Wilson Thanks Kenny For Chance

Liverpool defender Danny Wilson has thanked Kenny Dalglish for his willingness to give young players a chance in the first team.

Wilson was signed from Rangers last summer with a view to being a player for the future but injuries and an extended Europa League campaign have seen him drafted into the squad and also the team on a few occasions.

The 19-year-old, who has had to play out of position at left-back instead of the centre, was pressed into action last weekend in the defeat at West Brom after injuries to Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger.

He has a chance of starting against Manchester City at Anfield on Monday, although that may depend on whether Fabio Aurelio is deemed match fit having returned to training last week after a month on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.

"With Kenny it's good for players like me to see the manager is willing to put young players in the side on a regular basis," said Wilson.

"His attitude seems to be 'If you're good enough, you're old enough'.

"Since he's come in he's given me four games and I'm happy with that.

"Some of the young lads have also had a chance too. It's up to us to take those opportunities."

With the injuries affecting the squad Dalglish admits some fringe players are going to get a chance.

"Out of somebody's misfortune always comes good fortune for somebody else," said the Reds boss.

"For certain players they'll be closer to getting a game in the first team than what they would have been if the lads had been fit."

For Wilson this season has been a learning curve and he has been closely watching veteran defender Jamie Carragher, who moved up to fourth in the club's all-time appearance list after his 661st run-out last weekend.

"The way he works, his professionalism and his approach to training is second to none, so it's not really a surprise to hear he's played that many times," he told LFC Weekly.

"When you see him every day you see how good he is and how he's got himself to where he is.

"He's an example of what a young player needs to do."

Liverpool Legend Makes Anfield Return

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has made a sensational return to his former club after a spell playing in the Australian A-League.

The ex-Reds striker who now plays for Perth Glory has been training with Liverpool in a bid to maintain his fitness during the close-season.

With the new campaign not due to start until October, Fowler has joined the backroom staff at League One side MK Dons, and will also spend time at League Two Bury assisting caretaker manager Richie Barker in a coaching capacity.

But despite having taken some steps towards becoming a coach after he retires, Liverpool's former No.9 is set to play out one more season in Australia before hanging up his boots once and for all.

Anfield coach Pep Segura spoke of his great admiration for Fowler who displayed a 'great attitude' as he trained with the reserve team squad yesterday.

"It is beneficial to Robbie because we can help him stay sharp. He is a professional and his behaviour on the pitch was fantastic."

And the Spaniard believes that Robbie's presence can have a significant impact on Liverpool's promising youngsters.

"Everybody responded well and it was a great moment for them to have the chance to train with a Liverpool legend.

"His attitude was great and he was the perfect example for our lads. He will train with us again and could be with us for the week that follows."

Liverpool Owners Reveal Talks With Kenny Dalglish Over Long-Term Deal Began Weeks Ago

Liverpool opened talks with Kenny Dalglish over the permanent managerial position three weeks ago, a senior official at Fenway Sports Group, the consortium who own the Anfield side, has confirmed.

The Scot was appointed on a temporary basis after succeeding Roy Hodgson in January and, despite Liverpool’s vastly improved form in the Premier League and a groundswell of support among the club’s fans, has yet to be given the job full-time.

It had been feared FSG — who had been expected to confirm Dalglish’s ascension after promoting Damien Comolli to director of football and Ian Ayre to managing director last month — were wavering over whether to hand Dalglish the post, but Sam Kennedy, the group’s president, insists nothing could be further from the truth.

“The conversations are happening now with the appropriate people,” he said. “Ian Ayre, Damien Comolli and the ownership. But I do think [Dalglish] has provided a great lift. He is a wonderful man, passionate about the club.”

That lift will be required to steer Liverpool through the final seven games of their season with little or nothing left to play for, beyond pride, and without Steven Gerrard, their captain, ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a groin injury.

Carroll Loving Suarez Link-Up

Andy Carroll is confident of forging a lethal strike partnership with fellow new arrival Luis Suarez at Liverpool.

The Reds may have sold Fernando Torres to Chelsea for £50million on deadline day in January but they moved to bring in reinforcements in the shape of Carroll and Suarez.

Supporters have had to wait patiently to get a glimpse of the pair in action together, with Carroll's debut delayed by a thigh injury.

However, the former Newcastle man has started the last two matches alongside Suarez, who already has two goals to his credit.

Carroll has yet to get off the mark for his new club but is excited about the prospect of linking up with the Uruguayan on a regular basis.

He feels they are already developing a decent understanding, saying: "It's been good. In training we've been on the same team and working hard together.

"We've played a couple of games together now which has been promising, so I am looking forward to it.

"As you can see, Luis is fast, can get around people and has fast feet, and he has shown he can finish.

"As we continue to train together, he'll get to know my movements as much as I will know his.

