Javier Pastore Bids 'Expected From Man United, Liverpool & Chelsea'

Palermo have suggested they are expecting bids from a number of English clubs including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea for midfielder Javier Pastore in the summer, according to reports.

Sources close to the Sicilian club have been quoted in the Italian press, suggesting the three Premier League giants are set to go head to head to sign Pastore, 21.

The playmaker has been linked to Chelsea in the past, and only last week AS Roma were mentioned as potential suitors - provided a proposed buy-out of the club is completed before the summer.

Pastore is expected to command a monstrous fee when the transfer window reopens, as club president Maurizio Zamparini has claimed to have already turned down an offer of €50million (£44m) for the Argentinean.

Manchester City's millions are also expected to come into the equation - especially if they qualify for next season's Champions League.

However, Pastore is rumoured to be more interested in either of the other giants of the north-west - Liverpool or Manchester United - because of the respective clubs' histories.

The Reds' new owner John W Henry is already lining up targets for the summer, with Pastore said to be top of his wish-list.

United are themselves planning a massive spending spree and the 21-year-old's potential to become the next South American star would fit Sir Alex Ferguson's typical transfer profile.

But Chelsea may also still have a say off the back of Roman Abramovic's spending power, which clearly hasn't waned after splashing out £75million on Fernando Torres and David Luiz in January.

Liverpool To Offer Alberto Aquilani In Wise £10m Inter Milan Swap Deal

Liverpool will reportedly attempt to land Inter Milan left back Davide Santon by offering Alberto Aquilani in return for the talented young Italian international. Anfield director of football has identified the young San Siro full back as an ideal answer to what has become a problem position and believe that by offering a swap deal they may well persuade Nerazzurri boss Leonardo to sell.

Santon is considered one of the hottest prospects in Italian football but is finding it next to impossible to dislodge either Maicon or Christian Chivu who currently occupy the wide areas of the Inter Milan defence. The 20 year old has therefore been farmed out on loan to struggling Cesena.

Though Santon can operate on either flank Comolli would look to the attack minded Italian to ply his trade on the left as the right side of Liverpool’s defence seems covered with youngster Martin Kelly proving a very able customer and Glen Johnson also available in that position.

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani is currently out on loan to Juventus but the Turin side are unwilling to come close to the valuation placed on the former Roma man and the Merseyside outfit are not willing to budge on price so will look instead to offer the proven Italian international in a swap deal to land Santon.

Leonardo may well be interested in such a deal as he seems likely to offload the likes of Sulley Muntari (on loan to Sunderland) whilst Dejan Stankovic and Esteban Cambiasso are both getting on in years and the signing of the 26 year old Liverpool man may represent a good bit of business for all parties concerned.

Liverpool Star Set For An Italian Job

Napoli head the queue for Liverpool midfielder Lucas, who has not yet been offered a new Anfield contract.

The Brazilian international is closing in on the last 12 months of his current deal, and there have been no moves from within the club to extend.

That suggests his days on Merseyside are numbered, with the club already preparing their transfer plans for the summer under new director of football Damien Comolli.

The fact that talks have not even opened suggests it is now unlikely to happen, and Serie A side Napoli have taken note.

The Italians are ready to offer around £3million, which could be enough for them to get their man as Liverpool are hoping to get ready-made replacement Charlie Adam from Blackpool for a similar figure, given that he too will only have a year remaining on his contract at the end of the season.

Johnson Absent From Training

Glen Johnson was the only absentee as the England squad was put through their paces on Monday.

Of the 20 players still available to Fabio Capello ahead of a friendly date with Ghana on Tuesday, only the Liverpool full-back failed to make training.

Johnson works to a strict fitness regime which means sometimes he has to skip sessions shortly after games.

The England coaching staff are happy to adhere to those rules and had no qualms with him sitting out Monday's exercises.

Johnson will still be hoping to be involved at Wembley in midweek, with Capello set to shuffle his pack against the Black Stars.

National skipper John Terry, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Michael Dawson have been allowed to return to their clubs following Saturday's 2-0 victory over Wales in a Euro 2012 qualifier.

Their absence has opened the door to others, including Kyle Walker and Matt Jarvis who are both looking to make their senior debuts.

