Newcastle United Plan On Renewing Efforts To Sign Carroll

Alan Pardew has not given up on bringing Andy Carroll back to Newcastle United, and plans to bid for the striker once his loan spell at West Ham United expires.

Newcastle was keen to resign their former player from Liverpool during the summer, but the club’s demands proved to be too high. The 23-year-old eventually joined the Hammers on a season-long loan before the transfer window shut, but Pardew has revealed that the club would like to involve should Liverpool decide to sell the player next summer.

"He's a Liverpool player and not wanted so at some point he's going to move permanently," Pardew told BBC Sport. "I'd like to think we'll be in the mix for that."

The former Charlton and Southampton manager also admitted he would like to bring Kevin Nolan back to Tyneside, if he had the money at his disposal. The 30-year-old left St James’ Park for West Ham in 2011 and has enjoyed a successful spell in East London, which has continued to flourish this season alongside his old Newcastle teammate Carroll.

"Big Andy hopefully one day will want to come back and certainly I'd like to have them both in my squad now because we would be stronger for it. But obviously finances restrict me from doing that."

Match Report: Anzhi Makhachkala 1 - 0 Liverpool

Liverpool conceded top spot in Group A to Europa League opponents Anzhi Makhachkala after defeat in Moscow.

Giant striker Lacina Traore scored a brilliant individual goal as the visitors switched off seconds before half-time.

The result, the Reds' first-ever away defeat in the group stage and only their third loss in 22 European matches, allowed the Russian club to assume pole position.

Anzhi may play 1,000 miles away from their home in Dagestan because of security issues but they remain strong on Russian turf and made it five successive European home wins.

It was always going to be a tough assignment for Liverpool as manager Brendan Rodgers, with Sunday's trip to Chelsea in mind and unperturbed by a weakened team's Capital One Cup exit against Swansea last week, opted to leave his big-name stars at home.

As a result he selected nine Englishmen, in a starting XI with an average age of just under 24, in a 3-5-2 formation.

It meant Conor Coady, who captained England Under-17s to their first European Championship title in 2010, made his debut in an icy-cold Lokomotiv Stadium.

The Liverpool-born 19-year-old has progressed through the club's academy and was given his chance having been an unused first-team substitute three times.

Striker Adam Morgan, 18, was making only his second start but, having been prolific throughout youth level Rodgers remains hopeful he will eventually make the step up and he was given the difficult job of leading the line.

At the other end of the scale Joe Cole, on his 31st birthday, struggled to make an impact again after a woeful 45 minutes against the Swans.

The first half was a typically cagey European affair with chances at a premium.

All of which made it all the more remarkable that when presented with a shooting opportunity Jordan Henderson declined in the 23rd minute.

The 22-year-old spoke before the match about wanting to prove he has a future at Anfield but he will need to improve his decision making if that is to be the case.

Morgan showed good strength to hold off Odil Ahmedov and thread a pass through but from a 45-degree angle he opted to cut the ball back to the striker.

It probably showed a lack of confidence but chances in Europe do not come around that frequently and it was a waste.

Contrast that with former Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o, Anzhi's £330,000-a-week marquee signing, who forced Brad Jones into a good save from Yuri Zhirkov's cross after the ex-Chelsea player had robbed Andre Wisdom near Liverpool's right touchline.

Henderson flicked on a tame near-post header from Downing's cross and Cole nodded Downing's inswinging free-kick wide before, in added time, Liverpool lapsed.

Traore brilliant spun Sebastian Coates with a left-footed touch and then lobbed Jones with his right for his fourth goal in six matches.

Cole at least made it out for the second half, which was more than he did last week, and set up Morgan to fire into the side-netting soon after the restart.

Eto'o replied with a curling shot which Jones claimed comfortably diving to his left while Traore and Rasim Tagirbekov flashed shots just past the post as the game began to open up.

Substitutes Suso and Dani Pacheco, on for Morgan and Coady, gave the forward line some more youthful impetus but it was the hosts who remained the more threatening with Jones making another good save from Traore's powerful header.

Cole's last contribution before being replaced by Oussama Assaidi was to force a close-range save from Vladimir Gabulov after he had fumbled Suso's shot.

But Traore should have finished off Liverpool when put clean through by Eto'o but he rolled his effort wide of the upright.

Henderson had a late chance to equalise but ballooned his shot well over.

Brendan Rodgers Defends Team Selection

Brendan Rodgers has defended his team selection following Liverpool's 1-0 loss to Anzhi Makhachkala.

The Liverpool boss made nine changes from his side that drew 1-1 with Newcastle last weekend, leaving out stars Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez for the Europa League tie. Lacina Traore scored the winning goal for Anzhi putting the Russian side top of the group, one point ahead of Liverpool.

