Dalglish - Gerrard On Track

Kenny Dalglish claims Steven Gerrard's rehabilitation is 'progressing brilliantly' but has refused to set a date for his possible return.

The Liverpool skipper has endured an injury-hit 2011/12 campaign, with an ankle infection currently keeping him on the sidelines.

The Reds are reluctant to gamble on his fitness, with one setback having already been suffered this term.

It remains unclear when Liverpool supporters can expect to see their captain back in action, but Dalglish is confident Gerrard will be back sooner rather than later.

"Steven is progressing brilliantly," he told the club's official website.

"There is nothing that's been a disappointment other than he's not been available for selection.

"He'll be available as and when he's over what he's got but everything's going really well. We couldn't ask for more or any greater news from him."

Pressed on whether a timescale could be put on his recovery, Dalglish added: "No. When he's ready."

While the Reds are still waiting on Gerrard, they are set to welcome Jamie Carragher back into the fold for Sunday's trip to Chelsea.

"Carra is training," said Dalglish.

"He's got rid of his calf injury so he's fit and available for selection."

In-form forward Luis Suarez will also be in contention for a starting berth against the Blues having reported back from international duty with Uruguay free of a slight back complaint.

"So far we've had no news of anybody being injured," said Dalglish.

Liverpool Striker Set For Shock Move To Italian Giants

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt is expected to leave Anfield with Italian giants Inter Milan reportedly interest.

According to reports in Italian publication Mediaset, Inter failed with a move for the Dutch international 18 months ago, but Kuyt has dropped down the pecking order at Liverpool with Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez now ahead of him.

Kop manager Kenny Dalglish has this season been using the 31-year-old more as a squad player, as he has made nine Premier League appearances this term with six starts and three coming off the bench.

Inter Milan are struggling this season in Serie A with eight points from the opening nine games and are just one place off the relegation zone. New boss Claudio Ranieri has set his sights on Kuyt as Inter look to turn there fortunes around.

It is believed Inter are going to make Liverpool and offer of £10million for Kuyt, which the Premiership club may expect given the players age and his value will only go down.

Liverpool Plan Cut-Price Offer For French International Full-Back

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is preparing to make a cut-price deal for Lyon left back Aly Cissokho once the January transfer window opens for business, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.

The French international is versatile and can operate in the midfield as well as in the full back position.

It is believed Premier League rivals Newcastle United are also interested in Cissokho, but the player would rather have a move to Anfield.

Recently Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas admitted the club will need to look for "some solutions", in order to balance the books.

This has alerted Liverpool who is willing to test the waters and is preparing to table an offer of £6million for Cissokho in the New Year.

Both Dalglish and Liverpool's director of football Damien Comolli a huge admirers of the 24-year-old and Comolli has good links with the Ligue 1 club which could also go in the Reds favour.

Reds Win Race For Whizzkid

Liverpool have secured the signing of MK Don's highly-rated teenager Seyi Ojo.

The 14-year-old, who was also believed to have attracted the interest of Chelsea, has been snapped up by the Reds' academy.

Ojo earned two England caps at Under-16 level during their recent Victory Shield campaign, and his deal has been given the seal of approval by Dons chairman Peter Winkelman.

"This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Seyi and his parents which has proved far too difficult to turn down," he told the club's official website.

"There has been a lot of interest and speculation regarding Seyi which he coped with admirably.

"We are extremely proud to have Seyi in our record books as our first schoolboy to receive an international cap.

"Everyone at the club would like to wish Seyi the best luck in his future and we all look forward to the day he runs out at Anfield."

Gerrard Haunted By Failure

Steven Gerrard admits he is haunted by the fact he has never been able to win the Premier League.

The 31-year-old has tasted just about every success you can as a player with Liverpool winning the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, FA Cup and Carling Cup.

But the title medal remains nothing more than a dream at this point, and Gerrard admits that troubles him.

"It's something I think about almost every day," he said. "I always think about the dream of winning it - or the disappointment if I was never to win it.

