Europa League Preview: Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid

Liverpool's 4-0 victory over Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon propelled them to seventh in the table with 62 points from 36 matches, just two points off the fourth and final Champions League place. The Reds are five points clear of Everton, who are eighth, meaning that next season the former European champions will more than likely feature in Europe.

However, this season has largely been a disaster for the Premier League giants and the Europa League remains their only hope of salvation. Dumped out of the Champions League in the group stage, Rafael Benitez's side have done well to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League, but Liverpool need to do something special against Atletico Madrid on Thursday night if they want to reach the final of what is essentially Europe's second most prestigious club competition.

Liverpool's win at Burnley will certainly have boosted their confidence and Benitez will fire up his men for another special night at Anfield.

Atletico Madrid are already in the Copa del Rey final, and progress to the final of the Europa League will mean that between now and the end of the season the Mattress-Makers will have the chance to win two cup competitions.

This is indeed a great occasion for the 'other club' from Madrid, who have won no major trophies since 1996, when they did the league and cup double in Spain. Like Liverpool, Atletico were relegated from the Champions League to the Europa League at the end of the group stage, but before their victory over the English giants at home last week, the former European Cup finalists had won just once in Europe since their Champions League qualifiers against Panathinaikos back in August.

Atletico are struggling in the Primera Division at the moment, but they did win 3-1 against Tenerife at home at the weekend. Atleti have no hope of getting a Champions League spot, but they would certainly like to remain in the hunt for European silverware after the match against Liverpool at Anfield.

FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

April 25 v Burnley (A) - WON 4-0 (Premier League)

April 22 v Atletico Madrid (A) - LOST 1-0 (Europa League)

April 19 v West Ham United (H) - WON 3-0 (Premier League)

April 11 v Fulham (H) - DREW 0-0 (Premier League)

April 8 v Benfica (H) - WON 4-1 (Europa League)

Atletico Madrid

April 25 v Tenerife (H) - WON 3-1 (La Liga)

April 22 v Liverpool (H) - WON 1-0 (Europa League)

April 17 v Villarreal (A) - LOST 2-1 (La Liga)

April 14 v Xerez (H) - LOST 2-1 (La Liga)

April 11 v Espanyol (A) - LOST 3-0 (La Liga)

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Fernando Torres will be out of the second leg just as he missed the first. Midfielder Maxi Rodriguez is ineligible and while Alberto Aquilani started against Burnley in the Premier League at the weekend, it is likely that he will be on the bench on Thursday night. David Ngog, who complained of a back problem after the game at the Calderon, should be fit for Thursday night's fixture.

Probable Line-up (4-2-3-1): Reina, Agger, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Johnson; Mascherano, Lucas; Gerrard, Benayoun, Kuyt; Ngog

Atletico Madrid

Tiago and Ibrahima are ineligible for the Europa League. Tomas Ujfalusi has recovered from a groin strain and will start at Anfield. Sergio Aguero returns from suspension and will partner Diego Forlan upfront. Mariano Pernia and Pablo Ibanez have not been selected for the trip to Anfield by Atleti coach Quique Sanchez Flores.

Probable Line-up (4-4-2): De Gea, Ujfalusi, Perea, Antonio Lopez, Alvaro Dominguez; Simao, Paulo Assuncao, Raul Garcia, Reyes; Forlan, Aguero

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Thursday night will be one of those nights when Liverpool need inspiration, and who better than 'Captain Fantastic' Stevie G to provide them with that. The England international midfielder had one of the few clear chances for the Reds last week at the Vicente Calderon and with Liverpool missing striker Fernando Torres yet again, Gerrard, placed 91st in the Castrol Rankings, will be the Reds' main hope.

Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid)

Although Atleti looked the better side in the attacking department at the Calderon last week, there was something missing, and that something was Sergio Aguero. The Argentina international returns for the second leg of this mouth-watering semi-final clash and his presence upfront will be a headache for the Liverpool defenders. The 21-year-old, placed 64th in the Castrol Rankings, has struck 12 times in the league this campaign and his partnership with Diego Forlan is likely to breach the Liverpool citadel at Anfield.

Ryan Babel Happy To Play The Lone Front Man For Liverpool Against Atletico Madrid

Liverpool's forward Ryan Babel is ready lead the club's frontline in the Europa League showdown with Atletico Madrid on Thursday, if called upon by manager Rafael Benitez.

