Liverpool Edge Closer To £6m Barcelona Bargain

Barcelona star Ibrahim Afellay is due for talks over his future at the Nou Camp having been left frustrated by a lack of action in the team.

Liverpool was keen on the Dutchman before he moved to Barcelona in January but things have not worked out for him.

Midfielder Afellay, 25, has failed to command a regular place in the Barcelona team and has been largely restricted to a handful of cameo appearances.

And with Liverpool among those monitoring his plight in Spain, talkSPORT understands Afellay will speak with officials at the Nou Camp regarding his future in the coming weeks and if there are no assurances over his future, he will be free to leave this summer.

Many sources, including this one, believes that Ibrahim Afellay would be keen on a move to Anfield if indeed his assurances regarding first team football at the Nou Camp are not met. In many ways the former PSV Eindhoven man must have known that he would in all likelihood struggle to earn a starting spot in arguably Europe’s best performing line up.

Damien Comolli was keen on signing the 25 year old Dutch international in January and it appears that Barcelona will be willing to let the attacker leave for around £6m, which would be an absolute bargain but still helpfully doubles the amount the Catalan side paid for his services.

Liverpool could well do with the creative talent that Afellay offers and his arrival, if secured, would surely spell the end of Joe Cole’s time at the Merseyside club as the two players are very similar. The likes of Milan Jovanovic, Christian Poulsen and Paul Konchesky are all also strongly linked with Anfield exits this summer.

Juventus Target Permanent Deal For Alberto Aquilani

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that the Bianconeri are determined to engage in negotiations with Liverpool over the permanent stay of Alberto Aquilani.

The 26-year-old, who set up Luca Toni's winner in Sunday's 3-2 win over Genoa, is currently on loan from Liverpool until the end of the season.

Reports have suggested Juventus have balked at the English outfit's €16 million demands to keep him on loan, but Marotta has confirmed he is willing to listen to the Reds over negotiating the midfielder's permanent tenure in Turin.

"Aquilani has been a pleasant surprise for us because he had come from a negative period," Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

"We are satisfied for Juventus and for the way we have seen an important player [Aquilani] get into the national team.

"It's clear that on our part there is an intention to buy him. Of course, we have an option and we will see if there is a chance to trade at the right moment with Liverpool."

The Old Lady beat Genoa to keep their hopes for European action on track with their third win in a row. They are currently seventh in Serie A.

Liverpool Ready To Join The Race For Gareth Bale

Liverpool is ready to enter the race for Gareth Bale – should Tottenham make him available – it has been claimed.

The 21-year-old winger has enjoyed his best season to date with his performances for Spurs earning the Welshman nominations for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year.

And now, in somewhat surprising developments, the Sunday Express reports that Spurs would seriously consider selling their prized asset in the summer if bids in excess of £30 million are made – and Liverpool are alleged to be one of the clubs courting the youngster.

The Sunday Express continues to add that Bale is high on the wish-list of Liverpool as the transfer window approaches and the Reds will have to battle with Manchester United if they want to bring the wideman to Anfield.

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli held the same position at Spurs when Bale secured his move to White Hart Lane and the Frenchman is known to be a big fan of the Tottenham star.

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Comolli is on the lookout for more natural width at both left-back and on the left flank and is understood to have identified Bale as the perfect acquisition for Liverpool and – with significant funds expected to be available in the summer – the Anfield club could have the capabilities to test the resolve of Tottenham.

Should Liverpool formalize their interest, they are also likely to have to fight off Inter Milan in their pursuit of Bale, with the Italians having experienced the form Southampton man at his devastating best.

Bale only recently penned a new four-and-a-half year contract at White Hart Lane, but speculation over his future shows no sign of abating.

Carragher Excited By Prospects

Liverpool vice-captain Jamie Carragher admits even he is excited about the prospect of "top players" arriving at the club in the summer.

Having brought in Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez for a combined £57.8million - funded almost entirely by the sale of Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel - director of football Damien Comolli has already said he expects to have a busy summer.