"Of course, it would be hugely disappointing if it didn't happen. To have played at Liverpool for what will, hopefully, be 14 or 15 years by the time I finish and not win it would be hugely disappointing.

"It would be an awful shame. But it won't be for a lack of trying.

"With the squad we have now, if we can keep improving and progressing and adding to it in the next few years, I think we'll have a really good chance of becoming champions.

"But I've played in an era where there have been three, four or five top teams in the league.

"When Liverpool dominated, they were so good they often turned it into a one-horse race right from the start of the season.

"In my time, we've been fighting with Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and now Manchester City and Spurs. They have all been, or are, fantastic teams. It's a really difficult competition to win, but we'll always keep fighting."

Gerrard, who is recovering from an ankle infection, insists that he has not given up on his title dream and he still feels Liverpool can make a challenge again.

"It was great to see so many players come in," he said.

"It wasn't just during the summer either. There was also Luis (Suarez) and Andy (Carroll), who still feel like new signings because they came halfway through last season.

"Since then, we've added Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Craig Bellamy, Stewart Downing and Sebastian Coates. The majority of them are strong British lads, who know the league well. They've also got quality.

"The squad is looking stronger - probably the strongest we've had for a long time. Now it's all about delivering.

Torres Defends Decision To Leave Liverpool

Fernando Torres insists Liverpool fans are unaware of the real reasons behind his transfer to Chelsea.

Torres moved from Anfield to Stamford Bridge last January in a move which angered Reds supporters, who vented their disapproval on the Spaniard when the clubs met just days later. But Torres claims there are reasons behind his transfer that have yet to be made public, and also hailed the influence of former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez on his career.

"Liverpool's fans have stuck with the story the club gave and they don't know the real story," he told Marca. "I don't feel bitter towards them, they will always be special for me.

"I owe so much to Rafa Benitez, no one understood me like him. He's a great coach. His teams go out with just one thing in mind: compete. Even with a smaller budget his teams can compete with the best."

Chelsea and Liverpool meet this Sunday and Torres knows his side can ill-afford a further setback in the Premier League. Torres' new employers sit just three points clear of his former club ahead of the Stamford Bridge showdown.

"Against Liverpool we can't allow ourselves to drop more points. It will be special. Liverpool is a team in transition and you can't do that overnight. You need time. They've made an effort economically and, like any project, it needs time to bed in," said Torres.

FA Charges Liverpool's Luis Suarez

The English Football Association has charged Liverpool striker Luis Suarez with racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

The FA says Suarez "used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behavior" during last month's Premier League match.

The FA says it is "alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or color and/or race of Patrice Evra."

Evra, a black defender, was quoted as telling French TV station Canal Plus that "there are cameras, you can see him (Suarez) say a certain word to me at least 10 times."

Suarez denied the allegations before being charged Wednesday.

Wolves Ponder Fresh Shelvey Move

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is thought to be ready to ask Kenny Dalglish about the prospect of signing Jonjo Shelvey on loan in January.

The diminutive 19-year-old midfielder is currently on loan at Blackpool after finding first team opportunities difficult to come by at Anfield this season due to the summer arrivals at the club.

McCarthy is considering making a move to land him in the new year and may try and tempt him on loan with a view to a permanent move at some point in the future, although Shelvey himself is determined to make the grade at Anfield and may only consider a loan.

McCarthy had a chance to ask Dalglish about Shelvey at Sir Alex Ferguson's 25th anniversary dinner although whether he did or not is unknown but McCarthy has confirmed that he will be looking to add in the New Year.

"We'll be looking to do something in January, definitely," said McCarthy.

"If there's players around we can get and do something to improve us as a squad or as a team, we'll try to do it."

Comolli Makes Personal Check On Toon Star

Liverpool are still monitoring the contract situation of Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini, it has been claimed.

The Argentine defender has 18 months to run on his current deal but has reportedly put off any talks over extension until the summer.

According to the Daily Star, Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli has made a personal check on Colocinni and an attempt to bring him to Anfield could now be in the offing.

