Dossena Delight At Reds Deal

Andrea Dossena is delighted to become the first Italian international to play for Liverpool

The Udinese left-back will complete his move to Anfield in the coming days after undergoing a medical on Merseyside earlier this week.

Speaking exclusively to skysports.com, Dossena's agent Federico Pastorello revealed his client's delight at signing for Liverpool.

"I understand he is the first Italian international to play for Liverpool - a great opportunity for him and he is really happy," Pastorello revealed.

Dossena is expected to finalise his transfer in the next 48 hours before being unveiled by The Reds next week in a deal believed to be worth around £7million.

"He had his medical on Wednesday and we are just awaiting the formalities of that but we would think everything will be signed very shortly," he continued.

"An agreement between the clubs was hard, but we all found it and everything is now ready."

The 26-year-old had a tremendous campaign with Udinese, which included his debut for Italy, and Pastorello admits Liverpool beat a number of clubs to seal his signature.

"There were many teams interested in him," he confirmed.

"He was the best left-back in Italy last year, arguably along with the boy [Juan]Vargas at Catania.

"So it was natural that there will be interest in the best left-back in Serie A, but to have the chance to work with a coach like Rafa Benitez was something he could not turn down.

"That was an important aspect of his decision and he cannot wait to get started."

Tom Hicks Slams Talk Of Stadium Share

Tom Hicks today hit back at claims Liverpool could be willing to share a stadium with Everton.

Reports today suggested Liverpool’s American owners might be ready to change their stance on a ground share at the behest of North West Development Agency chief executive Steve Broomhead.

But Hicks insists a shared stadium is not on Liverpool’s agenda and has no interest in even considering it.

He also dismissed speculation that a meeting is scheduled with the NWDA to discuss the matter, as did Broomhead himself who revealed the talks which are due to take place with representatives of Kop Holdings next week will not include discussions about the possibility of Liverpool and Everton moving in together.

A spokesman for Hicks told the ECHO: “There is no interest in a shared stadium and no planned meeting to discuss this.”

Broomhead will hold talks with Kop Holdings next Friday in a bid to clarify funding issues over Liverpool’s planned new stadium on Stanley Park.

The original plans for Liverpool’s £300m ground included building work to begin last year, but the scheme was revised and the construction start delayed.

Now, as the credit crunch on both sides of the Atlantic continues to bite, the NWDA is seeking an update on Liverpool’s plans.

The agency has pledged to provide funding for important improvements to community facilities surrounding the new ground.

Broomhead said: “The meeting is to update me on where Liverpool FC and Kop Holdings are with the plans to fund the new stadium.

“I want to clarify where the funding is for the new Anfield.”

Broomhead is also closely involved with Everton’s controversial proposed move from Goodison to Kirkby, which is being funded by supermarket giant Tesco but subject to vehement objections from neighbouring local authorities and retailers.

However, he denied that the subject of a shared stadium by the two clubs which is favoured by Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley but rejected by both Everton and Liverpool is on next Friday’s agenda.

Broomhead, who confirmed that neither Hicks nor George Gillett will attend the briefing, said: “I am only interested in the economic benefits of improved sports facilities for Merseyside.”

Everton chief executive Keith Wyness also poured cold water on the speculation, saying: “I can categorically state that a shared stadium is not on the agenda of either club.”

Anfield US Owners Tom Hicks And George Gillett In Liverpool-Everton Shared Stadium Talks

The chief executive of the North West Development Agency has called for a "fundamental economic appraisal" of a shared stadium between Everton and Liverpool football clubs.

Steve Broomhead told the Liverpool Daily Post the idea needed to be looked at, given the current economic climate.

He is due to meet with Kop Holdings, Tom Hicks's and George Gillett's company, which owns Liverpool FC, next week. "More and more, it looks like if we are to upgrade the sporting stadiums for Merseyside, the ground sharing option has to go back on the table," Mr Broomhead said

"A fundamental economic appraisal of a ground share is needed."

Mr Broomhead said he had seen little progress at Anfield in raising money for the new stadium.

His call follows that of Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley, who last week said the idea of a shared ground should be explored.

