Anfield Exit For Maxi

Liverpool have announced that Maxi Rodriguez has left the club and returned to his native South America to re-sign for Newell's Old Boys.

The 31-year-old forward has headed back to his homeland after deciding against prolonging his stay in England.

Maxi arrived at Anfield from Atletico Madrid in January 2010 and made 73 appearances for the club, scoring 17 goals.

His hard-working approach to the game and keen eye for goal made him a favourite among the Kop faithful.

He was, however, unable to hold down a regular starting role and grew increasingly frustrated at a lack of opportunities.

It was expected that he would be on the move this summer, even after Brendan Rodgers replaced Kenny Dalglish in the Reds hot-seat.

Rodgers had expressed a desire to keep Maxi on Merseyside, but was always aware that a return to Argentina would appeal to the experienced winger.

Maxi has re-joined Newell's, the club that helped him to launch a successful career, after 10 years in Europe - during which time he has turned out for Espanyol, Atletico and Liverpool.

"Liverpool Football Club can today confirm that Maxi Rodriguez has joined Newell's Old Boys in Argentina," read a statement released on the club's official website.

"Everyone at Liverpool FC would like to thank Maxi for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future."

Allardyce Airs Carroll Concern

Sam Allardyce admits he would welcome the opportunity to bring Andy Carroll to West Ham United, but concedes any move will depend on the player.

With Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers having hinted that he may be prepared to send Carroll out on loan, speculation regarding where he will be playing in 2012/13 has kicked into overdrive.

Italian giants AC Milan are said to be keen, while West Ham have admitted to holding an interest in the England international.

Allardyce believes Carroll could be a useful addition to his ranks, having already shown that he has what it takes to score goals in the Premier League.

The Hammers boss is, however, not convinced that the burly frontman would want to swap life at Anfield for that at Upton Park.

"You can't say you wouldn't be interested in Andy Carroll, he's a player who has got great stature in the Premier League," Allardyce told Sky Sports News HD.

"Whether Andy Carroll wants to come to West Ham is another matter."

Asked if he would favour a loan move or a permanent deal for the 23-year-old striker, Allardyce added: "It depends on whether Andy Carroll wants to come to West Ham."

Teixeira Makes LFC Debut

Portuguese starlet Joao Carlos Teixeira made his first appearance in a red shirt when he appeared during the U18s' friendly 8-1 win over Exeter on Saturday morning.

The midfield playmaker, who arrived at the Academy from Sporting Lisbon, enjoyed a 25 minute run-out in the second half.

The Portuguese youth international didn't feature for the Academy last term because of a niggling back problem, but now fully fit, he is set to be a regular in Kirkby this season.

A youthful Exeter side had travelled up on the morning of the match and several regulars from the reserve team squad were on duty for the Reds including Michael Ngoo and Toni Silva, who spent the final part of last term on loan at Northampton Town.

Jerome Sinclair netted a hat-trick, while Silva, Sam Gainford, Kristoffer Peterson, Marc Pelosi and Danny Smith were also on target.

Rodgers In Reds Admission

New Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has warned the club's fans there is no quick-fix at Anfield, describing the challenge as 'immense'.

Rodgers was brought into Liverpool to replace club icon Kenny Dalglish after the Reds finished a disappointing eighth in the Premier League.

Dalglish did win the Carling Cup last season and reached the FA Cup final, but failed to deliver a top four finish and a sought-after return to the UEFA Champions League.

Rodgers is confident Liverpool can recapture former glories, but insists he needs time to transform the club's fortunes.

"We have to recognize the challenge is immense, let's be under no illusion," said Rodgers.

"But I certainly think that a club of our status and value to the football world can go again.

"It's going to take time. And whether it will be in my time, I'm not so sure. But I'm going to fight for my life to try to get this model of play that, hopefully, can change the history of the club.

"This is a club where trophies are what it has been about for many years. But, for me, running alongside that it's about putting in place a model to see the club grow. That is equally important. To build a group that challenges."

Liverpool Linked With Swoop For Schalke And Germany Midfielders

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers could be turning his attention to Germany in the bid to add some strength to his squad after he was linked with Schalke pair Lewis Holtby and Julian Draxler.

Rodgers has admitted that he is working hard to bring new faces to the club and it seems the two German internationals could be the players that he wants to sign in the coming weeks.

Goal.com has reported that while Draxler will be difficult to tear away from Schalke, Holtby could be an easier target as he has just one year remaining on his contract and his links with Liverpool.

Holtby might play for Germany but the 21-year-old's father is from Liverpool and he was actually raised as a Everton fan.

Draxler, 18, has a contract until 2016 and is the youngest player ever to represent the German side in the Bundesliga after making his way through the youth academy.

