Lucozade Make Dreams Come True

Lucozade made it a dream come true for two sets of loyal supporters when they represented Liverpool FC in the Lucozade Fans Fives at Stamford Bridge.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent the Anfield club came thanks to Lucozade, in association with the Barclays Premier League, who began a search to find the country's most dedicated Barclays Premier League football fans.

Two Liverpool teams, This is Anfield and Five Fingers of Europe, were successful in their application and were invited to take part in a Facebook 'fan-off' at Stamford Bridge, when they took on supporters of other Barclays Premier League teams.

They were both paired with Wigan Athletic, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers in the group stage.

After they saw off the competition, the group final saw the Liverpool away team (This is Anfield) triumph when they beat the Liverpool home side (Five Fingers of Europe) 5-1 to reach the quarter-final.

Despite an heroic display This is Anfield lost 2-0 to Manchester City.

The Liverpool supporters had a weekend to remember when they enjoyed great hospitality from Lucozade and stayed in a top London hotel.

Ian Pankhurst from This is Anfield said: "Full thanks to Lucozade for putting this on for us and it was a fantastic experience."

Comolli Reveals Reds Transfer Strategy

Liverpool’s director of football Damien Comolli says a transfer target's experience in the Barclays Premier League is of the upmost importance, as the club decide who will be wearing the red jersey next season.

When asked if Liverpool were targeting English players, Comolli said that the experience of English football was more the direction the club was heading in with new signings.

“It's not because a player is English and young that we are going to go for him,” Comolli told the official Liverpool website.

“We go for a player because he ticks all the boxes. It's what we need at this time in this window.

“If a player is English or British or has played in the Premier League we'll look at that over someone who is abroad, but it could be any nationality as long as they tick the boxes and is what we need for this window and going forward.”

Liverpool haven’t been a club to show their cards early in the transfer window very often, however Comolli said using the 'first in best dressed' strategy this time around would hopefully give the Merseyside club an edge over their rivals.

“That's the way I personally like to work,” Comolli said, in regards to snapping up talent quickly.

“The earlier the better, because we can then readjust our strategy or decide we aren't going to do any more - which won't be the case now!”

'Liverpool And Villarreal Seek Silvestre'

Catania general manager Pietro Lo Monaco reveals “Liverpool and Villarreal are interested in Matias Silvestre.”

The Argentine defender is one of several players expected to leave the Stadio Massimino over the summer.

“Top of the list of those moving on is Silvestre,” Lo Monaco told Itasportpress.

“I’d struggle to keep him here, considering what a great player he is. There are two Italian clubs tracking him, but Liverpool and Villarreal are also interested in Silvestre.

“Silvestre is worth as much as Thiago Silva and scores more goals.

“As for Maxi Lopez, he will leave if there is a decent offer, otherwise he’ll stay with us. Cristian Llama and Marco Biagianti are 100 per cent staying at Catania.

“We turned down an offer for Mario Gomez from a European club. We’re not sure about Taka Morimoto, but it’s probable he will remain.”

Catania presented new Coach Vincenzo Montella to the media today.

Connor Wickham Still Hopeful Of Anfield Switch

Ipswich Town teenager Connor Wickham is reportedly keen on a move to Liverpool, as Sunderland enter the race for his signature.

According to the Daily Express, the Black Cats are ready to table a £9 million bid for the 18-year-old striker, but Wickham still 'favours' a switch to Merseyside.

It has been claimed that Liverpool have already submitted a bid of £7 million for the England under 21 international, but they are likely to have to up the ante if they are serious about bringing Wickham to Anfield.

Wickham shot to prominence last season, scoring nine goals for Ipswich, before being named Football League Young Player of the Year as well as the Championship Apprentice of the Year at the 2011 Football League Awards.

And, despite the youngster signing a one-year contract extension at Portman Road in April, Liverpool remains hopeful Wickham can add to the recent influx of England youngsters to Anfield.

The big-money signings of Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson - as well as Liverpool missing out on Phil Jones - seems to suggest that the Reds have a strategy of investing in home-grown talent.

However, Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli says that is not strictly true.

"It's not because a player is English and young that we are going to go for him. We go for a player because he ticks all the boxes. It's what we need at this time in this window," he told the official Liverpool website.

