Match Report: Liverpool 3 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur

Liverpool claimed runners-up spot in the Barclays Premier League and denied Tottenham European football after a season that produced an unbeaten home league record for the first time in 21 years.

Their unbeaten home stretch was extended to 30 games as Sami Hyypia bid a tearful farewell to Anfield after 10 years at the club.

The ovations were for the veteran Finn and a Liverpool side who had pushed Manchester United close in the title race.

Their goals came from Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun and an own goal from Alan Hutton, with Robbie Keane scoring for Spurs on his return to Anfield.

Spurs, even though Fulham lost at home, could not take advantage and will not be in the Europa League next season.

Boss Rafael Benitez left out two defenders who had played in the win at West Brom last week but veteran Hyypia was not in the starting line-up.

A packed Anfield, who sung the Finn's name at every opportunity, would no doubt have liked to see the 35 year-old on from the start before he leaves to join Bayer Leverkusen but it was not to be that romantic a day.

Out went Alvaro Arbeloa, Lucas Leiva and Emiliano Insua, with Fabio Aurelio, Xabi Alonso and Martin Skrtel back in the starting XI.

Spurs were without defender Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Tom Huddlestone (knee), while Roman Pavlyuchenko was back on the bench. Alan Hutton, Gareth Bale and Didier Zokora returned.

Hyypia's name echoed around the stadium beforehand and there was a new, giant flag in his honour on the Kop.

But, ever the perfectionist, Benitez used both Daniel Agger and Skrtel in central defence with Jamie Carragher at right-back, as Liverpool tried to pin down the one point needed to be certain of runners-up spot.

They started at great pace, with Steven Gerrard firing over with a hooked shot from 25 yards, while Benayoun fired over from close in after Dirk Kuyt's header down.

Spurs were organised and controlled. Ledley King at the back even out-paced Torres on one run, while Jermain Defoe searched for the gaps at the other end.

Torres sparked into life when he surged through from midfield, got himself clear in the box but saw his attempt to steer a shot wide of Heurelho Gomes thwarted by a defiant challenge by Jermaine Jenas.

But he did not have to wait long for the breakthrough. Kuyt's cross from the left sailed towards the far post where Hutton was patently the wrong side of Torres.

The Spaniard rose to head in off the underside of the bar - his 50th goal for the club - with Gomes not even getting off the ground.

Spurs then lost Jenas - David Bentley coming on as a 39th-minute substitute - with the midfielder still suffering from the injury he had sustained in stopping Torres earlier.

Defoe then beat the offside trap to race clear but Jose Reina managed to block the chipped shot with his body, just outside the area.

King was felled by a fierce Skrtel drive in the box and Alonso tried to beat Gomes from the half-way line - a trick shot he has succeeded within the past but not this time.

Spurs responded with a curling Bale free-kick that was pulled down by Reina. Then another Skrtel drive following a corner deflected inches wide.

But Liverpool finally got their second when Benayoun's cute pass set up Kuyt for a shot from just inside the box. It looked to be going just wide but Hutton's outstretched foot turned the effort past Gomes.

The calls for Hyypia's involvement increased from the Kop but it was Albert Riera who was the first Liverpool substitute, in place of Kuyt after 66 minutes.

Gerrard then hit the far post from an acute angle. Hyypia at last came off the bench for a warm-up.

There is still plenty of speculation about Alonso's future but he had been outstanding throughout and forced Gomes into a flying save to his left.

Pavlyuchenko then replaced Defoe after 70 minutes for Spurs but Liverpool were in full flow now and Gerrard was next to go close with a curler from the edge of the box.

The Kop were now baying for Hyypia but, after 77 minutes, Robbie Keane - on his return to Anfield - was put clear by Luka Modric to calmly slot in only his fifth goal for Spurs since returning to White Hart Lane from Anfield in January.

Spurs then brought on another striker, Darren Bent, for Bale while Liverpool replaced Torres with David Ngog.

But Liverpool's worries were ended when Gerrard slipped the ball to Benayoun, who eased his way into the box to clip the third past Gomes.

The "we want Sami" barrage was booming again. Surely Benitez could risk it now. Vedran Corluka was booked for a foul on Gerrard and at last Hyypia was allowed to take off his training top for one last cameo appearance.

There was seven minutes to go, Gerrard was the man taken off and he made sure he put his captain's armband onto the giant defender as he came off.

Hyypia almost scored with a typical flying header from Aurelio's corner and at the end he was carried off by his team-mates at the end of a career that makes him a Liverpool favourite.

