Galatasaray In The Hunt For Liverpool Forward Ryan Babel

Galatasary are ready to enter the race to sign Liverpool striker Ryan Babel, according to a report from The Times.

The Dutchman is understood to be keen on a move to mainland Europe rather than elsewhere in England, with a clutch of clubs ready to pounce after the Reds turned down a reported £9 million bid from Birmingham City for the player.

The Turkish outfit is managed by Babel's fellow countryman Frank Rijkaard, which could increase their appeal to a man whose Anfield career appears to be over.

The Dutchman has endured an unfortunate spell at Liverpool, whom he joined in 2007 from Ajax.

He is understood to be keen on a move to a club with Champions League prospects, though some sources claim that Birmingham may return with an improved bid soon.

Torres: Reina's The Best

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres rates club and country team-mate Jose Reina as the best goalkeeper in the world.

With players in virtually every position under-achieving this season, Reina has been the only one to consistently produce high standards for the Reds.

In the recent victory at Aston Villa the Spain international made some instinctive, crucial saves - and that is why Torres rates him so highly.

"Like always he's having a really good season. For me he's now the best keeper in the world," said the 25-year-old.

"In Spain everyone knows he's a very good keeper and in England there is no doubt he is the best.

"He's played at a top level since he signed here and won many Golden Gloves (for the most clean sheets) - and hopefully he'll win one more this season.

"He's having a massive season and at Villa we won the game thanks to him.

"We must be really happy to have him in the team and hopefully he'll be here for a long time."

Torres has also hailed Reina's influence off the pitch and believes the experienced 27-year-old is a vital member of the squad.

"Pepe is one of the most important players in the dressing room," he said.

"After Stevie (Gerrard) and Carra (Jamie Carragher), I think he's the most important. He's always happy round the place, not just on the pitch but in the dressing room.

"He is always trying to be positive and is a really good professional."

It’s More Difficult For Stephen Darby Than It Was For Me, Says Liverpool FC Graduate Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher has praised the character of Stephen Darby for bouncing back from his bittersweet debut – but believes the influx of foreign youngsters into the Premier League makes it more difficult than ever for homegrown talent to break through.

Darby was man-of-the-match on only his second senior start for Liverpool in their 1-1 FA Cup third round draw at Reading at the weekend.

The 21-year-old made his full debut last month in the Champions League dead rubber with Fiorentina at Anfield, after three previous substitute appearances.

However, an encouraging display against the Italians ended on a low note with a mistake that let in Alberto Gilardino to net an injury-time winner for the visitors.

But Carragher believes right-back Darby made the most of his opportunity after being given another first-team chance on Saturday.

“I thought Stephen was outstanding, not just in terms of his performance but his character too,” said the 31-year-old. “He got a little bit of criticism in his last game against Fiorentina, he made a mistake at the very end but he had played very well.

“It’s not just about playing the game, it’s also about showing character when you play for Liverpool. And the character he showed on Saturday was superb and I’m made up for the lad. He’s a great professional, a good lad and the type of lad you want to do well.

“I’m pleased he got another chance. I didn’t want him to not get another game after what happened against Fiorentina, but I told him that if he took what happened at the end away, then he was one of our best players on the night. He didn’t have a bad game, he made a bad mistake, and there is a difference there.

“He showed real character to come out and do well in a tough game where as a team we didn’t play particularly well.”

Like Darby, Carragher is a product of Liverpool’s youth system, but reckons the global pull of the Premier League and the demands of instant success in the first team are considerable obstacles for local hopefuls to overcome.

“I think it’s more difficult to come through the ranks now than when I was a youngster,” said the centre-back. “There are a lot more foreign players at the club, and now with the level the team is at, basically if they want to come through then they have to be ready to play Champions League football. That shows how difficult it is.”

Darby, the current reserve team captain who won the FA Youth Cup in 2006 and 2007 and the national reserves league trophy in 2008, admits his mistake against Fiorentina played on his mind in the days after the game.

But he says the support of Carragher and the rest of the Liverpool squad has helped him relaunch his career.

“It was a big confidence booster to be selected for the game and it shows the manager has faith in me,” said Maghull-born Darby. “I tried to repay that faith by putting in a good performance.

