Myth Of Liverpool Defensive Stability Under Threat

Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger can perhaps count themselves lucky that Liverpool is a club which regularly lurches from one disaster to the next.

Whether it be criticism over the failure to sign Clint Dempsey, an inability to shift high-salary also-rans or Luis Suarez’s endless flirtation with controversy – there is always something big happening at Anfield.

For that reason, the fact that the Reds’ defending has been atrocious this season has somewhat slipped under the radar. And the two men who should take a large slice of the responsibility, the club’s centre-back pairing, have seemingly avoided blame for such underperformance.

Last Sunday – at the hardest ground to visit in the Premier League, admittedly – some suspect work at the back was to blame for the concession of two goals; events which proved decisive as the visitors lost 2-1. The opener saw Agger unwisely rocking back on his heels as the sprightly Robin van Persie nipped in front to score, whilst the second was facilitated by the bizarre decision to place Skrtel in the wall for a free kick which was clearly set to be put in the box.

Such errors are comparable to the Slovakian’s ill-advised backpass during Liverpool’s first home game of the season at Anfield, one which allowed Carlos Tevez to earn a point the champions had barely deserved. Talk of early season rustiness and the teething problems expected when bedding in a new system were rife following that 2-2 draw in August but, as of January, they are still a regular occurrence.

Worryingly, the Merseyside club has conceded seven goals more than the 21 they had leaked at this point last season in the league, despite having parted company with Kenny Dalglish on the basis of seeking improvement. The eight clean sheets accrued so far also point to the likelihood that they will match last year’s tally of 12, despite intending to avoid the stagnation such statistics suggest.

At some point questions over the personnel who occupy the defence must be raised, and it appears that the fleeting but unsuccessful pursuit of Vegard Forren hints that they already are. In fact, the idea of selling one of Skrtel or Agger was toyed with repeatedly in the summer, with Manchester City said to be interested in a swoop for either centre-back at different stages of the window.

Suggestions that Swansea defender Ashley Williams was being targeted as a potential replacement were mocked at the time by Liverpool fans who believed the 28-year-old would be a step down. Yet, having seen the Wales captain form an impressive partnership with Chico Flores – one which has conceded four goals less than Skrtel and Agger thus far – would surely prompt a rethink on this business.

Of course, the chances of bagging the defender in January are slim due to his increasingly impressive performances under the stewardship of Michael Laudrup. That means Rodgers may be forced to look at one option which he has largely ignored during a season of defensive mishaps: Sebastian Coates.

The Uruguayan has made just three Premier League appearances so far this term, totalling 138 minutes of top-flight action. One of those brief outings came in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, as the centre-back was brought on at half-time to help his side switch to a back three and regain stability.

The 22-year-old was an impressive presence in that 45 minutes, helping Liverpool keep a clean sheet in the second half and seeing a match-winning assist chalked off after his compatriot Luis Suarez was wrongly adjudged to have been offside.

With that in mind, his exclusion from the first-team since is frankly bizarre. Age is no barrier to playing for Liverpool, as Rodgers’ regularly inexperienced team selections attest, but that Coates is being heavily linked with a loan move away from the club points to a misuse of an already thin squad.

And, when two men who are alleged to be at the peak of their powers are patently failing ahead of him, Coates might just wonder what he has to do.

Liverpool Pleased By Progress Towards Anfield Redevelopment

Every few months it seems Liverpool let it be known that there's really seriously for real this time news concerning the redevelopment of Anfield. Or at least that there's news about how there will soon be news concerning the redevelopment of Anfield.

And now, with suggestions the club will make a formal planning application in the spring and managing director Ian Ayre eager to talk about all the behind the scenes work being done, we can safely say there's news on the Anfield redevelopment front. Or at least there's news about how there might soon be news. It's probably one or the other.

"We are very pleased with progress," said Ayre. "A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes particularly with the acquisition of properties and architectural work to look at designs and plans which would be submitted for planning permission.

"We've got a meeting coming up in the next few weeks with the steering group which is made up of the various parties who were present when the announcement about the regeneration was made. Certainly in terms of milestones that we set ourselves, we are on track. We're pleased with the way we're heading and there's no reason to feel anything other than optimistic."

If Ayre's timelines is accurate, redevelopment of the area surrounding Anfield both to adhere to right to light bylaws as well as to get the local council to accede to the club's plans despite reports they favour the Stanley Park option is set to begin sooner rather than later.

Though of course with the seemingly endless delays and that the club has been dropping similar comments once a quarter since Fenway Sports Group came on board, many won't be happy until there's more to point to than just the club's managing director talking about progress. Which is probably entirely reasonable at this point.

Still, while we might be inclined to wait until there actually are shovels in the ground to pop the bubbly, perhaps Ian Ayre taking the time to tell fans there really has been progress is better than not knowing if Ian Ayre thinks there's been progress. Or it might be nice to actually see signs of said progress rather than having to take it on faith one more time. It's probably one or the other.

