Forest Complete Anderson Capture

Championship newcomers Nottingham Forest have acquired the services of highly-rated Liverpool youngster Paul Anderson on a season-long loan.

Forest beat off stiff competition from Championship rivals Swansea, who Anderson spent last season on loan with and helped them pip Colin Calderwood's side to the League One title.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who played 36 times for the Swans and scored eight goals, said he jumped at the opportunity to return to his native east midlands when he was aware of Calderwood's interest.

He told the club's official website: "I enjoyed last season at Swansea but after speaking to Forest I just felt that it was the right move for me.

"I'm joining a big club in Forest and I am very excited about the challenge of trying to help them make an impact in the Championship."

Torres Is The World's Best - Carragher

Jamie Carragher has hailed Liverpool team-mate Fernando Torres as the best striker in the world following his exploits at Euro 2008.

Torres has helped Spain reach the final of the competition with some impressive showings in Austria and Switzerland.

The former Atletico Madrid ace has carried on where he left off at Liverpool last season after scoring an impressive 33 goals in his debut season at Anfield.

Carragher is a big fan of Torres and insists he would not swap the Spaniard for anyone in the world.

"He has a great partnership with Villa they look really sharp the two of them and Fernando has took his form from Liverpool into the national team," Carragher told Sky Sports News.

"He does not have to prove anything to anyone at Liverpool as he has done it in the Champions League and I am sure he has gone down well in Spain.

"I am Liverpool player and I am biased, I suppose, but for me he is the best.

"I am just delighted to be in the same team as him and it was a great bit of business by the club last summer, great for Rafa who brought him in and he has repaid everyone.

"Hopefully he will do it for the next four or five years for Liverpool, but at the moment I would not swap him for anyone."

Carragher: Reds To Challenge

Central defender Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool will mount a serious challenge for silverware next season.

The Reds stalwart has backed manager Rafael Benitez to bring some quality new signings to Anfield this summer, as they look to close the gap to the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal both domestically and in Europe.

Liverpool finished 11 points off the pace of eventual Premier League champions United last season, while they exited the Champions League at the semi-final stage at the hands of Chelsea.

The Reds have failed to claim the domestic league title since 1990 and have not won any trophies during the last two seasons.

"At a club like Liverpool every season is a big season and we will be going for every trophy we possibly can," said Carragher.

"It is a big competition not just in the Premier League but around Europe, but I am confident we can produce something this season.

"We didn't win anything last season, so we want to look to improve and that is something we have already done.

"We have brought in two or three players already and I am sure the manager is looking to bring some more in."

Liverpool Line Up Shock £10m Swoop For Boro's England Winger Stewart Downing

Liverpool will make a surprise £10million swoop for Middlesbrough's England winger Stewart Downing, according to reports.

Anfield boss Rafa Benitez wants a left-sided midfielder following Harry Kewell's departure and he has targeted England star Downing, The Sun reports.

The Boro ace was a Spurs target last season. But Gareth Southgate wants to keep him, especially as Downing was handed a new five-year deal just five months ago.

Boro want to build a team around Downing, 23, and aim to have James Harper and French midfielder Didier Digard alongside him next term.

Chief executive Keith Lamb said: "We are pursuing a number of players. The negotiations are going very well and we hope to have most of our incoming transfers completed before the players return to training on July 7."

Liverpool will wrap up the signing of £7m Italian defender Andrea Dossena next week. The Udinese full-back, 26, will become Benitez's second capture of the summer following Swiss ace Philipp Degen.

Anfield chief executive Rick Parry said: "The deal should go through next week after finalising the paperwork." Benitez has also pounced for AZ Alkmaar's Dutch strike prodigy Vincent Weijl. Weijl, 17, is due to move for a nominal fee as he has yet to sign a professional contract.

Chester Look To Take Godwin Antwi On Loan

CHESTER City last night approached Liverpool to enquire about the availability of central defender, Godwin Antwi.

The 20-year-old Ghanaian-born player is highly thought of at Anfield, but it is understood that they would be receptive to a temporary loan spell, if the player was agreeable.

Antwi, who moved to Spain with his family when he was 14 years of age, played for the Real Zaragoza youth team before being spotted by Paco Herrera, who persuaded him to move to Anfield.

