Toure Welcomes Competition

Liverpool defender Kolo Toure admits he is spurred on by the extra competition provided by fellow new signings Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori.

Following his summer arrival the Ivorian slotted seamlessly into the void left by the retirement of Jamie Carragher at the end of last season.

However, with Sakho and Ilori coming in late in the transfer window from Paris St Germain and Sporting Lisbon manager Brendan Rodgers' centre-back options have been bolstered further.

And when Toure missed the victory over Manchester United a fortnight ago through injury the out-of-favour Martin Skrtel produced an impressive performance in his first appearance of the campaign.

It means a number of players are now fighting it out to partner new vice-captain Daniel Agger in central defence but Toure is not worried by the prospect.

"It's fantastic. It has increased the competition and everybody has to work really hard every day," said the 32-year-old.

"That is the only way we can make the team better and I'm glad we have signed two very good players.

"We know all about Mamadou Sakho, he is a very good player. Tiago has also come in from Portugal and is a really good defender as well.

"The competition will be really tough and we need to work extra hard. Nobody will be expecting to play, we'll all have to fight, but I love the competition."

Toure knows he was signed by Rodgers after his release from Manchester City because of the experience he can bring to the team.

He hopes to use that to his advantage as the battle for places heats up.

"I will always bring my experience," Toure told liverpoolfc.com.

The competition will be fair and I will help them (his team-mates) when they need it.

"We work as a team but I will do my best to show the manager I can keep my place," he said.

"I enjoy the responsibility. With the experience I have, I can help them and show them the way."

Owen: I Chose Manchester United Over Everton

Michael Owen admits he can understand why some Liverpool fans no longer like him following his time playing for Manchester United, but says he chose a move to Old Trafford as his only other option was joining Everton.

The former England international joined the Red Devils following Newcastle's relegation from the Premier League in 2009, which prompted his relationship with Liverpool supporters to sour.

Owen scored 158 goals in 297 appearances for Liverpool, but his distinguished service for the club was not enough to save the striker from the ire of some fans after he secured a move to their most bitter of rivals.

And, while Owen understands why is no longer looked upon favourably, the recently retired 33-year-old claims he chose a move to Manchester United as the only other feasible option would have been to move to the blue half of Merseyside.

“If one of my heroes was going to a team which I didn’t support I wouldn’t like it,” he told the Liverpool ECHO.

“Listen, I can understand that. If I was a fan, which I once was, I would feel the same, but you have to be grown up about it.

“As a player you only have one career. I have always signed for the best team possible who was in for me at that time.

“If I hadn’t have signed for Man United, the other option at that time was Everton and I don’t think a lot of Liverpool fans would have been happy if I had gone there either.

“If I had turned down both United and Everton I’d have probably ended up playing in the Championship.

“Anyone with any nous or normality about them realizes that you only get one shot at it. You have got to do what’s best for your career and to play at the highest level.

“If you wanted to be funny about it you could say ‘well, if I couldn’t play for Liverpool should I just have cancelled my career at 29 when I left Newcastle?’.

“There are two types of fan. Some can see nothing else but their club which is fair enough. But I think the majority of people at Anfield realize it’s not like I did anything for the wrong reasons."

Now that his playing days are over, Owen hopes he will be able to mend his relationship with Kopites, and hopes he will always be associated with Liverpool more than any other club.

“I played for Liverpool from the tender age of 11 with Stevie Gerrard. Liverpool is in my blood and I want to see them do well," he added.

“I’ve been back to Anfield a couple of times already this season and the reception I’ve had has been great.”

Liverpool Has Strengthened The Wrong Areas

Liverpool has started the new Premier League season with a bang; winning their first three games without conceding a single goal. After the impressive victory against rivals Manchester United at Anfield, they now find themselves top of the table.

Liverpool has been fairly active in the transfer market this summer, purchasing Simon Mignolet, Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto, Kolo Toure, Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Illori. Victor Moses and Aly Cissokho were also captured on loan deals.

Out of these deals, Liverpool has brought in one goalkeeper, four defenders, one winger and two forwards. Fairly impressive some might say, however they have not strengthened their weak central-midfield area and have failed to obtain that ‘marquee’ signing required to compete for the league title.

While Mignolet has been very impressive in goal this season and has made some wonderful saves, Toure and Agger have formed a formidable partnership in the middle of defence and have looked solid along with Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique playing at in the full-back positions. Therefore, the £20 million purchases of Illori and Sakho leaves Liverpool with five centre backs – Toure, Martin Skrtel, Agger, Illori and Sakho.

