Steven Gerrard Confident That Liverpool Will Fight For Trophies Next Season

Liverpool's talismanic captain Steven Gerrard is convinced that his side will be a much improved unit next season that will be competing for silverware, and points to their league record this campaign as evidence that they are a fine team that only requires minor tweaking in order to collect some tangible rewards.

"You look at the points tally," he stated to Sky Sports News. "We finished the season with 86 points. Usually that's enough to be crowned champions.

"But Manchester United have played at a terrific standard this year and unfortunately we've finished runners-up. But we're very close.

"I'm sure the manager will want to strengthen the team and the squad over the summer.

"I don't think there's many changes that need making, but we need to freshen things up like all the other teams do, and I feel as if we can fight for all the big trophies next year."

The England international refused to be drawn on which areas that the Reds need to improve, preferring to trust his manager's judgement, although he didn't think that too much change was required.

"I think that's for Rafa to answer," he affirmed. "I'm sure he's already working on what part of the squad needs strengthening. I think if you look at Manchester United's squad and Chelsea's squad and you look at how strong their benches are, and even how strong the players are that aren't even making their eighteens, then we're off that at moment.

"We're maybe two or three players away from having a squad on a level par with them two. I feel that's how close we are."

Liverpool Players Tell Rafael Benitez To Sign Michael Owen

Michael Owen could be set for a shock return to Anfield, according to a report in the Sunday People.

The British tabloid claims that senior Liverpool players have urged manager Rafael Benitez to sign the Newcastle United striker who is out of contract at St James’ Park.

The players reportedly believe that Owen is worth a gamble, particularly as he is available on a free transfer, and that he would be warmly welcomed back to the club by the fans.

Owen spent eight years on Merseyside, winning an FA Cup, two League Cups and the UEFA Cup before moving to Real Madrid in 2004.

However, since returning to England with Newcastle, he has been plagued by injury and has struggled for his best form this season as the Magpies dropped out of the Premier League.

The striker looks certain to walk away from Tyneside this summer and make an instant return to the top-flight, with both Everton and Tottenham Hotspur both linked with the player.

Whilst Owen would no doubt welcome a return to Anfield, Benitez has previously insisted he is not interested in signing the Newcastle man.

However, the Sunday People insists that Owen could still return to Liverpool with the players seeing him as a perfect back up for striker Fernando Torres.

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard: I Am Still Improving As A Player

After receiving the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award at a gala dinner in London on Friday, Steven Gerrard suggested that he is yet to reach his peak.

Indeed, the Liverpool captain hinted that he will only continue to become a better player, insisting that he is still improving in training as he strives to realise his potential.

"The coaches are always driving me on, trying to improve me as a player. I’m 29 now and I still feel I can get better," Gerrard, who celebrates his birthday on Saturday, was quoted as saying by The Guardian on Friday.

"I am still learning every single day in training, working on parts of my game, am still very hungry and ambitious.

"There is still a lot to achieve for me personally, for Liverpool and England, so hopefully next year is going to be a lot bigger for me trophy wise."

Meanwhile, England head coach Fabio Capello urged the attacking midfielder to take his club form into the World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra in June.

"Steve, you have played a fantastic season, and scored a lot of goals. Now, please, just two more to help us towards South Africa," Capello remarked.

Fernando Torres: Liverpool Should Sign Valencia's Villa & Silva

Fernando Torres has urged Liverpool to sign Valencia duo David Silva and David Villa during the close-season.

It is thought that Los Che may have to cash-in on a number of their most prised assets this summer in order to help ease some of the huge debts they have reportedly accrued.

The 25-year-old is confident that his team-mates at international level would provide the Reds with that extra bit of quality required to mount a serious challenge for silverware on more than one front next season.

"Villa and Silva would complement Liverpool greatly," Torres told Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

Following Barcelona's victory over Manchester United in the Champions League final on Wednesday, the debate has continued over which league is stronger; the Premier League or Primera Division.

"It is difficult to say which league is better, but The Premiership (sic) is more competitive because the British are becoming stronger and players are coming to England," Torres remarked.

The 6ft 1in striker also insisted that should Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez ever move to Real Madrid, there is no chance that he will follow.

