Shakhtar: No Mkhitaryan Talks

Shakhtar Donetsk admits they are unsure of Henrikh Mkhitaryan's whereabouts, but insist they have had no contact with Liverpool.

The Armenia international is reported to figure prominently on Brendan Rodgers' wish list, as he attempts to bring goals and creativity into Anfield.

It was suggested that an agreement was close and that Mkhitaryan was on his way to England to discuss a deal.

The 24-year-old playmaker was quick to play down those rumours, insisting he was enjoying a well-earned summer break, and Shakhtar maintain that they have received no approach.

The Ukrainian outfit has, however, revealed that Mkhitaryan is yet to report back for pre-season training - fanning the transfer flames.

Shakhtar's general manager Sergey Palkin said: "Mkhitaryan has not appeared for training. We do not know if he will arrive in the near future. He will be fined."

On the ongoing move talk, Palkin added: "He has not had any contact with Liverpool. I am confident that reports of negotiations are just rumours. Liverpool has not made an enquiry about the player.

"We have not heard that Mkhitaryan wants to leave. All questions about his behaviour need to be addressed to him."

Plans Unveiled For New Anfield

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has backed the £260m regeneration plan for the area surrounding Anfield, which includes the club's stadium's redevelopment proposals.

A consortium, led by Liverpool City Council with support from Your Housing Group and the club, has unveiled a vision to include new housing, shopping facilities, public space, office buildings, a hotel and development of Stanley Park.

Liverpool are still in the process of buying up the properties surrounding Anfield in order to push ahead with their stadium redevelopment, but Ayre told the club's official website "The unveiling of this vision for the wider regeneration of the Anfield area is another important step towards transforming the area for the better.

"The club has a track record of working successfully with LCC and others to drive forward improvements to the area, having made a major investment towards the transformation of Stanley Park.

"We are looking forward to working with the partnership and playing a part in the development of the regeneration vision and we strongly encourage local residents, businesses and community groups to get involved in the process and have their say.

"This is also an important milestone as we seek to investigate the feasibility of expanding our stadium.

"We will continue this work, which is just one part of the wider Anfield vision, and there is a great deal of work still to be done to bring those plans to fruition.

"We have always said that any stadium expansion will be subject to detailed economic and social feasibility studies and the community and home owners' support, which includes our ability to purchase the land for the proposed expansion.

"Any expansion is also subject to the club being able to navigate the planning landscape and we are pleased to say that very positive progress is being made."

Striker Iago Aspas Joins From Celta Vigo

Liverpool have signed Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas for £7m, subject to international clearance.

The club agreed a deal in principle last week and was just waiting for documentation before confirming the "long-term contract".

The uncapped Spaniard, 25, scored 12 goals in 35 league games for Celta this season as they avoided relegation from La Liga on the final day.

Aspas was a target for Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers's old club Swansea.

He becomes Liverpool's second Spanish signing of the weekend, following the recruitment of Sevilla and Spain Under-21 forward Luis Alberto, 20, who has joined for a fee believed to be £6.8m.

They are set to be joined at Anfield by Simon Mignolet, with Liverpool expected to complete a £9m move for the Sunderland goalkeeper next week.

Earlier in the summer, Manchester City defender Kolo Toure, 32, agreed to join Liverpool on a free transfer.

Ayre: Brendan Spotted Him Long Ago

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has hailed the signing of striker Iago Aspas as a significant reward for the transfer work being carried out behind the scenes at the club.

The Spaniard became the latest player added to the Reds squad by boss Brendan Rodgers after completing a switch from La Liga side Celta Vigo.

Ayre revealed that Aspas had been picked out by Rodgers 'a long time ago' and pledged that efforts will continue to further strengthen the playing options this summer.

He told Liverpoolfc.com: "It's fantastic, the third signing of the summer and very early in the window.

"He's a great talent, one that Brendan identified a long time ago.

"The scouting network and everybody else have done a lot of hard work to get him here and I'm pleased that we've been able to get his signature and have him in the squad.

"As we've always said, we've got our targets. We will work as hard as we can to bring them in. As we've said before, it's always about getting the right players and the right deals for both sides.

"There's a lot of work going on, there's certainly no shortage of that. Hopefully we'll have some more success."

Aspas is the third player to agree a move to Liverpool already since the 2012-13 season concluded, following the announcement of a deal in principle with defender Kolo Toure and the signing this weekend of Luis Alberto.

"It's always important," Ayre said when questioned on the benefits of concluding transfers early. "It's not always possible but it's always important.

"Particularly from the playing perspective, the manager and the coaches and all of the staff want to know that they've got the squad together, particularly ahead of pre-season.

