Benitez Hands Hyypia Captain's Armband

Rafa Benitez is ready to make Sami Hyypia captain for his final Liverpool appearance.

The Finnish centre-back is leaving Anfield this summer after 10 years with the club after agreeing a two-year deal with Bayer Leverkusen.

And Benitez, whose side host Spurs on Sunday, admits the Reds will be losing a legend when the 35-year-old leaves Merseyside.

He said: "Certainly we are losing a legend. For years he has been so good. He has scored important goals and has been very good in defence. Clearly we are losing an important player.

"He will get a fantastic reception from the fans.

They are amazing and they recognise when someone has been a very good servant to the club.

"He is a fantastic professional and a very good person."

Benitez also insists he feels nothing but pride for his players, even though they have finished without a trophy.

He added: "The fact that we have won nine of our last 10 games and not won the title just shows the high level of the Premier League.

"This season we have managed very good performances against the top sides - something we had not been doing before - and now we have to improve a little bit more.

"We've 83 points and that would have been enough to win the title on six other occasions since the Premier League started.

"I can only underline that I am pleased and proud of my team to have gone this close."

The Kop boss has started to generate cash by agreeing a £1m fee with Leicester for defender Jack Hobbs, who helped the Foxes to promotion to the Championship, while winger Paul Anderson will join Swansea for a fee of around £750,000.

Gerrard Savours Experience

Steven Gerrard hopes Liverpool's title-chasing experience will help the club end their drought for the league title next campaign.

The Reds pushed rivals Manchester United for the Premier League crown this season but fell short after dropping too many points at Anfield.

Liverpool have not won the league since 1990 but their efforts this campaign demonstrated progress under manager Rafa Benitez.

Captain Gerrard has spoken of his pride at his charges' challenge and is already hopeful that 2010 could be Liverpool's year.

Gerrard told the club's official website: "I am really proud. This season is the first time I've ever been involved in a title race and, from a personal point of view, I've certainly enjoyed it. Speaking to the other boys, they've enjoyed it too.

"Obviously we were unfortunate not to win the league, but we can take a lot of positives from this season moving forward.

"We've put in some terrific performances this year and have performed well as a team. I think we can use this experience and take big confidence into next campaign.

"As far as trophies are concerned, we've finished empty-handed, but I think we can be really proud of how we have performed. From maybe mid-December onwards we've shown championship-winning form.

"To win the Premier League you have to have had experience of being involved in a title race and let's hope the experience we've gained this year will help us go one better next season."

Sami Hyypia's Regret Over One Missing Piece Of Silver In Liverpool FC Career

It isn’t the leaving of Liverpool that is grieving Sami Hyypia most as he contemplates his impending departure from the club he has served with such distinction for the past decade.

It is the knowledge that the club has been unable to deliver the prize which its fans crave above all others.

Although Hyypia has no regrets from his time at Anfield, he admits that if he could change one thing it would be for the one remaining space in his own trophy cabinet to be filled with a title winners’ medal.

“Maybe that is a disappointment but I am more sad for the fans than for myself because they deserve it so much,” he said.

“But I have no real regrets because there are always ups and downs when you are a professional athlete and I think that we’ve had more ups than downs in the ten years that I’ve been here.

“I’ve had a really happy time here and I want to thank all of my team mates, the staff here and the fans for everything because it has been a great time.”

On Sunday afternoon it will be Hyypia’s turn to be on the receiving end of some richly deserved gratitude as he brings the curtain down on an Anfield career which has seen him go from a relative unknown – remember the wags who christened him Sami Who-pia? – to being regarded as one of Europe’s finest modern day defenders.

Now 35-years-old and considered a veteran, Hyypia has experienced pretty much all the highs and lows that football has to offer.

So much so that it might be expected that he will take his final appearance in his giant Finnish stride. But such is his affection for Liverpool as a club and as a city, he is actually refusing to contemplate the enormity of it all for fear that the emotions which will inevitably be stirred could undermine his trademark professionalism and the needs of the team.