The player, who was a member of the Liverpool’s FA Youth Cup-winning side in 2006, had a loan spell with Accrington Stanley 18 months ago, before spending a year-long temporary period with Hartlepool United last season.

During his time in the North East, he made 27 League One appearances for the Victoria Park club.

City manager Simon Davies said last night: "We have spoken to Liverpool and if the player is receptive then we would like to bring him to the Deva Stadium on a season-long temporary loan arrangement.

"Godwin is an exceptional player and he is just the sort of defender that we are looking for. Hopefully he will see the benefit of joining us for a season and see the temporary move as an integral part of his football progression."

Rafa Benitez To Seal Double Capture Of Nikola Saric And Andrea Dossena

Liverpool are set to complete two transfer deals – after beating a host of top clubs to one of Europe’s most promising young strikers.

Italian left-back Andrea Dossena agreed terms to complete his move from Udinese for a fee in the region of £6million earlier this month before going on his honeymoon.

He is now set to put pen to paper when the transfer window officially opens on Tuesday, and Anfield chief executive Rick Parry said: “We are now ready to confirm the signing of Dossena. The deal should go through next week after finalising the paperwork.”
But the signing of Danish youngster Nikola Saric (pictured above) is a longer-term investment, the 17-year-old joining on a three-year deal from Herfolge for an undisclosed fee.

Barcelona were just one of a clutch of clubs keen to seal the signature of the striker, who can also play wide on the left, but after Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez contacted the player personally he dropped out of his club’s training camp in Greece to fly in to Merseyside yesterday.

“All the top clubs in Europe have been involved with this player,” Herfolge’s sporting director Per Rud told the Daily Post.

“So it says something about the club that he is turning up at Liverpool.

“We are very proud to sell him to one of the biggest clubs in the world and glad that they came up with the best package for him.”

Saric made his debut for the Danish second division club when he was 15 but he was restricted to just three appearances for them last season because of country commitments.

He began the campaign playing for Denmark under-17s but was promoted to the under-18s as he started to catch the eye with his performances in the international set-up. He is set to sign his contract next week and is likely to join the ranks of promising teenagers in Gary Ablett’s reserve side next season.

Saric said: “It is a unique opportunity for me.

“I will train with the big names over there, and in time they will develop me at reserve level.”

Gunners Eye Crouch Move

Superagent Vincenzo Morabito claims Arsenal are considering Peter Crouch as a possible replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor.

Barcelona and Milan are battling to persuade the Gunners to cash in on Adebayor, with a fee in excess of £30million mooted for the Togo striker.

Milan have confirmed the former Monaco forward is their top target, but have acknowledged the difficulty in tempting Arsenal to sell.

Morabito, who is among the agents working on the deal for the Italian giants, appears optimistic that Adebayor will move to the San Siro.

However, Morabito claims Arsenal will not sanction the transfer until Arsene Wenger has brought in a replacement.

Liverpool striker Crouch is among Wenger's targets, according to Morabito, along with Blackburn Rovers' Roque Santa Cruz and Stuttgart frontman Mario Gomez.

"Arsenal are looking for Adebayor's replacement," Morabito told Italian TV show Studio Sport.

"The names being talked about are Peter Crouch, Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz and Germany forward Mario Gomez.

"Until that search is over, the negotiations won't reach the final stage, but I am fairly optimistic.

"What are the chances of Adebayor joining Milan? At this stage, we are at 70 per cent to 80 per cent."

Arsenal boss Wenger, though, is remaining calm about possible player departures, with Alexander Hleb also being strongly linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium.

Wenger said in The Independent: "I know a lot has been written about us, but I am very calm. Why? Because I don't know why I should be nervous.

"It's like when you take a penalty, if you are nervous it doesn't help. I will approach it with my usual calm.

"My biggest challenge is to make sure I have a competitive team next year no matter who it is."

Benitez Won’t Be Held To Ransom Over Gareth Barry

Gareth Barry will be kept waiting on his dream move to Anfield with Liverpool set to infuriate Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill further by telling him to “get real” over the valuation of his unsettled captain.

The England international made it clear that he wanted to leave Villa Park at the end of last season in the search for European football with Anfield his preferred destination.

However, with his skipper still under contract, Villa manager O’Neill, who is preparing for an Intertoto Cup campaign with one of the Premier League’s smallest squads is determined to squeeze as much out of any suitors for his prize asset.

