Kuyt And Babel On Target For Dutch

Dirk Kuyt staked his claim for inclusion in Holland's squad for Euro 2008 with the opening goal in Saturday night's 3-0 win over Ukraine.

The Liverpool striker has been included in Marco van Basten's 26-man preliminary party but, having been left out of the squad for the friendlies at the start of the year, is still fighting to seal his place on the plane to Austria and Switzerland.

He did his chances no harm though with a fine header midway through the first half before fellow frontman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar doubled the hosts' lead.

Another Liverpool man, Ryan Babel, rounded off the victory after the break.

Profile: Andrea Dossena

Andrea Dossena has been one of Italy's best defenders this term. He is on the verge of signing for Liverpool.

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Name: Andrea Dossena

DOB: September 11th 1981

Height: 1.85m

Weight: 74kg

Position: Defender

Current Club: Udinese Calcio 1896

Andrea Dossena was born in Lodi, a small town in the region of Lombardy- home to both Inter and Milan. He began his football career with Hellas Verona and he quickly moved up into the club's youth system after showing incredible talent at a young age. In 2001 he left the youth team and made the step up to the senior squad under Alberto Malesani's tutelage.

Dossena made his Serie A debut on November 18 2001 and he was thrown in at the deep end as his first appearance was against bitter rivals Chievo in the Derby di Verona and he played alongside emerging talents such as Mauro Camoranesi, Alberto Gilardino, Massimo Oddo, Marco Cassetti and Adrian Mutu. He was quick to adapt within a side boasting plenty of youth and brilliant talent with massive potential.

Dossena spent four years with the Gialloblu but in 2002 his side were relegated to Serie B following a last day defeat to Piacenza. It was a steep learning curb for the player but he kept his place in the side and decided to stay where as most of his team mates jumped ship. It was a wise decision which paid off in 2005 when he was signed by Serie A outfit Udinese. Fiery character Serse Cosmi, who coached the left-back at the time, decided his left back was surplus to requirements at the Stadio Friuli and he sent him on loan to Treviso. Dossena made 21 first team appearances for the Biancocelesti but he couldn't stop them sliding into Serie B. At the end of the 2005/06 season, the stopper was recalled back to the Bianconeri by Giovanni Galeone.

The stopper went on to feature 28 times for the Zebrette and he was soon to be reunited with his old coach from Verona. Galleone was sacked by the Stadio Fruili based outfit after falling out with the club's directors. Alberto Malesani, who played a big part in Dossena's early career at the Gialloblu, was reunited with his former Verona star. Rise To Fame In just two years, the powerful defender has made massive strides towards a rewarding career. He has played 63 times for Udinese and this season he has impressed in Serie A. His performances against the top four clubs in particular were outstanding. He kept the Nerazzurri's star studied line up quiet in the 0-0 draw back in January.

Dosena marked Zlatan Ibrahimovic out of the game as his side stole a valueable point against the league leaders. The left-back was dangerous all night and his constant runs and dangerous crosses from the wings caused the Nerazzurri problems. The Udinese number 8 also gave his side a shock lead against Juventus but they went on to lose the game 2-1. The defender's work at the back helped his side earn a very respectable sixth place finish which rewarded them with a UEFA Cup place. However, the former Verona man might not feature in the competition.

The Italian stopper has the chance to play in the Champions League next term with Liverpool who are on the verge of signing their target. Rafa Benitez has been impressed by the Bianconero and the Reds are focused on taking the rising star to Anfield as a replacement for John Arne Riise. Dossena has similar qualities to the Norwegian but he is more graceful on the ball and has a sweeter first touch. He is also excellent in the air and has a commanding presence at the back. His current coach Pasquale Marino has revealed that the player will move to Liverpool. It is believed the Reds are close to signing the defender from Lodi for around £8m. The future is looking bright for the stopper and no doubt he will impress wherever he ends up playing.

Rafa Points To Agger Loss

Liverpool gaffer Rafael Benitez admits that failing to sign Gabriel Heinze, losing Daniel Agger through injury and the need to spent huge sums of money have all hampered the Reds this term.

Rafa Benitez has pointed to the loss of stopper Daniel Agger as an early blow to Liverpool's push for silverware this season.

The Dane provided both an aerial presence and a goal threat, with the Reds boss concerned about the amount of goals conceded from set-pieces in his absence.