While Cissokho is a good backup for Enrique, there was no need to spend that money to reinforce the defence. Instead, the money could have been spent to strengthen the central-midfield area.

Manager Brendan Rogers will most likely play the trio of Philippe Coutinho, Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge up front with Moses and Aspas as back up. This system will require Liverpool to play three of their available four central-midfielders - Joe Allen, Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva and Jordan Henderson.

Allen has not been able to recapture the form he showed while playing for Swansea since his transfer to Anfield, while Lucas has always had a history of injury problems and cannot be relied on to play an entire season. Henderson has mostly been used on the right side by Rogers and has not impressed. Gerrard is the club’s best bet in midfield, but he is 33-years-old and Liverpool should eye a long-term replacement for him.

Ideally, Liverpool should target IIkay Gundogan or former player Xabi Alonso. Both players would be excellent in the middle of the park and would serve as the 'marquee signing' to make Liverpool genuine title contenders.

Liverpool Making 'Progress' On Stadium Plans

Liverpool owner John Henry says that the club is making "good progress" in their attempts to revamp Anfield.

The American has ambitious plans for the current Premier League leaders as the Reds try to generate more matchday revenue by increasing the capacity of Anfield to around 60,000.

The area surrounding Anfield is also set to be regenerated as part of a partnership between the Merseyside club, Liverpool City Council and Your Housing Group.

"We are making good progress," Henry told The Liverpool Echo. "There are a lot of different groups working very well together and that's the key to a big project like this happening, when everybody is on the same page. When everybody is on the same page, we move forward.

"I think we were clear at one point that what made financial sense was going in this direction and this is the direction that makes financial sense for the club for a long time. Obstacles are being overcome."

Previous owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett had been planning to build a new stadium at Stanley Park, while a groundshare with rivals Everton has also been mooted as Liverpool look to ensure their future income.

"The previous regime was talking about going out and borrowing an enormous amount of money to build an enormous new facility," Henry added. "That's not what we're doing.

"One of their problems was that they weren't able to get financing. When this happens, financing won't be the problem. Again, we just need certainty with regard to these properties and the number of properties that are in question keeps getting reduced.

"The City Council is doing everything they can and that's all we can ask. Not just the city council but Your Housing and the regeneration. Everyone associated with this – we are all on the same page."

Real Madrid Fans Favour Falcao Over Suarez

Real Madrid fans hope to see the club spend the £42.4million raised from the sale of Mesut Ozil to Arsenal on AS Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, rather than Liverpool hitman Luis Suarez, reports the Daily Express.

According to a poll by Spanish newspaper Marca, supporters of the Primera Division giants would prefer to see Carlo Ancelotti swoop for the Colombian international, when the transfer window reopens in January.

73.2% of the 19,000 Madridistas who voted, chose Falcao for a move to the Santiago Bernabeu at the turn of the year, while the remaining 16.8% opted for signing Suarez.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will be boosted by the news, having also been heavily linked with a bid to bring the Uruguayan to the Emirates Stadium during the summer.

If Real Madrid decides to move for Falcao, then that will pave the way for Arsenal to renew interest in Suarez, leaving them unchallenged in their attempt to sign the Anfield star in 2014.

Brendan Rodgers will be determined to keep Liverpool's top goalscorer in 2012/13 on Merseyside, but has a ready-made replacement in the form of Daniel Sturridge to take on the mantle of chief goal-getter, should the South American leave the club in January.

Liverpool, Everton & Arsenal Could Swoop For Keisuke Honda

Liverpool, Everton and Arsenal will all have the chance to snap up CSKA Moscow star Keisuke Honda in January, after he admitted he won't be staying in the Russian league.

The 27-year-old's contract expires during the winter transfer window and Honda has no intentions of signing a new one with the Red-blues.

Honda has been courted by some of Europe's biggest teams, with AC Milan thought to have got closest to snapping up the attacking midfielder during the summer.

But a deal failed to materialize and the Japanese international has now hinted he could go elsewhere.

He said: "I have many choices, but I want to compare as much as possible.

"I don't think there's a chance I will stay in Russia.

"I just need to focus on the Russian league and the Champions League, so I don't want to talk about this right now."

Liverpool Will Launch Another Attempt For Will Hughes

Liverpool is plotting a fresh move for Derby Country's highly-rated teenage star Will Hughes, reports the Metro.

The 18-year-old is widely regarded as the hottest prospect outside of the Premier League and Derby County are keen to hold on to their star as they bid to maintain their Championship status.