The decision to give Terry a break means the armband has also been moved on, with vice-captain Steven Gerrard currently sidelined.

The Football Association has announced that Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry will lead the side out against Ghana.

Liverpool Target £32m Triple Swoop

Liverpool are ready to splash out £32 million on Charlie Adam, Ashley Young and Jeffren to help re-shape their midfield this summer, reports caughtoffside.com.

The 25-year-old Adam was on the verge of a move to Kenny Dalglish's side in the January transfer window, but Blackpool decided to keep hold of the winger as they look to retain their Barclays Premier League status.

Young, who stared for England at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday against Wales, has long been linked with a move away from Aston Villa, with Liverpool and Manchester United both linked with the winger.

Barcelona man Jeffren has made just 18 league appearances for the Catalan giants in his five-year career in the first team and is set for a move away from the Nou Camp this summer.

Although yet to be given a permanent deal at Anfield, Liverpool manager Dalglish is set to be given a mammoth transfer kitty this summer to re-build a faltering squad on Merseyside.

Liverpool are far from guaranteed a spot in next season's Europa League after crashing out of the competition at the hands of Braga and after enduring a poor season in the Barclays Premier League.

Dalglish has already spent £58 million on Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez in January and is expected to be allowed more license in the next transfer window.

Liverpool Star Reveals He May Quit Anfield

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani's future at Anfield is less than certain, as the Italian flop has not yet been offered a permanent deal by current club Juventus, but looks unlikely to remain at Liverpool.

In 2009, Rafa Benitez signed the 26-year-old Italian midfielder for £17 million from Roma, but a succession of injuries left the talented international on the fringes of the Liverpool side.

Aquilani made just 18 appearances in a Liverpool shirt, struggling to make a serious impact on the pitch and consistently failing to regain full fitness. He was eventually loaned out to Juventus in August 2010, whereby the club agreed a season-long loan with the option to sign Aquilani permanently.

Scoring his first goal for Juventus in October against Lecce, Aquilani has since made 26 appearances for the Turin club, and is now desperate to make his stay at the Stadio Olimpico permanent.

Roma have been touted as potential suitors for Aquilani, but the player’s agent Franco Zavaglia has ruled out a return to his former club. Instead, Zavaglia believes that Juventus’ first-option to buy Aquilani make them the most likely destination for the Italy international.

“Aquilani to Roma?” Zavaglia asked the Italian station Radio Mana Mana. “That will be difficult. Juve has the priority and I don't think they will let him escape.

"On June 30 Juventus will be able to buy Aquilani and they should act now," Zavaglia continued. "They could sign him by making three to four delayed payments; a system which was established last summer.

“The agreement between Liverpool and Juventus is already there. It all depends on the willingness of Juventus. Maybe Juventus want to save something and Liverpool do not want to lose anything. But there is an expiration date, everything is organised.

“I think Aquilani will stay at Juventus and there will not be any obstacles.”

Aquilani has made no secret of his desire to return to Italy, considering the switch to Liverpool an important moment in his career, but ultimately an experience that never quite worked out.

“I wanted to come back to Italy after my English experience,” Aquilani revealed. “I wanted to play in Serie A and Juventus gave me this chance. I hope to pay back the faith.

“I’m playing in a system with two central midfielders. If one goes forward, the other stays back to keep the team’s shape.

“At Liverpool it was different. Often I was played further forward, at the top of the diamond behind the striker. Things are going really positively here and we share the desire to win.

Aquilani favours a return to Italy, though the lack of talks over a permanent deal mean that there is still a degree of uncertainty as to where he will end up. When asked about a potential return to Roma, Aquilani stated; "It looks difficult, but hopefully in future.”

"I have not had any contact with Liverpool or Juventus directors," he added. "But there is an agreement, and I was aware it was a loan and that things would be dealt with in May. So, I am tranquil over my future now."

Trio Star In Belgium Win

Academy trio Brad Smith, Raheem Sterling and Adam Morgan all featured for England U17s as they came from behind to beat Belgium 2-1 on Monday night.

Left-back Smith played the full 90, Sterling played for 74 minutes and Morgan played for just over an hour of the game which was played at the Stadion De Leunen, Geel, in Belgium.

Matty Regan was an unused substitute.