Rafael Benitez Wants Near Perfection For Next Season

Rafael Benitez admitted there were mixed feelings as Liverpool ended their season on a winning note.

The Anfield outfit secured a 3-1 home win over Tottenham Hotspur yesterday to finish the campaign on 86 points, their highest tally in the Premier League era.

However, despite losing only two league games, remaining unbeaten at home and being the top-flight’s leading scorers, Liverpool’s efforts weren’t enough to overhaul champions Manchester United.

And Benitez said: “There is both pride and disappointment. We have to be proud because when you talk about 86 points, it’s massive.

“But still it’s not enough to win the title. Clearly we have to improve and be almost perfect if we want to win the title.

“It’s not just United. You see Chelsea, you see Arsenal, and I’m sure Aston Villa, City and Tottenham will be better in the future.

“We have only lost two games in the Premier League and five in all competitions.

“It’s not easy ending the season without a trophy with these numbers but the Premier League and England is very difficult. We still have to improve, but clearly we have improved a lot.

“We have to now keep the same level as this season, the consistency. You can talk about the draws but also we’ve won a lot of games at the end. We need to be more ruthless from the beginning.

“It’s a challenge for us now to sign the right players, start the season like we did this one and not make mistakes.”

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp saw his club’s chance of European football ended, despite seventh-placed Fulham’s home defeat by Everton.

A win would have seen Tottenham leapfrog their London rivals to claim a UEFA Europa League spot.

Redknapp said: “We were short of several players, and lost Jonathan Woodgate the day before the match.

“We tried our hardest, European football would have been a real achievement considering the position Spurs were in when I arrived at the club.

“We almost did it in the end. But to have climbed from bottom to eighth is something to be proud of.

“We were just not able to hurt Liverpool. Some of our defending was poor, the goals we gave away could have been averted.”

The game saw Sami Hyypia’s final appearance for Liverpool and Redknapp added: “It was nice to see Sami Hyypia come on. He got an unbelievable ovation from a fantastic club.”

Liverpool Should Chase David Silva

If Liverpool are to improve on their runners-up spot in the Premier League, they will need to sign at least one player of proven quality this summer.

Valencia's David Silva could be a player that makes a big difference for The Reds, if they were to splash out on the 23-year-old.

The Spain international is able to play anywhere in attack, which means that Rafa Benitez could slot him into either the wide right, wide left, or the second striker position.

He does favour cutting in from the left and this is why he would be a great signing for Liverpool as that is a position that they have yet to really fill. Albert Riera started the season well there, Ryan Babel played decent in some substitution appearances, while Yossi Benayoun finished the campaign in great form - often playing there. But none have made the position their own.

The arrival of Silva would give Riera competition for the place, while Benayoun can then challenge Dirk Kuyt for the wide right spot as he prefers to drift in from that side or from the centre.

Riera will surely be a lot stronger next season, but it wouldn't do him any harm to have to fight for his place. Babel could then be used more as a striker, unless Silva was tasked with playing elsewhere on the pitch.

Benitez will more than likely receive the same warning that the other top flight managers will this summer, in that they have to sell players before they bring anyone new in. This shouldn't be too much of a problem though as there are a few ready to be ushered towards the exit door.

It will be very surprising if the likes of Jermaine Pennant, Charles Itandje, and Andriy Voronin turn up to Melwood for pre-season training. Then there are other players, like Nabil El Zhar or Sebastian Leto, who might move on due to limited opportunities in the first-team.

The bulk of the transfer speculation will surround Aston Villa's Gareth Barry (until his future is decided), but bringing in someone like Silva, who can add so much to their attack, would allow them to not rely so heavily on Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso as their creative forces in midfield.

Silva has the ability to take on defenders and set chances up for his team-mates, to produce a defence-splitting pass or piece of skill that opens things up, to score crucial goals, and to have an impact on games when nothing is going Liverpool's way.

With a player like Silva in their squad, The Reds would surely be able to go that next step and end their hunt for a league title.

Gerrard Tells Benitez: Please Keep Lucas

Steven Gerrard has urged Rafael Benitez to keep faith with midfielder Lucas and give the Brazilian the chance to become a Liverpool legend.

Reds skipper Gerrard is a big fan of Lucas, who has come under-fire this season following a number of poor performances.

Benitez is already planning an overhaul of his squad with Lucas one of the players that looks set to be offloaded.

But Gerrard reckons Benitez should persist with the 22-year-old and says his team-mate can become a huge hit on Merseyside.

"Lucas has had criticism and for me it's been unfair," said Gerrard.

"He's a young lad learning his trade and he's certainly got a bright future.

