Kenny Dalglish Hails 'Fantastic Servant' Jamie Carragher

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has praised defender Jamie Carragher as he approaches a landmark 665th appearance for the Merseyside club.

If selected at the weekend, Carragher will join Emlyn Hughes and Ray Clemence sitting second in the club's all-time appearances list, and Dalglish had several kind words to say about the Champions League-winning defender.

"Carra has been a fantastic servant to this football club. I don't know how far short he is of Cally's [Ian Callaghan's] record - I think he's got a wee while to go before he reaches that, but he's been great," he said to the club's official website.

The defender, who rose through the ranks at Liverpool, was also praised for his versatility and commitment by his manager.

"He's filled in loyally and comfortably in many positions for the football club and he's someone who has been very pleased to be associated with Liverpool - and we're pleased to be associated with him," he added.

Dalglish also offered advice to emerging young defenders Jack Robinson and John Flanagan, who will be looking to follow in Carragher's footsteps.

He said: "It wouldn't be bad for them to model themselves on Jamie or Steven [Gerrard].

"There are a lot of things a local lad coming through has to endure and the ones who might experience that in the future could do a lot worse than having a word with either of them because they know what lies ahead."

Kenny Coy On Summer Plans

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has refused to shed light on his summer transfer plans.

The Anfield legend must decide what the future holds for the 12 players that are set to return from loan spells in the summer.

Milan Jovanovic has admitted he regrets joining the Reds last summer while Christian Poulsen has also been out-of-favour.

One of Dalglish's rumoured transfer targets has been Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi but the Scot is giving little aware as he finalizes his plans.

"We won't speculate on what we are going to do in the summer," he said.

"There will be a bit of movement in and a bit of movement out. That's a fact of life and everybody knows that.

"But it's not worth commenting on all the names appearing in newspapers - some of the people I don't even know."

Lavezzi is not one of those, however, according to the Argentina striker's agent.

Jose Alberti claims Liverpool have been tracking his client for a year and believes they could be set to make a summer move for the 25-year-old frontman.

"Lavezzi has been followed by Liverpool for 12 months and they could make a bid for his services," Alberti told Italian website TMW.

"Napoli must be careful not to lose a player like Lavezzi."

Lavezzi has scored 35 goals in 122 appearances for Napoli since joining them from San Lorenzo in 2007, and AC Milan are also thought to be interested.

Andy Carroll Expects Hostile Reception From Newcastle's Travelling Supporters

Andy Carroll is expecting a hostile reception from Newcastle United’s travelling fans should he recover from a knee injury in time to face his old club for the first time since his transfer deadline day move to Liverpool.

However his manager, Kenny Dalglish, is adamant the 22 year-old should take any outpouring of fury as a compliment.

It remains unclear whether the England international agitated for a move away from his boyhood club or Newcastle informed him he would be sold when Liverpool tabled their record £35 million bid for Carroll on Jan 31.

Newcastle released a statement on the day explaining their sadness at seeing the player leave after he handed in a transfer request, but in a text exchange with the editor of a Newcastle fanzine, Carroll himself insisted he was “gutted” to be leaving his hometown side and suggested he had been “kind of pushed out the door”.

Whatever the truth, Dalglish revealed on Thursday that Carroll is anticipating that his former fans will make their displeasure at his perceived treachery known at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday.

However, the Scot believes the most expensive player in Liverpool's history has the character to take it.

“I think the boy is expecting something,” said the Liverpool manager, who will wait until tomorrow before deciding whether Carroll is fit to play.

“The fans will do whatever they want. It will not take away from what he has done for their club and it won’t take away what the club meant to Andy.

“It is a compliment, really, in a strange way, if you do get the abuse because it means you must have been important to them.

“I don’t know what they will do on Sunday but if, as a player, you don’t get abuse off your old supporters then they can’t have been too disappointed that you left.”

Dalglish, on the other hand, is simply delighted with the £35 million signing.

The Scot was confident enough in Carroll’s abilities as a footballer to suggest he is not surprised by what he has seen on the field, but it is clear he has been equally impressed by the personality of a perceived bad boy.

