Dalglish Contract Key To Liverpool Star Stay

Pepe Reina has hailed the influence of Kenny Dalglish in the Liverpool dressing-room and hinted that should the Scot be handed the long-term reins at Anfield he could well be persuaded to stay at the club.

The Spanish goalkeeper has been the subject of intense speculation over the last 12 months with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal thought to be keeping tabs on his contract situation.

While the former Villarreal man is tied to the Reds until 2016 it had been suggested he could follow compatriots Rafael Benitez, Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa out of the club if a suitable offer was forthcoming.

Speaking about the new optimism on Merseyside, Reina told the Liverpool Echo why he thinks Dalglish heralds a new exciting era at Anfield:

“We all want him to stay. If he stays here on a long-term basis, I would be very happy. Like the rest of the lads.

“We have improved since Kenny became manager. We have beaten all of the big teams. But it is important as players to repeat that in every game. We need to be consistent; with the aggression and commitment, everything.

“We cannot just perform against the top sides because a season is 10 months long. If we get the balance right, we’ll be a lot, lot closer to where we want to be. We started this season, and the last one, not the best. Next time, we need to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Reflecting on Dalglish's connection with the Liverpool fans, following a stellar playing career at Anfield, Reina continued: "It is important that Kenny knows the club. He is a legend in Liverpool – and I mean a legend because sometimes that word is used too much for other people.

“Kenny knows exactly what people think, and what the supporters want to see.

“Because he was a great player himself, he understands the point of view of a player, and that means he knows how to set standards and what is acceptable to us. He makes everything much easier for us.”

Liverpool's New Deal For Steve Clarke Gives Kenny Dalglish Fresh Boost

Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, have given another indication that Kenny Dalglish will be offered the long-term manager's position at Anfield by opening talks with Steve Clarke over a new long-term deal.

Clarke was appointed first-team coach until the end of the season within days of Dalglish's return as temporary manager in January. The Scot has spoken of his desire to continue working alongside Dalglish and that wish is almost certain to be granted after FSG approached the former Chelsea and West Ham United coach over extending his stay.

Dalglish has held talks with John W Henry and Tom Werner, Liverpool's principal owner and chairman respectively, over succeeding Roy Hodgson on a long-term basis, although his widely anticipated appointment is yet to be finalized. Both Dalglish and Clarke are likely to be handed three-year deals having rapidly transformed the club, with Liverpool's owners aware that any return to English football by José Mourinho could result in the Real Madrid manager offering Clarke, who was his right-hand man at Chelsea, the chance of a reunion.

Clarke said: "Every manager I've worked with – you pick up good qualities from all of them and so far, in a short space of time, I've seen a lot of great qualities from Kenny. I hope to continue the work into the future.

"Anyone watching us play right now can see the spirit is high, the confidence is good and the performances have been decent. Now we need to continue it. If you are working well as a group and working well day in, day out in training – you can see they're taking that on to the pitch right now. If you've got that togetherness it goes a long way in any team sport – especially football."

Jamie Carragher is expected to continue at the heart of the Liverpool defence against Birmingham City on Saturday despite being carried off with concussion in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday. Andy Carroll and Fábio Aurélio joined an already extensive injury list at the Emirates with knee and hamstring problems respectively and are doubtful for the home game but Carragher has recovered well from the second-half collision with his 18-year-old team-mate John Flanagan. There is also no stipulation from the Football Association that any player who suffers concussion has to remain sidelined for a specified period of time.

Clarke said: "Fábio has picked up another little strain. Hopefully it's not too bad. We have to keep positive with him because he's a terrific player, as he showed in the Man City game. Carra seems OK and with Andy Carroll, at the moment we're waiting on some news from the medical department."

Reina Looks To The Future

Jose Reina believes Liverpool must hit the ground running next season if they are to re-establish their top-four status in the Premier League.

The Reds are likely to miss out on UEFA Champions League qualification for the second season running after suffering a disastrous first half to the campaign.

