LFC Confirm Tour Game In Malaysia

Liverpool FC is delighted to announce they will be playing a Malaysia XI on Saturday July 16 during the Club's Asia Tour - sponsored by Standard Chartered.

Organized by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur will host the match with kick-off at 5.45pm local time. It is the second game to be played in Asia during July with the other match being staged in China.

LFC Managing Director Ian Ayre said: "At Liverpool FC we take these games very seriously. The game in Malaysia will be an important part of our preparations for the 2011-12 campaign and it's a chance for all our fans in Malaysia to get up close to their heroes.

"We will work closely with our main sponsor Standard Chartered and our other tour partners, Adidas and Carlsberg, to ensure we can deliver our best ever pre-season tour."

For the Malaysia leg of the trip, Courts are also official partners.

The Reds enjoy fantastic support in Asia and this summer's visit follows the hugely successful 10-day pre-season tour of Thailand and Singapore two years ago.

The Asia Tour begins with a game against Guangdong Sunray Cave in Guangzhou, China on Wednesday July 13.

"The match will be a piece of football history as this is the first time Liverpool FC will be stepping on Malaysian soil and it has created a lot of excitement," said Julian Kam, CEO of ProEvents, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Malaysia this year. "The Reds have a massive base of football fans in Malaysia.

"We have scheduled the game on a Saturday with kick-off at 5.45pm so everyone can come and watch."

LFC manager Kenny Dalglish said: "I'm looking forward to taking the team to Asia. It is great that we can give our supporters in Malaysia and China the chance to watch the team play. Our last tour of Asia in 2009 was a great success and we're delighted to be returning this summer."

Osman Morad, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, added: "Liverpool FC has a huge fan base in Malaysia; all very loyal supporters impatiently counting the days to see the Reds in action on our own shores.

"Standard Chartered is therefore delighted to sponsor this tour. We like to give back to the communities we operate in, and bringing Liverpool FC to Malaysia is in that spirit. Together with our employees, clients and Malaysian fans, we look forward to welcoming LFC with true Malaysian hospitality."

Liverpool Make New £18.5m Bid For Sunderland Starlet

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish made a new £18.5 million bid for Sunderland's England under-21 midfielder Jordan Henderson on Sunday.

Dalglish increased his opening offer from last week by almost £5 million as he goes for a quick deal, hoping to tie up Henderson as the Kop's first summer signing before the European finals start this weekend.

Henderson is waiting on the call to head for Merseyside for talks and a medical - although Sunderland believe they may yet get more out of the Anfield club.

Sunderland insiders are shocked by how quickly Liverpool has upped their offer. They were thinking of a £16 million sale, but now their negotiators reckon they may get even more.

Henderson has been briefed about Liverpool's ongoing and increasing interest and it seems sure that he will take the move - despite his allegiances to the Black Cats.

Liverpool are also willing to quadruple his salary to more than £60,000-a-week and that is bound to turn the head of the starlet who was in good form for Stuart Pearce's under-21s on Saturday.

Sunderland chief Steve Bruce - currently on holiday - is leaving the thrashing out of a fee to his money men but hopeful that his own transfer kitty may be swollen dramatically in the next day or two.

Liverpool Fight Milan For Witsel

While Milan confirms they are in negotiations for Belgium international Axel Witsel, its reported Liverpool have joined the bidding war.

This week it has become apparent that the Standard Liege starlet is the Rossoneri’s number one transfer target for that left midfield role.

“We are in talks with the Standard Liege directors and made contact over the past few days,” confessed Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani to SportItalia.

However, The People newspaper in England suggests Liverpool are also making a play for Witsel.

It’s claimed they offered £8m for the 22-year-old, who missed a penalty in Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Turkey this week.

However, Liverpool are said to be eyeing Witsel as a replacement for Alberto Aquilani, whose future remains very uncertain.

