Brendan Rodgers Goes Back To School

The Liverpool Football Club manager, Brendan Rodgers, has made a surprise visit to his former secondary school.

The Northern Ireland native made the unscheduled stop at St Patrick's College in Ballymena during a trip home to see his family in County Antrim.

He met pupils and staff, signed autographs and posed for photographs.

The new Anfield boss also congratulated his former PE teacher, Paul McKee, who was recently honoured by the Queen for his services to amateur sport.

He made the trip with his brother who had picked him up from the airport to take him to his hometown of Carnlough.

Mr. McKee said the visit was "completely out of the blue".

He said the Liverpool boss had a cup of tea and "a chat" with members of staff before the word spread among the students about his arrival.

"He had time for everyone," said Mr. McKee, "and it was always with a smile."

The teacher said Mr. Rodgers had a "great love and affection" for the school and spent 40 minutes meeting pupils.

Mr. McKee remembers him as a "good pupil who never left the sports hall".

Although the school did not participate in competitive soccer in the 1980s, he recalled how the new Liverpool boss had displayed a talent for basketball before achieving success in his football career.

"He was my point guard, and a very clever one he was too," he said.

Mr. McKee had recently sent him a card congratulating him on his new job.

The Liverpool manager was able to return the favour on Thursday and congratulate his former teacher on his own achievement.

Mr. McKee was awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours list "for services to amateur sport, basketball and the community".

The principal of St Patrick's College, Catherine Magee, said: "He just decided to pop in to see us all and we were delighted."

She added that despite winning one of the top jobs in football, Brendan Rodgers' feet remain very firmly on the ground.

"He has always been good at maintaining links with the school and we have followed his career with great interest and pride," she said.

Thursday's surprise visit was not the first time he has returned to St Patrick's College.

On a previous occasion, he was invited as a guest speaker at their annual prize day.

The 39-year-old was raised in Carnlough in County Antrim and spent much of his school days playing Gaelic football, hurling and basketball.

He was forced to retire as a player at the age of 20 because of a genetic knee condition and turned to a career in coaching.

Before securing the top job at Liverpool, he was a youth team coach for Reading and Chelsea before moving on to managerial positions with Watford, Reading and Swansea City.

Rodgers Insists Players Must Stake Claim For Starting Place

New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists that every member of his squad will be given the chance to stake their claim for a place in the side, as he familiarizes himself with his new team.

The former Swansea boss, who took over Liverpool following the recent departure of Kenny Dalglish, reassured his players that they would be given the chance to shine, despite the club being linked with a number of potential signings, including Gylfi Sigurdsson and Gaston Ramirez.

As reported by Goal.com, Rodgers underlined his new approach, but admitted that he is looking to make improvements to a Liverpool side who finished the Premier League in eighth place last season.

“The cycle with Kenny was a terrific cycle, but I'm a different tactician and a different type of person and that will give all the players an opportunity to perform,” he said.

“I've got to assess all the players to see if they fit into the philosophy.

"I know what we've got, more or less, in the squad, but I also know there are a couple of signings that could really improve what we do.

"I think there are a few players who can come in and improve the group straight away. I know the types of player I need to bring here to make us function well and that's something myself, the club and the board will look at.”

One player who will be hoping for a second shot is Joe Cole, who spent last year on loan at French side Lille, after a disappointing first season at Anfield.

Cole, who joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Chelsea in 2010, struggled with life on Merseyside, but is aiming to rectify that under Rodgers.

“Joe is a very talented player,” Rodgers said. “He's obviously gone out to Lille and done very well. He has the opportunity to come back here and show his qualities.

"For me, it's fresh for everyone. Of course, I know lots of the players and their qualities, but Joe is obviously a player who'll want to come back and show his worth to the group."

Liverpool Could Lose Out In Bid For Italy Star

Liverpool may be thwarted in their bid to sign former Chelsea man Fabio Borini after one of the forward's co-owning clubs, Parma, expressed their intention to keep him in Italy.

The 20-year-old left Stamford Bridge for Parma last summer, before moving on loan to Roma the following month.

The Italy international made an impressive start to life at Roma and the capital city club decided to pay Parma around £1.8m for half of the player's ownership rights in January.

New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers had been tipped to make a move for Borini after the youngster enjoyed a successful loan stint at Swansea in 2010/11 under his tutelage.