Kenny Dalglish's return as manager has somewhat steadied the ship, however, with the Scot guiding the side to wins over Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Sunday's draw at Arsenal also provided a creditable result, but Reina believes they must rediscover their knack for beating teams further down the table.

"We cannot just perform against the top sides because a season is 10 months long," he told the club's official website.

"If we get the balance right, we'll be a lot, lot closer to where we want to be," added the Spaniard, whose team has lost to Blackpool, West Ham and West Brom under Dalglish.

"We started this season and the last one not the best. Next time, we need to make sure that doesn't happen.

"We need to be consistent with the aggression, commitment - everything.

"We have improved since Kenny became manager. We have beaten the big teams. But it is important as players to repeat that in every game."

Reina believes the word 'legend' is used all too often but insists that is not the case for Dalglish, whose man-management skills he rates highly.

"He's a legend in Liverpool - and I mean a legend because sometimes that word is used too much for other people," he said.

"Kenny knows exactly what the people (of the city) think and what the supporters want to see.

"Because he was a great player himself, he understands the point of view of a player and that means he knows how to set standards and what is acceptable.

Liverpool Considering Move For Roger Johnson

Roger Johnson has emerged as a target for Liverpool after director of football Damien Comolli ran the rule over Birmingham City's centre back.

Kenny Dalglish is in the market for a defender this summer and Johnson, who was recently called up to the provisional England squad, is nearing the end of a second impressive season at St Andrew's.

The 27-year-old, who has only one year remaining on his contract after signing from Cardiff for £5million in 2009, is refusing to talk about contracts until Birmingham's Barclays Premier League future is secured. Coincidentally, City face Liverpool on Saturday.

Fresh Twist In Liverpool Pursuit Of £10m Winger

Newcastle have entered the race for reported Liverpool target Balazs Dzsudzsak, it has been claimed.

The Hungarian winger has been in fine fettle this season - scoring 16 times in 31 appearances - and has been one of the focal points of PSV Eindhoven's ascent to the summit of the Eredivisie.

According to talkSPORT, Newcastle are interested in signing the £10 million-rated 24-year-old, but they are likely have to beat off interest from Merseyside, with both Everton and Liverpool said to be monitoring his progress.

Liverpool has been linked with the attacker for some time, and were alleged to have made an enquiry over a proposed deal in January.

Dzsudzsak, however, opted to sign a new deal with PSV - instead of making a switch to Liverpool.

"The most serious teams were Lille, Wolfsburg, Liverpool and Juventus," the player's agent, Jozsef Vorosbaranyi, told origo.hu.

"Some of them made a concrete offer but Balazs decided to stay in Eindhoven."

Liverpool are known to be in the market for more potent wide options, and are also reportedly pursuing Ashley Young and Eden Hazard.

Royston Drenthe Emerges As Anfield Target

Liverpool are reportedly considering a summer move for Dutch international midfielder Royston Drenthe, according to reports.

The versatile 24-year-old Real Madrid player, who can also play in defence, joined Hercules on loan in the summer and is helping the La Liga strugglers in their fight against relegation.

With opportunities at the Santiago Bernabeu limited, Drenthe was keen to seek playing time elsewhere and has been linked with a permanent exit from the Spanish capital on a number of occasions.

Liverpool was first thought to be considering a move back in the summer, and was once again reportedly courting the player in December under former boss Roy Hodgson.

Sections of the British press ran a quote from Drenthe on a facebook page claiming he'd already signed for Liverpool back in June, comments which the player would later state did not come from him.

"I will soon be joining Liverpool FC. I hope I will have a good season," read the statement, which was then declared untrue by his agent days later.

However, fresh reports from SportsVibe claim Kenny Dalglish has revived the Reds' interest in the player. Damien Comolli, director of football at Anfield, is also said to be an admirer.

Juventus and Inter Milan will provide Liverpool with competition for the player, with the Serie 'A' pair also thought to be interested in the former Feyenoord star.