He scored five goals last season while mainly being used on the left of midfield, while Holtby made a tootle of 41 appearances in all competitions and scored nine goals.

Liverpool had been linked heavily with Joe Allen of Swansea but the club have refused to let him leave and Holtby could well be an alternative.

Laudrup Rejects Allen Talk

Michael Laudrup has made it clear that he would not welcome interest in any of Swansea's best players and he is determined to keep Joe Allen.

Midfielder Allen has been linked with a move to Liverpool even though Brendan Rodgers has agreed not to raid his former club.

And Laudrup has now cooled speculation suggesting the Wales international could be on his way out the Liberty Stadium exit door, insisting that he remains very much a key figure in the club's plans for the future.

"I want Joe to stay here because he is very important for the team. As far as I know, we have heard nothing from Liverpool," said the new Swans boss.

"If it is more than just rumours then I'm sure the chairman will talk to me about it."

Laudrup accepts that such transfer talk is an inevitable consequence when players catch the eye, but he hopes to be able to keep his squad intact.

"It is normal to have interest when people are doing well," he explained.

"Swansea did well in their first season in the Premier League and some of the players were not well known at the highest level before.

"Of course we want to keep our most important players and I would not welcome any interest in our best players. But it is part of the game."

Allen is one of three Swansea players, along with Neil Taylor and Scott Sinclair, who has been selected for the Great Britain Olympic squad, which Laudrup admits could cause a problem.

He told Swans Player: "They are not there for pre-season, then there are international games, so if they go all the way to the end they could present themselves here on August 16, only 48 hours before the first game.

"That's not very good for us but it's fantastic for Swansea to have three players going to the Olympics."

Swansea began pre-season training this week, with new signings Jose Manuel Flores and Jonathan de Guzman joining their team-mates.

Laudrup is hoping to add another couple of players before the transfer window shuts at the end of next month and also admitted there are likely to be some departures.

"I don't want to mention any names but I think we need a couple of players still," said Laudrup.

"I wanted to come here and give everybody a chance. In the first few weeks we'll watch everybody and then later on we'll have to make some decisions. There will be some positions where we will have maybe too many players."

Liverpool Offered Dempsey But Fulham Want Carroll On Loan Deal

Fulham are hoping that they will be able to beat the likes of AC Milan and West Ham to a loan deal for Andy Carroll by offering Liverpool Clint Dempsey as part of any deal.

Liverpool has been linked with the goal-scoring midfielder for some time and it seems Fulham could attempt to use this to try and secure the services of England striker Carroll.

Ever since Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said he would consider loaning the forward out there has been a number of rumours linking Carroll with a whole host of clubs.

However, the Daily Mirror, believes that Fulham are confident in their proposal as they know that Liverpool would be interested in signing Dempsey.

The 29-year-old scored 23 goals in all competitions last season and was the top scoring midfielder in the Premier League, even managing to grab the only goal in a 1-0 win over Liverpool last December.

Liverpool is waiting for Carroll to return from his holiday in Brazil then it will become much clearer what the future holds for the England international.

Dempsey is keen to test himself at a bigger club and much will depend on whether Rodgers feels he can cope without Carroll in attack next season.

Liverpool Target Not For Sale, Insists Agent

Liverpool target Jose Callejon is not for sale this summer, according to the winger’s representative.

The 25-year-old joined Real Madrid from Espanyol last summer, but managed just five league starts for the Spanish champions.

New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers had been tipped to make a move for him as he seeks to bolster his attacking options, but Callejon’s agent Manuel Garcia Quilon believes Real Madrid would be unwilling to sanction his departure this summer.

“There are several teams interested in signing him,” Quilon told Spanish news agency EFE.

“Real Madrid does not want to sell and have declared him non-transferrable. He is not going to leave the club this summer.”

Liverpool Star Set For South American Exit

Liverpool midfielder Maxi Rodriguez is attempting to engineer his exit from the club, according to reports in Argentina.

Rodriguez, who joined Liverpool from Atletico Madrid in January 2010, is reportedly keen to leave Anfield this summer, with former club Newell’s Old Boys and River Plate keen to take him back to his homeland.

The Argentina international, who has one year left on his existing deal on Merseyside, has previously expressed his desire to return to Newell’s, and Argentinian newspaper Ole claims Rodriguez will ask senior figures at Liverpool to rescind his contract a year early in order to facilitate a move back home.

Rodriguez, 31, managed just ten Premier League starts last season and could be allowed to leave as new boss Brendan Rodgers shapes his squad before the start of the new season.

Pardew Remains Coy On The Prospect Of A Loan Deal For Carroll

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew says he is still an admirer of Andy Carroll but refused to say whether or not he would approach Liverpool over a possible loan deal.

