Mounir El Hamdaoui Linked With Move To Liverpool

Fiorentina striker Mounir El Hamdaoui admits he’s flattered to be linked with a move to Liverpool.

The former Ajax star only moved to the Stadio Artemio Franchi in the summer, but speculation in Morocco suggests the player could be on the move once again at the end of the season.

And, the link to Anfield is one that delights the player, with El Hamdaoui happy to admit that playing for the Reds would be a dream.

"Being linked with Liverpool is flattering but I really think it is paper talk so far,” he told Sky Sports.

“Liverpool is a great club and to play there in a legendary stadium like Anfield would be fantastic and a dream. But I am at Fiorentina and I'm happy."

Brendan Rodgers isn’t flush with attacking options on Merseyside, with Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge the only central options following the latter’s arrival during the January transfer window.

Andy Carroll may also be available if West Ham rejects the option to sign the England forward permanently, although the former Newcastle-man appears to be out-of-favour with Rodgers after his exit for east London.

28-year-old El Hamdaoui would add experience to the Liverpool attack, having previously played in three different countries, although his 18-month spell at Tottenham Hotspur between January 2005 and June 2006 was anything but a success.

Liverpool Closing In On Polgar

Liverpool are expected to give a contract to 16-year-old Hungarian Kristof Polgar after he impressed during a trial.

The 16-year-old centre-half took in two spells at Anfield during January and February, allowing him to catch the eye of the Reds' coaching staff.

His representatives are confident that an agreement will be reached to take the promising youngster to England on a permanent basis.

Tibor Pataky, director of the Careers Management Group which owns Polgar's registration, told www.csakfoci.hu: "Kristof trialled with Liverpool on two occasions earlier in the year, and he and his parents are currently in Liverpool enjoying the hospitality of the club.

"We are looking forward to an exciting day, and in a few days the Hungarian presence at Liverpool will be extended."

Liverpool already have Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi in their first-team squad, while Krisztian Adorjan is captain of their Under-21 side.

Joe Allen To Have Shoulder Surgery

Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is to have surgery on a shoulder problem, manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed.

The Wales international, on the bench for the Premier League match at home to Tottenham having started the 4-0 win at Wigan last week, needs an operation to fix an established injury.

"We made a change on Sunday with Joe Allen having been struggling since October with his shoulder and he'll probably need an operation," the Reds boss told Sky Sports.

Pepe Reina Injury Latest

Brendan Rodgers is hopeful that Pepe Reina will be fit to face Southampton this weekend.

The Spanish custodian missed our 3-2 victory over Tottenham on Sunday with a calf problem.

Brad Jones deputized as the Reds climbed to sixth in the Barclays Premier League.

Rodgers said: "It was disappointing because we thought he would probably make it on Sunday.

"He had a tight calf in a fitness test on Sunday morning and unfortunately for him he didn't get through it. Hopefully by this weekend he'll be fine.

"Big credit to Brad Jones, who came in at the last minute. He equipped himself terrifically on Sunday and made a great stop, especially in the first half.

"We'll see how Pepe is later this week."

Suso Knocks On First Team Door

Liverpool starlet Suso showed his first team potential with a brace for the U21s in their entertaining 3-3 draw against West Ham United earlier on Monday.

The Spaniard was a regular for the seniors earlier in the season, but has been less frequently involved under Brendan Rodgers in recent months, and hasn't featured at all since January.

However, the 19-year-old gave the Northern Irishman a glimpse of what he can do in Monday’s clash against the Hammers at the Kirkby Academy.

Indeed, Rodgers was in attendance and watched the young side go a goal behind after just four minutes, with defender Dan Potts heading the visitors ahead.

But, the tied turned on 24 minutes when Raheem Sterling, another player looking to impress after recently falling down the pecking order at Anfield, struck a 25-yard stunner that flew in off the underside of the crossbar.

Not to be outdone, Suso put the Reds ahead six minutes later, beating defenders with a fine sole run before firing past Raphael Spiegel.

The hosts were pulled back again on 56 minutes and it was another corner that did the trick for the Hammers, with Wellington Paulista the beneficiary from another Kieran Bywater set-piece.

Suso appeared to have won it for Liverpool with ten minutes left on the clock, with the forward cutting in from the right-flank and beating Spiegel with a well-placed drive into the bottom corner.

It wasn’t to be though, with Elliot Lee volleying home the equalizer deep into injury-time after another corner caused chaos in the box.

The defending would have been a concern for Rodgers, but the performances of Suso and Sterling would certainly provide cause for optimism.

Liverpool Fans Insulted By Ticket Price Rises

Fans' group Spirit of Shankly has condemned Liverpool's season ticket price rises for next season as "an insult to long-standing supporters".