Asked whether bringing Gerrard and the others would have made a difference, Rodgers said: "Not at all. I think that is a little disrespectful to the players who are here. They have been magnificent and I thought they did really well and we just got punished for a mistake," said the Reds boss.

"That led to us losing the game but I don't think it was anything to do with Suarez, Gerrard, Joe Allen, Martin Skrtel or Daniel Agger not being here," added Rodgers. "It was a much-changed team but Coady came in and was outstanding in his first start, playing against top players, and for Flanagan it was his first game in a long time. It was just one of those things. We will take it as a team, we are disappointed but there are so many positives [to take] from the game."

Anzhi manager Guus Hiddink conceded that Liverpool controlled the game but thought if his side had taken their chances they would have won comfortably.

"They had a young side but that does not mean they were not experienced as some of those players play frequently in the Premier League," Hiddink said. "They were good players, skilful players who were tactically good. They tested us but we also have some young players so it's a good result for us. We didn't finish it off in the second half, we had two big opportunities, but it was an interesting game on a very bad pitch. They controlled the game and tested us but that makes me happy with this result.”

Liverpool sit 12th in the Premier League and will look to turn their poor start to their Premier League season around against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Coady Eager After Dream Debut

Conor Coady says he fulfilled a childhood dream when making his Liverpool debut against Anzhi Makhachkala on Thursday night, and now wants a taste of the action more regularly.

The 19-year-old became the latest young talent to experience first-team football under Brendan Rodgers, starting in a central midfield role for the Europa League Group A fixture.

While the local lad described the occasion as 'really special', a maiden appearance has merely inspired the youngster to grab himself further opportunities in the starting XI.

"It was fantastic and I enjoyed every minute of it," Coady explained to the Liverpool Echo. "It was a big night for me and my family. It's every boy's dream to play for Liverpool.

"You have to be patient, bide your time and work hard in training. I've waited a long time for this day and it was really special to get out there and play.

"I put my all into it and I was made up to make my debut. I was happy with the way I played and I thought all the boys did well. Hopefully it's the first appearance of many for me."

The Reds were unfortunate in slipping to a 1-0 defeat by Anzhi in Moscow, conceding as the first half concluded, and Coady fully expects the team to bounce back.

The No.35 continued: "I thought we were a bit unlucky not to get anything from the game.

"It was a mistake for their goal and we were gutted to concede just before half-time. We sat in there, competed with them and I thought we were fantastic tactically.

"As a young lad you want to play against the best players in the world and to come up against [Samuel] Eto'o was great.

"He's still up there with the best - a class act. We're just disappointed not to get a result, but we will bounce back from this and become better.

"It's fantastic to play under Brendan. He has given a lot of us young lads games this season and it's great he has shown that faith."

Match Preview: Anzhi Makhachkala v. Liverpool

After playing six of their last seven at home, Liverpool are back out on the road, this time heading to Moscow to face Anzhi Makhachkala as the final half of Europa League group play gets started.

The experiment continues for Liverpool, with significant changes in cup competition the norm, and a constant sense of anxious excitement about seeing youngsters and fringe first-teamers compete in matches that they're not necessarily ready for. They can over-perform and inspire as evidenced against Young Boys and West Brom, or they can look lost and disorganized, as witnessed against Swansea in the League Cup loss last week.

At least on Thursday there's not really any purgatory for Brendan Rodgers, the club announced the names that traveled earlier in the day, and it's a squad with more youngsters than squad regulars, with only a handful who have seen consistent minutes in league. The cup competitions have been an excellent avenue for Rodgers to bleed those from the Academy, and Thursday looks to be another chance for the manager to challenge his younger players.

Anzhi poses a significant challenge, even if there's a few factors negating what would otherwise make for an overwhelming atmosphere; the club play their home matches in Moscow, meaning a shorter trip, and the crowd is expected to be sparse in an effort to control the hostility that's marred Anzhi's appearances to date. They've played twice since their loss at Anfield, first losing away to Rubin Kazan 2-1 before bouncing back with a 3-1 home win over Terek Grozny. It's certainly an important match for both sides, but with Anzhi two points off Liverpool and Udinese facing Young Boys at home, three points are vital for Guus Hiddink's squad going into their final group fixtures.

A host of changes are in store, meaning that in addition to the absences of Martin Kelly, Lucas, and Fabio Borini through injury, Liverpool will be without most of their first-choice eleven and the recovering Glen Johnson and Pepe Reina.

That means matchups against Young Boys, West Brom, and Swansea will serve as the template, with a side that'll leave no middle ground about where the priorities lie ahead of Sunday's challenging trip to London to face Chelsea. It looks like another opportunity for Brad Jones in goal barring an appearance for Peter Gulacsi, and either a quick return for Andre Wisdom, the re-emergence of Jon Flanagan, or Jordan Henderson deputizing at right back.