“It hurt for a couple of days after the Fiorentina game, but that’s where you’ve got to be mentally tough and overcome it in training sessions. The lads got behind me and gave me great advice and encouragement.

“Hopefully there will be a couple of more chances in the next couple of weeks. You’ve got to be level-headed and realise the hard work is only just beginning.

“It gives you a lift to hear the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher saying good things about you, but at the same time you have to remain level headed and keep your feet on the ground. It’s important to realise the hard work has only just begun.”

Ryan Babel’s Agent Claims Liverpool FC Have Not Rejected Birmingham City’s Offer For The Player

Ryan Babel could still become a Birmingham player during the transfer window.

The player’s agent, Winnie Haatrecht, has denied claims that Liverpool have rejected a £9million offer from the Midlands club for Babel and suggests the Dutch international is open to a move away from Anfield.

With the likes of Galatasaray, Juventus and former club Ajax all linked with the out-of-favour Reds winger, it was thought Babel would prefer a move abroad as he looks for regular, and preferably European, football to increase his chances of joining the Netherlands at next summer’s World Cup.

But Haatrecht has revealed the player would seriously consider a move to St Andrew’s if Liverpool and Birmingham can thrash out a deal.

Alex McLeish, is set to be handed a £40 million transfer war-chest by new club owner Carson Yeung and has Babel on a shortlist of possible marquee signings this month.

McLeish had also set his sights on Celtic’s Aiden McGeady but, after being told the £10million rated winger is not for sale, could now step up his pursuit of Babel

And after failing to hold down a regular place at Liverpool since joining from Ajax in 2007 his agent concedes that a switch to a club that can match the 22-year-old’s ambitions could be the best option.

“Birmingham’s offer has not been rejected yet,” said Haatrecht.

“But I can say, in general terms, Ryan would still like to be successful with Liverpool. If the people at Anfield feel it is better for him to leave, though, then we have to think about starting a new chapter in his career.

“I have sent details of all the interested clubs to Liverpool, and there are five or six of them. We know Liverpool are thinking seriously about the amount Birmingham have offered, but we only start thinking about it in the same way when an agreement has been reached between the clubs.

“Even then, we need to look at how Birmingham’s squad is being built up, how the prospects for future success appear and perhaps listen to what the manager has to say.

“It is about doing what is right for Ryan’s career as a whole, rather than taking a short-term view.

“We are not thinking about the World Cup. We are thinking about the next 10 years, and that is why we have to consider things carefully.”

Despite handing Babel just five starts in all competitions this season, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has insisted the player is not for sale.

However, with Benitez having to raise cash from player sales to fund any new signings – and Babel his most valuable asset from those who are apparently surplus to requirements at Anfield – Liverpool are likely to do business if they get closer to recouping their £11.5m outlay for the youngster two-and-a-half years ago.

Albert Riera Is Not Leaving Liverpool For Olympiacos

Liverpool winger Albert Riera is not about to depart Anfield and join Olympiacos, according to his agent Angel Castell.

The Greek outfit were reported on Wednesday to be lining up a bid for the wide player after their £5 million offer for Yossi Benayoun was apparently rejected by the Reds.

But Castell insists that his client remains focused on recovering full match fitness after problems with hamstring injuries this season, and is keen to reclaim a place in Rafa Benitez's starting line-up.

"I have not heard from Olympiacos at all," the agent told Sky Sports.

"Albert has this year and two more years to go on his contract and he wants to stay at Liverpool.

"Albert is just thinking about recovering from injury and getting back into the team."

Liverpool Defender Andrea Dossena Has Napoli Medical

Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena is just hours away from signing a deal with Napoli after landing in the city this afternoon.

Il Corriere Dello Sport reports the player arrived at Naples Capodichino international airport after boarding a flight from England this morning.

Dossena was with his wife, but he did not make any comment as he sidestepped the gathered press pack who were waiting for him.

The report claims he has headed straight over to Napoli's Castelvolturno training ground in Caserta for a medical, after which he will be presented with his new contract.

An official announcement from the club is expected within the next few hours. The Italian returns to club football on the peninsula for the first time since 2008 when he left Udinese to join Liverpool. He has made little impact at Anfield though, playing just 13 games.

Liverpool's Financial Straits May Keep Ryan Babel At Anfield

Ryan Babel may be forced to slug out at least another six months at Liverpool due to Rafa Benitez's concerns about selling a player he might not be able to replace immediately, The Times reports.