Rodgers Looking For Players Who Can Play Multiple Positions

Brendan Rodgers says he's targeting players who have the flexibility to play across the pitch for the remainder of the January transfer window, with the Liverpool manager singing the praises of the club's recent acquisition of striker Daniel Sturridge.

Rodgers has long been honest about the fact that the Reds need a serious injection of players in the winter window, after having a disappointing summer and missing out on deadline day target Clint Dempsey.

Sturridge has already been signed for the club and scored twice in two games, but Liverpool is looking to find more reinforcements before January 31st rolls around.

"It's about getting good players onto the field who can fit into the model and the structure," he said in the Liverpool Echo. "The shape of the team you shouldn't see so much when you've got the ball - it's more when you haven't got it.

But Rodgers added: "It's important you have balance as well.

"For me that's the challenge. I want to have good players in the club and keep building our squad, but there needs to be balance as well.

"The players that we're bringing in need to be flexible, be able to play in a number of different positions.

"It's important then that everyone knows their job when they haven't got the ball and we showed that in the second half [against Manchester United]."

Sturridge has so been a wild success so far for Liverpool, with the England international changing the game as he came onto the pitch for the side against United at the weekend.

And though some have criticized Rodgers for not starting the star in the match, he claims that he wanted to make sure Sturridge could handle the pressure amongst a squad who have been putting in promising performances of late.

"Daniel was terrific, but we've won seven of our last nine games so the team has been doing well and the players have been doing well," he explained.

"It's just a feeling that you get.

"Of course if I'd thought he could have lasted the game then we'd have put him in.

"I thought we'd start trying to be solid and tight, while still creating chances, then once the game opened up a bit Daniel could come on with his pace and power and affect the game.

"But I thought he was terrific second half."

Suarez: United Control Media

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has claimed that he receives unfair criticism - declaring that Manchester United control the British media.

Suarez has admitted he 'invented' a foul during a Premier League match against Stoke earlier this season, but believes he was treated unfairly over his controversial FA Cup goal against Mansfield.

The striker scored what turned out to be the winning goal against the non-league side after handling the ball. And in a television interview with Fox Sports Argentina, the Uruguay international has hit out at his critics.

He claimed: "Manchester United controls the media, they are powerful and the media will always help them."

Suarez insists that his handball against Mansfield was accidental, although he admitted to trying to win a penalty against Stoke.

He said: "I don't listen all the nonsense some people say about me. I'm accused of cheating here. People say I throw myself all the time inside the box.

"Let's see: they said that when we played against Stoke, for instance, and in that case they were right. I invented a foul because we were drawing 1-1 against Stoke and I wanted to win.

"Sometimes on the pitch I say to myself: 'What have I done?' But the name of Suarez sells papers.

"The other day, for instance, I touched the ball with my hand accidentally, and I was criticized because I kissed my hand.

"The media make up a lot of things about me because they want to sell papers. I say to the media: You should talk more about football, not about other stuff."

Suarez claims that the media treat South American players such as himself, and Manchester City's Argentinian forwards Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero, with a lack of respect.

He added: "When someone comes and says to me something bad about being a South American, I don't cry, because that happens inside the pitch.

"I have my conscience clean. But as I have said: Manchester United controls the media, they are powerful and the media will always help them.

"I can help Liverpool today. We are united and we can play well. Liverpool doesn't depend on me. "It's complicated to play here in England. As Carlitos (Tevez) and Kun (Aguero) have said, it's complicated for a South American footballer to be here as we are treated differently to the local footballers.

"But they have their culture, they are like this, you know. I have to play football, which is what I always wanted, but I have suffered a lot for being a footballer."

Atletico Madrid Target Liverpool Goalkeeper

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina could be a summer target for Atletico Madrid, according to reports in Spain.

The Spaniard has endured a mixed season at Anfield, failing to immediately dislodge Brad Jones once he had recovered from a hamstring injury.

Reina has now regained his place, but he has been linked with a move away from Anfield, with Arsenal reportedly keen on signing the 30-year-old.

And now AS have claimed that Atletico are considering making an offer for Reina this summer.

On-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Coutrois has been first-choice at Atletico for the past two seasons, but the Belgian is expected to return to Stamford Bridge this summer.

And Reina is reportedly high on Atletico's list of potential replacements, although Osasuna stopper Andres Fernandez is their prime target.

But the newspaper report that both Barcelona and Real Madrid are weighing up moves for Fernandez, meaning Atletico need a back-up plan - with Reina thought to be a likely candidate.

Liverpool Could Still Sign Wesley Sneijder

Liverpool is reportedly set to step up their efforts to sign Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder during the January transfer window, as the Dutchman's protracted move to Galatasaray stalls.

Sneijder appears destined to leave Inter Milan before the transfer deadline, and had looked set to join Galatasaray after the Turkish club agreed a fee of €10 million for his signature.