Liverpool And Valencia In Pole Position For Spanish Full-Back

Valencia have joined the race to sign Martin Montoya from Barcelona, reports Goal.com.

The Spanish under-21 international is currently applying his trade with the Barcelona B team and is rumoured to be seeking a move away from the Nou Camp.

But their La Liga rivals Valencia have bid £2.6 million for the full-back in the hope of securing his signature before Liverpool hold talks.

Barcelona has reportedly offered a contract to Montoya, but the 20-year-old is refusing to make a decision until after June's Under-21 European Championships.

Liverpool is known admirers of the defender, and after being linked with the player earlier in the year are sure to keep tabs on Valencia's bid for Montoya.

Meanwhile, talkSPORT are reporting that Fulham will also join the race to sign Montoya, as they look to snatch the defender away from Liverpool and Valencia.

Mark Hughes is keen to replace the outing John Pantsil and the west-London club will attempt to hijack any bid for the defender this summer.

Juventus Expect To Sign Aquilani

Juventus are hopeful they will soon reach an agreement with Liverpool over Alberto Aquilani's permanent move to Turin.

Aquilani, 26, is on a season-long loan with Juve, having failed to impress during his debut campaign at Anfield after joining from Roma in summer 2009.

Juve have the option to purchase the Italy international at the end of the season and general manager Giuseppe Marotta is confident a deal will be agreed.

"We have a good rapport with Liverpool and we think we can reach an understanding," Marotta said in Gazzetta dello Sport. "Alberto has proved to be an important player and we knew him already from his time at Roma.

"We have an option to buy his contract which is quite high for us, but we will soon try to find a solution with Liverpool."

Aquilani has scored two goals in 29 league appearances for Juventus this season.

FIVE Bosman Deals For Comolli And Dalglish To Pursue

With the news that Jean-Marc Bosman, (the Belgian footballer whose court case changed football’s financial clout), is now out of work and living on benefits, I thought it would be a good opportunity for us to look at potential free transfers this summer.

Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich) – I know that we have big Andy and the tricky Suarez, but all top clubs have 3 top class strikers fighting for a starting position so why wouldn’t we take a look at him? Klose’s goal scoring record for Germany is simply phenomenal, and while at 32 he isn’t going to be around forever, he would still be a great signing for a couple of years. Only managing one goal for Bayern this season explains why he is available for nothing this summer. If the German media is to be trusted then Juventus, Benfica and Tottenham have already submitted offers for him. We could do a lot worse than offering him a one year deal.

Cesar Delgado (Lyon) - Also available on a free, this skilful Argentinian winger could be a great addition to our South American flavoured squad. He did score that horrible last minute goal against us after only being on the pitch for 5 minutes, but we cant let that get in the way can we? Whilst I don’t think that he has the necessary class to drive us forward to title contenders as a first team player, he is a battler and could certainly do a job, both on the wing or behind AC if Suarez gets injured.

Taye Taiwo (Marseille) – Why we haven’t already tried to sign this guy on a pre contract agreement, I don’t know! A few years ago he was recognized as one of the best left backs in Europe and at just 25 years old he would definitely add the class needed to our full back berth. Allegedly favouring a move to the San Siro, hopefully King Kenny can convince him that the Anfield project is where he should be. Strong, quick and with good vision I’d love to have him in the squad. Would be a definite starter in the left back position and offers so much both in defence and going forwards. According to the player he has signed a deal with a new club, but hopefully this is just another negotiation tactic!

Sylvain Marveaux (Rennes) – Constantly linked with the Reds, this is the speedy out-and-out winger that we so desperately need. Imagine the scene. Reina saves, rolls the ball out to Taiwo on the edge of the penalty box, silkily he goes past the ageing Giggs before spotting Marveaux on the wing. Playing a simple ball to him, Marveaux controls first time before going on a run that sees Fabio left for dead. The cross comes in and who’s there to power home? Andy “the destroyer” Carroll. Ok, so maybe I’m getting ahead of myself but we need a winger and getting one for free is a good way for us to strengthen the other areas of our squad.

