Lyon Ready To Listen To Liverpool Offer For Aly Cissokho Transfer

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is desperate to bring in a new left-sided defender after being forced to play Glen Johnson out of position at times last season.

After seeing his top target Gael Clichy join Manchester City, he is now looking at a number of alternatives.

Reports in France suggest one of them is Lyon's Cissokho and that a bid is imminent.

Lyon coach Remi Garde told L'Equipe that Liverpool have not yet made an offer for the 23-year-old, but he was prepared to consider any approaches.

'Aly is an important player for us, but if an offer matches our expectation, he is likely to go,' said Garde.

The French club is known to be short of cash and it is thought they are prepared to accept a bid of just £8 million, despite paying £13 million to sign Cissokho from Porto in 2009.

Liverpool are also believed to be interested in Newcastle United left back Jose Enrique, but face competition from Arsenal for the Spaniard's signature.

Liverpool Will Use Upcoming Asia Trip to Scout Chinese Talent

Liverpool’s first-ever trip to China is going to begin this Sunday and include a friendly against Guangdong. But it could end with some newly acquired Chinese players.

Damien Comolli, LFC's director of football, told LFCtour.com that the club will be scouting talent in China during the trip.

"We've organized things in China, organized games to watch, trials to watch, we'll watch young players, and it'll be very interesting for us to see what level there is," Comolli said.

Comolli added that LFC has already invited two U17 players to try out in July. Despite China's absence in the soccer world, Comolli said he thinks the odds favor a good player coming from China because of the country's population.

"As everyone knows, China has got a fantastic basketball player, Yao Ming, they are very good in track and field, so there is no reason we can't find a player there. Obviously in a few days we might not find someone but we'll have a good understanding of the level there is and of Chinese players," Comolli said.

Lucas Will Fight For His Place

Steven Gerrard insists Liverpool star Lucas has the bottle to battle new signings Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson for a midfield spot in Kenny Dalglish’s new-look side.

Lucas’ place has come under threat from the big-money signings brought in by Dalglish this summer.

The Brazilian has only just won over the Anfield crowd with his tenacious displays in the Reds’ engine room.

He was roundly condemned as a poor £5million capture by former boss Rafa Benitez until he finally kicked into gear last term.

Gerrard feels Lucas’ mental strength will help him cope with the pressure of fighting for his place.

He said: “He has a strong, positive mentality. I’ve seen the difficulties he’s been through. He has worked hard and improved.”

Joe Cole Determined To Stay At Liverpool

Joe Cole is determined to stay at Liverpool, believing that life at Anfield following a miserable first season will be child’s play.

The England midfielder has confided to friends that one of the problems last season was a lack of sleep for himself and wife Carly following the birth of their baby Ruby.

But thanks to a few tips from a sleep guru the Coles are enjoying less frenetic nights with Joe confident of proving himself at the highest level again.

Aldridge In Swipe At Fernando Torres

New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has been warned star striker Fernando Torres will NEVER be the player he was at Liverpool.

Villas-Boas looks certain to make Torres, 27, his first-choice forward amid reports he is willing to listen to offers for Didier Drogba.

Chelsea say they are confident Torres, who cost £50m from Anfield in January, will come good next season despite scoring just one goal since his arrival in London.

Villas-Boas is also ready to bring in a personal fitness instructor to get the Spaniard fit.

But Liverpool legend John Aldridge has warned even a full pre-season, new manager and new system won’t be enough to bring back the old Torres.

Aldridge insisted: “Everyone seems to be saying he’ll be back to his best next season but I can’t see it.

“For me personally I don’t think Fernando Torres can get back to what he was at Liverpool two seasons ago.

“He’s lost a yard of pace and I don’t think he can get back to where he was. He’ll score goals of course – but not to the level of one in every 1.5 games as he did when he first arrived at Liverpool and was so tremendous.

“He’ll still do some damage during the season but Chelsea fans shouldn’t expect him to be like he used to be. It’s not going to happen.

“I look back now and it was a relief that Torres went. He wasn’t interested. He hasn’t played well for a long, long time now and I don’t think you’ll see it next season either.”