On Friday the club announced a six-tier system, which will see prices increase by up to nine per cent in some areas of the ground.

Season tickets in the Kop will remain the same or be reduced, while a £5 child ticket option is to be introduced for certain games, much to the chagrin of the Spirit of Shankly group.

"Supporters in the Main Stand and Paddock endure facilities that survived the Shankly era redevelopment, with so-called "concourses" dating back to 1907, while the cramped seating in the Lower Centenary has been notorious since that structure was built as the Kemlyn Road stand in 1963,” said a statement from the group, who recently launched a campaign to reduce away ticket prices nationally.

"It is our guess that not one of Liverpool's multiple "owners" has ever watched a match from any of these seats and that none of them have ever availed themselves of the so-called "facilities" in the Paddock or Main Stand.

"If we are wrong, then more shame on them for believing £815 to £850 is fair price to pay for 'the product' on offer.

"While the announcement regarding Kop season tickets is a relief to many, it is our belief that ticket prices are already too high, pricing out many of those that kept the club on its feet during its darkest days."

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre, told liverpoolfc.com: "Over the past two years the club has given careful consideration to ticket prices and pricing structures in consultation with the Supporters Committee.

"Following last year's price freeze this year we have reviewed our overall stadium pricing structure and, similar to many other Premier League clubs, from next season we will also be introducing a multiple-tier pricing structure which will more accurately reflect seat location and view."

Match Preview: Liverpool vs Tottenham

High-flying Tottenham make the trip to Liverpool on Sunday looking to stretch their four-match winning run as they target a UEFA Champions League spot.

Andre Villas-Boas' men have enjoyed a hot streak of form of late to propel them into third place in the Premier League, five points behind second-placed Manchester City and two ahead of London rivals Chelsea.

Spurs' latest triumph came in Europe on Thursday night as they took control of their UEFA Europa League tie against Inter Milan with a comfortable 3-0 first-leg win at White Hart Lane, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight, while they have lost just one since mid-December.

That success came on the back of victory in last weekend's North London derby, when they saw off neighbours Arsenal 2-1 in a fourth straight league win.

Liverpool are likely to be wary of the in-form Londoners ahead of Sunday's showdown but can take comfort from their own resurgence, with back-to-back wins leaving them seventh in the table and within touching distance of sixth-placed rivals Everton.

Those convincing triumphs, over Swansea and Wigan, mean Brendan Rodgers' men have lost just one of their last six league encounters.

They will look to build on that run at Anfield on Sunday in an encounter which will see two of the Premier League's hottest stars pitted against each other in Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale.

Bale has stolen the headlines for Spurs with his recent scoring exploits, netting 10 in his last eight games for the club in all competitions, while his league tally stands at 16.

He will go up against the league's current top scorer in Suarez, who has grabbed 21 goals this term as Liverpool's star man, including a hat-trick in the 4-0 thumping of Wigan last weekend.

The two sides met earlier in the season at White Hart Lane, with Bale's own goal unable to derail Spurs' 2-1 win after he and Aaron Lennon had scored in the opening half.

Should the Welsh winger add to his goal rush on Merseyside he would become the first Tottenham player to score in six successive Premier League games.

Striker Daniel Sturridge and defender Martin Skrtel will both return from injury for Sunday's match at Anfield.

Sturridge has overcome a thigh problem which kept him out of last weekend's 4-0 win at Wigan and he is likely to regain his spot in the side.

Skrtel also returned to training this week after a knee injury but he will have to settle for a place on the bench.

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon is a doubt for Sunday's game at Liverpool after suffering a hamstring injury in last night's win over Inter Milan.

Midfielder Mousa Dembele is expected to be fit despite coming off in the second half of last night's game while Emmanuel Adebayor will return to the squad after overcoming a knee injury.

Tom Huddlestone (knee) and Clint Dempsey (calf) are doubts, but Younes Kaboul and Sandro (both knee) are definitely unavailable.

Suarez: Liverpool has Slight Chance Of Champions League

Liverpool's pursuit of a top-four Premier League finish this season can really take off with a win against third-placed Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, red-hot striker Luis Suarez said.

Liverpool, in seventh, are 10 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea and 12 in arrears of Spurs with 10 games to go in another mediocre season where Suarez's goalscoring has been the highlight.

"We've been in good form recently and it's a good opportunity to reduce the gap between ourselves and Spurs," said Suarez, who with 21 goals leads the Premier League scoring charts by from Manchester United's Robin van Persie.

"There is a slight chance we can make Champions League football - and if we want to do that, this is the sort of game we need to win," added the Uruguayan on the club's website (www.liverpoolfc.com) ahead of the clash at Anfield.