This victory sets up a fascinating battle with Spain on Thursday to determine who will top the Elite Qualifying Round Group 5.

Spain can afford to draw the game as they have a superior goal difference.

Meanwhile, Conor Coady, Jack Robinson and Conor Thomas have been called up by England U18s for the development match away to Italy on Tuesday, April 12.

Gerrard Eyes Reds Return

Steven Gerrard is hoping to make his return from a groin injury in Liverpool's next game against West Bromwich Albion.

The midfielder underwent a groin operation earlier in March and was initially expected to be sidelined for a month.

The injury forced Gerrard to miss England's Euro 2012 qualifying win over Wales on Saturday, but he is ahead of schedule in his recovery.

He expects to return to full training during the week and is aiming to be involved in next Saturday's trip to The Hawthorns to face former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson's West Brom.

"It's good," Gerrard told Goals on Sunday. "I'm probably three or four days away from full training, so hopefully I'll be involved against West Brom.

"It depends on how the next three or four days go.

"Being injured is the worst part of being a footballer. It's frustrating not to be involved in a game like England v Wales at the Millennium Stadium. It's a fantastic game.

"Hopefully I'll be available for the next qualifier in the summer which is Switzerland.

"There are big games still left to play this season. It's frustrating missing games being on the treatment table so you do everything you can in your rehab and away from football to get back as quickly as possible."

Reds To Land Wigan Youngster

It's believed that Liverpool is poised to beat Chelsea to the signing of James McCarthy this summer.

The Reds tried to sign the midfielder a few years ago but Rafa Benitez's attempts to land the then 16 year old failed as he decided to stay with Hamilton at the time.

McCarthy eventually left the Scottish side to sign for Wigan and has made such an impact in his short time with the Premier League strugglers that Chelsea are believed to have failed with a £7m offer in January however they'll return with an improved offer in the summer.

With Liverpool braced to strengthen this summer the Scot, who now plays international football for the Republic of Ireland, is one of those that Kenny Dalglish has targeted and it's believed that McCarthy would come to Anfield because it's closer to his Scottish roots and he'd have a much better chance of playing first team football sooner.

Skrtel - We Can Finish Fifth

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel believes they can pip Tottenham in the race for fifth in the Premier League.

The combative central defender has seen his hopes inflated after the Reds were able to claim a 2-0 win Sunderland last week, having seen Spurs held to a draw by West Ham.

Yet Kenny Dalglish's team is still four points adrift of fifth, while Spurs have the added advantage of having a game in hand on their rivals.

Despite the obvious difficulty of the task at hand, Skrtel is drawing strength from the arduous run of games Tottenham face in order to complete their fixture list.

They are still to travel to Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, and will host Arsenal in what will be a customary competitive North London derby.

Liverpool received a huge slice of luck last week when they were awarded a fortuitous penalty when Jay Spearing was felled outside the area, however, Skrtel insists they more than deserved the win against Sunderland.

"I guess we fully deserved this result. We were the better team and we were dominant," he told the club's official website.

"It was a controversial penalty for some but this is football. They didn't have a clear chance so it is a fair result.

"Tottenham dropped two precious points and I am happy that we are closing the gap on them."

Alberto Aquilani: I Don't Know Whether I Will Remain At Juventus

Italy midfielder Alberto Aquilani has admitted that he is uncertain about his club future, revealing there are no concrete signs that he will remain at Juventus once his loan from Liverpool ends.

The 26-year-old's future is up for discussion, with reports suggesting Juve won't bow to the €16m fee being demanded from Anfield, and from the Azzurri camp in Florence, the former Roma star made it clear he doesn't yet know where he will end up next season.

"I have not had any contact with Liverpool or Juventus directors," he told the press.

"There is an agreement, and I was aware it was a loan and that things would be dealt with in May. So, I am tranquil over my future now."

Aquilani has endured a struggle this term, but feels his side is ready to salvage what they can from the campaign.

"We have many strong players and a great coach, we just need some time, and we must play the last eight games like they are finals," he said.

Steven Gerrard Says Andy Carroll And Luis Suarez Make Liverpool A Stronger Force

Club captain Steven Gerrard believes the arrivals of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez puts Liverpool in a stronger position than they were with Fernando Torres.

