Xabi Alonso Liverpool FC Return May Not Be So Far-Fetched

Real Madrid’s start to life under Jose Mourinho has been relatively inauspicious and word reaches Blood Red that all might not be well within the squad at the Bernabeu.

During a recent Champions League game, Mourinho was heard constantly barking out orders at Xabi Alonso and the rare occasions he squandered possession were greeted with exclamation of ‘Xabi! Xabi! Xabi!’ from the technical area.

Moving to Real Madrid was a dream for Alonso.

But if, for some reason, he fell out of favour, wouldn’t it be a dream to see him in a Red shirt once again?

Alonso returning to Liverpool in January would, in so many ways, be a dream come true.

Here’s hoping a rich investor can be found immediately to increase the possibility of it happening from none to slim.

Liverpool FC Facing Five October Debt Day Scenarios

With Liverpool FC continuing to struggle on the pitch, the battle for control off it is seen by many fans as vital to a revival in fortunes.

This month is regarded as crucial in settling the long-term ownership of the club with the expiry date for the Royal Bank of Scotland’s £237m loan to Liverpool’s American co-owners possibly less than a fortnight away.

The majority of fans hope an inability to pay off that loan will force Tom Hicks and George Gillett out of Anfield, allowing a new owner to take the club forward, hopefully with that crippling debt removed.

But there is a fear Tom Hicks could even raise extra finance to take over the club on a solo basis, regardless of the sever reservations of the rest of the LFC board.

Today, we examine the five potential scenarios which could soon unfold at Anfield. You can also vote on which of them you want to happen, and which is most likely, by clicking here.

Some finance experts envisage that the October deadline could pass without any firm resolution about the Reds’ future established.

James Dow, a partner in the northwest accountancy firm Dow Schofield Watts who has advised Barcelona and Celtic, described Liverpool’s predicament as a “stand-off.”

And he predicted it may take many more months for the ownership to be clarified, possibly dragging the uncertainty even until summer, 2011.

Mr Dow told the ECHO: “If Hicks can find finance, I don’t think any lack of support from the board will make a difference.

“But for now, a deal isn’t happening as there’s a stand-off going on.

“Liverpool are in a no-man’s land.

“But ultimately, this could drag on and on, and not even be resolved until next summer.”

Royal Bank of Scotland Call In The Debt

The Royal Bank of Scotland call in their £237m debt, and effectively repossess Liverpool FC – in much the same way a bank would repossess your house if you defaulted on your mortgage.

This, however, would likely be a temporary arrangement, with RBS maintaining the current English board structure and Hicks and Gillett removed from the picture.

Observers speculate it would give the bank time to quickly find a more realistic buyer for the Anfield club, drastically bringing down the sale price from the lofty £500m-£600m currently being touted by Hicks.

"Interested parties" are likely to "show their hand" once figures of around £300m, thought to be a more realistic estimation for Liverpool, are proposed.

The Americans would doubtless launch their own legal challenge if RBS took over running of Liverpool.

Kop Holdings Goes Into Administration

Although unlikely, the bank could technically place Kop Holdings, Liverpool FC’s parent company, into administration.

But the ECHO understands the Premier League would not view that move as Liverpool Football Club itself being declared insolvent.

Regular discussions have been taking place between Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton and league chief executive Richard Scudamore.

The Reds have been seeking clarification on what would be the potential scenario if RBS took temporary charge at Anfield.

Sources have indicated a nine-point deduction, threatened to football clubs when they go bust like Portsmouth last season, would not materialise.

League chiefs crucially consider the debt to rest squarely on the shoulders of Tom Hicks and George Gillett, co-chairman of the club and owners of Kop Football Holdings.

Managing director Christian Purslow has repeatedly said that there is no prospect of Liverpool Football Club going into administration.

Speaking last week he said: "When we sell the business the debt will be reduced or go away which will make us the most profitable club in the Premier League. Liverpool is not going bust."

As Liverpool has proved they have steady revenues – TV rights money, ticket sales, sponsorship – the club would avoid incurring any penalty.

Although Steve Horner, of campaign group Kop Faithful, said: "I am sure that the majority of Liverpool fans would settle for a nine-point deduction if it meant that Hicks and Gillett would never darken our door again."

New Buyer Comes Forward

A bidder puts forward a package to buy Liverpool which is considered acceptable by the Reds board before October’s refinancing deadline.

With the structure of the board crucially changed during the summer, Broughton, Purslow and Ayre could now out-vote the Americans.