"I'm positive we can score lots of goals for the club. I'm hoping it will be any time now that I will get a goal, and he will probably give me the assist."

The England striker, who scored his first international goal in only his second appearance in last week's friendly against Ghana, is still recovering from being sidelined for more than two months.

It is likely Liverpool will not see the best of the 22-year-old until next season but he is determined to make an impact before the end of the current campaign.

"I feel I am getting towards full fitness," he added.

"I am working hard on it and I am in the gym most days doing extra work.

"I am pushing towards it now and hopefully in the game I should be ready to go.

"It was just a great feeling to score a goal again (for England) after a long injury.

"A goal for Liverpool is what I am waiting for. It's going to be great because the fans have given me a brilliant reception without scoring a goal, and now I can't wait to get a goal and make everyone happy."

La Liga Winger Encourages Liverpool & Arsenal Interest

Valencia are reportedly preparing to sell Pablo Hernandez, with the winger targeting a move to either Liverpool or Arsenal.

According to tribalfootball.com, Los Che is ready to cash in on the 25-year-old in the summer and Hernandez would ideally like to pursue a switch to the Barclays Premier League.

It has been claimed that would prefer to join Liverpool or Arsenal - and both clubs have been linked with the Spaniard in the past.

The Mirror initially reported that Liverpool were chasing Hernandez and were considering making a formal offer for the £10 million-rated attacker when the transfer window reopens in June.

Liverpool Target Willian Flattered By Premier League Interest

Liverpool winger target Willian has admitted his interest in a move to the Barclays Premier League.


The 22-year-old Brazilian has emerged as a target for a number of top clubs around Europe after a string of impressive performances for Shakhtar Donetsk, and the player can't hide his desire over a move to England.


"The Premier League is really, really strong. That's why so many Brazilian players want to go there," the forward told the Daily Mirror.


"It is flattering to hear teams such as Chelsea and Liverpool could be watching me.


"Every time I get the chance I watch Liverpool. They are a very important club and a lot of players would jump at the chance to play for them."


A product of the Corinthians youth system, Willian joined Donetsk in 2007 on a five-year deal and has gained experience in the Europa and Champions League during his time in the Ukraine.

Emmanuel Adebayor Could Move To Liverpool This Summer

On loan Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor will move to Real Madrid permanently this summer according to talkSPORT.

The deal hinges on whether or not Los Blancos can win a major trophy this season - either La Liga or the Champions League.

Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has been impressed by Adebayor since he moved to the Bernabeu on loan in the recent January transfer window.

Liverpool reportedly made an enquiry as to the possibility of bringing the out of favour Eastlands star to Anfield in January, with the then newly appointed Reds boss Kenny Dalglish keen to strengthen his attacking options.

However, his attempts were thwarted by Barclays Premier League rivals City who instead favoured sending Adebayor abroad to avoid the risk of strengthening their domestic competitors.

Liverpool are expected to review the former Togo international's situation at the end of the season, and if Madrid fail in their trophy pursuit, or are unwilling to stump up the cash – thought to be in the region of £15million.

Then Anfield could end up being the next destination for the former Arsenal striker, nicknamed 'baby Kanu' by Gunners fans due to his resemblance to his predecessor Nwankwo whom Adebayor idolised as a youth.

After the January acquisition of a new look striker partnership Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll for a combined fee totalling nearly £60million, the spending looks set to continue by Liverpool owners Fenway Sport Group.

Led by founder John W.Henry, the new regime is overseeing a revamp to the Anfield squad in a bid to return the once great club to its former glories and may start summer proceedings with the capture of Adebayor.

Hamburg Will Listen To Offer For Eljero Elia

Liverpool winger target Eljero Elia could leave Hamburg this summer, according to the club.

Technical director Bastian Reinhardt admitted the Bundesliga side would like to keep the Dutch international within their ranks, but claimed that they will listen to 'good offers' for the player.

“In sporting terms we would like to keep him, but when we receive a good offer…” Reinhardt told newspaper BILD.

The paper went on to claim that an offer in the region of £12 million will be enough to prize the former FC Twente speedster away from the Imtech Arena.

Liverpool were heavily linked with a move for the player in the summer, with Elia impressing watching scouts with a handful of impressive cameo performances for Holland in the World Cup on route to the final.

Former Anfield chief Roy Hodgson was also linked with a move for the player in the opening days of January, but the then Liverpool manager received his marching orders and an offer never materialized.

Whilst it's unknown if Kenny Dalglish has followed up the interest, director of football Damien Comolli is believed to be an admirer of the player and could play a role in trying to bring the player to Merseyside.

Dalglish has been linked with a number of wingers in recent weeks, and both he and Comolli have said that additions will be made to the Liverpool playing staff in the summer. Ashley Young, Matt Jarvis and Sylvain Marveaux are just three of the players thought to be on the club's radar.