There have been hints that there is money to spend and Carragher is looking forward to some new arrivals, saying: "I think there will be a feelgood factor going into the summer and the start of next season."

He added: "As players we have to look after ourselves and do our own job but we are like supporters as well, we love to see top players coming to the club and hopefully that will be the case.

"Everyone is delighted with the business we did in January and hopefully similar things will happen in the summer."

Since taking over in January manager Kenny Dalglish has effected a turnaround in performances which has seen the side beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Manchester United at Anfield.

However, they have also lost to strugglers Blackpool, West Ham and West Brom.

"It just shows you the level we can get to by beating two of the top sides," he said. "The other games, it's people who are fighting for their lives and they've got a different pressure on them to the ones at the top of the table.

"Whether it's a coincidence or something that's lacking in us, it's something we've got to find out.

"If we've got something positive or something we're good at, we're not going to tell anybody. And if we've got something we're not so good at, we're certainly not going to tell anyone either."

Dalglish: Judge Andy Carroll And Luis Suarez Next Season

Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez should be judged on their contribution next season and anything they produce this term is simply a bonus according to Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish.

The pair joined the Reds late in January and whilst Suarez was able to win over Kopites with a debut goal against Stoke, Carroll wasn’t able to wear the Reds No.9 shirt until March due to a thigh injury and is yet to break his scoring duck.

Dalglish is however adamant that the pair should be judged more vigorously in 12 months time.

"Anything we get out of them this season will be a real bonus," Dalglish told the Daily Mail. "It is good to see them getting an opportunity to play together and get an understanding and we will keep working on that.

"But this time next year would be the better time to judge that when they have had time to settle in."

The pair is expected to start in Monday’s game with Manchester City after a week in which Dalglish declared captain Steven Gerrard and Danish defender Daniel Agger will both miss the rest of the campaign.

The Liverpool boss has, however, moved to praise the attitude of his players since his arrival and believes they have shown real improvement since the turn of the year.

"I think we have paid credit to the players many times in the past and there is no need to change that," added Dalglish.

"I know we have not won every game but the attitude and commitment of the players has been superb and the way they have responded to the change [of manager] has been a great credit to them.

"Their ambitions match the club's and if they don't they won't be here.

"So it is onwards and upwards and we'll take Man City's game on Monday and see what we can get from that."

Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly will join Gerrard and Agger in the stands for the visit of City as the pair who has recently operated as wing-backs for the Reds look set to be ruled out for another month.

Despite seeing his squad down to the bare bones, 60-year-old Dalglish has no intention of taking his eye off objectives and is intent on improvement as the campaign draws to a close.

"We have never predicted anything other than we will concentrate fully on the next game,” said the Reds boss.

"I don't see any reason why you should change the habits of a lifetime - we said we would play every game, add the points up and see where we are.

"We're obviously happier being sixth than seventh but we'd also be happier being fifth than sixth.

"The football club has greater ambition than to settle for sixth spot and we'll be looking to improve on that as best we possibly can.

"We are better than sixth but we've got to prove that on the pitch.

"We have to prove on the pitch that we deserve to be higher in the table than what we are, we have to set our ambitions higher than that."

Andy Carroll Can Be A Liverpool FC Legend, Says Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool team-mate Andy Carroll has got what it takes to be a striking legend for both club and country.

The £35million frontman is expected to make his fourth start for the Reds against Manchester City at Anfield tonight.

Carroll has yet to open his account following his record-breaking switch from Newcastle in January but Carragher is confident the goals will flow.

The 22-year-old scored on his second appearance for England last month and Carragher expects him to become a permanent fixture in the national side.

“Andy has got all the attributes you need to be a top centre forward,” Carragher said.

“I can’t advise him how to do that, but if I can help him a little bit along the way, along with the coaching staff and the manager and all the other players at the club, then I will.

“Andy has done fantastically well since he has come here. Now he is in the England squad, I think he can establish himself as the country’s number nine for the next decade.

“We will be looking for him to do that for Liverpool.”