The only formal offer made for Liverpool came from the Rhone Group in March when they proposed to pay £110m for a 70% stake in the club, making the Americans passive shareholders.

In many Anfield quarters it was considered a "solid" proposal to pay down a portion of the debt and make transfer funds available.

That bid was dismissed by Hicks and Gillett, and tellingly, the make-up of the board changed after the event, allowing the English board members to effectively out-vote the owners. A proposal from Chinese mogul Kenny Huang and QSL Sports company was withdrawn in August.

It was said to be for £325m, but the ECHO understands it failed to impress the Anfield board who considered it incomplete and not supported by genuine finance, although it is hoped it may be resurrected.

With consortiums, possibly just two currently in dialogue with Liverpool, biding their time before the club price falls, a bid before deadline remains improbable.

The Americans themselves had lent £145m to Kop Football Holdings. But at the insistence of RBS in one of the previous refinancing rounds, the Americans converted the loans into equity.

Add the £145m to the £237m owed to the banks and around £30m of penalty charges, and the Americans must sell for more than £410m to merely break even.

Refinancing

Royal Bank of Scotland agrees to extend the refinancing deadline to give Tom Hicks time to establish new sources of funding (effectively debt).

Liverpool FC officials view this step as the "worst possible scenario" for the club and Christian Purslow has consistently said would be opposed by the board

This extension could be anything, starting from just a couple of weeks to allow the club to be sold to a bidder needing more time to complete due diligence before a purchase.

It could be longer if RBS finds the prospect of taking over or forcing administration to be unpalatable or too legally complex.

The bank, however, could potentially place caveats on any extension, for example that the Americans are forced to accept lower offers than the figures they are currently seeking.

With the prospect of legal challenges, RBS may have little choice but to extend temporary finances.

Hicks Pays Off The Debt

Tom Hicks manages to raise the appropriate funds to pay off the Royal Bank of Scotland debt and retains ownership of the club.

The English members on Liverpool’s board – managing director Christian Purslow, chairman Martin Broughton and commercial director Ian Ayre – would almost certainly lodge objections against such a move if any new debt was secured against the assets of Liverpool FC.

They have already consulted solicitors regarding blocking a new financing package from the Texan.

But how successful such a challenge would be remains untested as some law experts told the ECHO covering the RBS debt would give him “carte blanche” to rip up the existing board structure and appoint new members of his choice.

Privately, Liverpool view Hicks’ attempts to persuade a private equity company to shoulder the £237m arrears as highly unlikely.

The easiest way for Hicks to retain control of the club is for him to raise the finance himself, without securing it against the club’s assets.

This has sparked fears about his intentions in creating a new investment company for which he is currently trying to attract investors.

According to papers registered with the USA’s Securities and Exchange Commission, Hicks Acquisition Company II is seeking to raise $230m (£145m).

Shares are being offered for $10 in the “newly organised blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganisation or similar business combination with one or more businesses.”

The initial public offering papers also warn prospective investors that “investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk”.

The company is registered at the same address as Hicks Holdings – from where Hicks conducts his business affairs.

The underwriters for the deal are Citi Bank and Deutsche Bank Securities, with the company expected to start trading on Thursday, October 7.

Reds Ace Eyes China Prize

Frederic Vervisch produced a solid performance to secure a place on the third row of the grid in qualifying at the Ordos International Circuit on Saturday morning.

The Reds racer, who has enjoyed a promising start to life behind the wheel of Liverpool FC's Superleague Formula car, made it into the quarter-finals after finishing third in Group A.

However, the Belgian lost out to Bordeaux in the last eight shoot-out and will now start the first race of round 10 in China alongside Robert Doornbos of Corinthians on Sunday morning (11am start time).

Match Report: Utrecht 0 - 0 Liverpool

Liverpool escaped with a goalless draw in their Europa League Group K clash in Utrecht after another disjointed and disappointing performance.

A point in the Stadion Galgenwaard, where the hosts had won their previous six matches, was no disgrace but it was hardly one of those classic, gritty away performances in Europe.

Roy Hodgson's side, who had five successive Europa League victories prior to this game, were dominated for long periods and their clean sheet owed much to goalkeeper Jose Reina and a goalline clearance from Raul Meireles.

Liverpool have now gone four matches without a victory in all competitions and Hodgson's blueprint for reinvigorating the team after Rafael Benitez's departure in the summer still looks very much like a work in progress.

