Wenger Praises Anfield's 'Good Business'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Liverpool have done good business in signing strike duo Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll as a replacement for Fernando Torres.

While much has been made of the combined £50 million outlay spent in January by new owners NESV on the former Ajax and Newcastle United men, the Gunners boss believes that they will in time prove valuable assets for the Reds.

Speaking to Arsenal TV Online ahead of Liverpool’s Sunday visit to the Emirates, the French tactician remarked about the merry-go-round of deals which also saw Torres end up at Chelsea.

“They have done good business. You could say at the end of the day that everybody paid big money but it was still good business because everybody got good players.”

Carroll has already proved himself a thorn in Arsenal’s side this season, scoring the only goal of Newcastle’s 1-0 win in London earlier this season. Set to face the physical England international again, Wenger stressed that the key to nullifying his danger was to dominate the game.

“We want to have the ball. If we master the session and the ball they will not be dangerous. Our target is of course for us to have the ball and to dominate the game.”

Dirk Kuyt Backs Campaign To Save Woolton Baths

Liverpool FC star Dirk Kuyt has joined the campaign to save a closure-threatened swimming pool.

Kuyt, who lives near Woolton baths, met up with former Brookside actor Simon O’Brien and primary school pupils Jake Sullivan and Elian McClements to show his support.

Jake, 10, and Elian, nine, who have used the baths since they were five, collected a 2,000-signature petition to present to councillors at Liverpool town hall.

Woolton baths closed in October for “health and safety reasons” and residents fear they may never reopen.

Kuyt, who signed autographs for the boys after adding his name to the petition, said: “I’ve lived in the area for a few years now and I’m pleased to support something important to the community.”

Speaking after the meeting, big Reds fan Elian said: “It was the best day of my life. I was a bit starstuck. It is amazing that Dirk Kuyt is getting involved.”

Jake, an Evertonian, was not quite so excited, but said: “It is good that he is supporting our campaign. Hopefully it will all get sorted soon.”

Jake’s mum Sam spoke of her pride at the pair’s dedication to the cause.

She said: “They were really pleased to get Dirk’s support. They have put a lot of effort into this and it means a lot to them.

“It is great that a local celebrity like Dirk Kuyt is getting behind the campaign.”

Meanwhile, Simon revealed that council leader Cllr Joe Anderson has agreed to meet him to discuss possible plans for keeping the baths open.

He said: “I have been doing a lot of research and found out that two pools, one in Kirkham and one in Chester, operate schemes which could suit our project.

“It would involve a joint project between the community and the council.

“I will be meeting council officers to discuss ways we can regenerate the baths so they can stand on their own two feet, and I have just received an invite from Cllr Anderson for a meeting as well.

“The fact 77,000 people use the baths each year means there is a lot of potential and people really do care.

“Having Dirk here was great. He understands that places like this are unique and important to the people who live here.

“I’d like to thank him for coming down and getting involved.”

Agent: Midfielder May Join Liverpool

Per Jonsson, the agent of Birmingham City winger Sebastian Larsson, has stated that his client wants to continue playing in the Barclays Premier League once his contract comes to an end this summer.

Following talks with his current club’s new owners, Larsson felt that there was no future for him at St. Andrews and decided to part ways in June.

According to Tribalfootball, Liverpool has since monitored the availability of the Swede and it is widely believed that Anfield would be the preferred destination of the player as well.

“The new owners have no feelings for Sebastian and they need to realize that there has been a problem there. They might have seen that but they haven’t found a way around it,” Jonsson said about Larsson’s situation at Birmingham.

Besides the Reds, Manchester City and Newcastle are also said to be keen on acquiring the services of the former Arsenal winger.

In addition to making a strong impression in his 180 club appearances thus far, Larsson has been capped by Sweden 29 times and after winning the Carling Cup this season, he is certainly an important free agent with a winning mentality.

'Why We Want Kenny Knighthood'

Steve Rotheram has explained why he will be putting down an early motion requesting the Queen confer a knighthood on Kenny Dalglish.