Newcastle, though, are desperate to keep the 29-year-old at St James' Park and he is likely to extend his deal, despite the interest of Liverpool.

Whether or not Liverpool decide to formalize their interest in Coloccini remains to be seen, but the centre-back is known to he happy at Newcastle.

Alan Pardew, meanwhile, is expected to reinforce his goalscoring department when the transfer window opens in January.

The Toon boss is reportedly set to sign Modibo Maiga from Sochaux, while he is also alleged to be tracking Huddersfield hotshot Jordan Rhodes.

Dalglish Continues Defensive Scouting Mission With Sevilla Star

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is reportedly keeping tabs on Sevilla defender Ferderico Fazio as he looks to bolster his defence.

The Reds manager has been linked with moves for a number of centre-halves as he looks to add more experience to his back-line with Jamie Carragher nearing the end of his playing days.

Liverpool are reportedly casting their eye over Porto defender Bruno Alves while reports have emerged claiming they are also interested in Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini.

However, Dalglish is thought to be casting his net wide and is eager to explore as many options as possible.

And reports in Spain have claimed he has sent scouts to watch Fazio in action.

The Liverpool manager will also face competition from Inter Milan, who is also thought to be interested. The 6ft 5in defender will not come cheap, however, with Sevilla demanding in excess of €15m to make any potential deal happen.

The 24-year-old, whose contract runs until 2014, has become an important part of the Sevilla squad and made his Argentina debut this summer.

Gerrard - Downing Will Deliver

Steven Gerrard believes a move to Liverpool has provided Stewart Downing with the perfect stage on which to showcase his undoubted talent.

The Reds spent big in order to lure the winger away from Premier League rivals Aston Vila over the summer, with £20million invested in a player they hope will flourish on Merseyside.

Downing has made a quiet start to life at Anfield and is yet to hit the heights he scaled so impressively at Middlesbrough and Villa.

There have, however, been signs of late that he is starting to find his feet, with an impressive performance put in while donning the colours of England in a friendly date with Sweden on Tuesday.

He will now be looking to transfer that form onto the domestic stage, and his captain at club level is confident the 27-year-old will prove to be a shrewd acquisition for Liverpool.

Gerrard told LFC Magazine: "I think the move was perfect for him at this point of his career. He was the star at Middlesbrough and I think he moved up to Villa and proved he could be one of the best players in the league.

"I think at the age he's at it was perfect for him to sign for us. I felt he was a player we needed and that we were a club he needed to be at.

"He now has a platform here to prove over the next five or six years that he's one of the best players in the league. He can really nail down that left-side role and make it his own."

While Gerrard is a fan of Downing, he has also added his name to Luis Suarez's growing list of admirers - with the Uruguayan forward having been a revelation at Anfield following his January arrival from Ajax.

"To see Luis day in, day out has been a real eye-opener for me," added Gerrard.

"I knew he was a good player. Having worked with him on a regular basis I think he has the potential to be one of the best in the world."

Liverpool has slipped 12 points adrift of leaders Manchester City in the Premier League, but Gerrard believes boss Kenny Dalglish has the right tools at his disposal to ensure that the 2011/12 campaign will be a productive one for the Reds.

Gerrard, who is likely to miss Sunday's crunch clash with Chelsea as he recovers from an ankle problem, said: "I think the squad is looking stronger, probably the strongest we've had for a long time. Now it's all about delivering.

"The tools are all there, now we need to work hard, focus on each game and try to build on what we've shown over the last 20 or so games."

Clarke: Kelly Can Play Centre-Back

Martin Kelly has all the attributes to play at centre-back in the future, according to first-team coach Steve Clarke.

The Reds have no plans to move the 21-year-old from the right side of defence, where his performances have helped him become an England U21 regular.

However, Clarke would not be surprised if Kelly one day returned to the central position he regularly played during his years at the Academy.