Last night, Everton FC chief executive Keith Wyness said he had discussed the issue with Liverpool FC chief executive Rick Parry at a Football Association meeting in Leicestershire and a shared stadium "was not on the agenda of either club".

But last night a spokesman for Liverpool FC declined to comment.

Mr Broomhead's intervention follows Liverpool, Sefton, West Lancashire, and St Helens councils opposing Everton FC's plan to relocate to Kirkby.

The £400m scheme, which includes a Tesco superstore and 50 shops, will go before Knowsley council's planning committee on Monday.

The huge amount of opposition to the scheme and the fact it runs contrary to town centre and retail policies, increases the likelihood of the Government calling a public inquiry.

Last night, Mr Broomhead would not be drawn on whether the plans should be "called in" for a public inquiry.

Meanwhile, Liverpool FC received planning permission for a new £350m, 60,000-seater stadium on Stanley Park last month.

The club is understood to have £60m to get started on the new ground, but work is yet to start.

Mr Broomhead said: "We continue to watch this with interest. We are not seeing any real progress at Anfield in raising the money for the new stadium.

"I have been invited to discussions at the end of next week with Kop Holdings."

He said he was looking forward to hearing about the ownership of the club and financing for a new stadium on Stanley Park.

"We also continue to talk with Everton FC and Tesco."

He said the agency continued to support both Liverpool FC and Everton FC in their endeavours to build new stadia.

"But you have to wonder about the vast amounts of money being spent, given the current market conditions for investment."

Last night, Mr Wyness said: "Having discussed the matter with my Liverpool counterpart Rick Parry, I can categorically state that a shared stadium is not on the agenda of either club.

"We have a series of criteria which any prospective stadium must meet, and a shared stadium does not meet that criteria.

"When Mr Hicks and Mr Gillett took over Liverpool FC, they made it perfectly clear they were not interested."

He said he still believed that moving to Kirkby was the only viable option for Everton Football Club.

Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley said: "The idea seems to be gathering momentum, and a lot of people are looking at it.

"I think the feasibility should at least be looked at."

Liverpool Labour opposition leader Joe Anderson said the idea would have been "inconceivable" 18 months ago.

"The fact is we have got to work in the real world and both clubs are struggling financially.

"Maybe that's uncomfortable for both clubs and fans, but it is something that should be considered."

Liverpool Go Cool On Aaron Ramsey

Liverpool’s interest in Aaron Ramsey is unlikely to lead to a formal offer being made for the Welsh wonderkid.

The Reds have monitored Ramsey’s progress for more than a year and Rafa Benitez is an admirer of his obvious talent but the Liverpool manager knows his priority is to improve the first team this summer and is reluctant to spend a sizeable chunk of his transfer budget on a teenager with just 22 games to his name.

Cardiff City have accepted bids in the region of £5m for the 17-year-old midfielder from Man United, Everton and Arsenal but at that price, Liverpool’s interest is likely to cool.

Benitez has identified several areas of his squad which he is keen to strengthen with the full-back and wide positions being top of his list and Liverpool’s transfer activity will be centred on those areas.

Philipp Degen has already been snapped up and Liverpool are waiting for the formalities of Andrea Dossena’s medical to be completed before finalising his transfer from Udinese.

The £7m fee Liverpool have agreed with Udinese is based on an up front payment of £6m with add-ons and incentives.

Though Benitez would like to be able to move for Ramsey he is not willing to sacrifice other transfer targets whom he feels will have a more immediate impact.

As the Reds boss reshapes his squad ahead of the forthcoming campaign there is no shortage of interest in those members of his squad who have fallen out of favour.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has admitted for the first time that he would like to take Peter Crouch back to Fratton Park, although he is unwilling to meet Benitez’s £15m asking price.

While Roma have firmed up their long standing interest in John Arne Riise with an opening offer for the Norwegian only for it to fall short of Liverpool’s valuation.

Redknapp said: “I don’t know if the avenue for Peter Crouch is shut or not. If Liverpool are asking £15m for him it is certainly shut.

“I like Peter, but he belongs to Liverpool at the moment.

“If the price is right something could happen. If they wanted £10m it would certainly be more interesting. We do need another front man.”