Dalglish Praises Owners Over Transfer Approach

Kenny Dalglish has praised Liverpool's owners for their approach to this summer's transfer window.

Anfield has already welcomed two additions in Jordan Henderson, who arrived from Sunderland, and Charlie Adam, who completed his switch from Blackpool earlier this week, while the club's director of football Damien Comolli has revealed there are set to be more signings before the end of August.

Dalglish believes the club owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner deserve the credit for backing their promise to invest in the squad but admits his side may miss out on some of their transfer targets.

"John and Tom will give us whatever they can afford. We have to use that money with a certain amount of responsibility," Dalglish told the club's official website.

"The owners know what they are doing and we've had great support from them. They are running it the right way.

"We won't get everyone we are after this summer but other clubs won't always get who they have enquired about.

"That's just the way it is. We've done some business already and we'll continue to do what we are doing in a responsible manner."

Liverpool is set to travel to China on their pre-season tour and Dalglish has revealed that Andy Carroll, Daniel Agger and Martin Kelly are all fit to take part in his side's preparations.

"The three of them are absolutely fine. They've played a full part in training and are fully recovered from the injuries," said Dalglish.

"Training has been great this week and everyone is looking forward to the trip."

Sunderland Seek Aquilani

There are reports Liverpool could send unsettled Alberto Aquilani to Sunderland for £14m after his move to Juventus fell through.

The Italy international said several times he wanted to remain in Serie A, but the Bianconeri did not take up their option after a season there on loan.

It’s now reported Sunderland are willing to pay £14m to take Aquilani off Liverpool’s hands.

The Black Cats are said to be in negotiations with the Anfield side, beating competition from Tottenham.

Aquilani showed in his season at Juve that he has recovered from the numerous injury problems that plagued the last few years at Roma and Liverpool.

Kenny's China Pride

Kenny Dalglish has spoken of his pride at leading Liverpool into their first ever fixture in mainland China.

The Reds will kick-off their Far East tour by taking on Guangdong Sunray Cave in Guangzhou on July 13 - and the manager is delighted to be giving local fans the opportunity to see their heroes in action for the first time.

Dalglish said: "I've never been to China but I think it is a fantastic opportunity for the club to be going to the Far East to China and Malaysia.

"Two years ago we went to Singapore and Bangkok and the support we've got there is unbelievable. When you consider the size of the population over there, until you get there you don't really understand the magnitude of it and how much the club means to people.

"I suppose it's like everything else - the further away you are from something you respect or love, the more you try to grab anything that's attached to it.

"It's a new destination for most of us, but it's something we are really looking forward to and we really appreciate the support we get from them. It's difficult for them to get too close to the club - but this is a fantastic opportunity for them to get closer with us going out there."

Liverpool last visited the Far East during the summer of 2009 when they played matches in Thailand and Singapore.

The squad were greeted by thousands of fanatical Reds fans on every step of their journey - and Dalglish is expecting similar scenes this time around.

"I think you know how popular and important the club is to so many people, but when you go into Asia the number of people is phenomenal," he said.

"The support we had two years ago in Asia was unbelievable with the numbers and their loyalty, and I am sure it will be much the same this time.

"The two games two years ago were both in front of 50,000 crowds and we had a couple of open training sessions, which we will have again, and thousands turned up to watch us train in the stadium.

"We did a boat trip around Singapore and there were thousands there to see us. We really appreciate their support and loyalty - and I hope they appreciate us going over there.

"Although there will be some (players) missing that they might like to see, we cannot avoid that with injuries."

After taking on Guangdong Sunray Cave, Liverpool will travel to Malaysia to play a Malaysian XI before travelling to Singapore for a training session.

While Dalglish is eager for his side to return to Merseyside with a couple of wins under their belts, he is keen to stress the importance of ensuring the players are at peak fitness for when the Barclays Premier League season gets underway on August 13.

The boss said: "The players are always looking forward to the first game, but it's just an extension to the training.

"There is no point in us taking people away with us if they're not going to get a game, so everybody will get games and minutes. That's the most important thing because at this stage of the season it's about trying to get back to fitness.

