Sir Alex Wants Torres To Be The New Ronaldo

Sir Alex Ferguson is planning an audacious raid on Liverpool for Kop striking hero Fernando Torres.

Armed with the £80 million windfall from Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid, the Manchester United boss is determined to make his own impact in a transfer market which is becoming bloated with money from the big clubs.

Liverpool hitman Torres is the shock target, as Sir Alex knows that a bid of around £40m would have to be seriously considered by United’s title rivals who have severe cash problems.

If Ferguson could pull off the coup, it would be a slap in the face for Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who was involved in a war of words with the Scot during the second half of the season.

Liverpool, who paid £20m to bring Torres from Atletico Madrid, would fight tooth and nail to hang on to the Spaniard but a British transfer record offer would give the Anfield boardroom serious food for thought.

In the meantime, Ferguson will pursue what could turn out to be more realistic targets – Lyon’s French striker Karim Benzema, Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o, Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero, Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery and Valencia’s David Silva.

A £20m deal to take Wigan’s wide right sided player Antonio Valencia to Old Trafford will be finalised in the next few days.

United believe they will lose Carlos Tevez to neighbours Manchester City but are more confident of fighting off the interest in unsettled defender Nemanja Vidic, who is being monitored by Barcelona and AC Milan.

Liverpool Set To Land Javier Saviola

Liverpool hope to be able to wrap up a deal that will see them rescue Javier Saviola from Real Madrid, after the two clubs agreed a fee for the Argentinian striker, according to reports.

Rafa Benitez believes that the 27-year-old could resurrect his career at Anfield by pairing up with Fernando Torres and the Merseyside outfit have held negotiations with Los Merengues.

A deal worth around £5 million (€6m) is believed to have been settled upon, media in Spain and England claim, and an official announcement could be made later this week.

Saviola has had few chances to impress during his two-year stint at the Santiango Bernabeu, after joining the club on a free transfer from Barcelona, and has been told he can leave this summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival has already signalled that he would be shunted even further down the pecking order as the Portuguese star has registered the trademark CR9, Saviola's current shirt number.

Early reports suggested that any deal would include Xabi Alonso, but it is now believed that the clubs are making the transfer of the goalscorer a separate issue.

Benitez is confident that he can draw the best out of the player that was once tipped to be the best young striker in Argentina when he was impressing with River Plate.

Even in his first few seasons at Barcelona, Saviola stood out and scored regularly for the Catalan side before being pushed down the pecking order and eventually loaned out to Monaco and Sevilla.

Liverpool FC Can Take Advantage Of Man Utd Losing Cristiano Ronaldo To Real Madrid

A reason to celebrate or a major blow to the Reds' hopes of knocking Manchester United off their perch next season?

The news that United have accepted a world record bid of £80million from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo has divided opinion among Liverpool fans.

Of course ex-United stars have been queuing up to hail the deal as a masterstroke.

Apparently, the champions no longer need a "petulant" and "egotistical" winger who had become too big for his boots.

Funny, because they didn't seem to mind those qualities when the Portuguese was banging them in from all angles and winning games almost single-handedly in recent seasons.

Anyway, the argument goes, selling Ronaldo has paved the way for Alex Ferguson to embark on a £100million summer spending spree to land Carlos Tevez, Lyon forward Karim Benzema, Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Wigan’s Antonio Valencia.

Pundits have likened the situation to the departure of David Beckham in 2003. After he went to Real Madrid, United blossomed but there is one crucial difference.

Beckham was 28 at the time and his best days were behind him,

Ronaldo is only 24 and yet to reach his peak.

Few neutrals will shed any tears about Ronaldo leaving the Premier League.

His play acting and histrionics made him public enemy number one at most grounds but his contribution to United's success cannot be overlooked.

In 2007/08 he scored 42 goals, topping the previous club record for a midfielder held by George Best, as United won the Premier League and the Champions League.

Inside the last seven months he has been crowned European Player of the Year and FIFA World Player of the Year.

This season he was United's top scorer again with 26 goals, taking his tally for United to 118 in 292 appearances.