Without their captain Steven Gerrard, left behind to rest on Merseyside, the side looked devoid of ideas and even the presence of Fernando Torres for his first Europa League start of the campaign did not help.

The only real positive to come out of the game was that the five-time European champions and winners of this competition on a record-equalling three occasions, extended their impressive statistics against Dutch clubs.

Since losing their first encounter against Ajax in 1966 they have now not been beaten in 12 matches against teams from the Netherlands.

But that run came close to being ended on a number of occasions as Utrecht were the better side from the off.

In only the fifth minute the prolific Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, scorer of 13 goals in 14 games this season, was given half a chance when Christian Poulsen gave away possession but the 21-year-old striker could only divert Dries Mertens' left-wing cross wide of the far post.

Liverpool fashioned three or four openings - none of which could be described in any way as good - with Meireles both shooting and heading at goalkeeper Michel Vorm either side of off-target efforts from Lucas Leiva and Joe Cole.

Torres also curled a shot wide after turning and shooting from the edge of the area.

But the best first-half chances fell to Utrecht with Jan Wuytens' volley only ruled out for Jacob Mulenga's foul on Martin Kelly, makeshift left-back in the absence of the injured trio of Paul Konchesky, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio.

And had it not been for Reina saving well at close range from Mertens after Dirk Kuyt, returning to his former club, was slow to react to a loose ball in the penalty area from a corner Liverpool would have been behind at half-time.

Torres had been quiet all night and, early in the second half, when the ball did drop to him in the penalty area from Glen Johnson's cross he hacked wildly at it with his weaker left foot and ballooned a shot over.

But Liverpool were soon on the back foot again with Reina diving at the feet of Wolfswinkel to stop Mulenga's low cross while Meireles cleared off the line from Michael Silverbauer's header when his goalkeeper came for Mertens' corner but missed.

Typically, considering his fortunes this season, Torres' one chance came in the 57th minute but he was denied by a great reaction save from Vorm when Kuyt picked him out with a low, near-post cross.

To compound the Spaniard's frustration referee Duarte Gomes awarded a goal-kick.

He was almost gifted another opportunity moments later when Mihai Nesu left his back-pass short but the striker's first touch took the ball out of play as he attempted to round Vorm.

As the match entered its closing stages it was Utrecht who looked the most likely scorers.

Maxi Rodriguez's first touch after replacing Cole with eight minutes to go saw him attempt an ambitious overhead kick which failed to hit the target.

Liverpool were happy with the draw but Mulenga should have snatched victory only to drive wide of Reina's left-hand post with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Kuyt Sees Future In Partnership With Torres

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt believes his strike partnership with Fernando Torres has a future despite the pair drawing a blank in the goalless Europa League draw in Utrecht.

The home side created the best chances, with Dries Mertens being denied by goalkeeper Jose Reina and Raul Meireles clearing Michael Silverbauer's header off the line.

Torres had one genuine chance midway through the second half when Kuyt crossed to the near post but the Spaniard's first-time shot was well saved by goalkeeper Michel Form - although referee Duarte Gomes did not spot the touch and awarded a goal-kick.

Torres has spent most of his Liverpool career playing up front on his own with a rampaging Steven Gerrard in the attacking role behind him but in the last two matches he has had Kuyt as a partner. The two combined for Kuyt's controversial opening goal against Sunderland at the weekend but the Dutchman is yet to return the favour.

"We created a good chance together and against Sunderland and West Brom it worked well so I think we can play well together, but last night wasn't the best game for us or the team,'' said Kuyt. ''It's just a matter of time for Fernando. I said that after the Sunderland game when people were talking about him not scoring, but he still provided two assists. Last night he missed a chance but he is human and can miss chances like everyone else. I'm sure his goals will come.''

Kuyt's return to his first professional club was not the spectacular homecoming he was hoping for as Liverpool were on the back foot for long periods. However, the Netherlands international believes a draw at the Stadion Galgenwaard, where the hosts had won their previous six matches, was a worthy one.

"It was a really tough game. It was difficult from the start. We didn't play our best game but we will keep fighting,'' he added. ''We created some good chances but so did they, so I think we have to be happy with a 0-0. We can take confidence from this and we will keep fighting. I think the good thing is that we got a clean sheet. An away draw in Europe isn't too bad and we have four points from two games, so we just have to keep going and win on Sunday (against Blackpool).''

Manager Roy Hodgson did not think his side's performance was as bad as it appeared from the stands.