Admitting that he enjoyed playing with the departed Spaniard, Gerrard told Sky Sports that simply having two quality forward options means the Reds are now better equipped heading into the future.

And the Anfield hero has also been impressed with how Uruguayan Suarez has taken to his new role.

“Suarez has only played a few games but we know he will be a top player,” said Gerrard.

“Training and playing with him in his first few games he has been strong and technically good, but Fernando in his first year with us was frightening as well.

“But I think Liverpool is in a better position having two top forwards instead of one. I enjoyed playing behind Fernando but if you said I could have Fernando on form or Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez on form, I would take the two over one.”

Torres’ deadline day move to Stamford Bridge sparked a flurry of activity as the Reds were left to fill the void of the World Cup winner's departure, and Gerrard admitted the players felt disappointed by the striker’s decision to move to the capital.

He added: “We felt slightly let down, like the supporters we wanted him to stay as he is a top player. But he made his decision and we have to respect that."

Currently sidelined from club and international duty with a groin injury, the Reds skipper also believes his club was right to respond to fan’s demands for the removal of Roy Hodgson in January.

“When the Liverpool fans turn against you, you have to listen,” added Gerrard. “They are Liverpool Football Club.”

Carra Kops The Blame

Jamie Carragher believes the Liverpool players were responsible for Roy Hodgson getting the sack.

The longest-serving player at Anfield insists poor performances were the reason the club had to end the manager's reign after just six months.

Hodgson never really won over the club's supporters and won just 13 of his 31 games in charge but Carragher says the players should shoulder the blame for his sacking.

He pointed to the fact that things had not gone well the season before and the uncertainty under former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, but ultimately believes the buck stops with him and his team-mates.

"We'd finished seventh the year before which is obviously why Rafa went in the end and obviously we felt we were better than seventh and the squad was better than finishing seventh, but we were thinking with a new manager it might change," he told Goals on Sunday.

"So at that moment we were looking to build something, new players were getting involved, but you could say that Rafa had been there a long time and it was still his team really.

"But if you have not done that well for two years, it's not the manager's fault. You've got to look at the squad and ask, as a group of players, are we doing enough or are we good enough?

"Sometimes as a group you're not good enough and I think that's why new players have been brought in, in January."

Carragher believes that the sale of Javier Mascherano to Barcelona was another big factor that worked against Hodgson.

Liverpool have since sold Fernando Torres to Chelsea but with Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez coming in and the long-standing ownership issues now a thing of the past, he says Kenny Dalglish already has more of a chance than his predecessor.

"It looks good now, with Andy Carroll and Suarez and the new owners coming in," he said. "Don't forget Roy had to deal with, as did Rafa, the last owners we had.

"I think it's fair to say everyone is a lot happier now and I am sure that will make it a lot easier for Kenny."

Rams To Weigh Up Fresh Loan Inquiry For Ayala

Derby County is keen to take Liverpool defender Daniel Ayala on loan again next season.

The Rams plan to ask Liverpool about the possibility of the Spaniard making a return to Pride Park in the 2011-12 campaign.

Ayala's current loan runs to the end of the season and he has impressed since he joined Derby in February.

He has made nine appearances, including eight consecutive starts in a partnership with Shaun Barker at centre back. His composure in possession for a 20-year-old defender has caught the eye and last week he made his debut for the Spanish Under-21 side in a friendly against France in Reims.

Derby have been pleased with the way he has settled in and with his contribution in helping the team pick up valuable points.

The Rams had won only once in a dozen matches before Ayala arrived but, in the last eight games, they have won twice and drawn three.

"Is there a possibility we could see him back on loan next season? We are going to make that inquiry, certainly," said manager Nigel Clough.

"We will be speaking to Liverpool to see if there is any possibility of that happening. The only thing is that they (Liverpool) don't usually make those decisions until August.

"We need some players in before that, and we certainly need another centre half in.

"Daniel has shown us enough during his time here and we would like to take him as a loan as well next season."

Ayala will not play for Spain's under-21 team against Belarus tonight as an entirely different squad has been selected from the one which faced France last week.

End Is Not In Sight, Says Carragher As He Approaches New Appearance Achievement

Saturday, May 7 promises to be a special occasion for Jamie Carragher.