His performances in the second tier of English football has led to some comparing him to a new Steven Gerrard - a tag that will fit well if he were to move to Anfield.

Liverpool held talks with Derby over a deal for Hughes in the summer but were unable to agree a fee. Derby was reported to be demanding nothing short of £15m for the England under-21 international.

The Anfield club value Hughes at around £6m but are willing to go up to £10m to secure his signature ahead of Arsenal in January.

Arsenal had been linked with a £4m for Hughes in January after sending scouts to watch him a number of times last season.

However, Brendan Rodgers will be hoping a January move for Hughes will beat Arsene Wenger to the punch as the Frenchman will be focusing his effort on signing established stars for the Gunners.

The Arsenal boss was most recently linked with a £25m move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender.

With youth already in abundance at the Emirates, Wenger may champions a the more experienced Bender in favour of Hughes.

Newcastle Ace In Demand

Newcastle have offered Hatem Ben Arfa a new contract at the club in order to ward off interest from Liverpool.

Ben Arfa is currently contracted to Newcastle until the end of next season, but there has been growing interest in his services.

Liverpool was strongly linked with a bid during the summer, and is thought to consider him an option for January, while PSG are also admirers.

However, Newcastle is desperate to secure his future, and approached the player's agent with an official offer on Monday.

The new deal is thought to last for the next four years, and would include a hefty wage increase that doubles his current terms.

Ben Arfa currently earns around £40,000-a-week, but a bonus-laden £80,000-a-week deal is on the table, with Newcastle keen to get it all signed and sealed before Christmas.

The France winger showed his importance to the club by firing the winner against Fulham, and is believed to be open to the idea of staying.

Liverpool Keeper Target Available On Loan

Liverpool goalkeeper target Shay Given remains available on loan – but at a price.

The Guardian reports that Aston Villa are willing to listen to offers for the player, but won’t allow the former Republic of Ireland international to leave the Midlands on the cheap.

Given has dramatically fallen down the pecking order at Villa Park, losing his first team place to Brad Guzan and then his spot on the bench to 20-year-old Jed Steer, who was signed from Norwich in the summer transfer window.

The 37-year-old was linked with a move to Anfield last month, with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers reportedly keen to bring the player to Merseyside.

However, the Reds were only willing to pay a fraction of the players wages in a loan deal, the report claims, with his £3million-a-year salary a major stumbling block in any move away from Villa Park.

Liverpool isn’t in desperate need of a keeper, with Simon Mignolet impressing at the start of the season following his arrival and Pepe Reina's departure to Napoli on loan.

And, if the former Manchester City star was to be on the bench for the Reds, then the club is unlikely to spend big on his wages.

Everton Switch Vindicates Liverpool Snub

Everton new boy James McCarthy insists he has no regrets about rejecting a move to Liverpool.

The midfielder, who joined the Toffees from Wigan in a £13million deal last week, turned down the chance to join Liverpool at the age of 16 following a successful trial.

McCarthy, now 22, went on to carve out a name for himself with Wigan.

And he believes his big-money move to Everton vindicates his decision to turn down the Reds.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder said: "There was talk of it [Liverpool]. Obviously I went down for a week's trial.

"It wasn't to be, I was too young at the time. I didn't want to move away from home.

"To be honest, the way things have worked out, I am happy."

McCarthy's move to Everton was completed just minutes before the transfer window closed.

And the former Hamilton Academical youngster admits it was an anxious period as he waited to seal his switch.

He said: "It was very hectic. At times it goes through your head that it might not happen.

"As time went on, it got to 10.30 at night and I was thinking to myself, 'Is is going to happen or not?' Thankfully it did and I'm just delighted to be at such a great club.

"It is a great place to be. Since I heard they were interested I wanted to come here."

Suso On Course For Breakout La Liga Season

Liverpool's 19-year-old Spanish youth international, Suso, is on course for a breakout La Liga season on loan at Almeria.

With 95% of his games sub-affected under Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, Suso lacked the cutting edge and was floating through games.

This was evident during the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he showed glimpses of skill but didn't quite catch the eye as an incisive passer like Bruma of Portugal or Ghana's Frank Acheampong.

When you don't have reserve sides playing in level two, three or four of the football pyramid—an aspect seen in German, Spanish and Portuguese football—Suso is one of many Premier League prospects whose development is stunted, as they're not quite ready for senior football but are too good for reserve football.

A loan spell away from Anfield was needed.

When it comes to loaning a Premier League prospect for developmental reasons, it has to be an English club or if a foreign team come into the equation, it's highly preferable the loanee is familiar with the culture and language.