Now, he admits that the defender comes back in good shape, but insists that only minor squad surgery is needed at Anfield this summer.

"The squad is better [than one year ago] and we have a better team," Benitez told LFC TV.

"Especially in the last three months, the understanding between the players was really good. We were winning games and scoring goals and we nearly got to the final of the Champions League.

"This year we have improved a lot. We signed two or three really good players, and also players who've been good for the squad.

"Every year you must improve a lot because the other teams are doing the same. I think Chelsea have just spent £16million on a right full back even though they got to the final."

In addition to the loss of Agger, Rafa admits that failing to sign Gabriel Heinze, who eventually signed for Madrid from Man Utd, was a blow. Asked if Heinze would have provided more defensive cover, the boss said: "Yes, I think so.

"We conceded goals at the end of games and drew. The centre backs - Carra [Jamie Carragher] and Sami [Hyypia] - were playing too many games.

"Sometimes Jack Hobbs or Alvaro Arbeloa played, but we clearly missed Agger. Agger is a centre back who can play the ball, he is a threat to the opposition.

"We have a lot of good players and we also have some really good young players; this is important. I think we have the spine of the team next season and now we need to add players in certain positions.

"We have analysed a lot of things this year. For example, we have conceded a lot of goals from set pieces. We need to understand why because last season we conceded six, now it's 16, yet we're doing more or less the same things.

"We can improve in this area. We also need to keep the team scoring in open play while at the same time improving a little bit in defence. We have been really good in defence for three of four years, but I think we need to improve a little bit if we want to be at the top of the table."

Benitez continued to say the money spent in the Premiership is daunting, particularly at the top end, before observing: "Clearly it's more difficult than in Spain because the top sides spend big, big money.

Riise - I Could Move On

Liverpool star John Arne Riise has admitted that his future at Anfield is far from certain.

The 27-year-old Norwegian has in the past expressed a desire to stay on Merseyside but it has been speculated his Liverpool career is drawing to a close.

Riise has endured an indifferent past campaign and with Liverpool closing on the signing of Udinese left-back Andrea Dossena it does looks as though Riise could be made surplus to requirements.

"I am uncertain. If I don't hear anything before the summer, I will have to consider my situation," Riise told Nettavisen.

"We have got to hope that we reach an agreement with the club about what will happen."

While an ideal scenario would see Riise remain at Liverpool, he concedes it is flattering to be linked with a number of high-profile clubs.

"A club change is not impossible," he added.

"I have said that I want to stay where I am, but there have been many rumours in the newspapers about many big clubs.

"It's fantastic to be linked with such clubs. At the same time, I am playing in a position which many clubs are trying to fill.

"I am truly enjoying myself where I am, but the situation is very uncertain at the moment.

"The most important thing is that I get to play regularly."

Gerrard Demands Summer Signings

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has reiterated the need for heavy summer spending in order to end an 18-year wait for the league title.

The Reds had been strongly tipped to secure 2007/08 Premier League glory, but Rafa Benitez's side ended the campaign in fourth position and 11 points adrift of champions Manchester United.

Swiss defender Philipp Degen is already set to make a free transfer move to Anfield on 1st July from Borussia Dortmund and Gerrard is keen to see more new faces over the coming months to end almost two decades of waiting for a league title.

Gerrard has previously called on Liverpool's American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks to splash the cash in order to keep pace with the league's top three and Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry is a £12million target, but the midfielder has now reiterated his demand.

"We say it every season, but it's massive," Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo. "Other teams are going to strengthen and become better sides so it's important we do the same.

"A lot of sides spend every summer, teams and squads become stronger and it's important we don't fall away.

"We want to stay up there with the best and for us to challenge and win the league and to keep doing well in Europe we need to buy players, there's no doubt about it."

Gerrard, though, admits he is in the dark over Benitez's close-season targets.

"I know as much as the other players and you guys outside about Rafa's plans," Gerrard added.

"He doesn't call me in and tell me names, but obviously he assures me and the rest of the boys that if any players become available that will strengthen the team he will go and buy them, but it's important that Rafa gets the right backing.

"It (a title tilt) is getting down to the small details again so if we can make the team that little bit stronger, have a few more options and a few more match-winners and be a tiny bit better defensively as a team then we can do it."