Along with Philipp Degen, Andrea Dossena and Andriy Voronin, Babel completes a quartet of flops who could be shown the door at Anfield this month as the club attempts to raise transfer funds.

However, with Maxi Rodriguez expected to join from Atletico Madrid this week, it is claimed that Reds boss Benitez will be allowed to bring in only one more player - most likely on loan - even if he does clear out the flotsam and jetsam.

Interest in Babel is high, both in England and abroad, and the young Dutchman is eager to secure regular playing time in order to push his claim for a World Cup place.

The 23-year-old's agent, Winnie Haatrecht, revealed recently that Liverpool had seriously considered a £9 million bid from Birmingham City, while Turkish duo Galatasaray and Besiktas are also said to be in the mix.

“It is about doing what is right for Ryan’s career as a whole, rather than taking a short-term view,” Haatrecht insisted. “We are not thinking about the World Cup. We are thinking about the next ten years.”

Luis Suarez To Finally Join Liverpool Once Babel, Voronin & Dossena Depart

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is continuing to monitor the form of Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez in regards to a January move. The Ajax star has been in superb form in Holland with reports from the Dutch press suggesting that once funds have been raised by the sale of Ryan Babel, Andrea Dossena and Andrey Voronin we will see the creative star move to Anfield.

Suarez has been playing in Holland for the past three and a bit seasons and has consistently scored goals whether playing on the flanks or just behind the main striker. Last season was his best tally so far after scoring 22 goals in 31 league appearances (30 starts). Eight of those 22 goals came via the penalty spot as Suarez finished joint 2nd in the Dutch scoring charts. Despite the Uruguayan’s best efforts, Ajax finished 12 points behind champions AZ and one point behind 2nd placed FC Twente meaning they failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Ajax’s failure to qualify led Suarez to urge the club to bring in new recruits. He told Sportsweek in the summer, “It would definitely be useful for Ajax to sign some quality players. It’s up to the coach to decide on which position we need to strengthen the squad. However, we could use some physically strong players in my opinion.”

“I’m extremely disappointed that we failed to qualify for the Champions League once again. I need to play at top level in order to keep improving as a player.

“Nevertheless, missing out on Champions League football is not just bad for me, but also disastrous for the club. Ajax have to wait yet another year to play at the highest level.”

Liverpool were one of the clubs who were interested in providing the Uruguayan with the ‘highest level’ of football required as Rafa Benitez is a keen admirer. The player’s versatility also interested the Spaniard who was and still is looking to strengthen his squad significantly. However, Barcelona and Manchester United are also reported to be keen and no wonder as Suarez has started the season under new manager Martin Jol incredibly.

Ajax are currently 3rd in the Dutch top division, 9 points behind leaders FC Twente but there’s no disputing who is top of the scoring charts. Suarez has scored 18 goals in just 17 league appearances, five goals ahead of his nearest competitor. Only four of the eighteen strikes have arrived via the penalty spot. Not only has Suarez been his sensational form domestically but also in Europe and for his country. The Uruguayan has scored 6 goals in the Europa League with 4 coming in one match v Slovan Bratislava. He has also scored in two of his last five international appearances.

The 22-year-old began his career in his homeland with club Nacional where he won a Uruguayan title before moving to Groningen in the summer of 2006 for €800,000. In his only season for the club he scored 10 goals in 29 league appearances (26 starts) before Ajax made their move for a fee of €9.5M. He has been monitored by Rafa Benitez for a number of seasons but he has really caught his attention since he moved to Amsterdam.

Suarez has been a big hit since his move to Amsterdam after scoring 57 goals in just 81 league appearances (76 starts). His present contract expires in 2012 but with Liverpool, Manchester United, AC Milan and Barcelona still interested this may well be his last season in Holland. That is if he does not secure a move to Anfield in January. The deal depends on Liverpool’s ability to raise funds with Napoli eyeing Dossena, Birmingham chasing Babel and a number of Ukrainian sides chasing Voronin.