The latter reasoning is why Spanish club Almeria was granted a loan for Suso.

Suarez Wants Out In January

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez will attempt to leave the club in January, Anfield sources told SportsDirect News.

The Uruguayan, who tried to quit the club during the summer and who was the subject of failed bids from Premier League rivals Arsenal, has apologized for publicly stating his discontent at the club.

However, sources at the Anfield club said Suarez wants to "facilitate an amicable exit" in the new year and apologising to manager Brendan Rodgers and the fans was the best way to do it.

"Scratch beneath the surface and we all know Luis is unhappy at Liverpool - that's not changed overnight," a source said.

"He knows he has to get the fans back on his side if he has a chance of leaving otherwise it will be back to square one. He wants an easy life for the next few months."

Suarez is currently serving a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic last season.

Costa Tempted By Liverpool Switch

Brazilian striker Diego Costa admits he came close to signing for Liverpool but his connections to Atletico Madrid proved too strong.

The 24-year-old was reported to be the subject of a late £22million bid by Brendan Rodgers in the closing stages of this summer's transfer window.

Costa, who started his career with Portuguese side Braga, conceded a move to Anfield was on the cards but ultimately chose to reward the loyalty Atletico have displayed to him.

"I was close to leaving, Liverpool are a great team," he told Mundo Deportivo. "But after fighting so hard and overcoming difficulties to get my place at Atletico, how could I leave?"

Liverpool has since been linked with a January bid for the forward, but Costa remains adamant that he will be staying at the Estadio Vincente Calderon, where he is relishing the UEFA Champions League challenge ahead.

Tello Snubbed Summer Liverpool Switch

Barcelona youngster Cristian Tello has revealed he rejected advances from Liverpool this summer, instead opting to fight for his place at the Nou Camp.

The highly-rated 22-year-old has progressed through the youth ranks at the Catalan club and despite featuring 29 times under Tito Vilanova last term, remains behind the likes of Ibrahim Afellay, Pedro Rodriguez and Alexis Sanchez, as well as new signing Neymar, in the Barca pecking order.

And Tello has now revealed Liverpool were keen admirers during the summer transfer window, but he snubbed their advances in order to earn his place at the Nou Camp.

‘I always wanted to stay here,’ he said.

‘The coach has confidence in me, I’m happy and ready to play.

‘I knew that Liverpool was interested in me, but I never thought about leaving.’

Tello starred for Spain’s Under-21 side as they were crowned European champions this summer and has made two substitute appearances for Barcelona so far this season.

Arsenal And Liverpool To Battle For Barcelona Ace

Barcelona defender Martin Montoya could be on his way out of the Nou Camp after his agent declares he is unlikely to sign a new contract with the Catalan giants.

Arsenal and Liverpool were taking interest in the right back over the summer but turned their attentions elsewhere after it was thought the 22-year-old was to agree a long-term deal with the club.

But fresh reports have emerged that Montoya is not prepared to wait in line for first team football any longer with Daniel Alves occupying the position.

His agent, Jose Maria Orobitg, has opened the door for a Premier League move for Montaya.

He was quoted in the Express telling Sky Italia: “For the moment he is under contract with FC Barcelona until the end of the season.

"However, the contract extension has still not arrived.

"We have talked but there is no certainty that Martin Montoya would hold down a first-team spot, because right now Daniel Alves closes the door.

"The transfer window is closed, but I can tell you that the contract extension may not be successful.”

And Orobitg admits that interest in the Spanish hot-prospect is rife around Europe.

"In the past, Inter Milan, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen, Dortmund and Liverpool were interested.

"Anything could happen between now and June."

Montoya has emerged through the youth system at Barcelona and managed to achieve 15 league appearances for the La Liga winning side last campaign scoring one goal.

Napoli Line Up Skrtel Loan Switch

Napoli hopes to conclude a loan deal for Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, according to reports in Italy.

Since taking over as Napoli manager Rafael Benitez, has already signed one of his former charges at previous side Liverpool in Pepe Reina.

The Spanish goalkeeper arrived in Naples on a temporary deal this summer, but Benitez may be lining up another raid on Anfield with a move for Skrtel.

Liverpool signed three centre-backs over the transfer window, suggesting Skrtel does not figure in manager Brendan Rodgers' plans.

Mamadou Sakho, Tiago Ilori and Kolo Toure all arrived on Merseyside, where a partnership of Sakho and Daniel Agger is believed to be the most likely first-choice defensive pairing for the rest of the season.