"I thought the problems we had, if we had any at all, and the occasions when they created chances were of our own making,'' he said.”Utrecht did well, they were determined, aggressive and committed, so we knew we had to be at our best defensively to keep them out and fortunately we did. You could quite easily see today why Utrecht have such a good home record.''

Roy Hodgson: Goal Will Come For Fernando Torres

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson was again left to defend out-of-form striker Fernando Torres after his disappointing performance against FC Utrecht.

The Reds were held to a goalless draw in Holland on a frustrating night for the Anfield club and especially for the Spanish striker, who was unable to add to his one goal this campaign.

However, Hodgson was quick to defend the World Cup winner and stated that he was pleased with his performance as well as his side’s point.

The Reds boss told reporters: "I thought it was a good point, we knew it would be a tough point. We gave them a couple of chances through individual errors, but in terms of shape and the way we played I have nothing but praise for my team.

"Fernando is still seeking that elusive goal and there were a couple of good opportunities but unfortunately it didn't happen for him.

"He is getting closer, and it will come right for him. It was another good 90 minutes under his belt and he will be better for it.”

The striker appeared to be complaining of a knee problem as he went straight to the team physio after the full-time whistle, but Hodgson was quick to play down suggestions that the Spanish star had picked up an injury.

He added: "I didn't spend the whole 90 minutes watching one player or obsessing about him and whether he picked up a knock or not, I have to concentrate on all my players and I was satisfied with the team performance.

"Utrecht were as aggressive and determined as we knew they could be and we had to be at our best to keep them out tonight and we did.

"A point, which gives us four points now is more than satisfactory, and a draw is a more than satisfactory result.

"I think maybe a win for us would have been harsh on Utrecht because they deserved something from the game, so I am satisfied with the result, and our position in the group now.

"It was a good game and they are a good team, it was not a dull game where nothing happened, and I think it is quite easy to see why they have such a good home record," concluded the Liverpool manager.

Dimitri Payet 'Keen On Liverpool Move'

Liverpool are on the tail of French under-21 starlet Dimitri Payet as Roy Hodgson casts his eye around for potential January signings, according to reports.

Payet is said to be on the verge of breaking into the full French squad, with new manager Laurent Blanc having been impressed by the St Etienne man's recent form.

But Blanc - who is keen to ring the changes after taking over from the unpopular Raymond Domenech - is not the only boss to have had Payet watched as CaughtOffside.com report Reds scouts have been attending several matches in Ligue 1 recently.

Payet has proved himself a prolific winger in France, with seven goals in as many games so far this season - alerting several clubs to his talents.

Although Liverpool will hope interest remains just that, with Hodgson keen to wrap up the signing for a relatively paltry fee in the region of £7million.

French media claim Payet has expressed an interest in moving to England in the past, with some sources suggesting the Merseysiders would be his first choice above fellow suitors Aston Villa.

Liverpool Boss Plans Old Trafford Raid

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is ready to make a sensational move to bring former Anfield favourite and England international Michael Owen back to Merseyside.

With the current lack of fire power up front for the Reds and star striker Fernando Torres seemingly suffering a World Cup hangover from his summer in South Africa with eventual winners Spain, Hodgson is ready to make a shock £4m bid for the 30 year old as he looks to improve Liverpool’s current situation and fire them back up the table.

After impressive performances against Championship side Scunthorpe, in which he managed to get himself on the score sheet twice and a late equalizer away to Bolton, Owen was disappointed to find himself not featuring in the midweek trip to Valencia and could possibly look elsewhere for regular first team football before his career comes to an end.

Manchester United seem to be boasting a number of attacking options with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Javier Hernandez and Federico Macheda at boss Alex Ferguson’s disposal and it is thought that the 68 year old could be willing to let the former Real Madrid striker leave should an acceptable bid be made.

During his original 8 year spell at Liverpool, Owen amassed an incredible 158 goals in 297 appearances and although the Chester born striker is considered one of the most affective strikers ever to apply his trade at Liverpool, up there with the likes of Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler, it is thought that his move to bitter rivals Manchester United will leave many of the Anfield faithful less than happy about a possible return to the club.

However, if we can recapture his scoring form of old, Owen could quickly turn this view around and once again endear himself to those on Merseyside.

Miguel Drops Liverpool Hint

Valencia full-back Miguel has hinted that he would relish a move to Liverpool.

The Portuguese defender has revealed his admiration for the Merseyside club, who have recently signed his friend Raul Meireles.

But the 30-year-old right-back insists he wants to win silverware with Valencia.