Backed by American owner Randy Lerner, O’Neill, livid at the Anfield outfit’s public chase for Barry has stubbornly dug in his heels and rejected Liverpool’s first three bids.

With Villa valuing Barry at £20m, Liverpool are now set to ask the Midlanders to introduce some ‘realism’ into negotiations as Benitez looks to seal a deal.

O’Neill’s valuation of Barry is based on the £18m fee paid for Javier Mascherano last season but Barry, 27, is more than three years older than the Argentine star.

The Ulsterman is so annoyed with the way negotiations have been conducted that has now severed all contact with Anfield, leaving Lerner’s assistant Paul Faulkner to conduct talks.

For the first time, Liverpool have admitted that they fear that the stalemate could last much longer than they’d hoped unless a compromise can be reached and Barry now faces the prospect of having to report for the start of Villa’s pre-season training at Bodymoor Heath.

With the clubs also unable to reach an agreement over Scott Carson’s asking price, any part-exchange involving the keeper who was on loan at Villa Park now seems unlikely, with O’Neill eyeing Paul Robinson.

Man City Linked To Liverpool's Peter Crouch

Manchester City have entered the race for Liverpool striker Peter Crouch – but the Anfield club will have to lower their £15m valuation for the player.

New manager at Eastlands Mark Hughes is attracted by the England striker’s recent European experience ahead of City’s Uefa Cup campaign.

Anfield chiefs are still waiting on an official bid following City’s initial enquiry but Hughes will have to fork out an eight-figure fee for the 27-year-old after Portsmouth had a £9m offer rejected.

The substantial funds available to the City manager from Thai owner Thaksin Shinawatra are believed to be a major factor in ambitious Hughes’ decision to come to the club from Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers, but despite having the kind of transfer budget which has seen major world stars such as Ronaldinho linked with a move to

Eastlands this summer the Welshman is determined not to pay over the odds for Crouch.

Hughes still faces stiff competition for Crouch’s signature from FA Cup winners Portsmouth.

The Fratton Park outfit are now pursuing Reading’s England international left-back Nicky Shorey but despite having a £9m bid for Crouch knocked back earlier this week, manager Harry Redknapp insists the 6ft 7in frontman remains his number one striking target as he looks to bolster his frontline ahead of the club’s first ever European campaign.

Meanwhile, Andriy Voronin is relishing the prospect of his second season with Liverpool and has promised supporters that his best is still to come.

The Ukraine international admits that he did not feature as much as he would have liked during his debut campaign at Anfield but insists that he is now happy with life in England and determined to show the club’s supporters just what he can do.

“When I first arrived here I didn’t find it easy because I’d lived in Germany for 12 years,” he said.

“I didn’t know the language but I’m gradually getting there.

“My wife had a baby here and, thank god, everything was okay. So I am getting more and more used to life here everyday.

“We are feeling much better than six or seven months ago. When we have time we go into town. We like it here and don’t have any problems with life in England or the town – except for the weather.”

Voronin feels he made an impressive start to his Liverpool career but added: “Obviously the injury was a setback. There are a lot of good players here. It’s competitive, so it’s difficult to get straight back into the team after an injury.

“I’ll do my best next season and hopefully I can help the team. I think I still have a lot to show the fans.”

Steve Finnan: I Will Fight For My Liverpool Shirt

Under pressure Reds defender Steve Finnan has a message to Anfield new boys Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena: "I'm not going easily!"

After being a virtual fixture in the Liverpool starting line-up since his £3.5m move from Fulham five years ago, Finnan found himself on the sidelines for much of last season.

He started just four of the Reds last 17 matches, then saw Swiss international right-back Degen and Italian international full-back Dossena signed in the summer.

But Finnan said: "I think every player welcomes competition. I'm no different.

"If the manager wants to add more I've got no problem with that. Obviously it benefits the team and it means those of us already here have to keep improving.

"At a club like this there will always be competition for places. We're all aware of that. Nobody can afford to take anything for granted.

"Rumours about new signings appear on a regular basis, it's part of the job.

"You look at our squad now and you can see we've got two top players in nearly every position."

Prior to last season only injury kept Finnan out of the Reds starting line-up, as he saw off new signings Josemi and Jan Kromkamp.

But 2008/09 promises to be the most challenging campaign of his Liverpool career.