The Slovakia international defender is expected to be open to a departure from Liverpool, where he has become something of a peripheral figure.

Napoli meanwhile, is understood to be on the lookout for loan recruits with which to improve their backline. Reports in Italy suggest Skrtel remains the number one priority, but Barcelona right-back Martin Montoya is also being targeted.

The Serie A side has made a positive start to this year's league campaign under Benitez, wining two matches from two games.

Portuguese Starlet Departs On Loan

Portuguese youth international Joao Carlos Teixeira has left Liverpool for a month's loan at Brentford.

The Bees, who lost the League One Play Off final to Yeovil Town last season, currently lie 9th in the standings with a total of nine points from six games.

Teixeira, 20, joined Liverpool from Sporting Lisbon in February 2012, in a deal worth a reported £1million, following a string of impressive performances in the NextGen Series.

Although he is yet to feature for Liverpool's first team, the playmaker has become an integral part of the club's U21 side and is highly regarded on Merseyside.

Commenting on the capture, Brentford boss Uwe Rosler told the club's official website: "I feel we needed another addition to give us extra quality in the final third.

"We thank Liverpool for allowing Joao to come here. He will give us something creative we need, especially when teams sit deep against us.

"This is Joao's first loan spell and we have to be careful with him and look after him."

Ilori Won't Rule Out England Role

New Liverpool defender Tiago Ilori would consider an offer to play for England - although he says playing for Portugal remains his ambition.

Ilori has represented Portugal at various youth levels but he was born in London and could still switch allegiance having not been capped at senior level.

The 20-year-old joined Liverpool from Sporting Lisbon in a £7million deal on transfer deadline day last week.

Ilori told the Liverpool Echo: "I think I would like to stay loyal to Portugal as I've played in every age group for them.

"But I would never close any doors and there is no decision to make yet. If I have the choice then it is not a bad choice to have.

"I lived in a few places around Kentish Town. I was eight when we moved to Portugal. My mum is Portuguese. I didn't play in any football league when I was in London but just played with my friends.

"My English family is originally from Manchester and they all moved to London. My dad was born in London as well."

Johnson Out Of Action For Ten Weeks

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has suffered a further setback in his race to be fit after reports revealed he will face up to ten weeks out through injury.

Johnson was substituted towards the end of the match against Manchester United after picking up an ankle knock and was taken for scans.

But the results were worse than first feared – and will be out of action with the end of November a realistic date for a return to action.

The 29-year-old was due to start for England in their World Cup qualifiers to Moldova and this week’s match to Ukraine but had to drop out meaning a recall for Tottenham right back Kyle Walker.

It is a major blow for Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers after Johnson’s impressive start to the season.

He has been integral to Liverpool’s three wins from their first three matches keeping a hat-trick of clean sheets in the process.

Molby Questions £15m Liverpool Signing

Liverpool legend Jan Molby believes something obviously went wrong in the development of Liverpool's new £15m signing Mamadou Sakho.

Writing in the Liverpool Echo, Molby notes that Sakho was made Paris St Germain captain aged just 17, but his career since then has stalled and possibly even regressed.

The France international first lost the captaincy and then his place in the team following the Qatari takeover of the Parisian club, with Thiago Silva and Alex preferred.

Liverpool snapped him up for £15m on transfer deadline day, but Molby believes he's not the big-money signing Anfield fans had hoped for.

"Something obviously went wrong when you look at where he was at the age of 17 [when he was made Paris St Germain captain]," said Molby.

"But he is still only 23 and if he can recapture that early form he will flourish. He is big, strong, quick - all the attributes needed to succeed in the Premier League."

And he questioned the wisdom of spending so much money on an area of the squad Liverpool look relatively strong in.

The Reds have kept clean sheets in their first three Premier League matches - against Stoke, Manchester United and Aston Villa - but still spent close to £20m on Tiago Ilori and Sakho.

"When you kick off the season with three successive clean sheets, it's a little bit surprising to see two centre-backs added to the squad on transfer deadline day.

"Sakho might have cost £15m but he isn't the marquee signing we've chased all summer.

"With all due respect, there weren't any queues outside the club shop on Tuesday morning to buy shirts with his name on the back.

"A marquee signing is someone who gets you out of your seat like Mesut Ozil, Willian or Henrikh Mkhitaryan."

That is a reference to the transfer business of Arsenal and Chelsea - the Gunners snapped up Mesut Ozil for a club record £42.5m fee on deadline day while Jose Mourinho signed Willian from Anzhi.