“There has nothing that Andy has done [on the pitch] that has surprised us, but what you don’t know to the same extent is the personality,” said Dalglish.

“If there is one thing that has pleasantly surprised us it is the boy’s personality.

"He is a real down-to-earth boy who sometimes doesn’t realize he is a footballer but that is because he is naive and has his feet firmly fixed on the ground.

“We have been delighted with the way he has gone about his rehabilitation and his performances.”

Gael Clichy May Make Shock Move To Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish and Damien Comolli are keeping tabs on Arsenal's star left back Gael Clichy, with the 25 year old considering a shock move to Liverpool, according to the Daily Express.

Liverpool has long had issues with their left back position, and has been linked with many players over the season. But with Clichy’s contract at Arsenal still not renewed, Dalglish and Comolli both reportedly believe they can take the star in the summer transfer period.

Clichy recently pledged his allegiance to Arsenal, telling reporters: “I have to say that my present and my future is with Arsenal.”

But the Frenchman also eluded that money and the ability to win titles may sway him to another club.

“I am leaving talks over my contract with my agent so that I can focus on my football.

“I know that there are rumours about me going elsewhere but I have nothing to say about that.

“I have always wanted to be at a club where I am content. Money is important but it is not a decisive factor. All I want is to win a title – that’s my ultimate ambition.”

With Arsenal looking down the barrel of a sixth season without any trophies, Liverpool might be able to give Clichy the accolades he’s seeking.

Liverpool are currently boasting their best form this season, and with Dalglish signing Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez in the January period, Liverpool are looking the on form side to be a part of.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is still relenting from spending big on new players, and while Arsenal currently sit at third on the Barclays Premier League table, they don’t appear to have the fire power to challenge big spending teams like Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Liverpool Target Signing Of £15m Olympique Lyon Playmaker

Liverpool are believed to be plotting a £10m swoop for Olympique Lyon midfielder Miralem Pjanic.


The 21-year-old has drifted in and out of the team this season, with coach Claude Puel often preferring Yoann Gourcuff ahead of the Bosnia international.


Pjanic, a creative midfielder with an eye for goal, has only started twelve league games this term and is reportedly growing disillusioned with life at Stade de Gerland.


Liverpool Director of Football Damien Comolli is an admirer of the player’s talents and rumoured to be keen on striking a £10m deal with the Ligue 1 outfit.


Reds boss Kenny Dalglish would certainly welcome the addition of a diminutive playmaker, whose vision and passing ability could create chances for strikers Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.


The youngster certainly fits the bill, but the £15m price-tag attached to the player could prove a stumbling block.


Liverpool owner John W Henry has expressed his willingness to build a talented young side at Anfield and will provide a substantial transfer kitty to mount a Premier League challenge next season.


If Lyon fail to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League, the club may be forced to sell Pjanic in a cut-price deal.

Liverpool Linked With Move For Inter Milan Starlet Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool are being linked with a summer move for Inter Milan starlet Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian teenager, who officially signed at the San Siro in 2008 before spending two seasons on loan at former club Vasco da Gama, has reportedly fallen out of favour with manager Leonardo and is considering a switch away from the club.

Sky Italia claims the player would prefer a loan move away from the Serie 'A' side, although Liverpool have the funds available to make an enticing offer to bring the player to Anfield permanently.

The report goes on to claim that Damien Comolli, director of football at Liverpool, is a known admirer of the player and has been monitoring his progress with the Nerazzurri.

With only 14 appearances in all competitions for the club this season, first team opportunities have been limited and Coutinho could want assurances over first team activity should he move to England.

Kenny Dalglish is known to be in the market for an attacking midfielder, with the Liverpool legend-come-manager hinting at a number of changes to the playing staff on Merseyside this summer.

A handful of wingers and attacking midfielders have been linked with the Reds, with Eden Hazard, Ashley Young and Ezequiel Lavezzi all rumoured to be on a Liverpool shortlist in recent weeks.

Coutinho is the latest name to add to the list, and Dalglish appears set for a busy summer in the transfer market at Liverpool.