"If a player is English or British or has played in the Premier League we'll look at that over someone who is abroad but it could be any nationality as long as they tick the boxes and is what we need for this window and going forward."

Why Gael Clichy Is On The Brink Of Swapping Arsenal For Liverpool

A busy summer for Arsenal is becoming a frantic one.

With Arsene Wenger attempting to plug the holes in his leaky central defence, another situation vacant will soon emerge at left-back.

As revealed by Goal.com last month, Gael Clichy has told the club that he wants to leave Emirates Stadium after rejecting at least two new contract offers in the last few months.

It leaves Arsenal in a similar situation to that in which they find themselves with Samir Nasri – cash in on a disaffected player or run the risk of him entering the final year of his contract with the unwelcome possibility that he could leave on a Bosman free in 12 months.

Apart from the fact that it smacks once again of poor governance by a board and an executive that has always prided itself on its competence in this area, it means the continued break-up of the post-Invincibles team.

Liverpool’s initial opening offer of £5 million for Arsenal’s longest-serving player is not much below the asking price of £5.5m that was quoted to potential suitors who had been alerted to Clichy’s potential availability in the summer transfer window.

Anfield director of football Damien Comolli knows Clichy better than most, given that he was instrumental in bringing the Frenchman to London from Cannes in 2003 when he was working under Wenger as Arsenal’s French scout.

While Liverpool cannot offer Champions League football next season, they can promise a future that looks far more enticing on Merseyside now that it did six months ago. Given his age – Clichy does not turn 26 until next month – experience, reliability and reputation as a solid professional and even more solid citizen, it seems a relative bargain for Liverpool although the Frenchman can demand a significant hike on his £50,000-a-week Arsenal wages.

Clichy’s options on the Continent have diminished in recent weeks. He has held informal talks with Inter but the Serie A giants are close to completing a deal to sign Japanese full-back Yuto Nagatomo for £7.5m from Cesena following a successful loan spell at the San Siro in the second half of the season.

Juventus made an enquiry for Clichy but have signed Reto Ziegler from Sampdoria on a Bosman free, while Bayern Munich, who have also pursued the left-back, have shored up their defence by tying up a £5m deal for Brazilian right-back Rafinha. Versatile club captain Philip Lahm is expected to revert back to left-back, a position he has filled many times for the national team.

A possibility remains for Clichy at newly cash-rich Roma, who are in the market for a proven left-back but it now appears that Liverpool’s main rivals for his signature are Manchester City.

The Sheikh Mansour-bankrolled club has two senior left-backs in Alexander Kolarov and Wayne Bridge, who has returned to Eastlands following his loan spell at West Ham, as well as the versatile Pablo Zabaleta, who can fill in on either full-back position.

City will need to move on Kolarov and Bridge to create room for Clichy, although Goal.com understands that they have asked to be kept informed about the Frenchman’s situation.

It is in Arsenal’s interest that there is a bidding war for a player who has been in north London for eight years.

One thing is certain. It will now take a considerable U-turn for Clichy to accept the improved contract from Arsenal and commit himself once again to a club where the exit door could swing off its hinges in the coming weeks.

Lucas Joy At Copa Call

Lucas Leiva has been named in the Brazil squad for this summer's Copa America tournament in Argentina.

The Liverpool midfielder is included in coach Mano Menezes's 22-man squad for the finals, which begin on July 1.

Writing on his official Twitter page, Lucas Tweeted: "I am very happy to be in the squad to play Copa America. 20th of June I meet the team to start the preparation."

Brazil kick-off their quest for the Copa America in Group B against Venezuela on July 3.

They'll then take on Paraguay (July 9) and Ecuador (July 13).

Gerrard Itching For Suarez Link-Up

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard can't wait to form a partnership with Luis Suarez next season, following the Uruguayan's awesome impact since his arrival from Ajax.

The £22.7 million January transfer window signing has scored four goals since his move to Anfield, but only played with Gerrard on three occasions, before the club’s inspirational skipper was crocked with a groin problem.

But with the new season on the horizon, Gerrard is excited at the prospect of playing alongside Suarez.