Steve Rotheram has explained why he will be putting down an early motion requesting the Queen confer a knighthood on Kenny Dalglish.

The Liverpool MP made the announcement during a moving speech at Friday's Hillsborough Memorial Service at Anfield.

Mr. Rotheram believes Dalglish's role in supporting the families of those who died in the 1989 tragedy deserves recognition.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I spoke to the families and there are lots and lots of individuals who have helped them. Don't forget, it's a family support group, but they also need - and have had - support and comfort from different individuals over the years.

"One person who has been there from the very beginning, and is now back at the club as manager, is Kenny.

"Kenny and Marina were pivotal at the very beginning - the amount of funerals they went to and, if you remember, the toll it took on them as a couple.

"When I was speaking to some of the family members, they were saying it might be nice for Kenny to get some recognition for what he's done.

"One of the ways I can help that as a politician is by putting a motion down in the House of Commons asking for the Queen to confer a knighthood on Kenny Dalglish."

He added: "It's parliamentary recess next week, so I need to contact the Table Office and they will tell me the terms and the words I can use and basically we will put this down so hopefully other people can sign it - and I am sure we will get a lot of people who will.

"That support will go forward as a motion. There will be other mechanisms and online facilities for us, and we will use them to try and garner some further support and then we will put it forward to the authorities to see whether 'Sir' Kenny Dalglish is something the Queen would like to do in the future."

Mr. Rotheram admitted his announcement may have come as a bit of a shock to Dalglish.

He explained: "I haven't seen Kenny and he was unaware of any of this because the families and myself only discussed this last week.

"I think it would have come as a bit of a shock to him to be identified to be the recipient of quite a long lead during my speech!

Youngster Eyes Silverware

Academy youngster Craig Roddan has called upon his teammates to give it one more push as Liverpool U18s look to cap a superb season with some silverware.

Rodolfo Borrell's side have responded well to their FA Youth Cup defeat against Manchester United and remain in the hunt for the FA Premier Academy League Group C title.

The Maghull-born midfielder admits it has been a joy to play in a team packed full of attacking talent and is hopeful they can maintain their momentum as they enter the final straight.

Roddan told Liverpoolfc.tv: "We've done well recently and got a great result at Manchester United, which was especially pleasing after losing to them in the FA Youth Cup.

"It helped us to put that game out of our heads and we then beat Sheffield Wednesday. We can now look forward with optimism.

"We still have a chance of winning the league. We've had a great season and it would be fantastic to win some silverware at the end of it all.

"We've had a few blips and issues with postponed matches, which mean we are up against it in the run-in. But we will take it one game at a time and hopefully our quality will see us through."

Roddan arrived at Liverpool from Wigan back in 2007 and has gone on to develop a fine midfield partnership alongside Conor Coady.

The 17-year-old believes the duo complement each other at the heart of Borrell's team and admits they have a good relationship off the pitch, as well as on it.

"Conor's a great lad," he said.

"We get on great away from football which I suppose helps in some ways. We've got a great understanding on the pitch too.

"We are both very vocal and tend to break up the play and give it simple. We play a 4-2-3-1 formation most of the time and we just hold as a pair in the centre.

"We've got a lot of talent in our team so it's great to get involved and then support as the attacking players do the damage."

On occasions this season the U18s have been a joy to watch, a fact Roddan puts down to a combination of talent and the coaching of Borrell.

He said: "We have some great lads here but we've also got a top manager in Rodolfo. He pushes us hard when we are on the pitch but when we are off it he can have a laugh with us.

"He knows when to come down on us and when to have some banter, which is important.

"I feel I've learned a great deal under him and I know that all of the lads love working with him."

Andy Carroll Confident That Liverpool Can Beat Arsenal To Break Emirates Duck

Andy Carroll is confident that Liverpool can finally break their winless streak at the Emirates by beating Arsenal.