However, according to Goal.com, Liverpool is now back in the race to sign Sneijder as Brendan Rodgers strives to bring further reinforcements to Anfield before the close of the window.

Sneijder reportedly would rather a switch to the Premier League than a transfer to Turkey and is holding out for move to England as Liverpool prepares a financial package to tempt the 28-year-old to Merseyside.

Liverpool, it is claimed, held talks with Sneijder's representatives on Monday and could afford to meet the demands of the player after freeing up the wages of Nuri Sahin and Joe Cole.

Sahin left Liverpool only halfway through his loan from Real Madrid - joining former club Borussia Dortmund - while Cole had his contract terminated, and was allowed to sign for West Ham.

Slovenian Top Scorer Wants To Play For Liverpool

Olimpija forward Andraz Sporar has revealed that it is his ambition to earn a move to Liverpool at some stage in his career, reports Sky Sports.

The 18-year-old has scored seven goals in 20 appearances so far this season, which has seen him rise to the top of the Slovenian goalscoring charts.

And, as Sporar continues to focus on developing his game, and building his burgeoning reputation in his homeland, the talented teenager is not afraid to talk about his desire to one day play at Anfield.

"I'm quite ambitious and my goals are high," he told Sportske Novosti. "I will only be happy when I wear the Liverpool shirt. That is the club I support."

Sporar actually underwent a trial at Tottenham some years back, and is eager to earn himself a shot at the Premier League.

Brendan Rodgers is keen to bring in and nurture some of Europe's brightest young talent, and will be encouraged by the Olimpija striker's recent comments, should he wish to take a closer look at him and bring the player to Liverpool in the future.

Liverpool Consider £10m Bid For French Striker

Liverpool is considering making a bid for Moussa Sow, according to reports, with the striker high on Brendan Rodgers' list to accompany Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge up front.

Sow has long been targeted for a possible Premier League move, with Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle all being connected to the star over the years, and his move to Turkish side Fenerbahce in the 2012 summer didn't calm the speculation surrounding his future.

The Turkish outfit have insisted that they want to hold onto Sow in the January transfer window, but Talksport are claiming that Liverpool are hoping that an offer of £10 million will turn the 26 year old's head.

The acquisition of Sturridge at Merseyside has so far been a resounding success for Liverpool, with the striker scoring twice in his first two games and having a huge impact when he came off the bench for the side against Manchester United on Sunday.

Working on the striking line up has been a big part of Rodgers' task this January, with the side letting Andy Carroll go out on loan in the summer and failing to find a suitable replacement.

The club is still yet to see the best from Fabio Borini, who has suffered from injuries since making his move to the club to work with Rodgers again.

And while Luis Suarez has been on fire this season for Liverpool, and is a contender for player of the season throughout the Premier League, the striker will need more support if he is to see out the rest of the season.

Sow would no doubt be a good addition to the squad if Rodgers wants even more support than what Sturridge has to offer, and at a price of £10 million he comes under the club's strict budget, which the manager has admitted will be relaxed in the summer.

Lazio Defender Waiting On Liverpool Offer

Mobido Diakite will seemingly not renew his contract with Lazio as he is waiting for an offer from Premier League side Liverpool.

The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and has spoken to the Reds already this month over a move.

According to Calciomercato.com, Diakite has decided not to sign a contract extension and instead wants to wait for an offer from Liverpool.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has proposed an increase in the player’s wages from €750,000 a year to €790,000 a year plus bonuses, but the defender is still not interested.

Liverpool Turn To Federico Fazio

Liverpool have reportedly turned their attention to Sevilla centre back Federico Fazio after missing out on a deal for Vegard Forren.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is believed to be in the hunt for a new defender this month, and long-term target Fazio has emerged as a cheap option.

The decision to turn to Fazio comes after Liverpool missed out on Molde defender Forren, who has opted to join Southampton instead, while the Reds have also been frustrated in their attempts to lure top target Modibo Diakite from Lazio.

That has apparently led to Rodgers considering Argentine enforcer Fazio, who has been put up for sale by Sevilla, due to their crippling financial problems.

It is understood that German clubs Hamburg and Hoffenhiem have both expressed an interest in the player, but he favours a switch to England, and Liverpool in particular.

According to AS, Fazio could cost as little as £3million, and given his ability to play either as a central defender or holding midfielder, he could add versatile cover to Rodgers’ defence.

Valdes Dismisses Liverpool Speculation

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has dismissed speculation linking him with a January move to Liverpool, insisting he is yet to decide his future.

The Blaugrana shot-stopper has been with the club for over 20 years but his contract expires in the summer of 2014 and talks over a new deal have hit a standstill, sparking reports that he is ready to leave Camp Nou.

However, the 31-year-old insists he has not made a decision about his current situation and took to Twitter to reject rumours of any imminent transfer deal.

"Hi everyone, I want to declare that I haven't said anything regarding my future yet - I will do when the time comes,” Valdes tweeted.

Liverpool has been linked with the goalkeeper amid worries about Pepe Reina’s form, with the Spanish goalkeeper having received criticism for a dip in his performance levels this season.