The battle for Peter Crouch's signature, meanwhile, has intensified - with Arsenal surprise contenders.

Super agent Vincenzo Morabito told Italian TV show Studio Sport last night: "Arsenal are exploring the transfer market for a substitute for Adebayor. The names being talked about are Peter Crouch, Roque Santa Cruz and Germany forward Mario Gomez."

Manchester City are also reported to be in the running now, after Portsmouth had a £9m bid rejected by the Reds earlier this week, and Tottenham have also been linked with a double raid on Anfield for Crouch and Yossi Benayoun.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will kick-off satellite channel Setanta's coverage for the new season - on July 12!

The broadcasters have announced that they intend to screen the pre-season friendly between Tranmere and Liverpool, their first 'live action' of 2008/09.

It is part of an intensive package which includes 27 live screenings prior to the Community Shield between Manchester United and Portsmouth.

Spurs Plan To Thwart Pompey With £15m Deal For Crouch And Benayoun

Juande Ramos has joined the bidding for Peter Crouch and is ready to launch a £15million double offer for the unsettled Liverpool striker and his team-mate Yossi Benayoun.

Still fearful he may lose Dimitar Berbatov before the start of next season, the Tottenham manager has earmarked Crouch as a ready-made replacement and put together a package he believes will give him the edge over Portsmouth counterpart Harry Redknapp.

While Portsmouth offered an initial £7million, with £2m worth of extras to follow, Tottenham are prepared to pay the full £9m asking price for Crouch and a further £6m for former West Ham midfielder Benayoun.

Tottenham’s proposal carries the greater appeal for Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, who is eager not only to do business with his fellow-Spaniard and close friend Ramos but rake in desperately needed funds to finance his own transfer plans.

Redknapp still feels he is in pole position, though, after a clear signal from Crouch that Fratton Park remains his preferred destination.

The England striker has even indicated he would sooner see out the 12 months left on his contract than be forced into a move against his will and Benitez may have to wait while Portsmouth raise the additional cash to match Tottenham’s bid.

With goalkeeper Scott Carson a target for Middlesbrough and Xabi Alonso edging closer to a move to Juventus, Benitez could soon have the financial muscle to follow up his long-running pursuit of Gareth Barry and more recent interest in David Silva.

The bidding for Aston Villa midfielder Barry looks like topping £15m, while Valencia winger Silva will cost almost as much after his emergence for Spain sent his value soaring.

Redknapp has persistently refused to be hurried into meeting an opening valuation on Crouch of around £12m and is confident he is now close to landing the out-of-favour Liverpool marksman for £9m at the most.

As he attempts to build on last season’s FA Cup success, Redknapp is also considering trying to hijack Roma’s negotiations with freed Liverpool winger Harry Kewell and has been linked with a move for Strasbourg midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, as well as confirming his interest in Reading left-back Nicky Shorey.

Kewell was thought to be close to reaching an agreement with the Serie A club but is sure to consider any opportunity to extend his injury-blighted career in the Barclays Premier League.While Crouch’s arrival would be seen as further evidence of Portsmouth’s growing ambition, it may not be welcomed by Nwankwo Kanu.

The Nigerian has held off agreeing new terms since January because he believes he deserves another two years. But the presence of Crouch would strengthen Pompey’s hand in negotiations.

‘I cannot sign for just one year when I have done so much for the club,’ said Kanu. ‘Winning the FA Cup and playing well during the season should qualify me for more than a one-year extension.’

Rafa Rubbishes Money Reports

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has described reports he has demanded a £50million transfer kitty as 'total rubbish'.

Reports on Tuesday suggested Benitez was demanding a £50million war chest to enable him to sign David Villa, David Silva, Gareth Barry and Daniel Alves.

Benitez has brushed off the speculation, outlining the fact that Sevilla star Alves has already agreed a deal to join Barcelona to prove the reports have no substance.

"The stories are ridiculous. Total rubbish," Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.

"They have me trying to sign Daniel Alves, who already has an agreement with Barcelona, so how could I be trying to sign him?

"I am working hard with (chief executive) Rick Parry, who is in regular contact with the Americans, and there are no problems.

"The reports are just unbelievable."

Liverpool Boardroom Drama Could Be Over - Grobbelaar

Liverpool legend Bruce Grobbelaar believes the club may have seen the last of the boardroom unrest at the club following a season full of turmoil.