Hopefully it's Flanagan, which would spell Wisdom ahead of the weekend and leave Henderson available for the midfield, where options are limited even with his presence. The rest of the back line seems easy enough, with Jamie Carragher, Sebastian Coates, and Jack Robinson the most likely to feature.

It’s a threadbare midfield without Gerrard, Allen, and Sahin, leaving either Conor Coady or Dani Pacheco in line for an appearance and a mandate that Henderson and Jonjo Shelvey start. I suppose Suso could make his way into the midfield as well, but like Wisdom, he seems set for a spot at Stamford Bridge, and anything other than a substitute appearance could prove too taxing. Pacheco was very impressive for the U21s against Wolves and might get the nod, and after the appearance against Swansea, the less said about Joe Cole the better.

We saw against Swansea that Samed Yesil is nowhere near ready to lead the line at the senior level yet, and on short rest (like Pacheco) another start might not be likely. Rodgers doesn't have many other options if he wants a striker in the lineup aside from Yesil and Adam Morgan, so it's got to be one of the two. I'll go with Morgan given Yesil's outing earlier in the week, and we're left to hope that he receives more direct support than Yesil did against Swansea. Stewart Downing and Oussama Assaidi have started in every cup match Liverpool have played since advancing to the group stage, with Downing getting the winner at Anfield when these teams faced off two weeks ago.

Rodgers Leaves Out Big Names

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has left out most of his top stars for Thursday night's Europa League tie against Anzhi Makhachkala.

Rodgers has decided to rotate his squad for the game in Moscow with Sunday's Premier League clash with Chelsea in mind.

Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Joe Allen, Nuri Sahin, Daniel Agger, Jose Reina, Glen Johnson Raheem Sterling and Jose Enrique have all not travelled as Rodgers looks to keep them fresh for the trip to Stamford Bridge.

Youngsters Stephen Sama, Adam Morgan and Conor Coady have been called into the squad, while Jon Flanagan is available again after injury.

Daniel Pacheco is also included after impressing for the under 21s earlier this week, with Jamie Carragher set to captain the Reds.

Rodgers has challenged his fringe players to prove they are worthy of a place in his first-choice side.

Many of the side who struggled in last week's Capital One Cup defeat at home to Swansea will again be given the chance to impress, but Rodgers denied those players needed to redeem themselves against a side second in the Russian League but he is looking for some of them to show they can make a difference.

"I knew the cup game (against Swansea) was always going to be difficult," said Rodgers.

"But I've said to the players the biggest thing we look for is that their focus and concentration is right.

"Everyone wants to play in the Premier League but this is a real opportunity to shine and show you can get into that team.

"We have already seen that this season Raheem Sterling, Suso and Andre Wisdom all started in the cup competitions and they are now regulars playing in the Premier League team.

"Every game is a platform. There is a great motivation there for the players but it is also the opportunity for them to prove they can play and obviously get themselves into that team."

Rodgers defended the strength of the side he could put out on Thursday at the Lokomotiv Stadium - UEFA will not allow Anzhi to play in their troubled home region of Dagestan.

"It is not a secondary team," added Rodgers. "It is a team in order to a) win the game and b) give players an opportunity to play where they want to play.

"There is certainly no lack of respect for Anzhi. We have a squad here that we feel can get a result."

Liverpool Face Losing Out On Genoa Ace

Liverpool could miss out on Andreas Granqvist as Zenit St Petersburg look to continue their spending with a move for the Genoa defender.

Granqvist, who spent time at Wigan between 2007 and 2008, admitted last month that he was flattered by interest from Liverpool and hinted he would be keen on a switch to Anfield.

But free-spending Zenit, who splashed out over £70m on Hulk and Axel Witsel earlier this year, are also tracking the Sweden international.

And according to sources in Italy, Zenit are readying a £6.5m bid for the Sweden international.

Liverpool Ready To Steal Manchester United Target

Liverpool is aiming to steal Heerenveen star Filip Djuricic from under the noses of Manchester United.

The 20-year-old has been a long-term target for United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and even had a spell on trial at Old Trafford in 2009.

It is thought that United were unable to obtain a work permit for the Serbia international at the time, leaving him to join Dutch side Heerenveen instead.

But Djuricic could still yet fulfil his Premier League dream, with Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers readying a January move for the attacking midfielder.

Anfield chiefs hope that a bid of around £4m could be enough to land the talented youngster, whose ability to also play as a second striker will strengthen the Reds depleted forward-line.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea Chase Tommie Hoban

Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea have joined the hunt for Watford wonderkid Tommie Hoban.

Arsenal and Manchester City were already tracking highly-rated centre-half Hoban who has forced his way into Gianfranco Zola’s first-team this season.