Ferguson may have cash to splash but they are huge boots to try and fill.

And as United fans have found following the £30million spent on Dimitar Berbatov, big money signings don't always deliver.

Added to the mix is the fact that with United almost £700million in debt and having to shell out over £60million in annual interest payments, there are no guarantees Ferguson will get all that transfer money to spend.

The Glazers have insisted the decision to sell Ronaldo was taken solely by Ferguson but that's some turnaround by a man who last December declared he would not "sell that mob a virus”.

Of course Real Madrid's part in all this also has implications for Liverpool.

The election of new president Florentino Perez has ushered in a return to the 'galacticos' era.

And having shelled out £136million on Kaka and Ronaldo, his next target could be Xabi Alonso with Perez having already admitted he wants to take him to the Bernabeu.

Rafa Benitez has insisted the midfielder is not for sale but any offer upwards of £30million could force a rethink.

Benitez knows his greatest challenge this summer is not attracting star names but keeping his squad together.

Yes, the Reds boss doesn't have much cash to spend but as he admitted this week having come so close to glory this season he knows he just needs to add one or two new faces.

His best bits of business have already been done by getting Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger to agree new deals. Liverpool only need to take a small step forward if they are going to win the Premier League next season and the sale of Ronaldo could leave a gaping hole at Old Trafford that the Reds can take full advantage of.

Javier Mascherano Family Anguish

Javier Mascherano’s family anguish is behind his shock threat to quit Liverpool.

In the latest shattering transfer blow to manager Rafa Benitez, the Argentina skipper is considering leaving because his pregnant wife Fernanda has been unable to settle on Merseyside.

She returned to South America with the couple's daughter Lola before the end of last season. And although the 25-year-old midfielder is professionally happy at Anfield, the personal despair at being apart from his family means he feels he has no option but to consider moving on.

He thinks it will be easier for his wife to live in a Spanish-speaking country.

Benitez has insisted the midfielder is not for sale at any price, despite an imminent £30million bid from Barcelona. But the Liverpool boss has a fight on his hands to keep Mascherano given his difficult circumstances.

A Kop source said: "The truth is Javier loves Liverpool and is especially thankful to Rafa for everything he has done for his career in England. But he's facing a huge dilemma because he feels his family might be more settled in Spain. Nothing is certain, but it's true it's a big problem for the club."

With Xabi Alonso also determined to force through a move to La Liga, the spine of the Liverpool team could be ripped apart before the start of next season.

Benitez and Alonso remain on collision course, with the Spanish playmaker likely to try to force through a move after the Confederations Cup.

The only consolation for Benitez is that he could collect more than £50m in transfer fees for the two players - cash he could reinvest in the side.

On the other hand, replacing two world-class central midfielders will not be easy, especially as Liverpool have already missed out on their prime target Gareth Barry.

Benitez has still not given up hope of signing Valencia's David Silva. He has revived his interest in the 23-year-old Spaniard since Carlos Tevez declared his preference for Manchester City over Liverpool.

Micah Richards In Kop Frame

Cash-strapped Liverpool are preparing a £5million move for England Under-21 defender Micah Richards.

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is ready to offload the 20-year-old defender, who burst on to the international stage two years ago.

Hughes wants Portsmouth's Glen Johnson and that would push Richards out of the first-team picture at Eastlands next season. Anfield boss Rafa Benitez, aware of the financial constraints he will have to work under this summer, believes he could pick up a bargain.

Richards has already been capped 11 times and Benitez wants a powerful and versatile defender to strengthen his squad for next season's Premier League title assault.

The right-back's star has fallen since England coach Fabio Capello took over the full national side but Benitez believes he can revive Richards' international career and the player would welcome the move.

Long-term fan Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could also be tempted to make an approach for the England full-back.

Barcelona Urged To Sign Liverpool Midfielder Mascherano By Argentine Coach

Former Argentina international Jorge Solari has heaped glowing praise on Javier Mascherano, describing the Liverpool man as the one of best midfielders his country has produced in the last four decades.