Liverpool Miss Out On Samba Starlets Despite Confirmed Interest

Liverpool has missed out on Brazilian brothers Gabriel and Guillherme Appelt Pires, according to their agent.

The Reds were most interested in the younger of the two, Gabriel, according to Peppino Tirri, but now both are heading for Juventus after agreeing a move to Turin.

"Gabriel was followed by three to four major clubs such as Inter Milan, Liverpool and Villarreal - but Juventus were faster," Tirri told Notiziariosportivo.

The 17-year-old midfielder will be joined by his 18-year-old brother, who is a striker, at the Stadio Olimpico.

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have set out a plan of investing in youth at Anfield, with director of football Damien Comolli on board and searching for top teenage talent.

The club's academy is regarded as one of the finest in Europe, and can boast the likes of first team players Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Jay Spearing coming through the Liverpool ranks.

A current crop including England starlet Raheem Sterling, Spanish youngster Suso, defender Connor Coady and many more suggests the future looks bright on Merseyside, with teenage duo John Flanagan and Jack Robinson recently breaking into the Liverpool senior side.

The Appelt Pires brothers would have added to these junior ranks at Liverpool, but a Serie 'A' switch has been made and Kenny Dalglish and his scouting group will have to look elsewhere to bring youngsters to the club.

Newcastle To Be Offered Liverpool Trio

Newcastle United are set to be offered three out-of-favour Liverpool players, including former Chelsea man Joe Cole.

The Merseyside club will need to cut down their first-team squad in order to allow further big-name signings to join in the summer, and a source has told Newcastle based newspaper The Chronicle:

“There will be a lot of movement at Liverpool this summer. And it’s no secret here that players will be offloaded to make way for new signings.

“There will be players offered out to numerous Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United.”

Newcastle left-back Jose Enrique has been linked with a move in the opposite directon, and a deal involving Paul Konchesky could be a realistic possibility, meanwhile the sale of star striker Andy Carroll has left a space for a forward, and 22-year-old Frenchman David NGog could join the Magpies attack.

Finally, the newspaper claims that the major signing of the summer could be Joe Cole, who has failed to settle at Liverpool, and it is thought manager Kenny Dalglish would be willing to let the player go in order to find a replacement who fits in with his style of play better.

Dalglish Discusses 'Fantastic' Winger Future

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has rubbish talk linking Joe Cole with a move away from the club this summer.

The England midfielder has endured a difficult season on Merseyside as injuries and lack or form has restricted his progress this season.

But after coming off the bench to score against Birmingham City on Saturday, Dalglish insists the player has a future at Liverpool.

"Joe has been fantastic since he has come here. His dedication and application on the training pitch has been superb. This week he had a day off but he still came in to train," he said.

"Joe's attitude has been brilliant. At the moment the lads are not doing too badly so it is difficult to give everybody a game. If he had been a defender he might have had an easier chance of getting a game with the injuries we've had.

"You would be insulting the boy to ask if he had the necessary desire. We couldn't have asked for any more of him in training."

Cole travelled to last year's World Cup, and although he was limited to just two substitute appearances in South Africa, before signing for Liverpool in July.

The winger was sent off in his first league game for the club against Arsenal, was sent off on the stroke of half time and since his career at Liverpool has curtailed due to injury.

Villas Boas Plays Down Reports

Porto coach Andre Villas Boas has rubbished speculation linking him with other jobs.

The 33-year-old has already been labelled the new 'Jose Mourinho' after guiding Porto to the Portuguese title in his first full season in charge.

Villas Boas is a protege of Mourinho and his abilities have not gone unnoticed, which has seen him strongly linked with the likes of Roma, Juventus, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpoolin recent months.

But speaking ahead of Porto's Europa League semi-final first-leg clash with Villarreal, he distanced himself from the reports.

"There are incredible stories. Supposedly I said no to Roma because I was going to Liverpool, it's absurd," he said.

"The speculation is natural, given what this team has been doing. But it is still false information."

Liverpool To Battle AC Milan For Standard Liege Star This Summer

Liverpool and AC Milan are set to go head-to-head for the services of Belgian ace Axel Witsel this summer.