A left back and central midfielder are also thought to be of priority for the Liverpool legend-come-manager, and the Scot appears set for a busy period in the transfer market at the end of the season.

Taye Taiwo Could Be On His Way To Anfield This Summer

Want-away Marseille defender Taye Taiwo has confirmed he will be leaving the Ligue 1 giants at the end of the current season reports skysports.com.

The 25-year-old left back went on to say that he knows where he will be heading in the summer, but refrained from revealing the identity of the club he expects to turn out for next campaign.

Liverpool has long admired Taiwo who has spent the past seven years at Stade Velodrome, with Reds boss Kenny Dalglish prioritizing a solution to somewhat of a problem position at Anfield.

After snubbing numerous offers of a new deal, Taiwo said it was time for a new challenge in his career, but admitted it would be a wrench to leave the club he has grown with.

In a press conference to confirm his departure, the Nigerian international said:

"Thanks to the fans of Marseille, thanks to [Steve] Mandanda for all the saves he has made, thanks to my good friend [Stephane] Mbia.

"I would also like to thank my manager Dider Deschamps, who has been great, but I have made my mind up to leave this club.

"I already know where I want to go, but nothing has been concluded as yet. There are still some minor details which will be ironed out soon."

In addition to Liverpool's interest, AC Milan and Bayern Munich have both been monitoring Taiwo's situation, and it remains unclear at this stage which club have stepped up their interest in this heavily coveted transfer target.

Liverpool have been linked with a whole host of left sided defenders, including Fabio Coentrao, Gael Clichy, and Jose Enrique, and Reds fans will be waiting with baited breath to see who they bring to Anfield in the summer.

Lyon Left-Back Snubs Liverpool

Liverpool face a battle to sign Aly Cissokho after the French defender revealed he is happy to stay at Lyon.


Cissokho is rated one of the best defenders in Europe and has also been attracting interest from Juventus and Inter Milan.


Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is hoping to strengthen his squad at the end of the season and is being strongly tipped to make a move for the 23-year-old.


Cissokho admits he is flattered by all the interest but is refusing to get carried away by all the speculation surrounding his long-term future.


Cissokho said: "I have arrived at Lyon and things have not gone badly for me. I have got into the France team and I am thankful for the confidence they have shown in me.


"I am not thinking about interest from other clubs."

Juventus Ask Liverpool For £3.5m Discount On Alberto Aquilani

Juventus are keen on signing Alberto Aquilani on a permanent basis but want Liverpool to significantly reduce their asking price.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims dialogue has been opened between the two clubs as they attempt to resolve Aquilani's future following his loan move to Italy last summer.

The 26-year-old's current deal expires in June and while it seems likely that he will stay Serie A a fee remains a sticking point.

Liverpool want around £14 million for him, but the Bianconeri are only willing to stretch to £10.5m as they try to bargain on the option they have to sign him as part of the loan agreement.

But that's not all that stands in their way, as the former Roma midfielder would have to reduce his earnings too, which currently amount to £3m per annum.

Aquilani has scored twice in 27 games this season for Juve, who are currently seventh in Serie A and take on Genoa at the Olimpico this weekend.

The Turin club have recently been linked with a move for AC Milan's Andrea Pirlo should Aquilani return to Anfield.

LFC Announce Asia Summer Tour

Liverpool FC is delighted to announce the Club will be travelling to Asia this summer for a pre-season tour sponsored by Standard Chartered that will include games in China, Malaysia and Korea.

The Reds enjoy fantastic support in Asia and this summer's visit follows the hugely successful 10-day pre-season tour of Thailand and Singapore in 2009.

The team will take on opposition in Guangzhou, play a game in Kuala Lumpur, and then move to Seoul for the final fixture of the three-match tour in July.

"Whenever we go to Asia, the fans are always amazing," said Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard. "The supporters over there are fanatical about Liverpool and it's great that we can give so many of them a chance to come and watch the team play."

The Club's Managing Director Ian Ayre said: "The last tour in 2009 was a real success and we're delighted that we are returning this summer after a break last year due to the FIFA World Cup. Nothing beats watching the team live and by visiting China, Malaysia and Korea, we are allowing fans from all three countries to experience just that. We will work closely with our main sponsor Standard Chartered and our other partners in the region to ensure we can deliver our best ever pre-season tour."

Gavin Laws, Group Head of Corporate Affairs at Standard Chartered, said: "We are very excited about Liverpool FC's Asia tour. It is fantastic news for Liverpool FC's fans in Asia and yet another sign of the commitment of the Club and Standard Chartered to the region. We are looking forward to some great football in July."

Dalglish: Why Players Deserve Praise

Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to his players for keeping Liverpool's fight for a European place alive.

When the manager took over the Anfield reins in January, thoughts of a place in the top six looked optimistic, but a turnaround in form saw the Reds quickly climb the table.