Solari, who founded the Renato Cesarini football club and academy where Mascherano started out, was speaking to Spanish radio station RAC-1 amid media speculation that European champions Barcelona are looking at the 25-year-old as a possible summer signing.

Solari even rates Mascherano as a better all-round midfielder than ex-Real Madrid and AC Milan star Fernando Redondo, who Solari coached while they were both at Tenerife in the early 1990s.

"For me he (Mascherano) is the best central midfielder that has left Argentina in the last 30-40 years," said Solari.

"Even better than Redondo. Javier covers a lot of ground, defends very well, especially one-on-ones, he attacks, he has good technique, he is intelligent and adapts to whatever the coach wants from him."

Liverpool's Alvaro Arbeloa Interests Real Madrid

Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa is the subject of an £8 million bid from Spanish Primera Division giants Real Madrid, according to The Sun.

The Spain international is thought to be next on Madrid president Florentino Perez's transfer shopping list, after the purchase of Brazilian playmaker Kaka and the almost completed deal for Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

It is thought the bid came in just 24 hours after Perez reached an agreement with the Red Devils to sign Ronaldo.

The 26-year-old has become a key member of Benitez's team, and the Spaniard will find it hard to let the defender leave.

But the Reds boss has been told he must sell to raise his own transfer budget and he may be forced to sell Arbeloa if he wishes to complete any summer signings.

Liverpool signed the right-back from Deportivo La Coruna for a fee of £3 million in 2007, but Madrid are confident they can bring the defender back to Spain.

After spending heavily on two attacking options, Madrid are set to rebuild their defence, with Valencia's Raul Albiol also set to become the subject of a bid from the Spanish giants.

It is not known whether Arbeloa would like to move back to his native Spain, but he may be tempted by a big contract offer from Madrid.

Liverpool FC Worried About Players' Fitness

An unnecessary addition to an already crowded fixture list or a prestigious curtain raiser to next summer's World Cup?

The Confederations Cup kicks off in Johannesburg tomorrow – leaving followers of Liverpool and Everton with their hearts in their mouths for the next fortnight.

Influential figures like Fernando Torres and Steven Pienaar, Pepe Reina and Tim Howard could see their seasons extended until June 28 by the Fifa backed tournament – barely a week before Everton and Liverpool return to begin their pre-season preparations for next season.

But while football fans locally might have concerns, the eight-team tournament is here to stay.

And there's no doubting the quality of this year's event.

Brazil include £56m Real Madrid signing Kaka joining Robinho, Daniel Alves and Elano, while Italy coach Marcello Lippi says he will use the Confederations Cup to build a team capable of retaining the World Cup next year.

Added to those world heavyweights are the current European champions Spain, joined by the winners of each of the Fifa confederation championships – USA, Iraq, Egypt, New Zealand and next summer's World Cup hosts South Africa.

Liverpool will have six players involved in the tournament – Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera, Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa with Spain and Andrea Dossena in the Italy squad.

Everton have Steven Pienaar as host South Africa's key figure and Tim Howard keeping goal for the USA.

First contested in 1992, the Confederations Cup evolved from the Artemio Franchi Trophy, contested in 1985 between the winners of the Copa America and European Football Championships.

Originally staged in Saudi Arabia, the host country usually invited various continental champions to take part. In 1997 Fifa took over the organisation of the tournament, named it the Fifa Confederations Cup, and staged the competition every two years.

Premier League managers have winced ever since. But despite their concerns, there is no doubt the tournament is high quality.

From 2005 it was decided to stage the event every four years – one year prior to each World Cup in the host country.

It is now an effective dress-rehearsal for the World Cup, using around half of the stadia intended for use at the following year's tournament and giving the host nation, who qualify for that tournament automatically, a vital taste of competitive action during two years of friendlies.

While club managers complain, international coaches like Marcello Lippi told reporters he was relishing the chance to spend three weeks with his squad in a tournament situation.

“The last time I had the players together for a long period we did not do too badly,” joked Lippi referring to the 2006 World Cup.

“We usually get the players only for a short period of time so we will look to use this longer period constructively. Our immediate objective is to get some form. I will be using players who are in good physical condition.