The Uruguayan with 9 goals in 28 appearances for his country does have a reputation for ill-discipline which is perfectly illustrated by the 25 yellow cards he has received in 3 and a half seasons in Holland. He was also sent-off on his international debut against Colombia in February 2007. However, for what he lacks in discipline, he certainly makes up for in talent. Not only does he score goals but he is also very creative and Liverpool fans will be rueing the fact they missed out on him in the summer. However, the press claim if a deal can be done that could change in January. Quotes from Ajax certainly back these reports up.

“It’s up to the technical staff to decide whether Luis will be allowed to leave the club. Nevertheless, we’re ready to talk about a transfer if an extremely good offer comes in,” club director Rik van den Boog was quoted as saying in Algemeen Dagblad.

“We still expect Luis to stay in Amsterdam until the end of the running season, but we are ready to listen to other clubs if a transfer is in the club’s or the player’s best interest.”

Ryan Babel has failed to make a big impression on Merseyside but is still highly regarded in Amsterdam and his homeland which suggests he may well be a make-weight in the deal. He has grown tired of his bit-part role at Anfield and would relish the chance to star in Martin Jol’s team. In nearly two and a half seasons in England, Babel has made 67 league appearances while scoring 9 goals. However, he has only made 24 Premier League starts and has become disillusioned with both his position within the squad and his position in the team when selected.

Liverpool's Rafael Benítez Unlikely To Be Flush In January Transfer Window

Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez is unlikely to be handed a significant January transfer budget despite hoping to raise around £15 million from the departures of Andriy Voronin, Ryan Babel and Andrea Dossena.

The Anfield club will turn down an £8 million offer for Babel, the Dutch international winger, from Birmingham and are unlikely to settle for anything but a marginal loss on the £11.5 million Benítez paid to bring the 23 year-old from Ajax in 2007.

A number of clubs – including the Dutch trio of PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord and Ajax and the Italian team Fiorentina – are believed to be keen to secure Babel's signature.

Dossena, meanwhile, was due to be presented as a Napoli player on Tuesday after the Serie A side agreed a £4.4 million deal with Liverpool, as well as a further £200,000 dependent on success, but could not travel to Italy because of the closure of the city's John Lennon airport.

He is expected to finalise a four-year contract by the end of the week, while Voronin, the Ukrainian striker, is due to speak with CSKA and Dynamo Moscow over a £1.5 million move.

Liverpool plan to offer goalkeeper Pepe Reina and midfielder Javier Mascherano new contracts to secure their long-term futures at Anfield, money that will bite into Benítez's funds.

The Spaniard remains confident of securing Maxi Rodriguez this week on an initial six-month loan with a view to a permanent move, but will have to pay a £1 million fee, as well as agreeing a wage package for a player on £85,000 a week at Atletico Madrid.

Reds In Maxi Talks

Maxi Rodriguez's agent has confirmed Liverpool are in talks to sign the Atletico Madrid winger.

Liverpool have lined up a move for the Argentine international as they look to bolster their squad during this month's transfer window.

Atletico are prepared to let Rodriguez leave as he has dropped down the pecking order at Vicente Calderon and his current contract is due to expire in the summer.

Rodriguez's representative, Jose Segui, has confirmed a deal is close after rejecting speculation in Italy that Juventus had entered the race for the 29-year-old.

"We are working. It's true we have spoken [with Liverpool], but there is nothing definitive," Segui told calciomercato.it.

"Juventus? We have spoken with Liverpool and other sides, but never with Juventus.

"As for Liverpool, I don't know when the negotiation could be closed. It's up to the two clubs and to their decision.

"Anyway it would be a permanent transfer."

Torres Working On Fitness

Fernando Torres has revealed he is doing additional fitness work to ensure he remains available for selection.

The Liverpool striker missed six matches leading up to Christmas due to a groin problem and there were fears that he might need to undergo surgery.

However, he has managed to play the full 90 minutes in his last four outings and is working hard to improve his sharpness.

The Spaniard is happy with the progress he has made and admits the club's difficulties on the pitch have helped to motivate him.

"I am good now. Much better than a couple of months ago," said the 25-year-old.

"I need to keep working three, four or five hours more than the rest of the squad because I need to keep recovering for the rest of the season.

"One of the reasons I'm working really hard is because I know in this situation Liverpool need every player fit.

"It's a difficult time but it's worth it if I want to play. I do the normal training session with my team-mates but before and after I have to do treatment, exercises and gym work to make my leg strong enough.