"You know within two or three days of training with someone what they are going to be like - Luis has got it," he said.

"He's a winner and a fighter. Everyone is talking about his skills and rightly so, but I like the other side of him, too.

"I remember in the Fulham game when we won 5-2, it was the 93rd minute and he wasn't happy that we weren't given a handball. That sums him up."

Reds Midfielder Has Heart Set On Permanent Exit

Alberto Aquilani´s agent insists his client wants to remain in Italy.

The Italian midfielder spent this season on loan at Juventus from Liverpool. but the Turin giants have yet to confirm if they will sign the 26-year-old on a permanent basis. Aquilani, who has been linked with a move to AC Milan this summer, is also a reported target of Napoli.

"Aquilani to Napoli? I don’t think it would be an easy negotiation but if the will is there why not?" said Aquilani’s agent Franco Zavaglia to Italian Radio Crr.

"I have not spoken to (Napoli sporting director Riccardo) Bigon but the player wants to remain in Italy.

"If something was to come up he would be happy.

"I have not spoken to Alberto but Napoli is an important club.

"If Napoli considered Aquilani to be an important player, he would be open to negotiations."

Liverpool signed Aquilani for a reported fee of £20million from Roma in 2009 and he is under contract with the Reds outfit until June 2014.

Aquilani scored twice in 33 league appearances for Juventus last season.

Liverpool Cancels The Korean Leg Of Its Far-East Pre-Season Tour

Liverpool has cancelled the South Korean leg of their Far-East pre-season tour due to “mitigating circumstances”.

The Reds had announced in April they would be playing games in China, Malaysia and Korea during July.

However, the club has now decided to cancel its July 19 date against Korean champions FC Seoul in the capital which was to be the final match of the tour.

The club said on its official website the decision was due to mitigating circumstances and it now would be investigating a number of alternative options.

The timing of the match was set to cause problems for FC Seoul, who had a league game fixtured for two days earlier and a potential K-League Cup quarterfinal on July 20.

However an official from FC Seoul told The Korea Times that discussions had broke down following the recent K-League match-fixing scandal.

“The discussions between us and Liverpool on having a friendly ground to a halt since the scandal overwhelmed the K-League,” said the official.

Liverpool Complete Jordan Henderson Deal

Liverpool has completed the signing of Jordan Henderson from Sunderland.

The 20-year-old England international passed his medical and agreed personal terms with the club on Thursday in a deal reported to be worth £20m.

Henderson, the club's first summer signing, signed what Liverpool described as 'a long-term deal'.

"I'm over the moon, overjoyed to be here and I'm really looking forward to it," Henderson told the Liverpool website.

"Obviously it's hard to leave your local club. I'm a Sunderland lad, I've supported them all my life.

"But I'm really looking forward to the future now and obviously this is a massive opportunity for me. I'm really excited by it."

The midfielder, whose one and only cap for England came last November against France, has now joined the England Under-21 squad in Denmark ahead of the European Championship.

The Black Cats had rejected Liverpool's previous offer for the player, which was thought to be worth £16m.

Striker David Ngog, 22, could move in the opposite direction as part of the deal, but that is yet to be confirmed.

Henderson will provide competition in the Reds' midfield, which already boasts internationals Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva, Raul Meireles and Christian Poulsen.

"Coming to a massive club like Liverpool, there is always going to be competition," added Henderson. "Hopefully I can keep working hard, keep improving, and get my chance on the pitch.

"(Gerrard) is one of the best players in the world, you want to be playing with him and training with him to try and improve yourself as a player. Hopefully I can learn a lot from him."

Henderson 'Over The Moon' After Signing Anfield Deal

Jordan Henderson has spoken of his excitement at signing for Liverpool after the midfielder's move from Sunderland was confirmed yesterday.

Henderson has put pen to paper on what the Merseyside club have described as a "long-term deal" having visited the Reds' Melwood training complex, undergone a medical and agreed personal terms on Wednesday. Liverpool has paid an undisclosed fee for the highly rated 20-year-old, with reports suggesting it could be up to £20m.

"I'm over the moon, overjoyed to be here and I'm really looking forward to it," said Henderson. "I was flattered to know Liverpool were interested in me and, once I knew, it was a massive decision for me to make but also a massive opportunity.