However, Parma's sporting director Pietro Leonardi believes Borini could be returning to the Stadio Olimpico next season.

"Borini? With Roma we have a very good relationship," said Leonardi.

"We've thought about renewing the partnership, but all the three components - Parma, Roma and the player - must agree."

Liverpool Keen On German International Defender

Liverpool are being linked with a move for German international defender Benedikt Howedes.

The 24-year-old is being ‘tracked’ by the Reds following the arrival of Brendan Rodgers, according to talkSPORT, with the Northern Irishman eager to strengthen his backline at the earliest opportunity this summer.

Having spent his entire senior career at Schalke, Howedes already has experience at Champions League level, and earned his first cap for the national team under Joachim Loew last year.

"His greatest strengths are in the centre of defence, but he can play in any position across the back and always has a role to play," noted Loew.

Having represented his country at a variety of youth team levels, Howedes has built up a big reputation domestically, and was handed the captain’s armband at the Veltins-Arena last season.

Capable of playing at full-back as well as in central defence, Howedes helped Die Knappen finish third last season, securing a return to the European Cup for next term.

Whether he’s still playing for the club next season is now up for debate, although it’s unclear how much Liverpool would have to play to bring the player to Anfield.

Madrid Striker On Liverpool Radar

Liverpool are being linked with a move for Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, according to reports.

TalkSPORT claims the 19-year-old has been given permission to look elsewhere this summer, with Los Blancos ready to let the talented teenager leave for interested parties.

Both Newcastle and QPR are also said to be interested, whilst Wigan Athletic also missed out on a bargain £1 million deal for the player back in January.

With a decision expected from the player in July, new Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will have to weigh-up his options and consider if the £30,000-a-week wages can be justified on a Spanish U19 regular.

Having scored 17 goals for Madrid’s ‘B’ team – the Castilla – expectations were high that he might be able to break into the senior setup. However, Jose Mourinho is willing to let the player leave, and he’s asked his agent to negotiate a possible move to England.

Were Liverpool able to bring the player to Anfield, striker Morata would play alongside the likes of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.

Sigurdsson Free To Talk Terms

Gylfi Sigurdsson has been granted a fortnight's leave by Bundesliga employers Hoffenheim to try and push through a move to England.

The Iceland international is keen to secure a permanent switch to the Premier League after shining during a loan spell at Swansea last season.

He linked up with the Swans in January and starred for Brendan Rodgers' side as they preserved their top flight status in style.

Swansea made it clear that they were keen to do a deal, and a club record transfer fee was agreed with Hoffenheim.

Rodgers has, however, since vacated his post at the Liberty Stadium and inherited the managerial reins at Liverpool.

The Reds are now considered to be firm favourites to secure Sigurdsson's signature.

A confusing transfer saga remains up in the air, though, and Hoffenheim have allowed the 22-year-old midfielder to take a 'prolonged holiday' in an effort to put an agreement in place.

A statement released by the German outfit read: "Gylfi Sigurdsson will not be with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim for the start of pre-season. He has, after consultation, obtained a prolonged holiday until 30th June.

"The club wants the 22-year-old to continue to secure a future in the Premier League."

Hoffenheim head coach Markus Babbel added: "Gylfi wants to stay in England and is in negotiations there. Thus, it makes no sense for both sides for him to return to Hoffenheim, perhaps only for a few days."

Babbel has, however, made it clear that Sigurdsson will be expected back in Germany if no deal is arranged before the end of June.

He said: "If, by the deadline on 30th June, he has done nothing, then he is here and will return to his pre-season with us. We have agreed this with him."

Liverpool And Everton Boosted In Pursuit Of Inter Youngster

Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Inter Milan starlet Luc Castaignos after the forward's former club Feyenoord pulled out of the race to sign him.

The 19-year-old joined Inter last summer after scoring 15 goals in his first two seasons at Feyenoord, but the forward was sparsely used last term, making just one Serie A start, and Liverpool and Everton are reported to be monitoring his availability.

A return to Feyenoord was touted as a possibility for Castaignos, but their technical director Martin van Geel says the forward is not on his way back to the Netherlands.

"They (Inter) want to sell Luc rather than loan him," said Van Geel. "Inter even have a price in mind that is even more than we sold him for. For Feyenoord it is absolutely impossible."

Earlier this week Castaignos confirmed his intention to leave the San Siro this summer.