Barring injury between now and then, Liverpool’s trip to Fulham will be the day that the inspirational defender climbs into second place in the club’s all-time appearance list.

Currently level with Ian Rush (660), six more games will enable him to leapfrog another two Anfield legends in Emlyn Hughes (665) and Ray Clemence (665).

In a career packed full of heroic triumphs it will be another proud landmark.

Catching Ian Callaghan (857) maybe beyond him but the 33-year-old centre-back still has plenty more to give.

“I just want to keep playing for as long as I can,” he said. “If I’m breaking appearance records then great because it means I’m still in the side and making a contribution.

“I know Cally well and he’s a great man. That record won’t ever be broken and deservedly so.

“I’m delighted to have been at Liverpool for so long and I’m sure I’ll finish my career there. I feel privileged to do that for such a great club.

“I’ve been fortunate the managers have always taken to me. Hopefully I’ve got a couple of years to go.

“I’m always looking forward and trying to do as much as I can for the club. When my career finishes in the next two or three years then I’ll look back with pride.

“At the moment I’m still looking forward. I want to play more games and win more trophies.”

Leaving the club he first played for against Middlesbrough back in January 1997 has never entered his thoughts.

He said: “My secret is that no-one has ever come in for me!

“Why would you ever want to leave? You are playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. I’m a local lad with my family around me and I’m playing every week.

“For Steven Gerrard and I, winning things with the club you came through at means a lot more than doing it somewhere else. When you feel your family and friends are part of winning it, it means so much more.”

Carragher has lifted two FA Cups, two League Cups, the UEFA Cup and the Champions League but the trophies have dried up in recent years.

When Liverpool finished second in the Premier League in May 2009 there were high hopes it would be a springboard to success.

It didn’t happen. Rafa Benitez’s reign ended in bitter disappointment at the end of last season and then the Reds slipped further during the shortlived tenure of Roy Hodgson.

“I’ve got to give Rafa Benitez massive credit because he put me back to my position in the middle and that took me on to the next level,” Carragher said.

“But everyone knows last season didn’t go well. We had finished second the season before with 86 points and only lost twice. Subconsciously, maybe you think ‘can we do any better than that’?

“The big build up was ‘we’re going to win the league this year’. When you lose two of your first three games you know it’s not going to happen.

“We lost Xabi Alonso which was disappointing and brought in Aquilani who was injured.

A team which hadn’t quite been good enough was made weaker because we lost Alonso and his replacement wasn’t ready.

“Knowing we weren’t going to win the league affected the squad.”

Hodgson oversaw Liverpool’s worst start to a season for half a century and failed miserably to win over supporters.

However, Carragher insists the players should shoulder the blame for his departure after just six months.

“We’d finished seventh the year before which is obviously why Rafa went in the end and obviously we felt we were better than seventh,” he said.

“We were thinking with a new manager it might change. But Javier Mascherano played a few games and then we lost him. A side which had finished seventh had one of its best players taken out of it.

“At that moment we were looking to build something, new players were getting involved, but you could say that Rafa had been there a long time and it was still his team really.

“If you have not done that well for two years, it’s not the manager’s fault. You’ve got to look at the squad and ask, as a group of players, are we doing enough or are we good enough?

“Sometimes as a group you’re not good enough and I think that’s why new players have been brought in this January.

“Don’t forget Roy had to deal with, as did Rafa, the last owners we had. Everyone is a lot happier with the owners we have now and that make things easier for the manager.”

Carragher admits the appointment of Kenny Dalglish in place of Hodgson in January helped transform the mood around the club.

The defender believes the supporters’ backing for the Kop legend has contributed to the impressive return of 20 points out of 30 since he took over.

“I think with Kenny being there all of a sudden you have the fans back on-side and unfortunately Roy didn’t have that,” he said.

“At Anfield even if you go a goal down or lose the odd game you’ve still got them. They are a massive part of Liverpool - as important as the players.

“When everyone’s together we can be unstoppable. You’ve seen that in some of the cup finals. Maybe we should have lost them but we didn’t because the players and the fans were together. The fans love Kenny and respect him. If we get beat now they will probably blame us rather than the manager!”

With eight games to go, Liverpool are sixth and find themselves four points adrift of Tottenham who have a game in hand. The Reds need to force their way into the top five to qualify for Europe and Carragher is desperate to achieve that goal.