Were the Reds to move for Valdes, reports have suggested that Barcelona would look to sign Manchester United’s David De Gea as a replacement.

Nevertheless, Valdes added: "Everything that has been said in this respect are speculations."

In his time with Barcelona, Valdes has won La Liga five times, the Champions League three times and the Copa Del Rey twice.

No Regrets About Missing Out On Dempsey

Ian Ayre, Liverpool’s managing director, has no regrets losing Clint Dempsey to fourth place rival Tottenham in the summer.

Missing out on the American left boss Brendan Rodgers short of attacking options having let Andy Carroll join West Ham on loan but owners Fenway Sports Group refused to sanction a £6 million deal to sign Dempsey, 29, from Fulham last August, and he ended up joining Tottenham instead.

FSG's policy is to focus on signing players under the age of 24, and it was felt that Dempsey offered little resale value.

One of Ayre's main roles at Anfield is to discuss transfer negotiations and he recently helped sign Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea for £12 million.

"The issue came down to a particular deal and a particular price or structure to that deal. It wasn't right to do it," he told the Liverpool Echo. "Likewise the interest in certain other players wasn't right. Sometimes you have to be stronger for the greater good.

"People may feel they want to criticize the fact we didn't have an additional striker. But at what price would you sacrifice spending for something that is not in the long-term interests of the club versus what we just did, which was getting a great price on a great player in Daniel Sturridge?

"If we had spent that money in the summer then we wouldn't have done that trade recently. It may have left us short, but the pieces just did not come together. We've come through that period now. I still feel it was the right decision."

Borini Vows To Prove Worth To Liverpool Fans

Fabio Borini has vowed to prove himself to Liverpool fans following his return from injury.

The £10.5 million summer signing from Roma, who was a member of Italy’s Euro 2012 squad, struggled to make an impact to the Reds prior to breaking a bone in his foot three months ago, and is yet to score in the Premier League for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

However, after making his comeback as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 defeat by Manchester United on Sunday and the Italian hopes he can finally display his best form for the Reds

"My Liverpool career is actually starting now, I think,” Borini told the club’s official website. “I'd only played five league games and six or seven games in the Europa League [before the injury], which is not a lot.

"It really starts now with great intensity week in, week out to get playing again."

The Italian revealed his delight at making his return from injury at the weekend, and is now hoping his injury problems can remain just a thing of the past.

"It's great to be back at Liverpool. It was good to come back, especially in a big game and play 30 minutes as we tried our best to get a draw," he said.

"When I was stood on the touchline, I felt good. All the memories of the last three months and the things I've been through went from my mind.

"I put all my worries and the bad things about the injury behind me, and looked forward to all the positive things on the pitch.”

"It was extremely frustrating because in the last three years I have got injured for three months every year in October.

"I haven't played a full season yet because of those injuries, but I hope they'll stop [now]. It's just been bad luck and nothing about me. They've been different injuries each time and not the same."

Match Report: Manchester United 2 - 1 Liverpool

Striker Robin van Persie came out on top in the battle of the Premier League's top scorers as Manchester United emerged from a tricky test unscathed against arch-rivals Liverpool.

The Holland international continued his remarkable scoring spree with a close-range effort in the first half which was doubled after the break by Nemanja Vidic.

Liverpool substitute Daniel Sturridge overshadowed team-mate Luis Suarez, who began the day one behind Van Persie on 15 top-flight goals for the season, by marking his league debut for his new club with a second goal in as many matches and had a chance to snatch a point late on, but United held on grimly, if somewhat unconvincingly.

It was billed as the battle of the Premier League's two best strikers. Unfortunately it never lived up to the pre-match hype.

Van Persie - expertly and clinically - scored with virtually his first chance and could have had at least one other in the first half.

Suarez toiled in vain but never got the remotest inkling of an opportunity against Rio Ferdinand and Vidic - reunited in the centre of defence for the first time since September - with his one effort coming just before the interval and only troubling the fans in the Stretford End.

In spite of the age-old rivalry between England's two most-decorated clubs the first quarter of the game was something of a non-entity.

United enjoyed the greater dominance, as was to be expected from the home team, while not creating anything too threatening while Liverpool counter-attacked sporadically but fared even worse in the final third.

It changed in the 19th minute when, with United steadily building the pressure, the ball was worked from right to left for Patrice Evra to pick up in space.

His low cross was the perfect invitation and Van Persie did what he does best, side-footing a shot past Reina.

The statistics now adding up for the Holland international are startling. It was his 65th goal in 77 league matches, his 10th in the past 10 games, his fifth in five against Liverpool (three coming for Arsenal and the other at Anfield earlier in the season) and his 20th of the campaign.

Van Persie should probably have had another having charged through a gaping hole between centre-backs Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger to collect Ashley Young's through-ball but he uncharacteristically ballooned over.