Liverpool last played in the Champions League in the 2009/10 season after memorably winning the trophy in 2005 and then making the 2007 final.

Suarez said Liverpool's performances have improved after bolstering the squad in January with attacking options in Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho.

Liverpool has scored nine goals without conceding in drubbing Swansea and Wigan in their last two league games.

"Things have been going really well with Daniel, but not only him - there's also Philippe. They have both brought something and maybe given us an extra cutting edge.

"The lads who were here before their arrival were doing a fantastic job, but now we have more options as a team."

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique will also be a key component of Brendan Rodgers' line up against Tottenham, whose greatest threat will come from the in-form Gareth Bale.

Enrique said there was nothing to fear from the Welsh winger, who has scored 11 goals in his last nine appearances.

"Every player is just a person. Gareth Bale is a person as well. Of course, he's a good player and a complete footballer," said the Spaniard.

"Even if you are a really good player, like Bale, if you are against two players it can be really difficult to play. So we will try to stop him and all his team mates."

Liverpool Braced For Barcelona Bid

Danish defender Daniel Agger could be leaving the Premier League at the end of the season as Barcelona prepares an offer for the Liverpool centre-back.

The Spanish La Liga leaders will be looking for a future replacement for Carles Puyol (34), as the skipper faces the end of his career and the club plans to rejuvenate the defence, the Mirror reports.

The Catalans are ready to approach Liverpool with a formal bid, although the Reds seem likely to resist given the club already faces a back-four change this summer.

With Jamie Carragher hanging up his boots at the end of the season, Skrtel likely to be sold and Sebastian Coates failing to meet the expectations, keeping Daniel Agger is a top priority for the club.

The Spanish giants targeted the 28 year-old last season after first priority Thiago Silva signed with PSG, and the club has been keeping tabs on the Danish since then.

Manager Brendan Rodgers counts on Agger as the focal point in the back-four. The club could be preparing three signings for that line, possibly funded with the sale of Andy Carroll as West Ham seem to have decided not to keep the player after a six-month loan.

Liverpool Could Use Henderson To Land Mignolet

Liverpool is ready to sacrifice Jordan Henderson to land a replacement for Pepe Reina.

According to the Daily Mirror, Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers wants Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and could send Henderson back to his old club as a makeweight in any deal.

There has been much speculation surrounding Reina’s Liverpool future this season and he has been linked with moves to Manchester United, Barcelona and Arsenal.

Rodgers is rebuilding at the Reds and the report claims Mignolet’s form for the Black Cats this season has led the former Swansea boss to believe he could succeed Reina as Anfield number one.

A switch back to his former club would confirm Henderson’s move to Liverpool an expensive failure, having failed to hit the heights since they paid a staggering £17million for him.

However, the England international has improved of late and the report claims Rodgers would only let him go reluctantly.

Arsenal & Liverpool On Alert Over French Hitman

Arsenal and Liverpool have been put on ‘red alert’ over the availability of Kevin Gameiro, according to reports.

TalkSPORT cite speculation in French publication Le Parisien when claiming that the eight-cap French international striker will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season, starting a potential transfer scrap for the player in the summer.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers attempted to lure the 25-year-old to Anfield in the January transfer window, according to the report, but failed to secure a loan deal.

Instead, the Reds welcomed Daniel Sturridge to Merseyside instead, but remain short in the attacking department with Luis Suarez the only other out-an-out forward at the club.

Arsenal are another side short of attacking options, with Olivier Giroud the only senior central striker currently available to manager Arsene Wenger.

And, that particular Frenchman also made the move to the Emirates Stadium from Ligue 1, a route well travelled by players during Wenger’s 16-year stint with the Gunners.

Gameiro could be the next in a long line of players switching France for Arsenal, but Liverpool is unlikely to let the player join their rivals without a fight.

Liverpool Eye PSG Star Mamadou Sakho

Liverpool is eyeing up Paris Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho as a potential replacement for Jamie Carragher.

Reds legend Carragher will hang up his boots at the end of the season, and manager Brendan Rodgers has identified Sakho as an ideal replacement.

Rodgers is thought to have asked Carragher to re-consider retirement, and stay for another season, but the 35-year-old is adamant this will be his last campaign as a professional footballer.

‘I’ve not had any second thoughts,’ said Carragher.

‘I want to stay in the team for the rest of the season and help the club get as many wins as possible – that’s my target. I can’t think of a better way to go out.’

That news has meant Liverpool have ramped up their pursuit for a replacement, and with interest cooling in Lazio’s Modibo Diakite, Sakho has emerged as another option.