“Anfield comes alive on European nights and I’ve been fortunate to be involved in many of them,” he said. “It’s touch and go whether we get into Europe this season. I’m desperate for us to do it because they are great nights to remember when your career is finished.”

Carragher has long since been touted as a manager in the making but he’s keeping his options open.

“If I went down that road of course managing this club would be the pinnacle,” he said.

“But it’s not 100% I’m going to become a manager. I’ve been lucky that I’ve never had to move my family anywhere else and I wouldn’t want to uproot them.

“If something came up I would look at it but the older I get the less I think about doing it.”

Kenny Dalglish Does Not Want Terraces To Return

Kenny Dalglish has backed the Premier League’s refusal to support a Football Fans Federation bid to reintroduce standing areas at football grounds.

The FSF launched a petition for safe standing last week.

The Federation, which represents more than 180,000 and affiliates, are presenting the petition to Government and football authorities.

“We do think fans in the Premier League or Championship should be allowed to stand in safety as those in any other division can,” they said.

“We are not suggesting that clubs should be forced to provide safe standing areas – only that they should be allowed the choice.

“Issues around cost and feasibility should be a matter for individual clubs, not for Government.

“Many opponents to safe standing mistakenly cite Hillsborough as a reason not to allow its introduction, however the disaster was not caused by standing; the Taylor Report primarily blamed overcrowding, stadium layout and poor policing.

“It did not ban standing nor claim it was inherently unsafe.”

Liverpool manager Dalglish, however, who was Liverpool boss at Hillsborough, used his Sunday newspaper column yesterday to counter the move.

He wrote: “It is 21 years since Lord Justice Taylor’s report recommended that terracing at football grounds should be outlawed. The move was a direct response to the tragedy at Hillsborough, where 96 people went to a football match and never returned home.

“The passing of time should not be allowed to diminish the reasons behind the introduction of all-seater stadiums, which is why I’m instinctively and deeply opposed to the reintroduction of standing areas at grounds.

“I’m more in line with the Premier League stance that the benefits of all-seater stadiums far outweigh the advantages of having supporters standing in big crowds.

“From where I’m looking, the introduction of all-seater stadiums has worked. To change it, even now, is an unnecessary risk, a view only strengthened when I remember what happened at Hillsborough and what the families of the bereaved have had to endure in the months and years since then.”

Dalglish added: “Football has become a far safer sport for supporters since both terracing and fencing around the pitch were banished. There are fewer injuries and there is less hooliganism, too.

“It can’t be wrong.

“I’ve heard it argued that people are denied the right to make a choice between sitting and standing but if you asked people what the safer option would be, they would say sitting.

“And safety is not something you should take for granted. If we are safer now, it is because the recommendations of the Taylor Report were acted upon.

“The other point I’ve heard mentioned is that all-seater stadiums are bad for atmosphere. Even if that were true, would it not be right to sacrifice a little bit of atmosphere for safety?

“I don’t think the argument about atmosphere is correct anyway. You can’t deny that there have been some absolutely fantastic nights at Anfield since the stadium went all-seater.

“Yes, the famous Saint Etienne European Cup game in 1977 when you could squeeze 26,000 into the old Kop was played in a marvellous atmosphere. But it was also extremely good against Olympiakos in 2004 when Steven Gerrard rattled one in to take Liverpool through against the odds.

“People talk with some reverence about the 2005 semi-final against Chelsea when the noise and passion were incredible and sucked Luis Garcia’s shot over the line. Remember, that was in an all-seater stadium.

“Maybe some other grounds don’t have that old-fashioned atmosphere any more but if the reward is that mothers and fathers can take their children there in safety, that’s surely not a bad thing. I’d certainly be more inclined to take my son or daughter – or grandchildren nowadays! – to a match where you sit rather than stand.

“I know fans still stand in countries like Germany. But you can’t compare their situation with ours. If Germany had endured a tragedy like Hillsborough, of innocent supporters dying because they went to a football match, they would have banned standing and they would not now be talking of reversing that decision.”

Liverpool Keen On Aston Villa Winger Marc Albrighton

Liverpool is reportedly interested in Aston Villa winger Marc Albrighton and the Merseyside club may move to sign the youngster this summer.