“I haven’t really thought about Sunday yet,” he admitted. “I think it is better that way so that I can concentrate on training because we still have one game to play.

“We really haven’t discussed what will happen yet. The manager hasn’t talked to me about it so we will see what happens.

“Obviously I’m hoping to be involved in the game at some stage just so I can get onto the pitch for one last time. I would be happy with that, of course, but no matter what happens I will still have the chance to say goodbye to the fans after the game.”

An online collection on the Red All Over The Land and Red And White Kop fans forums has raised enough money to buy a special commemorative flag so that the supporters can bid a fitting farewell to one of their modern day heroes.

There are also plans for a Kop mosaic, such is the esteem in which Hyypia is held by the Liverpool supporters, of which he counts himself as one.

“I was a Liverpool fan before and I will definitely remain a Liverpool fan for the rest of my life,” he said.

“Of course I know You’ll Never Walk Alone and I can sing that but I haven’t really picked up too many of the other songs.

“Usually you can hear them when you are playing but you can’t hear exactly what they are singing but when I come back for some games I will have to go on the internet first and learn the words of the songs so I can sing along.

“It has always been really special for me whenever I have heard the fans sing my name.

“It is something that I’ve enjoyed a lot. Even nowadays when I go to warm up and they sing my name it’s a great thing and a great feeling.”

That self same feeling was one of the main reasons why Hyypia turned down several offers to remain in the Premier League once word seeped out into the football fraternity that the time had come for him to move on.

Stoke City, Wolves, Newcastle United and Sunderland were all keen to acquire the services of a player who has literally and metaphorically placed himself head and shoulders above so many of his contemporaries during the past ten years.

But the thought of playing against Liverpool and the supporters who adore him was not something Hyypia was even prepared to contemplate and when Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen made him an offer he quickly realised it was one he could not refuse.

“Of course it would have been difficult to come back to Anfield to play against Liverpool if I’d stayed in this country,” said the centre back.

“Leverkusen showed from day one that they wanted me there and they had a plan for me.

“They have a young team and they need experience and the package is good.

“To have the opportunity at my age to experience another of the top leagues in Europe is good for me. It’s a new challenge and now I just need to match their expectations and I will be fine.

“It’s a really good challenge and I’m looking forward to it.

“I still want to play and I feel that I still have something to offer. I know that if I’d stayed here I wouldn’t have played as many times as I would like to.”

Rafa Benitez and Jamie Carragher have both described Sami Hyypia as a Liverpool legend and there will be precious few people at Anfield on Sunday afternoon who will disagree.

He may be departing without that much longed for league title winners medal, but he will leave with the affection of a city and a football club and the unstinting admiration of those who have played alongside him and supported him.

Daniel Agger: No-One Should Leave Liverpool

Centre-back Daniel Agger recently signed a new five-year deal which ended rife speculation about his Liverpool future.

Now, following a season in which the Reds mounted their strongest challenge for the Premier League title in recent times, the Dane has opined that it would be foolish to leave Anfield at this time.

He predicts that success is just around the corner, and has urged his current team-mates not to look beyond the Merseyside club.

"I've agreed a contract, the manager has agreed a new contract, Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and some other players are all agreeing contracts," he reminded the club's official website.

"I think this shows you that within the club there is a real sense that we are building towards something special.

"Everyone wants to be successful, everyone wants to be part of it. If you don't, then I think you're making a big mistake. There is a lot to be proud of this season, and we are."

Agger will be hoping to enjoy an injury-free campaign after the summer break, in order to get the most out of Rafa's apparent revolution.

Gerrard - Consistency Is The Key

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard insists that the club are now well aware that consistency is the key to winning the Premier League.

The Reds narrowly missed out on this season's title after arch-rivals Manchester United won their third league trophy in a row last weekend.

Gerrard believes that a trio of successive draws at Anfield at the end of 2008 against Fulham, West Ham and Hull City proved costly.