"We've worked tirelessly, a lot of people behind the scenes worked ahead of the transfer window to identify those players that interest us.

"Then the hard work starts, negotiating and bringing these deals together."

Aspas Jumped At Liverpool Offer

Iago Aspas did not hesitate when he was offered the chance to join Liverpool, declaring it to be an ‘easy choice’ to make.

Aspas has signed a long-term contract to the Reds from La Liga outfit Celta Vigo, becoming Brendan Rodgers’ third signing of the summer, and he admits he jumped at the opportunity to move to the Premier League.

“It wasn’t a tough decision at all,” Aspas told Liverpoolfc.com. “I’m really happy to have come to a big club like this one.

“Having weighed up all my options for this window, a massive club like Liverpool was always my first choice.”

“I am a quick and skilful player. Together we will achieve a lot of success.

“I’ve not had the chance to talk with the manager at any length just yet but I think that good players can slot into any role and not just one set position.”

Laudrup Still Waiting For Arsenal & Liverpool Calls

Swansea City are yet to receive any offers for captain Ashley Williams as rumours over his future continue to take place.

In many columns over the past few weeks Williams has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool, who are both hoping to bolster their defensive options.

However, Swans chairman Huw Jenkins says he is yet to hear anything either club, or anyone else in the Premier League, "I can honestly say I have not had one call from anybody about him."

"There have been all sorts of stories in the press about what is happening with Ash, but I have never heard anything from anyone," Jenkisn told the South Wales Evening Post.

Despite not receiving any bids, manager Michael Laudrup said earlier this month that he knows he may lose Williams.

"There has been a lot of talk and let’s see what happens," said Laudrup. "He extended his contract not so long ago, like I did. Maybe we have to accept one player will go, but not any more."

Liverpool And Arsenal Target Papadopoulos

Schalke 04 centre back, Kyriakos Papadopoulos, is on the radar for both Liverpool and Arsenal, according to The Sun.

The 21-year-old Greece international has demonstrated tremendous professionalism since moving to the Gelsenkirchen side in 2010 at a mere 18 years of age, helping Schalke shine in both UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League, as well as impressive finishes in the Bundesliga.

With the retirement of Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher and the possibility of Martin Skrtel leaving, The Redmen require defensive reinforcements this summer.

Rodgers has brought in Kolo Toure to aid Daniel Agger out at the back, but the Ivorian is unlikely to be anything but an emergency backup – so it looks as though additional cover will be brought in.

Meanwhile at The Emirates, Arsenal has Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and Thomas Vermaelen as options at centre back, with Ignasi Miguel in reserve.

If £19million rated Papadoupolos was to sign up with Wenger and co. there would be a real fight for places at the back – exactly what Wenger wants.

Sources also suggest that Wenger is monitoring Swansea defender Ashley Williams, but talks have died down after it was claimed Swansea are demanding too much for the Welshman.

Liverpool Interested In Eljero Elia

Liverpool have once again been linked with a move Werder Bremen winger Eljero Elia, according to talkSPORT.

Liverpool was previously linked with the Dutch international in 2011 while he used to play for Hamburg.

He eventually signed for Juventus spending just one season which turned out to be disastrous for him as he made just four league appearances for the club.

Elia moved to Bremen for £5million in July 2012 but his poor form and failure to find the net in the Bundesliga has meant he has been made available.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has been tracking the player for quite some time now and according to talkSPORT, Liverpool are closing in a move for Elia.

The Merseyside giants have already been active in the market after completing three signings in the form of former Manchester City centre-back Kolo Toure, Sevilla forward Luis Alberto and Celta Vigo's Iago Aspas.

Liverpool Chase Hatem Ben Arfa

Hatem Ben Arfa has been linked with a move to Liverpool despite enduring an injury-plagued season last campaign.

The winger may now be surplus to requirements, according to the Independent, due to the arrival of Director of Football Joe Kinnear.

The winger may be surplus to requirements. Ben Arfa is very much a fans' favourite at Tyneside particularly due to his flying start in the Premier League.

Despite problems with injury, in the last two years the 26-year-old has still scored 11 goals for Newcastle from 56 starts.

Newcastle fans will no doubt be upset if the playmaker is allowed to leave and the already unpopular Kinnear will be doing his relationship with the Toon army no favours.

The former Marseille man has expressed a desire to remain at St James’ Park and even wants to extend his contract but as the power struggle in the North East continues, the French international’s future looks uncertain. Ben Arfa is believed to be on less than £40,000 a week and due to his calibre he wants to be on a level playing field with the other top earners at United.

Mike Ashley has spent beyond his means since the Magpies’ arrival back in the Premier League and Kinnear is thought to want to preserve funds.