Kenny Dalglish is keen to bring in natural wide options and may feel that due to the poor season the Midlands club has had and the reported bust ups between the boss Gerard Houllier and a number of players that he could persuade the England Under 21 international to push for a move from Villa Park to Anfield.

Having brought in Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in January Dalglish is now looking to bring players to help provide ammunition for their front line and is apparently an admirer of the 21 year old Tamworth born wide man who is now a regular in the Aston Villa starting line up.

Even though Albrighton only signed a new contract last November Liverpool may feel that they can tempt the intelligent winger and will have more chance of doing so if Aston Villa finish the season mired in a relegation battle.

Liverpool have predominantly used Maxi and Dirk Kuyt in wide role with mixed results and the club’s new owners are willing to fund significant moves in the transfer market, especially for young players with good sell on value.

Dalglish To Beat Rivals To Signing Of Wigan Star James McCarthy

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish wants to beat Chelsea to the signing of Wigan star James McCarthy – the one who got away from Anfield.

Dalglish is determined to land Glasgow-born Ireland starlet McCarthy as part of a major summer overhaul.

And the legendary manager thinks that he can persuade McCarthy to pick Merseyside ahead of London for his next move, which looks increasingly like coming at the end of the season.

Chelsea wanted to land McCarthy in January and are still in the chase for him – although the exit of director of football Frank Arnesen leaves a ­question mark over their desperation for him.

Now Dalglish, poised to get the Liverpool job full-time, has decided to home in on McCarthy who was set to sign for former boss Rafa Benitez as a kid but opted to stay with Hamilton Accies.

McCarthy has already been to Liverpool’s HQ and played in a training game – when he was just 16 – and Benitez was keen to take him only for the top prospect to decide that first-team football with Hamilton was better.

Dalglish does not want to miss out on McCarthy again and thinks he would be ideal for a new-look squad that would also include fellow Scot Charlie Adam from Blackpool. McCarthy signed for Wigan and has proved himself to be one of the best young all-round midfielders in the top flight. Chelsea are willing to pay up to £7million for him.

Liverpool will match and possibly better that if Dalglish gets the money to invest.

And he hopes the quiet lad will prefer to stay in the area rather than be drawn to the capital.

McCarthy has forged close friendships with some of the Latics team and may be happier to remain in the north west, which is also closer to his tight-knit family home in Glasgow. Wigan and Fulham have been watching Spanish striker Joaquin Alvarez, aka Quini.

Aston Villa And West Ham Battle Over Liverpool Flop

Aston Villa and West Ham United are leading the chase to buy Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole.

The 29-year-old moved to Anfield on a free transfer last summer but has struggled to adapt to life on Merseyside.

He has suffered injuries and a drop in form meaning he has not established himself in the starting line-up. Kenny Dalglish has opted to use the likes of Maxi and Dirk Kuyt out on the wings and this has led to even fewer first team opportunities than under Roy Hodgson.

Liverpool are willing to listen to offers for the England international to get him off the wage bill.

Cole is believed to be earning £90,000 a week and manager Kenny Dalglish wants to free up that money for a new signing.

Villa boss Gerrard Houllier would welcome the playmaker into his squad as he searches for a replacement for the Manchester United-bound Ashley Young.

The Frenchman sees Cole playing just off striker Darren Bent, a position that is sure to attract the former Chelsea player.

Cole could also make an emotional return to his boyhood club West Ham.

Manager Avram Grant is keen to work with him again after a brief spell together at Stamford Bridge.

Cole is still loved by the Hammers faithful and would welcome him back with open arms but any deal will depend on the Irons avoiding relegation.

English Clubs Going Gago Over Madrid Enforcer

Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton are battling to secure the signature of Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago.

The Argentine midfielder has failed to command a regular first-team place at the Bernabeu since Jose Mourinho took charge of the club.

Gago still has two years left on his contract, but he is expected to be sold during the summer with Real Madrid looking for at least £10m.

Reports in Spain suggest that Liverpool are the favourites to land his signature.

But both Harry Redknapp and David Moyes are also monitoring his progress and there could be a bidding war at the end of the season between the three clubs.