"Looking back at those three draws on the spin at home in December, they are key because if we had turned them into wins, we would be champions or at least still in the race with one game to go," the England star said in the Daily Mirror.

"That shows everyone how difficult this league is to win. You need to perform immaculately at home and win all your games.

"From maybe mid-December onwards we have shown championship-winning form and you've got to go and do it over the whole season."

Napoli Reject Liverpool’s €22m Bid For Ezequiel Lavezzi

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has rebuffed a €22 million bid from Premier League giants Liverpool for Argentine star Ezequiel Lavezzi.

The 24-year-old has been frequently associated with a move away from the San Paolo in recent weeks, with the Italian press suggesting that his agent, Alejandro Manzoni, has been in talks with Juventus.

It is claimed the Vesuviani were approached by an unnamed emissary on behalf of the Merseyside outfit, however, De Laurentiis said no to the initial bid.

Things could change at the start of next week, though. Manzoni is reportedly arranging a direct meeting between the two clubs for Monday.

Lavezzi is tied to the Campani until 2013 but there have been reports his representatives will seek a considerable pay rise at the end of the season.

The former San Lorenzo man, who has netted seven goals in 28 league appearances this season, currently earns €1.3m per season at the San Paolo. Liverpool are allegedly prepared to offer him a salary of €4m to lure him to Anfield.

Lavezzi has been sidelined with a muscular problem since Napoli’s 1-0 win over Inter last month but he could be back in action against Catania this weekend.

Liverpool Sign Barcelona Youth Wizard

Liverpool have appointed the coach that helped to groom many of the current crop of homegrown Barcelona players as Rafa Benitez seeks to overhaul the Anfield club's youth set-up.

Pep Segura worked at Camp Nou with the youngsters in a two-year spell that saw him help discover such talents as Bojan Krkic, Sergi Busquets and Pedro.

The 48-year-old spent three seasons at the Catalan club at a time when Andres Iniesta made his first-team breakthrough and is now set to be asked to help restructure things at Anfield.

Benitez wants the club to produce more of its own players to complement the big money signings that he is planning and sees Segura as a key piece in his jigsaw.

"There is much work to do at the Academy," Benitez is quoted as saying by Sport.

"Pep has worked with some of the young talents in Spain and knows how to reach the top, the first team.”

After Barcelona, Segura became the assistant to former Blaugrana boss Llorenç Serra Ferrer at AEK, before taking over as head coach at Olympiakos having worked under Takis Lemonis for a year.

Liverpool FC Youngsters Up For FA Youth Cup Final Battle Against Arsenal

Liverpool’s Youth team will look to take giant strides towards a third FA Youth Cup when they take on Arsenal in tonight’s final first leg.

Current FA Premier League national winners, and widely regarded as the best youth side in the country, the Gunners will provide a stern test for the Reds.

Hugh McAuley’s Anfield outfit have reached this evening’s match at the Emirates Stadium (kick-off 8pm) having beaten Leeds United, Bristol Rovers, Chelsea, Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham City in the semi-final.

Although fully aware of the threat posed by Arsenal, youth boss McAuley is confident his troops can grab a positive result to take back to Anfield for the second leg next Tuesday (7:45pm).

He said: “We are really looking forward to it, especially because it is against Arsenal. It will be good to go to the Emirates. I don’t think any of us have been to the stadium before.

“They are a good team, with some excellent players – some of them have played in the first team. We have two games to pit our wits against them and hopefully do well. The fact that we beat them in the Youth Cup last year may help us.

“The ultimate aim is to obviously win. We must just play our normal game, do what we are good at and also try and contain Arsenal as best we can. If you are too negative about the first leg then it can backfire.

“We want a decent result to take back to Anfield. Whatever the score, it will affect how many people come along for the second leg. We have to be confident we can go down there and get a decent result ready for the game at Anfield.”

If the Reds are to grab a lead to bring back to Merseyside then they will be looking to striking hotshot Lauri Dalla Valle, who has scored seven times in the competition.