Carroll’s partnership with Luis Suarez has already shown signs of promise and Carragher insists given time they will prove to be a lethal double act.

“Andy has just come back from injury and he is still finding his feet,” he added.

“But I’m sure him and Suarez will be a fantastic combination.”

CHIVAS USA: Negotiations On With Liverpool Youth

Chivas USA's search for someone who can score and create goals has unearthed a real prospect, and now the Goats are figuring out whether they can afford him -- and whether he fits into the master plan.

Teen attacker Jason Banton, on trial the past week from Liverpool FC's youth academy, put on a show Sunday as Chivas' reserves toppled the L.A. Blues, 2-0, in a friendly at Home Depot Center's Track and Field Stadium.

He set up the first goal, hammering off the left post from a corner kick for defender Andy Boyens to finish, then scored the second, effortlessly beating Blues goalkeeper Oscar Dautt from a Victor Estupiñan through ball.

Can he play at the Major League Soccer level? Yes. Would Chivas like him on its roster? Sure. Will a deal be done? We'll see.

“It's a matter of deciding if his asking price is something that we can afford or should afford,” head coach Robin Fraser said after Sunday's game. “He's a talented young player, for sure, but like any or most 18-year-old players, there are some concerns. So we just need to weigh the whole thing and decide what is right.”

Fraser said he likes that Banton is “forward thinking, he likes to run and guys and he's pretty good at taking people on.” His concerns: “He's young, and while the boxscore will show you the goalscorer and that sort of thing, it doesn't tell the whole story. It's really a snapshot of the game. There's a statistic out there: You only have [the ball at your feed] for, like, two minutes of the 90 minutes you play. So what are you doing the other 88 minutes? These are all the things that go into that decision.”

Banton, London-born and -bred, has played in Arsenal's, Blackburn's and, since January, Liverpool's academies. He says he told his agent he wanted to look for a club overseas, and that his first choice was MLS, and less than two weeks later he was headed to Los Angeles.

“I thought I needed a change, and I need some first-team football” said Banton, who played at forward, in central midfield and in his favored position on the left flank against the Blues. “We're looking for me to stay on; obviously, just negotiating a few things, but hopefully stay on, but looking positive so far.

“It's a great club, great staff, great manager, great background. So hopefully stay on and push forward.”

Banton has seen a few Major League Soccer games. He was at Arsenal when Thierry Henry was setting standards for the Gunners and has watched a couple of his games with New York, and he's seen David Beckham with the Galaxy.

The Blues team Banton faced Sunday, which is preparing for its debut in third-tier league USL Pro next weekend, was dotted with former MLS players and a few with experience in Mexico, so if it wasn't a true reflection of what he'd face in the league, it offered at least a hint.

“It was fun. I enjoyed it,” he said. “It was a bit physical, but slowly got used to it, then just getting used to [playing with] Chivas. Hitting the post and then scoring off that just boosted my confidence, and then when I got my chance, just took it.”

Banton set up Boyens' goal in the 36th minute, hitting the base of the left post from the top of the box, then doubled the advantage in the 61st. In the final minute, he dropped into the goalmouth a free kick from left left flank with which someone like Jimmy Conrad could do a lot of damage.

Fraser says the salary cap and the club's long-term vision will influence whether Chivas signs Banton, who almost certainly would arrive in a loan deal.

“When we got the job relatively late [before camp opened], I think we looked to make some quick decisions that we thought would get us up and running, and I think we have two mindsets going on at once,” the coach said. “I don't mean to sound cryptic or evasive, but, really, that's kind of what's going on in my mind right now, all these decisions, how are they going to affect us, not just tomorrow, but how are they going to affect us next year and the year after that.

“We work in a world of finite finances. It's not like other leagues where if a player doesn't work out, go get another one. And go get another one. And keep stockpiling. We don't give the luxury of spending frivolously, so we need to look at all the financial implications.”

Lucas Calls For Dalglish Deal

Liverpool midfielder Lucas has called on the club's owners to give Kenny Dalglish the manager's job on a permanent basis.