Juventus continue to drag out their talks over a permanent transfer for Aquilani, who spent this season on loan in Turin, and are increasingly unlikely to raise their offer.

If Aquilani returns to Anfield, then it’s possible Liverpool will step back and allow Milan free rein for Witsel.

Liverpool Give Up On Enrique And Target Cissokho

It was safely assumed by the Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish that the Toon defender Enrique would end up at Anfield next season, but it seems that Alan Pardew will not let the Spaniard leave St. James Park without a fight.

Newcastle have offered Enrique a fantastic new deal and slapped a price of £15m on his head, which Dalglish thinks is well over the top for a player with just 12 months left on his contract.

In light of this, todays Mirror reports that Liverpool has switched their focus to the Lyon left-back Aly Cissokho, who is very highly regarded in France and has recently earned his first international cap for the France senior side against Norway last summer.

At 23, Cissokho fits in with Liverpool’s new policy of buying young talent for Dalglish’s aim to bring Champions League football back to Anfield, while also investing for the future.

Young Seeks Bigger Stage

In-demand Aston Villa star Ashley Young admits he wants to play "at the highest level" as he prepares to discuss his future with Villa chairman Randy Lerner.

Manchester United and Liverpool are both thought to be leading the chase for the England international.

Young, who came off the bench to score England's equalizer against Switzerland on Saturday, is entering the final year of his contract and is widely expected to leave Villa this summer.

The skilful attacker has hinted he would be interested in a move to United after revealing he wants to be playing in the UEFA Champions League on a regular basis.

"I've always had self-belief. I've always had the confidence I can play at the highest level," said Young.

"I want to test myself at World Cups, European Championships and the Champions League. As a kid you always want to play in the best competitions. As a kid I wanted to play in the Champions League - and hopefully one day I will.

"People say the prime of your careers is aged 25, 26, 27. I'm 26 next month so hopefully I'm coming into my prime."

Young's Villa team-mate Darren Bent admits he is not surprised the likes of Premier League champions Manchester United are chasing the winger's signature.

"He has shown people why clubs like Manchester United are after him and he is a top, top player," admitted Bent.

"He has played the last four internationals and got three man of the matches so he is on fire at the moment.

"That's why teams like United want him.

"I have always said the best player I have played with club-wise was Luka Modric at Tottenham but Ash can't be too far behind now, if not on a par with him."

Bent believes it is unlikely that Villa can prevent Young from moving to the Champions League runners-up.

"I am still trying little bits and bobs here and there to make him stay but at the end of the day he a top, top player and a top professional," added Bent.

"If he wants to go and play for the second-best club side in the world, who is going to stop him?"

John Aldridge Backs Suso To Make His Mark At Anfield

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge believes Academy star Suso will be ready to make an impact on the first team next season.

Reds’ fans have been waiting with baited breath for the Spanish teenager to make the transition into the senior side and it would appear they may get their wish when the new campaign begins in August.

Suso, who rejected the chance to join Barcelona in order to move to Liverpool, has gathered plenty of admirers after a number of cultured displays in the reserves, and Aldridge says the young forward could bring a touch of Catalan-inspired flair to Anfield.

“He started the 2010-11 campaign in blistering form for both the reserves and U18s and although he may have tailed off a little bit before the end of the term, I'm sure he'll be back on top of his game in the coming year,” the ex-Kop favourite told the official Liverpool website.

“Suso is such a gifted footballer and his technical ability is so good. He can be an absolutely joy to watch at times and some of his assists and goals in 10-11 were magnificent.

“He's a natural and a player in the Barcelona mould. I'm in no doubt if he continues to work hard at his game, he'll make the step up to the Liverpool first team.”

Liverpool Target Keisuke Honda Prefers A Move To Spain

Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of CSKA Moscow star Keisuke Honda after the Japanese international claimed would rather move to Spain.

Honda has been heavily linked with a move to Europe since staring in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the Anfield club is understood to be monitoring his progress with a keen eye.