The Standard Liege midfielder has been closely followed by a number of European clubs but reports in Italy have claimed that Milan and Liverpool are currently leading the charge.

The 22-year-old Belgium international has been one of Liege's key players ever since he broke into the side in 2006 but looks set to move on in the summer after the interest from abroad.

But with a contract at Liege until 2013, the club is thought to want at least £10m for the midfielder.

It was reported that scouts from half a dozen Premier League clubs were in attendance when Witsel scored both goals in Belgium's 2-0 win over Austria in March.

But it is understood that it is Liverpool who are now ready to firm up their interest with a summer bid.

Reds Track Barton

Liverpool are the latest club to be linked with a move for Newcastle's Joey Barton due to the midfielder's on going contract wrangle.

The 28-year-old has been outstanding for the Toon this season and is widely expected to scoop the club's Player of the Season award for his performances.

However, Barton has just 12-months left to run on his current contract and has yet to pen a new deal, leading to speculation he could be made available this summer.

West Ham and Aston Villa are thought to have taken an interest, and now Liverpool are thought to have joined the growing numbers interested in the former Manchester City star.

Reds manager Kenny Dalglish is thought to be keen to reunite Barton with former Toon striker, and now Reds hitman, Andy Carroll, Barton having provided eight of Carroll's goals while he was at Newcastle this season.

Barton has been excellent on the right wing, a position Liverpool have struggled with recently, and the Reds are allegedly hoping his contract situation means he will be available for a cut-price fee.

Ezequiel Lavezzi Could Make His Long Anticipated Anfield Switch This Summer

Highly rated Napoli forward Ezequiel Lavezzi has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool amidst continued speculation around his future.

TalkSPORT reports that the 25-year-old Serie A strike sensation now looks set to finally complete a much anticipated move this summer with his Anfield suitors still in the running for his signature.

The Argentinian international's agent Jose Alberti confirmed in an interview with Italian website TMW that the Reds have been keeping tabs on his client for over a year.

"Lavezzi has been followed by Liverpool for twelve months and they could make a bid for his services," he explained.

"He had been sought by Liverpool last summer, but then they failed to make a serious offer."

Having scored 35 goals in 122 appearances for Napoli since signing for them in 2007, Lavezzi has continued to turn in performances that have show why Liverpool maintained interest for such an extensive period.

The heavily coveted star, who in his early years was likened to football legend Diego Maradona, is not short on confidence either. He played down comparisons and instead labelled himself the 'new Carlos Tevez'.

Reports in Italy recently suggested that Serie A rivals AC Milan had made a €20million bid to bring Lavezzi to the Rossoneri, and were prepared to offer him a significant pay rise should Napoli accept the offer.

With 6 goals and 11 assists so far this campaign, El Pocho has continued to attract interest from around Europe, and Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is also planning to renew the Reds' interest in the summer.

AC Milan Prepare Bid For Liverpool Midfielder

AC Milan is the latest Serie 'A' club to take an interest in Alberto Aquilani, according to reports.

The Liverpool midfielder has spent the season on loan at Juventus, and whilst the player hopes to make the switch permanent both parties are yet to reach an agreement over the permanent fee for the player.

"My situation is simple. It all depends on Juventus - if they want, buy me without asking anyone's opinion. I would like to stay in Turin for a long time and win a lot," the player told La Gazzetta dello Sport last week.

With Andrea Pirlo set to leave current Italian league leaders Milan on a free transfer this summer, Aquilani has been earmarked as a potential replacement for the international legend at the San Siro, creating a potential tussle between the two European giants.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has stated that the former Roma star would be welcomed back to Anfield with open arms though, with the £20 million Rafa Benitez signing still holding a place in the Scottish bosses mind.

"When people talk about next season, I'm surprised they don't give Alberto a mention," he told the official Liverpool website last week.

"Everyone seems to have forgotten about him. I know he has done really well at Juventus this season. When the loan finishes at the end of the season, he reverts back to being a Liverpool player."