"That's what we want to do and the players have trained so well that they all deserve to get some minutes.

"The results are important because we take pride in what we do, but the most important thing is getting as many people as we can as fit as we can and ready for the game on August 13."

'Let's Make It A Tour To Remember'

Liverpool fly off on their Standard Chartered sponsored pre-season tour today with Managing Director Ian Ayre hoping the Reds leave a lifetime of memories for their fanatical Asian fans to savour.

The Reds' squad departs Liverpool John Lennon airport this afternoon for a thirteen hour flight to Guangzhou ahead of the first leg of their Asian tour.

Three days in China will be followed by three days in Malaysia and then a day in Singapore as the Reds continue their preparations for the new campaign in front of thousands of their most loyal fans.

After a successful last visit to Asia in 2009 which took in visits to Thailand and Singapore, Ayre is looking forward to the prospect of taking the Club into new territories this time around as the Reds look forward to their first ever games in both China and Malaysia.

"In over 100 years of history we have never been to Guangzhou or Kuala Lumpur, so it opens up a new opportunity for us," he said. "For the partners we have today at the football club and the fans we have around the world - particularly in these markets - it's really exciting.

"It's important to go to places and give the fans the chance to see what we see every week here at Liverpool, the players up close and the chance to see them play a game.

"There is always a balance with pre-season which is trying to balance where we want to go that has commercial value and value for our fans, and making sure that it adapts with the pre-season training and development programme that the players are under because although it's an important commercial time, it's an even more important player time where fitness and conditioning is at the top of everybody's mind. You have to find somewhere that has the right facilities and the right preparation opportunities.

"The great thing about the team we have here now is that there's a lot of collaboration and so from the very outset we sat with Damien, the fitness people, the manager and others on the football side, and then sat with our sponsors and brought everything together.

"There has been a lot of promotion, a lot of excitement and a lot of activity and in each location there will be lots of things going on. We have players going off in different directions and part of that is to make sure every fan gets a little bit closer than they normally would."

The Reds will land in China in the early hours of Monday morning and will spend three days in the southern province of Guangzhou, building up to their first friendly match of the summer against Guangdong Sunray Cave on Wednesday evening.

"There is a myth about China and everybody has their own view or expectation of what it might be like," said Ayre. "I think what we'll see is it's a very modern place, it's a very welcoming place, the people are great. Liverpool fans in China are like Liverpool fans anywhere else, they are very passionate about their team and are very excited.

"It's a chance for it to work the other way as well and an opportunity for the players and everyone else travelling with us to understand a different culture, show a different level of respect and do things in a different way. I have spoken to a couple of the players and they are really interested in what it'll be like."

The second leg of the tour will see the Reds' squad take a three hour flight into Kuala Lumpur where they are expected to be greeted with euphoric scenes as thousands of faraway Kopites come face to face with their heroes for the first time.

"The fever is well and truly burning about this visit in Malaysia," added Ayre. "Ticket sales have gone through the roof, the sponsors are running around trying to get as many people into as many places and as many events as possible because everybody wants to be there. It's an amazing city, it's vibrant and exciting and for me represents what Asia is all about. It's got that great mix of modern and traditional, the weather will be glorious, so I think everyone is excited.

"We then go to Singapore and although we're only going for a training session on the football side, as soon as we mentioned it all of the places for that opportunity sold out. As with every time we have been to that part of the world, there is a huge amount of fever and excitement and it's our job now to get on the plane, go there and deliver our end of it."

While fans in China, Malaysia and Singapore celebrate Liverpool's arrival over the next week, our supporters in Korea will no doubt still be feeling a sense of disappointment that the originally planned trip to Seoul fell through.

However, Ayre is quick to stress that Korea remains very much on Liverpool's pre-season radar for future years.

"Anyone who has ever worked on a major event like putting together a pre-season game somewhere in the world will understand that it's not always possible to do everything you wanted to do," he explained.