But the midfielder has poured water on a potential move by claiming that if he did leave the Russian side, it would be to move to La Liga.

Honda is quoted as saying by the Daily Star: “CSKA are in the Champions League so staying is not a bad option.

“But I do want to test myself at a higher level if the opportunity arises.

"My preference is still to play Spain."

Poulsen Wants Anfield Stay

Liverpool midfielder Christian Poulsen insists that he wants to stay at the club and be part of the rebuilding process.

The Danish international is reported to be one of several players heading towards the exit door this summer, having only figured a handful of times under new boss Kenny Dalglish.

Poulsen joined the Reds at the start of last season under former boss Roy Hodgson for £5million, but has become a much-maligned figure during his spell at Anfield and accused of not being up to the pace of the Premier League.

Despite struggling over the past year however, Poulsen still feels he can contribute in the centre of midfield and have a part to play in their revival, despite links with a move to Stoke.

"It was a really long season. I came here in August and a lot of things happened during the season - we have got new owners and the manager has changed," he told the club's official website.

"The whole time the dressing room was really good during a season of a lot of changes. The atmosphere is always better when you're winning games, but that is normal in football.

"In the second half of the season we found ourselves as a team and I am looking forward to seeing how Liverpool play next season because I think a lot of things have gone on this year, so if we can have more of a stable season then it will be interesting to see which position we can finish in.

"I am sure Kenny is the right man to lead Liverpool to success in the future because in the short time he has been here, we have only gone one way - and I hope that will continue in the future.

"Of course, I would also like to play a little bit more - and that is my hope for the future.

"To come to Liverpool and to play at Anfield has been really good for me, but I hope I still have bigger moments to come in the future that I will be able to talk about at the end of next season.

"I hope I can get closer to the starting XI. I have been training hard at Melwood to try and get back into the team and that is my aim for the future."

Skrtel Explains His Absence

Martin Skrtel has revealed he is sitting out international duty in order to recover from a thigh injury which nagged him through the final months of 2010-11.

The centre-back missed Slovakia's 1-0 win over Andorra on Saturday on doctor's orders.

He explained: "It is a minor injury. I had problems with my thighs for the last two months and it was quite painful.

"My doctor told me to rest so I need to respect his decision. I did speak with Mr. Weiss (Slovakia manager Vladimir Weiss) and he knows about my problems."

Skrtel did not miss a minute of Barclays Premier League action in 2010-11, a feat matched by just one other outfield player across the division - Everton's Leighton Baines.

In total he played 3591 minutes of league football, scoring two goals and collecting joint most yellow cards with Lucas Leiva on eight.

Xabi On Fans And Returning To LFC

Xabi Alonso has opened his heart about the anguish he felt over his Anfield exit - and left the door open for a sensational Liverpool reunion.

In a world exclusive interview - which premiered on LFC TV on Sunday night - the Spanish midfielder spoke of the disappointment he felt for the supporters after making his decision to quit Merseyside for Madrid in the summer of 2009, but insisted the time was right to take up a new challenge in his career.

In the wide-ranging interview conducted at the Real Madrid training complex in the Spanish capital, Alonso also revealed the reasons behind his departure and spoke glowingly about his memories of the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul.

But it's when asked about his feelings for the fans who idolized him on Merseyside that the emotion on his face is most vivid.

Because while he deliberated over a monumental career-changing decision, the Liverpool supporters didn't make it any easier for their midfield hero.

A pre-season match against Lazio in August 2008 will be remembered more for the backing Xabi received off the field than for anything that happened on it that night, while a trip to Asia the following pre-season again saw him bombarded with pleas for him to stay throughout every inch of the Reds' journey through Thailand and Singapore.

Add to that the support week by week in the domestic games, and the Liverpool No.14 knew he would be breaking thousands of red hearts by sticking with his decision to quit Anfield.