Despite Saturday's 2-1 defeat at West Bromwich Albion, Dalglish's charges are still just five points behind Tottenham Hotspur in the chase for fifth place - and Harry Redknapp's side have yet to visit Anfield.

While the manager prefers not to look too far ahead, insisting his only concern is Monday's crunch Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester City, he believes his squad deserve a great deal of credit for the way they have responded since he returned to the hotseat.

Dalglish told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I still don't think sixth place is the position we actually want to be in, but credit to the players because there have only been two transfers out and two in, and the lads that have got us to where we are deserve great credit for it.

"I don't think they could have done much more. I think they've done more than they possibly could.

"We've won some games maybe people thought we couldn't win and we've lost other games we thought we should win, but at the end of the day, as we keep saying, we will add up the points at the end of the season and see where we are.

"If we were to finish sixth it would be an achievement for the players that they have got that far in such a short space of time but we just need to keep going and see what happens.

"The Tottenham game is our second to last match of the season but we are only looking as far ahead as Man City, because as we've always said the next game is the most important one and that's all we can concentrate on.

"Whatever happens between now and when we play Aston Villa, which is our last game, will dictate whether we are closer to Tottenham or further away.

"We will just put all our energy towards getting a result against Manchester City first."

With no midweek fixture and no game until Manchester City visit Anfield on Monday, Dalglish has had time to work with his squad and prepare them thoroughly for the clash with Roberto Mancini's outfit.

The boss believes spirits are high in the camp, with the players itching to get back out on the field and produce a good response to Saturday's defeat at the Hawthorns.

He added: "We've had a strange week really, a 3pm kick-off at West Brom on Saturday and then a free week but the boys are still training well and preparing.

"If there is anyone with a couple of bumps and bruises then it gives them the opportunity to get rid of them and be fit, but the way our luck is going at the moment we'll probably pick something up in training on Sunday morning.

"I don't know whether it's beneficial or detrimental because after a defeat you want to get back out there and play a game as quickly as you can just to get the taste out of your mouth.

"We've not had that opportunity but we've had the opportunity of getting Jonjo Shelvey fitter with his outing for the reserves and having Fabio Aurelio back.

"The players were disappointed to lose the game at West Brom but they have trained really well, so we'll get ourselves ready and the closer we get to Monday's game the more preparation we will do."

French Winger Set For Reds

Skysports.com understands Liverpool have agreed a pre-contract to sign Rennes midfielder Sylvain Marveaux.

Marveaux, who is out of contract at Rennes at the end of the season, has been a long-term target for the Reds.

Rennes are resigned to losing the 24-year-old when his contract expires and Liverpool are thought to have agreed a deal to bring Marveaux to Anfield.

The Premier League outfit is thought to have beaten off interest from a number of clubs to land the highly-rated winger.

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Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is keen to bolster his options in wide areas and he sees Marveaux as someone who will help provide ammunition for new strikeforce Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli has been pushing for a deal for Marveaux and he is expected to be the first of many arrivals at Liverpool this summer.

Liverpool Look To Benfica Winger To Provide Carroll Service

Liverpool are reportedly closely monitoring Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan as they ramp up their search for potential summer acquisitions.

The 23-year-old Argentina international moved to Benfica from Boca Juniors last summer and has scored seven times during his debut season in Portugal.

According to the Mirror, Liverpool has dispatched scouts to compile a report on the fleet-footed attacker and a bid for Gaitan's services could be in the offing.

Liverpool is known to be keen to bring wide players to Anfield who can produce quality delivery that will optimize the performances of Andy Carroll.

The Reds are seemingly lacking much natural width and Damien Comolli has previously stated that Liverpool are after more potent options to play on the flanks.

Along with Gaitan, Liverpool are also said to be chasing Sevilla wideman Diego Perotti and Aston Villa's Ashley Young - with the latter also a reported target for Manchester United.

Liverpool Lead Race For Andre Ayew Signature

Liverpool is interested in Olympique Marseille winger Andre Ayew.

The 21-year-old Ghana international signed a new deal with Marseille until 2014 only last year.

Ayew’s qualities suit Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish, who has confirmed plans to buy wingers in the summer.

Arsenal have also been linked with Ayew, the son of Abedi Pele, but Marseille sources say Liverpool is now in pole position – with their French football chief Damien Comolli driving negotiations.

Liverpool Linked With Moves To Capture £22m Ajax Pair

Fresh from capturing Luis Suarez from Dutch giants Ajax, Liverpool are reportedly preparing a moves to sign two more of the club’s top talents. Anfield director of football Damien Comolli is keen on bringing in highly rated defender Jan Vertonghen whilst continuing to pursue Danish teenager Christian Eriksen.

Liverpool’s owners are ready to hand Kenny Dalglish significant transfer funds this summer with the emphasis on youthful additions who can be the nucleus of a new era for the Merseyside club and with that in mind the club secured the likes of Suarez and Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll.