"Obviously it's hard to leave your local club. I'm a Sunderland lad, I've supported them all my life.

"But I'm really looking forward to the future now and obviously this is a massive opportunity for me. I'm really excited by it."

Henderson is Liverpool's first signing of the summer and -- following the captures of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez in January -- the third high-profile new recruit since Fenway Sports Group's takeover of the club and Kenny Dalglish's return as manager.

The Sunderland youth academy graduate made his Black Cats debut in a 5-0 defeat to Chelsea in November 2008. In total he has made 79 appearances for the Wearsiders, scoring five goals, and he also spent a spell on loan at Coventry in the 2008-09 season.

It had been thought Liverpool striker David Ngog might travel in the opposite direction as part of the transfer. He remains at Anfield for now, but Reds director of football Damien Comolli has indicated the 22-year-old could still be headed for the Stadium of Light.

Comolli Says He Consulted Gerrard Before Sanctioning Jordan Henderson Move

Damien Comolli has revealed he consulted Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard before making a move for Jordan Henderson.

The director of football has also disclosed French striker David Ngog – who not part of the transfer, despite speculation – is set to hold talks with Sunderland.

Comolli believes 20-year-old Henderson not only has the physical attributes but also the attitude to succeed - qualities Gerrard saw when the pair were on international duty together last year.

Henderson’s arrival at Anfield could spark more transfer activity says Comolli who is delighted to have secured his services.

“I spoke to Stevie about Jordan before we signed him,” said Comolli.

“Stevie was very positive because obviously they have been together in the England camp.

“I know Jordan really appreciated the fact he was able to play next to Stevie with England. He will learn from players like Jamie Carragher or Stevie or Dirk Kuyt. I think he looked into the history of the club as well.

“I’m very pleased because he was one of the targets we had and when you get your first target it’s always a good sign because you think the others will come through as well.

“He has got all the skills technically that we needed. He’s good with the ball, he’s creative, he’s got good passing, he’s physically very good.

“That’s everything we wanted in a midfielder and he’s versatile as well.

“For Kenny he will be the player we wanted.

“He’s very passionate about football, very committed, a top professional. He’s the type of player who’ll stay behind after training and do extra work.

“When you talk to him it’s not about money or anything related to off the pitch.

“Everything is on the pitch: where am I going to play, have I got a chance to play, where can I develop most as a player.

“Kenny and I were very impressed with that and his commitment and passion for the game.

Comolli added: “Sunderland have had a strong interest in David, so we’ve agreed to let David speak to Sunderland about his future to see if he’s interested in going there.

“They’ve expressed a strong interest, so we’ll see what’s next for him.”

Although there will be strong competition for first team places in the Liverpool midfield next season, Comolli says Henderson will not be held back.

“He is definitely a player for now,” he said.

“Obviously it’s up to Kenny to decide but we see him as a player for now.

“In all the talks Kenny had with him he said. ‘If you come you will be very, very, very much a part of my plans’.

“We know we are building for the future.

“We think he’s going to be a top player and that’s all that matters.”

Lyon Defender Dejan Lovren Linked With Anfield Move

Liverpool is reportedly monitoring Lyon defender Dejan Lovren in their pursuit of summer reinforcements.

According to The Telegraph, the 21-year-old Croatia international is on the radar of the Reds as they look to add a centre-back to their ranks during the transfer window.

Liverpool had made an attempt to sign Blackburn teenager Phil Jones and, despite Rovers accepting an offer from the Merseysiders, the 19-year-old opted to join Manchester United.

Some bookies had even suspended betting on Jones moving to Anfield, but Liverpool were pipped to the post by the fierce north west rivals, which has led Kenny Dalglish to look elsewhere.

Lovren is reportedly on the radar of the Liverpool boss, as is Birmingham centre-back Scott Dann and Paris Saint-Germaine youngster Mamadou Sakho, with the Frenchman also a target for Arsenal.

While at least one central defender looks set to join Liverpool before the start of the new season, Sotirios Kyrgiakos will reportedly leave Anfield during the summer.

TalkSPORT suggests the Greece international will see his two year Anfield stay ended as Liverpool make room for younger alternatives to the 31-year-old.