Benitez Is United In Mission For Title

Rafael Benitez has warned his Liverpool side they can never be title contenders until they start beating Manchester United.

The Anfield boss is convinced that after what he sees as a season of progress, his young squad can develop into a side capable of challenging for the Premier League.

But first, he insists, they must break the vice-like psychological hold the champions enjoy over Liverpool.

"If you analyse our campaign this season closely, then you can realise that our position comes down to just one or two results that make all the difference," he said.

"We lost both matches in the Premier League to Manchester United, and that can explain why we finished fourth instead of being up there challenging.

"It is a simple equation. If you beat United once it results in a six-point swing either way and that can be the difference. That one win would have put us much closer.

"We have not enjoyed a good sequence against them in recent years, and we realise that must change if we are to get closer to our ambitions.

"We know what this club is about - winning things. So, we are terribly disappointed not to have won a trophy for the second year. That has to change."

Title Harder To Win In England - Rafa

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez remains hopeful of guiding the Reds to their first ever Premier League title, but insists that league glory is a taller order than it was when he won in Spain with Valencia.

Despite a Champions League and FA Cup triumph - and indeed a generally admirable record in cups, European in particular - Rafa Benitez has been unable to drastically change Liverpool's league fortunes in his four years at Anfield.

Many have heavily criticised the manager for an inability to mastermind consistent performances and instead relying on squeezing past opponents in incredibly unpredictable cup ties.

He has always remained defiant despite criticism of his squad rotation and transfer policies and insisted that it is a long-term plan that is still in progress.

Liverpool hold the record for most league titles with 18, but Manchester United have come to within one title of them, having won 10 of the 16 Premier League's since its inception, with Liverpool not having won competition as of yet.

Many feel that, unless Rafa can add the Premier League to his trophy haul within the next season or two, he may well be sacked by the club, whose boardroom situation is still far from clear, though albeit a lot less dramatic and embarrassing than it was earlier in the season.

Benitez won the league title with Valencia in Spain while giants Real Madrid were chasing European glory and Barcelona were in a slump. Consistency was the name of the game with Los Che, but Benitez has insisted that it is not as easy in England, an excuse that not many people find acceptable.

"Yes, clearly it's more difficult [to win the league] here than in Spain because the top sides spend big, big money," said Benitez.

"We will try to do our best and the key for me is to not talk about the title. The key is to be near the top, to be contenders. If we stay close then I think we are capable of doing it.

"It is an option, for sure. We know our weaknesses and our strengths. We know where we need to improve, so we'll try to build a new team looking at these things."

He continued, emphasising the positives to take from this year's campaign: "[This season] we showed character at the end and that's really important. We showed that in difficult times we can be good and win games.

"As a manager, it was also important for me to see how the people around the team reacted to everything.

"When you talk about a winning mentality and winning trophies, you need to see the character of your people. The season was very good in terms of knowing the people.

"We have analysed a lot of things this year. For example, we have conceded a lot of goals from set pieces. We need to understand why because the season before we conceded six, now it's 16, yet we're doing more or less the same things. We can improve in this area.

"We also need to keep the team scoring in open play while at the same time improving a little bit in defence. We have been really good in defence for three of four years, but I think we need to improve a little bit if we want to be at the top of the table."

After another disappointing league season, Benitez has again called for more transfer funds in order to compete with the likes off Manchester United and Chelsea at the top of the table, and expects to busy in the transfer market once more.

Full-back Philipp Degen has been signed for free from Borussia Dortmund, while Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry remains a primary transfer target.

"It's always the same: during the season you must do your job with the players you have and afterwards, in the summer, you need to do your job with the staff," explained Rafa.

"It's really important to sign the right players with the right mentality – a winning mentality. You want players who are desperate to come here and win trophies.

"We started last season well and when we had Agger we were playing well. But, after all the draws, it was important to regain the confidence. In the end we were playing really well, winning games in a row and producing good football.

"You could see the understanding between Gerrard and Torres, but other players were also scoring goals. As I've said, we have the spine for next season and now we need to add players in certain positions."

Dossena To Sign For Liverpool – Marino

Udinese coach Pasquale Marino has admitted that Andrea Dossena is on the verge of completing his move to Liverpool.

Dossena has had an excellent season for the Zebrette, playing 34 games, scoring two goals, and helping the club qualify for the UEFA Cup.