However McAuley’s men will be without Swedish midfielder Alex Pepper who picked up an injury in the two legged win over Birmingham City.

McAuley added: “We have played some tricky games, some good games and deserve to be in the final with how they have played. This type of competition is great for the lads.”

Rafael Benitez Will Bring Good Times To Liverpool - Kenny Dalglish

Manchester United may have levelled Liverpool's record of 18 top-flight titles, but Reds legend Kenny Dalglish believes that the Merseyside men will soon steam ahead against under Rafael Benitez.

Benitez’s troops launched a strong assault on the Red Devils this season, despite coming up short in the end. However, the Scot expects silverware to return to Anfield from next season onwards.

"I hope ‘Rafa’ can build on the good work that he has achieved this season," Dalglish told the Daily Mail.

"We would love to be in Manchester United's position, everybody would, but we have come a lot closer.

"It will give them great belief when they go into next season. There's always expectation, but I believe that this time it'll be justified."

Outlining some of the reasons for optimism, Dalglish said, "Rafa signing his contract, Stevie Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt agreeing to stay, and the Americans [owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks] working more closely - all that is brilliant."

"The performances against the other members of the top four have been brilliant. I'm sure there will be players coming in, too, so there is a lot to look forward to."

Sami Hyypia Already Plotting Liverpool Return

Sami Hyypia is set to bid Liverpool an emotional farewell on Sunday but not before letting it be known that it is his dream to return to the club as coach one day.

Last week it was confirmed that the 35-year-old Finnish centre-back had chosen to extend his career at Bayer Leverkusen after over a decade's service for the Reds.

The defender's departure will be unanimously mourned by the red side of Merseyside, but if all goes according to plan it will be an 'until we meet again' rather than a 'farewell'.

"I'd like to come back to Liverpool one day as a coach, and it was great to hear the manager would like me to return," Hyypia said in the Daily Mirror.

"Coaching has always been in my mind, but I have to take my badges first. I haven't done that yet because I want to keep playing, and I thought at this stage it would be a burden.

"But at the end of my playing career I'll look to take the badges and then see. I've so many memories of Liverpool, and really would love to return one day.

"I think it will only be after I've finally left that I'll be able to sit back and realise what we've done in my 10 years. It's hard to take in now. It is nice to be remembered here."

Xabi Alonso Edges Towards Liverpool Exit

Reports suggest that the Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso, is set to exit the club this summer as his manager, Rafael Benitez, prepares to shape his transfer campaign around potential funds raised by his compatriot's sale.

Alonso was close to agreeing a deal with Juventus last summer and was also linked with Arsenal as Benitez tried desperately to summon the requisite cash to bring Gareth Barry from Aston Villa to Anfield.

However, both moves faltered and the Spanish midfielder went on to enjoy one of his most productive terms in the red shirt.

It seems now though that Liverpool's summer spending hinges on their ability to raise funds through player sales, and Alonso reportedly tops the list of potential departees again this season.

Benitez has a number of summer transfer targets that cannot be acquired without first selling players. Carlos Tevez of Manchester United, David Silva of Valencia, Portsmouth's Glen Johnson and Villa’s Barry have all been linked with Anfield this season.

Alonso could quickly find himself surplus to requirements and was linked recently with a £23 million move to Real Madrid, who look set to appoint Florentino Perez as president on June 17.

However, Liverpool have issued a statement in the past 24 hours after a rumour emerged that terms on the transfer of Alonso to Madrid had been agreed in principle.

It read, “There has been no contact from anyone and Alonso is not for sale.”

Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield this weekend, in what could be Alonso's last appearance for the club.

Rafa Benitez: Liverpool May Break Club Transfer Record This Summer

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has already turned his sights to next season, and how he can improve the squad that ran Manchester United so close in this season's race for the Premier League title, revealing that big money might well be spent in an attempt to overhaul their rivals from the other end of the East Lancs Road.