Liverpool, possibly due to the inexperience of the likes of Andre Wisdom, Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen, appeared to crumble.

Allen, who is so often hailed for his possession statistics, passed the ball straight to Danny Welbeck and the Wales midfielder's embarrassment was only saved by a block from Agger.

Welbeck then skipped past Skrtel to fire over while Tom Cleverley saw a left-foot volley flash just wide of Jose Reina's left-hand post.

Only a brilliant goalline clearance from Skrtel from Van Persie's clever backheel from Rafael's cross prevented a second, with Reina taking a hefty whack from Shinji Kagawa in the aftermath which required lengthy treatment.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side have been in front at half-time in 211 previous league games at Old Trafford and never lost (199 wins and 12 draws) so the task facing Liverpool was stark without even taking into consideration their first-half performance.

United winger Ashley Young failed to reappear for the second half - replaced by Antonio Valencia - having injured himself after recklessly jumping into a tackle on Agger, for which he escaped any punishment.

However, the more significant introduction at the interval was that of Sturridge, whose pace up front provided much-needed support for Suarez and introduced a different dynamic for the United defence.

Wisdom had the chance to make a name for himself having charged forward 70 yards to exchange passes with Suarez only to fire hopelessly wide.

Within three minutes United were 2-0 up as Skrtel's foul on Welbeck on the edge of the area, which earned him a yellow card, allowed Van Persie to swing in a free-kick from which Evra's header deflected in off Vidic.

At that stage it appeared the game was up for the visitors but their first shot on target brought some hope.

A low strike from Gerrard, on a rare foray to United penalty area, was only parried by David de Gea and Sturridge used his poacher's instinct to follow up the rebound.

The change was almost instantaneous as, Reina palming away Kagawa's shot aside, Liverpool moved into the ascendancy with substitute Fabio Borini, on his first appearance since early October because of a broken foot, volleying wide.

Sturridge had the chance to snatch an equalizer and the headlines with five minutes to go after Suarez's determination saw the ball break to his strike partner but the £12million signing leant back and his effort sailed over and United escaped to consolidate their position as Premier League leaders.

Rodgers Proud Despite Defeat

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was pleased with the way his side battled back in the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United.

Robin van Persie gave United a first-half lead and Nemanja Vidic extended their dominance in fortuitous fashion from a free-kick early in the second half.

But substitute Daniel Sturridge's first league goal for Liverpool brought the visitors back into the game and there were one or two nervy moments for the hosts in the closing stages.

Rodgers said: "I was very proud of the team. I thought that the first half we were a wee bit tentative at times in our passing and we actually presented them with opportunities in the game

"But in the second half - you could have easily at 2-0 given up the fight - the fightback was brilliant by the players and I thought second half we maybe deserved something from the game.

"We are disappointed to lose but take heart from the fact we kept going and Daniel Sturridge coming on and getting another goal was terrific. The second-half performance was much better.

"It's never easy when you have got young players that are making their debuts at Old Trafford and when you look at Manchester United's experience in their team - they have been there and been around a lot of them.

"For us it was just about reinforcing a couple of details that we needed to be better at. We are disappointed with the free-kick because we never defended that well enough. But after that the reaction was terrific.

"We will take great hope from the second-half performance. We know the improvements we need to make if we are going to sustain a challenge at the top of the table.

"There was 21 points difference before this game but it wasn't 21 points in terms of quality, it was 21 points in terms of the depth of the squad. So if we are going to be able to compete we need depth in our club that is going to enable us to compete on a consistent basis."

Rodgers also paid tribute to Sturridge who entered the action at the start of the second half.

He said: "I thought he was a real threat when he came on. He is an outstanding young player who just needed an opportunity. He will score many goals for Liverpool I am sure."

Downing Takes The Positives

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing was encouraged by the second-half performance in the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday.

The Reds looked down and out when they trailed 2-0 after 54 minutes but Daniel Sturridge, a half-time substitute, pulled a goal back in the 57th minute on his Premier League debut for the club and the visitors finished the game strongly.

"We probably let them control it in the first half. We sat back too much and just let them have the ball too much," said Downing.

"The manager stressed at half-time that we needed to push on and put them under pressure more when they had the ball.

"Sturridge coming on maybe pushed us a bit further forward.

"We got support for Luis Suarez up there, who was probably getting frustrated before that.

"That's what Sturridge gives you. He can get in behind people, and he's got pace and power - you saw that with the way he took his goal.

"I thought in the second half our performance was really good. Certainly for the last 20 minutes we had them pegged right back.

"You could sense that their fans were getting edgy and Alex Ferguson was shouting a lot of instructions.

"We had them rattled a bit and created plenty of chances."

Liverpool Preparing Ambitious Swoop For Barcelona Keeper

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes could be on his way to Anfield to join Liverpool in the summer, according to the Sunday People.

Valdes has been an integral part of the success story at Barcelona, winning five La Liga titles and lifting the Champions League on three occasions since making the number one jersey his own in 2003.