"He does a lot of work that goes unnoticed in this team. He's come into some big games when the manager has said 'sink or swim'.

"He swam, very well, and he's done really well for us."

Rafa Benitez's Five-Year Plan For Liverpool FC Is Dependent On Next Five Weeks

It has taken Rafael Benitez five years to close the gap at the top of the Premier League. At the end of his first full Anfield season the Reds were a cavernous 37 points behind runaway champions Chelsea.

Now they’re the equivalent of turning a couple of home draws into victories behind Manchester United.

Whether Benitez can close the most difficult gap of all, however, could depend on the next five weeks.

After the competitive action came to a predictably uncompetitive end at Anfield yesterday, attention instantly switched to the identity of the men the Liverpool manager seeks to bring in this summer.

And perhaps even more importantly, who he lets go.

“No names, today, please” he grinned, as soon as the first transfer related query was directed his way after the 3-1 defeat of Tottenham.

But evidence that Benitez was thinking of the future had already been presented in his extended look at the Martin Skrtel-Daniel Agger central defensive axis.

Touted as the club’s future central defensive partnership, the pair have not started a match together before.

But with Alvaro Arbeloa injured, Benitez ignored the sentimental claims of Sami Hyypia – and the increasingly insistent demands of The Kop – to scrutinise the young duo for almost the entire afternoon.

It was the 83rd minute before Big Sami was called for his emotional swansong.

Even then, it was Steven Gerrard who was asked to make way, with Agger and Skrtel remaining in situ until the final whistle.

But it was difficult to form too much of an opinion of their future prospects against a demotivated Tottenham.

“Liverpool were a bit end-of-seasonish,” said Harry Redknapp. “If we’d have upped the tempo there’s a chance we could have gotten something here today.

“I told them at half-time, listen we’ve got to raise our game here. Fulham are getting beat. But we were a little bit short.”

That certainly applied to their forward line.

Spurs turned to all four international strikers during the course of an afternoon that started slowly and picked up pace as the match wore on.

But Pepe Reina only had a couple of long range shots to field before, ironically, it was Robbie Keane who found a way past him for the first time this month.

Keane had taken 17 minutes before he even touched the ball, and his most meaningful moment of the first 45 minutes was an embarassingly miscued volley.

But he finished clinically enough when he found himself clean through in the 76th minute – and after being ignored by the home fans all afternoon – a fate perhaps even more cutting than being booed – his respectfully muted celebrations brought appreciative applause from The Kop.

The most insistent calls from the home fans, however, came in the demands for Sami Hyypia to be introduced.

Rafa’s reluctance stressed that his thinking was focused very much on the future rather than the past.

“I was waiting for the last minute,” he explained somewhat puzzingly afterwards. “I thought that was best for the fans. I thought the last minute would be perfect, but the fans were pushing, pushing . . . so we brought him on for Gerrard so he could have the armband.”

Sami Hyypia most certainly will not be at Anfield next season.

Whether Xabi Alonso follows him out of the Anfield exit door remains to be seen.

The Spaniard had a quiet game yesterday, and his influence on the Liverpool squad is worthy of an article all of its own.

But, for now at any rate, Benitez was adamant that the 27-year-old is not for sale.

There has been plenty to admire in this second half of the season.

An unbeaten home league record for the first time in 21 years was secured; a more adventurous, ambitious attacking policy which saw the season end with 77 goals and the best goal difference in the country – in all four divisions – was completed.

And there were no unecessary injuries to worry about – with fingers crossed now that the pointless Confederations Cup brings no unwanted surprises this summer.

Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are clearly pivotal to Liverpool’s future prospects.

Yesterday was only the 14th time this season the pair have started together.

And Torres’ headed finish from a Dirk Kuyt cross was pivotal.

But, so, too could be the next few weeks.

Manchester United have won the last three Premier League titles, but the margin of victory has been progressively smaller.

It was 21 points in 2007, down to 11 last season – now just four points remain between the North-West rivals.

This could be a very interesting summer.

Napoli Awaiting Formal Liverpool Offer For Ezequiel Lavezzi

Ezequiel Lavezzi’s representative, Alejandro Mazzoni was in Catania yesterday and met with Napoli director of sport Pierpaolo Marino ahead of the Serie A match between the Etnei and the Azzurri.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mazzoni has insisted that Premier League giants Liverpool have approached him with a €22 million offer to take the 24-year-old to Anfield, and that if the Partenopei are prepared to turn it down, it means they have the finances to grant his client a pay rise.