Speaking to Sky Sport 24, he said: "[The club and I] have decided that I will be sold. Inter wants to loan me to an Italian team, but I do not want this. In Italy I only want to play for Inter, so I have decided to move on.

"I left Holland only to play for Inter, but this is not looking possible now, so I will leave. Of course I am sad, but this is football and the club and I have made this decision."

Liverpool Face Battle To Keep Reina

Liverpool will have to convince Pepe Reina that Liverpool can match his ambitions after it was reported that Italian giants AC Milan are interested in signing the Spanish goalkeeper.

Reina has never intimated that he would like to leave the club but he will certainly not have been happy with the performance of the club last season after they finished eighth in the league.

Liverpool have missed out on Champions League football for the second successive season and will have a mountain to climb in order to challenge the top four.

Milan's current number one is Christian Abbiati, who at 34-year-old, is considered to be coming towards the end of his career and boss Massimo Allegri may look to find a replacement.

The Daily Mail has reported that Milan have made Reina their number one target and are hoping to strengthen rather than sell after turning own a £37million bid for Thiago Silva from Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool would certainly not want to lose the goalkeeper who has seen a number of his international colleagues leave the Reds in recent seasons, with Fernando Torres, Albert Riera, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa all leave.

New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will certainly hope to convince his keeper to stay but the lure of Champions League football and pushing for league titles may be a major draw.

Agger Would Welcome New Deal

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger says he would be open to the offer of a new contract at Anfield and is looking forward to meeting new manager Brendan Rodgers.

Denmark international Agger, whose Euro 2012 exploits ended on Sunday after his country were eliminated, is contracted on Merseyside until 2014 but would welcome the chance to extend his deal.

The 27-year-old, who joined Liverpool in 2006 from native club Brondby, is keen to meet Rodgers after being impressed with his results at Swansea.

"It's no secret that I'm happy to be in Liverpool. Otherwise, I would not have been there for six years," he told sporten.dk.

"I have not [discussed a new contract] but if they come with an offer I will surely sit down and talk with them.

"It's not something that is urgent, for I have contract until 2014, but if they ask I will listen.

"I am looking forward to meeting the new coach. I've seen what he has done at Swansea, and it has been impressive."

Agent: Aquilani Will Not Terminate Liverpool Deal

Outcast Alberto Aquilani looks set for a return to Liverpool following the conclusion of his loan deal with AC Milan, but the player will not look to terminate his contract according to agent.

The Italian club were unwilling to make an offer to secure the player on a permanent basis and midfielder’s representative has rubbished claims the he will look at other avenues to secure a move away from Anfield.

Aquilani spent a season at the San Siro after failing to impress former Reds manager Kenny Dalglish, but with no move elsewhere lined up it looks likely that he will be coming back into the fold under Brendan Rodgers.

The player's agent, Franco Zavaglia, outlined Aquilani's current situation claiming that a move back to Liverpool is the only option at the moment.

"Almost certainly he will not terminate his contract with Liverpool," Zavaglia told Sportitalia.

"He could join them [Liverpool] at the beginning of July to start pre-season training with the English club.

"At this time there are no clubs interested in him."

Juventus also turned down the chance to sign the player when he had a loan spell with the Turin-based club in 2010.

He has failed to strike up a career in the Premier League having only made 18 appearances for Liverpool and scored just once since his £17 million move to the club in 2009.

Clarke Sympathy For Dalglish

Former Liverpool first-team coach Steve Clarke admits he feels sympathy for Kenny Dalglish, who was sacked by the Merseysiders last month.

Clarke moved to the Reds in January 2010 to work alongside Dalglish, who had made a dramatic return to the Anfield hot-seat 19 years after he had first quit the post.

The former Scotland international led the Reds to Carling Cup success and the final of the FA Cup last season but paid the price for a disappointing Premier League campaign.

The Merseysiders finished eighth, 17 points adrift of Tottenham in the final Champions League place.

That failure to challenge for the top four positions prompted Liverpool's owners, the Fenway Sports Group, to sack Dalglish just days after the final game of the season.

Clarke admitted he felt some sympathy for his compatriot, especially as Liverpool is a club close to Dalglish's heart.

"I was disappointed for Kenny because that is his club and for him to leave in that way was not very nice for him, so I felt a little bit for Kenny," he said.