The Magpies sold the England international to Liverpool in January 2011 for £35 million, after the Newcastle board felt the offer was too good to refuse.

However, despite a promising end to last season, Carroll has failed to live up to expectations in large and Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted he may consider loaning the striker out to gain experience.

"There is a lot of talk about players when new managers go in and their situations get all cloudy," Pardew told Sky Sports News.

"I don't think that's completely resolved, one way or the other. I wouldn't really like to comment.

"He did an absolutely terrific job here. I have always supported him while he has been at Liverpool when other people weren't. I thought he got a bit of a raw deal, if I'm honest.

"I think he's going to be a great player, but where he treads the boards, so to speak, we will have to wait and see."

Pardew also shrugged off rumours concerning Demba Ba, who has a buy-out clause in his contract which could be activated up until the end of July.

"The situation with Demba has been the same since he arrived at the football club," said Pardew.

"He has a contract to Newcastle United, he is loved here and he had a brilliant, especially the first half of last season.

"After the African Nations, I think it didn't go perhaps as well for Demba as it could have. That's something we'll look at because we want him to be at his very, very best.

"We're planning for him to have another great season for us."

Rodgers' Red Vision

Brendan Rodgers is one of the more interesting managerial appointments in recent years. He has no extended record of success and his reputation is largely based on one excellent season at Swansea, persuading Liverpool to entrust him with heavy hopes that have claimed many talented managers down the years.

As with any manager, the answer to whether he will fail or succeed lies within the players he has at his disposal. Will they fit with his 'philosophy'? Will they buy into his ideas? Will he rip things up and start again? When asked about Andy Carroll and where he might fit into his Liverpool side on Monday, Rodgers said: "Time will tell for him and all the players whether they are in my plans, but my job is to assess that and then take it from there."

So how closely does the current Liverpool squad fit with how Rodgers will aim to play? Assuming he will adopt a similar style to the rough 4-3-3 he played at Swansea, which players should start to worry?

GOALKEEPER

Pepe Reina may not have had a particularly good campaign (by his standards) last season, but talk of Liverpool still considering a move for Hugo Lloris is odd for a couple of reasons. Firstly, Liverpool has finite resources and they have more pressing problems than in goal, but it's also strange because Reina is exactly the sort of keeper that Rodgers might like. A good ball-player, Reina will buy in to Rodgers' insistence that his goalkeeper plays the ball out of his area, rather than aimlessly booting it towards the front man. With Alex Doni and Brad Jones still providing back-up, Rodgers should not need to invest in another stopper.

DEFENCE

Again, one might think that this is an area where Rodgers will be relatively happy. Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique are quick and able to begin attacks from deep, Daniel Agger is a fine ball-playing centre-back and Martin Skrtel is one of the best central defenders in the Premier League. Indeed, keeping hold of that four might be a more pressing issue than adding to them. Another centre-back might be required as cover, with Jamie Carragher coming to the end of his career and not enough seen of Sebastian Coates to create a realistic impression of him in England. There's also no natural fill-in for Jose Enrique (unless Rodgers has real faith in Jack Robinson) - with Johnson generally the go-to reserve in that position - but one suspects Rodgers will be reasonably satisfied with his back line.

MIDFIELD

In the second half of the season at least, Rodgers' Swansea played with two deep-lying midfielders and Gylfi Sigurdsson ahead of them. The anchoring pair at Liverpool will surely be (fitness permitting) Steven Gerrard and Lucas, but the spot ahead of those two is a little more uncertain. The occupant needs to be a combination of an attacking goalscorer, while retaining the work ethic/discipline to form a three-man midfield when required.

It's hardly a surprise that Rodgers was so keen to get Sigurdsson himself, because there's no natural fit in the current Liverpool squad for this spot. Gerrard showed last season and for England that he's better used in a more withdrawn role these days, Jordan Henderson isn't dynamic enough, the 'running' aspect rules out Charlie Adam, Jonjo Shelvey is still too raw and Joe Cole is too...flighty. Arguably, Alberto Aquilani is probably the best fit in theory, but Aquilani's entire Liverpool career so far has been 'in theory'. Rodgers could probably just about muddle through with what he has, but ideally he requires an addition in this spot. Bologna's Gaston Ramirez is one candidate, and while Clint Dempsey has been mentioned a number of times, might his current Fulham teammate Moussa Dembele be a better fit?