The 66-year-old was only recently handed the role of director and as we famously heard on talkSPORT, he means business.

Brendan Rodgers on the other hand has already been busy this summer but he is actually looking to bring players in, having already secured two signings.

The acquisition of Ben Arfa could be a shrewd one as Liverpool are short on the wings and with uncertainty over Luis Suarez’s future, it could go some way to softening the blow.

Rodgers Delighted With Backroom Staff

After landing his third signing of the summer, with Simon Mignolet soon to make it four, Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to the backroom staff who had sacrificed summer holidays to ensure the Reds got their business conducted quickly.

Luis Alberto joins Kolo Toure and Iago Aspas at Anfield, with even more arrivals anticipated before the players report back for pre-season training next month.

And Rodgers said: “There has been a lot of great work gone on over the last six months. We wanted to get as much of our work done as early as we possibly could for the summer so we could get the group back in and get the players together as quickly as we can.

“It’s been a good summer for us so far.

“I think every club and every manager would love to get transfer business done as early as they possibly could. We had made a conscious effort this summer to do that.

“It’s great credit to everyone at the club and our recruitment team, our analytical team, Ian Ayre our managing director and the owners who have backed us really well.

“There has been a lot of work that has gone on and a lot of people sacrificing holidays to ensure we can get the players in we want.”

Rodgers added: “Kolo Toure is a player I’ve admired since he came into the Premier League. He was a wonderful servant for Arsenal and a part of that ‘Invincibles’ group and did exceptionally well, and in the transformation of Manchester City, they brought him in as one of their key players.

“We’re losing an absolute colossal player in Jamie Carragher, who was absolutely brilliant for me. It’s very, very hard to replace that type.

“Kolo Toure will give us that experience and winning mentality. He’s still very fit, very strong and will come in, offer that support and fight for his place in the team.

“Iago Aspas was one of the stars for Celta Vigo. He’s a goalscorer, he’s quick, dynamic, aggressive in his game and has a winning mentality.

“I feel these are the types of players that can come into Liverpool and keep our momentum moving forward. Players that are hungry to succeed, because that’s important for us.

“We have to bring in players that are willing to fight for the shirt and these players are very much hungry to do that.”

Liverpool To Get £2.8m From Sale Of Tom Ince

Liverpool is set to receive £2.8m from the sale of Tom Ince from Blackpool to Cardiff City.

Ince, 21, is reported to be on the verge of a £8m move to the newly promoted Welsh side – and Liverpool have a 35% sell on clause on their former academy player.

Ince, son of Blackpool boss and former Liverpool midfielder Paul, was strongly linked with a return to Merseyside in January but the Reds instead signed Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan. They have shown no interest in re-signing the Englishman this summer.

Ince left Liverpool two years ago failing to agree a new contract after finding first-team opportunities limited under Roy Hodgson. He sought first-team football and Liverpool allowed him to leave for just £250,000 but a hefty sell-on-clause was written into the deal with Blackpool. Former director of football Damien Comolli previously explained the reasons surrounding Ince’s departure here.

Liverpool will welcome the cash windfall and continue their spending this week, with a medical for goalkeeper Simon Mignolet expected soon, and talks over defender Tiago Ilori continuing.

Liverpool Complete Deal For Luis Alberto

Liverpool Football Club has completed the signing of Spanish forward Luis Alberto from Sevilla, subject to international clearance.

The 20-year-old, who can play anywhere across the attacking line, has penned a long-term contract after passing a medical at Melwood.

He spent the 2012-13 campaign on loan at Barcelona B, where he notched an impressive 11 goals - and was devastating with his creativity, providing 17 assists in 38 appearances.

The Spaniard has represented his country at three different age levels. He has turned out for the U18s, U19s and made his U21s bow against Belgium in February.

Luis Alberto Happy After Sealing Liverpool Transfer

Luis Alberto revealed he is the ‘happiest man on earth’ after completing his transfer to Liverpool from Sevilla.

The 20-year-old’s move was confirmed this morning, as he became Brendan Rodgers second completed signing of the summer, pending international clearance.

And the Spanish striker said he was over the moon with the move, despite admitting surprise at Liverpool’s interest in him.

‘I feel like I’m in a bubble at the moment,’ he said. ‘For me Liverpool is a top team. I feel like I am dreaming and I want to enjoy it to the full.

‘I feel very excited, I’ve never felt so excited before but I’m very happy. I think I am the happiest man on earth.

‘I was surprised [when Liverpool showed interest in me]. You never expect this to happen to you. But as the deal moved forward, I became very happy and I wanted to come to Liverpool.