With two of Liverpool’s centre back’s being the wrong side of 30, Jamie Carragher and Sotiris Kyrgiakos, a move for talented Belgian international Jan Vertonghen would make a great deal of sense. The 23 year old can play in a number of positions and is a determined centre back who also thrives as a defensive midfielder and with almost 200 top level appearances to his name has a great deal of experience.

The likes of Arsenal and Man United have also been linked with moves for the powerfully built determined customer who is said to be valued at around £8-10m. Given that Ajax are experiencing financial problems that could be worsened if they once again fail to secure Champions League football next term, then deals could be had a bargain prices.

Christian Eriksen is a player that Liverpool have been monitoring for some time now and the and the 19 year old attacking midfielder is rightly considered one of the hottest prospects in his age group. Already a regular in the Danish international set-up, the talented flair player may be persuaded to leave Holland if he felt that a move could further his career.

A move to Liverpool could appeal to teenager but the hopes of nabbing Eriksen could be hampered by the apparent interest from Barcelona.

Comolli & Dalglish Plot Stunning Transfer For Spanish Pair

Kenny Dalglish and Damien Comolli are trying to right a wrong that goes back quite a while at Anfield, the clubs of width has inhibited them for a while, and with their new Geordie giant it really is time they sorted out that problem.

It appears that the Liverpool club has made a winger their top priority this summer as they look to build a more competitive side for next season’s campaign. They are believed to have made Jesus Navas their top priority with long term target Diego Perotti as a fall back plan.

Navas has been at Sevilla since he joined their academy in 2000 when he was just 15. He came through the ranks and played a while for the clubs ‘b’ side before breaking into the first team during the 03-04 campaign. He became a regular for the 04-05 season and from there he has never looked back. His success with Sevilla has brought about international caps, he is now an important member of the national setup and he was involved in Spain’s success at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Navas is known for his excellent dribbling skills and his quick feet, he is capable of taking on a man and beating them. He is exactly the sort of player that Liverpool has been missing. Although he is most comfortable on the right, he can play down the left if required.

Liverpool have identified a list of wide men for next season and Navas is their first choice, if they can’t convince him to move it is believed that their second choice is team mate at Sevilla Diego Perotti. Obviously it is unlikely that Sevilla would sell both of them, however with the Spanish clubs financial problems it is thought that they would be persuaded to sell one, and Navas is the man that Kenny Dalglish has his heart set on.

There is a slightly less glamorous third option should they capture neither of the Sevilla wide man and that is Wolves winger Matt Jarvis, but it is believed that the flair and creativity that would come with the Spaniards make them far more desirable to the Liverpool hierarchy.

The Anfield club is desperate for width this summer and with one of these 2 they will have secured one of the best widemen in Europe and that will be of massive help to them moving forward and it could actually demonstrate quite a coup for the Merseyside club.

Agger Ruled Out For The Rest Of Season

Liverpool's defensive crisis was exacerbated yesterday by news that Daniel Agger will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Manager Kenny Dalglish confirmed that he would be without the Denmark international for Liverpool's final seven matches. Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly will both miss the next three weeks, as Liverpool struggle for defenders ahead of Monday's game against Manchester City.

Agger was injured in the first half of Saturday's 2-1 defeat at West Bromwich Albion, and Dalglish yesterday said that the 26-year-old would not be able to train for the next few months. "Daniel has a problem with the tendon behind his knee and won't be involved again this season," Dalglish said. "He'll be out for a couple of months before he can start training."

The defensive injury problems were not limited to Agger, however, as Dalglish explained with reference to Johnson and Kelly: "Glen Johnson has a hamstring problem which is usually about three or four weeks and it's the same for Martin Kelly.

"It's disappointing for the players because they want to play in every game," said Dalglish. "We're getting towards the end of the season but if you're injured you're injured. We feel for them but the most important people at the football club are the ones who are fit and able to play. We have to get on with what we've got. Fabio Aurelio and Jonjo Shelvey are training again and David Ngog had a game for the reserves on Monday. So we've lost some but we've got a few back"

Dalglish also confirmed that there would be further tests on Steven Gerrard's hamstring injury. The Liverpool captain was hoping to return at West Brom following a groin operation but suffered a recurrence in training on Friday. "We will know about Steven at the end of the week. He will be assessed and we'll see what the story is," Dalglish added.

LeBron James Joins Liverpool

United States basketball star LeBron James has become a minority stakeholder in Liverpool after signing a representation deal with club owners Fenway Sports Group.

The Wall Street Journal claims that FSG has struck a deal to partner the Miami Heat player's sports-marketing firm, LRMR Branding & Marketing, to become his exclusive worldwide representative.