"There were a variety of factors which meant it wasn't possible on this occasion and when I spoke to the representatives of FC Seoul we had a great dialogue and talked about this as a postponement rather than a cancellation. We have a big desire to still go there, it's a great market for some of our partners and it's an important market for us. I think it's fair to say to our Korean fans that we haven't forgotten them and it's still very much on our radar for the future."

While the spotlight over the next week will be on the first team players with fans following their every move across Asia, away from the glare of publicity Liverpool's travelling community coaching team will be working to leave a legacy which lasts long after the squad have arrived back in Liverpool.

"It's a much criticised thing in football that teams come, take a lot of money out of the market and leave.

"Our community team will coach youngsters and under privileged kids across a series of different initiatives. Some of that is under the football club, some of it is in conjunction with our partners and some of it is with local organisations like the British Council and others.

"We want people to have a true understanding of what Liverpool Football Club represents. Yes, we're a very famous and successful football team, but we're also a part of our community here in Liverpool and part of a global community because we are a global football club.

"The way we operate here, the way we play football here and the way we act in our community here is exactly what we should take to that part of the world."

Liverpool is due to arrive in Guangzhou early on Monday morning and will travel to their hotel ahead of the first official engagement of the tour which will see Kenny Dalglish and members of his squad addressing the media.

Due to his need to continue rehabilitation from injury, Steven Gerrard won't be on the flight to China - but Ayre insists it was a necessary decision taken with the Club's best long-term interests at heart.

"We are all disappointed," he says. "We all know how big Steven is in that part of the world, he's our captain, he's the talisman of the club, but I think Kenny put it best when he said they have assessed all the players who have come back from their break and it's just unfortunate.

"The good news is he is recovering and making progress, but not enough progress to be on a flight for 13 hours and then travel between different places. He won't get the same rehabilitation that he needs here in Liverpool.

"It's very disappointing for everybody but everybody who will be disappointed will be a Liverpool fan, and as a Liverpool fan you always want to see Liverpool being led our by Steven Gerrard on the first day of the season and being there for many games during the season.

"If that's the risk, then it's a big one and one we won't take. Steven has said himself how disappointed he is, so the fans aren't alone - he is just as disappointed. But we have a big squad with great players and great people and they will all be there."

Even without the skipper in their ranks, Asia 2011 promises to be a pre-season tour to remember - but what does the Club's Managing Director hope has been achieved when we board the flight back to Liverpool in one week's time?

"The fundamental part we need to leave is some memories," he says. "The big thing about being a football fan - or a fan of anything really - is you always have that lasting memory that you never forget. I know what mine is and it will be with me forever.

I think as long as we leave as many people as possible with a lasting memory of that visit, that tour or that individual thing that happened to them, then that is at the heart of what we want.

"There are all sorts of other metrics that we will measure like success of our partners, success in the games, quality of the performances from the players, but at the heart of it will be the memories we leave our fans in Asia. We want to deliver the best memory of Liverpool Football Club in Asia."

Dalglish Excited By Adam Arrival

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is excited about the impact Charlie Adam will have on the club after the Reds finally signed the Scotland midfielder on Thursday night after a six-month pursuit.

Blackpool held onto Adam in an attempt to remain in the Premier League, but when that failed the player made it clear he wanted a move to Anfield.

That has now become a reality and Dalglish is looking forward to the 25-year-old reproducing the kind of displays which made him a stand-out performer for the Seasiders last season.

"We're delighted our patience has paid off," said Dalglish. "We tried to sign Charlie in January. Blackpool wanted to keep him, which is understandable because they were trying to maintain their status in the Premier League.

"Our interest never went away. Both the club and Charlie have been patient, and then Blackpool's circumstances changed because they were relegated.

"We're looking forward to Charlie being a success here. He made a huge contribution to Blackpool's team last year and we're looking forward to him making the same contribution here. We know what he's got and that's why he was such a success last year in the Premier League."

Having re-signed defender Glen Johnson and Andre Wisdom recently, youngster John Flanagan has become the latest player to agree a new deal.

The 18-year-old impressed towards the end of last season in his seven first-team appearances.

"It's great for everybody," said Dalglish. "Both him and Jack Robinson coming in last year gave the first-team players a lift.