The left back has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool for a while now, and earlier this week it was reported in the Italian press that a transfer was on the horizon.

Bianconeri boss Marino has now confirmed that these stories are true.

“I think that a deal with Liverpool for Dossena is on the way,” told Radio Kiss Kiss.

“Everything is going smoothly. The requirements are in place and the player has given his consent because he wants to test himself at an important club after the season he has had.

“Our director general was in England partly because of that just two days ago.”

Dossena, who has won one cap for Italy, was also said to be attracting the interest of Juventus, however the Old Lady were apparently unwilling to match Udinese's asking price.

Juve Step Up Alonso Bid

Juventus are believed to have stepped up their interest in Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso by flying to England to hold talks over the transfer.

Reports emanating from Italy claim Juventus director general Jean-Claude Blanc has flown to Liverpool to discuss a deal for Alonso.

Juve have been linked with the classy Spaniard for some time, and now the Turin giants are ready to make an increased effort to lure him away from Anfield.

Alonso has suggested he was happy to stay at Liverpool, but he could be forced to rethink his position if Reds boss Rafa Benitez decides to listen to offers for the player.

It is believed the two clubs are in advanced talks about the move, but they have so far failed to agree a price with Liverpool holding out for £14million for the former Real Sociedad man.

However, Juventus are confident they can reach a compromise with Liverpool to see Alonso link up again with former Reds team-mate Mohammed Sissoko in Turin.

Blanc is also believed to have used the trip to England to hold talks with Chelsea over a move for Wayne Bridge.

Juve boss Claudio Ranieri is thought to be keen on signing on Bridge as he prepares for next season's Champions League campaign.

Ranieri is a big fan of Bridge having signed him during his time in charge at Stamford Bridge and with the full-back struggling to hold down a regular place in the side, Ranieri hopes the prospect of regular action at Juve could tempt him to leave England.

Rafa Sticks To Carson Stance

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has no plans to lower the club's asking price for goalkeeper Scott Carson.

The England international has spent the season on loan at Aston Villa and is keen to leave Liverpool on a permanent basis.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is hoping to hang on to Carson, but is understood to be reluctant to meet the £10million fee thought to be demanded by the Reds.

However, Benitez says the figure was agreed last summer when Carson originally moved to Villa Park on loan.

And the Liverpool boss sees no reason why that sum should now change as Carson looks for first-team football on a regular basis.

"It is a matter between the clubs," said Benitez. "We agreed the fee with Aston Villa last year.

"The fee has been there for one season, so to talk about the fee now is not correct.

"We agreed with Martin O'Neill and that was the situation."

Liverpool To Meet Villareal And Rangers In Pre-season Friendlies

Liverpool have announced a prestigious pre-season friendly with La Liga runners-up Villarreal.

And the Anfield club are also expected to confirm soon another warm-up game against Rangers at Ibrox.

So far the only date confirmed is the July 30 visit to Villarreal, a side Liverpool could end up facing in the Champions League next term.

The match is part of the deal that took Spain international goalkeeper Jose Reina to Anfield in the summer of 2005.

Liverpool are also almost certain to be facing a trip to Ibrox to face the beaten UEFA Cup finalists. That date could be July 26, but there has been no official confirmation yet.

Liverpool will travel to Switzerland in early July for their usual pre-season training camp, where a couple of games against local opposition will be organised.

Liverpool also hope to have a friendly on the weekend prior to the start of the new Premier League season.

There are no plans for a pre-season tour to the USA or the Far East, as Liverpool have staged in previous years.

Liverpool enter the Champions League at the third qualifying round stage next season, and the draw will be made on August 3.

The Premier League starts on August 9, with the third qualifying round first leg on August 12/13 with the second leg on August 26/27, with the group stages starting on September 16-17.

Reds Up Barry Bid

Liverpool have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry, raising their bid to ₤12 million.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill immediately rejected the Reds’ initial ₤10 million offer for Barry, and is desperate to hold onto the England midfielder.

But according to The Sun, the Merseyside giants are prepared to fork out at least ₤12 million to capture their main transfer target.

O’Neill and Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez have been at loggerheads in press recently regarding the latter’s decidedly open approach for the 27-year-old.

O’Neill claims the former Valencia boss has been excessively aggressive in his pursuit of Barry, while Benitez feels the former Celtic manager should resign himself to the fact the player may have to leave Villa Park to achieve his European ambitions.