ATTACK

This is where things get really interesting. Rodgers prefers his centre-forward to be strong and mobile, with his wide men quick and direct, and in truth there are no reliable current members of the squad who fit those descriptions. Luis Suarez could fill the central role quite well, but is a scoring rate of (roughly) one in three good enough? Scoring was Liverpool's problem last season, so to put Suarez in the middle would either rely on a massive improvement in his accuracy or place plenty of pressure on the rest of the team to provide goals. The interest in Fabio Borini seems real, but again his scoring rate (nine in 24 Serie A games last season) isn't brilliant. There's a clause in Demba Ba's contract that says he can leave for £7million (but only before the end of July), a move that would make a certain amount of sense. Rodgers talked coyly of possibly sending Carroll out on loan, but even if he doesn't fit with the new philosophy, this would be curious - if nothing else the big Geordie provides a thundering Plan B.

In terms of the wide positions, Liverpool have a few options, but almost all of them are more comfortable on the left. Stewart Downing, Craig Bellamy and Cole could all feasibly play on that flank (although there are obvious questions about Bellamy's durability), as could Suarez, but candidates for the other side are a little more thin on the ground. Maxi Rodriguez's future is unclear, so Rodgers will almost certainly be in the market for another wide man. The links to Scott Sinclair make sense (he can play on both wings), while Daniel Sturridge and Junior Hoilett are both viable options - though both will have other offers.

Enrique Excited By New Era

Jose Enrique has outlined his desire to lift more trophies with Liverpool this season and his ambitions of earning a spot in Spain's all-conquering national team.

The left-back watched on as his country lifted a third consecutive major international tournament during the summer and is now back at Anfield and craving further domestic glory.

"Last year I won a title (Carling Cup) and it was amazing with the fans here, I enjoyed it a lot. This season I hope we can win something again and try to play for the Champions League," the defender told Liverpoolfc.com.

"We were away for seven weeks on holiday, but we are back again and it's important to be ready for next season."

The former Newcastle full-back has been highly impressed with new manager Brendan Rodgers since returning for pre-season training and is thoroughly enjoying the sessions under the Northern Irishman.

"I am really happy," Enrique enthused. "For me it is the best way to play football, like Spain did, that's why they are the best at the moment.

"With the manager we play with the ball a lot and we are really happy with him.

"I'm really impressed. I know how he likes to play because we played against Swansea last year and I've seen them many times.

"He has only had a week with us but the training has been great. He is talking to both the young and experienced players the same, and I love that because it is really important to have the same treatment for both.

"The training is all with the ball, what more do you want? It's really hard, but it's very good. We have good players here to play in this way, and I think this season we can impress."

Garuda Indonesia Signs With LFC

Garuda Indonesia and Liverpool Football Club have today announced a three year partnership that will see one of Asia's most rapidly growing brands become the Global Official Airline for Liverpool FC.

As one of the world's leading football brands, the partnership provides Garuda with access to LFC's global brand awareness and international fan base which will enable the airline further opportunities to grow its business throughout the world.

Ian Ayre, Liverpool FC managing director, said: "This is a fantastic partnership for both parties. Liverpool Football Club has a huge international following and we are looking forward to working with Garuda Indonesia across many markets in order to capitalize on their rapid growth.

"It is an honour for us to be associated with a brand that has become a leading player in global aviation, and in particular, a brand that has its base in a region where we enjoy such a passionate fan base. Indonesia is an ambitious country with a rapidly growing economy which the Club has great affiliation with and where we hope to hold next year's pre-season tour."

Emirsyah Satar, President & CEO Garuda Indonesia, added: "As part of our continued efforts to build Garuda Indonesia into one of the global players in airline industry, this partnership provides us with great exposure in international markets. The global scale that LFC brings will support the initiative to increase exposure while LFC's huge fan base all over the world enables us to introduce Garuda Indonesia and Indonesia in general to the world."

Liverpool Prepare £7m Bid For Celtic Midfielder

Liverpool are the latest club to be linked with a move for Celtic midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung who is said to be attracting interest from a number of European clubs this summer.

The Sun believes that Liverpool will make an offer of £7million as they hope to steal a march on the likes of Queens Park Rangers and Deportivo La Coruna who are both believed to be interested.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to add some new faces to the squad before they depart on their tour of North America and has recently revealed that he is hoping for at least two new signings.

There is a feeling that Rodgers wants to implement the same style of passing football that he employed at Swansea and is determined to bring in players that can fulfil his philosophy.

Ki, 23, has been with Celtic since 2009 and has made a regular starter in the last two seasons after making the move from FC Seoul for just £2.1million.

Last season he scored six goals in 30 league appearances as Celtic won the title, while he has vast experience for South Korea where he already has 45 caps to his name, despite his relative young age.

Liverpool will certainly face competition for the midfielder, as QPR owner Tony Fernandes recently admitted that he was a player that the club were closely monitoring.

“Ki is a very good player and we are very aware of him," he told The Sun. “He is a player we will be watching and also monitoring closely.”