The Reds had previously stated that they wouldn't keep hold of the player against his wishes, and with Click Liverpool now claiming interest from the Rossoneri a permanent stay in his homeland seems the most likely resolution for Aquilani.

Liverpool Plot Summer Move To Sign Adel Taarabt

Liverpool are reportedly lining up a move to sign QPR star Adel Taarabt this summer. 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 but the links between the 21 year old and Anfield director of football Damien Comolli may give the Merseyside club the edge in the chase for the playmaker’s signature.

Comolli is keen on bringing the former White Hart Lane starlet 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.

Having more or less secured promotion to the top tier QPR boss Neil Warnock must now try to keep Adel Taarabt at Loftus Road but that may be a tough task given that as well as interest from Liverpool the likes of Newcastle United and a plethora of Serie A side’s have taken a shine to the former Lens man.

Liverpool are looking to bring in more creative talent to their midfield 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 scored 18 goals and assisted another 15 and was named the Football League Player of the Year as a result.

£10m 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 consistently make an impact, a move for the attacking midfielder would make a great deal of sense.

Dalglish: Joe Cole's Goal Against Birmingham Was Important For His Career

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has hailed Joe Cole for training hard and trying to regain his form, in light of his recent contribution in the club's victory over Birmingham City.

The Reds registered a thumping 5-0 win over Alex McLeish's men last weekend, with the former Chelsea midfielder coming on as a late substitute for Raul Meireles and almost immediately getting his name on the score sheet.

The 29-year-old joined the Merseyside club on a free transfer last summer, but was sent off for the first time in his career on his Premier League debut - against Arsenal.

And the creative playmaker has endured a difficult season since, with an exit from Anfield reported to be on the cards.

"Joe’s goal wasn’t a little ­contribution," Dalglish said, according to The Mirror.

"It could be massive for him because he has not had as many opportunities as he would have liked as he’s been injured and suspended.

"He’s had a difficult time, but it is a great credit to him the way he has been training and working every single day.

"He’s not let it affect him, and that’s all I can ask for – for anyone when they do get their chance to go on and do their best. He is fantastic in training. He plays everything right and doesn’t have a problem."

Amoo Happy To Wait On Future

David Amoo admits he is unsure about his long-term future, but is enjoying his loan spell at Championship side Hull City.

The young striker joined Hull from Liverpool in February and has so far made five substitute appearances for Nigel Pearson' side.

He scored his first goal for the Tigers in Monday's 1-1 draw at leaders Queens Park Rangers and has been tipped to make a permanent move to the KC Stadium.

The 20-year-old was delighted to open his account for Hull and is now waiting to see what will happen at the end of the season.

"It was all about being patient to get my chance in the team," said Amoo.

"I spoke to the gaffer and he said to me just do what you've been doing in training and you'll get your chance and I'm delighted to have got it.

"Regarding my future, we'll see how it goes. It's up to the coaches and they're the ones who see me every day.

"But I am enjoying it at Hull. I've just got to work hard and I've really had a good time here."

13 MPs Sign A Commons Motion Calling For Dalglish To Be Knighted

A parliamentary motion calling for Kenny Dalglish to be knighted has been signed by 13 MPs.

Walton MP Steve Rotheram, a Liverpool FC fan, tabled the motion on the 22nd anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, partly in recognition of the Reds manager’s conduct following the death of 96 fans in 1989.

Since then, 13 MPs have signed the paper including Labour politicians Derek Twigg; Dave Watts; Maria Eagle; Alison McGovern; Russell Brown; Bill Esterson; Stephen Twigg; Luciana Berger; Louise Ellman; Joe Benton and Clive Betts.

Conservative MP Therese Coffey, a Liverpool supporter, has also signed.

Mr. Rotheram said this was only a first step and hoped it would bring Dalglish to the attention of decision-makers.

Reina Pledges Future To Liverpool

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has declared his intention to stay at Anfield next season, claiming the club is ready to compete for trophies once more.

Reina's future has been the subject of speculation and he appeared to be dissatisfied by Liverpool's struggles earlier this season. But the club have regained their status as a Premier League force since Kenny Dalglish took over from Roy Hodgson in January following the takeover by Fenway Sports Group.