The PSG star is keen to move on at the end of the season, having lost his place to Thiago Silva and Alex, and Liverpool could offer up to £8million to try and land him.

Arsenal and Tottenham have previously scouted Sakho.

Liverpool Eye Shock Move To Bring Back Xabi Alonso

Liverpool could be in for a shock move to bring Xabi Alonso back to Anfield, with the midfielder stalling on a new contract at Real Madrid.

Alonso left Merseyside in 2009 after five hugely impressive years at Liverpool, which saw him become one of the most highly-rated midfielders in the Premier League.

But despite winning the Copa del Rey in 2011 and La Liga last season with Real Madrid, the Spanish international now appears to be keen on a move away from the Bernabeu as he stalls on talks over extending his contract, which expires at the end of next season.

And Alonso’s apparent reluctance to stay in Madrid has caught the interest of his former club, according to reports in Spain.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has allegedly made enquires as to the 31-year-old’s availability in recent months and the Reds could be prepared to step up their interest while Alonso decides on where his future lies.

Valencia Star Shows Interest In Liverpool Move

Valencia defender Aly Cissokho has admitted it is pleasing to see himself linked with a move to Liverpool, while underlining his admiration for the Premier League.

The fullback has only been at the La Liga outfit since last summer, when he left Lyon to join the Spanish side, but has been continuously linked with a move to Anfield.

The 25-year-old has often spoken of his admiration for English football, and has highlighted reported interest from Liverpool as something of particular interest.

"I've never hidden the fact that the English league is the one that attracts me the most. It's pleasing to see my name linked to Liverpool," he told Le Parisien newspaper, ESPN report.

"They're a great club, and not just anyone can wear that shirt. But it's still just an article in a newspaper."

Tottenham & Liverpool Left To Fight It Out For Eriksen

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur will battle for the signature of Ajax starlet Christian Eriksen this summer, reports suggesting.

The Danish international is contracted to the Amsterdam ArenA until the summer of 2014, but recent comments made from Ajax’s director of football Marc Overmars suggest that the midfielder has his eye on a move this summer.

The London Evening Standard report that the Ajax are now fully prepared to cash in on the highly-rated 21-year-old with Tottenham and Liverpool now the only two English clubs remaining with firm interest in Eriksen.

An Ajax source told the Standard: “Christian wants to play in the Premier League and we think he will do well there. The club had discussed the option of keeping him until the end of his contract but it makes sense now to sell.

“Liverpool and Spurs are scouting him almost every week. Arsenal is no longer interested and Man United is not on the scene. The club will not let him go cheaply so there is a long way to go but it seems likely he will move to Tottenham or Liverpool.”

Arsenal and Manchester United’s summer purchases of Santi Cazorla and Shinji Kagawa respectively leave both clubs equipped in the playmaker role Eriksen thrives in, leaving it between Andre Villas Boas and Brendan Rodgers to battle it out for the coveted Dane.

Napoli Join Liverpool In Race For Barcelona Star

Napoli has joined Liverpool among the growing pack of clubs chasing Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez.

The 24-year-old, who plays for Chile at international level, has had mixed fortunes at the Nou Camp this season, managing just nine league starts and one goal.

Barca managed to fend off competition from across Europe when they signed him from Udinese in a £23m deal back in July 2011, but he has struggled to nail down a first-team place.

However, he is still highly rated in Italy, with Juventus and Napoli both keen to rival Liverpool in order to bring him back to Serie A.

Despite being contracted to Barcelona until 2016, he has been tipped to seek pastures new at the end of the season, although the Spanish giants will be looking to reclaim a large portion of their initial £23m outlay.

Carr Liverpool Trial Confirmed

Dulwich Hamlet has confirmed strike sensation Daniel Carr is undergoing a trial at Liverpool.

As revealed by Sky Sports earlier this week, Liverpool has invited the former Reading youngster for a trial at Anfield after scoring 23 goals in 23 appearances this season for Dulwich Hamlet.

A number of Premier League and Championship clubs are thought to be keeping tabs on Carr, but Liverpool are keen to have a look at him at close quarters.

Dulwich Hamlet boss Gavin Rose believes Carr is good enough to go on and enjoy a successful career in the professional ranks.

"Daniel has done well for us since he joined us in September," Rose told talksport.

"He came to us after being released from Reading. He went on trial at a few league clubs and signed for us as a winger but we saw something in him as a central striker and he's done really well, progressed every week and scored goals.

"He will train with Liverpool's academy team for two days. He will then return to us on Friday afternoon and they will let us know how he did and inform us if they want to take their interest any further.

"We have to make sure the boy keeps his feet on the ground. He's played a lot of football this year and the last thing we need is his concentration disturbed by going to other clubs."