Liverpool Have Contacted Dortmund Over Blaszczykowski's Availability

Liverpool has contacted Borussia Dortmund over the availability of Jakub Blaszczykowski, the midfielder's representative has confirmed.

The 26-year-old, who featured for Poland at Euro 2012 last month, netted six times during Dortmund's title-winning Bundesliga campaign last season.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admitted on Monday that the club were close to completing a signing and hinted that a deal for a "real exciting" unnamed player could be announced later this week, with Joe Allen, Fabio Borini and Daniel Sturridge all targets.

Jerzy Brzeczek, the uncle and representative of Blaszczykowski, confirmed that the Reds are among the sides interested in the midfielder along with Inter, Lazio and two Russian clubs.

"Jakub has a contract with Borussia and is happy at the club, so he will not make any rash decisions. All important discussions regarding his future we conduct with Borussia," a statement read on Kubablaszczykowski.pl.

Blaszczykowski's current contract with Dortmund runs until the summer of 2013, and he is believed to be keen to extend his stay at the Bundesliga champions.

However, the winger is adamant that he has not made a decision about his future just yet.

He revealed: "It's not true that I have already signed a contract. My current deal with Dortmund still runs [for another season] and I'm focusing on BVB. There's no reason to talk about a contract at this point.”

Borini Considering Reds Move

Roma striker Fabio Borini is 'seriously considering' the opportunity to join Liverpool this summer, according to his agent.

The Serie A club's sporting director Walter Sabatini confirmed earlier on Tuesday that the Anfield outfit had expressed an interest in signing the 21-year-old.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers knows Borini well, having worked with him during their time together at Chelsea and again during a loan spell with Swansea.

Borini netted nine goals in 24 appearances in the league for Roma last season and earned a place in Italy's Euro 2012 squad, although he did not feature during their run to the final.

Agent Marco De Marchi plans to hold further discussions with his client in the coming days as they evaluate the possibility of a switch to the Premier League.

De Marchi told Radio Radio: "Roma has informed us of Liverpool's interest in the boy. Now it's up to Fabio to have his say."

And he added on IlSussidiario.net: "We were alerted by Roma of the existence of this deal. I cannot honestly tell you the details but, as Sabatini has already said, we're now seriously considering it.

"Would the player want to go to Liverpool? Honestly, I don't want to commit myself as there will be more news in the coming days. Wait for that."

Liverpool Linked With Burak Yilmaz

The Burak Yilmaz transfer saga took a further twist today when a Lokomotiv Moscow official told Turkish media agency, Cihan, that the club would not make an official statement regarding the speculated transfer.

The Lokomotiv Moscow press office, were quoted by Cihan as saying, "We will not comment on these rumours, the club has made no official statement.

"There will be no development till after the team return from training in Slovenia."

Trabzonspor in stark contrast have not only confirmed an offer from the Russian Premier League outfit but also released a statement to the, Public Disclosure Forum (KAP) regarding ongoing negotiations between Yilmaz and Lokomotiv.

The uncertainty has opened doors once again to clubs who had been previously expressed interest in the Turkish international striker.

Liverpool are reported to be monitoring the situation closely.

The Reds pursuit of a proven goalscorer this summer reached new impetus following the latest reports that Andy Carroll could be on his way out.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was quoted in The Telegraph, as saying, “Time will tell for him and all the players whether they are in my plans, but my job is to assess that.

“Like every player, there are certain styles and systems they will be playing in which will allow them to flourish.”

The Premiership club only scored 47 times in the Premier League last season, the lowest scoring team in the top-eight. €41 million signing, Andy Caroll only scored four goals in the league campaign.

Yilmaz has been in prolific form for Trabzonspor over the past two seasons. He guided the Black Sea club to pole position in the 2010-11 season scoring 19 times, only to lose out on winning the championship to Fenerbahce on goal difference.

The 26-year-old Turkish international netted 35 times in 41 games last season and his modest €5 million release clause has attracted the attention of major clubs across Europe.

Yilmaz broke the clubs all time scoring record in the league last season, scoring 51% of Trabzonspor's 65 goals.

In an interview on TRT's football program, Stadyum earlier this year, Yilmaz stated, "If I was to move abroad I would want it to be to a big club, I would consider moving to England."

Hammers Keen On Carroll

Sky Sports sources understand that West Ham United are interested in signing striker Andy Carroll on loan from Liverpool.

Brendan Rodgers earlier this week refused to rule out the possibility of Carroll leaving Anfield on a temporary deal, following speculation linking him with a move to AC Milan.

Rodgers insisted that he had yet to hear from the Italian club, but it is now understood that the Hammers have identified Carroll as a transfer target.