Lavezzi currently earns wages of €1.1m per year at the San Paolo and the agent is allegedly seeking a pay rise to €3m, which is the same amount of cash the Merseyside club have apparently put on the table for him.

However, Marino is said to be suspicious of Mazzoni’s claims and has demanded an official document proving Liverpool’s offer, before deciding whether to open talks with the Reds.

‘El Pocho’ has also been strongly linked with a move to Juventus in recent weeks, but the Old Lady have denied making a bid for the Argentine, who has netted seven goals in all competitions this term.

Sami Hyypia: Istanbul Is My Liverpool Career Highlight

Sami Hyypia has described the 2005 Champions League victory against Milan as the greatest moment of his ten year career with Premier League giants Liverpool.

The 35-year-old played his final game for the Reds against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday since signing from Willem II for £2.6 million in 1999.

Ten years, 454 appearances and 33 goals later, the 97-time capped Finland international defender has named the 2005 Champions League final when Liverpool came from 3-0 down to beat Milan on penalties as his finest moment.

"I think every player dreams of winning the Champions League at some time in their career or even just to be in the final and I have managed to play in the final and win it," Hyypia told The Liverpool Echo.

"So Istanbul is definitely a highlight of my life and I think from a fan point of view the way the game went made it even more special.

"Even the neutral fans of football will remember this game for ever because to come back from 3-0 down against AC Milan and then go on to win it is an incredible result.

"Even in a normal game this would be special so for it to happen in the Champions League final makes it even more so and it will stay in the memories of the players and the fans for the rest of our lives."

The 6ft 4in centre-back has won two FA Cups, two League cups, one UEFA Cup, one Champions League and two UEFA Super Cups with the Merseyside based club, much to his delight especially as he never expected to become a first team regular.

"I didn’t think I would be here for ten years. When I first came I thought that I would be on the bench sometimes and would play sometimes but would maybe have to get used to not playing all the time," Hyypia added.

"But then before the season started I realised that I really had a chance to be in the first eleven all the time and this encouraged me to work even harder.

"I’m not saying that I didn’t work hard from day one because it’s my nature always to work hard and then see what happens.

"But I didn’t have a lot of expectation for the first season. I just thought that I would do my best and show everybody that I could play football.

"It was also a good situation for me to start here because nobody knew me and nobody really had any big expectations of me."

While Hyypia admits that Sunday will be an emotional occasion, he is not getting too carried away because, as he puts it, he is not retiring just yet, just moving on.

"I remember a few games when I wasn’t happy with how I had played," Hyypia remarked.

"But there are so many good things to remember that it means the bad things stay in the background.

"I think Sunday will be a sad day but it’s not like I am retiring or anything. I just have a new challenge."

Everton FC And Liverpool FC Warned To Sort Out Stadium Plans

Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley has warned Everton and Liverpool they have until December to resolve their stadium issues or risk missing out on hosting the World Cup.

And for the second time in a week, Councilor Bradley reiterated his desire for further talks over a shared stadium between the two Merseyside clubs.

Representatives from Everton, Liverpool and the council were present at Wembley yesterday as the Football Association officially launched their bid to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022.

Liverpool have already registered their interest in becoming a host city for the tournament, with the city having until the end of the year to formally submit a bid.

Councilor Bradley revealed that it was feasible Everton’s proposed new 55,000-seat stadium in Kirkby and Liverpool’s planned new stadium on Stanley Park could both be included in the city’s application. But he said the city would first require assurances over the viability of the schemes while revealing Gerry Sutcliffe, the Minister for Sport, had called for a fresh debate over a controversial shared stadium.

“In theory, it’s possible that the city could have two stadiums by 2018 that could host World Cup games,” said Councilor Bradley.

“But that has to be identified by December this year, so it is crucial by then that the situation is resolved over the new stadium for the two clubs or any possible joint stadium.

“Both clubs have aspirations of building a new stadium. If those don’t happen, then I think there has to be serious discussion over a joint stadium.

“(Minister for Sport) Gerry Sutcliffe buttonholed me and said it would be a good thing for the city. He said we have should have further talks on a joint stadium and get the two football clubs around the table again.

“Obviously, I said I’d love to. And with the Minister for Sport so keen, it would be a good thing to have him there also.

“Of course, it all depends on the outcome of the inquiry into Everton’s proposed new stadium and whether Liverpool can raise the finances for their new stadium.

“But both clubs want to work as closely as they can with us to make sure the bid is robust.”

The outcome of the inquiry into Everton’s projected Kirkby move is expected in the autumn while Liverpool’s new stadium has been put on hold following the global economic downturn.