The striker scored twice against Manchester City on Monday to get himself off the mark after his £35 million move to the Reds in January from Newcastle United.

Carroll hopes his new team-mates can repeat the success of his former side, who won at the Emirates earlier this season thanks to a goal from the England man.

He told the club's official website: “We need to work hard to close them down and make sure that we don't give them space or time on the ball because we know what a good side Arsenal are and what they can do if you allow them to do that.

"All the Newcastle lads played well that day. It was a great ball in from Joey Barton and it was something that we had practiced in training beforehand.

"He put it right where I wanted it and the 'keeper was in two minds whether to come and claim it or not. I got there first and put it into the back of the net.

"There's no reason why Liverpool can't win there and all the lads are confident that we can beat Arsenal."

The striker is not the only Liverpool player to win at the Emirates this season as Lucas Leiva also tasted victory when Brazil played Scotland in a friendly last month.

Dalglish - Justice Is Closer

Kenny Dalglish believes that the families of the 96 Liverpool supporters who died at Hillsborough are closer to obtaining justice.

The Reds boss will lead mourners at Friday's memorial service at Anfield to mark the 22nd anniversary of disaster.

Families of those who lost their lives in Sheffield have been campaigning for answers since 1989, but still no-one in authority has been held accountable for the tragedy.

An independent panel is examining previously unseen documents relating to Hillsborough and James Jones, the bishop of Liverpool who is chairing the panel, is expected to complete the report later this year.

Dalglish, who was Liverpool's manager in 1989 and who is currently in caretaker charge, is hopeful the families will finally get the justice they have been battling for.

"I think it's getting closer to some positive news for the families, but it has taken a long time to get to this point as well," he said.

"Two years ago Andy Burnham [then secretary of state for culture, media and sport] came up to the memorial service and promised that he would do the best he could to get access to some papers that were not due to be released for another three or four years and to the man's great credit he has done that.

"They have got access now to some papers that they've never had before and have now got to file through them and that's why I'm saying it's getting a bit more positive for the families."

Dalglish, who helped the club deal with the aftermath of Hillsborough, believes it is important that those who died are remembered by everyone associated with the game.

"I don't think what happened there will ever be removed from anybody and neither should it," added Dalglish. "I don't think anybody should ever forget it.

"I suppose the people who were there are the ones who have the strongest opinion on it. There are people now passing an opinion on things but I'm sure had they been there they would have a different opinion.

"For ourselves also, it has been that long that there is a generation of our supporters now who know about it but obviously weren't there. I'm sure it is to the forefront of their minds as well.

"Everybody knows what it means to the football club and everybody knows how difficult it is for the people who lost someone there. The sooner they get the justice for themselves, the happier they will be and we all will be for them."

Liverpool Face Serie A Scrap For £11m Marauding Midfield Target

Newly capped French international Blaise Matuidi has expressed his desire to move to a bigger club 'when the time is right' reports skysports.com.

The highly-rated Ligue 1 midfielder recently graduated into Laurent Blanc's national side after a string of fine performances for his club.

Liverpool have long been linked with a move for the combative midfield general, as manager Kenny Dalglish looks to strengthen that department of his Reds squad.

However, talkSPORT now reports that Liverpool may face competition for the Anfield target from Serie A side Genoa who are also said to be courting the player.

At 24, Matuidi feels he has achieved all he can at St Etienne, a club he joined from Troyes in 2007. He now wants to play on a bigger stage, and has targeted a number of Europe's elite clubs as potential destinations.

Liverpool Make Enquiry For £10m Standard Liege Star Steven Defour

Liverpool is weighing up a £10 million move for Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour after Manchester United cooled their interest in the Belgian star.

United have been tracking Defour for more than two years but have indicated that they are unlikely to follow up their interest with a summer bid.

The 23-year-old is set to leave his Belgian club at the end of the season and Liverpool have now emerged as one of the leading contenders for his signature.