Villa have offered Barry wages of ₤70,000-per-week — a ₤30,000 raise — to stay, but the lure of Champions League football and the possibility of linking up with close friend Steven Gerrard could prove too difficult to refuse.

It is understood Barry has been targeted to replace Reds playmaker Xabi Alonso, who has reportedly become unsettled at Anfield after an injured-ravaged season.

Juventus director Jean-Claude Blanc travelled to Liverpool this week to negotiate a fee for the Spain star, who will represent his country at EURO 2008 this summer.

Juve reportedly offered in €14 million (₤12 million) for the 26-year-old, but Benitez is demanding in excess of ₤16 million for the man he bought from Real Sociedad for ₤10.5 million in 2004.

And it is believed that if the Barry deal does not go through, Liverpool will call off negotiations altogether.

Spain Hope Torres Can Show His Liverpool Form

If Spain finally manage to end their hoodoo of underachievement at major championships it is likely to have a lot to do with striker Fernando Torres.

The 24-year-old former Atletico Madrid player has had a spectacular first season with Liverpool in the Premier League, scoring 33 goals in all competitions.

Unlike many of his compatriots, the gangly centre-forward took little time to adapt to the high-tempo, rough and tumble of English football and there are already hopes he could go on to become an Anfield idol like Ian Rush or Robbie Fowler.

His pace, athleticism and skill have been used to full effect by Rafa Benitez's side and few would argue he has been one of the league's outstanding players this season.

The problem for Spain is that Torres has not yet shown the same form for the national side.

At Liverpool, Torres relies on quick service so that he has room to run at defences. Spain spend so much time elaborating their attacks that he is invariably closed down almost as soon as he receives a pass.

Torres has found the net just twice in the last year and a half for Spain and his total of 15 goals in 47 games is a relatively modest one for an international striker.

However, Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro believes Torres has become a far better player since moving to England.

"Fernando Torres has made an incredible improvement," said the Real Madrid defender.

"Last year I saw him as a bit of a softie, someone who hid, but then he went to the Premier League, where you can't be a softie and he exploded."

Spain will now have to exploit that talent if they are rise to the challenge of defeating likely quarter-final opponents of the quality of Italy, France or the Netherlands.

"El nino" (the kid) is certainly used to carrying the weight of expectation on his young shoulders.

He made his debut for Atletico Madrid at 17, was their youngest captain at the age of 19 and almost single-handedly led their attack for five seasons in the top flight.

Almost as soon as he made his international debut he was seen as the heir to Raul's crown as the national team's golden boy. Euro 2008 will provide him the chance to live up to that billing.

Liverpool FC Target Albert Riera Asks For Transfer

Liverpool have been placed on alert after target Albert Riera yesterday underlined his desperation to leave Espanyol.

Riera wants to exit the La Liga outfit after growing tired of criticism from supporters after the team’s poor ending to the season.

Espanyol sporting director Paco Herrera, a former coach and chief scout at Anfield, maintains Riera will only be allowed to leave should a club trigger the £16million release clause in the player’s contract.

Riera is one of several players Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has under consideration.

And the Anfield outfit are hopeful they could capitalise on Riera’s desire to depart to help significantly lower the asking price, with Argentinian winger Sebastian Leto a possible makeweight going the other way.

“I want to leave Espanyol,” said Riera, who is also interesting Blackburn Rovers. “I do not want to be part of a club that does not take care of or protect its players.

“I do not know if I will go to Liverpool or some other team. I am staying hopeful and I would really like everything sorted out within the next two weeks.

“It would be best for everyone concerned because I know that my transfer would clearly be beneficial. I do not want to cause any problems.

“I don’t want to be at a club where the supporters have no love for the players, or where it depends on whether the team qualifies for Europe or not.”

But Espanyol sporting director Herrera said: “If he says he is going to go then he has more information than his club – he must know that there is an interested club who will pay the amount of money needed.”

Sections of the Espanyol support held up large banners at their final game of the season against Almeria questioning the commitment of the players after they failed to win any of their last 10 games.

The sight dismayed Riera, who added: “The things with those banners last Sunday against Almeria was intolerable. All that about the European Championships and going on holiday was very unpleasant and should not have been allowed.