"When you look at the size and shape of Martin, he's built like a central defender," said the Scot. "He's been fantastic at right-back and we've got no plans to move him from there at the moment but if he continues to develop and he gets an opportunity at centre-half then I'm sure he's got the attributes to make it a good position for him.

"He's done great to break into the Liverpool first team and really well to establish himself as an England U21. If he's going to become a senior player (for England) in the future he's going to have to continue to develop and work hard at his game."

Kelly has scored two goals in two games for England U21s during this international break - and Clarke was delighted to see the youngster net with his head on Monday.

"It was a good header from a corner, which is nice to see because we've done a little bit of work on his heading recently," he said. "It's nice to see that it is paying off.

"He scored a great goal breaking from midfield at the weekend, and it's obviously because he's playing matches, he's feeling good about himself, feeling confident, and long may that continue."

Sporting Frustration For Reds

It was a disappointing night for Liverpool's youngsters in Portugal as they lost 5-1 to Sporting Lisbon in the NextGen Series.

With qualification for the next stage of the competition already ensured, Rodolfo Borrell's side set out with the aim of trying to be the first team to beat the Portugese outfit in the competition so far.

Sa Pinto's side played some fantastic football at times and were 2-0 up inside the opening 34 minutes thanks to Edgar's free-kick and a fine effort from Carlos Chaby.

Michael Ngoo got the Reds back into it just before the break when he netted his first goal of the season after being set up by Raheem Sterling.

In the second half Sporting Lisbon turned on the style. Betinho made it 3-1 with a stunning overhead kick, then added another with a clinical header.

Substitute Gael Etock came off the bench to net a stunning goal with his first touch to make it 5-1.

Reflecting on the night's proceedings, Borrell said: "We need to improve a lot to compete with sides of the quality of Sporting Lisbon.

"The difference in quality was massive on the night but we will find solutions tactically to face these kind of teams in the future.

"Sporting Lisbon is a really good team but we need to keep going, work hard every day and improve so we are ready for the next stage of this tournament.

"In the first half we created some good chances but it was a disappointing night."

Jay Lends Support To NSPCC

Jay Spearing paid a visit to the NSPCC Hargreaves Centre in Liverpool this week to help raise awareness on the prevention of non-accidental head injuries in babies.

This program is used by the NSPCC to protect children aged under one, and the Reds midfielder was joined by LFC Ladies defender Sam Chappel and Everton striker Apostolos Vellios to lend their support.

The Preventing Non-Accidental Head Injuries in Babies program aims to reduce the number of babies suffering non-accidental head injuries.

This is a primarily hospital-based parent education program targeted at all parents of newborn babies. New parents are shown a short DVD of how to cope with the pressures of being a new parent and stressing how easily a baby's brain can be damaged.

Alex Hanson, Corporate Manager of the NSPCC Hargreaves Centre in Liverpool, said: "The prevention of non-accidental head injuries in babies is vitally important and we want to make as many parents as possible aware of it.

"It's a vital issue for us. Babies are the most vulnerable of all children and the Non-Accidental Head Injuries program aims to reach up to 13,000 babies over the next two years in Merseyside, working with parents and making sure they know how to deal with their children.

"When they become a new parent we show them how to cope and what to do. This program is fantastic and we are thrilled to be launching it here in Liverpool.

"Football is such an integral part to life in Liverpool and one of the big things for us with this program is involving new dads in how to bring up the babies safely and how to create a loving and safe environment for them to grow in, and we are thrilled to have Liverpool FC and Everton helping us with this."

Spearing, a recent proud father himself, added: "It's very important to help the NSPCC raise awareness about this important initiative.

"We are happy to be involved and help the NSPCC with their new campaign in Liverpool and across the North-West."

Liverpool Plan Audacious Move To Sign Everton Youngster

Liverpool are reportedly interested in Everton youngster Seamus Coleman and will hope to take advantage of their fellow Merseyside club’s perilous financial position by making a significant January offer for the Irish international.