Liverpool Facing £8m French Fight Over Asian Playmaker

Liverpool has reportedly been joined by Paris St Germaine in the race to sign Keisuke Honda.

The Japanese international has been linked with a move to the Barclays Premier League for several months now, with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also known to be an admirer of the 24-year-old.

Despite previously admitting a preference to ply his trade in Spain, interest from clubs across Europe continues to circulate around the CSKA Moscow star, with Liverpool and PSG thought to be two of the current frontrunners.

"CSKA are in the Champions League so staying is not a bad option. But I do want to test myself at a higher level if the opportunity arises," the Daily Star quote the player as saying at the start of the week.

An attacking midfielder who can also play up-front, L'Equipe claim the Ligue 1 outfit have identified the player as a 'priority' target, and that the French side are currently considering an £8 million offer.

TalkSPORT reports that Honda has been on Kenny Dalglish's radar for some time now, and that the Liverpool boss appeared to be ready to make a concrete offer for the player.

The Scot is known to be in the market for an attacking midfielder, winger and left back, and after appearing to miss out on Ashley Young, Liverpool attentions could now turn to Honda.

The signature would also please the club's chief sponsors, Standard Chartered, who has hinted that the signing of an Asian player would help Liverpool expand their global reach in such a lucrative area of the market.

Bojan Krkic, Eden Hazard and Stewart Downing have also been linked with a move, but PSG's apparent preparation of a bid may force Liverpool to show their hand for Honda quicker than first planned.

Liverpool Launch £5m Bid For Arsenal's Gael Clichy

Liverpool has launched a £5 million bid for Arsenal defender Gael Clichy, according to The Times.

The Anfield club, having already finalized a deal for midfielder Jordan Henderson on Thursday, are seemingly on the look-out for a full-back, with Clichy reportedly top of their list.

The 25-year-old is in the final year of his contract at the Emirates and has been reluctant to put pen to paper on a new contract with the north London club.

With the backing of owner John W. Henry, Kenny Dalglish has been splashing the cash since January with players such as Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez arriving in big-money deals.

If the Reds and Arsenal can agree a fee, the report suggests the defender would be willing to a move north as Dalglish's side look to establish themselves with the Premier League elite next season.

Reds To Choose Between Monreal And Cissokho

Liverpool are weighing up a move for left backs Nacho Monreal, 25, of Osasuna or Lyon's Aly Cissokho, 23, each at £9million.

Monreal has four Spain caps while Cissokho has played once for France.

Liverpool is already well advanced with deals for Sunderland's Jordan Henderson, Connor Wickham of Ipswich and also want Blackpool's Charlie Adam.

They are in talks with Roma goalkeeper Doni's agent after the clubs agreed a £1.5m move, leaving manager Kenny Dalglish needing just a winger.

Aston Villa's Stewart Downing remains in the frame.

'Suarez Can Join LFC Greats'

Luis Suarez has all the attributes to join the pantheon of Liverpool greats, according to Jan Molby.

Suarez emulated Molby when he swapped Ajax for Anfield in January - and his adaptation to life in England has been phenomenal.

The Uruguay international has notched four goals and five outright assists in 1,153 minutes of Barclays Premier League football so far.

He's already etched great memories into the minds of supporters, including an audacious strike in Sunderland and a mazy dribble through the Manchester United defence to set Liverpool on their way to victory in March.

Molby has not been surprised.

"I found it amazing he was allowed to play in Holland for as long as he did, with his goals record and what he's done internationally as well," the 47-year-old told LFC TV.

"I never had any doubts. He can play anywhere on the field, and by that I mean he pops up everywhere and is almost impossible to mark.

"He's a very comfortable two-footed player, he sees a pass, he can dribble. I always say to people: that's what a good player looks like.

"We have a great, great player at this club and his job now is to go on and become one of the all-time greats at Anfield, and he's got all the tools to do that."

Despite lavishing praise on Suarez, Molby thinks we haven't seen the best of the 24-year-old yet.

He explained: "Kenny will want him to play further up the field, and it's not as relaxed as it is in Holland because Ajax win games by five and six. It's a case of making him understand that there are going to be fewer opportunities to score goals, fewer opportunities to create chances, so he has to be bang on the money every time."