“There are some things that should not be allowed and we all know that in certain sections of the ground and with certain sets of fans the board allows almost anything to happen. That is not normal and cannot go on.

“I have had enough of all these stories about in-fighting, bad feelings between players and things causing problems. Every time we do not win this comes up. This does not help at all.”

Riera, who believes Espanyol’s poor form cost him a place in the Spain squad for next month’s European Championships, was on loan at Manchester City towards the end of the 2005-06 season.

The agent of Catania defender Juan Vargas has claimed Liverpool are also interested in the highly-rated Peru international left-back.

Gustavo Ghezzi said: “To know the future of Vargas will take some time, since there are so many teams chasing the player: in any case, I’m confident that Catania will sell him. They want £11 million cash.

“The teams? AC Milan, Inter, Napoli, Fiorentina, Roma, Palermo, Sevilla, Tottenham, Liverpool, Real Madrid. There is a queue.”

However, the 24-year-old is expected to join either Real Madrid or Fiorentina, with Liverpool having made Udinese’s £8million-rated Andrea Dossena their priority at left-back.

Meanwhile, Benitez has told Scott Carson that his transfer fee will only be determined by the club.

Carson this week called for a reasonable valuation despite Liverpool having agreed a price believed to be around £10m with Villa when the 22-year-old joined moved to the Midlanders on loan last August.

Villa must now decide whether to exercise their option to sign Carson on a permanent basis and Benitez is not prepared to reduce the fee.

“It is a matter between the clubs,” he said.

“We agreed the fee with Aston Villa last year.

“The fee has been there for one season so to talk about the fee now is not correct.

“We agreed with Martin O’Neill and that was the situation.”

Liverpool have confirmed their pre-season friendly in Villarreal will take place on Wednesday, July 30.

Rafa To Swoop For Garcia?

Liverpool are leading the race to sign Real Zaragoza forward Sergio Garcia, according to reports.

The 24-year-old has established himself as one of La Liga’s most promising attackers over the past few seasons, earning interest from several clubs across Europe.

Tottenham boss Juande Ramos is known to be a keen admirer of the former Barcelona trainee, and has long been linked with a move for the former Barcelona trainee.

But according to AS, the Reds are preparing to swoop for the ex-Levante striker, who was recently called up to Luis Aragones’ Spain squad for EURO 2008.

Rafa Benitez will be looking to strengthen his attacking options for next season, as Peter Crouch and Andriy Voronin are near-certainties to leave Anfield this summer.

Zaragoza’s relegation means Garcia will almost definitely be moving on, and although his contract contains a release clause of around ₤12 million, compatriots Ramos and Benitez could be forced into a bidding war for their fellow Spaniard.

With the Blanquillos preparing for a mass exodus, Benitez may be doing quite a portion of his shopping at La Romareda during the off-season.

Argentine attackers Diego Milito, Andres d’Alessandro and Pablo Aimar could well find their way onto Rafa’s wish-list, and the latter could be keen to link up with the man who coached him to two La Liga titles with Valencia.

Paul Ince Junior Joins Anfield Academy

Ince junior, 16, has been taken on by the club as a first-year Academy trainee, but unlike his father, who was an England captain as a midfielder, Thomas is a striker.

Paul, 40, is now manager of MK Dons and took them to promotion from Coca-Cola League Two this season, after previously taking charge of Macclesfield when his playing career came to an end.

Ince played for West Ham and Manchester United before moving to Inter Milan, and cited the fact that he wanted Thomas to attend school in England as the reason for his return from Italy to join Liverpool in 1997.

The Ince family have always kept their home in Wirral, where Thomas has worked his way successfully through the Liverpool’s schoolboy teams to the point that he has now started his career as a professional.

Liverpool have released three players from last season’s academy – defender Mattone Awang, winger Ben Parsonage and striker Michael Collins.

Swedish midfielder Astrit Ajdarevic, part of the FA Youth Cup winning side of 2007, is looking for a new club while still being under contract at the club.

Dirk Kuyt Confident Of Making Dutch Euro 2008 Cut

Dirk Kuyt is confident he won't be axed by Holland for the upcoming Euro 2008 finals.

The Liverpool striker was among a 26-man preliminary squad named at the weekend by Holland coach Marco van Basten.

That party will be cut to 23 when the final squad is announced on Monday, with rumours in Holland suggesting Kuyt will be one of the three to miss out. But the Liverpool man reckons his return to form over the past three months should be enough to earn him a place on the plane to Switzerland and Austria next month.