The mantle could fall to the Holland international to reprise the role he fulfilled during his Ajax days, with Fernando Torres sidelined for the rest of the season and both David Ngog and Dirk Kuyt still major doubts for the semi-final clash.

The 23 year-old has played in all six of Liverpool's European adventures this year and is anticipating another famous Anfield European night to fire his team into next month's final in Hamburg.

"Playing as a striker is a nice role because I spent all my youth there so that’s why I like it," he told reporters.

"It’s a very big game and another chance to win something and to make a success of this season, which is definitely important for the club and also for the players.

"It’s a good thing that the second leg is at Anfield also as we have come from behind before so I have confidence that we can do it again.

"For everybody, I think it’s clear that we have the fans behind us and an atmosphere that can make a very big difference."

Rumours spread in January about whether Babel would stay at Anfield much longer, after his omission from the squad that traveled to face Stoke City prompted an outburst at manager Rafael Benitez on Twitter.

However he has since had clear the air talks with his Spanish boss and now he is clear of his role within the squad, he is focused on the rest of the season and Liverpool's European ambitions.

He said: "I am happy because we have discussed everything and I have great things to look forward to. This is a big club and I am aware that I am a part of this.

"It makes it easier now I know what the club expects from me."

Babel remained coy on his World Cup prospects with Holland, refusing to comment on his chances of making the Dutch squad.

"To be honest, I am just focused now on Liverpool so the World Cup will be something I will think about at the end of the season."

Liverpool New Boy Jonjo Shelvey Will Be 'Ideal Replacement' For Steven Gerrard: Former Coach

Liverpool's latest signing Jonjo Shelvey can grow into the perfect long-term replacement for Steven Gerrard, according to the 18-year-old's former physical education teacher.

The Reds confirmed on Wednesday that the England Under-17 midfielder will join the club from Charlton Athletic on May 10, after undergoing a successful medical at Melwood earlier this week. The fee is believed to be an initial £1.7 million, rising to £3m depending on appearances.

Ackred Atkinson coached Shelvey at school, district and county level, and told Goal.com UK in an exclusive interview that he feels the Romford-born starlet can be moulded into the ideal successor to Liverpool skipper Gerrard, and even has the potential to emulate his illustrious new team-mate.

"I would say Jonjo is in that exact mould," said Atkinson. "He would be the perfect replacement for a player like Gerrard. If you are talking about how far Jonjo can go in the game, I would say all the way; he is a fantastic player."

Atkinson added that Shelvey was always highly rated at Brentwood County High School, and revealed that the youngster possessed outstanding physical and technical attributes.

"For sure, he was always head and shoulders ahead of the other boys," he said. "We had a few lads of similar ability - a couple have gone to Leyton Orient and to West Ham United - but he was on another level.

"He had a real intimidating presence, being tall and strong, and he certainly used to stand out in every game he played.

"He began by playing as a centre-back, but his ability on the ball and with free-kicks - which he would smash in left, right and centre - meant he was quickly moved forward into midfield, where he has of course made his career so far."

Shelvey is said to have rejected a move to Chelsea upon signing professional terms at Charlton on his 17th birthday, and is known to be a huge West Ham supporter, so does his decision to leave London and join Liverpool surprise Atkinson?

"It does surprise me in a way," he said. "I think when he signed for Charlton, he wanted to show his loyalty to a lesser club. Of course he is a West Ham boy deep down, and it was always expected that he would end up there, but you never know whether they will be a yo-yo club.

"I think Liverpool, in the best possible way, still has that 'English-ness' that may have attracted Jonjo. Compared to the likes of Arsenal or Chelsea perhaps, Liverpool might seem a more appealing destination. Especially with someone like Gerrard there as the ideal role-model."

Atkinson also revealed that Shelvey keeps in touch with his old school, and supports the P.E. department on open days. He even texted his old school team manager to let him know of his move to Anfield, an indication of his growing maturity.

"He did have temperament issues as a younger player," says Atkinson. "But I think as he has grown and been immersed in a professional environment, they have been ironed out.

"He was always totally dedicated to his football, that was always clear, and it is always nice to see him when he pops back into the school. He often helps out with open days and things like that, and he sent me a message to say he was on his way to Liverpool on Monday.

"We are all delighted for him, and hopefully we will be hearing a lot more about him in the coming years!"

Jonjo Shelvey Agrees To Join Liverpool FC

Liverpool FC have sealed the signing of England under-17 international Jonjo Shelvey for an initial fee of £1.7m.