"But if you don't achieve the standards or the levels of the people who run the club want you to achieve, you have to pay the price."

Clarke's departure from Anfield was confirmed at the start of June when new Reds boss Brendan Rodgers brought his backroom team up from old side Swansea.

He wasn't unemployed for long, however, as just days later he was appointed new West Brom manager, his first managerial role.

The Scot admits that after witnessing first-hand the ruthless nature of Premier League football management, he knows he will have to get results quickly if he is to keep his job.

"Football has changed. The whole structure of football has changed," he added.

"Success has to be instant and has to be on a level expected at whatever club you are at - look at the Harry Redknapp situation at Tottenham."

Henry Questions Stadium Myth

Liverpool's principal owner John Henry has warned fans it is a myth to think a new stadium will transform the club's financial fortunes.

A new stadium in Stanley Park has been an ongoing drama for the Reds with previous owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett committing significant sums to an abortive attempt to relocate the club.

Henry wants supporters to appreciate that a new-build could lead to increased ticket prices and that the best way to grow is through developing worldwide commercial revenue streams.

"A long-term myth has existed about the financial impact of a new stadium for Liverpool," the American wrote in an email to The Anfield Wrap website.

"A belief has grown that Liverpool FC must have a new stadium to compete with (Manchester) United, Arsenal and others.

"No-one has ever addressed whether or not a new stadium is rational.

"New stadiums that are publicly-financed make sense for clubs - I've never heard of a club turning down a publicly-financed stadium.

"But privately carrying new stadiums is an enormous challenge. Arsenal is centered in a very wealthy city with a metropolitan population of approximately 14 million people.

"They did a tremendous job of carrying it off on a number of levels but how many new football stadiums with more than 30,000 seats have been built in the UK over the past decade or so?

"New stadiums increase revenues primarily by raising ticket prices - especially premium seating."

One source of funding would be to agree a naming rights deal for a new stadium and Henry reiterated that this is something he would not rule out.

"We've been exploring a new stadium for the past 18 months," he added.

"At one point we made it clear that if a naming rights deal could be secured of sufficient size, we would make every effort to build a new facility.

"Liverpool FC has an advantage in being a global club and a naming rights deal could make a new stadium a reality.

"It is something we are working on. There has been interest."

Henry accepts that the alternative - increasing capacity at Anfield - remains fraught with difficulty.

"Going in the other direction, many football clubs have successfully enlarged their seating capacity," he added.

"LFC has had plans to expand the main stand at Anfield but this avenue has been very difficult for the club over the past couple of decades.

"There are homes behind the main stand. Expansion of the main stand would have to be a priority for the city, community and immediate neighbourhood in order for that to occur.

"This issue is vital to the neighbourhood's future but we cannot and will not act unilaterally.

"While a new stadium or an expansion of Anfield is beneficial over the long-term for the club, the financial impact of adding seats and amenities should be put into perspective.

"That's why I say that it is a myth that stadium issues are going to magically transform LFC's fortunes.

"Building new or refurbishing Anfield is going to lead to an increase from £40million of match-day revenue to perhaps £60-70m if you don't factor in debt service.

"That would certainly help but it's just one component of LFC long-term fortunes.

"Our future is based not on a stadium issue but on building a strong football club that can compete with anyone in Europe.

"This will be principally driven financially by our commercial strengths globally."

Carroll Feeling Confident

Andy Carroll says England are feeling '100 per cent' confident ahead of their final Euro 2012 group game against Ukraine following the win over Sweden.

England followed up an opening 1-1 draw with France by edging out Sweden 3-2 in a thrilling tussle in Kiev on Friday evening.

Carroll rewarded the decision to hand him a start by heading England in front on 23 minutes, but he conceded a cheap free-kick early in the second half which led to Sweden's equalizer.

Olof Mellberg then scored his second goal to put Sweden ahead, but substitute Theo Walcott levelled before setting up Danny Welbeck for a 78th minute winner.

England now require just a draw against co-hosts Ukraine on Tuesday to qualify for the quarter-finals and, when asked if he is feeling confident, Carroll replied: "100%."

The Liverpool striker was delighted to score after powerfully connecting with club colleague Steven Gerrard's pass and also praised England's spirit for battling back to win.

He said: "It's a great feeling. It was a great ball in by Stevie, I got in the middle of two defenders and put it away.