But the 30-year-old goalkeeper, who like Liverpool’s own stopper Pepe Reina has had to play second fiddle to Iker Casillas in the all-conquering Spanish national team, has just 18 months of his contract left to run and Barcelona may be ready to cash in on him in the summer.

He is rated around £16million, however, which may put off Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, while Manchester City – another club linked with a move for Valdes – would also be reluctant to shell out that figure for a players who would be back-up to England international Joe Hart.

Liverpool has also been on the trail of young England goalkeeper Jack Butland, who is being tracked by a host of other Premier League clubs. Birmingham wants £6million for the 19-year-old, who is also interesting Southampton, Fulham, Everton and West Ham.

Molde Star Poised For Liverpool Medical

Liverpool are set to complete the signing of Norway defender Vegard Forren pending a medical, reports the Daily Mirror.

According to reports in Scandinavia, the 24-year-old is set to arrive in Merseyside on Tuesday, with the Reds ready to pip a host of rival Premier League clubs to the Norway international's signature.

Brendan Rodgers has already added Daniel Sturridge to his Anfield ranks this month, and now looks set to sign the highly-rated Forren, as central defensive back-up to first-choice pairing Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel.

Television channel TV2 announced: "Molde has accepted a bid from Premier League club Liverpool. The 24-year old is travelling to England on Tuesday to undertake a medical."

Forren has racked up nearly 150 appearances with boyhood club Molde, and boasts five caps with Drillo Olsen's national team.

Everton and Fulham were both hoping to sign the talented star, who has been tipped for a bright future by Manchester United legend and Molde boss Ole Gunnar Solksjaer.

Forren's prospective arrival at Liverpool will raise further questions over the future of Uruguayan stopper Sebastien Coates, who had been recently linked with a loan move away to gain some more first-team experience.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Scandinavian football expert Brendan Husebo said that Liverpool have potentially got their hands on a very talented defender.

"Forren was by far and away the best player in the Norwegian Premier League last year. But what made a big move inevitable was the way he extended that to internationals and the Europa League.

"After looking like lost potential, Forren has become calmness personified under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"A skilful, strong, left-footed centre back might sound familiar to Liverpool fans, and comparisons to Daniel Agger in terms of style and potential are wholly justifiable."

Liverpool Winger Target Wants BVB Stay

Liverpool winger target Kevin Grosskreutz has played down talk of a move away from Borussia Dortmund.

The 24-year-old has been linked with the Premier League in the past, with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers sending scouts to watch the £10million-rated player in action back in November, according to Metro.

But, despite being out of the first team at Signal Iduna Park, the three-cap Germany international insists he wants to stay and fight for his place under manager Jurgen Klopp.

"I have no trouble with Borussia Dortmund and, basically, I don't want to leave. I am not giving up just because I am not in the first team. Borussia Dortmund always were and still are my favourite club,” he told Sport Bild on Friday.

"Until now I have not been offered a new deal that I could sign straight away, but I am looking forward to receiving that kind of proposal."

Despite not playing since December, Grosskreutz has featured 14 times in the Bundesliga this season, with his last appearance coming in the 3-1 victory over Hoffenheim.

However, his contract expires in the summer of 2014, and with less than 18 months remaining on the deal, a transfer opportunity could arise for English clubs.

Liverpool can take heart from previous Grosskreutz quotes if they wish to reignite their interest, with the player admitting that the Premier League was a ‘top priority’ back in November.

"Should I continue with my career in a foreign country at some point, the Premier League of England would be my top priority. I really like the way football is played over there. I have no concrete thoughts on that. In terms of contracts, my first conversation will be Borussia Dortmund,” he told Bild at the time.

The Anfield outfit have already added an attacking wide-man in the shape of Daniel Sturridge during the January transfer window, although the England international is eager to play through the middle if an opportunity arises. Rodgers has hinted that he will try and accommodate the youngster in that position.

However, the manager's 4-3-3 formation will limit opportunities with Luis Suarez the main man for Liverpool. Grosskreutz would be another excellent wide addition for the club if he were to make the Merseyside move, but it appears his heart lies with BVB at the present time.

Liverpool Hold No Interest In Signing Wesley Sneijder

Liverpool have no interest in signing Inter Milan contract rebel Wesley Sneijder - but managing director Ian Ayre insists the club have the finances in place to make any signings they want - reports Sky Sports.

The 28-year-old Dutch international is set to leave the San Siro this month after refusing to take a pay cut with the Serie A outfit, and is believed to be in discussions with Turkish giants Galatasaray.

However, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has also been heavily linked with a move for the playmaker, as he looks to strengthen his Anfield squad further this month, following the recent addition of Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea.

In a recent interview, Ayre revealed that Liverpool are working on a number of targets, and says that money is not an issue for the Premier League club.

"It is about who Brendan has got his designs on. What he wants, we will always say the same thing, if we find the right deals for the right players we will get it done.