Luis Garcia (Panathinaikos) - Yes I know Luis is 32 and has had a few tough years both in Spain and more recently for Panathinaikos, but I know I’m not the only red that holds a place in his heart for the diminutive Garcia. Get him back on a pay as you play option, with a view to coaching. Ok, so not going to happen but I wish you the best LG.

An article by: James Dempster at Live4Liverpool

FA Will Not Charge Dalglish For Swearing At Wenger

The FA has confirmed that Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will not be charged for using unprofessional language towards Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

The two bosses clashed when the Reds were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time, with the Frenchman believing that his players had been hard done by the decision, and TV cameras caught the Scot swearing at the Gunners manager.

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney received a two-match ban for his usage of offensive language into a camera lens, leading to accusations of double standards.

But a spokesman for the FA is quoted by The Mirror as saying: "We are quite clear that the context of the Rooney incident was wholly different to the other recent incidents cited."

Meanwhile, the FA's director of football development, Sir Trevor Brooking, hopes that the issue of swearing and subsequent punishments will be clarified after Dalglish was not charged.

"It was totally different [from Rooney]," he said. "The reaction straight into the camera [from Rooney] was the difference.

"I can understand why the incident at the West Ham match led to action being taken, but in this one unless it was exactly like that, which I gather it wasn't, I don't think there is any comparison.

"Wherever I've been since the Manchester United versus West Ham game I don't think I've met anyone who thought it was anything other than the right decision.

"If anyone is still unsure why the action was taken then we should clarify it so that it's consistent. There has to be a clear understanding. Clarification would help us avoid a continued debate."

Clarke: It's The Way He Talks

Steve Clarke believes the way Kenny Dalglish talks to his players has been a key factor in Liverpool's revival in 2011.

Manchester United is the only team to have tallied more points in the Barclays Premier League since the Scot re-took the reins on January 8.

And the Reds have continued to gain positive results of late despite a lengthy list of injuries.

Clarke points to Dalglish's treatment of teenage defenders Jack Robinson and John Flanagan at the Emirates on Sunday as an example of how the gaffer gets the best from his players.

"Before Jack went on Kenny was making a joke and trying to relax him going onto the pitch," said the first-team coach. "Obviously it's a very nerve-racking moment for a young player and Kenny was trying to take the edge out of the situation. It was the same with John.

"When you've got someone as experienced as Kenny who says the right words at the right time, it can only help.

"Every manager I've worked with - you pick up good qualities from all of them and so far, in a short space of time, I've seen a lot of great qualities from Kenny. I hope to continue the work into the future."

Dirk Kuyt fired a penalty with the last kick of the game to clinch a point for Liverpool against Arsene Wenger's title-chasers before being mobbed by every one of his teammates.

For Clarke the scenes were another illustration of the team spirit within Liverpool ranks.

"The way our lads responded, they knew they had very little time left but they still wanted to get the equalizer," he said.

"Anyone watching us play right now can see the spirit is high, the confidence is good and the performances have been decent. Now we need to continue it.

"If you are working well as a group and working well day in, day out in training - you can see they're taking that onto the pitch right now. If you've got that togetherness it goes a long way in any team sport - especially football."

Liverpool's comeback - secured just minutes after a Robin van Persie spot kick put Arsenal in front - was all the more laudable from the fact Andy Carroll (knee), Jamie Carragher (concussion) and Fabio Aurelio (hamstring) had to be withdrawn due to injury.

Clarke added: "Fabio has picked up another little strain. Hopefully it's not too bad. We have to keep positive with him because he's a terrific player, as he showed in the Man City game.

"Carra seems okay and with Andy Carroll, at the moment we're waiting on some news from the medical department."

Liverpool Close To Agreeing Deals For Young And Enrique

Liverpool are on the verge of securing deals for two long-term transfer targets in Aston Villa winger Ashley Young and Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique, according to reports in the Guardian.