Liverpool Eye Frankfurt Star

Liverpool has inquired about Eintracht Frankfurt defender Carlos Zambrano, the German club has revealed.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers looks set to revamp his backline in the summer, with veteran Jamie Carragher hanging up his boots and Martin Skrtel linked with a move away.

Swansea skipper Ashley Williams is reportedly on the Anfield club's radar, although it appears Rodgers is prepared to cast his net wider in the search for defensive recruits.

Bruno Hubner, a director at Eintracht Frankfurt, has revealed the Merseysiders have made a tentative approach for Peru international Zambrano.

The 23-year-old came through the youth academy at fellow Bundesliga outfit Schalke, though he left the club in 2010 for St Pauli in order to secure regular first-team football.

After two years with the Hamburg-based club he moved to Frankfurt last summer, playing his part in a fine campaign for Armin Veh's men to date.

The club are currently riding high in fourth place in the Bundesliga after earning promotion from Bundesliga 2 only last season.

"There's interest from Liverpool in Carlos Zambrano," said Hubner. "They have asked about him, but there has not been an offer yet."

Rodgers Joy At Lucas Progress

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has praised midfielder Lucas Leiva for the way he has battled back to full fitness.

The 26-year-old is back in the Reds side again after seeing the last 18 months decimated by serious injury.

The Brazil international suffered knee ligament damage in a League Cup clash at Chelsea in November 2011, forcing him to spend eight months on the sidelines.

He returned to first-team action in time for the start of this season, but in just his fourth game back he suffered a thigh injury, ruling him out for a further three months.

The former Gremio man returned to fitness at the start of December and has been a regular in the first-team since, with boss Rodgers full of praise for the way he has applied himself during his rehabilitation, despite so many setbacks.

"I've been delighted with Lucas," he told the Liverpool Echo. "We were very wary of the fact he had had a serious knee injury last season, and then obviously another problem on top of that this season.

"It was important for the team to get him back, but it was important for him that we did so at the right pace and that we paced his recovery right.

"It is a big credit to him as a professional. He has worked so hard, and his attitude and his application has been first class. He deserves every praise for the way he has conducted himself."

Despite his progress, Rodgers believes the Anfield fans will not see the best of Lucas until next season, adding: "I still believe, having worked with these kind of injuries in the past, that it won't be until the summer, and beyond even, that we see him back at full level.

"It will be great for him to get a full pre-season with the group under his belt, but you can see in recent games that his mobility and the speed of his game is getting better and better all the time.

"As I say, it is a credit to him. He's been fantastic."

No About-Turn For Carragher

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher insists he will not postpone his retirement plans as he prepares to make his 500th Premier League appearance against Tottenham.

Carragher announced last month that he will bring his glittering 16-year career at Anfield to an end in May.

The 35-year-old has been in good form of late, but he is pragmatic over his limited opportunities at Liverpool in the long term.

"I made my decision and nothing that's happened since has changed my mind about that," said Carragher. "I've not had any second thoughts just because things are going well.

"People say because I'm playing I should carry on for another year. But in fact being back in the team only confirms for me that I've made the right decision.

"I want to go out on a high, proving I can still perform at that level. I want to stay in the team for the rest of the season and help the club get as many wins as possible - that's my target. I can't think of a better way to go out.

"Obviously the previous 12 months had been difficult in terms of starting games. You never lose that buzz of wanting to play every week and I'm delighted to be back in the side.

"I could play on for another season but the fact is the club will be buying players in my position in the summer and I can't go back to being a substitute again."

Match Report: Wigan 0 - 4 Liverpool

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez steamed ahead in the race for the golden boot with a hat-trick as woeful Wigan was dispatched at the DW Stadium.

The Uruguay international followed in some illustrious footsteps by becoming the third Reds player to score 20 or more in a Premier League season after Robbie Fowler (25) and Fernando Torres (24).

With 10 matches to go it seems inconceivable he will not surpass those efforts as it looks like a straight race between him and Manchester United's Robin van Persie (19), whom he now leads by two in the battle to become the top-flight's leading scorer.

Stewart Downing's free header to open the scoring in only the second minute set the tone but his effort, created by his clever movement and good delivery by January signing Philippe Coutinho was almost forgotten as Suarez again took centre-stage.

Manager Brendan Rodgers had expressed his confidence earlier in the week that the striker would not be tempted to seek Champions League football in the summer but on this form - 28 goals for the season - it would be remiss of Europe's elite if they did not launch all-out offensives to at least try to lure him away.

Suarez has scored 15 in as many matches in all competitions, which has enhanced his bid to also be crowned player of the year for which he faces stiff competition from Van Persie and Tottenham's Gareth Bale.