Steven Gerrard In Tip-Top Condition After Operation

Steven Gerrard had taken the supporters’ coach down to Villa Park and was settling into his seat in the away end by the time the double takes from disbelieving fans gave way to the inevitable bouts of mickey-taking.

“There was a bit of banter flying around,” said Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. “Stuff like, ‘You won’t get back in the team, Stevie’ and ‘You’ve got a fight on next season, Gerrard, to get past Lucas and Spearo [Jay Spearing]’.

“It was all good natured. But I don’t mind all that. I know what I can do and I know the challenge ahead for me. I welcome all that. Right now, I’m just steaming for a game of football again.”

Three weeks on and the playful ribbing he received still brings a smile to midfielder Gerrard’s face. That day when he went back to his roots succeeded in planting a seed in his mind that he believes would help others at Anfield blossom.

While Cesc Fabregas was in Barcelona to watch the Formula One Grand Prix rather than being at the Emirates for Arsenal’s final game of the campaign, Gerrard’s decision to travel to the Midlands with his mates represented a touch of class.

“I was a fan for a day,” he said. “Carra [Jamie Carragher] had done it a few years ago and I’d had a few letters saying I should go to an away game. It was an eye-opener for me to get in among them. For a young player in our squad, or maybe one of the foreign lads, to have a day like that would really help them.

“Fans absolutely adore the players. Everything is about the players for them, so for a player to give up a day, mix with the fans and give a little back...well, there’s no harm in that.

“I am not putting pressure on anyone, but it is important for the players to have that link with the fans. If this club is going to be successful, everybody needs to stick together.” Gerrard is confident that, with the focus having shifted from all the shenanigans in the boardroom to what happens out on the pitch, Liverpool has recovered their identity.

Aquilani Courts Inter And Napoli

Liverpool-owned Alberto Aquilani wants to remain in Serie A and “there could be interest from Milan, Inter and Napoli.”

It looks as if Juventus will not take up their option to make his move permanent after spending the season in Turin on loan.

“The issue with Juventus is not definitely closed. They asked for a few days to think about it, but it’s only right for me to seek other options at this point,” agent Franco Zavaglia told Sky Sport Italia.

“If we can’t find any other alternatives, then the player will return to Liverpool.”

Milan has been linked with a swoop for the Italy midfielder, but the representative insists they aren’t the only ones.

“Milan? Alberto can play in all the top level clubs. There could be interest from Inter and Napoli too, but we have to see the technical requirements of the sides. For instance, right now Napoli is pushing hard for Gokhan Inler.

“It’s only natural that Alberto wants to stay in Italy, but he also gets along well in England and the fans admire him.”

Liverpool Set To Swoop For Birmingham's Scott Dann

Birmingham City defender Scott Dann could be on his way back to the Premier League, with Liverpool seemingly leading the chase after failing to sign Blackburn's Phil Jones.

The 24-year-old is said to be desperate to stay in the Premier League after Birmingham were relegated after a miserable finish to the 2010-2011 season.

Arsenal are also reportedly thought to be in the running for his signature, with Arsene Wenger looking to reinvigorate his struggling defence next season; however, this looks unlikely as Dann is a lifelong Liverpool supporter and former season ticket holder, which could work in Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish's favour.

It has been reported that Dann could command a fee of £10 million, somewhat of a bargain price given the big money transfers of Phil Jones [£16m to Manchester United] and Jordan Henderson [£20m to Liverpool].

The former Walsall and Coventry City defender, has made sixty appearances for Birmingham City's first team, and has garnered attention from a host of Premier League clubs despite injuring his knee in January's League Cup semi-final.

Stewart Downing Set To Make Move To Liverpool With Jordan Henderson

After the sensational first deal being confirmed today with Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing will become the second player to make the move to Merseyside, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Downing has long been a target for Kenny Dalglish, with the Liverpool manager deciding between the Aston Villa star and teammate Ashley Young.

Downing is reported to be making the move for £10 million, and Dalglish will see the move as a good coup for the Merseyside club as the Henderson, which will take Liverpool’s spending to a possible collated £30 million so far.