Shelvey has passed a medical and agreed personal terms and will complete his move to Anfield from current club Charlton Athletic on May 10.

Liverpool FC managing director Christian Purslow said: "Jonjo is an exciting young England international. His signing is part of our long-term strategic recruitment plan and we all look forward to welcoming him to Melwood (training ground)."

The fee also contains a number of potential add-ons, relating to domestic and international appearances.

Shelvey has made 48 appearances for Charlton since becoming their youngest ever player when he made his debut aged 16 years and 59 days in April 2008.

He is also their youngest goalscorer in both the league and FA Cup and established himself as an important part of the League One side’s first team this season, scoring four goals in 27 appearances in all competitions.

Charlton chairman Richard Murray said: "It’s with the greatest reluctance that we have accepted an offer for Jonjo from Liverpool.

"No club likes to lose such a talented prospect, but the overall package is one we couldn’t refuse, and one which was very attractive to Jonjo.

"As a club, we have never stood in the way of any of our young players moving to ’bigger’ clubs, and this also applies to Jonjo.

"Liverpool are going to develop him over the next few years to be a top player, and I can’t think of a better place for him to go."

The two clubs also revealed that they are in talks over "a strategic partnership involving the development of players in both directions" following Shelvey’s move to the Barclays Premier League.

Liverpool Readying Sensational Bid For Man City Hit Man

Rumours have been circulating over the last few days that Carlos Tevez is far from happy at Man City and that he is on the verge of demanding a transfer with Liverpool seen as a likely destination.

At first the story was seen as pure gossip but now both the Spanish and Italian media are also running with the story and in fact the Italians are fairly confident that Tevez will be at Anfield next season partnering up with his old mate Javier Mascherano and forming a world class partnership with Fernando Torres.

The story goes that Liverpool can afford to pay up to £18 Million and that Man City may well be interested in accepting the bid rather than keep a player that is unhappy in the dressing room, they may even use Tevez has bait to tempt Liverpool to sell Anfield captain Steven Gerrard to City.

With other rumours linking Benitez with the manager’s job at City next season and repeated speculation linking both Gerrard and Torres with moves to City also one can expect that there will be a lot of communicating going on between Man City and Liverpool in the close season.

Chelsea Wants Thomas Ince To Shape Future

Chelsea want to poach Paul Ince’s teenage son Thomas from Liverpool as part of their drive for youth this summer.

Talented winger Thomas, 18, has been at Liverpool’s academy since he was 16 and is one of their most highly rated prospects. He is expected to make it into the first-team soon, at the club where his father spent two years.

Thomas has a year left on his Anfield contract and Chelsea scouts, under orders to bring bright young talent to Stamford Bridge, have watched him regularly. The club are trying to put together a deal to persuade Ince to come to London for the start of next season, but Liverpool are desperate to hang on to him.

Chelsea have also targeted two of Spain’s brightest starlets. Under-17 winger Pablo Sarabia, who plays for Real Madrid’s B team Castilla, has been watched extensively and could be signed for nothing at the end of the season, as he is currently involved in a contract dispute.

Sarabia is also on Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s wish list and the Gunners have already made inquiries, while Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is also keen.

The £16million-rated Under-21 midfielder Javi Martinez of Athletic Bilbao, linked with a move to Liverpool last summer, is also a Chelsea target, with Blues owner Roman Abramovich wanting to place the emphasis on younger, cheaper talent.

Rafael Benitez Growing Frustrated With Juventus Link

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is growing tired of the rumours surrounding his future at the club, with constant speculation the Spaniard will jump ship to Juventus in the summer.

Benitez has been forced to prepare for Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid amid the constant distraction of rumours and admits the speculation is starting to frustrate him.

"I don't like [the rumours]," Benitez told reporters ahead of the game at Anfield.

"I would like to see news in the press about trophies, or goals or fantastic performances about players but you cannot control everything.

"My future is Atletico Madrid. We have to concentrate on this game and try to win because it is the best for the club."

With the club having signed 15-year-old Raheem Sterling from QPR earlier in the season, Benitez expects further English additions in the near future as he follows a carefully prepared transfer plan.

"We have been working for years; I was trying to sign Gareth Barry before and Glen Johnson was the same idea - we were trying to bring in British players with passion," he said. "Players who could feel what it means to be a Liverpool player."