‘I hope that between us all we can make this club one of the greatest in the world, once again.’

Reds boss Rodgers said Alberto, who scored 11 goals in 38 appearances on loan at Barcelona B last season, will be a great addition to his squad.

‘We are all delighted that Luis has decided to join Liverpool,’ Rodgers said.

‘He has the correct footballing profile and mentality to be a Liverpool player.

‘I look forward to working with him to develop his talent and he joins a group of young exciting players at our club.’

Liverpool Striker Urges Inter Defender To Join Him

Liverpool’s Fabio Borini has called upon Inter youngster Luca Caldirola to move to Merseryside while also discussing where his own future lies.

The Azzurrini teammates starred together in Israel at the European Championships as they reached the final before eventually being beaten by Spain.

“Which player from the national side would I advise Liverpool to sign? I would always tell them to take our captain Caldirola,” he said to Sky Sport 24. “It gives me and would give any player great peace of mind to have him playing behind you.”

Caldirola spent the last six months of the season on loan with Brescia and his Nerazzurri future remains unclear.

Of his future, the former Roma man admitted that while someday he could return to the peninsula, he has no plans to do so soon.

“I do not think that I will return to Italy now but maybe in the future I could go back.”

Liverpool In The Race For Celtic Midfielder Wanyama

Liverpool, Everton and Cardiff City have joined Southampton in the race for Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama.

The Scottish champions have accepted a bid of around £12 million from Southampton for Wanyama, who excelled in last season's run to the Champions League knock-out stage.

The sum represents a huge profit on the £900,000 Celtic paid to acquire Wanyama from Belgium side Germinal Beerschot in July 2011, and is understood to exceed their initial asking price of £10m.

The first Kenyan to play professionally in the UK, Wanyama has a long-standing ambition to become his nation's first Premier League footballer. His preference, however, is to be allowed a choice over his next club.

Prepared to invest aggressively in their first top-tier campaign in over 50 years, Cardiff are willing to pay the 21-year-old a higher salary than Southampton, but believe that Celtic have over-priced his transfer fee. The Kenyan's contract at Parkhead expires in 2015 and he has declined offers to extend it.

Everton regard Wanyama as a natural central midfield successor to Marouane Fellaini, who they expect to leave Goodison Park this summer. However, Roberto Martinez's side are not in a position to lodge an offer until Arsenal have completed their deal to sign Fellaini after activating the Belgium international's £22m release clause earlier in June.

Liverpool may also be restrained by actions elsewhere in the market as Brendan Rodgers prioritizes a radical rebuild of his defence and forward line. With his total transfer budget dependent on sales, Rodgers' ability to move for Wanyama is likely to hinge on adding the exit of the likes of Jordan Henderson to the recent sale of Andy Carroll to West Ham for an initial £15.5m.

While all four of England's Champions League clubs have scouted Wanyama extensively, there remains a concern over whether he is ready to move directly to a team challenging for the title. Jose Mourinho has been impressed with the African's progress at Celtic, but would prefer to bring a more experienced holding midfielder into what will be a key role in his new Chelsea side.

On holiday in Kenya following a recent World Cup qualifying tie, Wanyama said he had yet to discuss Southampton's offer to Celtic with his agent.

Manchester City Turn Attention Towards Liverpool Striker

Manchester City is expected to turn their attention to Liverpool star Luis Suarez after being priced out of a move for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani.

According to The Express, City have made it clear that they are not willing to meet the €63m release clause in Cavani’s contract, thus paving a way for favourites Real Madrid to land their target.

However, new boss Manuel Pellegrini is adamant that the club will bolster their attacking options this summer, with Malaga ace Isco linked with a switch to the Etihad.

Nevertheless, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has emerged as another possible option, despite his desire to quit England after what he believes was over-intrusion and unwarranted criticism from the English press.

Liverpool are said to be reluctant to sell the Uruguayan international, but the latest speculation suggests that they would be willing to listen to offers as they look for a big profit on their £23m outlay on the striker.

Real Madrid are said to be monitoring the situation, but are also rivalling City for the signing of Isco, with the Spanish starlet expected to make the move to the Bernabeu.

If that deal is confirmed and Cavani opts for a move to Spain, then Suarez may well find himself left out in the cold and contemplating his next move.

While it would appear at this stage that he is adamant on a move away from Anfield, should the interest dry up and City emerge as the only interested party, it may well signal a change of heart from the 26-year-old.

Mignolet To Liverpool Not A Done Deal

Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has not signed for Liverpool yet, according to the player's agent Guy Vandermissen, but he remains hopeful the deal will still go ahead.