"Liverpool are a team that I admire and I have a friend there now in Raul Meireles," Miguel told Superdeporte.

"Liverpool have always been my favourite English team and I have a lot of passion for them.

"I'm fine here and hope everything goes well for Valencia and we can win some trophies this year."

LFC Likely To Avoid Premier League Points Deduction Even If RBS Take Over

Liverpool FC likely to avoid a Premier League points deductions even if the Royal Bank of Scotland takes over the club.

The Reds face the very real possibility the bank could grab control by the middle of this month if American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett fail to pay the £237m debt.

Some football legal experts have predicted that Kop Holdings, which owns LFC, would automatically be placed into administration.

But the ECHO understands the Premier League would not view that move as Liverpool being declared insolvent.

Regular discussions have been taking place between Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton and league chief executive Richard Scudamore.

The Reds have been seeking clarification on the potential scenario if RBS took temporary charge at Anfield.

Sources have indicated a nine point deduction, threatened to football clubs when they go bust like Portsmouth last season, would not materialize.

League chiefs crucially consider the debt to rest squarely on the shoulders of Tom Hicks and George Gillett, co-chairmen of the club and owners of Kop Football Holdings.

And as Liverpool has proved they have steady revenues - TV rights money, ticket sales, sponsorship - the club would avoid incurring any penalty.

The Reds reported a £200m turnover for the first time during the last 12 months, a significant rise compared to previous financial years and Anfield bosses insist the club remains highly profitable.

Lawyers closely watching the process, meanwhile, disagree over the possible outcomes and acknowledge the Reds are entering previously unchartered legal territory for the Premier League.

One urged caution citing the example of Southampton who were docked league points after claims that their parent company, and not the club, had gone bust, were dismissed by the Football League.

But a source familiar with the process told the ECHO: "A deal's been done to make sure those nine points aren't deducted from Liverpool.

"It's not actually the football club that goes into administration, it's the holding company.

"If it's only the holding company that goes under, that's when they've got clearance. The deal has been done between the club and the Premier League.

"The whole point of the points deduction is that it's unfair if the company goes under they abandon loads of creditors and start again so they are in a beneficial position compared to other football clubs.

"In this instance I suppose, what they would be arguing is that there aren't abandoning their creditors because their only creditors are just the bank, RBS, and they'll get paid out anyway."

Steve Horner, however, of Liverpool FC campaign group Kop Faithful, said the prospect of a nine-point deduction would not worry him if it meant getting rid of Hicks and Gillett.

The surveyor added: "We just want them to go. Their ownership period has been disastrous for the long-term future of Liverpool."

Europa League Preview: Utrecht vs Liverpool

Liverpool travel to the Netherlands to take on FC Utrecht in the second round of fixtures in the Europa League on Thursday night, with both side's European form considerably better than their results on domestic duty.

Utrecht will have been pleased with their start to Europe League competition. Having overturned a two-goal deficit to eliminate Celtic 4-2 on aggregate in qualifying, the Dutch side started life in Group K with a resolute goalless draw against Napoli in Italy to secure a valuable away point.

Ton du Chatinier's side have not begun the new Eredivisie campaign looking like a Europa League side, losing four of their first seven games and kicking their heels in the bottom half of the table, 12th in a league of only 18 teams. They were overcome by AZ Alkmaar most recently, and also needed a penalty shootout to get the better of fellow strugglers De Graafschap in cup competition.

Utrecht made the home advantage count against Celtic however, and have proved difficult to beat at the Galgenwaard Stadium in domestic competition. They will be hoping to pile on the misery for Thursday's visitors.

The Reds have suffered an awful start to the season by their own high standards. Out of the League Cup at the hands of Northampton last week and sitting 16th in the Premier League after six games, the suggestions that manager Roy Hodgson is out of his depth have, perhaps prematurely, already begun.

Having bossed clubs around Europe, Hodgson knows his stuff on the continent, and the Reds will be hopeful of putting all their problems behind them in Holland on Thursday night, in their 300th Uefa club competition fixture.

All the omens are good for Hodgson's side, too. Having beaten Steaua Bucharest 4-1 in their opening fixture after a shaky spell, they now face a Dutch side and boast a fine record against teams from the orange nation, losing only once in 12 games, to Ajax back in 1966.

TEAM NEWS

Utrecht

The hosts are carrying no new knocks following their loss to AZ Alkmaar, and could even opt to field a three-man attack, such is their positive outlook at home.