Defour's agent, Paul Stefani, has held talks with Portuguese giants Benfica within the last month but he has also been in contact with Damien Comolli, Liverpool's director of football, about a summer move to the Premier League.

Comolli and Reds manager Kenny Dalglish want to add creativity to the Liverpool midfield next season and have identified Defour as one of their candidates.

Defour had previously been reluctant to join the Anfield club as he feared he would ruin his dream of playing for Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson took the extraordinary step of writing a letter to the player in 2009 after he suffered a long-term foot injury.

But Defour has been impressed by the direction the Merseysiders have taken since Dalglish took over from Roy Hodgson in January and a summer switch could be on the cards if Liverpool decide to make an offer.

"Liverpool are now a different club to last year," a source told Goal.com UK. "Defour could really thrive and achieve his goals at Liverpool - and he is the kind of player they want to sign now."

The Belgian international would fit into Liverpool's strategy of buying young and talented players under owners Fenway Sports Group and his £10m price is considered attractive by the decision-makers at the club.

Comolli has said he wants to bring “top players” to Anfield and has promised movement in the transfer market during the summer as the Reds look to build on the January signings of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.

Liverpool 'Considering' Swoop For £15m English Starlet

Liverpool are ready to step up their pursuit of Connor Wickham by offering £15 million for the Ipswich Town forward, reports the Daily Star.

The 18-year-old has signed two new contracts this year alone to re-enforce his commitment to the Tractor Boys.

Tottenham Hotspur were reportedly leading the race to sign Wickham, but now, with Liverpool having bolstered their attack already this year as they swooped for Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, it appears Kenny Dalglish is keen to add another member to his star studded attacking line-up.

Wickham, who has already progressed into the England Under-21's, scored his eight goal of the season against Middlesborough on Tuesday, just weeks after netting his first professional hat-trick against Doncaster Rovers.

Such has been his impact on the first-team that Ipswich had Wickham extend his deal until 2013 in January, and then by a further year earlier this month after he was named the Football League's Young Player of the Year and the Champions Apprentice of the Year in March.

Damien Comolli, Liverpool's director of football, has been to watch Wickham on a number of occasions, and could be ready to tempt the forward to the Premier League.

The Anfield club hasn’t been frightened to splash the cash after spending close to £60 million on Suarez and Carroll, and if Liverpool's ambitions of closing the gap to the top five in the Barclays Premier League are genuine, a swoop for Wickham, who is available at a reported £15 million, would be expected.

Mamadou Sakho: I Have No Interest In Joining Liverpool

Speculation that defender Mamadou Sakho is on the verge of agreeing a move to Liverpool this summer has been rejected by the Paris Saint-Germain star.

Sakho had been rumoured to be a £12million target for the Gunners earlier this season, while Liverpool have this week become the latest club to join the race for the highly-rated 21-year-old.

However, the versatile starlet - who can play in the centre of defence or at left-back - has distanced himself from talk of a move to the Premier League.

'I am focused on PSG at the moment,' he said.

'I am reading nothing into the speculation.'

Sakho admits he was ready for the interest to come his way after an impressive campaign in France.

However, he appears to have ruled out a move to England in the near future, adding: 'If I do well then clubs will look at me, but I plan to stay with PSG for a long time.'

Liverpool is said to be monitoring several targets to strengthen its defence this summer.

Keeping Hold Of Pepe Reina Would Be Massive Boost For Liverpool

Rafael Benitez has stressed the importance of former club Liverpool holding onto Pepe Reina this summer.

The Spanish shot-stopper has been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United in recent months, with the 28-year-old recently saying that he was happy but would "not swear eternal love" to any club.

Benitez, the man who brought the goalkeeper to English football in 2005, believes the Merseyside club have to retain the services of the former Barcelona and Villarreal man.

He told Yahoo: "When any team has a good player it is important to keep them. Pepe is one of the key players for Liverpool so if he stays it will be a massive boost for Liverpool."