"I think we felt a little bit comfortable. Obviously, I gave a foul away and they got a goal from that, and it put us on the back foot.

"We had to work hard to win the game. Just to fight back shows the team spirit and we are all sticking together. We got the two goals we needed."

Liverpool Interested In Atletico Midfielder Garcia

Liverpool have been linked with a £6.5million move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Raul Garcia.

The 25-year-old cost almost £9million when Atletico signed him from Osasuna five years ago, but he will be allowed to leave after falling out of boss Diego Simeone’s plans.

Athletic Bilbao are keen to sign him, but after-tax wage demands of more than £30,000 a week are hindering negotiations.

Atletico sources claim two Barclays Premier League clubs have also shown interest, with one said to be Liverpool.

Garcia impressed on loan at his former club Osasuna last season, scoring 11 goals in 32 games, and helping them to an impressive seventh-place finish in La Liga.

Liverpool Told £7m Is Enough To Land Barcelona Forward

Barcelona have made it clear that they will not sell Cristian Tello for less than £7million as a number of European clubs look to secure the signature of the talented youngster.

The Daily Mail has reported that Liverpool are just one of the clubs that are interested in signing the 20-year-old who broke into the first team last season under Pep Guardiola.

Tello made 15 appearances in La Liga last season as he forced his way into the front three alongside Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez, though this way largely thanks to the injury David Villa suffered.

The young forward came through Barcelona B before moving to Espanyol where he made a handful of appearances in the B team, before returning to Barcelona in the summer of 2010.

He made his debut in the league in January this year and was quickly trusted to make an appearance in the Champions League where he scored two on his debut against Bayer Leverkusen.

However, next season it may be more difficult to make first team appearances with Villa set to return from inure, while other Barcelona B graduates Pedro and Isaac Cuenca will also be pushing for a start.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will almost certainly be looking to strengthen the squad after the Reds finished eighth last season and the young Barcelona forward, who has been valued at £7million, has already displayed his potential.

Tello only has 12 months remaining on his contract and it seems there are a number of clubs interested, with Valencia, Malaga and Benfica also linked with the forward.

Liverpool Enter Into Negotiations With Juventus Winger

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is hoping to land his first signing of the summer after entering into negotiations with Juventus misfit Milos Krasic.

The Serbia international was merely a spectator last season as he was forced to watch from the bench as Juventus went unbeaten for the entire season to win the league.

Krasic made just seven appearances and fell out of favour with Antonio Conte, despite playing 33 games the season before and scoring seven goals after moving from CSKA Moscow.

The Daily Mail has reported how Liverpool hope to sign Krasic for £6million and have opened discussions with the Serie A club in order to try and tempt the winger to the Premier League.

Tottenham have previously been linked with the midfielder, in particular in January of this year when he was struggling to get into the Juventus side, however, he decided to stay and battle for his place.

A decision he revealed he regretted earlier this year, telling Vecernje Novosti: "At the end of the transfer window in January, there were offers from Tottenham and Zenit for a loan deal,"

"I decided to decline those options in the belief that I would be given chances at Juventus. That has proven to be a mistake and it would have been better if I had accepted one of those offers."

The Reds are short of options in wide areas after the sale of Dirk Kuyt, while Stewart Downing also failed to impress in his first season with the club.

Striker Open To Liverpool Move

Salomon Kalou would reportedly be open to a summer move to Liverpool, according to his agent Rodger Linse.

The former Chelsea star, who left the club after six years of service, will be available on a free transfer, after failing to agree terms over a new deal.

According to reports on Sky Sports, Kalou's availability is of interest to new Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers who worked with the Ivorian during his time coaching at Chelsea.

While Liverpool's transfer plans are not yet confirmed, it is believed that Rodgers would at least consider a move for the 26 year-old.

When the possibility of a move was mooted to Kalou's agent, he said: "There are conversations going on, and of course when that is happening then you must be careful what you say.

"Liverpool can speak for themselves, and Schalke can speak for themselves. That is fine.”

Kalou is thought to be carefully considering his next move, with rumours that both Newcastle United and Bundesliga giants Schalke are potential destinations.

Linse continued by praising Liverpool's reported interest, but refused to give anything else away.

“Of course Liverpool is a very big club, in terms of support and in terms of history,” he said.

"It is definitely positive to hear that a big club like them are showing an interest in Salomon, though it is too early to say anything definitive at this stage."