Borussia Dortmund signed Mkhitaryan - a one-time Liverpool target - from Shakhtar Donetsk in July.

Rush Wants Suarez On The Bench First

Liverpool legend Ian Rush would like to see Luis Suarez start on the bench once he serves his suspension - because it would mean the Reds were playing well.

Rush hopes Liverpool continue their excellent start to the season that has seen them record three 1-0 wins from three Premier League matches, leaving them top of the table.

Suarez has two matches remaining of his ten-game ban received for his bite on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic last term.

And Rush revealed he'd love to see Daniel Sturridge continue in the sole striker spot under Brendan Rodgers once Suarez returns to the first-team.

"For me, in an ideal world after six games of the season when Suarez is back, I'd love to see him left out because that would mean the team is winning and he has to fight for his place," Rush told talkSPORT.

"There's no doubt Suarez will get back in, but what a sight that would be for the opposition if Liverpool are not playing well and they see Suarez coming on.

"We're looking forward to that."

Sturridge has scored all three of Liverpool's Premier League goals so far this season, but the Reds striker has been struck down recently with a thigh injury.

He missed England's recent World Cup qualifying match against Moldova and will miss the game against Ukraine.

The earliest Suarez can return to the Liverpool squad is for the trip to Sunderland on September 29. Before that, the Reds face Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium and Southampton at Anfield.

Rodgers Wants More Reds Hard Work

Liverpool FC boss Brendan Rodgers has told his Premier League pace-setters: “The hard work is only just beginning.”

The Reds are enjoying their best start to a Premier League campaign for 19 years following three successive victories.

Rodgers believes that is reward for the tireless efforts of his players on the training ground and he is on a mission to ensure those high standards are maintained after the international break.

“It’s been a great start for us but we can’t get carried away,” he said.

“We had a difficult start to last season but since January our form has been outstanding.

“I have to say the players have been magnificent with the work they have put in.

“We had a really good pre-season when we had the whole squad together working well and that ensured we were well prepared.

“If you work your socks off then talent comes through and we need to keep working in this way going forward.

“The players have already demonstrated so far this season that they have that resilience to keep fighting and persevere to get the result.

“There is a long way to go this season but we’re really looking forward to the challenge.”

Rodgers was in the company of a host of Liverpool legends earlier this week when he attended the ECHO’s special dinner to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Bill Shankly’s birth.

The Anfield boss relished hearing tales about the club’s glorious past and says it’s a source of inspiration as he looks to mastermind Liverpool’s revival.

“Events like that are very humbling,” Rodgers said.

“These are the guys who set the club up to what it is today. Where they took the club and where the club is at now in two different places.

“But we will fight for our lives every single day to get the club back up there. The history this club has gives us great motivation going forward. We always have to strive to get back to that.”

Suarez In New Cheat Storm

Luis Suarez is at the centre of a new diving controversy after Uruguay beat Peru 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Peru coach Sergio Markarian slammed referee Patricio Loustau for sending off Victor Yotun for a clash with Suarez in the first half.

The Uruguay forward fell theatrically to the ground following the clash with Yotun, who was shown a straight red card for his part in the incident.

Marakarian told reporters: "I'll do my best to make this World Cup referee not go because I'm not ashamed to say it was totally decisive.

"What Yotun did was silly but I've seen worse, like elbows or double uncollected simulations that go unpunished."

Four minutes earlier Suarez earned his side a penalty - from which he scored - when he went to ground following a challenge from Christian Ramos, though replays showed there was minimal contact.

Liverpool's striker is currently serving a 10-match ban in England for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a Premier League match back in April.

Arsenal To Make Another Suarez Swoop

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could make a sensational swoop for striker Luis Suarez having missed out on his signature in the summer.

According to the Metro, the Uruguayan is still top of Wenger’s wish list having failed to bring in another striker to relieve the pressure off Olivier Giroud.

Wenger was after the striker at the beginning of the window but was rebuffed with an offer of £40.01million believing that the bid was enough to trigger the release clause in his contract.

The only major summer signing was the arrival of Mesut Ozil to the Emirates in a £42.5million deal and it was thought that the Arsenal manager had a transfer kitty of £80million.

That could mean Liverpool may expect another swoop for their key man in January and Suarez has reportedly become unsettled with the speculation over his future throughout the summer.

Wenger made late attempts to bring in Christian Benteke from Aston Villa and were also thought to be on the verge of signing Demba Ba on loan however Chelsea pulled out of the deal last minute.

Skrtel Considering Anfield Departure

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is believed to be considering his future at Anfield after manager Brendan Rodgers signed three new centre-backs over the summer.