Benitez, out of work since parting ways with Inter in December, admitted he would be tempted by offers from abroad but his priority is to return to the Premier League as he sets his sights on a return to management.

The Spaniard, who won the Champions League in 2005 and FA Cup in 2006 with Liverpool, left Merseyside last summer after guiding the side to a disappointing seventh place, just a season after running Manchester United close at the top of the table.

The ex-Valencia manager has previously been linked with a return to Anfield and with the club's board stalling over offering Kenny Dalglish an extension to his current short-term deal, Benitez admits a return to the Premier League is what he desires.

He said: "I am watching as many games as I can but in a different way as you are not under pressure and you do not need to prepare for the next game.

"I am still analyzing games at the moment. If I have good offers abroad it would be ok but my priority is to return to the Premier League."

Since leaving Serie A, Benitez has enjoyed time with his family and is adamant that he does not feel his experience with Inter was a bad one.

"I think it was positive," he added. "In the circumstances that we had won two trophies which was a good achievement, especially winning the Fifa Club World Cup as this was the main target of the club. Six months and winning two trophies is not a bad statistic if you consider it in this way."

Benitez also believes that Premier League clubs are more patient than any other league in Europe and that there is more respect in the English game, and talked about another of his former players, Lucas Leiva, who was often cited as a transfer dud before becoming one of the club's most consistent performers.

"I think that people have more respect and are more patient," he continued. "You can build and prepare a team and work better with younger players. You have more time overall. In Italy or Spain you have one or two weeks and everything can change.

"I was defending Lucas from the beginning. He played a lot of games and the people in the stadium could see he was working very hard and improving every day. The more mature a player he becomes the better he will become. I am so pleased for him because he is not only a fantastic player but a nice lad."

The 50-year-old manager also took time out to have his say on how to get the best out of Fernando Torres, something he achieved at Anfield.

He added: "Fernando is a good professional and although he had some injuries he was learning the English style he was scoring a lot of goals at the beginning and at the end.

"He had a good mentality, he has good quality and his relationship with me was good because we could talk in Spanish."

Martin Skrtel Excited By Liverpool Youth Players

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel believes the impressive debut of John Flanagan this week underlines the potential of an exciting crop of Reds youngsters.

Reserve team right-back Flanagan, 18, gave a composed performance after making his first senior appearance from the start in Monday's 3-0 Barclays Premier League thrashing of Manchester City.

The local-born youngster follows in the footsteps of fellow defender Martin Kelly, who has impressed in the same position this season but is currently injured, while midfielder Jay Spearing is also getting opportunities.

Other teenagers such as Conor Coady, Jack Robinson and Raheem Sterling are highly rated and have been on the fringes of first-team squads.

When asked about Flanagan's display, Skrtel told LFC TV: "He was brilliant. He is just 18 and on the pitch he looked like an experienced player.

"I think he showed his best and he showed he can be a very good player.

"The young guys from the Academy have already got a chance in the first team, like Martin Kelly, Jay Spearing, Flanno and Peter Gulacsi.

"They are still young players but they are part of the first team.

"We can see they are the future of Liverpool FC and it is on the right way. These players can be big in the future of Liverpool."

Skrtel says the convincing win over City, which included record signing Andy Carroll's first two goals for the club, has done wonders for team spirit going into the final six games.

The Anfield side remains sixth in the table but is determined to close the gap to Spurs above them and secure a European place.

Slovakia international Skrtel, 26, said: "It was a great game for us.

"These few days after the game we have really enjoyed the atmosphere at Melwood.

"You can see the smiles on the faces and that is very important."

Liverpool now faces another tough test as they travel to title-chasing Arsenal on Sunday.

The Merseyside club has not won away at Arsenal since a 1-0 success at the old Highbury ground in 2000.

Skrtel said: "It is going to be a big game, a very important game for us.

"We are in a race for the best position (we can reach) in the league table at the end of the season.

"We have to work hard and we try to repeat the performance we did in the game against City and we can get a good result there."