Mignolet has played over 100 games for Sunderland since joining in 2010 from Belgian club Sint-Truiden, and Vandermissen believes Liverpool would be a big step up for the Belgian international.

"We hope that there can be a deal and he can go to Liverpool," he told Sky Sports.

"If you go from Sunderland to Liverpool it is a big step forward. You have to make decisions at certain times."

Mignolet has played for Belgium 13 times, but is currently behind Chelsea's on-loan Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order for the national team.

But Vandermissen doesn't believe the lack of European football will affect Mignolet's chances for Belgium.

"When you play Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal every week, this is European football, so what is the problem?" he added.

Christian Tello Reportedly Rejects Liverpool Approach

Ahead of last season there were strong-seeming links to a loan move for talented Barcelona youngster Christian Tello; he wasn't in the mix for regular minutes for the eventual league champions, and Liverpool were in need of something different from the wide areas. Like pretty much everything else last summer, the move didn't pan out, but that didn't prevent a resurrection (if slightly muted) of those rumors during the January window, and they're back once again, this time with Sport reporting that Liverpool are willing to meet the buyout clause for the player.

All that would be left ahead of the club making an offer would be for the player to agree to the switch, which is where the deal apparently gets complicated. By all accounts Tello is intent on sticking with Barcelona rather than heading to Merseyside, and Liverpool's approach is mostly presented as an opportunity for Tello and his agent to negotiate a better contract with Barca.

Tello has not been seduced by the offer of more minutes and more money on Merseyside. They claim 'for now' he'll continue but wants to use the Liverpool interest to negotiate a new contract. This is where Liverpool needs to convince the player, they can get him for the buy-out clause, there's no question surrounding that, but Brendan Rodgers would need to convince Tello that a move to Liverpool would be best for him and his future career.

Going after a player that doesn't want to come but is willing to welcome interest to better his position with his current club is not a position Liverpool want to be in, and if this is all actually a thing, there's nothing to indicate that continued pursuit is necessary or beneficial. Tello's a nice enough player and could turn out to be very good, but with Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas joining up, there's enough depth up front that Liverpool can start to turn their attentions to strengthening in other areas.

Liverpool Ready To Let Trio Leave

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is ready to let a trio of players leave Anfield this summer, according to reports.

The Sunday People claims Jonjo Shelvey and Jay Spearing will be sold, while young defender Andre Wisdom will be allowed to leave on loan.

All three have Premier League admirers, the newspaper claim, but appear to have no future on Merseyside – for next season, at least.

Shelvey, who has been capped once by England, will be allowed to leave for £7million, according to the newspaper.

That would see Liverpool make a considerable profit on the 21-year-old midfielder after signing him from Charlton Athletic for under £2million in 2010.

Stoke City have been linked with him in the past, and Norwich City are interested in him now, the newspaper claims.

However, Liverpool’s asking price may have to come down slightly for the Canaries to firm up their interest with a bid.

As for Spearing, he will be allowed to depart Anfield for £3million, according to the paper.

The Englishman will turn 25 later this year and appears to have missed his chance to establish himself as a first-team regular at Liverpool.

He spent last season on loan at Championship side Bolton Wanderers after Rodgers decided he was not ready to be a part of his team, despite being used regularly in Kenny Dalglish’s days as manager.

Promoted Yorkshire side Hull City would like to sign Spearing, the newspaper claims, while Bolton is keen on capturing him on loan for a second time.

Wisdom is highly-rated at Anfield but Rodgers would like him to gain first-team experience with a loan spell next season, according to the paper.

Rodgers would prefer him to temporarily join a Championship club, but Premier League side Fulham are said to be considering making a bid.

Rodgers: Reds Control Suarez Future

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes the club is 'in complete control' of Luis Suarez's future and insisted the Uruguayan striker still has a part to play in his plans.

Suarez has infuriated the club's supporters by making it clear that he is eager to walk away from Liverpool this summer, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich among the club's believed to be eyeing up a move for the controversial marksman.

With Daniel Sturridge a big money signing last January, the arrival of Luis Alberto confirmed on Saturday and suggestions that Celta Vigo's Iago Aspas and Shakhtar Donetsk's Henrikh Mkhitaryan may not be far behind, a new look attacking line may soon be assembled at Liverpool.

Yet Rodgers moved to dampen suggestions that Suarez will be allowed to leave Liverpool in the coming weeks.

"The club is in complete control of the situation and for me, there is no change," Rodgers told talkSPORT when asked about Suarez's future.

"I'm quite relaxed about it.

"We are in a situation where we've got a player who we don't want to lose. We're trying to build something here and he's a very important part of that and because of the type of player he is he will always give his best."