"Obviously Flanno played a lot of games, it never fazed him, he had a great attitude towards it and he made a big contribution. The contract he's got is a reward for the work that he's done. I'm sure he'd be the first one to pay tribute to the work done by the academy staff who've brought him this far.

"They've given him over to us and they've given us a very good player, and it's up to us to try to develop him even further. He just needs to continue to build on the good start he's made. He never got carried away with the success he had and the many complimentary words that were spoken about him, and I'm sure he won't get carried away with signing a new contract.

"Sometimes you rest on your laurels but I'm sure he won't."

Liverpool Interested In Scott Parker

Liverpool has reportedly been monitoring the situation of West Ham midfielder Scott Parker, although they may be about to lose the race for his signature.

According to The Mirror, the Barclays Premier League outfit shown a ‘tentative interest’ in the 30-year-old, but Aston Villa has now emerged as favourites to sign him.

The England international is said to have held talks with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce upon returning to training yesterday, but his future is still yet to be resolved.

Tottenham had been installed as frontrunners to sign Parker after the east London side were relegated, but it has been claimed that Villa are now leading the pack.

Liverpool have been linked with the former Chelsea man for a number of months, but it would seem now seem unlikely that they will formalize their interest - especially after bringing Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam to Anfield.

Aly Cissokho Could Be On His Way To Anfield This Summer

Liverpool target Aly Cissokho has moved a step closer to a summer switch to Anfield after Manchester City pulled out of the race to sign the highly rated Lyon left-back.

The 23-year-old French international was thought to be high on the list of the Eastlands outfit, but according to talkSPORT their interest has waned.

After Roberto Mancini sealed the signing of Gael Clichy from Arsenal on Monday, the Citizens decided to drop their inquiry in the £10million rated Ligue 1 star.

That paves the way for Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish to step up his pursuit unopposed as he continues his search for a player to fill the Reds’ left-back void.

Speaking back in April, Cissokho intimated he would consider a move to the Barclays Premier League saying:

"Lyon is a city and a club that I love. I'm happy in France but if I ever had to change clubs I would go to the Premier League because they practice a style of football similar to how I play on the field."

Those comments will encourage Liverpool who recently confirmed the acquisition of long-term target Charlie Adam, joining from Blackpool for an undisclosed fee.

He becomes the Reds’ second summer signing following in the footsteps of Jordan Henderson, who moves to Anfield from Sunderland in a deal worth an initial £16million.

As Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group look to continue funding the overhaul of the playing squad, they will be looking for an immediate return from Dalglish and Co. when the season gets underway in 2011/12.

Pool Eye Reds Starlets

Skysports.com understands Blackpool is eyeing moves for Liverpool duo Tom Ince and Gerardo Bruna.

Blackpool is hoping to strike a deal for the pair after selling Charlie Adam to Liverpool earlier this week.

Seasiders boss Ian Holloway is keen to bolster his squad and he is exploring the prospect of taking Ince and Bruna on loan.

However, Blackpool could miss out on Ince as Fulham are hoping to lure the midfielder to Craven Cottage on a permanent deal.

Midfield duo Ince and Bruna have yet to make a first-team appearance for Liverpool's first team and are regulars in the reserves.

Argentine Bruna joined Liverpool from Real Madrid in the summer of 2007 and he is highly-rated within the corridors of Anfield.

Ince, who is the son of former Reds captain, Paul, is also highly-regarded by Liverpool's coaching staff and he enjoyed a spell on loan at Notts County last season alongside his dad.

Liverpool could be willing to loan out the duo so they can get some regular first-team experience under their belt and landing both players would be a coup for Blackpool.

Clichy Reveals Reds Snub

Gael Clichy has revealed he snubbed offers from Liverpool and Roma to join Manchester City.

The France international completed his £7million switch from Arsenal this week after signing a four-year contract with the Eastlands club.

The 25-year-old claims he had talks with Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli about a move to Anfield, while Roma also made him an attractive offer to move to Italy.

However, Clichy claims he made the decision to join City as he wants to continue playing in the UEFA Champions League and be competing for trophies.