The Metro reported at the weekend that Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish would be handed a 'significant' transfer budget in the summer and while many expect a host of arrivals it is more likely the money will be used to fill two crucial areas.

The Reds are currently short of cover at left-back, with Fabio Aurelio the only recognized left-sided defender at the club, while Dalglish has also made a winger a priority.

Newcastle seem destined to let Spanish defender Enrique leave at the end of the season, but are still negotiating with Liverpool as to the type of deal that is eventually agreed.

Liverpool would prefer to pay around £15million for the 25-year-old, while Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is desperate to try and force the Reds to offer a player-plus-money deal.

The former West Ham and Charlton boss has been keeping tabs on the impressive performances of midfielder Jay Spearing and is reportedly going to test Liverpool's resolve by asking for the tough tackling player plus around £6m.

Meanwhile, Liverpool seems intent on landing England international Young at the end of the season and could be prepared to match Aston Villa's expectations with an offer of £25m.

The midlands club are aware that Young wants to leave in the summer and with just over one-year left on his contract realize that they will have to cash-in on their prized asset at the end of the season.

Manchester United have also been heavily linked with the former Watford winger, but it seems the revival of Liverpool under Dalglish may be turning a few heads.

The Scottish manager wants to build a squad around young players and big money signings and could ditch the likes of Paul Koncheskey, Christian Poulsen and Milan Jovanovic to make room for the likely new arrivals.

Liverpool's director of football Damien Comolli has also admitted in recent weeks that the Reds will be doing business in the summer and that he has already had contact from a number of agents.

"We are very attractive for a lot of players because of what we did in January and a game like that [the 3-1 defeat of Manchester United] is fantastic publicity for us around the world.

"Since the day after I was getting phone calls from agents telling me that their player would love to come and that we are going to compete next year if we get it right.

"We are attractive to a lot of top players and we want to bring top players to this club."

Top Three Kop Summer Targets

These are the men Liverpool want to usher in a new era under Kenny Dalglish at Anfield.

Liverpool's technical director Damien Comolli has targeted Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris, Paris St Germain centre-half Mamadou Sakho and Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila.

All are French internationals and would cost the Reds between £45million and £55m.

Comolli has earmarked enforcer M'Vila to add steel to Liverpool's midfield, and the Reds, along with Bayern Munich, have stolen a march in the race to sign him.

M'Vila, 20, has attracted interest from all of Europe's big-hitters after breaking into Laurent Blanc's France team this season. Rennes will want at least £18m for their most prized asset.

The Reds will hope to finance the deal by recovering some of the £20m former boss Rafa Benitez wasted on flop Alberto Aquilani.

Aquilani has spent this season on loan at Juventus and although the Italians are keen to reduce the £13m agreed fee, Liverpool will need all of that money to help capture M'Vila.

Comolli was in Paris on Sunday to watch PSG's 1-0 win over Lyon and he ran the rule over both Sakho and Lloris.

The Reds have contacted Lloris, who is considered the best keeper in Europe outside of England, Spain or Italy. The move was a clear indication Liverpool fear they will lose unsettled Pepe Reina.

They received a positive response, although Lloris has to decide whether to sign a new deal at Lyon.

He has two years left on his current contract.

He would cost around £20m, which means Liverpool would spend the entire fee they receive on Reina to replace him.

Spain No 1 Reina has a £20m get-out clause and speculation has been rife that Alex Ferguson is interested.

Lloris has attracted interest from AC Milan, Bayern Munich as well as Arsenal and Fergie's Manchester United in the past.

Sakho has been a target for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger but the Gunners were priced out of a move last season as Paris wanted £15m.

He has two caps for France and is considered to be the long-term replacement for William Gallas at the heart of Les Bleus' back line.

Sakho, 21, has recently signed a new three-year deal but Paris will listen to offers of around £15m if they fail to grab a Champions League spot.

They are fourth in Le Championnat, a point behind Lyon after beating them on Sunday.