During his time at Chelsea, Kalou won four FA Cups, the Premier League, League Cup and most recently the Champions League.

Rodgers Won't Hijack Gylfi Deal

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is keeping a close eye on Gylfi Sigurdsson but says he will honour the agreement former club Swansea have with the midfielder.

Hoffenheim man Sigurdsson impressed while on loan at the Liberty Stadium in the second half of last season under former Swans boss Rodgers.

The Welsh side agreed a club-record fee of £6.8million for the 22-year-old Iceland international last month and confirmed he had accepted personal terms.

However, Rodgers' move to Anfield has thrown the potential deal into doubt, with Sigurdsson tipped to follow him to Merseyside.

The youngster revealed earlier this month he is now unlikely to sign at Swansea following the manager's departure.

But Rodgers, while still keen on Sigurdsson, insists his former club must be given the chance to persuade the midfielder to stay in South Wales.

He told Liverpool's official website: "First and foremost, Gylfi is a Hoffenheim player.

"I took him on loan for the second half of last season and he did very, very well. He scored seven goals and made a real, positive contribution.

"I wanted to sign him for Swansea but, like I've said to him and his representatives, that has to be his first port of call.

"If he comes into the market for whatever reason - and I'm sure there'll be a number of clubs interested in Gylfi - then of course I would like to be in a position to put our case here at Liverpool to sign him.

"But I've always said, I think he's a player Swansea have had an agreement with and they have to have every chance to try and sign him. That's only right.

"If anything changes from that, we'll look at it from there."

Rodgers says he has several targets in mind as he looks to improve the Liverpool squad this summer but, other than Sigurdsson, the manager is keeping his cards close to his chest.

"I like to very much keep my counsel on potential targets," he said. "I think there are a few players who can come in and improve the group straight away.

"I know the types of player I need to bring here to make us function well and that's something myself, the club and the board will look at.

"I know what we've got, more or less, in the squad, but I also know there are a couple of signings that could really improve what we do.

"That's something we'll work together on over the course of the summer and hopefully we can get one or two in."

Cole Set For Reds Chance

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says Joe Cole will be given the chance to prove himself at Anfield after a successful loan stint at Lille.

The midfielder was loaned out to the Ligue 1 side by former boss Kenny Dalglish last season after failing to make an impact on Merseyside following his move from Chelsea under Roy Hodgson in 2010.

The 30-year-old, who notched up 42 appearances for Lille, scoring nine goals, is set to rejoin the Premier League club for pre-season following a meeting with Rodgers.

Cole has made no secret of his desire to return to Liverpool and attempt to kick-start his Anfield career.

New boss Rodgers, who succeeded Dalglish at the helm last month, says he will assess Cole and other players as the Reds prepare for the new campaign.

"I met up with Joe Cole when I was in Spain," the manager told Liverpool's official website.

"I certainly know he's looking to come back. I've got to assess all the players.

"With the likes of Joe - he's a very talented player. He's obviously gone out to Lille and done very well and he has the opportunity to come back here and show his qualities.

"For me it's fresh for everyone. I'll be new into the club. Of course I know lots of the players and their qualities but Joe is obviously a player who'll want to come back and show his worth to the group.

"There are a lot of players I'm aware of and they wouldn't be at Liverpool if they didn't have the qualities.

"I suppose going forward and over the course of pre-season I just need to decide the types of players who are going to fit into the function and the philosophy and the structure of the team.

"When a new manager comes into any club, it always sparks off that renewed motivation for players.

"The cycle with Kenny was a terrific cycle but I'm a different tactician and a different type of person and that will give all the players an opportunity to perform."

Aquilani Answers Are Close

Alberto Aquilani's agent expects to be in a position to make a decision regarding his client's future 'within the week'.

The Italy international remains on the books at Liverpool and is contracted to the Premier League side until June 2014.

He has, however, been deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield in the each of the last two seasons, allowing him to take in loan spells at Juventus and AC Milan.

Reports suggest he could secure a permanent return to his homeland this summer, with a number of clubs said to be keen on acquiring his services.

He is waiting to hear what Liverpool, under new boss Brendan Rodgers, have planned for him before deciding which path to tread.

"We had a meeting with English executives but for the time being, nothing has emerged," Aquilani's representative Franco Zavaglia told www.ilsussidiario.net.

"We expect a response from Liverpool which should arrive within the week."