"With Liverpool contacts have been very serious," Clichy told L'Equipe. "I had phone calls with Damien Comolli, I knew him for a while.

"Indeed, there was AS Roma too, with a nice project and an exciting proposition. But I wanted to stay in Premier League.

"I like football here and the state of mind. Moreover, City offered me the opportunity to play again Champions League. I don't know if it will be the case during the next two seasons, but next term I will play in it."

Clichy also refuted suggestions he only joined City for financial reasons.

"Money? I would have earned almost the same at Liverpool. The defenders' wages don't evolve a lot," he added.

"I can understand people believe money has been a key factor. It is not the case.

"Manchester City is a big club, with a big team, an ambitious club which wants to shine in any competition.

"Was I fed up to not win any trophy at Arsenal? No. I don't know if City will win anything, and maybe Arsenal will win the title next term.

"But I believe City has better weapons.

"At Arsenal, the end was frustrating. We were in all competitions until March and after we lost the League Cup final, everything collapsed.

"The Manchester City offer came late, but I didn't think a lot."

Jovanovic Meets With Anderlecht

Milan Jovanovic has revealed that he has met with Anderlecht officials to discuss his transfer from Liverpool.

The former Standard Liege forward has already been told that he can leave Anfield for free after just one year, with the Premier League club reportedly prepared to pay off his £60,000-a-week wages.

It is understood a January approach from Wolfsburg was turned down, but FC Brugge and Anderlecht are now thought to have offered Jovanovic a route out of Liverpool, where he has proved a failure under both Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish.

Rafa Benitez, who preceded Hodgson, agreed the deal to sign the Serbian, but he made just five appearances in the Premier League last season and all of those appearances came as a substitute.

It seems certain Jovanovic will leave this summer, particularly with director of football Damien Comolli confirming the club is streamlining their squad, and a return to Belgium is probable.

The 30-year-old has dined with members of the Anderlecht hierarchy and was impressed with what he heard as he considers the next move in his career.

Jovanovic told Sport/Foot Magazine: "I'm still under contract with Liverpool, but we already agreed that I can leave for free and that I can find myself a new club.

"And I can tell you that I already had a meeting with Anderlecht officials, it was quite interesting. I had dinner with the club president and director of sport.

"We will see what will happen, but Anderlecht remains an interesting option."

Poulsen Future Still Unclear

Christian Poulsen still does not know if he has a future at Liverpool, according to his representative.

The Denmark international proved to be a major disappointment in his first season at Anfield, having been signed by former manager Roy Hodgson last summer.

Kenny Dalglish only used Poulsen on six occasions and the 31-year-old did not play again after the 1-0 defeat at Braga in the Europa League in early March.

This, combined with the summer signings of midfielders Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam, has been taken as an indication of Liverpool's desire to offload the former Juventus man.

But Poulsen's representative, Jorn Bonnesen, claims he and his client are in the dark, as he told Onside.dk when asked if they knew about Liverpool's plans: "No, we do not.

"Now we wait and see what happens."

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli has announced that, following the signings of Henderson and Adam, attention will now turn to selling unwanted members of the squad.

But Dalglish and his players are due to fly to the Far East on Sunday to begin a pre-season tour and Poulsen is expected to travel.

Flanagan Signs New Contract

Defender John Flanagan yesterday signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool.

The 18-year-old and his family were at Melwood to finalize the deal on Friday lunchtime.

It comes after Flanagan impressed during seven first-team appearances at the end of 2010-11.

Director of Football Damien Comolli believes the right-back has a bright future at Anfield.

"The first thing everyone will say is he deserves it because he did so well for us towards the end of last season," he said. "Flanno had a long time left on his current deal but we felt it was the right thing to do, to reward him for what he's done.

"His attitude is absolutely terrific. As you see him on the pitch - committed, dedicated, the intensity of his game - is what he's like off the pitch. He's very professional, he knows how to look after himself and who to listen to, and I think that's why he's improved so quickly.

"He's only 18-years-old and he's still got so much room for improvement in every area of his game - but he's already very good going forward, technically he's very sound. I'm sure in two years' time we'll talk about him having made even bigger progress.