"Everyone who operates in January knows it is always a difficult window, but we will do what we can. We have got targets in sight and if we can resolve those great, if not then we will move onto summer and do what we need to do.

"We don't have any issues with finances, it is about doing what is best in the long-term interests of the football club.

"With the advent of financial fair play it means everyone should be running the club prudently and that does not mean not investing but investing wisely and at the right time, and we will always do that."

Back in January 2011, Liverpool broke their transfer record when they forked out a whopping £35million on the signing of Andy Carroll from Newcastle United, just days after bringing in Luis Suarez for a reported £22.8million.

Both strikers have enjoyed varying levels of success since arriving on Merseyside, with the latter currently out on loan with West Ham United. The Reds have been rather more conservative in the transfer market since splashing out on a number of high profile signings who have failed to live up to the hype, and expectations at Anfield.

Sahin Took Pay Cut To Rejoin Borussia Dortmund

Nuri Sahin took a substantial pay cut in order to bring an end to his loan spell at Liverpool and rejoin Borussia Dortmund, the club’s sporting director Michael Zorc has revealed.

Sahin, 24, left the Bundesliga side in 2011 to join Real Madrid, but the Turkish midfielder failed to establish himself in Jose Mourinho’s first team, playing a peripheral role in the side. Those circumstances paved the way for a season-long loan move to Liverpool, but despite a bright start, failed to shine in Brendan Rodgers’s side.

Sahin’s return on an 18-month loan spell to Dortmund was announced last week after an agreement was met by all three clubs involved, and Zorc has suggested that Sahin’s willingness to take a pay cut made the homecoming possible.

"I think we're all aware that the salary structure here is different from Real Madrid's," Zorc told Bundesliga.com. "However, Nuri accepted what we offered, as for him it was all about wearing Borussia Dortmund's shirt again. There wouldn't have been a chance to sign him otherwise."

Sahin made 135 appearances for the Bundesliga champions during his first six year spell with the club, and Zorc believes the fan favouritre has the ability to make an immediate impact on his return to his boyhood club.

“Nuri hasn't enjoyed much playing time in the last 18 months, but we're all aware of his qualities, which is why we're convinced he'll be a great asset in the coming years.

"I'm sure he'll be able to link up very well with all our midfielders and his footballing ability is outstanding. Our guiding principle was doing what we felt was best and most useful to Borussia Dortmund. This transfer has nothing to do with Bayern."

Gerrard's Transfer Warning

Steven Gerrard has warned Liverpool chiefs that a youth-only transfer policy would be to the detriment of the club.

The 32-year-old, who has 18 months left on his contract, continues to wield an enduring influence at Anfield, having lasted every Premier League game this season.

Liverpool have pursued young talent like Fabio Borini, Daniel Sturridge and Joe Allen - all under 24 - since Brendan Rodgers was appointed boss last summer.

But Gerrard has stressed the importance of experience and cited Frank Lampard's expected departure from Chelsea on a free transfer as a source of bewilderment.

"I disagree with the policy to be honest," Gerrard told The Guardian.

"I've seen many signings throughout the world who have gone to clubs at the age of 28, 29 or even older and done fantastic jobs.

"The main example at the moment is, if Chelsea don't keep Frank Lampard and another big club comes in and gets him and he produces top attacking midfield performances for the next two years, someone is going to get a bargain. What is he, 34?

"I can understand the policy that everyone wants young, bright, British players but I don't agree 100 per cent that should be the only way.

"I think you've got to add experience to young gifted players as well because in this league and at this level you need experience.

"I look at Aston Villa now and the majority of them are going to be fantastic players in time but in my opinion that team needs two or three old heads to guide them. To be successful at this level you need to get the mix right."

On his own prospects of a new deal, he added: "The manager has told me he wants me round for a long time.

"I think I can play another three or four years. I'm not saying I want a contract for that length but nothing has been spoken of yet."

Pacheco Inspires Elite Stage Win

Liverpool's U21s began their Elite Group campaign in the Barclays U21 Premier League with a 1-0 victory against Southampton at Kirkby.

Amid continuous rain, Daniel Pacheco forced the match-winner with an effort which hit Saints defender Jordan Turnbull and found the back of the net.

In the preliminary stage of the competition, the Reds remained unbeaten in 12 games and rounded off their campaign by thrashing Crystal Palace 4-1 at the beginning of December.

The first action of the match saw Jon Flanagan replaced by Ryan McLaughlin after suffering a knock, before Krisztian Adorjan curled wide of the far post from the edge of the box.

Michael Ngoo had two clear chances of his own but could not convert when behind the Saints defence and the visitors entered half-time level despite being dominated for much of the opening period.

Pacheco will have no idea how he failed to put the hosts in front 90 seconds into the second half, when the ball arrived at his feet from a goalkeeping parry.

But the Spaniard dwelled for too long before seeing his eventual shot blocked.

Pacheco made amends on the hour mark, however, gliding past a succession of Southampton challenges before driving past the goalkeeper with help from a deflection off Turnbull.