Meanwhile, Steve Finnan has revealed he is considering coming out of international retirement to play for new Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni.

The Ireland manager is keen to persuade the Reds right back to return to the international fold and Finnan says he is planning to hold talks with Trapattoni.

“We’re going to have a chat,” he said. “When a new manager comes in that's normal, and out of respect you have to do so.

“The opportunity to work with someone of that experience is very tempting. He's got a great CV and he’s done really well at lots of clubs. Everyone in my position would consider it.

“No deadline's been put on making a final decision but I take it he'll want to know before the first World Cup qualifier.”

Rafa Benitez Steps Up Chase For David Bentley

With Gareth Barry expected at Anfield next week to fulfil his desire for Champions League football, Rafael Benitez is expected to step up his chase for another England international in David Bentley.

Bentley is believed to have been unsettled at Ewood Park for several months after he was left with nearly a full season without European football following Blackburn’s early exit from the Uefa Cup at the hands of Greek minnows Larissa.

With FA Cup winners Portsmouth and Carling Cup winners Tottenham finishing below the Lancastrians in the Premier League table, a seventh-place finish was not good enough to get Rovers back into continental competition again next season – even via the Intertoto Cup.

This week’s departure of manager Mark Hughes to Manchester City – another side who have finished below Blackburn but will be tasting Europe this summer via the Fair Play League – is set to spark an exodus of several major names at Ewood Park and Bentley is set to be leading the queue at the exit door.

Benitez is finally expected to snare Villa skipper Barry, who has served the Midlands club for 11 years, next week with the midfielder now back from international duty in Trinidad where he scored his first goal for his country.

The Anfield manager has already prepared for Barry’s arrival by allowing his compatriot Xabi Alonso to leave the club with the Spanish international having agreed terms over a move to Italians Juventus although the two clubs are yet to formalise a fee which could vary between £14-16m.

With the expected £10m plus deal for Barry potentially cancelled out by possible moves in the opposite direction for Peter Crouch, Scott Carson or even John Arne Riise, Benitez, who expects to tie up a move for Andrea Dossena today ahead of the Italian full-back’s wedding this weekend, will be expecting a considerable warchest from the club’s American owners to land a big name like Bentley to attempt to close the gap on Manchester United who can potentially equal Liverpool’s record of 18 League Championships with a title victory next May.

Since arriving from Valencia in 2004, where he won two domestic Spanish titles, Benitez, despite his success in European competition, has struggled to mount a serious charge for the Premier League crown.

That fact, combined with the looming threat from Fifa president Sepp Blatter that club sides may soon be forced to field six nationals in their starting line-ups, has prompted the Spaniard to try and attract more high profile English players to Anfield.

On average, Liverpool had just two English players – Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard – in their starting line-up last season, a figure which was the second lowest in the Premier League after Arsenal.

Ironically, Bentley, 23, who is now one of the hottest properties in the Premier League and regarded as the long term successor to David Beckham, left the Gunners after becoming frustrated at a lack of first team opportunities under Arsene Wenger whose multinational squads feature few homegrown stars.

Meanwhile, one of Liverpool’s big success stories from overseas, Fernando Torres, who netted 33 goals in his debut season at Anfield, has revealed that he believes Premier League centre-halves tend to rely on brut force rather than skill although he believes there is at least one exception among his opponents.

He said: "John Terry is captain (At Chelsea) so gets a much higher profile. But he’s only secondary to (Ricardo) Carvalho.

"The central defenders (in the Premier League) are usually big, strong, aggressive lads but Ricky is superb. He has every quality that is needed."

The Spanish striker, who eclipsed Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record for the most goals by a foreign striker in his debut Premier League campaign, certainly had the measure of most of the defences he has declared that a lot of his success is down to an unfamiliar source – Liverpool goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero.

"We’ve a Spanish goalkeeping coach and he has been a genius at telling me every week exactly what kind of task lies in front of me in the following match," said Torres.

"Nobody has ever worked with me like this before. It’s outstanding. Basically, I know days before the next game exactly the best way to finish a chance against the keeper I’m about to face.

"Xavi Valero tells me precisely what each keeper tends to do – stay big, go down early, if they have a preferred side they try to push you to. It’s vital information. I’ve refined the way I take chances as a result.