Sam Allardyce is keen to bolster his squad ahead of the new Premier League season and could now be set to hold talks with the Reds about Carroll.

The 23-year-old centre-forward has struggled to make an impact on Merseyside since securing a £35million switch from Newcastle 18 months ago.

He began to find some form towards the end of last season and his performances were rewarded with a call-up to the England squad for Euro 2012, where he scored the opening goal against Sweden with a powerful header.

Rodgers has made it clear that he regards Carroll as a fine player, but the Northern Irishman is keen to get Liverpool playing in a certain style after replacing Kenny Dalglish at the helm earlier this summer.

Aquilani Staying With Reds

Alberto Aquilani's agent insists that the midfielder will be part of the Liverpool first-team squad for next season.

The 28-year-old Italian midfielder signed for the Reds from his hometown club Roma before the 2009-10 season, but struggled with injury and form in his first season at the club.

Aquilani, who has a contract at Liverpool until 2014, spent the previous two seasons at Juventus and then AC Milan, but failed to secure a permanent move to either club.

Speaking to calciomercato.com, the player's agent Franco Zavaglia said: "He'll play for Liverpool.

"There is little to say about leaving AC Milan, the season is over and he'll put that behind him.

"Alberto is back in England and is still a Liverpool player. He will play there next season."

Agent - Skrtel Staying Put

Martin Skrtel's agent admits it would be 'almost impossible' for Napoli to persuade Liverpool to part with his client.

The Reds centre-half has been strongly linked with a move to Italy this summer, with changes expected at Anfield in the wake of Brendan Rodgers' arrival as boss.

Rodgers has, however, been impressed by Skrtel's attitude since inheriting the managerial reins from Kenny Dalglish and is looking forward to working with the Slovakia international.

Skrtel still has two years left to run on his Liverpool contract and has already announced this summer that he intends to remain on Merseyside.

That has done little to curb the speculation, with Manchester City also said to be keen on doing a deal, but the 27-year-old's representative does not envisage a transfer being put in place.

"It is difficult, almost impossible, for Napoli to take Skrtel," Karol Csonto told Radio Crc.

"He has another two years on his contract with Liverpool.

"Martin is a top player and it is obvious that many clubs are looking at him, but for now Skrtel remains a Liverpool player."

Shelvey Signs New Reds Deal

Jonjo Shelvey has signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool and is now looking to earn a regular role under Brendan Rodgers.

The 20-year-old linked up with the Reds in 2010 after bursting onto the Football League scene at Charlton Athletic.

He has been eased into the first-team set-up at Anfield, with a loan spell at Blackpool last season allowing him to get important minutes under his belt at a competitive level.

His time with the Seasiders, and a productive end to the season on Merseyside, has convinced new boss Rodgers that Shelvey has an important part to play in Liverpool's future.

The promising midfielder is delighted to have agreed fresh terms and admits his target now is to become a mainstay in the Reds' starting XI.

He told the club's official website: "I am really happy. Last season I was itching to try and push for a new contract. Now it's happened and I am ready to kick on again now.

"It's lovely to know I am in the plans for the future. At the moment, it's just about getting things right each day and proving myself to the gaffer here. The gaffer and his way of playing will suit me down to the ground and hopefully I can be in his plans."

He added: "I think going away to Blackpool helped me a lot. It gave me some experience, I scored some goals and I came back a better player. Kenny (Dalglish) gave me a chance towards the latter stages of the season and I thought I showed what I can do.

"Tactically I have become a lot better and technically too. When you're working with people like Steven Gerrard, you're learning things day in, day out and it's an honour."

While delighted with the progress he has made so far, Shelvey admits he still has plenty of room for improvement and a number of goals to aim at.

He said: "There are still things in my game I want to work on and I'm going to keep doing that. On the physical side of my game, I'm going to be in the gym every day - and I've got to speak to the gaffer to see what else I can work on.

"I want to get into the first team and be in the starting XI on a permanent basis. That's going to be hard, but it's something I've got to work towards."

Rodgers On Suarez Contract Talks

Brendan Rodgers is hopeful Luis Suarez will sign a new contract at Liverpool as he revealed that talks had taken place.

The boss has also had dialogue with Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel and has stressed their importance to Liverpool over the coming seasons.

On Suarez, Rodgers said: "I have had a good conversation with Luis over the phone.

"From the outset, he has seemed a really good guy. He loves the city and the passion.

"We have exchanged lots of texts. He sent me a text on the first morning, wishing me good luck.

"He has really bought into what we are trying to do.

"He was really excited about how we played at Swansea last year. He is really keen and looking forward to playing in a similar sort of model.

"There has been good dialogue (on a contract). I would hope going forward that we can close that out."