Rodgers believes the support Suarez has received during his turbulent two and a half years at Liverpool is appreciated by the striker, and will only make a judgement on his future intentions when he gets the chance to speak to him face to face.

"I will always listen to players," he added. "I always work closely with players and listen to their point of view but the biggest word is with the club. Sometimes interviews get put out there and highlighted, but parts of Luis' interviews have been about how much he loves Liverpool, but of course that doesn't get highlighted.

"What I know is that the support Luis has had from the people here in Liverpool, the city and the football club, has been phenomenal and I know he feels that and respects that."

Rodgers went on to insist the imminent signing of Simon Mignolet from Sunderland does not signal the end of Pepe Reina's lengthy spell as the club's first choice keeper, stressing the new arrival will provide competition for the Spaniard and is not viewed as a replacement for the stopper who has been linked with a move to Barcelona.

Liverpool On Verge Of Sealing Deal For Brazilian Hotshot

Liverpool are said to be interested in making an audacious swoop for up-and-coming young Gremio star Matheus Betancourt da Silva this summer, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.

The Merseyside giants have reportedly been keeping close tabs on the Brazilian, who is aged just 17, for some time now.

However, with rules in the South American country preventing players from being transferred until they reach the age of 18, the Reds have so far held back from making any official move for the highly rated star.

That, though, is set to change with Betancourt da Silva, whose shorter name is Matheus Biteco, turning 18 years old on June 28, which is when Liverpool head coach Brendan Rodgers is said to be making his move for the player so that the Reds can get their man before other competitors also become interested in him.

Biteco came to Rodgers and Co’s attention after turning in a series of man-of-the-match displays for his country at the well-known and highly respected Toulon tournament, which his Brazil team went on to win earlier this year.

And despite the fact that Biteco has still to appear for his club in a single national championship fixture, he has played for Gremio in a number of state championship contests where he reportedly also caught the eye.

The Merseyside giants enjoy a close working relationship with his club after buying Brazil international Luca Leiva from the Porto Alegre team for £5 million in July 2007, and so they expect negotiations, which have already begun between the two sides, to be concluded swiftly and without any major complications either.

Liverpool And Chelsea Set To Reignite Interest In Benfica Star

Fenerbahce's move for Oscar Cardozo has broken down - and that could open the door for Liverpool and Chelsea to reignite their interest in the Benfica star.

The Paraguayan's future in Lisbon is in doubt after Benfica's dramatic end-of-season collapse and Fenerbahce have been leading the chase to sign him.

But the Turkish side's president Aziz Yildirim has revealed that a deal has hit a hitch over Benfica's refusal to sanction any offers lower than £14.5m.

"Let's see if we can find a club that will pay £14.5m," he told Record.

"Wait until the first week of July. Cardozo is a great player, but we have to consider the interests of the club, and see if there is a club who will pay £14.5m for a 30-year-old."

Cardozo's availability could pique the interest of several Premier League clubs.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers could be forced to sign a replacement for wantaway Uruguayan Luis Suarez, while Jose Mourinho is also on the hunt for a new forward with Fernando Torres tipped to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

Liverpool In Advanced Talks To Buy Christian Atsu

Liverpool's extensive summer recruitment program is increasingly likely to include a cut-price transfer for Porto's Ghanaian international Christian Atsu after a significant breakthrough in negotiations.

The two clubs are in advanced talks and Liverpool are moving in on a deal that would see the 21-year-old winger sign for as little as £3m, on the basis that his contract expires next summer and he has already made it clear that he will not be signing another one.

Atsu, a quick, talented but sometimes erratic winger, was brought into the Porto first-team squad during André Villas-Boas's time at the club and is seen by the Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, as a player who can offer his team more width and penetration in attack.

While Liverpool's summer is likely to be dominated by Luis Suárez's efforts to move abroad, the Anfield club has provisionally agreed a £7.6m deal for the Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas as well as signing Kolo Touré as a free agent and putting in place a possible deal for Shakhtar Donetsk's £22m-rated midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Simon Mignolet, the Sunderland goalkeeper, is another target as Pepe Reina contemplates his future on Merseyside, and Atsu's signing would inevitably raise more questions about Stewart Downing's position at the club.

Liverpool To Win Kane Race

Sky Sports understands that Liverpool have won the race to sign Bristol City's highly-rated teenager Herbie Kane.

The 14-year old will be the second youngster to exit Ashton Gate in the space of a week after the Robins lost Kane's team-mate Jacob Maddox to Chelsea.

A host of Premier League clubs were believed to have been chasing Kane's signature but he has opted for a move to Anfield.

Kane has already been tipped for international honours and, similar to Maddox, he had been promoted to City's under-18s team at the age of 14.