“We will be trying to mix a few youngsters with the experienced footballers we have as this is how you blend a team for the World Cup.”

Spanish striking star David Villa said: “As reigning European Champions, expectations of us are much higher,” he explained.

“We know we've got to go out and defend our style of play. But we must keep our feet on the ground and take one game at a time, hopefully all the way to the final.”

Spain will be in Group A with hosts South Africa, as well as New Zealand and Iraq. It is, on paper at least, the easier of the two groups.

“If we work as hard as we have up to now, I have no doubts that we'll get through the group stage,” predicted Villa.

“But we'll have to give it our all. There are no easy games and, despite their records, these teams will make it very difficult for us as they'll be showing the same passion and determination to reach the final as ourselves.”

Pompey Defender Johnson Looks The Right Man For Liverpool Boss Benitez

Rafa Benitez will step up his efforts to finance a deal for Glen Johnson over the weekend and hopes to unveil the England right back as his first summer signing in the next few days.

Manchester City and Bayern Munich have enquired about Johnson, but Chelsea are Liverpool's chief rivals for his signature after having a £17million bid accepted by Portsmouth, as revealed in Sportsmail last week.

However, Benitez remains confident of seeing off the 24-year-old's former club after it emerged that Anfield would be his preferred destination.

Raising the necessary finance appears to be the Liverpool manager's main stumbling block, but it is understood he is ready to utilise an outstanding amount from Peter Crouch's move to Portsmouth - thought to be around £7million - to top up his available funds and match Chelsea's £17million offer.

That should be enough to push a deal through for a player who has become Benitez's No 1 target in recent weeks.

Johnson's attacking forays down the right for Portsmouth and, in particular, England have convinced Benitez of his worth, but his arrival will leave little leeway for further strengthening.

Benitez has also lodged a £2m bid for Johnson's Fratton Park team-mate Sylvain Distin, but will have to consider selling before making any other signings.

He could raise badly needed revenue by sacrificing Yossi Benayoun after reports in Israel that Tottenham, as well as Barcelona, had made an approach for the midfielder.

Benayoun has been priced at £12m for foreign clubs but would cost even more for any of Liverpool's Barclays Premier League rivals.

Liverpool Close In On £5m Real Madrid Outcast Javier Saviola

Liverpool hope to complete the £5million transfer of Javier Saviola from Real Madrid next week.

Rafa Benitez is keen to sign the Argentina international nicknamed the Rabbit who joined Madrid on a Bosman free from Barcelona two years ago.

The 27-year-old, who has scored 12 goals in 44 internationals, has struggled to establish himself at the Bernabeu and has been told to vacate the No 9 shirt, which will be worn by Cristiano Ronaldo next season.

Ronaldo, on the verge of completing an £80m transfer from Manchester United, has already trademarked 'CR9' for marketing purposes.

Saviola, who has Spanish citizenship, will have even fewer chances with Madrid following the arrival of Kaka and Ronaldo and would offer Liverpool more options in attack.

Madrid intend to offload up to 10 players to accommodate and help fund a spending spree that could reach £260m.

The Spanish giants want to sign Xabi Alonso and, after meeting resistance from Liverpool, may offer Saviola as part of a renewed bid for the 27-year-old.

Alonso also interests Manchester City, but Benitez insists he is going nowhere.

Martinez Aware Of Benitez Interest

Liverpool and Manchester City target Javi Martinez says he is aware of interest from the Premier League and is waiting to see if either club makes a move.

The Athletic Bilbao midfielder has been attracting rave reviews and Rafael Benitez reportedly sees him as a long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso, while mega-rich City are also keen.

And Martinez is happy to play the waiting game, although he doesn't want to burn his bridges in Bilbao.

"I know the rumours about Liverpool and Manchester City," said Martinez. "I am just concentrating on myself and we will see what happens.

"I'm pleased that these rumours are there, but it doesn't really influence my daily life too much.

"And I'm enjoying my time in Bilbao, and I want to experience playing in the UEFA Cup with them next season."