"We're really looking forward to his development and seeing how he's going to do."

Ability Counts At LFC

There's certainly a feel-good factor reverberating around Anfield at the moment, and that was again in evidence on Wednesday night as Liverpool FC hosted their Ability Counts programme end of season awards at the stadium.

A total of seven teams gathered in the Shankly Suite as medals were handed out following another triumphant season across all age groups, while a lucky handful were presented with the Player of the Year accolade for their personal achievements over the course of the campaign.

The Ability Counts program is part of the club's Respect 4 All disability centre, which provides an opportunity to play football to those who are visually impaired, physically disabled, have severe learning difficulties or are wheelchair users.

However, the scheme also has a competitive edge with teams taking part in regional, national and even European competition - to great success.

LFC disability football development officer Mark Bygroves said: "It's the end of season awards night for the Ability Counts squad, which is the competitive aspect of our disability structure called Respect 4 All.

"Ability Counts is an opportunity for everyone to get together, make real friendships and to play competitive football. The Respect 4 All program is all about getting people to take part when previously they never had, whereas Ability Counts is a bit more competitive and provides the opportunity to play in teams and compete in cup competitions and leagues.

"We have seven Ability Counts teams - four adult teams, an U16s team, an U12s team and a girls' side. Tonight was a celebration of their achievements as well as the Player of the Year awards.

"And there has certainly been a lot of achievement over the season. For example, the D Side won the European Cup, the domestic league and the Cup.

"But there has been individual achievement too. A number of our lads have represented England and there have been a lot brilliant friendships formed."

Dalglish Plots £45m Triple Signing After Adam Purchase

Kenny Dalglish is targeting a winger, keeper and a left-back signing in the transfer period, after completing a deal for Charlie Adam, according to the Daily Mirror.

Stewart Downing is reportedly now Dalglish’s number one target, with Liverpool having an offer of £15 million for Downing rejected.

While Liverpool was in the mix for Downing’s former teammate Ashley Young, Manchester United was able to outbid their rivals, and Dalglish is desperate to not let the same thing happen with Downing.

Liverpool is considering raising their bid for the star, with Aston Villa reportedly insisting that Downing is worth no less than £20 million.

Dalglish is also aggressively pursuing Newcastle full-back Jose Enrique, and despite the star garnering interest from Arsenal, Liverpool are looking to sign the Spaniard to fill a long standing left-back problem at Merseyside.

Centre-half Scott Dann is also in talks with Liverpool, with the Birmingham man a boyhood Liverpool fan who grew up in Merseyside.

Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group have set a transfer policy of signing younger players with long term potential, and Dalglish and director of football Damien Comolli both reportedly feel that Dann, at 24-years-old, fits this bill.

And at £10 million, Dann could be the cheapest player Dalglish purchases this summer.

Liverpool Complete Deal For Charlie Adam

Liverpool has completed the signing of midfielder Charlie Adam from Blackpool.

The Scot, 25, signed a contract on Thursday after successfully completing a medical, the club's official website said. The length of the contract or the fee have not yet been disclosed.

"I am absolutely delighted to be here," Adam told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"It has been a long process but now I can't wait to get started and hopefully this will be a successful period in my career and in the club's history."

He added: "Liverpool is a massive club with terrific players and a terrific manager.

"I see this as the perfect development for me to come here, play with such wonderful players and hopefully help the team to win trophies, because that's the most important thing.

"I'm delighted to be able to walk out on the same pitch as some of the players here.

"There are good players at the club, top, top players who I want to learn from. I want to become a better player and hopefully bring something to the team.

"Hopefully we can have a successful period because it's been missing now for a couple of years.

"At the end of the day you get judged on trophies and as a footballer you want to win as many as you can.

"This club has had a lot of success over the years, so let's get back to doing that."

In the January transfer window the Reds had two bids - the second worth £6.5m - rejected by the Seasiders, who were reportedly holding out for £9m.

But Liverpool reopened talks at the end of the season for a player who had only 12 months left on his contract.