Downing said this week that he was looking to make a move to a higher placed club than Villa, telling reporters: “You just want the best for your career.

“You want to finish with medals at the end of it so, if it’s a step up with Villa or with someone else, I’m ready for it.

“You watch teams in the Champions League and it makes you wish you were there.

“You sit at home and watch it, hear the music come on, you see the teams and you think ‘that’s where you want to be’.

“It’s the pinnacle. It’s the best. It’s the best standard with the best players. It would be nice to taste that one day.”

While Liverpool can’t offer Champions League football for the time being, their January signings of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, along with Dalglish being made permanent manager at the club, have made clear Liverpool’s intentions of challenging for trophies in the next 2-3 years.

The deal with Henderson was a clue into Dalglish’s transfer policy of going for younger, English players, and while Downing is 26-years-old, Dalglish reportedly feels he would fit in well with English teammates Steven Gerrard, Carroll and Henderson.

Liverpool Highlight Nacho Monreal As One Of Top Summer Targets

Liverpool has highlighted Nacho Monreal as a top defender target this summer, according to reports.

The Osasuna left back is now one of two players Kenny Dalglish will choose from at Anfield, according to the Daily Mail, with Lyon star Aly Cissokho the other player cited in the report.

Monreal was first linked with a move to Liverpool back in March, although compatriot Jose Enrique was believed to be the Merseysiders' preferred choice over a move at the time.

However, the link with the Newcastle full back appears to have gone cold in recent weeks, and Barcelona are now thought to be interested in bringing the former Villarreal star to the Nou Camp.

Liverpool are known to be in the market for a player in the position, with Paul Konchesky set to leave the club permanently this summer and teenager Jack Robinson currently holding down the position as first choice.

Despite the England youngster's impressive displays, a more experienced player in the position is believed to be a priority at Anfield and Damien Comolli has been keeping an eye on the player.

The director of football at Liverpool made a personal scouting trip to watch the player, who has four caps for Spain, in March, and Monreal was reportedly placed on a list of potential candidates alongside Enrique, Steven Warnock, Emilio Izaguirre and Oscar Wendt.

It's now claimed that the list is down to two, and Dalglish will be looking to move quickly in his efforts to secure a signing, as he has with Alexander Doni and Jordan Henderson, who is negotiating personal terms with Liverpool on Wednesday.

Roma's Doni 'Happy To Join Liverpool'

Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni’s agent has confirmed “talks with Liverpool. Doni would be very happy to join Liverpool.”

The Brazilian shot-stopper, who in the last two years has been first, second and even third choice at the Olimpico, is available for around £1m.

“I spoke to the club [Roma] on Tuesday and they confirmed they are holding talks with Liverpool to reach an agreement regarding the transfer of Doni,” agent Ovidio Colucci told The Guardian.

“Once an agreement is reached between the two clubs, we will begin negotiating personal terms with Liverpool.

“Doni would be very happy to join Liverpool and play in the Premier League.”

The shot-stopper had been benched under Claudio Ranieri in favour of Julio Sergio, but when Vincenzo Montella took over mid-season his first move was to reinstate Doni.

The 31-year-old has been at Roma since moving from Juventude in 2005 and his contract expires in June 2012.

Kuyt And Suarez Score In Holland-Uruguay Draw

Striker Dirk Kuyt headed a stoppage-time equaliser for 2010 World Cup runners-up Netherlands in a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in a friendly at the Centenario on Wednesday.

Uruguay then lifted the Fraternity Trophy that had been put in play by winning a shootout 4-3 after Robin van Persie had blasted the opening penalty over the bar.

Luis Suarez, Kuyt's Liverpool team-mate, put Uruguay ahead eight minutes from time.

Edinson Cavani pulled the ball back from deep on the left into the middle where Suarez calmly picked his spot to place the ball inside goalkeeper Tim Krul's left-hand post.

When a Uruguay win looked certain, Kuyt glanced a corner to the near post over midfielder Sebastian Eguren and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera into the net.

"I think it was a fair result," Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez, preparing his side for next month's Copa America in Argentina, told reporters.

In the shootout Krul, who kept a clean sheet on his debut in a 0-0 draw with Brazil in Goiania on Saturday, saved from Ajax Amsterdam's Nicolas Lodeiro but Eljero Elia then missed for the Dutch.