Torres says he is happy to continue playing for the Merseyside outfit before returning to Los Blancos' local rivals Atletico Madrid, who he represented between 2001 and 2007 after rising through their youth ranks.

"I would not follow in his [Benitez's] footsteps, It would be important to end my career where it started [at Atletico]," Torres added.

"I have improved a lot [at Liverpool]. I managed to score more goals than any other foreigner in his first year in The Premiership and was third in the Golden Ball."

Real Madrid & Liverpool Reach Xabi Alonso Agreement

Liverpool and Real Madrid have reached an agreement over Xabi Alonso, and the player will be presented next week, according to reports.

According to Sport, the two clubs have settled on terms and all the remains is the player's signature. The initial transfer fee is €25 million, but the fee could increase depending on whether or not Liverpool can come to an agreement with Gabriel Heinze, who could be part of the deal.

Alonso is expected to sign a five-year contract and will be presented next week, when he will be in Madrid for the Spanish training camp ahead of the Confederations Cup.

It is believed that Liverpool also tried to involve Alvaro Negredo in the discussions, but that was not a viable option, since Madrid would have had to pay €15 million just to exercise their buy-out clause with Almeria.

Rumours are also suggesting that Florentino Perez will present his new coach next Monday, with Manuel Pellegrini the overwhelming favourite.

Alonso is likely to be the first of many signings over the summer, with Perez expected to spend in excess of €300 million.

Pierpaolo Marino: Napoli Not Interested In Liverpool Bids For Lavezzi

Napoli sporting director Pierpaolo Marino insists he has have never received an offer from Liverpool for Lavezzi, and he has no intention of selling the hitman.

The Argentinean has been hotly tipped to make the move to the Premier League this summer and, according to reports, Liverpool are keen to land him.

Lavezzi's agent Alejandro Mazzoni claimed his client could be leaving the San Paolo for Anfield, but Marino has other ideas, contrary to opinions which have been expressed so far.

"I have never received offers from Liverpool, and we are not interested in receiving any," Marino told Il Corriere Dello Sport.

"I know the rules of the game, and I will not fall into the trap of commenting on something which doesn't exist.

"We have never thought about parting company with Lavezzi or [Marek] Hamsik."

Reports suggested Liverpool had made a bid for Lavezzi, only to have it turned down, but Marino's words imply that the Italian side have not been tempted by the Reds.

Lavezzi's Napoli future seems safe for now, but the speculation is likely to continue.

Liverpool Have Not Signed Juventude's Zezinho

Liverpool have not signed Brazilian starlet Zezinho from Juventude, according to the South American club's president, Sergio Florian.

Reds manager Rafa Benitez has reportedly been keeping tabs on the player, but a deal has not yet materialised, it seems.

"They [Liverpool] have already put money in the bank? I don't know anything about this," Florian is reported as saying by Sky Sports.

"In truth, nothing has happened, no type of business. I can't say anything more about this because they're nothing but enquiries."

Rumours had circulated that the move was a done deal, though it is clear that the switch has not yet taken place. The attacker has represented his country at Under-17 level.

Rafa Benitez Set For Transfer Boost With Liverpool Set To Seal £350m Refinancing Deal

Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are set to issue a statement of intent about their long-term commitment to the club by landing a £350million refinancing deal.

Sunday Mirror Sport can reveal that accountants from the Royal Bank of Scotland and Wells Fargo are currently examining Liverpool's financial figures with a view to agreeing a loan package that will ease the pressure on the two Americans.

The move could also bring an improved summer transfer budget for manager Rafa Benitez, who has made Carlos Tevez his No.1 target, but is unable to meet the £25.5m price being asked by the Argentine's owners.

The deal will hinge on Hicks and Gillett pouring more of their own personal finance into Anfield - and the pair are looking to raise funds by selling off some of their other sporting interests in the United States.

Hicks is ready to sell his majority stake in baseball club Texas Rangers while Gillett is searching for a buyer for the ice hockey outfit Montreal Canadiens to gen-eratcash. But with Liverpool set to announce record turnover and increased profits of almost £40m this week, there is increased confidence that the club can easily service a new loan agreement.

An insider said: "Despite claims to the contrary, both owners have spent about £80m of their own money on Liverpool over the past two years.

"They have done so because they are committed to the club and because they always believed a new refinancing package would be agreed.