The newspaper said Maverick Carter, chief executive of LRMR, had expressed his desire to build James' portfolio internationally and find opportunities for him to gain equity in companies throughout the world as his commercial interests have largely been limited to sponsorship and endorsement deals.

The report also said James received an undisclosed minority stake in Liverpool as part of the deal.

''We're not interested in talent or athlete representation but we think he is one of the most remarkable athletes of his time,'' FSG - and Liverpool - chairman Tom Werner told the paper. ''We believe we can open doors for LeBron and LeBron can open doors for us.

''Without purchasing Liverpool, we never would have been able to have this conversation.''

James, 26, said: ''The first time I stepped on an NBA court I became a businessman. This is a great opportunity for me.''

Referring to Liverpool's title honours James added: ''Eighteen championships. I see myself trying to do the same things they have.''

James is also going into business with the Boston Red Sox, as FSG is also the parent company of the Red Sox and a co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing.

"What FSM does for Roush Fenway, Liverpool and the Red Sox, we will now do for LeBron James," Fenway Sports Marketing (a sister company of FSG) president Sam Kennedy said. "We will aggressively pursue business opportunities for him.

"We are fortunate to have blue-chip brands like the Red Sox, Liverpool and Roush Fenway. This represents the next step in our evolution, to represent one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet."

John Henry Admits He Was Shocked By Liverpool's Lack Of Depth And Wage Bill

Liverpool owner John Henry has admitted he was shocked by the sky-high wage bill the club was paying for a squad suffering from a chronic lack of depth and quality when his Fenway Sports Group consortium completed their takeover at Anfield in October.

The last set of accounts released by the club showed that Liverpool paid more than £100 million on salaries — at the time, the third highest in the Premier League — for the 2008/09 season. That figure is likely to have increased by the time FSG paid £300 million to buy the club last year.

But Henry has acknowledged that the biggest concern of the group was quite how little on-pitch class that outlay had secured Liverpool.

“The worst surprise was the lack of depth in the squad,” Henry told FourFourTwo magazine. “Our biggest concern in taking on this responsibility was this issue and it was a bigger issue than we feared. There was a huge multi-year pay-roll for a squad that had very little depth.”

Solving that problem is likely to be FSG’s priority in what Damien Comolli, Liverpool’s director of football, believes will be an immensely “busy” summer of transfer activity.

Though the club’s new owners will continue to recruit after making clear their intentions in January — signing Luis Suárez and Andy Carroll as Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel departed — FSG believes the wage bill has to present better value for money.

A number of first-team squad players are expected to leave the club to balance the books, with the likes of Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Fabio Aurelio, Milan Jovanovic and Joe Cole all likely to be available, as well as Alberto Aquilani, Paul Konchesky and Emiliano Insua, all currently on loan from Anfield.

How thin the squad available to Kenny Dalglish remains, despite the club’s vast wage outlay, is highlighted by the fact that the Scot is so stretched for defenders — with concerns continuing over injuries sustained by Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson in the defeat at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday — that he is considering drafting two Academy players into his squad.

Both left-back Jack Robinson, Liverpool’s youngest-ever player at 16 years and 250 days when he came on as a substitute against Hull City last May, and John Flanagan, a teenage right-back, have been involved with first-team squads this season but both may now be handed the chance to offer the club’s supporters a glimpse of the future over the coming weeks.

With Martin Kelly and Aurelio also missing, Dalglish only has four defenders — Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Kyrgiakos and Danny Wilson — fit for Monday’s visit of Manchester City.

Henry, Comolli and Dalglish are well aware that such a dearth of resources cannot be allowed to happen again if the club are to fulfil the American’s vision of a 20th league championship in the near future.

“Our number one priority is to win the Premier League title,” explained Henry. “That is what we take with us each day to work as the force that drives us to excel. If we can accomplish that we will have put ourselves in a position to be successful on all fronts including Europe. Success is winning championships. It is nothing less than that.”

Liverpool FC Will Get Top Stars, Insists Comolli

Liverpool’s Director of Football, Damien Comolli, says he is confident he can convince football’s top stars to join the club this summer – despite not having the lure of Champions League football.

Furthermore, Liverpool may miss out on qualification for Europe altogether with hopes of finishing in the Premier League’s top five diminishing.

But Comolli is confident this summer will be a big one for the Reds on the transfer window, and the club remains a very attractive outfit to join.

“There will be movement (this summer),” he said.

“We are very attractive because of what we did in January and a game like that [against Man Utd in March]. Since the day after I was getting phone calls from agents telling me that their player would love to come and that we’re going to compete next year if we get it right. We want to bring top players to this club.”

Comolli also hinted that there will be a focus on a younger generation of players coming through, bridging the gap between the first team and what is happening at Liverpool’s Academy.

“A big part of my job is to make sure that there is a pathway between the Academy and the first team,” he added.