Had Wigan's leading scorer Arouna Kone shown a semblance of his opposite number's sharpness the hosts could have been ahead with their first attack but the Ivory Coast striker failed to properly test Jose Reina.

Downing made them pay as he lost his marker in the penalty area to head home a cross from the impressive Coutinho, making only his third appearance since joining from Inter Milan.

The young Brazilian provided the assist for the 18th-minute second, from Gerrard's initial pass, with a perfectly-weighted ball into path of Suarez whose control was instant and finish clinical.

Coutinho's clipped pass over the top almost put Gerrard in for a third before Suarez doubled his tally with a mixture of brilliance and good fortune.

Gary Caldwell clattered the Uruguayan who, after scoring two brilliant free-kicks against Zenit St Petersburg in his last appearance, stepped up again.

He slipped as he connected with the ball but his shot had enough power and curl on it to clip Shaun Maloney on the edge of the wall and beat Ali Al Habsi with the help of the post.

Liverpool were in unfamiliar territory, 3-0 up with 55 minutes remaining and their dominance fully rewarded, but still they ploughed forward and Suarez's shot was blocked by the Wigan goalkeeper with Caldwell doing just enough to put off Joe Allen.

But for all Suarez's excellence had it not been for the brilliance of goalkeeper Jose Reina it may have been a less comfortable evening.

The Spain international, having one of his better games this season, had already saved one-handed from Emmerson Boyce's volley in the 21st minute with the score at 2-0 when he superbly tipped over Franco Di Santo's header from Jean Beausejour's cross.

Reina also denied Beausejour's free-kick on the stroke of half-time before normal service was resumed just four minutes into the second half.

Glen Johnson set off on what is increasingly under Rodgers' tutelage becoming a trademark surge forward which allowed him to advance more than 40 yards before picking the opportune moment to slide in Suarez.

From the position the striker was in on the right of the area a goal would not normally be a foregone conclusion but the form he is currently in meant there was only going to be one winner between him and Al Habsi as the Oman international lost again.

With Liverpool in cruise control and, understandably, taking their foot off the gas slightly allowed the hosts to improve - although they could not have got much worse - and Reina again showed his agility to deny Maloney's close-range header.

Rodgers: Suarez Best Striker In Premier League

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes that striker Luis Suarez is the best in the Premier League.

Suarez scored his third hat-trick on Saturday night during Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Wigan and the manager had very high praise for his ‘stunning’ performances.

"For me there is not [a better striker in the Premier League]. He is clearly the Player of the Year for myself, and I'm sure he is for many other people around the country," he told LiverpoolFC.com.

"He is absolutely incredible. Forget his quality - you talk about his hunger and desire. He trains every single day of his life. He never wants to opt out of training and have an easy day or a rest.

"And then every time he comes out onto the pitch he gives stunning performances and gives his maximum. A brilliant hat-trick for him and a great day for the team, because this is a difficult place to come. To play like that and get the goals and the clean sheet was terrific for us."

Downing: Reds Can Finish On A High

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing believes the side is starting to click into gear and while it may be just a little too late to snatch a Champions League place he is confident they can still finish the season on a high.

The 4-0 demolition of Wigan at the DW Stadium came courtesy of a Luis Suarez hat-trick after Downing's second-minute header but there were other elements of the performance which impressed.

Since taking over in the summer manager Brendan Rodgers has spent his time trying to ingrain a new way of playing into the side, although he admits he will still require a number of transfer windows to bring the best out of his methods.

But the ease with which £8.5million January signing Philippe Coutinho seamlessly fitted in on only his third appearance - providing assists for the first two goals - suggests Rodgers' plan is working.

And despite their frequent difficulties in finishing off their dominance in possession results are starting to suggest when things go right they do so in impressive fashion.

The sequence of Liverpool's last six league victories since December 22 is 4-0, 3-0, 3-0, 5-0, 5-0, 4-0.

"I think it's coming together. We've had some good results of late. We're finishing teams off and defending ever so well," said Downing.

"Pepe Reina made some great saves (against Wigan) and if we do our bit at the other end of the field, we've got a chance.

"It's all coming together. We've got 10 games to go and we've got to keep winning games."

Liverpool's total of 53 goals from 28 matches is their second best at this stage of a Premier League season - bettered only by the 56 scored in 1995-96 - but Rodgers is not getting carried away.

He can see the progress being made but knows Champions League qualification this season remains some way off for his seventh-placed side at this point.

"We are not thinking about that. All we are looking at this moment in time is the next game - that is what we spoke about in the last few days," said the Reds boss.

Liverpool Keen On Sunderland Keeper

Sunderland's number one, Simon Mignolet, could be set for a summer move away from the club as talks over a contract extension appear to have stalled.