Possible starting XI: Vorm; Nesu, Wuytens, Schut, Cornelisse; Asare, Lensky, Silberbauer; Duplan, Van Wolfswinkel, Danso.

Liverpool

Hodgson will be without Paul Konchesky, who limped out of the 2-2 draw with Sunderland on Saturday, and with Fabio Aurelio still struggling for fitness, Daniel Agger is set to deputise at left-back.

The Reds boss has also suggest Raul Meireles, Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres could all start on Thursday, meaning David Ngog may miss out despite his goalscoring form in the competition this season.

Possible Starting XI: Reina; Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger; Poulsen, Meireles; Kuyt, Gerrard, Joe Cole; Torres.

Fernando Torres Is Fit And Ready To Fire On All Cylinders

Fernando Torres has overcome the persistent injury troubles which have plagued him for more than a year and is finally ready to return to his explosive best, according to Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson.

Two knee operations, as well as groin and abdominal injuries, hampered the Spain international last season, while his start to the current campaign has been affected by his recovery from a hamstring strain sustained just minutes after his introduction as a substitute in the World Cup final.

Though Torres has looked short of form and fitness this season, scoring just once, Hodgson has seen enough in recent weeks to convince him his totemic striker is getting his confidence back.

"Fernando is getting better and better," said the Liverpool manager. "He was behind our last four goals, two against [Manchester] United and two against Sunderland, and he will get confidence from that. I said all along it was just a matter of time and it is good to see him getting closer to his level.

"He trains every day like everyone else, he plays at the weekend like everyone else, so there is no reason now to separate him from the group. The injury problems are behind him. We have been keeping a close eye on him and we did not want to throw him in too often or too soon, but I would not dream of playing him tonight if I did not think he could play on Sunday.

"There is nothing wrong with his confidence – of course he would like a goal, because everyone knows goalscorers thrive on goals and when they dry up it affects them. But the thing with top goalscorers is you know that it will come again."

Hodgson has not yet decided whether the Spaniard will start at the compact Stadion Galgenwaard but two players he will definitely be without are Daniel Agger and Steven Gerrard.

Agger is rated as a doubt for Sunday's visit of Blackpool because of a groin injury, while Gerrard has been granted a rest by his manager as he recovers from a back strain, though Hodgson dismisses concerns that his captain's age is catching up with him.

"He suffers from back pain and we did not want to exacerbate the situation," he said.

"But Gerrard is the least of my concerns. I'm not in the slightest bit worried I will have to [rest him] regularly."

The Liverpool manager admits his decision to omit the 30 year-old was made significantly easier by his side's good start to the group stage – they beat Steaua Bucharest 4-1 – but that should not suggest Hodgson is taking his opponents lightly. Far from it.

While on paper this may have the air of a mismatch – Utrecht have never won a league title in their current incarnation, while Liverpool are one of Europe's most decorated teams – Hodgson is evidently a firm believer that all history is bunk.

"There is no point talking about respective histories," he said. "We are both here on merit. There is no point saying we won the league in 1970 or whatever and Utrecht has never won one. They serve no purpose. This is Liverpool 2010 versus Utrecht 2010."

Reds Linked With Danish Trio

Liverpool are reported to be keeping tabs on three players at Danish club Lyngby.

Emil Larsen is believed to be the Reds' top target and the 19-year-old midfielder has also attracted interest in Holland.

Kim Aabech, 27, and fellow forward Lasse Rise, 24, have also been impressing Anfield scouts with the newly-promoted top-flight club.

And Aabech has admitted he would welcome a move in the January transfer window.

"I would like to move during the winter and try something new," he told Sporten.dk.

Liverpool Join Napoli In Chase For Auxerre Ace

Liverpool have joined Napoli in the race to sign Auxerre's Slovenian playmaker Valter Birsa.

The 24-year-old is the heartbeat of the Auxerre side that qualified for this season’s Champions League after eight years without playing in the competition.

And Birsa also starred at the World Cup during the summer as Slovenia caught the eye alongside England in Group C.

But with his contract at the Burgundy-based club set to expire in June, Birsa could cost potential buyers as little as £2m in January.

According to reports in France, Auxerre have confirmed that scouts have been tracking the player, who has refused to rule out a January move.

"It is normal that as professional football player I want to improve," he said.

"I do my work and if it turns out to be slightly interesting it will be in hands of the club."

Hodgson Denies Striker Link

Roy Hodgson insists Liverpool were never in the market for Utrecht striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel this summer.