"We are doing a good job and I'm feeling nothing bad in my leg.

"I have been able to play 90 minutes in the last four games so I'm really happy with the progression. Maybe I'll have to do this all season."

Liverpool have already lost seven times in the Premier League this season and are realistically only battling for UEFA Champions League qualification rather than the title.

Torres concedes it has been hard to watch the team struggle from the sidelines, saying: "It's frustrating because I've never been injured before - not at Atletico and only one small one during my first season here.

"The last two seasons have been the first time I've had consecutive injuries.

"Always when the team is not in the best moment it's frustrating if you can't help your team-mates.

"It's really hard watching the games from the stands.

"I'm not old but I'm not that young, so I need to look after myself with extra work.

"I know I have to work harder in order to play three games a week until the end of my career. I need to work harder than before."

Torres Targets More Records

Fernando Torres has set his sights on rewriting the record books at Liverpool.

The Spaniard has already etched his name into Anfield folklore with his phenomenal goalscoring exploits on Merseyside.

His dramatic late winner in the Reds' 1-0 victory at Aston Villa saw him become the fastest man to 50 league goals in the club's illustrious history, taking just 72 games to reach that milestone.

Torres admits he is honoured to have joined the list of Liverpool greats in double-quick time, but hopes he will have many more accolades to celebrate in the future.

"It's unbelievable for me because Liverpool is not a small club, it's one of the biggest and most historic in the world," the 25-year-old frontman told the club's official website.

"All the players who have played here are top players who have scored a lot of goals. They've got massive records. I am ahead of them on this one now and that, for me, is one of the most important things I've done in my career.

"I want to keep breaking these records so I am always in the books and in the memories of the people.

"I am just doing my job and I want to keep breaking records and keep making people happy."

Torres has 12 goals to his name this season, despite suffering ongoing injury problems, but insists helping Liverpool secure UEFA Champions League qualification is more important to him than reaching personal targets.

"I want as many goals as we need to get fourth spot and win the FA Cup," he added.

"I never say a number of goals but I always like to score more than the season before. Hopefully that won't be difficult because I only got 17 last season after the injuries."

Marouane Chamakh In Liverpool Talks As Atletico Madrid's Maxi Rodriguez Edges Closer To Anfield Deal

Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh’s representatives held talks with Liverpool yesterday over signing a pre-contract agreement.

The Morocco ace is available on a free transfer at the end of the season and Rafa Benitez is ready to act quickly to tie up the deal.

Atletico Madrid’s Maxi Rodriguez is expected to agree terms with Liverpool over the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Andrea Dossena is on the verge of completing his £4.5m transfer to Napoli but his agent says the four-and-a-half-year deal has been held up by the weather.

‘He can’t leave Liverpool because of the snow,’ said Roberto La Floria.

Liverpool Reject £5m Offer From Olympiacos For Yossi Benayoun

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has rejected an approach from Greek outfit Olympiakos for Yossi Benayoun, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

The Greek giants apparently offered the Reds £5 million for the Israeli winger, who would have reportedly been paid £40,000 a week after tax had he moved.

Benayoun has become a key man at Anfield and has made 20 Premier League appearances for the Reds this season, netting five goals.

Benitez would be reluctant to lose such a player at a time when he is set to sell misfit forwards Ryan Babel and Andriy Voronin in January.

A £9m approach for Babel from Birmingham City has been rejected by the Reds, according to reports in England today.

Benitez is also said to be in the hunt for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh, a player who has been strongly linked with Arsenal.

Olympiacos To Bid For Liverpool Midfielder Albert Riera

Olympiacos will return to Liverpool with a bid for Spanish midfielder Albert Riera after their £5 million approach for Yossi Benayoun was rejected by the Anfield outfit, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

The Spaniard has not managed this season to reproduce the fine form of his debut campaign on Merseyside, and Reds boss Rafa Benitez could be tempted to part with the left-sided midfielder.

Benitez is believed to be keen to raise cash in order to freshen up his squad this month and improve the fortunes of their faltering season.

He is unlikely to be handed massive funds by the club's owners and must apparently rely on sales to create space in his squad for new arrivals.

Riera impressed following his arrival from Espanyol in 2008. But he has struggled to match that form after suffering hamstring injuries this campaign.