Should the FA’s bid to host the World Cup finals prove successful – world governing body FIFA will make a final decision in 18 months on who hosts the 2018 and 2022 tournaments – financial support is expected to be awarded to help fund the building of any new stadium.

But Councilor Bradley believes only a shared stadium between Everton and Liverpool should benefit from any public money.

“Discussions about any possible funding would ideally be based around a joint stadium as that would be far easier to justify spending public money on,” he said.

“If the clubs decide to go individually, I would not support any call for public money to be spent on the stadium. And I would guess the government would tell the clubs they have to fund the building themselves.”

Councilor Bradley added: “Twenty stadiums need to be identified by the December deadline. It doesn’t have to be limited to just one stadium per city.

“Both Manchester stadium are sure to want to be involved while in London there is every probability that Arsenal and a proposed new stadium at Tottenham would join Wembley.

“It’s about meeting all the criteria. You can have two great stadium but without the infrastructure that can cope then the bid will fall short.”

The city successfully hosted World Cup games at Goodison in 1966, including the semi-final between West Germany and Russia, while Anfield was a venue for four games in the European Championships in 1996.

And Councilor Bradley said: “I think this is the next stage for the city.

“We have Shanghai around the corner and now we are trying to be further recognised on a world stage by being a World Cup bidding city. This is a big opportunity for the world to see Liverpool.

“There’s more to being a host city than merely hosting the matches themselves. There are other important aspects such as the infrastructure, the accommodation, grassroots participation and the team bases.

“You also need to supply Fan Parks as part of the bid.

“These Fan Parks aren’t close to the stadium, so it would be another big event with another 10,000-15,000 fans there.

“But Liverpool has shown with the Capital of Culture celebrations last year that we are capable of hosting events of such recognition, and we want to build on that.

“Bringing the World Cup to the city in 2018 would swell the coffers and further raise the profile of Liverpool.”

Benitez Insists Alonso Will Stay

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has insisted he will not sell Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso this summer.

Alonso, 27, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who could make a move for the playmaker if Florentino Perez wins their presidential election.

Benitez said: "Alonso has three years left on his deal - we're really pleased with him. We don't want to sell.

"But I have had a private conversation with his agent, and it was interesting to see who had that information."

Benitez was referring to his meeting with Alonso's agent Ignacio Ibanez on Friday.

"For me it was a private conversation, and it will stay that way, but it is clear he has three more years of his contract and we do not want to sell him," added Benitez, after Liverpool finished the season in second after beating Spurs 3-1 on Sunday.

"I repeat, we do not want to sell, he is not for sale. He has said he is happy here in Liverpool, in every single press conference, in every single interview.

"We have some ideas for the future, without losing any of our key players."

Alonso, who was expected to leave last summer, may be persuaded to move to the Bernabeu, with the prospect of Gareth Barry finally arriving at Liverpool still a possibility.

Liverpool Keeping Tabs On Feyenoord Youngster Castaignos

According to The Guardian, Premier League giants Liverpool are closely monitoring the situation of highly rated youngster Luc Castaignos. The 16-year-old currently plays for Dutch side Feyenoord.

The young striker was part of the Holland Under-17 squad making it to the final in the UEFA U-17 European Championships last week and impressed the English scouts with his outstanding performances.

Castaignos was crowned top scorer of the tournament with three goals in five matches and scored the opener in the final. However, he couldn't prevent Germany from eventually picking up the title as Holland were beaten 2-1 after extra time.

The forward recently signed a three-year deal at Feyenoord, meaning that he won't leave the Rotterdam side on the cheap. They've reportedly set a €4 million asking price for Castaignos.

Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Liverpool’s hopes of ending their 19-year title drought were dashed last Saturday, when Manchester United hammered out a 0-0 draw with Arsenal to equal the Scousers’ record of 18 English top-flight championships.

Thus, Rafael Benitez’s men head into the final round of the 2008-09 Premier League season with only second spot to aim for – but Steven Gerrard insisted earlier this week that the club’s fans deserve to see their team end the season in style.

The skipper said, "We haven't got much to play for really, but I think every time you put the Liverpool jersey on in front of your home supporters, the least they deserve is effort and if we go into it with that attitude, we can finish on a high with three points."

‘Pool will also be motivated to give Sami Hyypia, the veteran centre-back who has spent ten years at Anfield, a rousing send-off before he joins Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur travel to the North West hoping to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for continental competition.

Harry Redknapp’s charges sit eighth in the standings, two points behind Fulham, who occupy seventh spot. Thus, Spurs must beat Liverpool – and hope the Cottagers slip up against Everton – to have any chance of claiming the final Europa League place.