Arsenal, Spurs and Borussia Dortmund are also trailing Sakho closely, but it is understood the Gunners are Liverpool's biggest rivals for the centre-half.

Liverpool Lining Up Udinese's Armero

Kenny Dalglish is checking on Udinese’s exciting left-back Pablo Armero.

The Liverpool boss is desperate to land a left-sided defender, having been forced to play rookie Jack Robinson in the key position in Sunday’s draw with Arsenal.

And he has sent scouts to rustle up reports on Armero after hearing impressive things about the 24-year-old Colombian.

The 14-cap star only joined Udinese from Palmeiras last summer, but his pace and ability to deliver crosses have prompted Liverpool’s interest.

Dalglish is also keen on clinching a deal for Newcastle’s Jose Enrique.

He has made obtaining a left-back a summer priority after deciding Paul Konchesky was not up to Liverpool’s standards.

Teenager Robinson is viewed as a potential first team star, but the club wants to give him time to develop.

Liverpool Linked With Danijel Pranjic Swoop

Liverpool has been linked with a move with Bayern Munich’s left back-cum-left winger Danijel Pranjic.

The 29-year-old is expected to quit the Allianz Arena this summer for the right price and has been attracting glances from a number of clubs. However, news that Liverpool are pondering a move for his services will be a subject of great interest for the Croatian.

Under contract until 2012, Pranjic could be moved on as part of Bayern’s expected revolution to catapult the Bavarian side back to the top of the Bundesliga. And with just a year left on his contract this could be the perfect time for the Germans to cash in.

The Croatian has benefited from his ability to play anywhere down the left flank at the Allianz Arena and so far has started 22 games for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. Despite no goals to his name in those appearances, Pranjic has nevertheless notched up six assists in a generally decent campaign.

An international for Croatia, Pranjic could help the Reds to solve their left sided problems where full back Fabio Aurelio is still suffering regular injury niggles, Jack Robinson is considered too inexperienced and Paul Konchesky, currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, is expected to be sold.

Ajax's Christian Eriksen 'Not Ready' For Big Liverpool Move

Liverpool target Christian Eriksen is in no rush to leave Ajax as he settles to develop his career with the Dutch club, despite reports linking him with a summer departure to Anfield.

The 19-year-old Danish midfielder has enjoyed a stellar campaign with the Amsterdam-based giants, scoring four goals in 27 league games this season as he continues to earn regular first team status under Frank de Boer.

Eriksen has been attracting attention from the Premier League with Liverpool tipped as being in the running to launch a summer move, but chances of leaving soon are unlikely.

"I'm not ready yet for a transfer. I feel like I only just arrived here," he told voetbalmagazine.nl.

"The step to a bigger club would be too big right now. I'm simply not ready yet.

"I've been here for only two years and am very happy at this club. Things are going pretty well at the moment and I want to keep that form going."

Hughton Hails Carroll Class

Former Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has backed Andy Carroll to be an England international 'for many years'.

The pair worked together at St James' Park until Hughton was sacked earlier this season, with Carroll going on to join Liverpool in the January transfer window.

Hughton feels the 22-year-old reaped the benefits of a full season with the Magpies in the Championship last term and is backing him for a bright future at the highest level.

He has nevertheless urged Carroll to keep working hard after a promising start to his Anfield career.

"Andy has definitely developed and what was good for him was being able to play a full season in the Championship," said Hughton.

"That was a big positive for him and he has gone on from there and adapted well to Premier League football.

"Even in Newcastle's first game of the season, when we lost 3-0 at Manchester United, he was a big positive.

"Now he has gone to Liverpool and is playing well alongside [Luis] Suarez and I'm sure those two will complement each other very well."

Hughton added: "There is no doubt that Andy is capable of being an England international for many years but whether he does is down to a lot of factors.

"You have to deal with the highs and lows, steering clear of injuries, improving his game, working with other players and being adaptable."

Hughton also confirmed that he is itching to return to management after being out of work since December.