“If I show the same here as I did in the recent months at Liverpool, I don’t have to worry,” said Kuyt. “I think I will be a part of the squad. I am convinced that I can be important to my country. Few players can be compared to me style-wise.”

Kuyt struggled for form earlier in the season as he came to terms with Rafael Benitez’s rotation policy and the death of his father.

But the 27-year-old has enjoyed a renai-ssance having been moved to the right flank of a three-man strikeforce – a similar position to one he has previously played in for Holland – and netted crucial Champions League goals against Inter Milan, Arsenal and Chelsea.

Ryan Babel is also in the preliminary squad and is expected to be named in the final party next week.

Fulham Eye Finnan Return - Report

Fulham are reportedly eager to bring Liverpool full-back Steve Finnan back to Craven Cottage this summer.

The Republic of Ireland international enjoyed five years with the Cottagers before being picked up by Liverpool, where he has won the Champions League and FA Cup in the past five seasons.

However, having recently turned 32, injuries are beginning to get the better of him, and the arrival of Borussia Dortmund's Swiss full-back Philipp Degen has all but signalled the end for Finnan, who signed for £4 million in 2003.

Having just sealed survival in the Premier League in the most dramatic fashion, Fulham will now be eager to bolster their squad in order to build on this season and hope they are not involved in such a dogfight again this time next year.

While their first eleven is fairly solid, it is beyond that that they come undone, and with Paul Stalteri not impressing at right-back while being on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, plus the sale of Liam Rosenior to now relegated Reading, the west London outfit are decidedly short in right-back.

Finnan's experience, familiarity with the club and undoubted quality and commitment when fit would prove an asset to Roy Hodgson, should a deal be agreed between the two clubs.

Rafa To Start Anfield Clear-out

Xabi Alonso could be one of several players to leave Liverpool this summer.

He was only a late substitute in the club's final home game of the season against Manchester City and then did not figure at all in the last match at Tottenham.

Although Alonso, who is in Spain's squad for the Euro 2008 finals next month, has recently claimed he still sees his future at Anfield, a move to Italy would certainly interest him.

It is no secret that Benitez has been told he must sell as well as buy this summer as be re-builds his squad.

And Alonso found his senior appearances restricted last season following the £18.6million arrival of Javier Mascherano and with young Brazilian midfielder Lucas also making an impact.

With Benitez still trying to tie up the move of England international midfielder Gareth Barry to Anfield for £10million, the departure of Alonso would not be a surprise.

Alonso was one of Benitez's first signings when he took over as manager four years ago, arriving for £10.5million from Real Sociedad.

The 26-year-old has played 163 games for the club and scored 14 goals but featured little towards the end of the season.

Rafa Benitez also left out Jermaine Pennant, John Arne Riise and Peter Crouch from the side at Spurs, along with Harry Kewell, who knew by then his contract would not be renewed.

Benitez has already been active in the transfer market having signed defender Philipp Degen from Borussia Dortmund.

The Liverpool manager is also believed to be chasing Ulrich Rame, Bordeaux's France international goalkeeper, and Italian left-back Andrea Dossena from Udinese.

But the possible departure of Alonso will disappoint Liverpool fans, the Basque-born star being a key player over recent seasons and scorer of one of the goals in the 2005 Champions League final win in Istanbul.

Lucas Excited About Future

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva believes he can only improve as a player.

The Brazilian put in a number of impressive performances in the Reds' midfield last season, rarely looking out of place as his side reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and finished fourth in the Barclays Premier League.

"I really enjoyed my first season with Liverpool," said the 21-year-old, who joined the club from Gremio.

"To play 31 games for a club like this in your first season is something I am proud of because it is not easy to adapt to football in a new country.”I did not play any games in the first three months because I was still adapting to the style but now I feel much more comfortable on the pitch and, hopefully, next season will be better.

"English football is completely different so I needed to learn quickly. I spoke a lot with Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano because they know what it takes to play in my position in England and they helped me a lot.

"I tried to do the right things and to learn from them because when you have players like them around you it makes you feel more confident.

"I think I got better as the season went on because at first I did not go forward as much as I would have liked. I was adapting and I wasn't that confident on the pitch. But as the season went on I improved and hopefully next season will be better.