The season just passed was far from memorable for Liverpool, as new co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett had an ongoing feud, there was an ownership struggle, an attempt to sack chief executive Rick Parry, talks held with Jürgen Klinsmann before he had secured the Bayern Munich job, and of course another forgettable season on all fronts, barring a Champions League run to the semi-finals following a poor start that only just saw them get through the groups.

Grobbelaar, who enjoyed 14 years at the club despite being convicted of match-fixing, is optimistic that the worst has passed and that the owners will now start working to bring the fans what they want.

The ex-goalkeeper told Setanta Sports News: “Who knows, if they are talking together and they can give the Liverpool fans what they need – the stadium and some good players for Rafa Benitez – then hopefully we can forget about the wranglings off the pitch and do the business on the pitch and knock on the door for the championship."

Grobbelaar is also hopeful that Liverpool can sign David Villa from Valencia, as he is Fernando Torres' strike partner at international level and has now caught everyone's eye following a hat-trick against Russia in Spain's opening game of Euro 2008 and a last-minute winner against Sweden.

“Yes, I’d like to see David Villa coming to Anfield,” declared Grobbelaar. “We know Rafa wanted David Villa two years ago so hopefully we can get the negotiations done as quickly as possible.

“He’s voiced his opinion already that he doesn’t want to go to London to Chelsea and he might find it better to come up to Liverpool with all his Spanish mates: Scouse Spanish!”

Voronin Vows To Repay Faith

Andrei Voronin is determined to show Liverpool supporters his true ability next season after a mixed first campaign at Anfield.

The Ukraine international arrived on Merseyside last summer on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen and initially impressed for Rafa Benitez's side.

However, the second half of the season saw injuries and a difficultly in adapting to new surroundings restrict Voronin's role in Benitez's first XI.

He is confident, though, that with another pre-season behind him he will be more acclimatised to English football and is gearing up for a successful showing next term.

"I think I started not bad," he told LFC magazine.

"I played a lot at the beginning and scored a few goals.

"Obviously the injury was a setback. There are a lot of good players here. It's competitive, so it's difficult to get straight back into the team after an injury.

"I'll do my best next season and hopefully I can help the team. I think I still have a lot to show the fans.

"When I first arrived here I didn't find it easy because I'd lived in Germany for 12 years.

"I didn't know the language but I'm gradually getting there. My wife had a baby here and, thank God, everything was okay. So I am getting more and more used to life here everyday.

"We are feeling much better than six or seven months ago. We like it here and don't have any problems with life in England or the town - except for the weather!"

Liverpool To Make Move For Fulham Keeper Antti Niemi

Liverpool want Fulham's veteran keeper Antti Niemi.

Anfield boss Rafa Benitez is after an experienced stopper to provide back-up to No.1 Pepe Reina.

And Finnish ace Niemi, 36, is keen as he is surplus to requirements at Craven Cottage and is big mates with compatriot Sami Hyypia.

Birmingham's Maik Taylor,36, was Benitez's original target but he is due to pen a new two-year deal at St Andrews on Wednesday.

And Niemi, who can leave Fulham for around £350,000, is set for talks with Liverpool next week when he returns from holiday but West Ham are also interested.

Strategic Transfer Sales Come At A Price

The phoney war is nearly over, and the real business is about to start.

The vast majority of the transfer rumours which are the staple diet of the press and gossip websites can be dismissed as just that: rumours.

But now, as Euro 2008 and the latest round of South American World Cup qualifiers draw to a close, and the transfer window creaks open, the more fanciful stories will fall away and be replaced by more concrete tales of how the latest unknown imports from darkest Africa and former Soviet republics have always been diehard supporters of their new club, and that their dream has come true with the donning of the red/blue/white shirt - provided it is stuffed with bundles of used tenners.

The prospective comings and goings at Anfield have filled many a column inch in recent weeks, with the size of Rafa's transfer budget the cause of much speculation.

The credit crunch has forced Rafa to sell to spend; or the new-found rapport between our co-owners has released additional funds to challenge for the top. Take your pick.

The reality is likely to be that Rafa will have a significant budget, courtesy of the refinanced loan negotiated in January, and that he will try to swell the coffers with a few strategic sales.