However, Benitez hinted that, although the Merseysiders would be spending big, they would not be able to match the £30 million spent by United on Dimitar Berbatov, and then, more pointedly, that any mistakes made by the likes of United in the transfer market were offset by their colossal financial muscle - something Liverpool cannot currently match.

"We do not have that sort of money so we have to be cute and clever in the market, then it does not matter if you have money or not. When you have money it is easier because nobody notices your mistakes."

That last line would appear to be a clear dig at Ferguson and United, who have signed their fair share of flops over the years, something that Benitez currently seems at pains to stress, as the propaganda war between him and his opposite number at Old Trafford looks set to rumble on beyond the end of the season.

"If you spend big money on a player and he's not a success, it's worse for us than it is for United. If they make one or two mistakes, because of the difference in money, they can still spend £50 million on other players. The more money you have, the more quality players you can sign," Benitez added, speaking to The Daily Telegraph.

"We've been talking of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres for the whole season. We have good players in the squad but the experience of fighting for titles and the quality of players makes a difference. Sometimes that means money, and it is easier if you have it."

With the rumours linking United's Argentine striker Carlos Tevez to Anfield refusing to dissipate, an interesting summer of transfer dealings can perhaps be expected from the two giants, with Manchester City's new spending power tweaking the situation just a little more.

Benitez In £15m Bid To Capture Portsmouth And England Defender

Liverpool have launched a fresh £15million bid to land Portsmouth right back Glen Johnson.

Manager Rafa Benitez identified the England defender as a target this season but did not have anywhere near the budget to land the player.

However, Portsmouth still owe around £7m from the £12m transfer of striker Peter Crouch last summer, and Benitez hopes to use that to good effect in his bargaining for Johnson.

The 24-year-old former Chelsea defender signed an improved four-year contract in January but would jump at the chance of a move to Anfield as Benitez looks to add key signings in preparation for a renewed assault on the Barclays Premier League title.

The Spaniard has been encouraged by his side's progress this season and knows his recruitment this summer is pivotal to Liverpool finally toppling fierce rivals Manchester United.

Pompey's financial problems - with owner Sacha Gaydamak still looking for a buyer - mean they will want to drive the price as high as possible, and Liverpool are wary of being dragged into an auction with other clubs.

Tottenham are known to be interested in Johnson, and there will be other bidders with easier access to funds than Benitez.

Liverpool have earmarked a chunk of their squad as being disposable this summer, and the manager accepts he will have to offload players to fund the signings he wants, which could slow the process.

With Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry and United's Carlos Tevez also on his wish list, Benitez might be forced to prioritise and that could jeopardise the Johnson deal.

One way of raising funds would be to sell Xabi Alonso amid growing interest from Real Madrid. If Benitez decides to sell the Spain midfielder, he would rather do business with Real but he is also weighing up other options.

Allowing Alonso to leave would be unpopular within the Liverpool dressing room and also among fans, who voiced their displeasure over plans to sell him to Juventus last summer to finance a deal for Barry.

They repeatedly chanted for Alonso and against Barry, and both deals subsequently fell through over differences in valuations. But, while Juventus refused to pay £16m after weeks of haggling, Real are unlikely to balk at Liverpool's asking price as they prepare for a new era under president-elect Florentino Perez.

Real are keen to revive their fortunes after trailing Barcelona in La Liga this season and crashing out to Liverpool in the Champions League.

After being heavily criticised by fans for ditching their interest in Alonso and settling instead for the cheaper option of Denmark's Christian Poulsen, Juve could yet re-enter the race and launch a second attempt to sign the 27-year-old.

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina last night added more fuel to the controversy over Alonso's possible departure by hailing his form as the main reason for the Merseyside club running United so close in this season's title race.

Reina said: 'Xabi is the player who always seems to have the ball at his feet. He has shown repeatedly that he can pass it five yards or 45, and every time it is just as good, just as accurate.

'This has been his best season so far for Liverpool, and that was the reason why we managed to push United so far in the title race.'