The 21-year-old Holland international, who will line up against the Reds in the Europa League on Thursday night, was one of a plethora of players linked with a move to Anfield in the transfer window.

But asked about the speculation by reporters in Holland last night, Hodgson said: "There was no question of him coming this summer. You've hit me with a name that I didn't know we were linked with.

"He's doing very well now and having a wonderful time with Utrecht. But I'd be lying to you if I said he was a player we'd considered before this."

van Wolfswinkel has scored 13 goals in as many games so far this term, including a hat-trick in a 4-0 victory over Celtic.

Hodgson believes this result provides further evidence that Dutch football is on the up once again.

And the Liverpool boss is expecting a severe test in the Stadion Galgenwaard.

"I won't say Dutch football is having a renaissance but it is enjoying a very good period," said Hodgson. "I was at the Ajax game on Tuesday when they played very well against AC Milan and probably deserved to win the game.

"We've seen Twente draw at home with the European champions, and Utrecht beat Celtic 4-0. We're playing a very good team on Thursday night and we'll have to be very good if we're going to get a result in the game.

"We knew when we got to the group stage that it would be a tough group because this competition is full of good quality European teams.

"We've played five games and won all five. We've had difficult games - two matches against Trabzonspor, a game against Steaua Bucharest. These are tough opponents."

Reporters probed Hodgson on how many points he felt would be required to qualify from Group K.

He replied: "Nine or ten would be my guess but I wouldn't put a bet on it if I were you because I'm not very good at these 'How many points do you need' games."

Alberto Aquilani Reveals Inter Interest Before Making Juventus Move

Liverpool flop Alberto Aquilani has revealed Rafael Benitez wanted a reunion at Inter before he made the season-long loan switch to Juventus.

Aquilani, 26, endured a difficult debut campaign in the Premier League after moving from Roma and headed back to Serie A this summer, while ex-manager Rafael Benitez took up the reigns at the San Siro having also left Anfield.

Speaking to Mediaset Premium, Aquilani confirmed the Champions League holders were interested in his signature but never made an official bid.

Aquilani said: "Inter wanted me this summer, they tried to get me. There was something, but nothing more."

The Italy international reaffirmed his fond memories of Anfield and backed Benitez to continue Inter's imperious form.

"Last season with Liverpool has been positive for me, despite the injury, although it is not easy to adapt to a different style of football," he continued.

"I had a good relationship with the fans and I would have remained with pleasure, but some things convinced me to change and I'm very happy to have arrived at Juventus.

"I have good memories of Benitez. He allowed me to go to an important club like Liverpool.

"He's a very important coach who will do very well at Inter. To replace Mourinho would be difficult for anyone but Benitez is tough and the right man for Inter."

Sammy Lee Admits Reds' Season So Far Has Been A 'Mixed Bag'

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee has acknowledged that the Reds have looked a little out of sorts so far this season, struggling to find form and consistency.

However, Lee is confident that things will turn round soon as the club adjusts the new management regime headed by Roy Hodgson.

"It's been a bit of a mixed bag so far," Lee told the club's official website.

"There are a lot of positives we can take from every game we've played and there have been some negatives, but we tend not to dwell on that.

"We know we are not 100 per cent right, but we are working very hard to try and perfect what we are trying to do.

"It is a period of transition and change. People need to embrace that change. It will take time and the boss has said that.

"The table is quite tight and only a few points separate a lot of the teams, but what we need to do is to start turning possession into goals. If we convert the chances we are creating then we will be okay.

"We can see what we are trying to get out of the players and it is very much a work in progress."

A win rather than a draw at the weekend against Sunderland would have seen Hodgson's team climb to seventh place in the Premier League table.

However, Lee admits that fine margins are crucial in the English top flight and it is up to the team to improve.

"That's what this league is all about. There's a fine line between success and mediocrity," he said.

"We are certainly working hard to make sure we are on the right side of that line.

"What we are trying to implement is difficult at this time but the fans are with us and have stayed with us. It's important for the players because once they know they have the supporters' backing them they will try to win even more for them."

Liverpool face FC Utrecht this week in the Europa League with Dirk Kuyt set to go back to the club where his professional career began.

Lee is expecting a tough test from a team that beat Celtic 4-0 on its way to the group stages of the competition.

"Utrecht are a very good side. They have pace throughout their team and are very well organized. It'll be a difficult game," he added.

"We've been well briefed on them. Any side that beats Celtic 4-0 are going to be a difficult proposition, especially at home. I think they've won five out of their last six there, so we know they are solid team.