The Slovakia captain joined the Reds in 2008 for £6.5 million and after starting last season with Daniel Agger as Rodgers’ first-choice central-defensive pairing, the 28-year-old had a testing campaign on Merseyside last term.

Skrtel was heavily linked with a transfer to Napoli over the summer with former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who brought the defender to Anfield and is now in charge of the Italian club, keen to take the Slovakian to Serie A.

Napoli are understood to have wanted to initially sign Skrtel on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent transfer but Liverpool rejected an approach from the Italian outfit.

Rodgers, meanwhile, signed defender Kolo Toure on a free transfer from Manchester City at the start of the summer and then bought centre-backs Mamadou Sakho from Paris Saint-Germain and Tiago Ilori from Sporting Lisbon on transfer deadline day for £18 million and £7 million respectively.

A Merseyside source has now told SportsDirect News Skrtel has concerns about the amount of first-team action he will get at Anfield and is seriously considering his future with Liverpool.

Benitez is likely to make another move for the 28-year-old in January when the transfer market re-opens as he looks to team Skrtel up with Pepe Reina, who joined Napoli on loan this summer from Liverpool.

Barcelona To Pursue Pepe Reina

Pepe Reina has reportedly agreed to join Barcelona at the end of the season to replace Victor Valdes.

The Liverpool keeper is currently spending a season-long loan at Napoli after reuniting with manager Rafa Benitez.

But it is becoming increasing likely that Reina has played his last game in a Liverpool jersey following the arrival of summer signing Simon Mignolet.

The Spanish keeper, who has 28 caps for his national side, came under speculation that he would depart for the Nou Camp earlier in the year but the deal never materialized.

But fresh reports in the Metro, suggest that a deal could well be completed before January as Thibaut Courtouis wants to stay and fight for the No.1 spot at Chelsea.

It was reported that Barcelona may offer around £30million for the Belgium, who is currently on loan at Athletico Madrid, but the 21-year-old has stated that he wants to prove his worth to Chelsea.

Sturridge Out Of Ukraine Match

Daniel Sturridge has been ruled out of England’s World Cup qualifying tie against Ukraine next week, leaving manager Roy Hodgson short of attacking options.

The Liverpool striker missed the Three Lions’ 4-0 victory over Moldova on Friday after aggravating a thigh injury in the Reds’ 1-0 derby triumph over Manchester United.

Sturridge, who has scored five goals in four games for Liverpool already this season, was hoping to win the fitness battle in time for England’s crucial Ukraine clash.

But after returning to the Merseyside outfit’s Melwood training ground for additional treatment last week, the FA confirmed he will not be fit for the game, with the forward’s likely return to fitness not detailed by club or country.

The news will not be well received by Hodgson, who has only Rickie Lambert and Jermain Defoe to choose from up front against Ukraine, following Danny Welbeck’s suspension for a harsh yellow card during the Moldova win.

The full statement read: “The FA can confirm that Daniel Sturridge will not return to the England squad ahead of the World Cup qualifier with Ukraine on Tuesday.

“Club England medical staff have been in constant contact with their counterparts at Liverpool Football Club since he returned there on Thursday, his injury has not progressed as had been hoped and it is now clear that Sturridge will not be fit for the match in Kiev on Tuesday evening.

“No additions will be made to Roy Hodgson’s squad of 23 players who travel to Ukraine on Sunday evening.”

Aspas Recommends Playing In Premier League

New Liverpool signing Iago Aspas is loving life at Anfield and has encouraged other players to join him in England.

The Spanish forward arrived at the Anfield club in June and has started every league game so far under Brendan Rodgers.

And the Celta Vigo youth product is beaming in his praise for the Premier League and is adjusting quickly to the physical nature of English football.

"I would tell any player to go to the Premier League," he told reporters during a return to Spain during the international break. "You get a different feeling - especially compared to Spain.

"I'm playing a bit further back that it did at Celta, but the big difference is how physical the league is compared to Spain.

"It's hard to say which is better, but when the season ends and I have played all the teams I will have a better idea."

Aspas is delighted to have played a part in Liverpool's positive start to the season, with the Merseyside club top of the table after beating rivals Manchester United.

“I’m very happy," he said. "Especially because we are leading the league.

"(But) it’s only been three games, and it’s a very long competition."

Aspas and Liverpool will look to maintain their unbeaten run on September 16 when they travel to Swansea City.