Liverpool Offered Samuel Eto'o In Return For Javier Mascherano

Liverpool are to have their will tested after reports claimed that Barcelona are set to offer the Premier League runners-up Samuel Eto'o in a swap deal that would see Javier Mascherano move the other way.

It is the second time in a week the unsettled Argentina midfielder has been linked with the European champions, following reports that Liverpool turned down a £20 million offer from the Nou Camp, adding that not even £50m would be enough.

According to the Mirror, however, Pep Guardiola is prepared to test the wrath of Benitez and has made a second bid which would allow for him to offload 28-year-old Eto'o, who failed to agree to a new deal with Barca.

In spite of Liverpool's protestations that Mascherano is going nowhere, the midfielder's agent Walter Tamer has said his client would welcome a move to Spain.

"If a club like Barcelona want you after winning everything, obviously a player will say he wants to play there," he said. "It would make Javier proud to play for them after they've had such an incredible year.

"I believe a transfer can be done. I've spoken to (Barcelona technical director) Txiki Beguiristain about this although we've not been in contact for some time."

Meanwhile, Liverpool are reported to have made a £6m offer for Real Madrid's Alvaro Negredo - a player the Spanish side brought back from Almeria last week in the hope of negotiating a player-plus-cash deal with the Merseysiders to secure Xabi Alonso.

Benitez has made it abundantly clear that he intends to hold on to Alonso so it is possible Real will now turn their attentions to Alvaro Arbeloa who carries a price tag of £8 million.

Yossi Benayoun To Discuss Liverpool FC Future

Yossi Benayoun has distanced himself from the prospect of a shock move to Barcelona, but admits he will have to discuss his future with Liverpool.

It has been claimed that the European champions have enquired about Benayoun, in the same week that fellow Reds midfielder Javier Mascherano was linked with the Catalan giants.

But with just two years left on his contract, Israel skipper Benayoun’s advisors could well be angling for a new deal for the 27-year-old.

Benayoun said recently: “It could be Real Madrid knocking on my door, I would still rather stay at Liverpool. I have had some offers so maybe I need to talk with Liverpool.

“At the moment I am a Liverpool player, and unless something surprising happens, I will remain one. But after such a good season, I have had some offers from England and Spain.

“You have to give that some consideration, so there will probably be some discussions with Liverpool.”

Liverpool Glad To See The Back Of Ronaldo

Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa admits he is happy to see Cristiano Ronaldo leave their arch rivals and believes he can achieve bigger things playing for Real Madrid.

Manchester United have agreed a world record £80m fee with Real Madrid for the Portuguese winger.

Arbeloa knows Ronaldo's departure will strengthen Liverpool's chances of closing the gap on United next season as they look to win the title for the first time since 1990.

The Spanish defender started his career at Real Madrid and feels Ronaldo can become an even bigger global star following his move to the Bernabeu.

Arbeloa said: "I don't know his personal reasons for leaving, but I have played for Real Madrid and the challenge to achieve more things at such a large club on a worldwide basis is a key decision for any player.

"It is important for the Spanish League to have players such as Kaka and Ronaldo because it will raise the level of the Spanish game.

"Ronaldo is a great footballer and gave everything when he was playing for Manchester United."

Dossena Open To Reds Stay

Andrea Dossena would be happy to remain at Liverpool, according to the full-back's agent.

Dossena signed at Anfield from Udinese last summer but struggled to make an impact during his debut campaign in the Premier League.

Juventus have been linked with a move for the Italian defender, and Dossena has confirmed he would like to play for the Serie A giants.

However, Dossena's representative, Roberto La Florio, has stated that Liverpool are keen to retain his services.

"We have spoken with Liverpool and with Benitez and we received confirmation that the club are keen on holding onto Dossena," La Florio told Sportal.it.

"However, we all know what the market is like and when a certain offer comes along then negotiations open up.

"So far neither us nor Liverpool have been presented with an offer but we did have contact with Juve last year.

"Dossena is fine in England. He would be happy to return, but under certain conditions. Juve are making their own evaluations and they will contact us if they are interested. We will wait."