"It will also be an emotional time for both Dirk and John Achterberg [goalkeeping coach] - whose family come from there. It will be good for them to go back there and hopefully we will come home with the right result."

Kuyt had been absent with a shoulder injury until the weekend game with Sunderland. Lee is pleased to have such an important player back in the frame for selection for the game in the Netherlands.

He explained: "You like to have all your playing staff back and to have someone like Dirk available again is important because the contribution and experience he brings to the team is vital. The work-rate he puts in is phenomenal."

Pepe Reina Sure That Time And Patience Will See Liverpool Improve

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is sure that the Reds will improve after a disappointing opening to the campaign which has seen them pick up just six points from their opening six Premier League games.

The Spaniard points to Roy Hodgson's recent arrival as manager as the cause, with the team going through a transitional phase as they restructure after last season's disappointments.

However, he is confident that things will pick up as players begin to gel in new patterns and alongside new personnel.

"Six points from our first six games is not what we wanted," Reina told LFC Weekly.

"People who criticize us about it should look at the fixtures we've had. It has been a difficult start. Arsenal at home and then going to play Manchester City, Manchester United and Birmingham away was never going to be easy.

"Not many teams will go to the City of Manchester Stadium, Old Trafford or St Andrew's and win. Those three teams have very good records at home."

Reina feels that any team would struggle to cope with the amount of recent changes at Anfield and is calling for patience from supporters as the new structures at the club begin to bed down.

"When you have so many changes moving in a new direction under a new boss, things don't happen instantly. It can take between three and six months before you see improvements. Obviously the quicker we adapt and improve as a team the better it will be for everyone," he added.

"That doesn't just happen overnight. Each of us has to adjust to working in a new way. With the passing of each day I get used to it and what the manager wants.

"It's the same for all of us. We need to be patient."

Martin Skrtel Convinced Liverpool Can Reach Next Season's Champions League

Martin Skrtel remains confident that Liverpool can seal a top four finish this season despite a disappointing start to their campaign.

The Reds have picked up six points from their first six Premier League games under the management of Roy Hodgson so far, but the centre-back feels that a little time and patience is all that's needed to see things right.

"A lot of people think that when a new manager comes in everything should be perfect but we need time," Skrtel told his club's official website.

"Our aim is to fight for a place in the top four. That won't be easy as there are a lot of good teams also going for it, but if we continue to improve as the season goes on, we can get back into the Champions League - that's our aim.

"A lot of things have changed here. We have a new manager, new players, new medical staff and some different people around the team. It's always going to be difficult when you change so much.

"People expect instant results but it doesn't work like that. We all need time - the manager and the new players who have come in - to work together.

"Every game is difficult in the Premier League, but we know we have to win our home games. We were close to beating Arsenal, we won against West Bromwich Albion, and we are all working hard to improve with each game."

Skrtel, meanwhile, has been the subject of some mistaken identity at Anfield recently because of his shaven-headed resemblence to Paul Konchesky.

He explained: "I think people get confused when we play together because we are both near the same side of the pitch. Even my girlfriend said she kept getting the two of us mixed up when she was watching a game on television."

Liverpool Target £7m Surprise French Top Scoring Wing-Wizard

Liverpool have reportedly had their scouts following the French top division’s leading scorer Dimitri Payet who is on the verge of winning his first senior international call-up. The St Etienne winger can play on either flank and has been a revelation for his club as they surprisingly lead the French top division after just seven matches.

Roy Hodgson has been linked with a number of talented wingers in recent weeks with Galatasaray’s Arda Turan and Valencia’s Juan Mata on his radar. However, Payet is a far more realistic target with his price-tag reportedly set at a modest £7m.

The 23-year-old is enjoying by far his most productive campaign with seven strikes in seven games which includes a hat-trick against Lens and a brace against Montpellier. His previous best return for the club was four league goals in 2009. Payet’s sensational start culminated in a stunning curled free-kick which enabled St Etienne to finally beat local rivals Lyon last Saturday for the first time since April 1994.

The French U21 international is being tipped to break into Laurent Blanc’s senior side ahead of the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers. Payet is renowned for his pace, trickery and long-range shooting. He is predominantly right-footed and would offer a more vibrant alternative to Maxi Rodriguez on the right-flank who has been disappointing since arriving at Anfield, scoring once in 21 league appearances for Liverpool. Hodgson may have to move swiftly to secure Payet’s signature as clubs in both Spain and Italy have also begun to register an interest.