"The Lazio game came at a moment of uncertainty because the transfer window was still open and I didn't know what was going to happen, whether I was going to stay with Liverpool or go somewhere else," he recalls. "The fans made it clear that they wanted me to stay. It was a big boost for me to be even more committed. Whenever you are not in a certain position at a club and you receive that support, you have to commit even more and that's what they did for me. It was fantastic to receive that support from the fans. It was only a friendly but it was one of the most special days for me.

"It was difficult because Liverpool has been and always will be very special. It is in my heart because I have lived very intense things there. It was really difficult to tell the fans what my decision was, but sometimes you have to follow your feelings and that was my feeling at that moment.

"The fans always made it very clear what they wanted and the support I had from the first day I arrived to the last day was absolutely top and I can't have any complaints about that. But it was my decision and my feeling."

After making up his mind that he had to leave Anfield, and after finally putting pen to paper on a contract with Real Madrid, his excitement over the new challenge which lay ahead was tinged with some sadness and some regret that he wasn't given the opportunity to say goodbye to those supporters who had idolized him since his first day on Merseyside.

"It was quite a long summer with so many meetings, so many talks and so many rumours," he said. "I would have preferred to say goodbye properly, like so many other teammates had already done, but because of the circumstances it didn't happen."

His 210 appearances for Liverpool included 19 goals and countless man of the match displays as he quickly earned himself legend status among Kopites.

One of the nicest guys you could ever wish to meet off the field and one of the best passers of a football on it, his time at Liverpool was a real-life Spanish-Scouse love affair.

"I miss lots of things. I miss the lads, I miss the atmosphere at Melwood - it was a great place to work, and the scenario of Anfield is unbeatable," says Xabi. "The special nights I have been privileged enough to live, those will be in my memory forever and they are difficult to compare anywhere in the world.

"Since I arrived I have known so many big, big legends as Kenny, Hansen, Souness, Fowler, Stevie, Carra - these will be forever. Sami Hyypia as well, for me he was a big example and someone I learned a lot from. I don't think I belong there but if I am a step below them I am happy to be there.

"Stevie and Carra are very good friends. They were good teammates because from the first day I felt I got on with them well. The importance they had in the changing room, it was very important for me to have a good relationship with them. Being from Liverpool, knowing how things were at that moment and winning the Champions League in the first year made the relationship stronger. That is why they are still very good friends.

"I always had full respect for Liverpool before I signed because I had heard all the stories and the tradition that they had. But once you are involved, if you like football and like the passion from the fans and the important things that matter in football then you will love Liverpool. That is what it is all about, about football, about respecting the game and about supporting the team and you can live that in Liverpool better than anywhere else."

He may not be a Liverpool player anymore, but the power of the internet and the phenomenon of Twitter has ensured he can keep in touch with events at Anfield - and with Kopites all over the world.

At the time of writing over 679,000 people 'follow' Xabi on the social network platform - and it's a fair bet that a decent percentage of that total are Liverpool fans, all of whom would welcome him back to Anfield tomorrow.

"It's great to have this direct communication," he says. "Sometimes when I tweet about Liverpool you see they keep an eye on what you are doing. I keep an eye on Liverpool as well and what is going on around the club. The fans often tell me they would like to see me back in a red shirt."

Xabi's tweet immediately after Kenny Dalglish's appointment as Liverpool manager back in January certainly struck the right chord with fans as he wished 'King Kenny' the best of luck.

"I had the chance to know Kenny a little bit. King Kenny is the biggest legend, so it was like you wanted to write it. It was perfect. I'm really pleased with what he and Steve Clarke have done," he added.

"At the beginning of the season I was feeling for the players because you could see things were not going very well and confidence was low at that moment. But things changed, the club settled down with new ownership. With Kenny's arrival the belief and the confidence of the team looks much better. I am looking forward to next season. It looks like it can be a good season."

