - failing to prove his credentials at left-back.

Frozen out of first-team plans since Kenny Dalglish began his reign, Konchesky is limited in his movements due to Premier League rules stipulating a player may not play for more than two top-flight clubs in any one season.

Utility player Chris Baird has been warming Konchesky’s old spot in Fulham’s defence, but with limited funds Mark Hughes would only be inclined to bring the 29-year-old back to Craven Cottage on a loan deal following his £4m move to Liverpool last August.

Anfield bosses could look to maximize the deal by bringing in highly-rated playmaker Clint Dempsey, who has been in excellent form this season.

The 27-year-old Texan, who is contracted to the Cottagers until 2013, makes sense for the Reds' American owners New England Sports Ventures who are keen to focus on maximizing players’ marketing potential.

Another option for Konchesky is a temporary move down to the Championship.

High-flying Queens Park Rangers manager Neil Warnock has been actively searching for a defender and Konchesky’s stature could help the club in their quest for a spot in next year’s top-flight.

Cole Impresses In Reds Triumph

Joe Cole produced an impressive 45 minute cameo as Liverpool Reserves' defence of the Lancashire Senior Cup got underway with a 1-0 success against Manchester City on Wednesday night.

The Reds No.10 was a surprise starter for the second-string's encounter in Hyde and played in a free role just off lone striker, Nikola Saric as John McMahon's men booked their place in the last four courtesy of Gerardo Bruna's cool finish just past the half hour mark.

The former Chelsea star showed some fine touches throughout a first period dominated by the Reds and gave watching manager, Kenny Dalglish food for thought ahead of Saturday's first-team clash at Wolves.

But it wasn't just Cole who shone for Liverpool.

The likes of Tom Ince, fresh from his loan spell at Notts County, and Dani Pacecho were also instrumental in all of the away side's best moves.

After an edgy opening in which City went close, Cole had the Reds' first chance of note when he cut inside and left two City defenders for dead before firing a shot just wide.

On 28 minutes a great move instigated by Ince saw Saric play in Cole on the edge of the box but despite a smart turn and finish from the No.10, his celebration was cut short by the sight of the referee's assistant's flag for offside.

The Reds had suddenly found their groove and two minutes later Saric sent Ince galloping in on goal but City stopper, David Gonzalez did well to advance off his line and clear the danger.

Pacheco then saw a long range effort from a quickly taken free-kick deflect just past the upright before McMahon's team finally got the reward their inventive attacking play deserved.

A great ball by Ince found Jack Robinson marauding down the left. The full-back cut a clever pass back into the path of Cole and although the 29-year-old's shot was well saved by Gonzalez, Bruna was on hand to coolly fire in the rebound.

As the half came to an end Liverpool continued to ask all of the questions and Bruna came close to doubling the lead when he was well thwarted by Gonzalez. The Argentine then had another chance on 44 minutes when he seized upon Cole's exquisite flick, but again Gonzalez denied him with a smart save.

At the interval McMahon replaced Cole with David Amoo while Emmanuel Mendy came on for the solid Danny Wilson.

However, it did little to alter the pattern of the game as Liverpool continued to control the proceedings.

Amoo broke into the box on the left hand side and fired in a shot that flew straight into the midriff of Gonzalez.

Then Ince tried an audacious long range lob that dropped just shy of the crossbar before City finally came close when Ball headed wide.

The hosts pushed for a leveller late on and John Guidetti perhaps had their best chance with a rasping 20-yard drive that Peter Gulacsi did well to push around the post.

However, Liverpool remained the stronger side and McMahon opted to give new signing Jason Banton a 12 minute run out as they eased to a well deserved win.

Tom Werner Disappointed About Sacking Roy Hodgson

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has expressed his disappointment at having to sack Roy Hodgson but felt it was in the club’s best interest to let him go.

Hodgson's contract was terminated earlier this month after the Reds found themselves languishing near the bottom of the Premier League, struggling to even make the European places.

And Werner hoped that the situation was handled with the dignity it deserved and admitted that the former Reds boss was not fully culpable for the team’s poor season.

"Roy is a good man and is a good manager,” Werner told Sky Sports.

“Obviously nobody could have been happy with the performances, we all take a certain responsibility for that - the players, the manager, the executive.

“We expected that our club's fortunes would improve and at some point I think you have to say it's important to stabilize the situation, you don't like to sack anybody but sometimes you have to move forward in a different direction.

"I wish Roy the best, I have great respect for him and I think hopefully we handled the situation with a certain amount of dignity."

Hodgson’s replacement is Kenny Dalglish – an appointment that has certainly pleased the fans and Werner is delighted with the Scotsman’s progress so far and even hinted that he could be at Anfield next season.