While Suarez top scored for Liverpool with 17 strikes last season, Skrtel was voted our Player of the Season.

Agger's form was also impressive as the Reds recorded the third best defensive record in the Barclays Premier League, and Rodgers is keen to secure the futures of both centre-backs.

Rodgers Rules Out Liverpool Going On A Summer Spending Spree

Brendan Rodgers has indicated Liverpool will not be greatly strengthening their squad this summer due to the club not having a "wheelbarrow load" of money. The new manager, however, claimed that there may be a new signing by the end of this week.

Rodgers, who lost Gylfi Sigurdsson to Tottenham despite managing the Icelander at his previous club, Swansea, said: "We don't have a wheelbarrow load of money, there is not the money flying about people think there is. There certainly won't be as many [signings] as is being labelled out there. There have been a whole raft of players being linked and only a few are real targets for us.

"The reality is we have only made three or four inquiries about players and hopefully can close out one deal this week which will be a real exciting one for the club, one the supporters will absolutely love. We want to work with the great players we have here and make three or four tweaks in relation to the squad that can help the group. We want to be competitive in every game and challenging at the top end."

Sigurdsson opted for Spurs after failing to agree a deal with Liverpool. Rodgers would not offer him better terms at Anfield than those the midfielder agreed when he initially accepted a move to Swansea before the Northern Irishman departed for Merseyside.

"I don't just want to identify a player and then let them come in at whatever cost," Rodgers added. "One of the things which distorts the reality of football is money. I don't see the sense of a player coming in if we have to pay over the odds for him. There are many good players out there but not many who have the courage and bravery to play the way we want to.

"This is a club which is a way of life, it is not just a club where you turn up for two hours training and then go away. You have to be prepared to come into the culture and philosophy of the club and if you don't then it's not a problem, but this is not the right fit for you. I want players that are hungry to succeed and want to match the ambitions of how we want to move forward, and the reality of that is there are very few players who can match that."

Liverpool Make Second Enquiry About Fulham Midfielder

Liverpool is believed to have approached Fulham about the possibility of signing goal-scoring midfielder Clint Dempsey before the start of the new season.

Dempsey was the top scoring midfielder in the Premier League last season as he scored 23 goals in total and it seems he has suitably impressed new Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.

The Daily Mirror yesterday reported that Rodgers had made a second enquiry about the availability of the 29-year-old who has just one year remaining on his current deal.

Fulham will certainly want to try and convince Dempsey to sign a new contract but should he indicate that he is ready to move on then they may prefer to sell this summer, rather than risk losing him on a free.

The paper suggests that Fulham will be asking for as much as £10million, but they believe that Liverpool will try to land the United States international for around £6m.

Liverpool missed out on signing one goal-scoring midfielder in Gylfi Sigurdsson, who chose to join Tottenham, and will be hoping that they do not once again miss out to a fellow Premier League side.

Liverpool Alerted As Elia's Move To Werder Bremen Delayed

Eljero Elia's proposed transfer from Juventus to Werder Bremen has been put on hold as the Netherlands international has yet to reach an agreement with the Serie A champions over the termination of his current contract.

Liverpool were thought to interested in the former Hamburg man and may again look to make a move if Elia's proposed switch to the Weserstadion falls through.

The winger passed a medical at the Bundesliga side on Sunday and was expected to sign a four-year deal on Monday. However, the move has now been delayed following the dispute between Elia and Juve.

"The contract between Juventus and Elia has yet to be terminated. That's why he has not signed with us yet," Bremen director Klaus Allofs commented to Bild.

"It's about a few material things. There's nothing we can do about it to solve this. I don't know whether this is insurmountable."

The 25-year-old arrived at Werder Bremen's training camp in Norderney earlier on Monday, but won't be allowed to train until his Juve deal has been settled.

Milan Yet To Make Carroll Move

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers claims reports linking Andy Carroll with AC Milan are wide of the mark, with the Italian outfit having made no contact.

It has been claimed that the Serie A giants are keen to strike a loan deal for the England international after being impressed by his displays at Euro 2012.

Carroll has not enjoyed the best of times at Anfield since completing a £35million move from Newcastle United, but his performances towards the end of last season suggest he is close to recapturing his best form.

Rodgers considers the 23-year-old to be an important part of his plans heading forward and appreciates that transfer gossip will follow good players around.

He told Sky Sports News HD: "He's a good player, Andy. He will always be linked whether he was here or not.

"I have spoken to Andy on his holidays and he knows exactly where he stands. He's a very good young player and he will be linked with clubs like that because he's such a good player."

Asked if Milan had made an approach, Rodgers added: "I haven't heard anything from them at all."