Interestingly, the Lilywhites have the wood over their upcoming opponents. Only four teams have beaten Liverpool in any competition this season – Tottenham have done it twice, in the League and the League Cup.

However, both of those victories came at White Hart Lane. Travelling to Merseyside is a different prospect altogether, as Spurs haven’t won a league game in front of the Kop since 1993.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

May 17 West Brom 0-2 Liverpool
May 9 West Ham 0-3 Liverpool
May 3 Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle
Apr 25 Hull City 1-3 Liverpool
Apr 21 Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur

May 16 Tottenham 2-1 Man City
May 9 Everton 0-0 Tottenham
May 2 Tottenham 1-0 West Brom
Apr 25 Man United 5-2 Tottenham
Apr 19 Tottenham 2-0 Newcastle


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Hyypia is expected to start beside his long-time defensive partner, Jamie Carragher, in what would be his final appearance for the Reds.

Hence, Daniel Agger may have to settle for a place on the pine – although he could miss out altogether if Martin Skrtel is named in any capacity.

Benitez demonstrated with last weekend’s line-up that he is determined to finish the season strongly, and that means the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and the much discussed Xabi Alonso should all feature.

Probable XI: Reina – Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Insua – Mascherano, Alonso – Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun – Torres

Tottenham Hotspur

The big absentee for Spurs is Tom Huddlestone. The 22-year-old starred last weekend against Manchester City but has since undergone knee surgery.

With Wilson Palacios out of the picture due to personal circumstances, that leaves only Didier Zokora to play the holding role in midfield.

Aaron Lennon (groin), Michael Dawson (ankle) and Jamie O’Hara (knee) are also out, while Jonathan Woodgate and Benoit Assou-Ekotto will undergo late fitness tests.

Probable XI: Gomes – Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto – Modric, Jenas, Zokora, Bale – Keane, Pavlyuchenko


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool

It’s all about big Sami Hyypia as far as Reds fans are concerned. Expect a typically accomplished performance that belies his 35 years. Also watch out for the in-form Xabi Alonso, who (if some reports are to be believed) could also be playing his final game for the club.

Tottenham Hotspur

As a Liverpool legend bids farewell, one of the club’s most high-profile failures returns. Robbie Keane found goals hard to come by during his six-month stint on Merseyside, and the Irish striker will be desperate to find the net on Sunday and help his side claim a rare treble over ‘Pool.

Davies Still In Anderson Hunt

Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies has not given up hope of landing Paul Anderson this summer.

The winger spent the 2008/09 campaign on loan at the City Ground from Liverpool, and made 28 appearances for the club are as they successfully avoided relegation from the Championship.

Having impressed during his time on Trentside, Forest were keen to make his move permanent during the off-season.

However, their plans were thrown into jeopardy when second tier rivals Swansea saw an offer accepted last week.

While that deal is far from finalised, the 20-year-old has previously enjoyed a successful loan stint at the Liberty Stadium and knows what the Swans are all about.

That has come as a worry to Davies, but he insists he will be doing all he can to ensure Anderson heads to Nottingham not south Wales.

"We are still interested in Paul and it is not out of our hands (regarding Swansea's accepted bid)," he told the Nottingham Evening Post.

"We will be seeing what we can do and will sit down and discuss the situation with Paul and talk to him about it.

"We will see what happens. We plan to speak to him when he returns from his holiday.

"We are putting together a side where we have players who want to come here and want to play for Nottingham Forest. I have said that all along.

"I want players who want to play a part in moving this club on to better things. But, if players think the grass will be greener elsewhere, that is up to them."

Liverpool 'To Triple' Lavezzi Wages

Ezequiel Lavezzi’s representative hints Liverpool “offered to triple his wages,” but Pocho won’t force Napoli into letting him go.

It was reported this week that the club had turned down a £22m bid for the Argentine and manager Eduardo Rossetto conceded there was some truth in it.

“Napoli own the player’s contract and therefore the final word is down to the club. All we can do is wait,” said the representative.

“Are we waiting for Liverpool? You are the one who says that. All I can confirm is that there has been an important offer, superior to £19m, which [President Aurelio] De Laurentiis considered insufficient.”

Lavezzi is a hero to the Napoli fans and any decision to sell him would not be taken lightly, even though he won’t be in Europe with them next season.

“It all depends on Napoli. For example, if I have a sports utility vehicle in my garage then I don’t spend much money on its upkeep.

“However, if I own a limited edition vehicle then I have to take good care of it, polish regularly and basically spend more. Understood?”