Scouts from United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool were at Vicarage Road on Saturday to watch Hoban, 18, impress in Watford’s win over high-flying Leicester.

Zola said: "Tommie Hoban was the best player on the pitch, no question in my mind.

"His confidence, his touch - he has a calm in possession which is a great quality for a defender.

"You don't need to tell Tommie something twice either. That's why he's improving so much game by game."

Arsenal let Hoban go when he was 14 due to a knee injury but have kept tabs on his progress, along with City, as he has battled back at Watford.

The Irish youth international made his first Hornets start in September and been an ever-present since.

Liverpool End Didier Drogba Interest

Liverpool has been forced to end their pursuit of reported target Didier Drogba after the former Chelsea striker pledged his future to Shanghai Shenhua.

The Reds were rumoured to be keen on taking the Ivorian on loan in January but he has now made it clear he would prefer to stay in China and would not be returning to England.

'I hope next season I can start again from the beginning with Shenhua,' Drogba told the Shanghai Morning Post.

'Because I joined relatively late, I didn't prepare with the team early in the season, so our results were not very good.'

The 34-year-old has had a tough start to his career in Asian football.

He's had numerous managers in a short space of time and a dispute among the club's hierarchy nearly led to his contract being cancelled because the club wouldn't have been able to pay his estimated £300,000-per-week wages.

The Chinese Super League begins in March.

Wigan Shot Stopper Rejects Liverpool Rumours

Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi has dismissed reports linking him with a move to Liverpool, insisting that he is 100 percent committed to the Wigan cause.

The 30-year-old has often been Wigan’s savior since he made his move to the DW Stadium from Bolton Wanderers permanent in 2011, and has established himself as one of the most competent shot-stoppers in the league.

Rumours suggesting that Pepe Reina’s future as Liverpool’s number one may be in doubt emerged over the weekend, with Al Habsi touted a potential replacement for the Spaniard, but the Oman international has moved quickly to cool talk of a move to Anfield

"I have said it many times before but I love this football club, I love the fans and I hope to give them much more," Al Habsi told the Wigan Evening Post.

"I heard about what was said at the weekend, but that kind of thing is not of any importance to me.

"I am very, very happy at Wigan - as has been the case since I first came here.

"I am doing well, my form is coming on with every game I play, and my confidence is very high.

Lille Coach Eyes Cole Return

Lille coach Rudi Garcia has admitted he would love to have Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole back at the club.

Cole enjoyed a successful spell on loan at Lille last season before returning to Liverpool in the summer.

The 30-year-old has struggled to establish himself in Brendan Rodgers' plans this term and was criticized for his performance in last week's Capital One Cup defeat to Swansea.

Cole's long-term future has been the subject of speculation with the transfer window set to reopen in January and his former Lille team-mate Yohan Cabaye suggested over the weekend the former Chelsea and West Ham man should consider a return to the French club.

Garcia admits they could not afford to sign Cole on a permanent basis on the summer, but would love to bring him back to Lille.

"Joe is not only a great person, but also a great footballer. But financially it was not possible to save him," Garcia told RMC

"This can be prohibitive for the return of Joe to Lille. Sportingly and humanly, I'd love to see him back."

Liverpool Captain Reveals Mourinho Ambition

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has revealed that Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is the manager he would most like to play under, were he given the opportunity to choose.

This is not to say that Gerrard has his sights set on a transfer away from Liverpool to Real Madrid, but the England skipper was merely answering questions from supporters in a Twitter Q&A.

When asked by one fan to identify a manager he would want to work with, Gerrard appeared to take little time to select Mourinho, with the Liverpool star calling the Santiago Bernabeu coach 'the Special One'.

Gerrard could be plying his trade with Mourinho at Real Madrid had things panned out differently in his career, with the 32-year-old previously revealing that the Portuguese had wanted to bring him to the club.

It was not the first time Mourinho attempted to secure the signature of Gerrard, with the former Chelsea boss twice trying to sign the Liverpool legend during his time at Stamford Bridge.

In 2005, following Liverpool's famous Champions League win in Istanbul, Gerrard outlined his desire to quit Anfield and sign for Mourinho's English champions.

However, Gerrard soon abandoned this idea to sign a new contract with Liverpool and reiterated his love for the club.

"[Liverpool] weren’t really challenging at the time, so there was something to think about. But I ended up saying no and a year later I said no again," Gerrard told the Daily Mail in September this year.

Liverpool Braced For Hearing Over Approach For Dempsey

Liverpool are braced for a Premier League hearing to fight a charge of illegally approaching Clint Dempsey during last summer’s failed bid for the former Fulham striker.

Dempsey left Craven Cottage for Tottenham on deadline day last August despite well-documented interest from the Merseyside club.