Although European qualification might be out of Liverpool's reach for next season, Reina is pleased with the way the club is heading and vowed to be a part of what he believes could be a successful new era.

Reina, 28, told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope: "I am happy, calm and comfortable here. I am looking towards the future which I reckon will bring a lot of happiness and hopefully the new project with the new American owners will be a convincing one. Obviously [Rafael] Benítez brought me here but that doesn't mean that I'm unhappy with Dalglish, quite the opposite. I think he's the ideal man for Liverpool at this moment.

"It's my understanding, and based on what I've gathered from the people here, that we will be bringing in some important players, continuing to grow and hopefully in one or two years we will be in the place that Liverpool deserves to be, which is fighting for titles."

The retirement of Edwin van der Sar at Manchester United is one factor that has sparked talk of a possible Reina exit but Liverpool fans will be pleased to hear the goalkeeper has no plans to join their rivals at Old Trafford.

"I am not going to Manchester, that is not my intention," he said. "I don't know if I am a candidate for them; I am sure that they have evaluated a lot of goalkeepers, not just [David] De Gea or Reina."

Kenny’s Keeping Up With The Jones

Kenny Dalglish is ready to go head-to-head with Alex Ferguson for £15million-rated Blackburn defender Phil Jones.

The Liverpool boss was at Ewood Park on Monday to watch the England Under-21 centre-back in action against Manchester City.

And Dalglish - at the game with director of football Damien Comolli - will certainly have been impressed after yet another wonder show from the 19-year-old.

But the Kop face a battle for the youngster, who has become one of the most wanted teenagers in the game.

Manchester United's interest is long established - they made inquiries last summer, with a view to a definite move in the close season.

Boss Fergie will have money to spend and sees Jones as the ideal long-term partner for Chris Smalling, 21.

The pair have impressed in the heart of the defence for England's Under-21s while Jones can also play as a holding midfielder.

Arsenal was knocked back with an approach last year while Chelsea has also been on his tail.

Jones signed a contract until 2016 only a month ago and Rovers chief Steve Kean would not want to lose him.

But a megabucks offer would be difficult to ignore, especially if Blackburn are relegated.

Dalglish has been told by Kop owners he will have cash to spend and strengthening his defence is one of his major priorities.

Bolton's Gary Cahill and Paris St Germain ace Mamadou Sakho are also on Dalglish's radar.

But Jones, who is also attracting interest from Europe, has rocketed to the top of the list.

Former Reds Star Set For Surprise Return To Anfield

Want away Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock could make a surprise return to Liverpool reports the Daily Mail.

Contract negotiations at Villla Park broke down between the player and manager Gerard Houllier, before he was taken ill in hospital, and the news has attracted the attention of a number of Barclays Premier League suitors.

Warnock has been frozen out of the first-team squad, having made only 19 appearances for Aston Villa this season, and the 29-year-old now looks set to move on this summer.

Bolton Wanderers are rumoured to be considering a cut-price offer of £2million to bring Warnock to the Reebok Stadium, considerably less than the £6million ex-Villa manager Martin O'Neill paid to bring him to Aston Villa less than two years ago.

However, Liverpool are also reportedly interested and are preparing a rival bid for the former Reds trainee after Kenny Dalglish made a left sided defensive recruit the top priority this summer.

Having deemed Paul Konchesky surplus to requirements for Liverpool, Dalglish has instead opted to deploy an out of position Glen Johnson at left back for much of the season, until a recent injury curtailed his campaign.

With Fabio Aurelio also struggling for fitness, 'King' Kenny has had to utilize his squad by delving into the youth academy to promote some of Liverpool’s brightest young stars.

Warnock's career of course started at Liverpool, where he progressed through the club's youth academy before making his debut in 2004 in a Champions League qualifier.

The England fringe player would favour a return to Anfield should Liverpool step up their interest in the summer, and Reds fans will take reassurance from the fact they know what they are getting with Warnock in terms of an industrious, hard-working, honest professional.