“If there is a big talent in one particular position in the reserves or the youth team, we need to anticipate that there will be room for him in the first team.

“If there is a very good young full-back we need to make sure we do not sign another player in front of him from outside.

“That’s the strong message I give to the staff at the Academy and the scouts, don’t push players in a position where we already have a talented player. If we did then we may as well shut down the Academy.”

Liverpool And Everton Chase Sevilla Winger Diego Perotti

Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Sevilla winger Diego Perotti with great interest, but will face competition from Everton in their pursuit of the Argentine.

According to talkSPORT, scouts from the Merseyside rivals have been to the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán to watch the 22-year-old in action and have been 'highly impressed' by his performances.

Reportedly valued at £16 million, Perotti could be available in the summer should Sevilla's demands be met - with Liverpool seemingly more likely to meet the valuation than Everton.

The Toffees' financial constraints have been well-documented while, conversely, Liverpool demonstrated their financial clout in January with the acquisitions of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group are expected to back Kenny Dalglish - or whoever the permanent manager may be next season - with significant transfer funds as they further look to transform fortunes at Anfield.

The signing of Perotti would certainly signify positive intent from the Liverpool owners, with the potential completion of a deal representing quite a coup for the Anfield club.

Liverpool are known to be keen to add more penetration on the flanks and the signing of Perotti would go some way to Damien Comolli achieving his objective.

Liverpool Set Sights On QPR Starlet Adel Taarabt

Liverpool are reportedly interested in QPR playmaker Adel Taarabt who has been in fine form this season helping the West London side to the brink of return to the top flight after an absence of 15 years. The Moroccan international has been a big hit since his arrival from Tottenham and is now being trailed by a number of Premier League sides.

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli is keen on bringing the former Lens man to Anfield and was the man who brought the young attacker to White Hart Lane in 2007 and is more than aware of what the talented youngster is capable of.

QPR boss Neil Warnock has talked of his concerns that a big club could come in and make an offer that would tempt Taarabt to leave Loftus Road and with the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle United said to be interested the emergence of Liverpool as a prospective suitor may put further weight to those fears.

Liverpool are looking to bring in more creative attacking talents and also have an eye for youthful signings with good sell on value and Adel Taarabt may helpfully fulfil all those criteria. Thus far this season the 21 year old has netted 15 goals and assisted another 15 as he has helped QPR to a seemingly unassailable nine point lead at the top of the table with eight games left to play.

£9m rated Taarabt can either play in the hole behind the strikers or on either wing and given that the likes of Joe Cole, Maxi, Milan Jovanovic and to a lesser extent, make-shift wide man Dirk Kuyt, have all failed to deliver the goods from the wide areas a move for new attacking options would appear very wise.

Liverpool FC Owners Urged To Splash The Cash To Sign Cahill

Liverpool legend John Aldridge has called on the club's owners to embark on a summer spending spree.

And the former Kop hit man has earmarked Bolton's Gary Cahill as one of the players which Fenway Sports Group must lure to Anfield in order to kick-start the Reds' rebuilding process.

Aldridge believes that the England international would 'fit the bill' with Liverpool's defence currently ravaged by injury; a problem heightened during Saturday's defeat at West Brom when Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson were both withdrawn before the half-hour mark.

Cahill has been a target of both Liverpool and Arsenal in recent months following his rise to prominence since arriving from Aston Villa in 2008.

Former Republic of Ireland international Aldridge also believes that Kenny Dalglish's side lack options in wide positions, reducing the amount of goalscoring opportunities presented to Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez - the Americans' first key purchases since becoming owners.

“The defeat at West Brom only told us what we all already knew – Liverpool’s squad is in urgent need of strengthening this summer,” he told the Liverpool Echo.

“Kenny Dalglish has done a great job since he took over but he can only do so much with the players he has available. When Dalglish is confirmed as the permanent manager he will address those problem areas but he needs a lot of cash to do that.

“We need a left-back and we also have a problem at centre-back which needs addressing at some point.

“There’s talk of Liverpool going in for Bolton’s Gary Cahill this summer and I think someone of his stature would certainly fit the bill.

“The lack of width in the side sticks out like a sore thumb. We desperately need someone capable of beating a man and providing crosses for Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez. We’ve got a strike force to be proud of now but we need to improve what’s behind them.

“We could do with five players but there’s no point bringing in squad players. We’ve got enough of them. What we need is top drawer players in order to take the club forward."

Fabio Aurelio In Line For Return From injury

Fabio Aurelio is in contention to ease Liverpool’s defensive headache ahead of next Monday’s clash with Manchester City at Anfield.

The Brazil left-back is on the comeback trail after a month out with a torn hamstring he suffered in the home win against Manchester United.

Aurelio, below, has endured an injury-plagued season and has made just 10 starts in all competitions since re-signing for the Reds last summer.

However, his return to training is timely with boss Kenny Dalglish currently without defenders Martin Kelly, Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger.