Four Reds Called Up By England

Four of Liverpool's most promising Academy youngsters have been called up by England for the forthcoming U17 European Championships.

Raheem Sterling, Adam Morgan, Brad Smith and Matty Regan have all been named in John Peacock's squad for the tournament in Serbia between May 3 and May 15.

England U17s will be defending their title as European Champions.

Sterling and co will face hosts Serbia, France and Denmark in Group A, and if they finish in the top two of their group of four then they will progress to the Semi-Final.

Group B is made up of Czech Republic, Germany, Holland and Romania.

The competition also offer an opportunity for the squad to qualify for June's FIFA U17 World Cup in Mexico, which they will do by finishing in third place or higher in Group A.

England will kick-off the tournament with a clash against France on Tuesday, May 3.

John Barnes Hails Kenny Dalglish Impact At Liverpool FC

John Barnes has hailed the impact Kenny Dalglish has made since he returned to the Anfield hot-seat, saying: “It is a match made in heaven.”

Barnes played under Dalglish during his first stint as Reds manager and hasn’t been surprised by the upturn in the club’s fortunes.

And he believes with some quality additions this summer, Liverpool will be capable of mounting a title challenge next season.

Barnes said: “It is a match made in heaven. It is a perfect fit – Kenny and Liverpool.

“He is the only one who could have galvanized the fans to bring everyone back together.

“They made two great signings in (Andy) Carroll and (Luis) Suarez but they need more investment.”

Barnes, who was sacked as Tranmere boss in October 2009, is determined to get back into management.

“The long-term aim is to get back into football,” he said.

“If I get a job here in football, it will be in League One, League Two or other lower division clubs. I have worked in Jamaica before, so I would be willing to look anywhere in the world.”

Liverpool Make £8m Plus Joe Cole Transfer Bid For Aston Villa Ace

Liverpool is ready to offer Joe Cole plus £8m in a swap deal for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.

The 25-year-old has reportedly told friends he will leave Villa in order to develop his international career further and looks set to engineer a move from the club at the end of the season.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham are reported suitors of the winger but the Anfield club could emerge as favourites to land Young with an alluring swap deal involving midfielder Joe Cole plus a cash offer.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is keen to offload the 29-year-old who has endured a torturous time since his summer move to Anfield, struggling for form and fitness, and it now seems the Scot is ready to cut his losses with the former Chelsea player.

Liverpool have reportedly signed French winger Sylvain Marveaux for next season and the club are eyeing one more orthodox wide man to provide service for new strikers Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Dalglish Makes ‘Mad Dash’ For Germany Star

Danish newspaper Jyllands Posten is claiming that Kenny Dalglish and Damien Comolli are planning to make a mad dash for Germany to personally secure the signature of Wolfsburg star Simon Kjaer.

Dalglish reportedly sees Kjaer as perfect for the center half position at Liverpool.

The defender has been rated one of the top on his kind in the Bundesliga, but with Wolfsburg currently struggling and sitting third last on the table and facing relegation, speculation is growing that the Danish international is set to make an exit.

The 22 year old was linked with Liverpool last year while he was playing for Serie A side Palermo, but Kjaer signed with Wolfsburg instead.

Now that Wolfsburg are reportedly looking to cash in on the youngster, Liverpool are back in the hot seat to work out a deal, and both the Liverpool manager and football director are wasting no time in securing the star’s signature.

Liverpool Want Birmingham City's Sebastian Larsson

Liverpool's search for summer reinforcements has led them to Birmingham City winger Sebastian Larsson, it has been claimed.

According to the Express & Star, the Swede will leave St Andrew's at the end of the season when his contract expires, and the Reds are ready to pounce for the 25-year-old.

Reports allege that Liverpool have made their interest known in Larsson and are keen to bring him to Anfield when the transfer window reopens as they attempt to bolster their attacking options.

Larsson began his career with Arsenal but, after failing to make his way into Arsene Wenger's first team, joined Birmingham in 2007 after an initial loan spell at the club.