Fulham did not drop their complaint following Dempsey’s departure and are still rigorously intent on calling Liverpool to account for what they believe is a breach of the rules.

Evidence is still being assembled in the case, but Liverpool could be fined or hit with a suspended points deduction if they are unable to defend themselves against the charge.

Fulham made a formal protest to the Premier League in July after taking exception to comments by manager Brendan Rodgers, reported on Liverpool’s official website, expressing interest in the striker.

There was also an embarrassing gaffe on the New England Sports Network website which erroneously claimed a deal was agreed. Although Liverpool Football Club has no editorial control over NESN, they have the same owners and a private apology was issued to the London club for the mistake.

Liverpool intend to fight any charge and are aware an investigation is ongoing, although it is understood they have not yet received any confirmation of a timescale as to when a hearing will take place.

Fulham’s case will focus on the public comments released by Liverpool, which undoubtedly impacted on the Anfield club’s negotiating position when it came to trying to seal a deal for the American international.

Liverpool has been called to account by the Premier League before, when they were fined for an illegal approach to Middlesbrough’s Christian Ziege in 2000.

Spurs also reported Liverpool when they moved for Robbie Keane in 2008, although they dropped the complaint on completion of the £20 million sale.

In recent years, Chelsea received a three-point, suspended penalty for illegally approaching Ashley Cole.

Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 1 Newcastle

Striker Luis Suarez upstaged Steven Gerrard on a landmark day for the Liverpool captain as he underlined his value to Brendan Rodgers' side once again.

Gerrard became only the 10th player to make 600 appearances for the club but it was the 25-year-old Uruguay international who stole the show against Newcastle, who finished with 10 men after Fabricio Coloccini was sent off late on.

With Liverpool trailing to Yohan Cabaye's fine strike late in the first half, Suarez produced a brilliant equalizer - his seventh goal in nine league matches - but just could not inspire his team to victory.

He did, at least, preserve Liverpool's impressive unbeaten home record against the Magpies which was extended to 18 league matches - 15 of which were wins.

It would have been harsh had Newcastle ended that run as Liverpool spent 43 minutes dominating the match, only to be caught with a sucker punch just before half-time.

The frustrating thing for Reds manager Rodgers - and most of Anfield - was that you could see it coming.

From the moment Coloccini appeared to make contact with Suarez in the penalty area in the sixth minute only for referee Anthony Taylor to wave play on the writing was on the wall.

Liverpool forced a succession of corners and saw shots from Suso and Raheem Sterling either deflected wide or just off target, while Suarez curled a free-kick just wide.

Tim Krul made first save of note from Suarez after Suso and Sahin had combined to set him racing down the right, and the striker also headed wide from Gerrard's cross.

Such was Liverpool's dominance and confidence Gerrard attempted a 60-yard free-kick in an attempt to catch Krul off his line but it dropped just over - unlike Xabi Alonso's effort from inside his own half which beat Magpies keeper Steve Harper on this ground in 2006.

Those were the days when the Reds had the Spain midfielder controlling midfield and Gerrard, in his pomp, charging forward to score goals aplenty - even before Fernando Torres arrived to terrorize the Premier League.

It seems a long time ago now and Liverpool no longer carry the same threat - and opponents know it.

They bide their time, keep a close eye on the carefully-prepared passing game taking place in front of them and then strike at an opportune moment.

Newcastle did exactly that and when Andre Wisdom was penalised for a foul throw deep in enemy territory, the Magpies swiftly transferred the ball to their right to isolate Hatem Ben Arfa against former Newcastle defender Jose Enrique.

The Frenchman made a thrilling run to the byline and crossed to the far post where Cabaye controlled and smashed a superb half-volley past Brad Jones, becoming the first Newcastle player to score at Anfield since Patrick Kluivert in December 2004.

Demba Ba's failure to last more than five minutes of the second half was something of a bonus for Liverpool, although he had not really posed much of a threat up to that point.

The home side picked up the tempo and just before the hour Suarez's shot was turned around the post by Krul, with Sahin's strike bouncing just past the same upright soon after.

Newcastle were restricted to counter-attacks and one could have resulted in a penalty when Skrtel challenged Ba's replacement Sammy Ameobi, but referee Taylor judged it fair as Ameobi appeared to stand on the ball rather than being felled by the defender.

For all Rodgers' insistence on short passing football, the equalizer came from a 50-yard ball out of defence by Enrique. However, to say it owed a lot to Suarez's brilliance would be an understatement.

The Uruguay international, running at full tilt under pressure from Coloccini, controlled it on his shoulder, brought it down and quickly side-stepped Krul to roll it into the net.

Once again Suarez had ignited Liverpool and when he cut in from the right byline soon afterwards, substitute Jonjo Shelvey could not get enough on the ball to divert it into the net.