Speculation in Italy has suggested that Liverpool are prepared to terminate Aquilani's contract, freeing him to link up with Milan as a free agent.

Zavaglia added: "There is absolutely no possibility that Aquilani can become a free agent in order to then decide what to do.

"I don't know if he wants to stay at Milan, we shall see. We just have to wait and see what happens and what Liverpool decides."

City Scouts Leave For Anfield

Liverpool have raided Manchester City's technical staff for two scouts - although it is unlikely that Roberto Mancini will miss them.

The Merseysiders are set to appoint first team scouting and recruitment co-ordinator Dave Fallows as their new head of scouting and City's chief scout for Italy, Switzerland and Russia Barry Hunter will go with him to Anfield.

The move will not inconvenience Mancini who has been relying on his own network of contacts in the game for player recruitment - rendering Hunter less useful than before.

The 43-year-old former Northern Ireland defender, who has also worked as a scout for Blackburn and Norwich, knows Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers well from their days at Reading together.

Fallows, a former Bolton Wanderers performance analyst who has worked his way up from the bottom, will form part of the new technical team working with Rodgers after owners Fenway Sports Group shelved plans to appoint a sporting director.

Downing Predicts Bright Reds Future

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing says he will be fitter and stronger next season and will learn from the past campaign.

A £20m signing last summer from Aston Villa, Downing struggled to live up to his price tag last season and his first campaign was considered by many as a failure but he does not believe he was as bad as people suggest.

Downing who is currently away with England at the Euro 2012 finals said: "Criticism makes you stronger.

"You are always going to get criticized at a big club like Liverpool but it is a great club to play for.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my first season and I am sure we will be better next year."

Liverpool Enter The Race To Sign Kalou

Liverpool have been named as one of the clubs interested in signing former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou by the manager of German side Schalke.

Huub Stevens has stated that Liverpool are in the running to sign the Ivory Coast international, but he is confident of bringing him to Schalke as he believes he wants to leave the Premier League.

"Liverpool are in the market for him [Kalou], but I know he wants to leave England. That can be an advantage for us," Stevens is quoted as saying in the Metro.

Kalou made the decision to let his contract expire at Stamford Bridge and has now become a free agent after six years at Chelsea in which he won the Premier League, four FA Cup's, the League Cup and the Champions League.

New Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will certainly be looking to strengthen his squad this summer and Kalou would be an attractive option on a free and with so much Premier League experience.

The 26-year-old struggled to break into the first team at Chelsea last season but his overall record for the club is quite impressive with 60 goals in all competitions.

Race To Sign Ramirez Hots Up

Bologna director Roberto Zanzi has revealed they are negotiating with a top European club over the sale of coveted playmaker Gaston Ramirez.

The Uruguay international has been strongly linked with a move away from Bologna this summer and is a reported target of Manchester City, Liverpool and Juventus.

"We are negotiating with an important foreign club for Ramirez," Zanzi said to Italian newspaper Il Resto del Carlino. "But their offer does not satisfy us.

"The deal is by no means close to completion."

Earlier this month, Bologna placed a price tag of over £20million on the 21-year-old Ramirez.

Ramirez joined Bologna from Penarol in 2010 and scored eight goals in 33 league appearances last season to help the Rossoblu finish ninth in Serie A.

The South American is under contract with Bologna until June 2016.

Liverpool Alerted As Dutch International Prepares To Leave Juventus

Eljero Elia has put a number of clubs on alert after revealing that he will be leaving Serie A champions Juventus in the coming weeks after a campaign of personal disappointment.

While Juventus remained unbeaten throughout the season to claim the Italian title, Elia spent the vast majority of the campaign on the bench as he struggled to break into the first team.

The 25-year-old made just four appearances in the league and has now revealed that he is determined to leave in order to find a club where he can play more regularly.

"I'll leave Juventus. I've already agreed with Juventus that I will be joining another club," Elia announced on Dutch TV channel Eredvisie Live. "I just have the desire to start enjoying football again and my agent is evaluating all offers."

Talksport has reported that Liverpool are one of the clubs that has been strongly linked with a move for the Holland international who just missed out on a place in the squad for Euro 2012.

Elia was a member of the 2010 World Cup squad that made the final, but his lack of appearances last season made it near impossible for Ber van Marwijk to pick him for the Euro's.