"He is, as everybody knows, a remarkable person, an iconic figure in our club's history,” continued Werner.

“He's got many of the qualities that we've admired, he's competent, he certainly understands the club's philosophy, he's excellent at man management, and we've been very pleased with the progress.”

King Kenny Has Already Brought Renewed Vigour And Enthusiasm At Anfield

Glasgow Rangers mad Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish from Dalmarnock, was signed as a youngster by Celtic after his boyhood club Rangers failed to spot his immeasurable talent.

Dalglish took time to develop his natural on field role, manning the nets as a pupil at Milton Bank, and at right half for Scotland schoolboys. It was the eagle eyed Jock Stein that saw potential in the mercurial teenager and dispatched his Lieutenant Sean Fallon to try persuade sixteen year old Dalglish’s Protestant parents to allow him to represent the Catholic Bhoys.

Fallon’s charms snared Mr. & Mrs. Dalglish and wee Kenny from was duly snapped up by the Scottish giants, joining a conveyor belt with the likes of McGrain and Macari.

At Parkhead, Dalglish found himself amongst a pantheon of stars. Earning a small wage as an apprentice joiner, he was farmed out to develop his precocious talent at Cumbernauld United, the Celtic nursery team. Dalglish progressed onto the reserves and debuted at Douglas Park against Hamilton Accies in 1968. Breaking into a team that had been crowned Briatin’s first European cup winners in 1967 was no easy feat and it would be a further three years before Dalglish received his first team break in a benefit game against one of Scotland’s oldest clubs.

This game introduced Dalglish to the world of football and immediately thrust the lad from the Govan Docklands into the realms of football royalty. Dalglish was hypnotizing, netting six in a 7-2 routing of Killie.

Dalglish’s first competitive goal came soon after – a spot kick against his beloved Rangers, and the first of 23 for that campaign. He beat that the following season by netting an entrancing 41. With 269 appearances, 167 goals, five Championships, four Scottish Cups, a League Cup-winners medal, and the club captaincy Dalglish needed a fresh challenge.

And so he crossed South of the border over Hadrian’s wall in a record fee to Liverpool. Not to add too much pressure, Dalglish was immediately handed the number 7 shirt worn by his famous predecessor – Hamburg bound Kevin Keegan.

It is at Liverpool that Dalglish cemented his legend, kick-started by a debut goal against the Boro and another against Newcastle.

Given full poetic license at Anfield, he was the perfect foil and supplier to the predatory Ian Rush – Liverpool’s record goal scorer. The spellbinding pair proved that it wasn’t necessary to play a little and large combination, to have a cavalier attack that scored bucket loads of goals on route to winning every major footballing honour in Europe.

The new Liverpool number seven immediately showed Anfield his worth by scoring on his league debut against Middlesbrough and on his home debut against Newcastle United.

Keegan’s Hamburg were on the menu for the Super Cup and the Red Warrior Poet orchestrated a 6-0 thrashing of the German giants. It was a hugely memorable season which culminated in a Red European Cup Final win. Dalglish dinked the winner against Belgian champions Bruges, securing an historic 1-0 victory at Wembley – one of his three European Cup wins.

After the tragedy of Heysel and losing the 1985 European Cup final to Juventus through a Platini penalty, Dalgish succeeded Joe Fagan in the Anfield hotseat. As player manager he secured Liverpool’s first domestic double, and narrowly missed out on a second in 1988 – Wimbledon’s Lawrie Sanchez nodding past Grobbelaar and Dave Beasant saving the first Wembley penalty for one of the greatest FA Cup upsets. Under Dalglish’s tutelage, a Liverpool team boasting Barnes, Beardsley, Houghton, Aldridge and Rush secured a further two championships as well as an FA Cup in 1989.

The toll of managing Britain’s premier club, along with the stress of experiencing the Hillsbrough tragedy (Ibrox disaster in 1971 & Heysel in 1985) haunted Dalglish, and in 1991 he resigned with Liverpool sitting pretty at the top of the table.

Dalglish returned to Blackburn eight months later and secured the Premier League for Jack Walker’s team. In 1997, he again stepped into the void left by Kevin Keegan, taking the helm at St James Park. He guided the Magpies to the 1998 FA Cup Final, losing 2-0 to Arsene Wenger’s high charged Gunners at Wembley.

A year later King Kenny returned to Parkhead as Director of football, recruiting John Barnes as manager, a move which did not work out.

Dalglish is a global face and one of the greatest players to have stepped onto a British field. The caretaker manager’s appointment of Steve Clarke was very shrewd and it will be interesting to see Dalglish lock horns with Fergie, Wenger, Mancini, and Redknapp.