Both sides, meeting for the first time since the Dutch won their 2010 World Cup semi-final 3-2 in Cape Town, had chances with Suarez being denied a first-half goal for offside.

Muslera saved well with his foot from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar who was through on goal and Uruguay captain Diego Lugano was lucky to not even be booked for a studs-first foul on Van Persie.

Starlets Jet Off For World Cup

Six of Liverpool's finest Academy graduates today jetted off to Mexico with England for the U17 World Cup.

Winger Raheem Sterling joins striker Adam Morgan, left-back Brad Smith, goalkeeper Tyrell Belford, centre-back Matty Regan and winger Jack Dunn in the England squad.

Left-back Tom King will also be at the tournament having been called-up by Australia.

The U17 World Cup kicks-off on June 18 and the final is in Mexico City on July 10.

England begin their campaign on Sunday, June 19 when they take on Rwanda. Also in the group are Uruguay and Canada.

Community Honour For Carra

Jamie Carragher was honoured for his outstanding charity work in the city by being named Philanthropist of the Year at a glittering ceremony last night.

The Liverpool vice-captain was recognized in the Spirit of Merseyside Awards hosted by the Community Foundation for Merseyside at the Philharmonic Hall.

Cathy Elliott, of the Community Foundation, said: "In difficult economic times, this evening has proven that our communities are strong and that philanthropy is thriving in Merseyside."

Carragher is the epitome of what supporters love to see on the pitch - a local lad who knows just how much Liverpool Football Club means to the people who pay to watch games.

The proud Bootle boy decided, as a way of saying thank-you to the people of Merseyside and all Liverpool supporters, to set up the '23 Foundation' to help give local kids a chance.

The 23 Foundation has helped many local charities in Liverpool and continues to go from strength to strength.

LFC To Kick-Off Tour In Guangzhou

Liverpool FC is delighted to announce the Club will be kicking off their tour of Asia - sponsored by Standard Chartered - with a game in China against Guangdong Sunray Cave on Wednesday July 13.

The Tianhe Stadium in Guangzhou will host the match with kick-off at 8pm local time. It is the Reds' first ever game in mainland China. The other match in the tour will be played in Malaysia.

LFC Managing Director Ian Ayre said: "We are very grateful and honoured that the government, local authorities and the football association of China have allowed Liverpool FC to come to China to play in Guangzhou.

"Our football club and the city of Liverpool have great links with China. The city of Liverpool has the oldest Chinese community in Europe. As a global football club, it is important to us that we give our fans in China the chance to see the team in action.

"At Liverpool FC we take these games very seriously. This game will be our first as we kick off our preparations for the 2011-12 campaign.

"We will work closely with our main sponsor Standard Chartered to ensure we can deliver our best ever pre-season tour. It's a very exciting time to watch Liverpool Football Club."

Adidas and Carlsberg are official partners of the tour. For the Malaysia leg of the trip, Courts are also official partners.

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 two years ago.

Following the game in Guangzhou, Liverpool FC will travel to Malaysia and play a Malaysian XI in the Bukit Jalil Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday July 16.

Manager Kenny Dalglish said: "I'm looking forward to taking the team to Asia. It is great that we can give our supporters in China and Malaysia the chance to watch the team play. Our last tour of Asia in 2009 was a great success and we're delighted to be returning this summer."

Lim Cheng Teck, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of Standard Chartered China, said: "Liverpool FC has up to 60 million fans in China alone and we are delighted to be the sponsor for the Club's maiden visit to China. This is a great opportunity for our employees, clients, and community to interact with the players. We wish Liverpool FC a warm welcome to Guangzhou and look forward to a successful pre-season tour."

Paul J. Kam, Chairman of ProEvents Group, added: "We are proud to be appointed as the sole and exclusive tour promoter for the Liverpool FC Asia Tour 2011. This is our first cooperation with Liverpool FC in our 19 years of Asia Tour business and we are pleased to assist them for their Asia pre-season tours. Liverpool FC has already a tremendous fan base in Asia. With this tour we will be bringing them to places where they have never been before with an aim to meet more new friends and supporters."