Real Madrid Offer Liverpool Heinze And Robben For Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid have been active in the transfer market this past month, and things are not likely to change any time soon, should the latest reports be believed.

According to British tabloid The Sun, Los Blancos president Florentino Perez has offered Arjen Robben to Liverpool in a direct swap for Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Perez, who is known to be a big fan of Alonso, has already offered £18 million for the holding midfielder, but Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez, turned down the bid. The report states that Liverpool want £27 million for Alonso, but Perez is not keen to splash out more money after spending £142 million on Kaka and Ronaldo earlier this week.

Dutchman Robben is also valued at £27 million, and Perez is confident that Benitez will accept a direct swap for the wing-wizard, without the inclusion of cash in the deal.

The stumbling block of the deal could be Robben's injury record, as the Netherlands international has been struggling with fitness ever since he moved to the Bernabeu two years ago.

The Sun also states that, should Liverpool decline such an offer, then Perez will be willing to offer Gabriel Heinze plus £18 million for Alonso instead. This deal is more realistic, since Benitez tried to capture the Argentinean stopper two years ago while he was playing at Manchester United.

The cold relations between Alonso and Benitez could be an important factor in the deal, with the two clashing heads earlier last summer. Also, Benitez is known to be a scavenging the market for an experienced left-back, and with his experience in the Premier League, Heinze fits the profile perfectly.

Both Arjen Robben and Gabriel Heinze have declared their wish to remain at Madrid, but the final decision may not be up to them.

Liverpool Co-Owner George Gillett Keen To Offload Montreal Canadiens To Refinance Deal

At least two consortiums are preparing bids for the Montreal Canadiens, the ice hockey franchise put up for sale last week by Liverpool co-owner George Gillett.

The American is attempting to raise the funds to refinance the £350 million loan with banks RBS and Wachovia used to buy the Premier League club.

Media conglomerate Quebecor and the Molson family have both admitted an interest in buying the profitable franchise, as well as its Bell Arena home, for a price that could rise as high as £300million, allowing Gillett to secure both his position at Liverpool and the club's immediate financial future.

Both Gillett and his business partner, Tom Hicks, have admitted in recent weeks they are looking for "minority" investors in their sporting empires and it is believed both are prepared to countenance selling their sport assets in the United States to maintain control of Liverpool.

Despite the club's holding company, Kop Football Ltd, posting a £42.6million loss in the year to July 2008, as revealed by accounts published last week, Hicks and Gillett are thought to be close to securing a six-month extension on the £350 million loan taken out last January.

It is believed any such deal would likely be dependent on both owners putting more of their own capital into the club.

The Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez, is not likely to be handed a significant boost in the transfer market should Gillett sell the Canadiens, but the Spaniard is adamant he has "enough" money for the "one or two" signings he believes he needs without coming under any pressure to sell his squad's stars.

Cash-Strapped Liverpool Land Potentially Lucrative Deal

Liverpool, whose American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are desperately trying to arrange a US$500 million refinancing, have signed a potentially lucrative deal in India.

The club will partner with the Abhijeet Kadam Memorial Foundation to establish the Abhijit Kadam Football Development Centre. It will be based at Bharati Vidyapeeth University, and will offer youngsters the chance to combine studies with coaching from Liverpool’s coaches.

Courses taught at the club-sponsored school will include coaching, refereeing and Sports Science. Though the partnership itself offers no immediate financial reward for Liverpool, such schools are increasingly seen as a massively effective way to maximize a club’s brand in any given country. Should Liverpool become the soccer club to successfully make an impact in India, a country of more than a billion people, then potential revenues could be huge.

The opening of the school is just the first step in Liverpool’s ambitions in India. The club’s commercial director Ian Ayre said, “This project brings football with first class education and an ambition to feed the Indian game. It’s certainly an exciting start and one of a variety of key projects that Liverpool will unveil in the Indian market over the coming months. “

Ryan Babel: Give Me One Last Chance At Liverpool FC

Ryan Babel wants another chance to prove he can become more than just an Anfield supersub next season.