Anfield director of football Damien Comolli has earmarked a move for the right sided performer and boss Kenny Dalglish is also said to be a fan of the former Sligo Rovers man and could see the Everton man as a player who could ably fill a role out wide at Liverpool.

There is apparently still some concern over who can best play out wide right at Liverpool where currently new signing Jordan Henderson and Dutchman Dirk Kuyt are the club’s main options. Neither player is a natural fit for that role and Coleman’s consistent displays for Everton over the past 18 months have caught the attention of many prospective suitors.

Seamus Coleman was signed by the Toffees in January 2009 and became a regular last term when he notched up 40 first team appearances and figured both at right back and in his more accustomed position in a right wing role. The likes of Man United have also been linked with the County Donegal born wide-man.

Clearly it would be a contentious move for the Irishman to make but he would be by no means the first to do so and given the fact that David Moyes has to deal with a non-existent transfer budget there may be a financial imperative for the Everton to sell one of their big names to once again balance the books.

Coleman is tied to a long term contract so any bid for his services would not be cheap.

Reds Send Scouts To Monitor Zurich Striker

Liverpool is reportedly set to rival Sunderland for FC Zurich striker Admir Mehmedi when the transfer window opens in January.

The 20-year-old has scored 13 goals in 47 appearances for his current employers, while he has been awarded three senior international caps for Switzerland.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool has sent scouts to monitor Mehmedi and will battle Sunderland for his signature.

The Barclays Premier League duo are also likely to have to contest Nuremberg, it has been claimed, in pursuit of Mehmedi.

United & Liverpool Chase Dutch Striker

Ajax starlet Danzell Gravenberch is attracting the attention of Manchester United and Liverpool, it has been claimed.

The 17-year-old striker is coming to the end of his contract at the Amsterdam Arena and is reportedly prepared to listen to offers from elsewhere.

According to reports, both Sir Alex Ferguson and Kenny Dalglish have identified Gravenberch as a potential acquisition and a move to United or Liverpool could be on the cards.

However, Old Trafford or Anfield are unlikely to the only possible destinations for the Dutch youngsters, with Aston Villa and Juventus also touted as potential suitors.

Aquilani's AC Milan Deal Is Just A Formality, Says Agent

Alberto Aquilani will stay at AC Milan beyond 2012 as the loan deal from Liverpool will be made permanent, his agent Franco Zavaglia has said.

The 27-year-old Italy international joined the San Siro-based outfit in the summer from the Premier League side.

Aquilani's deal consists of a loan, but Milan will have an option to buy his full rights from Liverpool if he features in 25 or more games for them this season.

Zavaglia believes the Italian will remain with Massimiliano Allegri's men.

"We can without doubt consider Milan activating the buy-out clause to be a pure formality, especially as he’ll soon reach the written parameters set by Milan and Liverpool," Zavaglia told Itasportpress.

"Alberto is doing well and I think this is clear for all to see."

Aquilani has played in 9 Serie A matches for the Rossoneri who take on Fiorentina in Serie A on Saturday night.

Carragher In Line To Return

Jamie Carragher is in line to make his Liverpool return in Sunday's trip to Chelsea after recovering from a calf injury.

The vastly-experienced defender suffered the blow in last month's Carling Cup win at Stoke, forcing him to miss their last two outings.

However, Carragher is on the mend and first-team coach Steve Clark has been pleased with the 33-year-old's training over the past few days.

Clark believes that providing the former England international continues his upward curve in the coming days he could feature in Sunday's mouth-watering clash at Stamford Bridge.

"Jamie has joined in training over the last couple of days and looked good," Clarke told the club's official website.

"He was out for a couple of weeks with a minor calf injury.

"We just made sure he took his time, recovered from it, and he's trained well these past couple of days.

"He'll be in contention for the weekend if there are no mishaps between now and the game."

Adam Out To Prove Himself At Anfield

Charlie Adam is determined to silence his critics, with the Liverpool midfielder vowing to prove he is not just a flash in the pan.

Adam was one of the stars of the Premier League last season, with his efforts for Blackpool earning widespread praise.