Liverpool's new boss Brendan Rodgers is yet to make his first signing for the club, but will certainly have been interested to hear the comments of the Juventus winger, as the Reds did struggle in wide area's last season.

Mugubi Linked With Liverpool

English Premier League side Liverpool is reportedly chasing the signature of Kenyan defensive midfielder Victor Mugubi Wanyama.

Sources told SuperSport.com that new Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers had included Mugubi in a list of potential signings in the summer and his agent has been in contact with the Celtic's midfielder who is on international duty in Namibia.

"Mugubi has been receiving calls from his agent while in the Harambee Stars camp in Namibia where he has been getting briefings on the interest showed by Liverpool even though there nothing is conclusive yet," the source told SuperSport.com.

Mugubi was instrumental for Scottish side Celtic last season helping them to a league title and has also been at the core of Harambee Stars’ World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

He moved from Germinal Beerschot to The SPL at the start of last season.

Liverpool Ready Tello Move

Liverpool are ready to offer €10m in order to secure the services of Barcelona front-man Christian Tello, suggest reports in Sport.

The Reds are hoping to convince the Blaugrana youngster, who forced his way into Pep Guardiola’s first team netting seven times in 22 appearances.

New manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to bolster his attacking line for the new season and has earmarked the 20-year-old as a possible incomer.

And the Merseyside outfit will be alerted to the news that the Catalan side are prepared to listen to offers for Tello.

Suso Wanted On A Season Long Loan

Bristol City boss Derek McInnes is looking at Liverpool’s 18- year old wonder kid Jesús Fernández Sáez for a season long loan, suggest reports in the British media. The diminutive Spanish midfielder is yet to make his first team debut for the Reds, but has impressed at youth levels and McInnes thinks the player would provide the ideal dose of flair to his Bristol City midfield.

City is yet to formally approach the Reds for the loan deal, but Liverpool are unlikely to object to a move to Bristol. Saez is still very young and could do with some regular first team action even if it is at a Championship club. Bristol could use some hungry young legs in the middle of the park, having struggled in the Championship last season where they finished 20th, barely avoiding the drop.

Saez could give them that energy they need, while also benefiting from the experience of playing in a physical, tougher and more competitive environment than reserve team football.

The youngster signed his first professional contract, a three year deal with Liverpool on his 17th birthday, and should he impress on loan, a better deal could be in the offing later this year.

Liverpool Consider Cancelling Aquilani Contract

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani could be freed from his contract in order to leave the club after it emerged that AC Milan was still interested in signing the Italian.

A report in Corriere dello Sport has revealed that Milan want to take Aquilani on another 12 month loan, rather than making an offer to sign him on a permanent contract.

The Italy international was expected to move to the San Siro at the end of his loan but he did not manage to make the required number of appearances to trigger the clause in his contract.

Aquilani has struggled to find a permanent home in recent seasons and has spent time at Liverpool, Fiorentina and AC Milan, but his future is still seemingly unclear.

The report in the Italian paper suggests that Liverpool would like to a permanent transfer for the midfielder, while it states that another option could be the club terminating his contract in order to save paying his wages which would work out to around £9.7million.

It had been suggested that Aquilani could still yet play for Liverpool after they appointed Brendan Rodgers, but it now seems as though this could be the least likely option.

With little interest from other clubs it seems it could be another difficult summer for Aquilani who has been trying to get his career back on track for a number of years.

Gerrard Satisfied After Opener

England has a platform to build on at Euro 2012 after drawing with France in their opening game, according to captain Steven Gerrard.

Joleon Lescott headed home the opener in the 31st minute only for Samir Nasri to beat Joe Hart at the near post with a fine strike nine minutes later.

England tired in the second half and fell deep into their own territory, but they held France out to secure a point from their Group D opener.

"We would have been delighted with a win, but as you saw France have got fantastic players," said Gerrard.

"We caused them as many problems as they caused us so we're satisfied with the performance.

"But we said before the game that win, lose or draw we wouldn't get carried away and that this was just a platform.

Gerrard was impressed by the performance of 18-year-old Arsenal player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was preferred ahead of Stewart Downing on the left flank.

"They're young players, but good players. Wayne Rooney showed all those years ago that if you're good enough, you're old enough," said Gerrard.

"Oxlade-Chamberlain showed that he's good enough for this level.

"He's still got a lot of learning to do, but playing with experienced players he'll get there."