But what about on a personal level? A key component of Jose Mourinho's Madrid team, Alonso has helped lead the battle with Barcelona for the Spanish and European trophies this season - and has been left with a feeling of what might have been.

"It's another stage of my professional career and I am enjoying it so far," he says. "We are challenging for big things and you want to be at a professional club. So far we are fighting against a great team like Barcelona, they are making it more difficult to win La Liga, for example, but that makes it a greater challenge than it already was.

"I want La Liga because that's the only trophy I don't have and is the one I am missing. I missed it in Liverpool and hopefully I will be able to make it in Madrid. The Champions League is obviously the Champions League, but I want La Liga.

"I am happy here. It's a big club, we have a great manager and a good team. It's been a very intense season. The cup final against Barcelona was really hard, the Champions League semi-final games against them were hard as well, but we kept fighting, but at the end we couldn't make it. Even just winning the cup, we are not absolutely pleased with the season but we feel we have progressed and are looking forward to next season."

But what about the future beyond next season? Having already mentioned that fans regularly tweet him with pleas for a return to Anfield, and knowing how much he is still loved on the red half of Merseyside, is there any hope that he could wear a Liverbird upon his chest again?

"Why not? I think that in football so many things change, and why not? I have my red passion and if circumstances arrived then why not? At the moment I don't know what is going to happen, but it could be a possibility. Never say never."

And with that final, teasing, answer, our interview with Xabi was almost at an end.

With two young children - Jon, aged 3 - 'he's a Scouser, he was born in Liverpool, has the kit and I will raise him as a Liverpool fan' and Annie - aged 1 - 'she has just learnt to walk so I spend a lot of time running behind her' - to keep him busy away from the demands and pressures of top level football, it's clear Xabi is a man completely happy with his life.

And whether he is reunited with the Reds at some point in the future or not, he will forever be grateful for the time he spent on Merseyside.

"I was for five seasons so pleased and so privileged to be part of the Liverpool family and I just want to say thank you to you all."

U19 Heartache For Academy Five

There was heartache for five Liverpool youngsters as an unbeaten England crashed out of the European Championships on goal difference following a 1-1 draw with Spain on Sunday afternoon.

Despite winning their opening two group games, the Three Lions needed a victory to reach the last eight due to Spain's superior goal difference.

Michael Ngoo set-up Tottenham's Harry Kane for England's leveller on the stroke of half-time during his 59-minute run-out but a winner proved elusive.

Skipper Andre Wisdom, Thomas Ince, Conor Coady and Jack Robinson all played 90 minutes for Noel Blake's side.

Attention now turns to the U17 World Cup in Mexico, which will feature seven of our Academy youngsters.

Raheem Sterling joins Adam Morgan, Brad Smith, Tyrell Belford, Matty Regan and Jack Dunn in the England squad, while Tom King has been selected by Australia.

The tournament kicks-off on June 18 and the final is in Mexico City on July 10.

Liverpool Target 'Given Green Light' Over £18m Summer Move

Liverpool has been given a green light by Sunderland to sign Jordan Henderson, after Steve Bruce decided that Jack Colback will be just as good as the starlet, according to the Daily Mail.

Henderson, valued at £18 million, has been linked with Liverpool very strongly over the last few days, and it is believed Kenny Dalglish is close to signing off a deal with the 20-year-old.

While Sunderland were reportedly concerned about losing their youngster, Bruce has made the decision that the profits from Henderson’s sale will be good for the Northern club, and the manager also believes Colback is just as good as Henderson and is someone who the squad can eventually be built around.

Liverpool reportedly sees Henderson as the perfect candidate for a move to Merseyside, with the youngster able to be moulded by Dalglish into a star and the face of the history-rich club.

Liverpool’s interest in the starlet reflects their move towards signing young players with lots of potential. Dalglish signed Andy Carroll in January, a 22-year-old who looks to be a future England and club star, and the manager reportedly believes that by signing Henderson as well, the Liverpool squad can become one with a generational plan of challenging for trophies.