The diminutive forward had several opportunities to double his tally but Alex Inglethorpe's side settled for 1-0 and a winning start to the elite stage.

Gerrard Vows To Return To His Best

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has found his form hard to come by this season but has told supporters that he is close to being back to his best.

The Anfield and England captain has had a mixed campaign due to injuries and tactical changes under Brendan Rodgers, which have forced him into different roles and seen him score just five goals.

He told the official Liverpool FC magazine, "I've had mixed experiences this season. I've passed some unbelievable landmarks for club and country, getting to the 600-games mark and winning my 100th cap for England.

"But, with the slow start we made and being where we have in the league, it's been a bit mixed for me.

"There's my form as well. I've played well in some games but I've been disappointed with myself in others and I'm not happy with my goal tally at the moment.

"People's opinions, perceptions and the way they judge you changes when you get a goal.

"I think my performances are getting closer to where I want them to be so if I can add goals to those performances, then maybe people will start saying the old Steven Gerrard is back.

"I don't think the manager has asked me to do anything different in terms of the way he wants to me to perform.

"But because of certain injuries, situations that have happened to the team and formations that we've played, I've naturally played a little bit deeper.

"I've maybe gone into protection mode rather than playing the old Steven Gerrard way with the shackles off and going for the jugular."

Gerrard added, "But I've got the buzz that the team's improving and it's going to get better.

"I'm confident that come the end of the season I will be satisfied with myself and the team, because I do believe we can finish the season really strong."

Scholes: Manchester United & Liverpool Rivalry Still As Intense

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes still believes the rivalry between his club and Liverpool is still as concentrated as ever, despite the noticeable decline in the Merseyside club’s fortunes over recent years.

Liverpool will arrive at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon looking to put a dent in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side’s title aspirations, but find themselves 21 points off the Premier League leaders, a deficit that defines the growing chasm between the two great rivals.

Manchester City now provide the biggest threat to Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, but Scholes still relishes the opportunity to take on Liverpool, and identifies the rivalry as United’s biggest, despite the lack of a title threat from Brendan Rodgers’ side.

“Liverpool probably hasn’t done as well as they’d have liked over the last few years – and they’d probably admit that. But it’s definitely still right up there, it’ll always be right up there,” Scholes said, speaking to Manchester United’s official website.

With seven points between United and Roberto Mancini’s City, Sunday could holds the possibility of having a pivotal role in the title race. Manchester City face their own formidable challenge in a visit to Arsenal, but for Scholes is focused on getting one over the team he still considers to be United’s biggest rivals.

“Whether Manchester City have overtaken Liverpool now [as United’s biggest rivals], I don’t know… it’ll probably take years for City to create what Liverpool have done,” he added. “But Liverpool historically are our biggest rivals, they’re always the biggest games and the best atmospheres. But I’m sure City will run them close.”

Webb To Referee Man United-Liverpool

Howard Webb has been named as the referee for Sunday's Premier League clash between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford.

It will be the first time the Rotherham official has taken charge of one of the biggest domestic club fixtures in world football since the two contested an FA Cup tie in January 2011.

In that match - Kenny Dalglish's first game back in charge of Liverpool - United won 1-0 courtesy of an early penalty from Ryan Giggs and Reds captain Steven Gerrard was sent off in the 32nd minute.

That result prompted then Liverpool forward Ryan Babel to post a mocked-up picture of Webb wearing a United shirt on his Twitter account.

The post and the accompanying tweet - "And they call him one of the best referees? That's a joke." - saw the Dutchman fined £10,000 and warned about his future conduct.

Webb is regarded as one of the top officials in world football, and in 2010 became the first referee to take charge of the finals of the Champions League and the World Cup in the same year.

Former referee Graham Poll told the Daily Mail: "Howard Webb, as the No.1 referee as ranked by UEFA, FIFA and the Premier League, is a natural selection for the Manchester United-Liverpool match this weekend.

"He was selected for the World Cup final and the Champions League, so it is hard to argue with those credentials.

"In appointing Webb, referee chief Mike Riley is covered in that, even if the game goes badly, he can say: 'Well, I appointed the No.1 referee.'"

Fergie Set To Ditch De Gea And Could Go For Reina

Sir Alex Ferguson is on the hunt for a new goalkeeper and he could look to bring Liverpool's Pepe Reina.

The United boss is rumoured to be losing faith in both De Gea and Lindegaard even though both have been given their chance to make the number one jersey their own this season and according to the Mirror he has asked David Gill to fund a buy for a genuine number one.

Ideally Fergie would like to bring in a keeper who is available to play in the Champions League as he believes his free scoring side has a great chance in the competition and both of his current options still have question marks over their fragility under pressure.

Stoke City’s Asmir Begovic is under review and even Liverpool’s Pepe Reina is a possibility. Both can play in Europe this season.

Begovic has been a giant for the Potters who do not want to sell. Reina’s future under Brendan Rodgers is less certain.