Benitez Free To Pursue Potential Juve Move

The attitude of the Liverpool hierarchy towards Rafael Benitez is that they will not stand in his way if the well-trailed offer from Juventus is finally put to their Spanish manager, but both parties regard that situation as still a long way off.

The pressure has been building this week, with more leaks from Italy suggesting that Benitez, who has four years left to run on his Liverpool contract, will be the subject of a £16m, four-year deal from the Italian club. While the Italians are not yet near to putting a formal request to Liverpool there is the sense that the move will speed up over the next few weeks.

Senior figures at Liverpool have indicated that – unlike in the past when Benitez has parlayed his popularity with the fans into improved contracts and greater influence at the club – this will not be the case should Juventus’ offer turn out to be genuine.

Benitez was in a much stronger position in March last year when he signed his existing deal at Liverpool – a four-year extension to 2014. With the club's American co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks desperate to keep some semblance of stability to attract potential buyers, Benitez was regarded as untouchable 11 months ago.

His agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon, is considered by the club as a prime mover in the attempts to broker an agreement with Juventus, although not everyone in English football is really convinced that they have the resources to complete the deal. It is likely that there will be some interest from Real Madrid in Benitez this summer, although the Juventus president, Jean-Claude Blanc, would push for a quick answer should the club put together an acceptable deal.

Rafael Benitez: Daniel Ayala Can Be A Great Defender For Liverpool

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes his young Spanish centre-back Daniel Ayala has the potential to become a "great defender" over the coming years.

The teenager impressed during his second league start of the season in the 4-0 win over Burnley on Sunday.

His first-team call up during a defensive injury crisis at Anfield follows an impressive season at the back for the reserves.

"Daniel has been really good for the reserves through the whole season and now he has had his opportunity in the first-team," Benitez told the club website.

"He is good in the air, he is focused all the time and he has the potential to be a great defender."

Benitez is seemingly thrilled with the 19 year-old's development and was quick to emphasise his contribution against Burnley

"We are really pleased with the progress he has made. Steven Fletcher is a good player and you could see that he had targeted Daniel and he tried to challenge him.

"But he got on with it and you could see that in the second half Daniel's game improved."

Daniel Ayala arrived on Merseyside from Sevilla at the start of the 2007/08 Premier League campaign and has made four league appearances this season.

Rafael Benitez Pleased With Steven Gerrard's Reaction To Recent Off-Field Gossip

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is impressed with the way Steven Gerrard has handled himself in the wake of recent rumours surrounding his personal life.

The midfielder's marriage has been the subject of much speculation in the past week, with some outlets reporting he had split from his wife Alex Curran, and moved into a Liverpool hotel.

After denying any truth to the reports, Gerrard showed his performances on the pitch would be unaffected by the distractions, scoring two goals in his side's 4-0 Premier League win against Burnley at the weekend.

After that display, Benitez is confident his captain will continue to be on top form for the club's remaining challenges of the season — starting with Thursday's Europa League semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid.

"It was important for him to score with all the rumours and he was playing well," Benitez said in his pre-match press conference.

"I think it has been very good for the team. Now we can concentrate on our game and try to do the best, like Gerrard the other day scoring two goals.

"We have a lot of belief and everyone is ready so we have to show this on the pitch.

"If he is a leader on the pitch the rest of the players will follow him."

The Reds are currently 1-0 down after the first leg against Los Colchoneros, but are hoping victory at Anfield will see them progress to the final in Hamburg.

Benitez is even hoping to channel the memory of a past Anfield success to ensure his side get the right result.

"I was talking with the laundry man before I left Melwood and he told me 'I think about the game against Olympiacos','' Benitez revealed, referring to Gerrard's stunning late strike which secured a 3-1 win and the two-goal cushion needed to progress out of the Champions League group stage in 2004. The Reds went on to win the competition.

"We will take this, 3-1. The people believe so the staff have to believe and the players have to have belief too. It will be massive to be in another final so I think everyone will be pushing.

"These games are easy for me in terms of preparing the team talk. It is just to give two or three ideas about the game plan and then leave them to it as they are so focused to succeed.

"We have some players with experience in very important games. The main thing will be to push from the pitch and the players have to go there and show character, commitment and quality.''

Steven Gerrard’s Wife Alex Curran Dismisses Rumours Of Split

The wife of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has dismissed “ridiculous” suggestions that her marriage to the England player is on the rocks.