"This Liverpool side also works its socks off. Dirk Kuyt, for example, is spectacular in how cleverly and how hard he works to make sure I get top-quality possession near goal."

Liverpool Face Competition For Thiago

Monaco have declared their firm interest in Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, who is also reported to be a target for Rafa Benitez's Liverpool.

Thiago has been in stellar form for Fluminese, and his rapid development has not gone unnoticed by Carlos Dunga, who has rewarded him with call-ups to the national squad.

Monaco boss Ricardo, a former Fluminese player himself,had this to say about the highly promising 23-year-old: "He is a huge player, an ace.

"If we can attract him at Monaco, we will be good in defence. I will do my best to have him."

If Thiago does opt to sign for the French Principality club, they would actually become his third European team. In 2004, FC Porto signed the player, but he ended up being sold to Dynamo Moscow after one year of play in the second team.

Milan, Villarreal and Bayer Leverkusen are also known to be keen on Thiago, along with his former club Porto and their Portuguese rivals Benfica.

Redknapp Won't Pay Over The Odds

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp insists he will not be held to ransom over a summer move for Liverpool striker Peter Crouch.

Liverpool have slapped a £15million price tag on the England international, a fee which Portsmouth are refusing to pay.

Redknapp admits he is keen to bring the striker back for a second spell at Fratton Park, but will not pay over the odds in order to get his man.

Crouch is desperate to find regular first-team football, while Pompey are keen to boost their attacking options.

"I don't know if the avenue for Peter Crouch is shut or not," Redknapp told The News.

"If Liverpool are asking £15m for him it is certainly shut.

"I like Peter, but he belongs to Liverpool at the moment.

"If the price is right something could happen. If they wanted £10m it would certainly be more interesting. We do need another front man.

"At the moment we have David Nugent, Kanu and Jermain Defoe. We need another one up there, at least.

"You need to have at least four strikers. So I need another good one up there."

Redknapp confirmed that his search for new faces has been restricted to the domestic market so far, but refused to rule out the possibility of branching further afield in an attempt to find players of the required quality at a price the club can afford.

"We're looking around at a few things at the moment," he said.

"We are still making enquiries. They have mostly been at home in England, to be honest.

"We are seeing what is possible."

Liverpool Stay In Hunt For Ramsey

Liverpool are considering challenging for Aaron Ramsey’s signature after the Cardiff youngster’s move to Manchester United was thrown into doubt last night.

United announced they had snapped up for the 17-year-old winger before Cardiff issued a swift response denying a deal had been done. Arsenal joined the chase after City gave permission for £5million-rated Ramsey to open contract talks with Barclays Premier League clubs.

Liverpool are understood to have made an initial offer that fell short of that valuation, but are now considering a deal involving cash and a season’s loan of two youngsters, wide men Paul Anderson and Adam Hammill.

“We can confirm that on Tuesday, June 3, Cardiff City have received formal bids from three top Premier League teams for Aaron Ramsey and that he has been given permission to speak to two of these teams,” said a Cardiff statement. “One of these teams is Manchester United, as has been reported, although at this stage we can confirm that no deal has been done and the player has not yet agreed terms.

“More details will be made available as they are released to us.”

Ramsey, who has also interested Everton, has been labelled the next Ryan Giggs – something Manchester United were predictably only too keen to rush out when they released an official statement on their website.

It read: “Manchester United is delighted to announce it has agreed terms with Cardiff City for the transfer of Aaron Ramsey, subject to contract terms being agreed and the player passing a medical.

“Ramsey, who has attracted plenty of interest from the best clubs in England, is considered one of his country’s brightest prospects in recent years and follows in an impressive line of left-sided Welsh players, including Gareth Bale and his idol, Ryan Giggs.”

Cardiff manager Dave Jones said: “Whatever happens, the move must be right for Aaron.

“I am sure he will make the right decision.

“When it came to this deal, we have always maintained that, of course, it had to be right for Cardiff City, but it also had to be the right move to continue Aaron’s development.

“He will become one of the best Welsh international players in history, but it is up to the kid now.”