Reds owners Fenway Sports Group have confirmed they have held initial talks with Dalglish about a long-term deal at Anfield.

Dalglish replaced Roy Hodgson on a caretaker basis in January and has helped the side get their season back on track after a disappointing spell under the previous boss.

Lucas, who recently signed a new contract at Anfield, believes Dalglish deserves the job for the work he has done so far during his second spell at the helm.

"We can all see he knows a lot about football and that everything he does is aimed at helping his staff and the players."

Liverpool To Splash Out On Jose Enrique

Liverpool will splash £15million on Newcastle defender Jose Enrique in the summer – after a frustrating four-year wait.

Ex-Kop boss Rafa Benitez tried to sign the Spaniard in 2007.

But Newcastle paid Villareal £6.3m for the left-back nicknamed The Bull and gave him a five-year contract.

Now Kenny Dalglish is hoping he’ll succeed where Benitez failed and get Enrique, 25, to provide the ammunition for his old Toon team-mate Andy Carroll.

Everton’s Leighton Baines has been strongly linked to a switch to Anfield – as revealed in last week’s Daily Star Sunday – but the Goodison club will fight to keep him out of their rivals’ grasp.

Director of football Damien Comolli has watched Enrique in action and has no doubt that he’s the left-back for Liverpool.

A deal could be pushed through in the next couple of months – providing Italian giants AC Milan don’t step in with their own bid.

Dalglish Bid To Kop Connor Wickham

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is ready to win the race for Ipswich hot-shot Connor Wickham – and beat old pal Harry Redknapp to his signature.

Wickham has just signed a new deal at Portman Road, but that will not stop a transfer going through if Liverpool come up with the asking price of around £10million.

The Kop chief has been on Wickham’s trail for months, watching him for club and country. He sees Wickam as the perfect capture to give him a young striker behind Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Spurs supremo Redknapp is after Wickham too – as People Sport first revealed – but Dalglish’s entry to the race will turn the head of the teenage terror.

Dalglish wants to sign a handful of players when he gets the go-ahead and is officially named long-term boss at the Kop. He would like to improve his squad and bring in younger players.

The Liverpool boss is also chasing Wigan’s James McCarthy and Dalglish hopes to get the cash backing to buy Wickham in the next transfer window.

Liverpool Consider Anfield Return For Experienced Friedel

Liverpool are preparing to offer Brad Friedel a sensational chance to extend his Premier League appearance record into another season.

The 39-year-old American, out of contract at Aston Villa this summer, is on Kenny Dalglish’s list of options if he is forced to replace Pepe Reina.

Spanish star Reina, 28, has hinted he may move on rather than face another season without Champions League football .

Manchester United and Arsenal are keen to sign him, which would leave Dalglish searching for an experienced replacement.

Friedel – whose career in England began at Liverpool – would fit the bill. He will be 40 in May, but Saturday’s trip to Everton extended his record for consecutive top- flight appearances to 259 games.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier has been unsure about extending Friedel’s contract because of his age with talks about a new deal put on ice since January.

Liverpool Set Sighs On Roma Star

Liverpool has been the latest side to express their interest in luring Roma’s £10 million rated star Jeremy Menez to Anfield in the next transfer window.

As Liverpool’s wild search for a star winger goes on, Roma winger Jeremy Menez’s solid display throughout the season in the Serie A has caught the eye of the 18-time Premier League champions. Jeremy Menez is currently rated £10 million, but it certainly won’t mind for Kop boss Kenny Dalglish to pay more in attempt to lure the 23-year-old to make a move to Anfield.

The French wide man has fallen out of favour with the club’s loyal supporters and has made it abundantly clear that he will be open to a move away from the Stadio Olimpico. Argentinian Maxi Rodriguez and former Netherlands captain Dirk Kuyt are both the current first choice starters on either wing for Liverpool but Kenny Dalglish wants to bring in new additions to beef up his attack.