Liverpool Set To Sign £15m French Wing Wizard

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is looking to secure the signature of Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia when the summer transfer window opens for business according to reports in The Sun.

N'Zogbia has been impressive this season for the Latics who avoided relegation from the Premiership on the final day of the campaign.

Reds manager Dalglish and the clubs director of football Damien Comolli are keen to add a creative spark to the Liverpool midfield and see the 25-year-old as the perfect option.

The Frenchman is versatile and can also play as an attacking midfielder or at left-back and weighs in with his fair share goals as well as providing assists.

N'Zogbia has been on Dalglish's radar for some time now and his form towards the end of last term was outstanding, helping Wigan take eight points form their last four games.

The French international also scored four goals during that period including the stoppage-time winner against West Ham, who was 2-0 up at half time.

N'Zogbia only has one year remaining on his current deal at the DW Stadium and Wigan will be looking for in the region of around £15million for their prized asset.

Last season N'Zogbia made 36 appearances in all competitions for the Latics and scored 10 goals.

Liverpool Plan Audacious Move To Sign Manchester City Winger

Liverpool is reportedly interested in Man City winger Adam Johnson and will look to make an offer for the England international this summer. The former Middlesbrough wide man has had an up and down time at Eastlands and spent much of last season on the bench and has voiced his concern at lack of regular first team football and has locked horns with Roberto Mancini on the matter.

Dalglish is apparently keen to bring in natural wide options as he looks to bring in more creativity and players who can help provide ammunition for the club’s new strike pairing of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez. The Merseyside outfit has been strongly linked with a number of wingers with Aston Villa pair Stewart Downing and Ashley Young also apparent Anfield targets.

Johnson arrived at Man City on the 1st of February 2010 and whilst he made an immediate impact in his first season the Sunderland born winger made more appearances from the bench last term than starts and could be tempted by a move away from the City of Manchester Stadium in search of regular first team football.

Dalglish will however find it tough to persuade a player to leave a club who has just achieved qualification for the Champions League but if Johnson felt that he wasn’t a firm part of Mancini’s first team plans then the 23 year old may feel the time right to make a move.

Liverpool has attempted to fill the wide roles with players with players who are not really out and out wingers with the likes of Dirk Kuyt, Maxi, Joe Cole and Milan Jovanovic being used last season.

Ryad Boudebouz Targeted By Liverpool

Ryad Boudebouz has emerged as a transfer target for Liverpool as the Merseyside club look to add some creativity to its squad.

The Algeria midfielder currently plays for French club Sochaux and has been linked with a summer move to Lyon or Marseille.

However, reports in France suggest the 21-year-old has also been watched by scouts from Liverpool in recent weeks.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is known to be keen to add at least one attacking midfielder to his squad over the summer, as he searches for a way to get the best out of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.

With Ashley Young seemingly set for Manchester United and Stewart Downing likely to remain at Aston Villa, Boudebouz could prove to be a useful alternative.

Pulis Targets Reds Duo

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is thought to be considering a double move for Liverpool pair David Ngog and Christian Poulsen.

The duo are believed to be surplus to requirements at Anfield as Reds manager Kenny Dalglish looks to remodel his squad after being handed the reins at Anfield on a permanent basis.

Pulis is also understood to be interested in Manchester United midfielder Darren Gibson and Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, while a fresh move for Tottenham star Jermaine Jenas is also likely.

The City boss expects plenty of movement from the Premier League's big clubs this summer and hopes to take advantage of their need to balance their books accordingly.

"I expect it to be a busy close-season," said Pulis. "A lot of money will be spent at the top end of the market - not just Man City, as everyone expects, but also United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham. I think they will all have a go.

"That either clogs up the market because unwanted players are sitting on big contracts that clubs like us will not pay, or hopefully it might free the market up if their clubs help out so we can do the deals."