The midfielder's displays were ultimately in vain, as Blackpool was relegated, but they earned him a move to Liverpool.

Adam has moved into a much bigger pond at Anfield and is aware the expectation is far greater. His form has been patchy and he has admitted there is added pressure on his shoulders but he is looking to prove he can thrive in the spotlight.

"I hadn't played in the Premier League until last season and people judged me on how I performed for Blackpool," Adam is quoted as saying in Match magazine. "But I want to show that I can be a Premier League player on a consistent basis, and that I'm good enough to play for Liverpool.

"The expectation levels here are really different to what they were at Blackpool. We are expected to win every week, whereas that wasn't always the case last season. But having that kind of challenge is something I really look forward to.

"My family and my mum and dad are proud, but no one is as proud as me to be a Liverpool player. Not many people can say they've had the chance to play in front of the Kop every week with over 40,000 fans behind them.

"I come in every day with a smile on my face, and when you're sat in the dressing room watching all the top players walk in, you realise what you're a part of."

Scotland Target Jonjo Shelvey After Missing Out On Sebastian Coates

Manager Craig Levein has revealed Scotland missed the opportunity to persuade Sebastian Coates to play for their national side – but are determined not to miss out on Liverpool FC player Jonjo Shelvey.

Levein says Scottish Football Association officials have already been in contact with Jonjo Shelvey about him changing football allegiance from England.

The 21-year-old has represented the country of his birth at under-16, 17 and 19 level but has yet to play senior international football and would be eligible to play north of the border because of his Scottish father.

Defender Coates also qualified to play for Levein’s side through his dad but Scotland were too late in their attempts to prise him from the clutches of Uruguay, where he was born.

The 21-year-old had represented his country at every level up to under-20 before the start of the summer so would still have been able to change to Scotland.

However, when capped by the senior side in July’s Copa America – which Uruguay won as Coates was named the tournament’s best young player – the game was up for Levein.

But the Scot’s manager is far more optimistic of landing Shelvey, who is currently enjoying a profitable loan spell away from Anfield with Championship side Blackpool.

“We’ve been in touch and we are hopeful,” said Levein.

“As usual, we will continue to try and unearth as many players as possible to be able to play for us.

“We want as many good players as possible to be able to play for us.”

However, on the missed opportunity with Coates, who has now played six times for his country’s senior side, Levein admitted: “He'd been capped by the time we found out about him.”

Kelly Nets In Belgium Defeat

Martin Kelly was on the mark again as England U21s lost 2-1 in Belgium on Monday night.

Liverpool's No.34, who also fired last week against Iceland, headed his country into a 14th minute lead, but the hosts stormed back to win the Euro 2013 qualifier with a stoppage time winner.

Kelly and U21 skipper Jordan Henderson played the full 90 minutes and Jon Flanagan was an unused substitute.

Reflecting on the defeat, Henderson said: "We are very disappointed. We felt we did well in the second half when we settled into the game and I personally had a chance to finish it but we are still top of the [group], in a good position and we need to win our last three games.

"The games are not easy but we came here to do a job and unfortunately we didn't.

"We have a lot of work to do and hopefully this will give us a wake up call for the games ahead.

"I think we could have started better but in the second half we settled down and had a couple of chances.

"We need to be more streetwise in the last minutes to not concede but we will learn from that and come back stronger."

Lucas Lands Prestigious Gong

Lucas Leiva's impressive form during 2011 saw him crowned the North-West's Premier League Player of the Year on Monday night.

The Brazilian scooped the award at an MBNA sponsored ceremony held at Lancashire County Cricket Club in Manchester.

The gong was in recognition of excellence both on and off the pitch.

The Reds midfielder has been on international duty with his country over the past week and played the full 90 minutes in Brazil's 2-0 friendly success over Egypt last night.

Following the win, Lucas tweeted: "Well done everyone for the victory. It is always important to finish the year winning."