VfB Stuttgart Lead Chase For Liverpool Defender Philipp Degen

Liverpool right-back Philipp Degen is set to leave Anfield this month, with Bundesliga outfit VfB Stuttgart leading the race for his signature, according to a report from The Times.

Several other German clubs are also believed to be interested in the 26-year-old Swiss, who has never managed to become a regular in manager Rafa Benitez's first team plans since joining on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2008.

It is not clear yet as to the size of the fee involved should Degen leave, as seems likely.

Ryan Babel and Andriy Voronin are also expected to leave Anfield this month, with Birmingham City and Galatasary interested in signing Babel.

Andrea Dossena's move to Napoli should also be confirmed this week, after the player was left stranded in Liverpool yesterday by snow which prevented him from travelling to Italy to conclude the deal.

Dinamo Moscow To Sign Liverpool Forward Andriy Voronin For £2m

Dinamo Moscow apparently lead the race to sign Liverpool striker Andriy Voronin and end the Ukrainian's difficult spell on Merseyside.

The Times reports that the Russian outfit are preparing a bid of £2 million for the player, who has spent much of his time with the Reds on loan elsewhere.

Voronin signed a four-year deal when he moved to Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer.

However, the forward has never really made an impact on the Reds' first team. He spent most of last season on loan at Hertha Berlin, where he scored 11 goals in 20 games.

He has played 27 Premier League games in total for the Reds, scoring five goals.

Ryan Babel Willing To Join Birmingham If Liverpool Agree Fee

Birmingham City's manager Alex McLeish has been told that Ryan Babel will consider a move to St Andrews if a fee can be agreed with Liverpool.

McLeish is understood to have had a £9m offer for the 23-year-old striker rejected, despite the fact that the Holland international has started just three Premier League games this season and has primarily been used as a substitute.

Although the Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez is eager to raise funds for his own transfer targets this month, Birmingham will need to bid closer to the £11.5m paid to Ajax for Babel in 2007.

Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Babel's agent Winnie Haatrecht said: "We know that Liverpool are seriously thinking about the offer from Birmingham. We would consider a deal if both clubs come to an agreement.

"In general Ryan wants to succeed at Liverpool, but if the people at Anfield conclude it's better he leaves, we have to think about the next chapter in his career. We will look then to the team, the perspectives of the club and Ryan, as well as a meeting with the manager."

With new owner Carson Yeung apparently providing a transfer budget of £40m, McLeish is being linked with a welter of players. He is believed to have failed with a £10m offer for Celtic winger Aiden McGeady, and is rumoured to be chasing the Rangers striker Kris Boyd.

He is also moving closer to landing long-term target Michel from Sporting Gijón. Sporting have authorised the £3m transfer for the midfielder as they are desperate for the funds.

The Sporting president, Manuel Vega Arango, said: "We have convinced the technical staff this is for the best, because we have to improve the financial situation at the club. I understand Manuel Preciado was keen to limit the damage to the squad, but this is what we have to do."

Jovanovic Keeps His Options Open

Milan Jovanovic has vowed to stay at Standard Liege until the summer before considering the best move for his career.

The Serbian forward will be a free agent at the end of the season and speculation has suggested Liege could be tempted to sell him this month.

AC Milan are understood to be interested in signing Jovanovic, while the player claims Liverpool and "another big European club" are also chasing him.

The 28-year-old maintains that stories of an agreement with Milan are premature as he does not want to make a decision on his future just yet.

"I will be a Standard player until June," Jovanovic insisted.

"News that I have already said yes to AC Milan are not correct. I am still waiting, I haven't decided.

"Also because AC Milan are not the only club interested in me. There is also Liverpool and another big European club.

"I repeat - my options are still very open."

Agent: No Reds Switch For Lavezzi

Ezequiel Lavezzi's agent does not think the Napoli striker will join Liverpool in the January transfer window.

The Argentina international was linked with a move to Anfield last summer but a transfer failed to materialise and it now looks like there is no chance of the deal taking place this month.

"There is interest. But it is impossible for Lavezzi to move, as Napoli want a lot of money for the striker, so it will be difficult. I don't think a transfer will happen in January," Lavezzi's agent Frederic Guerra told sport.co.uk.

One player who does look set for a move to Liverpool is Maxi Rodriguez with the Atletico Madrid midfielder's agent saying that a deal should be completed.