The Belgian international has enjoyed a hugely impressive season, establishing himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League.

These performances have attracted the attention of a host of top clubs, with Liverpool believed to hold a keen interest in his services.

A source close to Mignolet – who may or may not have been his agent, according to manager, Martin O'Neill – this week stated that the stopper would be looking for a move away from Wearside this summer. The source cited the keeper's desire to secure the number one spot on the international scene, where he currently plays second fiddle to Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois.

The keeper himself moved to quash any rumours of unrest, but his manager this week revealed that he's still waiting for keeper to pen a new deal at the Stadium of Light, despite lengthy talks between the two parties taking place for an extended period.

The 24-year-old has two years left to run on his current contract, but should he refuse to commit longer-term, the Black Cats may have to relinquish their prize asset, should a suitable offer come in and, with Pepe Reina's form on the decline, it could be Liverpool who lodge that bid.

Brendan Rodgers has been linked with moves for a new goalkeeper since his arrival at Anfield, having courted Jack Butland most notably. A bid of around £10m could be enough to secure Mignolet's services and his acquisition could prove vital in the Reds' bid to return to Champions League contention next term.

Mignolet has kept nine clean sheets thus far this term and is a key reason why the Black Cats find themselves clear of the relegation zone, though his efforts alone don't look likely to be enough to ensure the club finish above fiercest rivals Newcastle.

Reading Defender Inching Closer To Liverpool Move

Reading defender Alex Pearce is reportedly edging ever closer to a move to Liverpool, as he continues to ignore contract discussions at the Madejski Stadium.

The Republic of Ireland international's deal at Reading expires in the summer, and while he has been offered a new contract, the Daily Star has reported 24-year-old is yet to commit as he hopes to join up with former boss Brendan Rodgers at Anfield.

Pearce is one of many centre-backs to have been linked to a Merseyside move since the announcement of Jamie Carragher's retirement. Swansea's Ashley Williams and Feyenoord's Stefan de Vrij have recently been mentioned on the rumour mill.

Pearce has been left out of the starting line-up for two consecutive Reading games but Royals manager Brian McDermott has denied this is as a result of the uncertainty of the defender's future. McDermott is not hopeful of retaining Pearce's service though.

He said: "We will see where he will be in the summer. At this moment in time nothing looks to be signed."

Liverpool boss Rodgers had previous interaction with Pearce during his brief stint as Reading coach in 2009.

Pearce was ever-present in Reading's promotion-winning season last year, in which the Royals had the tightest defence in the league. He made his international debut last September, scoring in a 4-1 friendly win over Oman.

Liverpool Eye Pre-Contract Move For Keisuke Honda

Liverpool wants to thrash out a pre-contract deal with Keisuke Honda over a summer switch to Anfield.

The versatile CSKA Moscow attacker is out-of-contract at the end of the season, and Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is allowed to approach the player now over a summer transfer.

Honda, who has 41 caps for Japan and is considered one of their best ever European exports, had been in talks with CSKA over an extension to his current deal, but with less than four months left to run, the club have confirmed he has ended negotiations and wants to move on.

‘We tried to extend his contract, but we can’t force him,’ confessed director Roman Babaev.

‘It is up to him what happens next.’

Reports in Russia suggest that the news has opened the door for Liverpool, who have been watching the situation carefully, and now believe they have a clear run for the player.

It’s thought Liverpool will sound out Honda for talks in the next few weeks, with the club keen to gauge his interest in a move to England, and if a deal can be brokered.

Honda does not fit with Rodgers’ mantra of buying young, English talent, but given that the 26-year-old would be a free agent in the summer, he represents a bargain that is difficult to turn down.

Fast, technical and able to play in any forward position, Honda has nine goals in 22 matches for CSKA this season – his best tally since his move from VVV Venlo in 2010.

Arsenal and Tottenham were both previously interested in the player.

Stoke Planning Swoop For Liverpool Midfielder

Jonjo Shelvey could be on his way out of Anfield – with Stoke plotting a swoop in the summer, writes the Sunday People.

The ex-Charlton prospect has recently been frozen out of the first-team by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and sources say he will be allowed to leave for £7million.

Potters manager Tony Pulis sent a two-man delegation to check on Shelvey in a reserve match last week.

Pulis sees the 21-year-old midfielder as an ideal replacement for another former Anfield star, Charlie Adam, who looks set to leave the Britannia which would create a vacancy in the squad and on the payroll that Shelvey could fill.

Suarez Hoping Next Year Will Be Better

Luis Suarez has resigned himself to the fact that Liverpool not be receiving any silverware this season but believes that the best is yet to come for his side.