Caerphilly-born Ramsey came to prominence this season and played his part in the Welsh club’s run to last month’s FA Cup final, which they lost to Portsmouth.

He overtook John Toshack as Cardiff’s youngest-ever senior player when he came on aged just 16 years and 123 days against Hull the season before last.

He was called up by national coach Toshack for Wales’ friendlies in Iceland and Holland last week, but is still to win his first senior cap.

Andrea Dossena Flies In To Sign Liverpool FC Deal

Andrea Dossena was today undergoing a medical ahead of his expected £7m move to Liverpool.

The Italian left back is due to get married this weekend but such is his desire to sign for the Reds he has taken time out from his wedding preparations to fly to Merseyside to undergo his medical.

A fee in the region of £7m has been agreed with Udinese and terms have also been agreed with the player who was revealed as Rafa Benitez's number one target for the left back position last month.

The deal to sign him was held up by Udinese's initial demands with the Serie A club seeking up to £8m for the 26-year-old but a compromise has now been reached and, barring any last minute hitches, Dossena will become Liverpool's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Swiss right back Philipp Degen.

Dossena's agent Federico Pastorello admitted: "Everything is confirmed and we have already exchanged all the documents via fax. The deal is practically done."

Although Dossena has not made the Italian national squad for the forthcoming European Championships in Austria and Switzerland, he is considered one of the most improved players in Italy over the last 12 months and his impressive displays for Udinese led to him being awarded his first full cap in a friendly against South Africa last season.

His form alerted Benitez, who had made the recruitment of a top class left back one of his priorities for this summer.

With the out of favour John Arne Riise having been told he has no future at Anfield, the Reds boss is hopeful of recouping the majority of his outlay on Dossena by selling the Norwegian defender – with AS Roma and Newcastle leading the chase for his services.

Dossena only recently signed a new four and a half year deal with Udinese but that has not stopped Liverpool from coming to an agreement with his club and Benitez will be delighted that another piece of his summer rebuilding programme now looks set to fall into place.

Meanwhile, Fernando Torres is confident of being fit for Spain's start to Euro 2008 despite struggling with an ankle injury.

The 33-goal Reds marksman is hopeful of featuring in tonight's warm-up clash with the USA despite reports suggesting he could miss Spain's opening fixture against Russia on June 10.

Torres was replaced at half-time during last Saturday's 2-1 friendly win over Peru in Huelva after complaining of an ankle problem.

"My ankle is fine. It was touch and go the other day, but it's gradually improving," he revealed.

"We'll see, but at the moment I think that I'll have no problems for the USA match. The coach decides, but the important thing is that we prepare for the Euros as well as possible."

Aston Villa Edge Ahead In Race To Sign Peter Crouch

Aston Villa are edging ahead in the race to sign Peter Crouch - as Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp officially declared his interest in the Liverpool forward.

The Midlanders are considering taking Crouch back to Villa Park in a deal that could finally pave the way for Gareth Barry’s departure to Anfield.

Martin O’Neill is reluctant to lose his captain but with Liverpool lining up their next bid, the Villa manager is believed to be willing to accept Crouch as part of a £15million package.

Crouch has previously been tipped to return to another of his former clubs, Portsmouth – but Redknapp admits he is being priced out in the current climate.

“I don’t know if the avenue for Peter Crouch is shut or not,” Redknapp said.

“If Liverpool are asking £15m for him it is certainly shut.

“I like Peter, but he belongs to Liverpool at the moment.

“If the price is right something could happen. If they wanted £10million it would certainly be more interesting. We do need another front man.

“At the moment we have David Nugent, Kanu and Jermain Defoe. We need another one up there, at least.

“You need to have at least four strikers. So I need another good one up there.”

Liverpool are willing to cash in on Crouch while he seeks the type of regular first-team football manager Rafael Benitez is unable to guarantee him.

Newcastle are also monitoring the situation as they have long and short-term doubts over all their current crop of forwards and he also saw his top target Dean Ashton committing his future to West Ham by signing a new five-year deal last night.

He is also hoping to raise the funds to bring John Arne Riise from his former club.

Also close to the Anfield exit is Xabi Alonso, whose agent has claimed further talks are planned between Liverpool and Juventus with a view to the Spain international moving to Serie A.