However, the Sweden international has been frequently been linked with a move away from Birmingham after stalling over contract negotiations - and it would appear Liverpool are one of the frontrunners for his signature.

Fotbollskanalen.se has previously reported that Liverpool are interested in the versatile midfielder, while the Anfield club are known to be after more potent wide options.

Liverpool are already said to have tied up the signing of Rennes flyer Sylvain Marveaux in their pursuit of new recruits.

Liverpool Manager In Sensational Swoop For Former Anfield Hero Michael Owen

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is lining up a sensational swoop for the former Kop idol Michael Owen this summer.

The Manchester United striker is out of contract at the end of the season and is unlikely to be offered a new deal by Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 31-year-old has been struggling with injuries since he left Liverpool in 2004, despite playing for the Red Devils, Real Madrid and Newcastle United.

Dalglish is prepared to gamble on the England international and sees Owen as ideal back up to Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Being a free agent, Dalglish is prepared to offer him a chance to rebuild bridges with Liverpool fans following his departure from Anfield and his decision to join the Red Devils.

It is understood Owen still has a lot of admirers from within the Liverpool dressing room, notably Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

Owen has been linked with a move to Aston Villa to work under Gerard Houllier, but the Villa manager’s uncertainty over his own future has left the deal in doubt.

It is unclear whether the Kop fans would welcome the return of Owen, as they have constantly heckled their former hero at every opportunity.

Kenny Targets PSG Star If Cahill Bid Fails

Liverpool will turn to France's next major star Mamadou Sakho if their campaign to land Gary Cahill ends in failure.

Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish has earmarked the Bolton and England centre half as a major priority when he is given funds in the summer.

But the Reds manager is painfully aware that Wanderers are determined to hold out until the bidding reaches £20million.

And with moneybags Manchester City also in the race, Dalglish has wisely lined up a back-up, with 21-year-old Sakho his preferred choice.

The Paris St Germain defender has already made a massive impact in France after winning his first full cap in the recent victory over England.

Sakho is doubly attractive because he can also play left back as well as centre half, and would cost only half the fee Cahill is likely to command.

Dalglish has other targets, with Aston Villa's Ashley Young, Charlie Adam of Blackpool and Ipswich wonderboy Connor Wickham, who only turned 18 last week, on his list.

The Liverpool boss wants to concentrate on exciting young stars, after presiding over a massive improvement in the youth structure at Anfield since he returned to the club 18 months ago.

King Kenny gave teenager John Flanagan his debut against City on Monday night, and wasn't disappointed as the defender turned in an immaculate performance.

And his display was further proof of the giant strides made with young players coming through the ranks in the past 12 months.

Dalglish originally returned to the club as an ambassador with special responsibility for academy recruitment, and he has maintained that interest by promoting several kids into his first team squad.

Liverpool has seriously failed to develop young, local talent in the past decade, since Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher burst onto the scene at the end of the 1990s.

Yet this season Jay Spearing and Martin Kelly have already established themselves, along with Jonjo Shelvey and now Flanagan knocking at the door.

Other exciting young stars such as Conor Coady, Jack Robinson, Andre Wisdom, Raheem Sterling and 16 year old goalscoring sensation Adam Morgan all seem to have a big future at Anfield, and Dalglish wants to ensure that happens by continuing to identify the best young talent.

Flanagan showed enough in 90 minutes against England winger James Milner to suggest he can make the grade, and previous academy graduate Carragher believes it is a massive boost for the future of the club.

"I'm delighted for John and I think it gives the whole club a lift when you see a local lad come through - the supporters love it," he said.

"I think at the Academy it gives all of them a lift. The young lads at the Academy, it shows them it can be done.

"There's a bit of competition now between him and Kelly for the local lads. It's great for everyone really that you've got two local lads like that coming through.

"To be honest there's a few more down there so it's up to them lads to take their chance. Flanno's done that, but I'm pretty confident that there are more down there."