Suarez is now looking on to next year, when he thinks that the current side will come into its own, and hoping that they will have better luck next time.

"I think that maybe we've been a bit unlucky in the cup competitions," the 26-year-old told Liverpoolfc.com. "I think we might have done enough to deserve to still be in at least one of the cups.

"But I think we've turned in some great performances in the league which have shown the real Liverpool that everyone wants to see, which will serve as the basis for what happens next year.

"I think the team is developing nicely, the new signings have settled in well, the manager is happy and I think if we carry on in the same vein we could have a very good season next time around. Let's hope so because that's what we all want."

Rodgers Backs Sterling Amid Court Concerns

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has been criticized by a magistrate after he failed for a third time to show up in court to answer assault charges.

The 18-year-old England international is accused of common assault, after a 27-year-old woman, who is known to the player, suffered "slight" facial injuries during an incident in the Toxteth area on November 2.

Sterling did not attend the hearing at Liverpool Magistrates' Court recently but was allowed to enter a formal 'not-guilty' plea to the charges through his solicitor, Mick Hogan.

The player had failed to appear at two previous hearings in relation to the incident and district judge Lloyd issued a warning to him that the trial would go ahead without him on May 20. "I am sure he understands that he will need to attend," she said. "If he doesn't the trial will proceed without him."

Earlier in the short hearing, district judge Lloyd questioned his absence, saying: "It would be much more useful if he was here. But anyway, there it is. We have got what we have got."

Sterling was initially summonsed to Liverpool Youth Court as the incident happened when he was 17, but he turned 18 in December and the matter was transferred to the adult courts.

The Jamaica-born star made his senior international debut for England last November against Sweden and is likely to be one of the key players for England U-21s in the European Championship in Israel from June 5-18.

Sterling has earned plaudits for his performances for Liverpool this season, although his form in recent matches has dipped and he has been being a substitute for the last two league matches having been an virtual ever-present in the first half of the campaign.

Suggestions he is suffering from burnout were quickly knocked down by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, although he conceded it was inevitable that such a young player might experience a drop-off in performance.

"This is a real tough league for an experienced player so it is no surprise that for a young kid that happens to him," said Rodgers. "I just have to protect him. I have not mentioned burnout at all. What I know is that if he never kicks a ball for the rest of the season, he has had an outstanding season."

FIFA Chief To Meet Racism Victims

FIFA's new anti-racism chief wants to meet the perpetrators and victims of racial abuse in the Premier League - including John Terry and Luis Suarez - as part of a fact-finding mission.

Jeffrey Webb, the president of the CONCACAF federation, said he wants to "hear both sides".

Webb is to head up a new FIFA task force to tackle racism and is to come to England to see how the Football Association has responded to the Suarez and Terry cases.

Liverpool striker Suarez was banned for eight matches for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra, while Chelsea skipper Terry served a four-match ban for making a racist remark to QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

Asked about the two cases, Webb, from the Cayman Islands, said: "It is a huge concern to be honest. During a game for me it is unacceptable, I think the incidents were unacceptable.

"The FA has been very aggressive in their campaign and I think if these incidents do exist in an environment such as the Premier League then it begs the question what happens in some other leagues where they don't have the resources and the will and the desire as the English FA has had over the years.

"I will be meeting with the FA chairman David Bernstein and visiting the FA. At that time I would also like to meet with some of the players, perhaps have a round-table discussion to talk to the players and get their input, get some suggestions from them and learn from their experiences."

Asked if he wanted to meet Terry and Suarez, and the players they abused, Webb added: "Yes. We would like to hear both sides.

"Obviously there are a number of players who have been victimized, targeted. Plus we would like to hear both sides really."

Webb, speaking in Edinburgh at the International FA Board, said he hoped to meet the FA before the end of April, and insisted that black players had been let down by football's authorities.

He said: "We've been talking for a long time in football and I don't really think that we've supported the players. I don't think we've necessarily put the right sanctions in place to support them. It's a travesty that it comes to that.

"We as FIFA and the governing bodies have to make sure that players like Kevin Prince-Boateng and all the players around the world have the same rights and opportunities.

"I really don't think that financial instruments in today’s world are enough to deal with it.

"With the money that's involved in football today, the fines that are being established, I don't think they're working, obviously."

After the Suarez and Terry cases, the FA announced a new anti-racism plan in December under which professional clubs were warned that they will face sanctions for failing to deal with racial abuse by players, coaches or their fans.

The FA also promised to strive for at least 10% of referees and level-one coaches to come from ethnic minority backgrounds, and for players and coaches from abroad to undergo mandatory induction lessons to make them aware of the "British cultural environment".