He had initial talks with West Brom before they appointed Roy Hodgson in February and is now desperate for a fresh challenge.

"When you're away from the game for a while, you have got to use the time the best way you can," said Hughton.

"I've been watching an awful lot of football but now I'm just looking to get back as a manager because I enjoy the responsibilities that go with the role.

"The spell at Newcastle whetted my appetite. There are a lot of challenges that come with being a manager but I'm looking for an opportunity to get back in.

"The talks I had with West Brom were just initial talks.

"They spoke very well about the club and did everything correctly.

"I'm delighted to see them doing well and Roy is a very good and experienced manager."

Liverpool Goalkeeper ‘Backflips’ On Move

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina is happy at Liverpool, despite his insistence that he’d like to see out his career playing in the Champions League, according to Kenny Dalglish.

“I can't speak for Pepe Reina on how he sees it and believes it's going,” Dalglish said.

“I can only tell you about how me personally and the club as a whole feels about him.

“Whatever he feels about us going in the right direction or not is up to him, but he doesn't look too unhappy to me.

“I have always believed he is one of the best in the Premiership, if not the best, maybe even in football.”

Reina had made his intentions to leave Liverpool in the summer clear, citing a desire for Champions League qualification as his reason.

But in an apparent backflip, Reina appears to be happy to stay at Liverpool, if Dalglish’s opinion is anything to go by.

“Whoever's got someone better than him is very fortunate and I haven't seen anyone better than him. I don't think I can improve on that statement,” the Liverpool manager said, in a show that Anfield will do whatever it takes to keep the star.

Title Bid Over As Reds Pay Penalty

Liverpool's hopes of topping Barclays Premier Reserve League Northern Group B are over following a narrow 1-0 defeat at Manchester City on Monday night.

A 45th minute penalty from John Guidetti was enough to give the hosts the victory in what proved to be a dour affair at Hyde United's Ewen Fields.

The result means Pep Segura's side remain four points behind leaders Blackburn Rovers with just one game left to play.

Ahead of the contest the Spaniard had spoken of the selection dilemma facing him following the injuries at first-team level and the back log of U18 fixtures.

It meant the second-string were short of key personnel and their hopes were further hampered by a lack of attacking options that saw Nicolaj Kohlert start in an unfamiliar role up front.

The Reds had beaten their hosts at the same venue in a Lancashire Senior Cup clash back in January but a repeat was always going to be a tough ask against a powerful City side.

The home team enjoyed the lion's share of possession but struggled to trouble Martin Hansen in the early stages with Abdul Razak's poorly executed volley the best they could muster.

Jeremy Helan then crashed a long range effort well wide of the near post before Hansen was finally called into action when he did well to parry Guidetti's shot on the turn.

Chances had been at a premium but Suso threatened to bring a halt to the banality when he cut in from the right and brought a fine save out of Tobias Johansen in the City goal.

It had been a somewhat forgettable first 45 but just as it seemed the two teams would go in all-square City were awarded a spot-kick.

Andre Wisdom was adjudged to have pushed Guidetti to the floor on the far side of the area, leaving the Swedish front man to step up and calmly strike the ball into the bottom left-hand corner.

Segura would have urged his charges to offer more in the attacking third following the interval and they did show more urgency in their play without causing the City rearguard any real trouble.

Once again opportunities were few and far between with efforts from Conor Thomas and Thomas Ince the closest the visitors came to troubling the scoresheet.

With time running out Segura introduced both Conor Coady and the semi-fit Nikola Saric from the bench but it was City who looked more dangerous with Hansen forced to keep out Guidetti's venomous strike.

Ince then curled a free-kick over the top and Suso tested Johansen as Liverpool pushed in the dying embers of the game but it was not enough to salvage the draw that would have kept their title hopes alive.

Match Report: Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool

Arsenal saw their Barclays Premier League title hopes all but extinguished after Dirk Kuyt secured a point for Liverpool with a last-gasp penalty just moments after Robin van Persie's own spot-kick had looked enough for victory.