There has been much speculation that fellow wide men Joe Cole and Milan Jovanovic may be sold this summer after both were unable to make any significant impacts this season. Liverpool’s Director of Football, Damien Comolli, will hope that Menez is keen to make a move to Liverpool to help provide the ammunition for star strikers Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll after spending three seasons at Roma.

Liverpool Weigh Up Free Transfer Swoop For Nicolas Douchez

Liverpool sent scouts to check on Rennes goalkeeper Nicolas Douchez in the club’s 2-0 defeat to Brest in Ligue 1 yesterday. Douchez’ contract runs out this summer and the 30-year-old could join any interested party on a free transfer.

The Reds are already snapping up Douchez’ team-mate Sylvain Marveaux when his deal runs out and according to L’Equipe, Douchez could well be next on the Anfield side’s list.

Douchez moved to Rennes in 2008 from Toulouse and quickly established himself as the first choice keeper at Stade de la Route de Lorient. As Rennes have moved up the Ligue 1 standings, even mounting a title challenge this season, the 30-year-old has begun to attract more attention.

On a free transfer Douchez is an attractive proposition and Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier made an attempt to snap up the keeper just last month. The Frenchman however was told his countryman was not looking for a move to Villa Park.

Liverpool will face opposition for Douchez, with Paris Saint-Germain and several La Liga sides running the rule over the former Toulouse player.

The Anfield side’s interest will do little to dampen speculation that Pepe Reina is preparing to quit the club in the summer, with the Spaniard concerned about a prolonged spell outside the Champions League.

Gerrard To Return For Pre-Season After Successful Surgery

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has undergone surgery on the groin injury that has curtailed his season.

It was confirmed on Friday that the midfielder would not play again this term after suffering a setback in his recovery from the problem that has kept him out since early March, and tests revealed that the 30-year-old required an operation.

The procedure has been declared a success and Liverpool expect their talismanic leader to be available for pre-season training.

A statement on the Liverpool website read: "Liverpool FC confirmed that Steven Gerrard has undergone successful surgery on his groin.

"The decision was taken after consultation with leading specialists. The player will now begin a rehabilitation program and is expected to return for pre-season training.''

Danes Won't Risk Agger

Denmark coach Morten Olsen insists they will not take any risk with Liverpool defender Daniel Agger's fitness.

Agger has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury he picked up in last weekend's defeat at West Brom.

The problem is likely to sideline the central defender for up to two months and Olsen says he will not pick Agger for the Euro 2012 qualifier with Iceland on 6th June.

"He is out. Daniel can't go around aiming for a game two months away," Olsen told Ekstra Bladet.

"He will have to aim at getting ready for Liverpool's summer training and hopefully he will be perfectly fit for the opening of next season's Premiership.

"He will have to prepare himself and hopefully this will result in that he is ready for the important games we will be playing this autumn."

'Our Test Of Strength'

Alan Hansen has pin-pointed the up-coming games against Manchester City and Arsenal as a way of measuring the squad's strength in depth.

City visit Anfield on Monday night, with the Reds travelling to the Emirates six days later to face Arsene Wenger's men.

The Kop legend believes the two games will give manager Kenny Dalglish a good evaluation of his current squad's capabilities.

"They are both mega games," said Hansen in his LFC Weekly Column.

"The thing about them is one is at home and the other is away, it will give Kenny a realistic assessment of where Liverpool are at present.

"He already knows what areas need strengthening but back to back games against top teams give you a real sense of how capable your players are."

The Scot was quick to highlight the strength in depth that City possess since being taken over by Sheikh Mansour in 2008.

He added: "You don't necessarily look at their players and think that they are brilliant, but they have spent £15-25m on squad players. That gives them strength in depth.

"If you look at the players who are on their bench and who don't make their bench and have been loaned out - such as (Emmanuel) Adebayor, (Craig) Bellamy, (Roque) Santa Cruz and (Wayne) Bridge - it emphasizes how much they have spent to build their squad."

Hansen is also predicting a busy summer transfer window for the Reds, as they look to build on a squad that was bolstered by the arrival of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in January.