Barcelona Starlet Tello Ends Liverpool Link

Barcelona youngster Cristian Tello has insisted his long-term future remains at Camp Nou, despite rumours linking him with a move away this summer.

Tello, 20, enjoyed a fine debut season for Barcelona, scoring seven times in 22 appearances and earning himself a place in Spain's Olympic squad for this summer's tournament.

The young forward had been linked with a £7 million move to Liverpool earlier in the summer, but has categorically stated that he intends to stay with the Blaugrana this summer.

"I still have a deal with Barca and I intend to spend many more years at this club," Tello said. "I am convinced that this is the right place for me and that I wouldn't be happy at another club."

Liverpool Fail In Real Madrid Bid

Liverpool are thought to have had a bid for Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero rejected, if reports in the The Daily Mail are to be believed.

Brendan Rodgers is looking to stamp his mark on his inherited Reds squad, and is eager to bring new players to Anfield this summer.

Granero is the latest homegrown player to emerge from the Real Madrid Castilla, and has been part of the Santiago Bernabeu first team for a number of years now.

Despite this, Jose Mourinho only selected the Spaniard sparingly in 2011-12, as the likes of Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso got the nod instead in the centre of the park for the Spanish champions.

That said, Madrid is keen to keep their youth product for the time being, and have rebuffed an approach from the Merseyside club.

Arsenal has also been linked with attempts to sign Granero in the past, but for the time being the playmaker’s future appears to be in the Spanish capital.

Rodgers To Test Aquilani's Toughness

Alberto Aquilani may yet have a future at Liverpool, if he can prove to Brendan Rodgers he has the necessary strength of character to succeed in the Premier League.

Rodgers is attempting to mould his squad for the new season, and he expects to announce his first signing by the end of this week. However, there is just as much intrigue in those exiting Anfield as there are those arriving.

Aquilani failed to impress during his first spell on Merseyside, struggling with both form and injury. A loan spell in Italy last season served a reminder of his qualities, but it appears Rodgers wants the midfielder to prove he can stand up to the 38-game Premier League campaign.

"I had a good chat with Alberto the other day, he's a good guy. It obviously hasn't worked out for him here yet but he's a player with the qualities, in terms of technical and tactical ability, to play," Rodgers said during Monday's press conference.

"What's going to be important is that the players have the steel and the mindset to play - that's something I'll find out from all the players during pre-season."

Rodgers also confirmed that talks with Craig Bellamy are heading in the right direction. The veteran forward was a key man for Liverpool last season and, despite niggling injury problems, the Liverpool boss wants him to stay.

"I had a good meeting with Craig last Monday. I've known Craig for a while and we had a good opening conversation. He's 33 this week, so he's pushing on a bit, but he looks after himself well.

"I'll speak with him over the summer and we'll go from there."

Olympic Call For Suarez

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been included in Uruguay's 2012 Olympic squad, along with club colleague Sebastian Coates.

A strong 18-man line-up also includes Napoli's in-demand forward Edinson Cavani, who continues to be linked with big-money moves to Europe's top clubs.

Suarez, Cavani and Arevalo Rios have been selected as over-age players.

Suarez's involvement at the London Games means he will miss part of Liverpool's pre-season preparations.

The Reds will, however, believe that his involvement in competitive football can only be beneficial to their 2012/13 plans.

Reigning Copa America champions Uruguay are considered to be among the favourites to claim a gold medal this summer.

They have been placed in Group A for the 2012 football tournament and will face the United Arab Emirates, Senegal and hosts Team GB.

Liverpool Reveal New Mascot

Liverpool will be hoping their new mascot 'Mighty Red' can give them a boost on the commercial front, but he won't be turning up to any matches just yet.

The club's American owners are trying to increase commercial revenue and see the new mascot as a good way to appeal to the younger Liverpool fans.

The reception the big red bird received from kids when he made his debut at a children's party on Sunday appeared to suggest Mighty Red is set to become a hit at Liverpool.

However, it seems it was a good decision not to allow him onto the touchline at Anfield just yet as he didn't go down too well with the older supporters, with some reacting negatively to the new member of Liverpool FC.

One fan told the Daily Mail: 'It looks ridiculous. We'll be a laughing stock if this thing appears on the touchline. It's just more Americanisation of the club.

'While it's fine for the kids - it will be good at children's parties - and is marginally better than the utterly dreadful Olympics mascots, just keep it away from Anfield.'

Although the fan did concede the new mascot was a hit with the kids.

The supporter added: 'I was there for the launch of Mighty Red and he went down brilliantly with the kids, who are the intended targets for this mascot.

'They ran like mad to get their goodie bags off him, they danced around him and queued up to have their pictures taken. They loved him!'

The mascot is based on the symbol that appears on the club's badge.