"The new deal is now very close to happening." The existing loan taken out to finance the initial purchase of the club is set to expire in July - and there were worries that the credit crunch would force Hicks and Gillett to sell.

But both men have healed the personal rift which saw Gillett trying to find a buyer for his 50 per cent stake in the club. And there was a growing confidence inside Anfield that they could win an extension of the loan facility anyway thanks to the club's profitability.

But now they are on the verge of agreeing a deal that will give them the scope to press ahead with their ambitious plans.

Top of the agenda will be to find investors to fund a new stadium at Stanley Park.

Liverpool Legend Delighted With Torres' Dedication To Anfield

The reactions of delighted fans and pundits alike have begun to circulate as Fernando Torres committed his footballing prowess to Liverpool FC until the summer of 2014.

One such fan included in the swarms of those thrilled by the news is former Reds striker David Fairclough. Playing his football for the Anfield outfit during the late seventies, Fairclough has achieved something of a legendary status at the club, and the star was quick to voice his opinion on the re-signing of 'Pool's Spanish diamond.

"I'm absolutely delighted, as I think all Liverpool fans will be," Fairclough told Setanta Sports.

"It’s fantastic for Liverpool as a club, and it shows they’re going in the right place. Big players of the likes of Steven Gerrard and now Fernando Torres are willing to commit their futures to Liverpool.

"I think it can only be a good sign to other players who perhaps look at Liverpool as maybe a team that they might be interested in joining."

Following in footsteps of Steven Gerrard, Fairclough feels that Torres' commitment to the club has sent out a message to opposing teams and potential future signings alike that Liverpool are getting stronger, and that a lot should be expected from the club in the near future.

"[Torres'] first year was incredible and we all thought he was going to emulate that in his second season. The fact he was so involved in the European Championships with Spain maybe worked against him slightly, and he’s had a stop-start second season," the retired star went on.

"But we’re all hoping he’ll get the necessary rest that he needs to recharge the batteries, and come back as good as ever.

"He has that pace, drive, and is the type of player that can get the fans out of their seats. He can pull off the spectacular and Liverpool fans took him to their hearts almost immediately.

"He’s exactly the type of player Liverpool were looking for."

Torres Signs New Contract At Liverpool FC

Fernando Torres has committed his future to Liverpool by signing a new contract at Anfield.

The Spanish striker, who penned a six-year deal on his arrival in 2007, has agreed improved terms and an extended deal which ties him to the club for a further year until 2014.

Torres’ fresh package is a reward for the impressive start he has made to his time in England, having netted 50 goals in his first two seasons for Liverpool.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said: “Fernando is one of the best strikers in the game today and, at his age, can only get better.

“Every major side would want him in their team, but he has shown how much he wants to achieve success at Liverpool by committing his future to the club.

“He’s a special talent, but still has the hunger to improve his game.”

Torres joins Dirk Kuyt, Daniel Agger, Steven Gerrard and Benitez in agreeing new deals at Anfield over the past two months.

Benitez added: “We’ve made huge progress this season and now we need to take the next step. We are building something special here and securing such important players on long-term deals means we can move forward with confidence.

“This sends out a very positive message to everyone connected with the club.”

Meanwhile, Benitez has revealed how Sami Hyypia’s departure this summer could open the first-team door for one of the club’s young defenders.

England youth international Martin Kelly and Spanish-U21 Mikel San Jose are among a clutch of budding centre-backs.

While Benitez is refusing to rule out adding to his defensive ranks this summer, the Spaniard is set to include several youngsters in his pre-season plans.

He said: “We will see the young players in pre-season and we can work on different scenarios. We will see all of them and after decide. They are young players with a great future here.”

Liverpool Target Villa Could Stay At Valencia

Valencia striker David Villa says he could snub a big-money move even though his team failed to reach the Champions League.

The Spain striker has been tipped to join Liverpool or Real Madrid and had previously indicated he was desperate to play in the Champions League next campaign.

But the £25million-rated hitman said: 'I believe it lacks respect to discredit the Europa League.

'One of the things that made this club great was winning the UEFA Cup,'

'The offers that will arrive are going to arrive at the club, not to me,' he added.