Balague: Silva Is Good But Mata Is Golden

Respected Spanish football correspondent Guillem Balague has backed English clubs in their scouting of Valencia striker Juan Mata.

The 21-year-old has been in sterling form at the Mestalla this season, sealing his reputation with his first international call-up from Vicente del Bosque and eleven goals and thirteen assists in 31 appearances.

With Liverpool on the lookout for someone to partner Fernando Torres, Manchester United keen to replace Carlos Tevez and Chelsea and Arsenal pondering potential replacements for Drogba and Adebayor respectively, Balague has hinted that the 'big four' should keep a close eye on the youngster.

“Mata may not have got much press in England but he has got plenty in Spain. He's been in fantastic form. The good thing about Mata from the club's point of view is that he is one of the lowest earners,” Balague told skysports.com.

“He has been followed by numerous English clubs - I know that for a fact - while Villa has attracted interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

“As for Silva, I've still got high hopes that he will go to Liverpool, but the bottom line is that he will go to the first club that comes in for him with the right amount of money.

Tevez Hints At United Stay As Liverpool Offer £50 Million

Carlos Tevez’s future at Manchester United continues to polarise the tabloids, with yesterday’s reports suggesting Liverpool had dwarfed an £18 million Tottenham bid with their own £50 million offer.

While a number of premier league club’s stated their financial claims to the player, the Argentine seemed to backtrack on comments at the weekend that suggested he would certainly leave Old Trafford in the summer.

The former West Ham star said: “Maybe it will be my last game and maybe it won't, I don't know.”

Tevez’s latest claims seem to contradict his comments straight after Manchester United had won the Premier League title following their draw with Arsenal on Saturday.

Tevez spoke with Argentine TV station TYC saying: “I am not going to continue at Manchester United. I feel I have been badly treated.”

“When you don’t agree with the manager in how the club is run its best I leave so as not to clash with Alex Ferguson and the directors.”

Manchester United have made no secret of their desire to keep the diminutive striker, but not at the initial deal put in place two years ago.

Ferguson said: “Carlos has done well for us but the demands originally put to us were unrealistic. We have to be aware of the consequences of the credit crunch.”

“It’s no time to be careless about money. As far as Tevez is concerned, everybody would be best served by the willingness to compromise.”

To further confuse matters, and in light of yesterday’s reports in the Sun that suggested Tottenham had an offer rebuffed after they were told of Liverpool’s bid of £50 million which included agent fees and the player’s wages, Rafa Benitez told the Metro: “We may well break our transfer record, but certainly not Manchester United's.”

“But it does not matter about the prices, it is doing the right thing and finding the right players. The next step is to overcome Manchester United, and that is the hardest. It does all come down to the money they have been able to spend, that is the difference.”

“If we want to reduce this gap we have to be really good in the transfer market”

Rafa Benitez Lauds Departing Liverpool Legend Sami Hyypia

Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia will bid farewell to Anfield when his contract expires in the summer, and will head to the Bundesliga, where he will line up for Bayer Leverkusen. Many on Merseyside will mourn the centre-back's departure including club manager Rafa Benitez.

"Yes, I think Liverpool are losing a legend," the Spaniard told the club's official website.

"For years he has been so good. He has scored important goals and has been very, very good in defence. Clearly we are losing an important player.

"He will get a fantastic reception from the fans. They are amazing and they recognise when someone has been a very good servant to the club.

"He is a fantastic professional and a very good person, and the fans know this.

"It's good as a manager that, when you have a player with his name and experience, he still wants to learn. I have been really pleased working with him."

Hyypia, who has not featured for the Reds' first-team since playing a role in their 4-1 demolition of Manchester United at Old Trafford, could well make his farewell appearance at Anfield on Sunday, when Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur in the concluding fixture of the Premier League campaign.

Liverpool FC's Insua Calls For Strong Finish

Emiliano Insua has called on Liverpool to finish the season on a high in order to set themselves up for a renewed assault on the Premier League title in the next campaign.