Ignacio Ibanez said: “Juventus have expressed an interest in acquiring Xabi. The clubs have spoken and they will speak again.

“But it’s down to Liverpool to decide whether they want to sell the player or not. From my part I am waiting to see what happens.”

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

He will feature for Spain in Euro 2008 before finalising any potential move.

One piece of business that has been done between Liverpool and an Italian club is the signing of left-back Andrea Dossena.

His £7million move will be completed after he took his medical on Merseyside yesterday.

The player’s agent, Federico Pastorello, said: “Everything is confirmed and we have already exchanged documents via fax. The deal is practically done.”

Torres Unimpressed By Defenders

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has hailed Chelsea's Ricardo Carvalho as the best defender in the Premier League.

The Spaniard enjoyed a superb first season in the Premier League but he believes his job was made easier by some poor defending.

He found most of the centre-backs he came across to be more brawn than brains, and admits he was able to capitalise on some careless mistakes.

One exception was Carvalho, who Torres feels does not get the credit he deserves.

Torres rates the Portugal international above his Chelsea team-mate John Terry and thinks he is one of the most impressive defenders in world football.

"Terry is captain so gets a much higher profile. But he's only secondary to Carvalho," Torres told The Sun.

"Ricky is superb. He has every quality that is needed."

Torres added: "The central defenders (in the Premier League) are usually big, strong, aggressive lads.

"I guess it is probably because of these characteristics that the majority think they can solve problems by getting tough with me.

"But the truth is most of them lack defensive positioning as a result of their reliance on strength and aggression and leave so much space for you to take advantage of."

Fernando Torres Can Supplant Raul To Become Spain's Goal-scoring Star At Euro 2008

With Raul finally out of the picture after all these years, having been controversially omitted from the Spain squad, Fernando Torres can't have any doubts that the hopes of a nation rest more heavily on his shoulders than ever before.

For if Luis Aragones' side are to fulfil their great promise by finally giving Spain something to shout about, a striker will need to produce. And no one is better qualified, or indeed in better form, than this quietly confident 24-year-old who has had a prolific debut season for Liverpool.

Mind you, the weight of expectation doesn't seem to overly bother him. Atletico Madrid's youngest captain at the age of 19 and now bearing the goalscoring brunt at Anfield, this baby-faced striker with a mentally tough streak seems to accept responsibility as comfortably as a spinning through-ball.

And when you look at the names backing him up in Austria and Switzerland, there shouldn't be a dearth of quality passes. Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and the Barcelona pair of Xavi and Andres Iniesta can all slickly load the gun, as can clubmate Xabi Alonso.

'El Nino' might even get help up front from the hard-working David Villa if Aragones departs from the 4-3-3 shape that earned qualification. Yet those matches, plus his escapades for Liverpool, prove that Torres is more than capable of leading the line on his own, armed with a blistering turn of pace, sinewy strength and ruthless finishing ability.

It doesn't take a genius to work out, then, that if he comes out of the traps suitably prepared, if his movement and instincts prove as sharp as normal, he should cause an awful lot of problems to opponents. He should also enjoy better service than most of the forwards vying to finish as the tournament's top scorer.

You can actually get 11-1 on him coming out on top, which isn't a bad bet considering Greece, Russia and Sweden make up Group D. A couple of goals early on and Torres will quickly turn into the man everyone must stop.

Riise To Roma?

Reports from the continent claim Roma are preparing to pounce for Liverpool defender John Arne Riise.

The Norwegian left-back is uncertain of his future at Anfield, having fallen out of favour with manager Rafa Benitez over the last two seasons.

With Fabio Aurelio establishing himself as the Reds first choice on the left side of defence, and Andreas Dossena on the verge of joining from Udinese, Riise could well be shown the door this summer.

Many believe the 26-year-old’s fate was sealed during the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea, when he headed into his own net in the first leg and was at fault for Didier Drogba’s winner in the second leg.

Aston Villa and Newcastle have expressed interest in the former Monaco man, but sources in Italy suggest Roma could nip in with a ₤5million bid.

Giallorossi boss Luciano Spalletti is keen strengthen his defensive options ahead of next season, having identified both full-back slots as the team's major weakness.