Capello: Andy Carroll's Future Is Up To Him

Fabio Capello has handed Andy Carroll a stark ultimatum and told him to take responsibility for his career to make the most of his talent.

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, was overlooked for the double header with Spain and Sweden and will see Fulham’s Bobby Zamora handed his first start for his country tonight.

Asked about Carroll supposedly having a pivotal role to play for his team, Capello delivered an acerbic response, saying: “Yes, but that depends on him. Not on me. Zamora I’ve had around the team for a long time. I want to see him at Wembley.”

Liverpool Face Real Betis In Battle For Sochaux Midfielder

Liverpool are facing stiff competition in their pursuit of Ryad Boudebouz with reports emerging claiming Spanish side Real Betis have made the Sochaux midfielder their top priority.

The Algeria international revealed recently that Liverpool have been monitoring him with director of football Damien Comolli in France to watch him in action on numerous occasions and to talk with the Sochaux president.

The 21-year-old has a number of admirers across Europe, but the Reds have long been considered the favourites for his signature.

However, according to Insidefutbol.com, Betis are big fans of Boudebouz and are prepared to get ahead of the competition by moving for him in January.

Betis regained promotion to La Liga this season and have made a solid start to their time back in the top-flight. However, they are looking to cement their place in the Primera Division and have targeted Boudebouz as a player to help do just that.

The midfielder has 18 months left on his current contract and Sochaux are willing to sell if their asking price of £14.5m is met.

Prem Eyes On Teenage Ace

Skysports.com understands a host of Premier League clubs are battling it out for teenage sensation Josiah Chukwudi.

The 15-year-old central midfielder was spotted playing Sunday League football.

QPR recently invited the teenager on trial and he is believed to have impressed at Loftus Road.

News of Chukwudi's talent has alerted most of the Premier League big guns with Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool and Everton all thought to be weighing up moves for the youngster.

As Chukwudi is without a club at present there would be no compensation to be paid by any of his Premier League suitors if they try to sign the starlet.

Liverpool Set To Raid Aston Villa In The Winter Transfer Window

Liverpool are rumoured to be interested in Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan as they look to strengthen their team in order to pursue European football.

Fellow Scot Kenny Dalglish is thought to hold the 21-year-old in high regard and sees him as the future of the national side, and a bid could be made in January however Dalglish will need reassurances over Bannan’s off field situation as he was recently arrested for drink driving.

Bannan has been one of the Premier League’s stand out performer this term and has been an integral part of Alex McGleish who recently suspended him following his arrest on suspicion of drink driving however that has now been lifted and he has returned to training with squad after being omitted from the Scotland national side for their win against Cyprus.

Suarez Ruled Out Of Italy Friendly

Uruguay coach Oscar Washington Tabarez has said Luis Suarez will play no part in today's friendly against Italy after he suffered a knock during his four goal starring role in the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying 4-0 win over Chile on Saturday.

"Suarez took a knock against Chile and is not in the best shape," Tabarez said on the eve of the game. "He is getting better, but for the player, and for his club (Liverpool), it would make no sense to risk an injury, that is the way we see things."

With Inter Milan's Diego Forlan already out until mid-December, Tabarez confirmed that the Copa America holders will line up in a 4-3-3 formation with a frontline consisting of Porto's Cristian Rodriguez, Seba Fernandez of Malaga and Napoli's Edinson Cavani.

Tabarez, 64, also spoke of his pride at leading Uruguay into the meeting with one of the world's leading footballing nations at the Stadio Olimpico. "Prior to 2006 (when Tabarez returned for a second spell in charge) we rarely played such prestigious opponents," he said.

"Since the 2010 World Cup, everything has changed. This match is part of a new strategy of playing against major sides. We have already played Germany and the Netherlands, and this invitation to play in this magnificent stadium is an honour."

"We have worked hard, we are a small country, but that must not serve as an excuse," Tabarez added of his team, who reached the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup before winning their continental crown in Argentina in July.