The Gunners - now six point points behind leaders Manchester United having played the same number of games - had plenty of possession and hit the bar in the first half through Laurent Koscielny, but were unable to make their dominance count until deep into eight minutes of stoppage time when van Persie crashed home a spot-kick.

However, Liverpool - who had earlier seen captain Jamie Carragher carried off following a nasty clash of heads - snatched a point with the final kick of the match after Emmanuel Eboue had pushed Lucas Leiva.

While the match ended in high drama, before kick-off there was a minute's silence in memory of late Arsenal director Danny Fiszman, who passed away following a battle against cancer and also remembering the 96 Liverpool supporters who died 22 years ago this week in the Hillsborough tragedy.

The sale of Fiszman's holding in the Gunners' parent company led to American Stan Kroenke crossing the takeover threshold, but it remains to be seen whether the Denver-based entrepreneur will be able to complete his proposed £730millon buyout.

When the action got under way, Arsenal - unbeaten in 14 matches and yet to lose in 2011 - started well, with Abou Diaby glancing a header wide from Samir Nasri's curling free-kick.

Arsenal were careless in possession far too often, with Liverpool quick to capitalize on the break.

The hosts sparked into life, though, after 12 minutes when Theo Walcott stung Pepe Reina with a fierce 25-yard drive which the Reds keeper spilled and van Persie hooked the loose ball back across an open goal, which was headed behind.

From van Persie's right-wing corner, Laurent Koscielny got up above the Liverpool defence and in front of Reina to crash a header against the bar.

Liverpool were forced into a change on 21 minutes when full-back Fabio Aurelio limped off with a recurrence of his hamstring problem, replaced by 17-year-old Jack Robinson for a second senior appearance.

Luis Suarez's slip allowed van Persie and Cesc Fabregas to open up the Liverpool defence, but the Arsenal skipper drilled his 20-yard shot wide.

Liverpool were being pegged back, with Walcott firing a low ball in from the right which was booted behind.

It continued to be one-way traffic with Liverpool defending deep, but Arsenal could not find a telling pass in the final third.

In first-half stoppage time, Eboue's angled drive at the near post was deflected across the face of goal and away.

It was again a bright opening by Liverpool after the restart. Suarez created space for himself at the edge of the Arsenal penalty area, but dragged his shot wide.

There was a scare for the visitors when Andy Carroll went down after twisting his knee and ankle when challenging for a loose ball in the box. After some treatment, though, the £35million England man was back in the action.

Reds skipper Carragher then appeared to have been knocked unconscious after a clash of heads with John Flanagan, sparking more anxious scenes on the visitors bench as the medical staff from both teams attended.

The former England defender was eventually carried off on a stretcher, his neck in a brace and given oxygen. Sotirios Kyrgiakos came on as a substitute.

With 20 minutes left, Carroll was replaced by Jonjo Shelvey before Arsenal made a double change when Jack Wilshere and Walcott were replaced by Nicklas Bendtner and Andrey Arshavin, the Russian making his 100th appearance for the Gunners.

Wojciech Szczesny got down well to beat away an angled shot from Suarez as Liverpool looked to snatch all three points.

Reina made a decent block when van Persie was played into the left side of the Liverpool area, before at the other end, Suarez spooned his shot high and wide in space at the near post.

Because of the injury to Carragher, there were some eight minutes of stoppage time, and just when that seemed to be running out, Fabregas went tumbling over Jay Spearing's leg and this time, the referee pointed to the spot.

Van Persie stepped up to send Reina the wrong way and seemingly keep Arsenal in the title hunt.

However, there was more late drama after Alex Song tripped Lucas right on the edge of the area.

Suarez's free-kick went into the wall, but Eboue then pushed over Lucas to conceded another stoppage-time spot-kick which Kuyt dispatched.

It proved the last action of an amazing end to the game, which leaves Arsenal all but out of the title race and left a dejected Arsene Wenger confronting the officials - and opposite number Kenny Dalglish as they walked off.