The Dutch youngster has struggled for consistency since his £11 million move from Ajax two years ago and looked likely to be made available this summer.

But after ending his season with a substitute appearance for Holland last night, he insisted he wants to stay at Anfield and fight for his future.

The Dutchman could fetch around £10m in the transfer market, but his agent Winnie Haatrecht said: “Ryan is very happy at Liverpool and clearly doesn't want to leave.

"He still has a three-year contract.”

Babel's impact since he arrived at Anfield has been largely as a goalscoring substitute.

His goal at West Ham in May was his ninth from the subs' bench, halfway to David Fairclough's incredible club record of 18 supersub strikes. But boss Rafa Benitez made it clear he would be happy if Babel failed to match Fairclough’s achievement after challenging the player to establish himself as a permanent fixture in his starting line-up.

“Ryan has done well as an impact player, which is not easy when you are young, but we think he can do more than that,” Benitez said.

“Our view of Ryan is a player who starts games and has an impact from the beginning. But first of all he has to improve tactically.”

Babel started only 13 times last season, and was left out of the squad altogether twice in the final month of the campaign.

But when Benitez spoke recently about young players who he hoped could make an impact next season, he pointedly included the Dutch youngster.

“I'm positive because we were talking recently about how Fernando [Torres] and Steven Gerrard didn't play together for a long time,” he said.

“Hopefully, they will manage that more next season – and we also have good young players like David Ngog, Nabil El Zhar, Ryan Babel and Emiliano Insua coming through.

“We have a very good squad but we can still improve a little bit. How much – enough to win the title? I'm sure it will be enough to compete.”

Babel reprised a familiar role last night, coming on as a substitute as Holland celebrated their qualification for the World Cup finals with a 2-0 win over Norway.

Lucas Bulking Up For Next Liverpool FC Title Challenge

Brazilian midfielder Lucas believes next season can be the best of his Liverpool career – because he's won a gruelling weighting game.

The international midfielder admits he was a lightweight when he made his £6m switch from Gremio in the summer of 2007.

But after piling on the pounds he now feels equipped to handle the rigours of the English Premier League.

“I have gained some weight this season and that has helped me be more prepared to play with the demands you face in England,” he explained.

“I have gained four kilos since I arrived and that's a lot. In my first season, being very honest, I had a problem with physical games. Last season, with the extra weight I feel I can challenge anyone physically and can go from one box to the other like I did in Brazil.

“Maybe it has taken me 18 months to get my body physically into the shape that it needed to be in to play to my best in England, but I feel that it is coming now for me and I am excited about my future prospects at Liverpool.”

Lucas also believed that being able to complete a full pre-season programme at Anfield for the first time would give him an added edge.

“I missed a lot of the pre-season first time with Liverpool because I was away at the Olympics with Brazil,” he explained.

“That meant that I started the pre-season, then I went away, and when I came back to the club it was hard to catch up. I had missed a lot of the important work that the boys all did together.

“Next season I will be here for the whole of the pre-season programme and I believe that will help me play to the very best of my ability when we start again in August.

“I will enjoy the rest in the summer, but already I am looking at coming back and being a better player next season.”

Lucas has never lost the support of his manager, Rafael Benitez, while he also received numerous plaudits from influential players at Anfield last season.

But there were times when he bore the brunt of fans' frustration – but he believes the experience has helped mould him into a better, stronger player.

“As an individual player I feel that I have become a better player this season, definitely,” he added.

“Everyone has bad days at the office when they feel that maybe they haven't played to 100 per cent of what they are capable of.

“I have had those days, too. Of course I have because we all have them.

“I think this has been the season which has taught me the most about myself. I have had bad moments over the last year with the crowd.

“It was hard at times, but it will all be helpful for me in the long term.

“Mentally I'm a better player. I've had the tough times and I've coped well with it and come through the other side.

“I wasn't worried about silencing people. In football you will always have your critics but you have to just keep going and hopefully when they see that you are playing well, trying hard and always doing your best, they will come onto your side.

“From my point of view, next season will be my best for Liverpool. I feel better physically and mentally at this moment than I have felt before at Liverpool.”