"Realistically we need to get closer to them sooner rather than later and that means this summer will be particularly important for Liverpool," he said.

"We're not a million miles away from Man City. The way we can bridge the gap is by bringing in the right players with the right qualities this summer."

Morgan Treble Sinks Owls

Rodolfo Borrell hailed a 'fantastic' team performance after Liverpool U18s maintained their push for the Academy League title with a 3-0 triumph over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday afternoon.

Adam Morgan was the star of the show as he netted a treble to take his tally to 16 goals in his last 11 matches - but Borrell was eager to heap praise upon the collective effort rather than individuals.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It was a consistent team performance. Adam Morgan scored three good goals but it is unfair if he takes all of the plaudits.

"Everyone worked hard throughout the game. We played really well, particularly in the second half. However, we must keep our feet on the ground.

"We are in a good moment but we must work even harder and put all of our focus into the next game. We will not look beyond that."

Merseyside Giants Must Reconsider Groundshare, Says Mr Fixit

Keith Harris, English football's Mr Fixit who has brokered a series of takeover deals in the top two divisions, has urged Liverpool and Everton to re-consider groundsharing and forget about developing Anfield and Goodison Park.

Harris says adopting the European model of investing in the same stadium is the only way the two clubs can progress in the current economic climate. Liverpool's American owners are assessing whether to redevelop Anfield or move to a new stadium on their own while Everton have suffered a series of setbacks trying to find a new site.

But Harris, chairman of the investment bankers Seymour Pierce, says none of these is the best option. "Groundsharing has worked well in Milan and Munich, so why not? It makes so much common sense," he said. "Is it more sustainable for both to build a £250m stadium that is predominantly empty when not being used for playing?"

The municipally owned San Siro has become antiquated but Harris, noted for his mediating skills between club owners and potential buyers, says merging is the best way forward. "The technology is there and Liverpool is not a wealthy city. At some stage it will be forced on us and that will be a change for good."

Harris, who spoke at last week's SportAccord conference in London, joked that he had received "more death threats from fans than from my ex-wife" over his initial comments about groundsharing on Merseyside. But he persists with his belief that it will work, because the two sets of fans are not as hostile to one another as some rivalries. "It should be given serious consideration rather than dismissed as something that is crazy."

A former Football League chairman, Harris also painted a grim picture for the future of lower-league clubs as a result of the new £195m three-year TV deal with Sky to start in 2012-13, which is worth £69m less than the current deal. "This deal will mean a squeeze at the bottom," said Harris, who said budgets may be slashed to accommodate player contracts that run beyond the current deal. "I can see the teams not competing to reach the Premier League being cast off and becoming feeder clubs, or even semi-professional."

Harris said the new TV deal would have a huge negative effect. "Clubs may have been thinking they would get the same again but now they will have to adjust their belts." He also revealed that new owners for Portsmouth would be revealed within a week but admitted it was becoming difficult to find buyers for League One and League Two clubs. "The Championship is the attractive preying ground right now because you are one removed from milk and honey and should be able, by judicial expenditure, to avoid going down into what is becoming more of an abyss."

Harris also cautioned against Leeds being allowed into the top flight unless they disclose more about their owners. West Indies-based holding company FSF, run by three discretionary trusts, is said to run the club, but its bosses are unknown. "The Premier League is fastidious about ownership. Someone somewhere knows who the owners are. It's a question of preparedness of disclosure."

Liverpool Must Rise Above Injury Woes, Says Kenny Dalglish

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish admits the resilience of his squad may be stretched to the limit by their current injury problems but that will not excuse any drop-off in performances.

Dalglish's fears were confirmed when captain Steven Gerrard, having already been sidelined for a month after a groin operation, was ruled out for the rest of the campaign with an associated injury sustained in training a week ago.

Having lost influential centre-back Daniel Agger to a knee problem in midweek and with full-backs Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly a month away from fitness because of hamstring strains it appears a long season is starting to catch up with the Reds.

Their involvement in the Europa League meant they kicked off, under the leadership of now departed boss Roy Hodgson, with a first competitive match on July 29.