Alex Curran, 27, hit out at gossip which was fuelled by pictures of her out and about without her wedding ring. The Liverpool-born Wag told OK! magazine she was now keen to “set the record straight” and insisted the couple “don’t even argue”.

“There have been loads of rumours going around Liverpool saying that me and Steven have split up, that he’s moved into a hotel and ridiculous things like that. This always comes up every couple of years,” she said.

“It’s funny because we were saying the other day that we’ve never been happier.”

The model and fashion columnist insisted suggestions that her marriage was in trouble were completely unfounded, adding: “It doesn’t bother me too much as long as our close friends and family know the truth – that’s all that matters.”

Juventus Reach Agreement With Liverpool Coach Rafael Benitez - Report

Juventus are on the verge of landing Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez after the Italian club reached an agreement with him via his agent Manuel Quillon Garcia, accoring to Tuttosport.

Director Roberto Bettega met with the agent in Monte Carlo on Monday night, where the two men spoke about bringing the Spaniard to Turin.

A verbal agreement has now been reached over a three-year deal, and all that remains is to set him free from the contract he is under at Liverpool.

Bianconeri president Jean-Claude Blanc will fly to Merseyside at the end of the week in an attempt to convince Liverpool into yielding their man.

Despite the report, Juventus have said Bettega was in Turin until 16:00CET on Monday, and neither the agent nor the director has confirmed talks had taken place.

Meanwhile, La Stampa reports that a Benitez arrival in Turin could spark off a squad overhaul at Vinovo.

They claim Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano, Dirk Kuyt and Martin Skrtel would all follow the coach.

However, reports suggest Liverpool would accept no less than €70million for the Spanish striker.

Rafael Benitez's Agent Denies Deal Done With Juventus

Rafael Benitez's agent has told BBC Sport reports the Liverpool boss has agreed a deal to take over Serie A giants Juventus are "absolutely false".

According to reports in Italy, the Turin side are poised to secure the Spaniard on a four-year contract.

But Manuel Quillon Garcia denied that was the case, insisting: "There is no agreement with anyone."

He also denied meeting Juve director Roberto Bettega in Monte Carlo this week to discuss Benitez's future.

BBC Sport understands Benitez is one of several possible candidates Juventus want to succeed Alberto Zaccheroni at the Stadio Olimpico this summer.

However, Benitez's pay demands, and the fact he would want to bring several of his backroom staff with him, could cause difficulties.

There has been no contact between Liverpool and Juventus, with the Reds privately sceptical the Italian club could afford to buy the manager out of his lucrative contract, which still has four years to run.

Juventus have refused to comment on speculation their president Jean-Claude Blanc will fly to Liverpool this week in an attempt to lure Benitez away from Anfield after six years in charge.

Benitez is preparing Liverpool for the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Thursday.

He wants to stay at Anfield but is yet to meet the club's new chairman, Martin Broughton.

Talks are planned for this week, when Benitez's future and the club's summer transfer plans will be discussed.

How those discussions go will depend on whether Liverpool have clinched another season in Champions League football.

They currently lie seventh in the Premier League, two points adrift of Tottenham in fourth but having played a game more.

The Reds entertain Chelsea on Sunday before finishing their league campaign with an away match at Hull on 9 May.

Rafael Benitez Could Hand Alberto Aquilani A Free Role Against Atletico Madrid

Rafael Benitez is contemplating playing Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani in a free role behind the forwards in the future, and could deploy the playmaker there when Atletico Madrid come to town on Thursday.

The Italian has endured a tough time since moving to Anfield from Roma in a £20 million deal last summer, with injuries derailing his progress in the first-team.

But after laying on three assists while operating in that position during 4-0 Premier League win against Burnley last weekend, Benitez believes Aquilani's creativity can be exploited to the club's advantage.

And with the Reds keen to turn around a 1-0 deficit in the Europa League semi-final second leg on Thursday, Benitez is keeping his options open.

"It is an option. He can play in both positions," the Reds gaffer told the club's official website.

"In the first year, especially because he has been injured for a long time, to manage him and find the right position for him was not easy because the Premier League is very strong and physical."

Steven Gerrard scored two goals playing from a deeper position in the game at Turf Moor, and Benitez admits playing the system more regularly might be an option for him.

"In this position he [Aquilani] has freedom and with Gerrard behind him they can pass to each other," he said.

"Aquilani can pass the ball and when the game is open like in the second half (against Burney) he can move and give good assists."