Dalglish was the obvious choice – one that has renewed vigour and enthusiasm. Anfield is buzzing again. Liverpool may not have Man

City’s spending power, but Dalglish’s football nous coupled with the right boardroom backing can at least achieve Red respectability.

Dalglish’s return to the Liverpool hot seat after 12 years away from frontline football has ignited a dimming spark amongst Liverpool fans. It may prove to be just the catalyst needed to revive this great sleeping giant.

Liverpool Make Alvaro Negredo Back-Up Option If Bid For Luis Suarez Fails

Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo has emerged as a back-up option for Liverpool if their move for £20 million-rated Luis Suarez fails to materialize, according to The Times.

The Reds are in the hunt for a new striker this January, with David Ngog and Dirk Kuyt their only first-team options to partner Fernando Torres in attack.

Ajax’s high valuation for Suarez has forced the club to consider other avenues, and Negredo’s form for Sevilla this season has led to director of football strategy Damien Comolli making a firm enquiry about his availability.

Kenny Dalglish and Comolli are said to have now switched their attentions to the Spaniard as his transfer fee would be more realistic for the club’s finances.

Liverpool Facing Battle To Land 'Next Ronaldo'

Liverpool is facing stiff competition from Chelsea in the race to sign Chilean international Alexis Sanchez.

The Udinese star has been monitored by a string of top European clubs in recent seasons, with Liverpool one of those keen to bring the player to the Barclays Premier League.

Former Reds boss Rafael Benitez was keen to bring the player to Anfield as recently as May, and his Liverpool replacement Roy Hodgson was also thought be interested in bringing the player to Merseyside before his recent departure.

Real Madrid, Lyon and Manchester United are also thought to be interested in signing the player, but Chelsea now appear to be leading the race for the 22-year-old, according to the Metro.

Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo has revealed that the Blues are in talks with the club over a move for the player, who has previously been dubbed 'the new Ronaldo'.

"With Chelsea we talked about €30million. I want this figure, if not more. It is useless to talk about something we do not want to do because we cannot remove someone from the team when we're halfway through a season," Pozzo told Sky Italia.

Sanchez has the ability to play on either flank, and the former River Plate loanee shot to prominence after braking into the Chilean national team as a teenager.

It's unknown if new Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has taken an interest in the player, but the Merseysiders are keen to add attacking flair to their outfit in the current transfer window.

New owners NESV have pledged a transfer war chest in the region of £35 million, money which Liverpool could invest in a playmaker like Sanchez should director of football Damien Comolli give the nod over a move for the player.

Competition would be fierce to take the player from the zebrette should Liverpool decide to make their move, but others are likely to join should the interest become more fierce.

Ajax Tell Liverpool: 'Only Obscene Offer Will Get You Suarez'

Liverpool have been told that only an 'obscene' offer will be enough to land Luis Suarez from Ajax - with Anderlecht's Romelu Lukaku now seen as the club's primary target.

Reports that Ryan Babel would return to Ajax as part of a deal for Suarez appear to be premature, with Bundesliga club Hoffenheim ready to make a £7m offer for the forward.

That would leave Liverpool needing to find extra cash to bid for Suarez as insiders at Ajax believe Babel would have been used as part of a player-plus-clash deal.

And sources in Amsterdam have told talkSPORT that while Babel remains an attractive option, a deal to bring him to the club remains far off.

"Babel would be an interesting project but nothing is done. There might be news later this week," our Ajax source said.

"We want to keep Luis and only obscene offers would be enough."

Uruguay international Suarez is seen as the perfect partner for Fernando Torres in the Liverpool attack and while there appears to be interest from Anfield, Ajax are so far holding firm.

Suarez scored 49 goals in 48 appearances for Ajax last season and it is believed he would prefer to stay for one last season in Holland before leaving in the summer.

Babel Prefers Ajax Over Hoffenheim

Ryan Babel looks poised to leave Liverpool in his fourth season at Anfield, but his agent has revealed that he will only join Hoffenheim if a move to Ajax fails to materialize.

Babel, who has scored 22 goals in 146 appearances, is negotiating personal terms with the German club after they agreed a fee, believed to be €7 million, with Liverpool. However agent Winnie Haatrecht says the move will only happen if the forward is unable secure a return to former club Ajax.

''Hoffenheim will only be an option if Ryan isn't allowed to go on loan to Ajax or they do not want him,'' he said.

The player himself spoke on Tuesday of his hope for a loan move back to Holland - and stated that deal could form part of Ajax striker Luis Suarez's potential transfer to Liverpool.

Liverpool are reported to be interested in Uruguay striker Suarez, who scored three times at the 2010 World Cup before his infamous sending-off for a goal-line handball in the quarter final against Ghana, but no offer has been made.

Ince Set For Liverpool Talks

Notts County boss Paul Ince will seek talks with Liverpool about re-signing his son and Stephen Darby on loan.