'I am contracted for five years with Valencia and even if they choose to sell me, it is still my decision whether or not to leave.'

Athletic Bilbao’s Javi Martinez Welcomes Liverpool Interest

Javi Martinez has welcomed Liverpool's interest in his services but is refusing to let the rumours and speculation affect him as he focuses on Athletic Club's last game of the season.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez is reported to be lining up a move for the 20-year-old midfielder as he aims to bolster his squad in a bid to go one better next term and lift the Premier League title.

Liverpool have yet to make any formal move for Martinez and he is not allowing himself to consider a transfer. He has, however, admitted that any player would have to consider joining the English outfit.

"I am absolutely calm, the rumours do not disturb me," he told reporters in Bilbao.

"If I receive an offer, I will deal with it with the club.

"Liverpool are a great team with a great history and any player would like to go there."

Martinez has been touted as a possible replacement for Xabi Alonso, but he could also be a player signed to bolster the midfield’s depth if the Spanish international remains at Anfield.

Ryan Babel Not Ready To Leave Liverpool

The agent of Ryan Babel has moved to quash recent reports claiming that he could be on his way out of Liverpool during the close-season.

It was alleged on Wednesday that the 22-year-old had been informed by Reds manager Rafa Benitez that he can move on this summer as he cannot guarantee him regular football in the starting eleven next season.

It was claimed earlier on Thursday that the 30-time capped Netherlands international could complete a switch to either the Primera Division or Serie A in time for the start of the 2009/10 campaign, while Tottenham Hotspur were mentioned as a possible destination should he wish to stay in England.

However, the former Ajax star's representative Winnie Haatrecht inists that the versatile forward has no plans to head for the exit doors at Anfield until he has left his mark on the club.

"We'll get around the table with Mr. Benitez soon to evaluate the season," Haatrecht told Sportwereld.

"He has not had the time to establish himself.

"Ryan left Ajax for Liverpool because he wanted to win trophies and, so far, he hasn't succeeded.

"Ryan wants to leave Liverpool as a first-team player with a prize in his pocket. He is not ready to go."

Juventus Pushing For Liverpool Stopper Andrea Dossena

Juventus are pushing ahead with plans to strengthen their defence and they are looking at Liverpool's Andrea Dossena for the left flank, according to Il Corriere Dello Sport.

The report suggests directors at Vinovo have highlighted the Italian international as their next priority. Dossena has not enjoyed the best of seasons at Anfield after moving there from Udinese last year. His appearances have been limited under Rafael Benitez, leading to speculation that his future there is in doubt.

Juve are monitoring the situation carefully as they plan to strengthen their back line further. Having already signed Fabio Cannavaro, Juve would like to add some muscle on the left. Paolo De Ceglie's lack of experience and Cristian Molinaro's inconsistency has led to a decision being made in Turin that a hardened, more experienced stopper is needed.

If the Old Lady fail to land Dossena, they have Lyon's Fabio Grosso and Lazio's Aleksandar Kolarov in mind. The latter two could be hard to sign. Grosso has claimed he is happy in France, while the Aquilotti are likely to play hard ball over Kolarov.

Liverpool's Fernando Torres Marries Childhood Sweetheart In Front Of Just Two Guests

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Liverpool' striker Fernando Torres has married his childhood sweetheart, Olalla Dominguez.

Apparently, the 24-year-old Spain international and 23-year-old Olalla, who is seven months pregnant, travelled to a small town called El Escorial north of Madrid last Wednesday where the low-key wedding was played out.

So secret was the ceremony that the couple, who have been together for eight years, wed in front of only two guests.

"It was hardly a ceremony fit for a superstar. It was small and romantic, but there was nothing glam about the day at all," an inside source is quoted as saying.

Olalla, who studies the equivalent of an Open University course, last year described Torres as, "[a] very shy and a very good person. He is the man of my life."

It is claimed that the pair may throw a much larger celebration at a later date.

"Fans expect something lavish from a local hero. They may be planning a bigger public do," the inside source added.

It was announce on Thursday that Torres had agreed a new four-year deal with Liverpool, keeping him at Anfield until 2013 with an option to extend the contract by a further year.