Another Liverpool mistake, this time from Enrique, sent Ameobi racing clear but with a two-man overload down Newcastle's right, Ben Arfa shot tamely at Jones.

But Newcastle captain Coloccini put his side under pressure when he raked his studs down the back of Suarez's leg and was sent off with six minutes to go.

Still Suarez could not be contained and a deflected free-kick and freakish bounce almost snatched a bizarre winner in the last minute of added time.

The final whistle saw Newcastle manager Alan Pardew march onto the field to speak to the officials but there was no sustained protest.

Rodgers: Suarez Is Liverpool's Lionel Messi

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers described Luis Suarez as his side's equivalent of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, after the striker's display against Newcastle United on Sunday, reports BBC Sport.

The Uruguayan international scored a delightful equalizer to secure the Reds a 1-1 draw with the Magpies at Anfield, and was a constant thorn in the side of the visitors' back line.

Playing in the hole between Newcastle's defence and midfield, Suarez's movement and penetrating forward runs caused Alan Pardew's side plenty of trouble - his impressive performance deserved far more than a point.

"He plays the false nine role like Messi does for Barcelona where he moves freely and others have to get in behind him to penetrate," Rodgers told Sky Sports after the game. "Suarez's goal was brilliant. He is a world-class striker."

Fabricio Coloccini was given a torrid time by Suarez and was red-carded for an 84th-minute challenge on the Liverpool striker, who has now scored seven goals in his last nine league matches.

"Seeing it again I think it was a [red card]. The intent, it was a naughty challenge," added the Anfield boss. "I don't think there was a great deal of contact there, if I am being honest, but the ball had gone.

"Once you see the replays, he deserves to go for that. People talk about diving but I have seen a lot worse going on in the game this season going unpunished.

"It was probably frustration from Fabricio Coloccini because Luis Suarez was unplayable. I thought he was outstanding."

Yohan Cabaye gave Newcastle a first-half lead against the run of play, before Suarez levelled after the break to lift Liverpool to 12th in the table, with 11 points from 10 games.

"We are disappointed we couldn't get the win because it was the very least we deserved. We had enough chances in the game to have won it but I have no complaints.

"Once we get a number of other players that can fit the profile and the model of our game, when we dominate games like that and finish the chances it will be great for us."

Pardew: Coloccini Is Not A Coward

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has leapt to the defence of Fabricio Coloccini, who was branded a coward after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

Coloccini was sent-off for lunging in on Liverpool goalscorer Luis Suarez, leaving Pardew's team to battle out the remainder of the match with 10 men. Sky TV pundit Chris Coleman was scathing in his assessment of the incident, which he viewed as "a coward's challenge".

"It's a scandalous challenge, a coward's challenge. Football is a physical game, but that was a coward's challenge. If he catches him higher it's serious," said Coleman.

Pardew, whose side took the lead through Yohan Cabaye on the stroke of half-time, aimed to protect his skipper's reputation following the match, but Newcastle have since confirmed that they will not appealing against the decision to send off their captain.

"I've got no reaction to Chris Coleman's comments," insisted Pardew. "Part of me is thinking that there's no intent from 'Colo' because I know what he's like and he's a real, real top guy.

"At the time I didn't see it so I was really unsure. I know he's got no intent with it. The referee said it was dangerous intent and looking at it, it doesn't look too well from one angle.

"But from another, it looks like he's stopping himself to some extent. I think we'll just have to accept it and my gut feeling is we won't appeal."

Pardew's Liverpool counterpart Brendan Rodgers believes Coloccini dived in out of frustration, hailing the ability of striker Suarez to torment opposition defenders.

"He was unplayable," said Rodgers. "I think Coloccini was frustrated. He couldn't get near him, and he's a good player.

"Luis is just so bright and so clever. He's a real world-class striker. He really frustrates defenders. His goal was brilliant. He's an absolute joy to work with and he's got a real hunger for the game."

Enrique Unfazed By Lowly Position

Defender Jose Enrique insists Liverpool are only a couple of wins away from establishing themselves as top-four challengers.

A fifth draw in 10 Premier League matches at home to Newcastle left Brendan Rodgers' side six points adrift of fourth place.

However, Enrique believes performances like the one against his former club show progress is being made and the situation is not as gloomy as is being made out.

"Of course it's not a good position to be in the table," said the Spaniard in reference to their current 12th place.

"We want to be in the top four and I know that is difficult at the moment as there are many teams above us.

"But if we had beaten Newcastle we would have only been four points behind the Champions League positions.

"It's not that far away. If we were to win three or four games in a row we would be up there."

Key to them achieving that, however, will be their ability to transform their fortunes in front of goal.

So far they have scored just 13 league goals - and five of those came at Norwich - with striker Luis Suarez contributing seven strikes.