If the Liverpool bid has been rejected, then it has only served to bump up Lavezzi’s wage requirements.

“Without going into detail, I will say the offer was to triple his current wages,” continued Rossetto.

“An agent has come to us with this offer, which is impressive and solid. We are not going to sit here and speculate on the situation. Napoli will decide and then let us know.”

Jermaine Pennant Is Spain Target

Jermaine Pennant is set for a shock switch to Spanish football - with both Madrid clubs keen to sign him this summer.

The Liverpool winger, currently on loan at Portsmouth, cost the Anfield side £8million when he signed three years ago but will be a bargain Bosman free transfer at the end of the season.

Spanish giants Real Madrid fancy Pennant, 26, as an impact player coming off the bench in the second half while Atletico see him as a potential first team regular.

Pennant's agent has been in Spain this week talking to both clubs.

The former England Under-21 star lost his place on the right flank to Dirk Kuyt this season and moved to Fratton Park in search of regular action.

Steven Gerrard Disappointed By Sami Hyypia's Decision To Leave Liverpool

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard admits he is saddened by Sami Hyypia's decision to leave the club in the summer, though made clear that he completely understands the big Finn's decision.

The 35-year-old will be marshalling the defence of Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen next term, after having done that job so exceptionally well at Anfield for the better part of the last ten years.

"I understand the reasons behind Sami's decision to go because he's got a two-year deal, so good luck to him," Gerrard was quoted as saying by The Sun.

"But for selfish reasons I wish he would stay for another season here because he's such a fantastic player and great to have around the place.

"He's been here for the whole time I've been in the first team and has been a great influence and magnificent servant - an absolute legend."

Hyypia has already stated his intent to return to the club in a coaching capacity someday, which is something that Gerrard has wholeheartedly endorsed.

"I sincerely hope he comes back as a coach one day, because he can bring so much with him and impart so much knowledge," added the Reds skipper.

"He knows how Liverpool Football Club works.

"He's a great character and I could see him playing a big role in developing the youngsters, the reserves and even the first team in time.

"I took over from him as captain in 2003 and there was some controversy at the time, but not from Sami, who was incredibly supportive of me from the very start.

"That is a measure of the man. He should be regarded as a one of the greats of this club and I don't say that lightly.

"He has certainly helped transform Liverpool and got us back to where we should be."

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.

Xabi Alonso To Hand In Transfer Request At Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is reportedly prepared to shock the club by handing in a transfer request.

The News of the World claims that the Spanish international will leave Anfield this summer and is ready to hand manager Rafael Benitez a written request.

Alonso’s future has been the subject of much debate since last summer, when Liverpool began a long and drawn-out chase for Gareth Barry.

Whilst the Barry deal fell through and Alonso remained on Merseyside, speculation has continued to mount over his future, despite the midfielder enjoying an impressive season with the Reds.

Manager Benitez has insisted that he wants Alonso to stay at the club yet it now appears that he may be forced into selling his compatriot.

It is understood that Alonso is becoming increasingly unhappy at the club and wants to leave this summer. Furthermore, his agent reportedly met Benitez on Friday to inform him of his client’s decision.

The tabloid goes on to quote a friend of the player as saying, “Xabi loves Liverpool but he doesn't feel he can stay. He has not been happy for a long time and wants to go somewhere he feels he can enjoy his football again.”

Liverpool will hope to raise £18 million from selling Alonso, concludes the report, money which they are then planning to spend on Carlos Tevez.

Alonso, meanwhile, is unlikely to be short of suitors with Real Madrid, Manchester City, Arsenal and Juventus all thought to be interested in signing the 27-year-old.

Rafa's Way May Have Put Barry Off His Move

Gareth Barry’s summer move to Liverpool could be ruined by the way he was treated by Rafa Benitez a year ago.

Barry was told by Benitez that the £18million transfer could not go through because Liverpool could not afford it, but then splashed out £20m on Robbie Keane.

Aston Villa want Barry to stay, offering him a new £60,000-a-week deal and manager Martin O'Neill said: "The disappointing aspect for Barry was that Liverpool were pleading that they could only afford this certain amount of money and then spent £20m on Keane almost overnight.

"If that worked in our favour, fine. Was Barry hurt by that? I'm sure that if I was a player I would have been.

"That's my view. If someone told me they were coming for me and they are going to do this and the next thing, then say they don't have the money but buy someone else for £20m and it's gone through in a day or two, that would be an issue."

O'Neill will ask Barry what his intentions are after England's two World Cup qualifiers next month and will also use his international future as a bargaining tool.