Although many of the first-teamers were used sparingly in that competition the cumulative effect of a difficult season seems now to be conspiring against Dalglish in his bid to catch fifth-placed Tottenham and qualify for Europe again.

"Anybody getting injured is disappointing for us, but also disappointing for the players," said the 60-year-old Scot.

"We know where we stand and we have to get on with it.

"It may be stretching the resolve of the players a little bit but we've got to go right to the limit and make sure we're not feeling sorry for ourselves because we've lost three or four players through injury.

"We've just got to get on with it and accept that's the position we're in. It's up to us to make the best of it."

Gerrard will undergo further assessment in order to get to the root of a problem which robbed the England midfielder of his best form over the last few months.

It was testament to the 30-year-old he was able to get through as many matches he did when obviously not 100% but it impacted on his influence.

That was highlighted in what turned out to be his final game of the season in the 3-1 win over Manchester United at Anfield on March 6 when he was barely noticeable.

The only up-side of his continued lay-off is that it affords the opportunity for a solution to be found to what has been a troublesome injury problem in time for him to start next season pain-free.

In Gerrard's absence 22-year-old academy graduate Jay Spearing has seized his chance, having his best game for the club in last month's win at Sunderland.

Dalglish hopes others, like 19-year-old defender Danny Wilson who was signed from Rangers last summer, will have a similar opportunity to benefit.

"Jay is an experienced youngster but he was in last week (against West Brom) any way and was in against Everton (back in January) before he fractured a bone in his foot," said the Reds boss.

"Out of somebody's misfortune always comes good fortune for somebody else.

"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."

Liverpool Lose Steven Gerrard For The Season

Steven Gerrard's injury-plagued season has come to a premature end, Kenny Dalglish has confirmed, with Liverpool and England now waiting to discover whether he requires a second groin operation in two months.

The Liverpool captain will miss the end of a trying club campaign plus England's European Championship qualifier with Switzerland on 4 June having suffered a setback in his recovery from surgery in training seven days ago. Gerrard has made only 24 appearances for Liverpool this term and not enjoyed a consecutive run of more than six games due to injury and suspension.

Gerrard underwent surgery to repair his damaged groin only four weeks ago and a second operation has not been ruled out. "Until we find out from the specialists we cannot say anything definitive and it would be wrong for us to say what the situation is or mislead anybody," Dalglish said. "It is best to wait until we know exactly what the problem is and then we will decide whether it is surgery or not."

The 30-year-old has suffered groin problems throughout his career but the Liverpool manager refused to speculate on whether this season's injury record is a cause for long-term concern. "We just have to wait and see. It would be irresponsible of us to pre-judge anything," he said. "It's in a similar area but it's not the same injury so we'll just have to wait and see."

With Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly both also out for up to three weeks with hamstring injuries Liverpool's resources, particularly in defence, will be severely stretched for the visit of Manchester City on Monday. But Dalglish believes the club must continue to pursue European qualification for next season and could, he hopes, take advantage of City's impending FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United.

The Liverpool manager said: "This football club is better than sixth but we've got to prove that on the pitch and we've got to set our ambitions higher than that. It will be a difficult test against City. They had a convincing win over us in the second game of the season but maybe they will be focused more on the semi-final. Sometimes when you can see a trophy at the end of your season your concentration wavers a little bit."

Liverpool Admit They Cannot Pinpoint Gerrard's Injury Problem

Liverpool have admitted that the groin injury sustained by captain Steven Gerrard is somewhat of an unknown quantity.

The England midfielder had an operation on his groin in early March and was set to return to action last weekend against West Bromwich Albion but tweaked something at training and is now set to spend the rest of the season on the sidelines.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish said that the problem was something they aren't quite aware of just yet and also said that those not available for selection are basically redundant and should not be focused on.

"We still don't know definitively what the problem is," said Dalglish.

"We will wait to get a precise answer from the people that he has to see but he won't be involved again this season.