Everyone acknowledges that without the Uruguay international, who scored a brilliant equalizer to cancel out Yohan Cabaye's opener at Anfield, Liverpool would be in a much worse position.

Manager Brendan Rodgers is working hard to rectify the situation when the January transfer window opens but in the interim Enrique said it was up to other players to find supplementary goals.

"It was an amazing goal from Luis - the control and finish was 10 out of 10 - but it's no surprise as we know what he can do," said the left-back.

"Every game he does something like this and he's such a key player for us.

"Luis scored a lot of goals in Holland (for Ajax). He had a great record there and we know he will score a lot of goals for us.

"It's a dream to play with someone like him but we can't depend on one player.

"We need more players to score as we can't always look to Luis."

After seeing his form deteriorate over the last 12 months Enrique has been handed a way back into the starting line-up by Glen Johnson's hamstring injury.

But despite the 26-year-old not being fancied by Rodgers he feels the Northern Irishman's style will allow him to regain some of his old spark - as well as help the rest of the team chip in with goals.

"With this manager the style of play is different than we played before," he added.

"We are all getting used to it and every game we are playing better.

"It's great to play like this and it will get us results.

"I use a lot more energy going forward now - against Newcastle I played many times like a striker - as this is the type of football the manager wants from his full-backs.

"Defensively I have less work now than before, I am more of an offensive player.

"We need more people in the box. When myself, Glen and Andre (Wisdom) are playing we try to go forward and if you do that you have more chances and more players to score goals.

"Against Newcastle I was able to get forward a lot, like I did when I was playing in Spain.

"I enjoy attacking more than defending. In games like this where we are in control I'm able to attack and try to get into the box."

Rodgers has regularly called for greater goalscoring contributions from his players and feels midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, who had a hat-trick of chances after coming on as a second-half substitute, is the most likely to deliver.

"I think Jonjo can play the advanced role in midfield, I believe that is his best position as he is a goalscoring midfielder," he said.

"Importantly he is getting in there and he is showing when he does arrive in the box he gets chances to score."

Newcastle, in 10th, are only three points ahead of Liverpool but manager Alan Pardew hopes his side can also start to put pressure on the top four with matches against West Ham and Swansea up next.

"We know draws aren't the greatest of results but with the run of games we've got coming up we've put ourselves in a good position," he said.

"Two wins - if we can get them - and we are going to find ourselves in the top five and with two matches at home we have that opportunity."

Spanish International Reportedly Available For €7 Million

A host of Premier League clubs have been alerted to the availability of Athletic Bilbao forward Fernando Llorente, who is reportedly available for as little as €7 million.

The Spanish forward is in the last year of his contract at the Basque club, and will be available to leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season. Relations between Lorente and the club are strained, with the 27-year-old having only played 162 minutes for Bilbao this season.

Italian news Gazzetta Dello Sport report that Bilbao are now ready to cash in on the disgruntled striker, and will listen to offers of just €7 million, not even a third of price tag he had been fitted with during the summer months. Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Liverpool and Serie A champions Juventus have closely monitored Llorentre’s situation and may be tempted into entering the fray in efforts to resolve their own shortcomings in their striking departments.

Arsenal was heavily linked with a move for the Spaniard during the summer, following Robin Van Persie’s decision to leave the north Londoners for Manchester United. Given the striker’s reduced price tag and the form of misfiring of Olivier Giroud, Arsene Wenger may be tempted to enter the chase once again.

Liverpool’s well documented striker shortage will have them desperate to recruit in the January transfer window, but it would appear that Juventus are in the driving seat in the pursuit of the Spanish striker, so Gazzetta suggest.

Bundesliga Star Holtby Open To Liverpool Move

Liverpool have been handed a boost in their reported pursuit of Schalke midfielder Lewis Holtby, after the 22-year-old revealed that he would welcome a move to Anfield.

The Germany international is in the final year of his contract at Schalke and has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months. Reports linking the creative midfielder with a move to Brendan Rodgers’ side have been particularly rife, given that Holtby’s father hails from Merseyside.

Arsenal have also maintained an interest in Holtby’s services, and German magazine Kicker suggest that interest from the Gunners and Liverpool is an “open secret” in the Bundesliga, and Holtby’s himself has recently suggested that not even family loyalties could dissuade him from joining Liverpool.

“I have always said that one day I would play in England,” Holtby said, ESPN report. “I wouldn’t even rule out Liverpool, even if it would be tough for my dad, - he is an Everton fan.”

Last week’s Holtby’s agent indicated that they had received several offers from England and Spain, declaring that a British club had made a “very interesting proposition.” Markus Noack, Holtby’s representative, concluded by saying that a move away from the Bundesliga side was not a certainty, with the possibility of a contract renewal still on the table.