Sotirios Kyrgiakos Keen To Claim Europa League Trophy For Liverpool

Liverpool defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos has revealed that it is his aim to ensure the Reds win the Europa League this season.

The centre-back, who moved to Merseyside in August from AEK Athens, wants to claim some silverware whilst he is at Anfield and is keen to make sure that Rafael Benitez's men beat Atletico Madrid on Thursday evening and reach the final in Hamburg.

The Greek international has been happy with his personal displays over the course of the season, but he insists that now is not the time to start looking back with satisfaction, especially with the World Cup ahead of him in the summer.

"I have been pleased with my form. I have a good relationship with the fans and I can see that they like me because I give everything for the club when I play," Kyrgiakos told LFC Weekly.

"Some of my team-mates have told me that I have become a favourite amongst the fans and I am proud of that because it is important for a footballer to be remembered in a positive way once he has gone.

"But this isn't the time to reflect. You have to keep going then in the summer, look back and analyse the season. That might not be possible until July because I have the World Cup with Greece and providing I am fit, I should be in the squad.

"At the moment, my mind is focused on Liverpool and if we finished the season with a trophy, that would mark a satisfying season for me because last pre-season, I never thought I'd even be at Liverpool."

Pepe Reina Should Have Been In PFA Team Of The Year - Ian Rush

The PFA Team of the Year selection always creates debate and former Liverpool star Ian Rush is not best pleased that Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina was omitted.

Manchester City's Joe Hart, who was enjoyed a superb season on loan at Birmingham City, was named at No.1, but Rush feels Reina would have been a more worthy selection.

"Without doubt Pepe should have been in the team. Hart's had a good season but when you watch Pepe Reina play you can see that he is an incredible stopper," the former Welsh international told reporters.

"I can't understand how he doesn't get a game for Spain. [Real Madrid's Iker] Casillas must be one hell of a goalkeeper to keep Reina out. He has been fantastic and has really grown in confidence over the years.

"He must have had three or four assists for some of our goals this season and that's one of the main things I like about him. His distribution on the counter attack; it's like having another outfield player."

Much of the focus this season at Anfield has been on how Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres influence the Reds, but Rush believes Reina is every bit as crucial to Rafa Benitez's team.

"There are probably games where Liverpool have gone on to win and Torres or Gerrard have taken the credit, but there are five or six occasions that I can think of where he has made an important save to change a game in our favour," he added.

"I can't understand how he isn't in the PFA team. When you look at Liverpool's player of the year, he's definitely in the top three, if not a worthy winner."

Addicks Confirm Talks

Charlton Athletic have confirmed that they are in talks about teenager Jonjo Shelvey's departure.

Reports have claimed that Liverpool have won the race to sign the Academy graduate, who is closing on 50 appearances for the Addicks.

It is believed Shelvey will undergo a medical on Merseyside this week, ahead of a move to Anfield in the summer.

However, League One club Charlton have refused to confirm that the player was in talks with Liverpool and insisted a deal was not yet done.

Addicks chairman Richard Murray told the South London Press: "There has been some interest shown in the player but we're some way off doing a deal."

Nicolas Otamendi: Liverpool Move For £9M New ‘Roberto Ayala’

One of last season’s Argentinian Clausura Championship stars was Velez Sarsfield’s young centre-half Nicolas Hernan Otamendi. The 22-year-old’s impact in the Clausura title race was such that the likes Real Madrid were named as interested suitors and the player himself has now cemented himself into Diego Maradona’s international set-up and is expected to go to the World Cup finals. He has been just as impressive this season and that form has alerted Rafa Benitez who is looking to strengthen his defence this summer with some younger players and the player dubbed the ‘new Roberto Ayala’ certainly fits the bill.

Otamendi only made his Velez debut in May 2008 as a late substitute in a 2-1 home win v Rosario Central. However, it was the 2009 Apertura Championship where the youngster proved his worth. He made a total on 17 league appearances (all starts) as Velez finished as champions, two points clear of Huracan. Unsurprisingly the Velez defence had an outstanding record with Otamendi in the side conceding just 13 goals in 19 league games. The form Otamendi showed brought him to the attention of Liverpool with Rafa Benitez’ scouting network strong in Argentina and the increasing stature of his performances has led the Argentine press to claim he will be on his way to Anfield to join compatriots Maxi Rodriguez, Emiliano Insua and Javier Mascherano.