Thomas Ince spent an impressive two months at the League One club this season and scored twice in eight appearances. Defender Darby was on loan at Meadow Lane for the same period, also turning out eight times.

Liverpool was unwilling to let Ince rejoin the Magpies unless he signs a new contract. He is refusing to agree so the clubs are in stalemate.

"The situation is the same with Thomas. He's not going to sign a contract," Paul Ince told the Nottingham Evening Post. "It might change under Kenny (Dalglish) because he might put him into their first-team squad. If he doesn't do that, I will be going in to see him.

"He's only young, he wants to play here because he enjoyed it and he wants to forward his education."

On Darby, Ince senior added: "We're trying to bring him back too because he did well."

Joe Cole Rules Out Loan Move Back To Boyhood Club West Ham

Liverpool's out of favour midfielder Joe Cole will remain at Anfield despite links with a loan move to former club West Ham, Goal.com UK can reveal.

Cole has struggled to find form following his free transfer from Chelsea in the summer and is yet to feature under new Reds boss Kenny Dalglish.

The Hammers board have backed manager Avram Grant after Martin O'Neill rejected the chance to take the manager's job at Upton Park.

But Cole will not be rejoining the east London club in the current transfer window.

"He’s not going back to West Ham, there’s no chance of that happening. Certainly not now," a source close to the player told Goal.com UK.

"Joe’s not heard anything from Avram, or anyone else at West Ham for that matter. He’s focused on the job at Liverpool."

Former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson lured Cole north with an £80,000-a-week deal and virtually guaranteed him regular first-team football.

However, Cole has, like many Liverpool players this season, failed to shine and must take his share of blame with the club sitting just four points above the relegation zone.

Cole has scored just one goal in 11 league appearances, the winner against Bolton in Hodgson’s penultimate game in charge.

Martin Kelly Relishing Being Thrown In At The Deep End

Martin Kelly is enjoying the steep ‘learning curve’ of his rapid rise to Liverpool’s first team under Kenny Dalglish.

The 20-year-old has been the Scot’s choice at right-back in his three games in charge of the club.

And the Whiston-born defender is relishing the challenge of being thrown in at the Premiership deep end.

Kelly said: “I'm made up with my own form.

“Hopefully I'll keep training well and get a chance to play.

“It's the first time I've played three games in a week.

“It's pretty tough on you mentally as well as physically, but it’s all a learning curve.

“In the Premier League, Europa League and Champions League you need to play three times a week, so it's really good to do that.”

Kelly, who came through the ranks primarily as a central defender, is impressively managing to ward off competition from England’s number one right back.

Glen Johnson was played as a left back for the recent games at Blackpool and in the 125th Merseyside derby on Sunday.

Kelly believes the impact of new boss Dalglish is already having a marked effect on the Liverpool squad.

He said: “The team is coming together a lot more.

“We are all enjoying training and there have been some feisty challenges.

“It's good to have that in training.

“I think we are all working together as a team.

“He (Dalglish) has put points in place how he wants us to play.”

Kelly was largely selected for Europa League games under previous manager Roy Hodgson and made just two league starts when the 63-year-old was at the helm.

But already, he has won praise from Dalglish for his performances against Manchester United at Old Trafford and Blackpool at Bloomfield Road where his pass set up Fernando Torres for the Reds’ opener.

The England U-21 international stressed the competitiveness of this year’s Premiership and called for unity to turn Liverpool’s results around.

He added: “The things we are doing in training are starting to come together on the pitch.

“It will only be a matter of time now before we start getting the results as well as the performances.

“We were fighting and the equalizer came. We could have gone on to get a winner but it wasn't meant to be.

“We've just got to look forward to the next game now.

“The Premier League is a lot closer this season. We have got to stick together as a team.”

Reds Begin Defence Of Cup

Liverpool Reserves boss John McMahon is hoping his young side can mount a successful defence of the Lancashire Senior Cup when they take on Manchester City tonight at Hyde United in the quarter-final.

Confidence in the camp is high after last week's 2-1 win over Sunderland at the Academy and the likes of Daniel Pacheco and Suso could be involved in the squad.

Last season's final was brought forward to the start of this campaign when McMahon's side produced an impressive performance to beat Oldham Athletic's first team 3-0.

With the weather at the end of 2010 causing havoc to the fixture list last week's game with the Black Cats was the second string's first game since November 23.

"Manchester City will be a good test for us and we need games now so we are looking forward to it," McMahon told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"The performance against Oldham's first team at the start of the season was very pleasing. We did really well and the young lads produced a great performance.

"The Lancashire Cup and Liverpool Senior Cup are important for us because it gives us extra games against good opposition which the young lads need."