Adam, who was on the shortlist for the PFA Player of the Year award last season, joined Blackpool from Scottish Premier League club Rangers for £500,000 in 2009.

The Scottish champions will now receive an additional cash windfall as they are due 10% of any sell-on fee.

Adam was close to joining Tottenham before time ran out in the January transfer window earlier this year.

He becomes boss Kenny Dalglish's second signing since they finished sixth in the Premier League last season.

Another midfielder, Jordan Henderson, arrived from Sunderland in June for a reported £20m.

Charlie Adam Eyes Silverware After Completing Liverpool Move

Charlie Adam is keen to help bring trophies back to Anfield after finally completing his move to Liverpool. The 25-year-old was a transfer target of Kenny Dalglish almost from the moment the manager took over from Roy Hodgson in early January.

After two failed bids in that window, when Blackpool were keen to keep their captain for their fight against relegation, Liverpool returned with an offer of around £7m and after his medical was completed without any problems Adam was able to sign a long-term contract.

The Scotland international is keen to get into pre-season training and start looking at how he can contribute to the club winning their first silverware since the 2006 FA Cup. "I am absolutely delighted to be here," Adam said. "It has been a long process but now I can't wait to get started and hopefully this will be a successful period in my career and in the club's history.

"I see this as the perfect development for me to come here, play with such wonderful players and hopefully help the team to win trophies, because that's the most important thing. I'm delighted to be able to walk out on the same pitch as some of the players here.

"There are good players at the club, top, top players who I want to learn from. I want to become a better player and hopefully bring something to the team. Hopefully we can have a successful period because it's been missing now for a couple of years.

"At the end of the day you get judged on trophies and as a footballer you want to win as many as you can. This club has had a lot of success over the years, so let's get back to doing that."

The role of Dalglish in securing the signature of his fellow Scot cannot be overestimated. He identified Adam very early on as a player he wanted and on Thursday even drove the midfielder into the club's Melwood training ground for the medical.

Dalglish's influence was marked when he took charge in January, turning performances and results around, and that did not go unnoticed by Adam. "Liverpool is a massive club with terrific players and a terrific manager," Adam said. "You have seen since the new manager came in the forward strides that have been made. Kenny has a terrific respect from players and people in the game.

"He is a wonderful manager and it's an honour to be able to say I'm going to be able to play for Liverpool. I tasted Anfield last year, scoring here [in Blackpool's 2-1 win] was an unbelievable feeling and hopefully I've got many more days like that as a Liverpool player."

Liverpool Prepare New Stewart Downing Bid

Liverpool will follow up the signing of Charlie Adam with an improved offer for Stewart Downing - but they still face a fight to persuade Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish to sell the England winger.

Villa turned down Liverpool's opening £15m bid and BBC Sport understands they are refusing even to consider a price for Downing, despite speculation that they will sell for £20m.

Downing is expected to hold further talks about his future with McLeish on Friday and Liverpool's improved offer, likely to be around £18m, could even have arrived by then.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is keen to make the 26-year-old his third signing of the summer after concluding a deal for Sunderland's Jordan Henderson and agreeing a fee for Blackpool's Adam, and the player is eager to make the move to Anfield, particularly since talks on an extended contract at Villa Park stalled.

Dalglish leads Liverpool on an eight-day Far East tour on Sunday and would hope to have a deal wrapped up by then but Villa are in no mood to part easily with Downing, after already losing Ashley Young to Manchester United for £16m.

Villa are prepared to take a hardline policy on Liverpool's interest in Downing, who has two years left on his contract, and insist they do not want to sell, dismissing suggestions that there is a price that would persuade them to change their stance.

McLeish said: "He had a magnificent season last year and really came to full maturity as a top player. I understand why there are teams interested in him and that is what happens when you play well consistently.

"His performances last season were top drawer. That's why he's not for sale. The club doesn’t want to sell him. I spoke to him briefly last week and I intend speaking to him again when all the lads are back in for training."

Downing, who joined Villa from Middlesbrough for £12m in July 2009, may well have to force the issue by putting in a transfer request if McLeish continues to block any further moves by Liverpool.