"It is a blow to anyone but it's more disappointing for the players than it is for us, obviously.

"We just have to get on with it and without being disrespectful to the players who are injured the most important ones are the ones who are fit.

"They are the ones who can be chosen. At this particular moment in time I'm as good a player as Steven."

Liverpool Owners Deny Plans To Buy 'Token' Players In The Summer

Liverpool's owners have rubbished suggestions that they will buy 'token' players in the summer in a bid to crack the Asian market.

Fenway Sports Group president Sam Kennedy told BBC News that the Reds will not be signing any players just to sell T-shirts, and that any new arrivals will be based on footballing talent rather than marketability.

'In 2007, the Red Sox signed pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka out of Japan, and everyone suggested that this was being done for business reasons," said the FSG chief.

'But any player that we sign for the Red Sox or for Liverpool will be signed for their impact on the sports field, not business reasons.

'Winning on the field comes first, and business issues come second. Business supports the activities on the playing field.'

Club sponsors Standard Chartered recently indicated that the Merseysiders should cash-in on the Far East market by signing an Asian player.

FSG also confirmed that the wheels are in motion to appoint a permanent manager at Anfield, and hinted what many people already know - that Kenny Dalglish is a serious front-runner.

'The conversations are happening now with the appropriate people - Ian Ayre (managing director), Damien Comolli (director of football) and the ownership,' said Kennedy.

'But I do think he (Dalglish) has provided a great lift. He is a wonderful man, and he is passionate about the club.'

Barca Star Opens Door To Summer Move

Barcelona star Ibrahim Afellay is due for talks over his future at the Nou Camp having been left frustrated by a lack of action in the team.

Liverpool was keen on the Dutchman before he moved to Barcelona in January but things have not worked out for him.

Midfielder Afellay, 25, has failed to command a regular place in the Barcelona team and has been largely restricted to a handful of cameo appearances.

And with Liverpool among those monitoring his plight in Spain, talkSPORT understands Afellay will speak with officials at the Nou Camp regarding his future in the coming weeks and if there are no assurances over his future, he will be free to leave this summer.

Liverpool To Make Sensational £15m Bid For Tottenham Winger

Liverpool will make an audacious bid to sign Tottenham Hotspur winger Aaron Lennon this summer for £15million.

Reds’ manager Kenny Dalglish is desperate to sign players to give his side more natural width and supply the new strikeforce of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

He sees the 23-year-old as the ideal signing as his pace would be a great quality in the Scot’s view of playing a counter-attacking style.

Lennon has endured a stop-start season through injury, scoring three goals and two assists in 27 games.

Dalglish will hope to take advantage of the controversy surrounding Lennon’s late withdrawal from Tottenham’s line-up against Real Madrid in the Champions league.

The winger was said to have fallen ill just minutes before the teams were about to emerge at the Bernabeu for the quarter-final.

Lennon was angry at this, claiming through Twitter he told the medical staff days before the game of his illness and was unhappy being made into the scapegoat following the 4-0 thrashing.

Manager Harry Redknapp has publicly supported his star but privately has misgivings about Lennon’s ability to handle the big occasion.

Liverpool Make €13M Move For Fiorentina’s Juan Manuel Vargas

Liverpool look to have made a €13M bid for Fiorentina’s left winger Juan Manuel Vargas. Reports from Italy suggest the Reds have contacted La Viola to put forward what they hope will be an attractive offer for the Peru international.

However, Vargas is highly rated by Fiorentina and the 27-year-old is valued substantially higher by the Serie A side, meaning Liverpool will likely have to improve on their current bid should they wish to bag the player this summer. As a starting gambit however, the bid is important and solidifies the Reds’ interest in Vargas.

Vargas joined Fiorentina in 2008, making the switch from Catania for €12M, with La Viola beating off competition from Real Madrid.

In Florence, the 27-year-old has continued his progression, becoming a major attacking threat and being lauded for his crossing ability, with former AC Milan striker and current team-mate Alberto Gilardino dubbing the Peruvian the best crosser of a ball he has played with.

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.