Danijel Pranjic Confirms Interest In Potential Liverpool Move

Danijel Pranjic, the Hereenveen winger who scored 16 goals for the Eredivisie club this season, helping them win the Dutch Cup in the process, has reacted favourably to the rumours linking him with with a potential move to join up with Rafa Benitez at Liverpool.

Despite his keenness on swapping the Netherlands for England, Pranjic claims that he would prefer a move to Spain, because of the slower pace of the game and the sunshine. Still, should Benitez get in touch, he could not turn a club like the Merseyside giants down.

"For me it is really, really incredible if I imagine I can play for Liverpool," Pranjic told Sky Sports News.

"It is a dream for every player; it is the biggest club in England.

"I am very fast - I can run a lot and I think that is what you need in England.

"If I can choose between England, or maybe Spain, I would choose Spain because I like that kind of football, that kind of life.

"I like good weather and in England it is always raining, which is what I don't like about England.

"But if Liverpool come for me, of course, I could not say no."

Liverpool Midfielder Javier Mascherano Denies Barcelona Link

Liverpool's midfield monster, Javier Mascherano, has once again reaffirmed his intent to stay at Anfield, brushing off any claims that a move to Barcelona was a strong possibility.

Honouring his five-year contract with the Reds, the Argentine claims that he only has eyes for Liverpool - especially since becoming an integral part of Rafa Benitez's well-drilled midfield.

Reports stating that Mascherano is leaving Anfield has the 24-year-old slightly miffed after making it obvious on several occasions that his heart lies with Liverpool - even if the link is with the reigning Champions League title holders.

"I still have three years on my contract with Liverpool and I am happy there," the Argentina captain told TyC Sports.

"I am comfortable and thinking only of Liverpool. I don't know anything about an approach from Barcelona or any other club."

The beginning of May brought some uncertainty regarding Mascherano's future, but it is clear at this point - by his own admissions - that he is happy where he is.

Liverpool FC Boss Rafa Benitez Cutting His Cloth For The Premier League Title

Radio City News reported last week that Rafa Benitez will have £15-£20M to spend this summer plus whatever he can bring in through sales.

It’s not a fortune in terms of the competition we face from Man United, Chelsea & Arsenal so if its cloth-cutting time, how are we going to strengthen the squad and also bring in that world class player who will turn draws into extra wins?

I reckon we should sell Andrea Dossena and Philipp Deggen while they still have international reputations to help fund a swoop for Stewart Downing, depending on how that injury is.

He's not a world-beater but could definitely do a consistent job in the Premier League. We need serious competition on the left for the dangerous if inconsistent Albert Riera and if Ryan Babel is staying then that's not his best position.

Hopefully that would leave cash available for somebody else exciting up front or maybe on the right wing, giving Dirk Kuyt more chance to compete for his place through the middle (when we play 4-4-2?).

Martin Kelly has just been chosen to play for England under 19s so I wonder if he's ready to be our 4th choice centre-back. It would also be a real bonus if Stephen Darby is now up to giving the dependable Alvaro Arbeloa genuine competition at right-back.

Maybe Deggen is the competition that we need in that position but we haven't seen enough of him and can we trust him to stay injury-free?

Sometimes you just have to cut your losses when something doesn't work out (I'm not sure if Robbie Keane would agree though).

Lucas Leiva has improved lately but we should move him on particularly if Jay Spearing can take over his job as back-up in centre-midfield.

Maybe the sale of both of these players could finance a deal for the versatile Gareth Barry who'd be much cheaper than he was when we came so close to signing him last season.

The classy Xabi Alonso should definitely stay, he's earned his plaudits but we need extra strength in depth to be able to make this next step.

We'd know exactly what we'd be getting from the two players I've suggested and they would add some of that depth to the quality of our squad while hopefully only costing around the same as what we're able to recoup from the sale of some of our current squad who cover similar positions.

Don't get me wrong I'd much sooner be talking about bringing in Lionel Messi but that's not going to happen.

We've also got to start thinking about UEFA's restriction on the number of non-English players in the longer term.

Remember, we were forced to leave Sami Hyypia and Emiliano Insua out of our Champions League squad this season.

Naturally the Premier League comes first in the list of our priorities but it wouldn't be good for continuity if we had to chop and change squads, particularly towards the end of the season when we're hopefully in the hunt for both of the two biggest prizes.