Of the 17 matches he started in the Clausura Championship, the team kept 9 clean-sheets. These statistics and the dominant nature of Otamendi’s performances led to his quick rise from youth team player to highly-rated International. This season has not been quite as good for Velez who find themselves 7th which has increased speculation that Otamendi will leave either before or after the World Cup.

The 5 ft 10 central defender was called up by Maradona for a friendly match with Panama in May which was made up from home-based Argentinian players which was won 3-1. Otamendi played the full 90 minutes and such was his performance that he again played the full 90 minutes of the 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in Ecuador in June. He has since maintained his place in the side winning 6 caps and played the full 90 minutes of the 1-0 win in Uruguay that sealed World cup qualification. The fact that he was picked for such an important match shows the faith Maradona has in him and will have impressed Benitez who is looking to add more youth into his Liverpool defence this summer after a pretty poor domestic season. Otamendi also played the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 friendly win over Germany in March where he excelled. The defender has received glowing reports from the player’s international team-mates Mascherano and Rodriguez, so a summer move is likely.

Due to Otamendi’s lack of height and playing style he has been likened to the former Valencia legendary defender Roberto Ayala. It’s of no surprise that a number of Serie A clubs have already begun to track the player including Inter, AC Milan and Lazio. However, Liverpool are leading the chase with fellow South Americans in their squad including Argentina star Javier Mascherano who has reportedly suggested the defender as the perfect new addition to Benitez. Unlike some South American youngsters who are catapulted to fame, Otamendi seems to be very level-headed. He still lives in his humble family home on the outskirts of Buenos Aires and takes a bus to training every day.

The player’s main attributes include his physical strength which is conditioned from his love for boxing. Like Ayala and Fabio Cannavaro, the Argentine reads the game well and uses his speed to anticipate opposition moves. He is renowned for his excellent tackling ability and has become the star of the Velez team in a short time. His manager Ricardo Gareca was glowing in his tribute to him, “He plays like a veteran. In centre-backs, cases like this are very rare.”

The Velez Football Director Christian Bassedas also praised him, “You watch him on the pitch and he gives you the idea that will eat up the opponent striker in every ball.”

Liverpool may have to move quickly this summer although they may need to sell before they can buy with Ryan Babel likely to depart. An early bid of £9m is expected to be enough if Liverpool do make their move before the various other big European clubs make their bid for the next big Argentinian defensive star. They are likely to push a move through a move to Anfield before the World Cup as a good showing from Otamendi may push the player’s price tag up too high and out of Liverpool’s range. If Benitez can capture his man, the Reds may have signed the heir to Jamie Carragher as both have similar no-nonsense playing styles.

AEK Athens Request Season Loans For Four Liverpool Players

Greek giants AEK Athens have asked Liverpool for four fringe players on loan for next season, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Top of the wish list for AEK Athens is 21 year-old Hungarian striker Krisztian Nemeth, who is already on a successful loan spell at the club.

He has scored three goals and contributed three assists in just fourteen appearances.

In addition, new AEK president Stavros Adamidis will ask for French midfielder Damien Plessis who has made a handful of Liverpool first team appearances over the last two seasons.

The Greek side would also like to add 23 year-old Moroccan winger Nabil El Zhar, who has had limited opportunities at Anfield this season, following a series of substitute appearances last term.

Finally, young French left-back Chris Mavinga is also wanted. Signed from Paris St Germain last summer, Mayinga has yet to make his Liverpool debut.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Rafa Benitez will make a decision over AEK Athens' requests at the end of the season.

Man City Want Benitez To Replace Mancini

Italian newspaper La Stampa is reporting that Manchester City owner Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is interested in Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez. By all accounts City are preparing to thwart efforts by Juventus to poach the Liverpool boss and will offer the Spaniard a huge transfer kitty and long term contract to leave Anfield for Eastlands.

Juventus have been viewed as front runners to tempt Benitez to leave Anfield but with City now apparently interested in Benitez it does shake things up somewhat, for starters it would mean that the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard would become serious targets for City, they have the money to splash and Benitez would not be afraid to spend it.

It may well not be the end of the world for Juventus and Mancini though, they are thought to be interested in each other and if Juventus do not manage to attract Benitez then the chances are it would be Mancini they would turn to.

For Liverpool fans this is not welcome news, it is one thing losing Benitez to Juventus but a whole new ball game if they lose him to Man City, with the money City have it will make Liverpool fans very nervous about the club being able to hang on to its best players.