Zenit Ready To Rival Liverpool For Signing Of Bilbao Star

Money bags Zenit St Petersburg are ready to enter the race for Liverpool target Fernando Amorebieta.

The Athletic Bilbao defender has been on the Reds' radar for some time now but they were priced out of a move for him when they were told they had to meet his £26m release clause.

But he is now available for much less with his contract set to expire in 2014 - and renewal talks not going smoothly.

The 27-year-old is also wanted by Roma, who reckon they can snatch Amorebieta for around £8m in January.

But now Zenit, who splashed out £64m to land Hulk and Axel Witsel in the summer, are also lining up a move for the classy central defender.

According to reports in Russia, they have already made contact with Bilbao about a New Year switch and have been encouraged by the talks.

Liverpool Plan £7m Move For Premier League Star

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has reportedly identified Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi as the man to replace current Reds No.1 Pepe Reina at Anfield.

Reina has seen his future at Liverpool consistently called into question since the arrival of Rodgers on Merseyside, as the Spain international struggles to get to grips with the new Anfield system.

According to The People, Rodgers has told his Liverpool scouts to find him a new first-choice shot-stopper, and the Northern Irishman's top spies have outlined Al Habsi as a top target.

Liverpool is now reported to be considering a £7 million bid for Al Habsi, which could come as early as the January transfer window.

Al Habsi began his time in English football with Bolton before transferring permanently to Wigan for £4 million in the summer of 2011, and has made 78 appearances for the Latics in total.

The 30-year-old has established himself as one of the Premier League's top 'keepers during his time at the DW Stadium and, it would appear, could be rewarded with a high-profile move to Liverpool.

Reina, meanwhile, has been a Liverpool player for over seven years after signing for the club following their memorable Champions League win over AC Milan.

The 30-year-old, who has been Liverpool's unquestioned No.1 since his arrival, has made 382 appearances for the Anfield club.

Cabaye Urges Liverpool Misfit To Return To Ligue 1

Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye has urged Joe Cole to consider returning to Lille instead of trying to force himself into Liverpool’s first team.

The former West Ham United and Chelsea star joined the Ligue 1 outfit on a season-long-loan last campaign after struggling to impress under Kenny Dalglish following his move from Chelsea. Cole enjoyed a relatively productive spell in France, but returned to England for this season, eager to impress Brendan Rodgers.

Things have not gone according to plan for Cole, however. The midfielder has made just two late appearances off the substitute’s bench for Liverpool in the Premier League, and recently suffered the indignity of being taken off at half time in Liverpool’s dismal Capital One Cup exit at the hands of Swansea City.

Newcastle maestro Cabaye, who netted a stunning effort against Liverpool at the weekend, has advised Cole to considering a return to Lille, the club where Cabaye himself seven years before his move to Tyneside.

"It is not easy for him because he does not play much," Cabaye told French publication L'Equipe, Reuters report.

"It worked well for him at Lille. Maybe it would be a good idea for him to return there.

"The club, the coach and the fans love him at Lille. I've heard that Rudi Garcia would be interested to have him back."

Brendan Rodgers was recently critical of Cole following his performance in the Capital One Cup, suggesting that the 30-year-old was not doing enough to take his chances in a rare start for Liverpool.

Liverpool Youngsters Aim To Replicate Carragher & Gerrard

Liverpool starlets Raheem Sterling and Suso have their eye on replicating the longevity of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, after being given their chances in the first team by Brendan Rodgers.

17-year-old Sterling has wasted no time in becoming an imperative feature of Rodgers’s side this season, and 18-year-old Suso is quickly catching up on him. The Spaniard was gifted his Liverpool debut in a clash with Manchester United at Anfield in September, and has gone on to feature in the first team with relative consistency since then, playing a role in important recent fixtures against Everton and Newcastle United.

Former Swansea City manager Rodgers has received his share of praise for the faith he has shown in his young prodigies, confidence which has transferred through to his young fledglings, who are now determined to become permanent fixtures in the side for many years to come.

“Raheem and I can give each other support and confidence," Suso told the Daily Telegraph. "Our wish is to be like [Steven] Gerrard and [Jamie] Carragher, to be able to play as many games and be a top player for so long. Playing with Gerrard and [Luis] Suarez is something I will treasure forever.

"In Spain, it is not normal for someone who is only 18 to play for the first team for a club the size of Liverpool. It never happens.”

The former Cadiz youngster was also full of appreciation for his manager, who has also turned to 19-year-old Andre Wisdom to take the leap from youth and reserve team football to the grand stage.

"But Brendan is one of the best people I have ever met and there is no time when he is not talking to you, when he is not trying to help,” Suso added, “You do not get the chance to play for Liverpool every day, so I knew I had to take it."