The thing that's worrying the Kops at present is that the strategic sales are beginning to look like a fire sale of our best gear, rather than a clear-out of end-of-lines. Crouch, Alonso and now Benayoun are being touted as likely departees, along with young talents like Jack Hobbs and Emiliano Insua, whereas most fans would prefer the discussion to be centring on the likes of Itandje, Pennant and Voronin.

The problem of course is that these three are worth about tuppence-ha'penny, while Liverpool will need big bucks to attract the star names to bolster its wings.

One national paper yesterday linked Liverpool with Villa, Silva and Daniel Alves, which is nice, but the Merseyside club probably have to throw in the Centenary Stand and the Kop chippy to afford that lot.

The arrivals of Degen on a free transfer and Dossena from Udinese have not exactly set the pulse racing, the fear being that these will be the latest in a line of average full-backs to arrive like Arbeloa and Aurelio, or the downright hopeless like Josemi.

It looks like Liverpool will get Gareth Barry once Martin O'Neill calms down, with Alonso sacrificed to appease the financial gods.

Most of Liverpool fans would be sorry to see him go, but in return is a left-sided player and a few more goals as well from the bargain; although anyone watching Xabi play in a more advanced role for Spain against Greece last week will have been wondering why he isn't encouraged to play this way for Liverpool more often.

As for Crouchy, well the big guy is clearly unhappy with his lot, and his contract's up next year, so I suppose that spells exit.

Perhaps Rafa plans to move Babel forward next year to make up his complement of strikers, preparing the way for a mega-signing on the left-wing. David Silva perhaps?

Arbeloa: I’d Love Ronaldo Leave Man Utd

Alvaro Arbeloa has echoed the thoughts of all Premier League defenders – by admitting he hopes Cristiano Ronaldo joins his former club Real Madrid.

The Liverpool defender, who began his career at the Bernabeu, was on the receiving end of the Manchester United winger’s brilliance last season, when he scored 42 goals as they clinched a Premier League and Champions League double.

And Ronaldo’s departure would be a blessing for many Premier League defenders, according to the Spain international, who is currently away with his country for Euro 2008.

“If he leaves, Manchester United would lose the best player in the world,” said Arbeloa. “I would be delighted if Ronaldo leaves and more so if it is to my former team.”

“Let’s hope Real Madrid make an effort. For me it would be fantastic. I would thank them.”

Ronaldo is a target for the Spanish giants, although several weeks of claim and counter-claim have failed to result in a deal.

United insist the Portugal international is not for sale while Madrid are waiting for the player to announce his future plans.

But the disruption the saga is causing to United’s preparations for next season can only be of encouragement to their top four rivals.

In terms of Liverpool’s own prospected transfer window business, Newcastle United seem set to take steps to ensure James Milner stays at the club.

Rafael Benitez was prepared to go to £7m including Danny Guthrie for the 22-year-old winger but with sources in the north east claiming £9m is closer to United’s valuation, the Liverpool manager’s interest has cooled considerably.

With Benitez still intending to raise the cash to secure Gareth Barry’s transfer from Aston Villa and possibly David Silva from Valencia, he won’t break his policy of refusing to pay above the odds for a player with no significant Champions League or international experience.

In terms of netting extra transfer funds, he is also holding out for the right price for Peter Crouch, as Portsmouth consider following up their rejected £9m bid with the £10m that is closer to Liverpool’s asking price.

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp said: “I'd love to bring Crouchie back here.

“We are trying to do deals to bring in players and Peter Storrie is working on trying to get things done.

“But the fee seems a bit too high, and at the end of the day it comes down to the price.

“It seems like things are getting a bit too expensive.

“Crouchie is a player who is on our list, but if nothing can be done then we will just move on to the next player.”

Pompey Parried In Crouch Bid

Portsmouth may be forced back to the drawing board after Liverpool rejected their ₤9million bid for Peter Crouch.

The England international has only a year remaining on his contract at Anfield and has expressed his desire to leave after receiving limited opportunities last season.

Harry Redknapp is keen to team up the beanpole striker with Pompey poacher Jermain Defoe, who in turn has revealed his excitement at the prospect of partnering his sometime international colleague at Fratton Park.

But the Daily Mail reports that Reds boss Rafa Benitez, who initially slapped a rather ambitious ₤15million price tag on Crouch, has turned down Redknapp's ₤9million offer.