He is regarded as one of the best young prospects in the country and has been likened to current Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard in terms of his playing style.

The League One side will be due compensation for Kane's exit.

Liverpool Want Real Madrid Starlet In Part Exchange For Suarez

Liverpool will demand coveted Real Madrid front man Alvaro Morata in part exchange for unsettled attacker Luis Suarez this summer, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.

The controversial Uruguay international is expected to leave Anfield for the Spanish giants in a deal worth a reported £40 million when the transfer window reopens for business on July 1.

However, Reds head coach Brendan Rodgers is said to be determined to bring in a top-level attacker from the Santiago Bernabeu in return, with the Northern Irishman understood to have already identified the Spain Under-21 international as his number-one choice.

The 20-year-old finished the recent European U21 Championship in Israel as the tournament’s top scorer with four goals as his nation retained their title following a convincing 4-2 win over Israel in Jerusalem on Tuesday night.

And with the forward having made only 18 appearances in all competitions for los Blancos since making his Madrid first-team debut in the 2010-11 campaign, Rodgers is believed to be confident of being able to persuade the player to swap Madrid for Liverpool this summer.

Luis Alberto To Have Medical At Liverpool

Sevilla's Luis Alberto will have a medical at Liverpool on Friday after a £6.8million deal was agreed between the two clubs.

The 20-year-old, who will sign on a four-year deal, has been on loan at Barcelona B and had expected to stay at Sevilla, but the cash-strapped club has had to let the striker leave.

Barcelona decided not to take up their option to sign him permanently at the end of his loan stint, and Alberto could be Liverpool's second striker signing of the summer after a deal was agreed for Iago Aspas from Celta Vigo.

The signing puts doubt over the future of Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, who has hinted he may leave the club this summer.

The news comes a day after Sevilla sporting director Monchi said Liverpool’s initial offer for Alberto not quite good enough - but the Merseysiders have struck a deal.

Alberto has played once for Spain's U21 side, and scored 11 goals in 38 appearances for Barcelona B last season.

He scored 25 goals in 77 games for Sevilla B between 2009 and 2012, and has played just seven La Liga games for the club.

Napoli Join Race For Luis Suarez

Napoli is set to go toe-to-toe with Real Madrid for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

The Italian outfit, who finished runners-up to Juventus in Serie A, are resigned to the fact that £50m man Edinson Cavani will leave the club.

But their new manager Rafa Benitez - the ex-Liverpool boss - wants to raid Anfield for his replacement.

Suarez has admitted he would be interested in a move away from England because of the unfair treatment he claims he's getting from the British press.

He's gone on record as saying a move to Real Madrid is "one of the highest ambitions for any footballer" and it appeared they were the only real option for the Uruguayan.

But Napoli has emerged from nowhere and their interest could even bump up the price Real have to pay, if Liverpool does decide to sell.

Manchester City and Chelsea were both interested in Cavani but Madrid are the front-runners to sign him.

However, that won't mean their transfer business is done.

They're flogging Gonzalo Higuain to Arsenal and a move for Gareth Bale is still in the balance.

Napoli Priced Out Of Move For Liverpool Defender

Martin Skrtel could be out of Napoli's price range, according to the Liverpool defender's agent.

Karol Csonto, the Slovakia star's representative, revealed last week that his client had quizzed international team-mate Marek Hamsik about the Serie A club.

The centre-back endured a miserable campaign at Anfield last term despite being named the club's player of the year in 2011/12, and he could make way for new recruits this summer.

Skrtel has been heavily linked with a move to Napoli due to their recent appointment of Rafa Benitez, who brought the 28-year-old to Anfield from Zenit St Petersburg in 2008.

But Csonto feels a reunion with the Spaniard is increasingly unlikely due to financial reasons.

He told TuttoMercatoWeb: "Please note that Skrtel has never said he is willing to leave Liverpool.

"But it depends on the transfer market work that Liverpool will do because everything can change accordingly.

"Certainly the last two seasons have been difficult but in football it can happen. I do not think that Napoli have the financial means to sign him."

Andy Carroll Moves To West Ham United

West Ham has confirmed the signing of England striker Andy Carroll from Liverpool for an undisclosed club-record fee believed to be around £15 million.

The 24-year-old, who has scored twice in his nine international appearances, passed a medical at Upton Park and is understood to have inked a six-year deal to the tune of £100,000-a-week deal, meaning the deal will eventually cost the Hammers in the region of £50 million.

Carroll spent last season on loan at the Boleyn Ground, scoring seven times in 24 league appearances in a campaign which was dogged by injury.