Though everyone at Anfield remains hugely disappointed at being unable to overhaul Manchester United in the race for the title, Insua insists no-one is feeling sorry for themselves and believes there is a steely resolve to go one better next time around.

The Argentinian left back is now looking to sign off in style with a home win against Tottenham on Sunday in the knowledge that another victory would stretch their unbeaten league run to an 11th game.

“Everybody wants to win the title, but it wasn’t to be for us this year because Man United have won it and this is football,” said Insua.

“This means that we have to look at ways that we can improve and hopefully next season will be even better than this one.

“We cannot be feeling sorry for ourselves because we still have one more game to go and if we win it we will have 86 points, which will be a record for us in the Premier League.

“The fans will also be wanting us to win and we have to try to do that.”

He added: “We have pushed United very hard but in the end it just wasn’t enough.”

Stewart Downing Looks Set Out On Big-Money Move To Liverpool Or Spurs

Devastated Stewart Downing could miss out on his dream £12million switch to Liverpool or Spurs after suffering a broken foot.

The England winger will have an operation on Friday to repair the break, sustained against Aston Villa last Saturday, that will keep him out until August at least and with little time to get fit ahead of a big-money transfer.

But if Downing suffers complications it is feared he will be missing for up to six months, meaning he will have to regain his fitness in the Championship if Boro get relegated.

Boss Gareth Southgate revealed defender David Wheater needs knee surgery and has been pulled out of England Under-21 duty at the European Championship finals in Sweden.

Southgate said: "David will need surgery so he'll miss the U21s championship.

"If you're going away with the full international team it's a fantastic honour but I'm not convinced on levels below the full team it's as worthwhile.

"You look at someone like Agbonlahor who's had a season that's gone from Villa's European campaign in August and he's being asked to play until the end of June."

Juventus Ponder Fresh Bid For Liverpool Ace Xabi Alonso

Juventus appear set to make a move for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso once again this summer.

The Old Lady seemed on the verge of signing the midfielder last summer but the move eventually collapsed and the Bianconeri plumped for Danish international Christian Poulsen amid widespread protests from fans.

But the Corriere dello Sport claims the Corso Galileo Ferraris powers that be are again flirting with the idea of luring the Spanish international away from Anfield, even though the 27-year-old has stated his desire to stay on Merseyside.

However, Spanish giants Real Madrid are also believed to be interested in the player, who was valued by the Reds at around €20 million last summer.

Should Juve fail to land Alonso, the Turin club might turn to Gaetano D’Agostino, who has impressed at Udinese in a playmaker role over the past two seasons.

The 26-year-old Italian international, who is considered the heir to Andrea Pirlo in Italy, would be available for €12m-13m and, unlike Liverpool, Udinese would accept players in part-exchange deals.

D’Agostino has also given a great contribution in front of goal this term, netting ten in 34 league appearances for the Zebrette.

£50m Tevez Bid Stuns Tottenham

Tottenham were reeling last night after being told Liverpool are willing to shell out £50million for Carlos Tevez.

The Spurs board sanctioned an £18m move for the Argentina striker, whose loan at Manchester United ends this summer.

But they were blown away when the Tevez camp revealed Liverpool are ready to offer the £26m asking fee and a staggering £160,000-a-week three-year deal — worth £8.3m-a-year.

United insist they still want to cut a deal with Tevez, who is loaned to them by his owner Kia Joorabchian.

Although they are refusing to pay Joorabchian’s current asking price, United would be sickened if he switched to bitter rivals Liverpool — a move which would also infuriate Old Trafford fans.

But unsettled striker Tevez, 25, revealed in SunSport last week that he would join Liverpool if they made a bid.

A source close to the deal told SunSport: “It seems amazing that Liverpool have the money to do this when you consider their owners are looking for funds.

“But Spurs were told that Liverpool were going to get the deal done and that Tevez was very happy about it.”

Tevez’s Argentine pal Javier Mascherano moved to Liverpool after a Joorabchian deal.