Dalglish Sets Sights On Barca Star

Kenny Dalglish has set his sights on Barcelona winger Jeffren as a potential summer transfer target as he looks to improve his squad according to the Sunday Mirror.

Jeffren made his debut for the Catalan club five years ago but will be happy to leave the side has he us a fringe player in the team and would like to play on a more regular basis.

The Liverpool boss will have to pay £9million to lure the 23-year-old winger to Anfield - that is the price that the former Spain Under-21 star has for his but-out clause.

Kop boss Dalglish, is close to agreeing at two year contract to become Liverpool manager on a permanent basis and is looking to make the squad his own.

The 60-year-old manager will be delighted to bring Jeffren to the club as a replacement for flop Joe Cole who move to the club last summer has failed to impress with his performances.

Since making his debut for the Spanish Champions five years ago Jeffren has made only 29 appearances and scored three goals in all competitions. This season he has made eight appearances and scored once.

Liverpool To Rival Juventus For Lyon’s Michel Bastos

Reports from Italy suggest Juventus have run into competition from Liverpool in their pursuit of Lyon’s flying Brazilian left back Michel Bastos.

Both the Reds and the Old Lady are looking for a quality left back option for next season, and though Juventus have been surprised by the late arrival of the Premier League side on the scene, they will still battle for the Brazilian’s signature.

Michel Bastos is expected to be sold by Lyon in the summer if they are made a lucrative offer. And with Real Madrid also having been spoken of as a potential destination, the French side are confident of realizing a high fee for the 27-year-old.

The player himself is known to fancy a new challenge after landing in France in 2006 with Lille before joining Lyon in 2009.

Liverpool are thought to have let Lyon know they would pay some €20M for Bastos, though whether the Ligue 1 giants judge this to be sufficient is unknown; Juventus would have little trouble matching it.

Roma Defender Mexes Cools Talk Of Liverpool Move

AS Roma defender Philippe Mexes has cooled talk of a move to Liverpool.

Liverpool has been linked with the Bosman prospect this past week.

"It's true that I'll be out of contract, but I am quite relaxed about the situation," Mexes told newspapers in France.

"I will wait and then evaluate all proposals. I never said I'll go anywhere, but I'll make a decision over the next few months. There is no cut-off date.

"Milan? There is talk of that, but also of a renewal with Roma or a transfer to England.

"I have nothing in particular to add, other than to say that if I did leave Roma, I'd prefer to stay in Italy. I know Serie A well and they know me, certainly more so than in France.

"I have no interest in returning to Ligue 1, not even for a big club. It's nothing to do with money. I still have much to learn and already went around France with Auxerre."

Duo Feature In Irish Win

Academy starlets Brad Smith and Adam Morgan featured for England U17s as they beat Northern Ireland 3-2 on Saturday.

Left-back Smith played the full 90 minutes and Morgan came on as a 53rd minute substitute.

Matty Regan was an unused substitute but Raheem Sterling didn't feature in the match which was played at the Stadion De Leunen, Geel, in Belgium.

England came from behind to win the opening game of the Elite Qualifying Round for the UEFA European U17 Championship Finals.

The Reds quartet will stay with England U17s for matches against Belgium on Monday and Spain on Thursday.

Capello Could Spark New Club vs Country Row By Backing Idea Of Jack Wilshere & Andy Carroll Playing For Under-21s

Three Lions coach risks angering Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and Liverpool's Kenny Dalglish by picking their stars for both senior and Under-21 Euro qualifiers in June

England manager Fabio Capello has risked angering Arsenal and Liverpool by supporting the decicion for Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll to participate in the European Under-21 Championships.

"The two young Englishmen could play in England’s Euro qualifier against Switzerland on June 4 before playing against Denmark for the Under 21s," Capello was quoted by The Mirror as saying.

"I think the decision will be between Stuart [Pearce] and the club managers. I think the Under-21s Euros are really important. The players that are here are really good players, playing with us.

"But it depends on the relationship between Stuart and the managers. I think these three players [including Tottenham’s promising full-back Kyle Walker] are really good and can make a difference if they play with the Under-21s."

Although Capello and Stuart Pearce have backed the idea, Arsenal would point to Theo Walcott’s injury two years ago which was, according to Arsene Wenger, probably sustained because of playing successively for both England outfits.