Carragher Unsure Of Sakho Role

Jamie Carragher admits he is unsure how Brendan Rodgers will fit Mamadou Sakho into his first-choice XI but expects the Frenchman to be a regular starter.

The 23-year-old is yet to make an appearance for the Reds after completing an £18m move to Anfield from Ligue 1 winners Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day.

The left-footed France international arrives on Merseyside with a burgeoning reputation despite finding himself behind Alex and Thiago Silva in the pecking order at PSG last season.

Carragher, who formed centre-half partnerships with Daniel Agger, Sami Hyypia and Martin Skrtel at Liverpool, is unsure whether Sakho could line up alongside the club’s vice-captain, who is also a left-sided centre-half.

“It has been good to see Liverpool replace the old man who pottered away in retirement last May with three central defenders,” Carragher wrote in his Daily Mail column.

“Kolo Toure has settled well and made a bright start, Tiago Ilori has been brought from Sporting Lisbon for the future and then there is Mamadou Sakho.

“He arrives on Merseyside with a solid reputation and it was interesting to hear that Ian Ayre, Liverpool’s managing director, described him as ‘a marquee signing’ — when you spend £18million on someone, you would expect they will play.

“So it will be fascinating to see how Brendan fits Sakho in. He is a left-sided central defender but Liverpool already has a very good one of those in Daniel Agger, who has succeeded me as vice-captain.”

He added: “In my experience, you can play two right-footed central defenders as a partnership — that was the case when Sami Hyypia and I played alongside each other — but I have never seen a team line up with two left-footed central defenders as a partnership.

“I would doubt that Brendan is now going to start playing 3-5-2, even though he used it at fleeting times last season, so where Sakho fits in remains to be seen. One thing that is not in doubt, however, is the start Liverpool have made to the season.

“Nobody will be getting carried away by three consecutive wins but the positive thing is that Liverpool has laid solid foundations — and three clean sheets show they are going to be difficult to beat.”

Reds Defender Fighting For Fitness

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has given fans somewhat of an injury update, stressing that he is working hard to make a quick return to club and international action. Johnson was forced to watch Friday night’s England match from the stands after withdrawing from the squad with an injury, and revealed on his official Twitter account that he is gutted to be missing the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifying campaign.

England ran out 4-0 winners in a convincing display against Moldova at Wembley on Friday night, with Danny Welbeck grabbing a brace. Southampton star Rickie Lambert continued his dream start to his international career, scoring his second goal in two matches. Tottenham’s Kyle Walker filled in for the injured Johnson and was largely impressive with both his defensive and attacking duties, putting further pressure on Johnson to regain his place ahead of next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

Johnson picked up an injury against Manchester United a week ago and was replaced by young defender Andre Wisdom. Wisdom is an emerging talent at Anfield, and was recently handed the Under-21s’ captain’s armband by Gareth Southgate. Wisdom helped lead the young Lions to victory this week as they beat Moldova in 2015 Under-21 European Championships qualifying.

Mamadou Sakho Thanks Anfield Fans

Liverpool summer signing Mamadou Sakho has expressed his gratitude to Anfield fans for the warm reception he received before signing up.

Brendan Rodgers swooped for the former PSG man in the final few days of the summer transfer window and his £18million switch was confirmed early on deadline day.

Liverpool confirmed the purchase of promising Sporting Lisbon defender Tiago Ilori at the same time in what is a young new-look back line put together by Rodgers.

Sakho became surplus to requirements at PSG due to the influx of expensive big-name signings at the free-spending Qatar-funded Ligue 1 champions.

Despite a great affinity with the club he came through the ranks with, the 23-year-old would not say which stadium was the more impressive out of Anfield and the Parc des Princes.

However, he did express his gratitude for all the good wishes he received from Liverpool fans ahead of finalizing his deal.

"They [Anfield and Parc des Princes] not comparable, but Le Parc is my birthplace," he is quoted as saying by Le10Sport.

"I would also like to thank the public for the ovation he gave me last weekend when I was in Liverpool about to sign my contract."

Reds Appoint New U18s Coach

Liverpool Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Critchley as the club's new U18s coach.

Neil arrives at the Academy from Crewe Alexandra, where he has held the role of academy director since 2007.

The 34-year-old started his career as a junior player at Crewe, before rising through the ranks to make one appearance for the club's senior side against Fulham during the 1999-2000 season.

As a coach, Critchley is one of only 16 in the country to have gained the highest possible qualification in the game after he was handpicked by the FA to take UEFA's first elite badge course.

After 18 months the former midfielder graduated - and is currently among the top-graded coaches in Europe.