Liverpool On Verge Of Dossena Signing

Liverpool are on the verge of signing Udinese full-back Andrea Dossena in a £7 million deal, according to the player's agent.

Although nothing has been officially announced as yet, Dossena can almost certainly be considered a Liverpool player according to his agent Federico Pastorello.

The 26-year-old full-back has been linked to the Reds for a long period and, despite a few hiccups in the negotiations with Udinese, he is expected to be playing at Anfield next season.

"Everything is confirmed and we have already exchanged all the documents via fax. The deal is practically done," Pastorello explained to Football Italia.

Udinese are expected to settle on an offer of just over £7 million from Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, with Dossena set to undergo a medical at Anfield on Wednesday afternoon.

Dossena is coming out of an outstanding campaign, where he was one of Serie A’s best full-backs. The left-back made 35 appearances, managing to score two goals and provide many assists for the Zebrette strikers.

However, the former Verona and Treviso player still wasn't able to make Italy boss Roberto Donadoni's Euro 2008 squad and will be hoping that a move to Anfield will boost his international credentials, having only earned one cap to date.

Liverpool boss Benitez has wasted little time setting about his transfer plans for the summer. Right-back Phillipp Degen has already been signed on a free transfer, and the signing of Dossena will ensure that both full-back positions have been strengthened.

Benitez has also made no secret in his desire to land Aston Villa's Gareth Barry this summer and is also reportedly ambitously chasing Ricardo Quaresma of FC Porto and Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery.

Gareth Barry Will Cost Liverpool £8m And Peter Crouch

Martin O'Neill wants £8million AND Peter Crouch for Gareth Barry.

That is what the Aston Villa manager will tell Liverpool when they make their improved offer for the England midfield star.

Anfield gaffer Rafa Benitez is poised to make a new bid for Barry after O'Neill dismissed his opening £10million offer, made up of cash and players.

O'Neill is determined to play hardball in the negotiations for his talisman and skipper, who has been at the club for more than a decade, and will only reluctantly let him go if he feels it is a good deal for Villa.

The Ulsterman feels Barry is worth at least £15m, following his best season for club and country, and is prepared to consider Crouch as a makeweight in any transaction.

But O'Neill's £7m valuation of Crouch is way below Benitez's stated asking price of £15m.

Benitez will want much more for the England striker - who is being eyed up by a number of other Premier League managers including Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth - even though he is set to cash in on Xabi Alonso's imminent move to Juventus.

Liverpool are willing to throw Jermaine Pennant into the mix, although O'Neill is reluctant to accept the former Birmingham winger as part of any deal.

Benitez is quietly confident of landing Barry, who linked up so well with Steven Gerrard for England, and O'Neill's bargaining position may not be as strong as he believes.

Barry, 27, has undermined him by admitting he is flattered by Liverpool's interest and that he would like to play in the Champions League.

The midfielder has also refused Villa's offer to make him the best-paid player in their history and could force O'Neill's hand after stating he wants his future resolved quickly.

Rafa Awarded Honorary Doctorate

Rafael Benitez is today being honoured in his homeland with an Honorary Doctorate from the Miguel Hernandez University (Elche) in the province of Alicante.

The Liverpool manager will be joined by his family for the ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.

The award is to recognise his stature as a coach and the way he uses scientific methodology in his training sessions.

Also expected to attend the event are celebrities from the world of sport and culture, as well as politicians from the academic field.

Before he receives his award, Benitez will meet up with students currently studying sports sciences at the UMH.

Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I'm really pleased and proud.

"The award is in recognition of a long career in football. It's not easy to spend so long in one career after you leave university and so I am delighted.

"Of course to have a long career you need the support of your family and the other people behind you on your staff. I've had that and been fortunate that everyone has been working really hard with me."

Manchester City Chief Lined Up As Parry Faces The Axe At Liverpool

The future of Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry looks uncertain after it emerged that his opposite number at Manchester City has been approached about his job.

Last season Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks labelled Parry a failure and called on him to resign. Now the Hicks camp have asked Alistair Mackintosh if he would consider a switch.

With Mackintosh unsettled by life under Thaksin Shinawatra at City, a move to Liverpool would be attractive. The nature of his role at City is unclear after the appointment of executive chairman Gary Cook.