Dalglish is still waiting to discover the extent of the damage to Johnson (hamstring) and Agger (knee) who both limped off early on in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at West Brom.

The manager is also sweating on Steven Gerrard (groin) with a scan set to reveal the severity of the setback the skipper sustained in training last Friday. As well as Aurelio, Dalglish could turn to talented teenagers Jack Robinson and John Flanagan to bolster his back four.

The two reserve team regulars were omitted from the second string’s 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa last night and are expected to train with the first team this week.

Left-back Robinson, 17, is the youngest ever player to feature for Liverpool following his cameo at Hull City in May 2010, while right-back Flanagan, 18, is yet to make his senior debut but has been an unused substitute in three Europa League games this season.

Dalglish has spoken highly of both in recent months and has vowed to give youth the chance to shine at Anfield.

Home-grown talent like Kelly and Jay Spearing have flourished following the Scot’s appointment in January, with his faith in them richly repaid.

Agent Clarifies Honda Future

Sport.co.uk understands that CSKA Moscow striker Keisuke Honda will not be leaving the club in the summer despite rumoured interest from Liverpool, Arsenal and AC Milan.

On the back of the Japanese international’s superb performances at the World Cup finals last summer, the 24-year-old was lauded as the player of the tournament by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who alongside Kenny Dalglish and Serie A giants AC Milan, have been perpetually credited as admirers of the precocious youngster.

The Osaka born forward, who was named the Most Valuable Player at the recent Asia Cup in January, will reportedly stay in the Russian Premier League for the foreseeable future according to his agent.

“There is no progress with Keisuke (Honda). He is a CSKA Moscow player and he will stay a CSKA Moscow player.” Kees Ploegsma explained to Sport.co.uk.

“The simple fact is he has a contract at CSKA Moscow and he will be honouring that and staying with the club. I can tell you nothing more than he will be staying in Moscow.”

The talented frontman, who signed a 4-year-deal with the Russian giants after moving from Dutch club VVV-Venlo in 2010 for an undisclosed fee, will continue to spearhead the Russian club’s attack next year.

Honda started his career at Gamba Osaka, the same club as former Arsenal player Junichi Inamoto, before moving onto Nagoya Grampus Eight, the club from whom Arsene Wenger joined the Gunners in 1996.

Barcelona Planning Fresh Swoop For Liverpool FC Man

Barcelona is attempting to re-sign Liverpool academy coach Rodolfo Borrell.

Borrell ended his 13-year association with the Catalan giants in summer 2009 to become a core part of Rafael Benitez's new-look youth set-up, and the sterling work undertaken at the club's centre of operations in Kirkby has not gone unnoticed by his former employers.

During his time at the La Masia academy, he oversaw the development of youngsters at all levels and has been credited with Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique's graduation to the first team ranks at the Nou Camp as well as that of Everton's Mikel Arteta and Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas

Liverpool's under-18 side have remained in contention for the Premier Academy League title and closed the gap on leaders Everton with a 2-1 win over Manchester United on Monday.

But Barcelona remain hopeful of tempting the Spaniard back to La Masia after almost two years of nurturing Anfield's future, despite seeing their two previous overtures rejected.

A third offer from the runaway La Liga leaders remains on the table but the ambitious Borrell is currently settled on Merseyside and understood to prefer continuing his rise through Liverpool's coaching ranks by progressing to the role of reserve team manager in the near future.

Pep Segura, Liverpool's Academy Technical Director and one of Borrell's former cohorts at La Masia, is expected to relinquish control of the club's second string at the end of the current season, having taken temporary charge following John McMahon's departure last month.

Mixed Emotions For Segura

Pep Segura admitted he had mixed emotions after seeing his young side lose 3-1 to a strong Aston Villa outfit at Villa Park on Monday night.

Jonjo Shelvey enjoyed a 56 minute-run out as he played his first game since February after returning from a knee injury, and David Ngog played the full 90, but it was a fairly young side picked by Segura.

Villa by contrast had eight players on show who have figured for the first XI.

Marc Albrighton gave Kevin MacDonald's side the lead with a superbly struck effort before Gary Gardner made added a double, including a penalty, to make it 3-0.

Toni Silva then reduced the deficit with a superb individual effort, and despite the Reds going close on several occasions Villa got the three points.

"It was a disappointing result but in the first 15 minutes of the game we started very well and had two very clear chances through Tom Ince so it could have been a different outcome," Segura told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"We conceded two goals from two crosses which was too easy for them and that was disappointing.

"I thought the players showed a good character in the second half and played well. Okay, the result is bad and we are disappointed but I thought the players did well, particularly in the second half.

"We played with the likes of Matty Regan who is only 17 and I thought he played very well.

"For our young players to play against a good experienced team was difficult but they will learn a lot from this for the future."