The three local young squad players I've mentioned featured only briefly this season, being given substitute appearances as we qualified in the Champions League.

Using them more regularly as cover might be a gamble we're forced to take if we want to spend really big money on buying just one attacking player to help fire us to next season's Premier League title.

While it'd be unfair to say Damien Plessis or David Ngog have let us down, it'd also be right to say that we're looking for a bit more from our fringe players.

The rest of the squad has proven this season that they are up to the standard required.

We're probably going to have to sell Babel who I think has had his chance (but would still command a sizeable fee) and possibly even a very unlucky Yossi Benayoun to help pay for the likes of David Villa but now is the time to go for it.

He's the type of quality we need and we don't want this summer to turn into another missed opportunity like 2002 when serious errors were made with our transfer budget following a very promising runners-up finish.

It’s taken a long time for us to recover from that.

One thing's for sure, our main rivals will be spending big money in the search for class to strengthen themselves this summer and while we can take pride and confidence from what we've achieved in the Premier League this season, now is not the time for complacency.

The next couple of signings will be a massive factor in determining whether we can finally regain what we all really want most.

The two strongest transfer rumours have been for Villa and Carlos Tevez. I'm hardly giving any secrets away there, am I?

At least the talk is of attacking players of proven international standard and not the likes of El Hadji Diouf, Salif Diao and Bruno Cheyrou.

Rafa has said he has to be almost perfect in the transfer market this summer - cute and clever - and as usual he's right because we'll surely have to beat this season's excellent points total if we are to be 19 times Champions this time next year.

My own feeling is that this season has been a necessary learning curve on the way to the title (like what Man United themselves went through in 1991/2) and that we really are on the brink now.

Tottenham Hotspur Linked With Liverpool's Ryan Babel

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur could be willing to take Ryan Babel off Liverpool's hands during the close-season.

It was claimed on Tuesday that Reds manager Rafael Benitez told the 22-year-old's agent that the player is free to leave Anfield this summer.

Apparently, the 30-time capped Netherlands international is unhappy at starting just six Premier League games and 13 times in total during the 2008-09 campaign, especially as he had begun 29 matches the previous year.

Benitez has made it clear that he cannot guarantee the versatile 6ft forward, who can play on the wing or through the middle, will be a regular in the starting XI next year.

It is suggested that the former Ajax star is most likely to end up in either the Primera Division or Serie A should he decide to leave the Merseyside outfit.

However, if he chooses to remain in England, a switch to Spurs could be on the cards as manager Harry Redknapp is reported to be up for the challenge of helping Babel realise his potential.

Liverpool paid £11.5 million to land Babel in 2007, but it is thought they will accept a bid in the region of £8m.

Rafael Benitez Reassesses Set-Up With Gary Ablett Leading Out Four Staff

Four of Liverpool’s backroom staff will be released as part of the ongoing review of the club’s Academy.

Reserve team manager Gary Ablett is the most prominent name of the quartet with Rafael Benitez reassessing the set-up beneath the first team.

Under-18s manager Hugh McAuley, under-16 coach Dave Shannon and under-14s coach Paul Lever are also set leave, with their departures expected next week.

Although Liverpool reached the FA Youth Cup final, where they were this week beaten by Arsenal 6-2 on aggregate, the reserve and youth levels have underwhelmed in their respective leagues.

Meanwhile, Martin Skrtel has vowed to break his goalscoring duck for Liverpool next season.

The Slovakia international has scored five goals for his country but has yet to find the net in 50 Liverpool appearances.

“I haven’t scored but I hope to change this,” said Skrtel.

“For me the first job is to protect our own goal.

“Any goals I score is something extra. But I hope next season I can get some goals.”

Skrtel has become the latest Anfield player to express his sadness at the departure of Sami Hyypia while also admitting he owes the Finn a debt of gratitude.

“For me, I’ll miss Sami because he is a big person and a big player,” added Skrtel. “He has helped me a lot. Whenever I’ve needed something I could go to Sami and ask him. He’d always help me.

“But now he’s finished here after 10 years – he’ll be missed.

“He is a very good player. To play here for 10 years is incredible. Before I came here I could see on television how good he was. I already knew he was a really good player with quality. He still is now. I wish him all the best at his next club.”