Barry has started every Premier League game for Villa this season and that has helped cement him in the England side, but at Liverpool, O'Neill will point out, Barry will be at the mercy of Benitez's rotation policy.

"In the summer time, after he has played the games for England, I think Barry would want to talk about his decision then because everything is hitting him at the moment,” said O'Neill.

"If you are asking me for my opinion, I'd be delighted if he stayed on with us. But I wouldn't guarantee it. We've had good discussions with his new agent.

"With regards to England, Barry plays in our side. But if he wants Champions League football the thing to consider is we rotate less than some of the other teams and he is one who thrives on playing most weeks."

Barry has three options. He can keep O'Neill to his word after he promised he would allow him to leave at the end of this season if he still wanted Champions League football.

He can stay for another season and run down the final year of his contract and be available on a free transfer, something Villa would agree to, despite losing a lot of money.

Or Barry can take the new four-year contract on the improved terms that are on offer to him.

Manchester City & Milan Hope To Beat Liverpool To Aston Villa's Gareth Barry

According to a report in the British tabloid The People, Premier League money men Manchester City and Italian giants Milan are planning to hijack Liverpool's move for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry at the end of the season.

The Villans have reportedly slapped a €11.3 million price-tag (£10m) on the England international.

The Sunday Mirror claims that Martin O’Neill is unwilling to accept anything less than that for the 28-year-old, despite Barry having only one year left on his current contract.

Liverpool are expected to renew their interest in the 28-year-old at the end of the season, despite spending the majority of last summer attempting, and failing, to snare the Villa captain.

According to the report in the tabloid newspaper, City, as well as the Rossoneri, are apparently ready to offer the 6ft midfielder wages in the region of €113,720-a-week (£100,000), amounting to around €21.8m (£19.2m) over four years.

This could rule the Merseyside outfit out of the race for his signature as they, as well as Arsenal who are also said to be monitoring his situation, will not be able to offer such terms.

It is also reported that the Citizens are considering offering England international defender Micah Richards as part of the deal, in the hope of having first option on Barry.

While his potential destination remains unclear, it seems almost certain Barry will leave Villa Park this summer after manager Martin O’Neill admitted he will not stand in his way.

“The price, obviously with a year left to run, is a different issue,” he told the Sunday Mirror.

“But, by the same token, he is an England international player, he has captained his country and he is still only 28-years-old.

“He wouldn’t come cheaply, even in this day and age.”

The news is unlikely to impress Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez with funds reportedly an issue at Anfield.

Indeed, the Spaniard may have to sell before he can buy with Xabi Alonso the man widely tipped to leave in order for Barry to arrive.

They may be more encouraged by the news that the midfielder hopes to play in the Champions League, which would rule out a move to Manchester City, although Milan may be an attractive proposition.

Soccer-Colossus Hyypia Prepares For Anfield Farewell

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has described Sami Hyypia as a colossus as the Finnish defender prepares to end his 10-year stint at Anfield.

The 35-year-old Hyypia will make his 464th appearance for the club against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday before moving to Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen.

"It's difficult to put into words. He's been fantastic for us -- a colossus," Gerrard told Liverpool's website (www.liverpoolfc.tv). He certainly deserves legendary status and he's definitely one of the best players I've ever played with. They're the biggest compliments I can pay Sami."

Hyypia, an instantly recognisable figure at the heart of Liverpool's defence with his towering physique and blonde hair, has become marginalised by the emergence of Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger as partners for Jamie Carragher.

After winning the Champions League, the UEFA Cup, two FA Cups and two League Cups, but not the Premier League title the club so craves, Hyypia said he was looking forward to a change.

"I am sad to miss that medal but I don't think I have anything to regret," the Finnish international said of Liverpool's near miss in the title race this year.

"Next season it might happen but I only play 10 games and I wouldn't get a medal anyway. I am sadder for the fans that Liverpool haven't won the Premier League than for myself.

"For 10 years I have played in the same league, in the same stadiums and against the same clubs mainly, so now I have a chance to go to Germany which is a good league."

Liverpool FC Fans Will Give Robbie Keane A Warm Reception

Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp is confident Liverpool fans will give Robbie Keane a warm reception on his return to Anfield.

Keane, 28, endured six frustrating months at the club he supported as a boy before returning to White Hart Lane during the January transfer window.

Redknapp said: “Liverpool fans are special people as far as football supporters go and I’m sure they will give him a terrific reception.”

The Tottenham boss has also backed Liverpool to be in the thick of the title race again next season.

He said: “To think that they only lost two games and have not won the championship is amazing really.

“I’m sure they’ll come back even stronger next season.”