Tabarez is making his return to Italy, where he spent several months in charge of an aging Milan side before being sacked by Silvio Berlusconi in December 1996.

Liverpool Snub From Non-League Striker Target

Portsmouth are understood to be closing in on non-league starlet Dan Thompson, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Newcastle according to skysports.com.

The 17-year-old striker, who currently plies his trade for Hampton & Richmond has been tipped for a bright future, as a host of Barclays Premier League clubs continue to monitor the situation.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has been alerted to Thompson's potential, as he considers an attempt to bring him to Anfield, and Magpies boss Alan Pardew has also been credited with an interest in taking him to St James' Park.

However, as prospective talks over a move to either Liverpool or Newcastle have stalled, Championship side Portsmouth is now the favourites to secure his signature.

Thompson is believed to have arrived at Fratton Park this morning to link-up with Pompey for talks and training, with a view to sealing a permanent deal on the south coast before the end of the week.

Whilst the lure of a move to Liverpool or Newcastle would have been tempting for Thompson, his decision to sign for Portsmouth is based around the opportunity of a realistic chance of first-team football.

Boro Star Rebuffs Move Talk

Middlesbrough star Rhys Williams insists that he has no intention of leaving the club in January.

Williams stated earlier this week that he was not ready to sign a new deal at Boro - unless they improved their offer.

This led to renewed speculation about his future with Bolton and Liverpool linked again, with Aston Villa also previously linked.

Speaking from Australia where he is on international duty, he insisted that whilst he wants to play in the Premier League - he wants that to be with Boro.

He told The World Game: "While I am determined to play in the Premier League I want to make that happen with Middlesbrough. We are third at the moment and we're going to be very close this season.

"Of course I'd love to play in the top flight, what player wouldn't?

"But I am happy where I am and have never said that I want to go elsewhere. I don't know where all this has come from about Bolton and Liverpool. I don't know anything about it.

"My main aim is to do what I can for Boro. It's a great club and I am really happy to be a part of the squad.

"I know there has been talk about Bolton being interested in the past, and while that's complimentary, it's not on my mind now at all.

"I'm enjoying my club football and also trying to cement a starting place for my country. That's another challenge and I don't want there to be any distractions."

Speed Had Bellamy Doubts

Wales coach Gary Speed has admitted that he had doubts on the availability on striker Craig Bellamy for his team.

Bellamy had been struggling on a number of fronts with Manchester City offloading him to Cardiff City for the 2010/11 campaign, then Wales coach John Toshack reluctant to pick him and his knees causing him problems.

However, the 32-year-old's fortunes have taken a turn towards the better as he joined his old club Liverpool at the start of the current season and has been made an integral part of the national team once more.

Bellamy was on target for the Dragons on Saturday in their 4-1 victory over Norway in a friendly international at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Speed is understandably glad with Bellamy's progress but concedes that at one point he was unsure about his compatriot's future.

"I did have doubts about whether Craig would carry on playing for us," he said in The Daily Star.

"I know what he's like as a professional and that he wants to play at the top level for as long as possible.

"We know his injury history and that he needs to be looked after. He looks after himself better than any player I know, and his club are looking after him too.

"I wouldn't call it a new lease of life at Liverpool because he's never lost his drive and enthusiasm for the game.

"It probably is helping us that he's making a different sort of contribution - although knowing him I'm sure it won't be long before he's forced his way into getting 90 minutes all the time."

Anglophile Dirk Joins Campaign

Dirk Kuyt is involved with a campaign to bring more tourists to Britain and increase the number of foreign football fans who travel to Barclays Premier League games.

VisitBritain stats show that 750,000 overseas visitors came to see a Premier League match last year, spending nearly £600m in the process.

That's why they have just launched a new Premier League channel on their website - including videos on Liverpool and every other top flight club.

As well as a two-and-a-half minute guide to why foreign fans should go along to Anfield and how they would get there, there is also an interview with Kuyt in which he talks about his adopted country.

The Dutchman reveals his love for the Lake District and explains why Britain has some of the best golf courses around.