"It's fantastic for me to be here," he said on West Ham's website. "I really enjoyed last season, and that shows in me coming back and making it permanent.

"Since the end of the season I've had a lot of time to think, I've missed it and that's why I'm back."

The club described Carroll as their "marquee signing" who "represents a significant step for the club".

Liverpool sold Carroll at a significant loss, having bought him from Newcastle for a British-record £35 million on transfer deadline day in January 2011.

He never really fitted in at Anfield despite the best attempts of Kenny Dalglish, the manager who signed him.

Carroll scored 11 times in 58 appearances, but when Dalglish was replaced by Brendan Rodgers last summer it became apparent his chances of regular first-team football would be minimal.

A deal to loan him to West Ham was secured the penultimate day of the transfer window and despite some encouraging performances for the Londoners – which earned him an England recall – it was made clear to the striker Rodgers had not changed his view of him.

"Everybody at Liverpool FC would like to wish Andy all the best for the future," said a statement on Liverpool's website.

Carroll finished last season with a heel injury, which ruled him out of the national team's friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil and could keep him out of the new campaign, which the Hammers start at home to promoted Championship winners Cardiff.

Liverpool Defender A Surprise Loan Target For Fulham

Fulham are chasing versatile Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom, 20, in an effort to boost the defensive options available to boss Martin Jol next season.

The England under-21 international youngster showed his potential last season after racking up a handful of appearances as cover at right back, but Wisdom is more comfortable at centre half.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to allow Wisdom to leave on a temporary basis, in order to gain more first team experience but a permanent deal is off the table with the Merseysiders seeing the youngster as one for the future.

Wisdom has recently signed a long-term contract at Anfield but a full season of Premier League experience at Craven Cottage would undoubtedly aid the progression of the young starlet to a greater extent than bench-warming at Anfield.

According to reports in the Mirror, Fulham are keen to push through a loan deal as soon as possible in order to allow Chris Baird, who has been linked with West Brom, to leave the club; however Rodgers would prefer to have Wisdom available for pre-season fixtures.

Reina Expects Liverpool Stay

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has declared himself happy at Anfield and does not expect to leave the Premier League club this summer.

Speculation over Reina's future has been circulating for most of the past season and intensified when Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes announced he would not be signing a new contract when his current deal expires next year.

But Valdes, linked with big-spending French side Monaco, has stated he intends to see out his remaining 12 months at the Nou Camp, and that puts any potential move for Reina in doubt.

The 30-year-old has left the door open to an Anfield exit but said he intends to stay.

"My situation is clear. I have a three-year contract with Liverpool, although in football you can never tell," he told Spanish radio station Onda Cero.

"I'm very happy and satisfied at Liverpool, I feel valued and respected.

"Logically, if there was a chance to improve and go to a bigger club it would be a good opportunity, although there are few clubs bigger than Liverpool."

In an interview with Spanish newspaper El Confidencial Reina added: "In principle my plan is to continue with Liverpool.

"I have three years left on my contract and I want to fulfil that and even go further."

Asked whether he thought his time in the Premier League had come to an end Reina, currently on international duty at the Confederations Cup in Brazil, replied: "I don't think so. Nor do I think that is a possibility.

"The best option for my family is for me to stick with Liverpool."

Liverpool has already begun looking for a replacement for Reina, one of the highest earners on their wage bill, and has identified Sunderland's Belgium international Simon Mignolet as the primary candidate.

Negotiations have taken place with the Black Cats, although a fee has yet to be agreed, but it remains to be seen whether the Reds will sign Mignolet - manager Brendan Rodgers has priorities in other areas - irrespective of whether a deal has been done or not with Barcelona for Reina.

Liverpool Pleased With Gerrard Progress

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has returned to training as he takes the next step towards recovering from shoulder surgery.

Gerrard, 33, missed the final two games of his side's 2012-13 Premier League campaign after an operation in May, with the midfielder having been troubled by his shoulder for several months.

He was forced to sit out England's end-of-season friendlies against Ireland and Brazil, amid reports - later dismissed by Liverpool - that he was in danger of missing the start of next season.

The Reds have indicated that their medical team is satisfied with Gerrard's progress since his operation, and the England captain is on course to play a full part for both club and country when the 2013-14 campaign kicks off.

In addition to his club commitments, Gerrard is set to play a key part in the Three Lions' World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine in September.

The midfielder has returned to Liverpool's Melwood training ground two weeks ahead of his team-mates, who are due to report for the start of their pre-season program in early July.

He expects to be ready to play a part in the club's opening pre-season friendly at Preston on July 13, ahead of a three-match tour of the Far East and Australia, and his testimonial against Olympiakos at Anfield on August 3.