Benitez may be holding out for offers from Aston Villa and Newcastle United, who have also been linked with the 27-year-old.

Yossi Benayoun May Be Sold To Raise Cash

Liverpool will consider cashing in on Yossi Benayoun if they receive any concrete offers.

The Israeli playmaker, bought for £5million from West Ham last summer, has not previously been on the list of players manager Rafael Benitez is looking to offload as he continues to seek the funds that will land him his targets.

But with Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp admitting an interest, while also expressing doubts over raising the necessary cash to take striker Peter Crouch from Anfield, Liverpool’s hand could be forced.

Benitez would prefer to retain Benayoun as a useful squad member as the player is happy on Merseyside despite his apparent lack of first team opportunities.

He recently said: “There are three or four clubs in England willing to buy me after the season I have just had.

“But I want to stay at Liverpool until the end of my career.”

He did play in 30 Premier League games last season but started in only half of those, while his biggest impact came in the Champions League group stages when he scored a hat-trick in the 8-0 win over Besiktas.

He also hit a treble in the FA Cup win over Havant & Waterlooville but generally found it difficult to force his way into Benitez’s preferred attacking formation for much of the campaign.

Bids of £6m would be well within range of the likes of Portsmouth and other reported potential suitors such as Manchester City and Middlesbrough.

And with Benitez’s attempts to raise money from other squad members currently stalling, any hope of snaring enough cash to bring in both Gareth Barry and David Silva could rest on what they would be able to get for Benayoun.

No headway has been made in negotiations to agree a fee with Aston Villa for Scott Carson, while Liverpool have still to reach the Midlands side’s £18m valuation of their captain Barry.

Juventus are expected to make their move for Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso after both the club and the player hinted they wanted a deal to be done.

But even the minimum £10m Benitez hoped to get for Crouch could be in jeopardy after Portsmouth manager Redknapp admitted he is cooling to the idea of bringing the striker back to Fratton Park.

But he did admit an interest in Benayoun despite bringing in winger Glen Little from Reading, albeit on a free transfer, last week.

Redknapp said: “Of course I’d like to have someone like Yossi Benayoun.

“He’s a top player. I don’t know what the chances are of getting him out of Liverpool.

“It’s known I like Crouchie, too. But it doesn’t look like anything is happening there. I think Liverpool want a bit too much money for him.

“If that’s the case then we’ll move on to the next option.”

Liverpool have added another friendly to their pre-season programme by confirming a game against Norwegian side Valerengen in Oslo on August 5 (6pm).

Liverpool’s confirmed friendlies are: July 12 v Tranmere (a); July 16 v FC Lucerne (Grenchen); July 19 v Wisla Krakow (Friborg); July 22 v Hertha Berlin (Berlin); July 30 v Villarreal (Villarreal); August 2 v Rangers (a); August 5 v Valerengen (Oslo).

Skrtel Has Found His Mersey Paradise

Martin Skrtel claims he is loving life in Liverpool – even though there is no escape from Kopites in the city.

The Slovak international arrived at Anfield from Russian side Zenit in January and has since proved a massive hit with the Kop.

Skrtel insists the feeling is most definitely mutual.

"I think because of the skinhead and my accent I am not too hard to pick out on the street," the centre-back told LFC Magazine.

"From the bits of conversation I understand between us then I have to say that they have been amazing to me.

"I have signed more autographs since touching down in Merseyside than in the rest of my professional career. But, for the support I have had individually, and that we get as a team, signing some autographs is not a problem."

Skrtel's popularity is in no small part down to his no-nonsense brand of defending, a style which saw him start 20 Liverpool games in less than five months.

He added: "That's just the way I play. I am a defender and sometimes that means you have to put your body on the line to prevent an opposition player scoring a goal.

"I like tackling. It is one of my main strengths. And yeah, I can hear the supporters cheering and getting excited when I go in for a 50/50 challenge. It's beautiful to me to hear that the Liverpool fans appreciate what I do.

"It means a lot to me because these are early days in my Anfield career. To know that I have made an impact is pleasing because I am in a new country and playing a new style of football.

"The English style suits me very well. I enjoy physical battles with forwards and I have had plenty of those in England so far. I am sure over the course of my stay here in Liverpool, which I hope will be a long one, I will have many more.

"Every game in this country is tough; there is no such thing as an easy game in the Premier League."