If Parry is to keep his job, he must hope that Hicks loses his power struggle with co-owner George Gillett. Hicks' plan to replace Parry will go through if he can persuade his business partner and former friend to sell his stake in Liverpool.

Mackintosh will be seen as a surprise choice in some quarters but it is understood that Hicks has been impressed by the manner in which the 37-year-old chief executive raised City's profile until the sale of the club to Thaksin by former chairman John Wardle last summer.

With Liverpool due to move to a new stadium in nearby Stanley Park in the coming years, Hicks also feels that Mackintosh's experience in relocating City to the City of Manchester Stadium could be a benefit.

Spain Fret As Torres Misses Training

Spanish international Fernando Torres was forced to miss training on Monday, after suffering a minor ankle injury in the 2-1 victory over Peru on Saturday.

Torres' absence was the biggest news in the Spanish camp on Monday. The Liverpool striker was unable to train with his team-mates after suffering a minor injury to his right ankle in the win over Peru.

The former Atletico Madrid hitman was restricted to the gymnasium, but the lethal striker should be available for Spain's final warm-up clash with the United States on Wednesday. Tests revealed the 24-year-old only has a minor ankle injury, and he should be back in action in no time.

Despite Torres' injury, the Spanish national team still completed an intense training session at the Ciudad del Futbol de La Rozas complex behind closed-doors. Luis Aragones divided the squad into two groups, defense and attack, as they underwent different kinds of exercises.

Aragones didn't provide the press with any details of who will turn out in their starting eleven against the United States on Wednesday. Still, a recovered Torres is expected to be in the team against America.

Spurs To Hijack Reds' Bentley Bid

Tottenham are set to hijack Liverpool's plans to sign David Bentley by offering Blackburn a cash plus players offer for the England star.

Tottenham boss Juande Ramos is set to make wholesale changes to his White Hart Lane playing squad this summer as he attempts to steer Spurs into the top four of the Premier League next season.

And according to The People, Ramos sees Bentley as a vital component if he is to achieve that goal for the North London side. Reports suggest that the Spaniard is ready to offer Rovers a deal that would see midfielder Hossam Ghaly, winger Aaron Lennon and £7 million head to Ewood Park.

Rovers boss Mark Hughes, whose future at Ewood is uncertain due to his reported presence on the shortlist for the Chelsea managers job, may be tempted by the offer as Lennon would act as a direct replacement for Bentley on the right wing, and Ghaly would provide back-up for veteran Turkish central midfielder Tugay.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has had Bentley and his England colleague Gareth Barry high on his summer shopping list ever since the Premier League season came to a close - but is more likely to offer straight cash for the former Arsenal man, who has expressed his disappointment at Blackburn’s failure to qualify for Europe.

Spurs, meanwhile, are reportedly set to turn to Diego Milito if they fail to hang on to their much sought after star Dimitar Berbatov, who may be lured by the chance to play in the Champions League next season.

Newcastle To Swoop For Anfeld Pair?

Newcastle United are being linked with a possible move for Liverpool pair Peter Crouch and John Arne Riise.

As Kevin Keegan looks to strengthen his Newcastle squad, there is speculation that he copuld mount a double bid for his old club's striker Peter Crouch and full-back John Arne Riise.

This summer will be Keegan's first opportunity to enter the transfer market on behalf of Newcastle since he ended his first spell as Magpies' manager nine years ago.

He is keen to mould his squad for next season and is therefore expected to make some significant signings this summer.

He has Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins recovering from an ankle injury sustained on international duty and set to join Australian Mark Viduka on the sidelines for pre-season. So a striker with the track record of Crouch is thought to be an attractibve proposition for Keegan.

At the same time Norwegian left-back Riise has been linked with Newcastle for some time. Keegan has only Jose Enrique as a specialist in that position, and Riise can also provide cover in midfield.

Currently Michael Owen - who missed England's two recent friendlies with an infectious virus - is the only 'fit' first-team striker at St James' Park, and he has suffered a catalogue of injury set-backs in recent seasons.

Crouch on the other hand just wants the chance to play regular first-team football.