Liverpool Ready To Move For Sevilla Star

Liverpool has been alerted to the availability of Sevilla winger Diego Perotti after the Spanish side agreed to sign German international Piotr Trochowski in the summer.

According to reports in tribalfootball.com, Sevilla are prepared to listen to offers for the Argentinean winger who has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League.

It appears as though the Reds will have a busy summer after a host of national newspapers claimed that there could be as many as 22 deals done for players arriving and leaving Anfield.

High on the list for manager Kenny Dalglish is a winger capable of delivering quality crosses for record signing Andy Carroll who flourished at Newcastle thanks is large to the delivery of Joey Barton from wide positions.

Sevilla had hoped to keep hold of the talented 22-year-old, but now seem resigned to losing Perotti after agreeing a deal to bring Trochowski to Spain.

"Piotr will sign a four-year contract with Sevilla," confirmed Trochowski's agent Roman Grill.

While Sevilla have a €48million buyout clause in the players contract it is believed that Liverpool would be able to get their man for somewhere in the region of €14m.

Perotti has been one of Sevilla's most consistent performers this season, starting 24 league games and contributing four goals and a further three assists.

Dalglish is short of options in wide positions with Maxi Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt currently being deployed on the wings, but neither are considered natural wingers.

While Perotti is normally deployed on the left wing he has the ability to play on the right and is known for his pace and good delivery from wide positions.

Liverpool Lead Arsenal In Race For £10m EPL Wing Wizard

Aston Villa and England midfielder Stewart Downing will become the subject of a summer transfer tussle between Liverpool and Arsenal according to the Metro.

The 26-year-old Villan has enjoyed a successful season personally, turning in a string of sensational performances for the Midlands club this campaign, and is set to be named Villa Park player of the year.

The News of the World reports how Downing, who has been rated at £10million, has emerged as a target for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, having been encouraged to spend in the summer by the Gunners' new majority owner Stan Kroenke.

Downing could be tempted to the Emirates Stadium by the offer of Champions League football with Arsenal, though he is understood to have his heart set on a move to Anfield.

Liverpool have long admired Downing, and interim Reds manager Kenny Dalglish made an enquiry as to his availability in the January transfer window only for the approach to be rebuffed.

Dalglish has made no secret of his desire to recruit in the wide midfield options this summer, to provide more firepower for recently acquired strike partnership Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Having spent nearly £60million in the January window, Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group look set to continue investing in the playing squad by delving into the transfer market again this summer.

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli is said to have given the green light for the Reds to step up their interest in Downing, but will face competition from Arsenal for his signature.

After compiling scouting reports from across Europe, Wenger believes Downing offers the best value for money in his position, and is prepared to sell the likes of Nicklas Bendtner, Denilson and Carlos Vela to free up the necessary space on the Gunners’ wage bill.

Chung-Yong Lee Linked With Summer Anfield Switch

Liverpool is once again considering a transfer move for Bolton Wanderers winger Chung-Yong Lee, according to reports.

The South Korean international originally emerged on the Reds' radar back in the summer, with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez considering an £8 million move according to the Daily Mail, as well as various other sources.

At the time, Owen Coyle urged Lee to stay at the Reebok Stadium, and it proved to be a wise choice for the 22-year-old who is now a regular starter for the Barclays Premier League outfit.

His nationality would be an additional bonus for Liverpool, with main sponsor Standard Chartered urging Kenny Dalglish to sign a player from the Asian continent to help club connect with the market.

"The real power Liverpool could do for us, and for the Premier League, is if there was a way they could nurture foreign players from Asia," said sponsorship chief Kevin Laws.

Predominantly playing on the right wing, Lee can also play on the left or behind the strikers, providing a versatility that the club is searching for in the transfer market this summer. Sportingo claim the Reds will have to pay in the region of £10 million to land the player.

Alongside Damien Comolli, director of football at Liverpool, Dalglish is thought to have created a transfer wish list containing wingers, central midfielders, left backs and strikers.

With Ashley Young, Eden Hazard and Dimitri Payet also reported to be on the Merseyside outfit's radar, a busy summer of activity now appears to be on the cards for Liverpool.

Reds Miss Out On Defender

Liverpool has missed out on one of their left back targets as Nigerian defender Taye Taiwo has snubbed a move to the Premier League.

The Olympique Marseille defender had been one of a number of left-backs who have been linked with a switch to Anfield in the summer, but instead he appears to be on the way to Italy.

French daily L'Equipe reports that he has agreed a three-year deal at the San Siro outfit and will join Milan, when his current contract with Marseille comes to an end, this summer.

Both Liverpool and Chelsea had been linked with a move for the powerfully built defender but it appears they will have to turn their attentions elsewhere.

Fabio Targets Early Return

Fabio Aurelio is hoping to return from injury before the end of the season and help Liverpool in their quest to reach Europe.

The Brazilian is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during the 1-1 draw at Arsenal, but remains optimistic he can make a comeback soon.

"I'm optimistic I will be able to play again before the end of the season," said Aurelio.

"It's the same hamstring injury I had against Manchester United in March but in a slightly different place.

"It is very frustrating but the way I look at it is God is good all the time and I still have faith that things will turn around.

"That is why I keep fighting to get fit."

In the absence of Aurelio, Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly, Academy graduates John Flanagan and Jack Robinson have been given their chance by Kenny Dalglish, and Liverpool's No.6 has been suitably impressed.

"I didn't see the rest of the first half at Arsenal as I was inside being treated but I saw most of the second and Jack looked very confident," he added.

"He showed his ability, quality and personality. It was the same with John Flanagan.

"They are very young but they didn't seem to feel the pressure at all."

Reds Crash To Derby Defeat

Liverpool U18s' hopes of topping FA Premier Academy League Group C suffered a blow as they went down to a 4-0 defeat at leaders Everton on Tuesday afternoon.

Goals from Eric Dier, Hallam Hope and John Lundstram put the hosts into a commanding interval lead before Anton Forrester sealed the points with a close range finish late on.

It means the Reds are now six points adrift of the Toffees who have just one game remaining.

However, with two games in hand and a superior goal difference Rodolfo Borrell's side will still harbour hopes of landing the title, albeit with an under strength side due to the forthcoming U17 European Championships.

On a rain-soaked pitch at Finch Farm, the visitors made a sluggish start and looked a shadow of the side that had notched up 84 goals in 28 matches this season.

The inclusion of Tom Ince and Suso did little to deter a determined Everton team and after Jake Bidwell had headed a good chance over the top they took the lead on seven minutes.

A right-wing corner was swerved right into the danger area where Dier rose unmarked to bullet a header beyond Jamie Stephens.

It was a bitter blow for the away side and they were left reeling again just three minutes later when a lightning break down the left ended with Hope arriving late to steer a stunning shot into the far corner.

It was all the more frustrating for Liverpool as Joe Rafferty appeared to have been fouled in the lead up to the goal.

The Reds were struggling to gain a foothold in the game and despite half chances for Toni Silva and Suso they rarely looked like troubling Connor Roberts in the Everton goal.

Instead, all of the action of note was taking place at the other end and Anton Forrester came close to embarrassing Stephens with an audacious 30 yard curler that dipped just over the crossbar before Lundstram guided his volley straight at the Reds stopper.

It seemed like being a huge let off for Liverpool just prior to the interval but they did not heed the warning and three minutes later the home team added their third of the afternoon.

Some determined play by Jordan Barrow on the left side of the Liverpool penalty area saw the midfielder clip a cross to the far post for Lundstram to loop a fine header back across goal and into the top corner.

It had undoubtedly been the worst 45 minutes of the season for the U18s and despite dominating possession following the interval they struggled to breakthrough a well marshalled Everton rearguard.

Both Silva and Conor Coady fired way over from distance before Suso finally tested Roberts with a smart turn and shot.

Not even the double introduction of Krisztian Adorjan and Michael Ngoo could add to Liverpool's fire power and when the latter guided a free header inches wide on 75 minutes it was clear it wasn't going to be their day.

The Blues had rarely broken beyond the halfway line in the second period but with less than six minutes on the clock they caught the visitors cold when Hope crossed for Forrester to seal the points from close range.