Aquilani Leaves Italy Squad

Alberto Aquilani has withdrawn from the Italy squad after picking up a head injury in the 3-0 win over Estonia.

The midfielder was replaced in the first half of the Euro 2012 qualifier in Modena on Friday evening.

Aquilani, who has just completed the season on loan at Juventus from Liverpool, was sent to hospital for tests but returned with the rest of the squad to Florence late last night.

With Tuesday’s game against the Republic of Ireland only a friendly, he has been allowed to return home to rest.

Prandelli initially named a 25-man squad for the two games, but also lost Thiago Motta and Mario Balotelli to injury.

The tactician did add to his squad this morning though by selecting Torino stopper Angelo Ogbonna.

Joe Cole Set For £3m Liverpool To Spurs Transfer

Joe Cole looks set to be reunited with Harry Redknapp, amid reports Spurs and Liverpool have agreed a £3 million transfer fee.

The England midfielder was a target for Tottenham last summer when he left Chelsea on a free transfer, but eventually opted to sign a lucrative four-year contract at Anfield.

Cole has since started just nine Premier League matches and will be allowed to move on as he does not feature in Reds boss Kenny Dalglish's plans.

According to the Mail on Sunday, Spurs are now ready to end the 29-year-old's Liverpool nightmare.

The two clubs have apparently negotiated a fee for the player and the transfer will go ahead if Cole can pass a stringent medical and agree personal terms.

Cole will have to accept a sizeable cut in his current £90,000-a-week wages for the move to go through, but may consider that a price worth paying for the opportunity to resurrect his career.

He worked with Redknapp during his time at West Ham United and few people in the game rate him as highly as the veteran Spurs manager does, so he is sure to see plenty of first-team action at White Hart Lane.

The move for Cole may also signal that Tottenham are ready to cash in on £20million-rated playmaker Luka Modric, who is a target for Manchester United.

Patience And Your Time Will Come

All the time that Pepe Reina is at Liverpool, and all being well this will be for some time yet, few goalkeepers will get another more than a brief glimpse at the goalposts. The Spaniard is among one of the best performers in Europe, in fact the world, so it'll take something (or someone) special to dislodge him from his rightful place as our number one.

Challengers have come and gone, Brad Jones has come in and spent some time away on loan already, rumour has it that Brad Friedel was being eyed up as a possible challenger to Pepe however the former Reds goalkeeper has ended up elsewhere after leaving Aston Villa so Kenny Dalglish will either look elsewhere for backup to the Spanish international or turn to Jones again for next season.

Peter Gulacsi ended last season as the substitute goalkeeper but the young Hungarian is still some way from being the finished article and loan spells at Hereford and Tranmere are expected to be followed up by another spell away from Anfield next season and there are no shortage of admires for the 21 year old.

His agent says that clubs in England, Germany, Holland and Belgium are monitoring him and the Reds are likely to let him spend next season out on loan however his long term future will be at Anfield because the club "see his values and also his high potential."

The Hungarian, as good as he potentially could be, is still going to have some wait to become our undisputed number one however if he can show the patience that's needed then he has every chance of one day becoming Pepe's replacement, the question is will Gulacsi (and his agent, who often sway players) have the patience to wait around? 21 is still very very young, particularly where a goalkeeper is concerned as a peak isn't usually developed until they reach mid to late 20's and beyond, so time's still very much on his side to become a future Liverpool star, if this time needed is given?

Steven Gerrard’s Pending Return Excites Steve Clarke

Liverpool assistant manager Steve Clarke can't wait for the return of captain Steven Gerrard from injury.

The 31-year-old missed the end of season run-in after undergoing groin surgery.

The skipper has started just six games under new manager Kenny Dalglish, and Clarke can't wait for his return.

"He's vitally important. Steven hasn't featured much since I came to the club. He's been in and out with a niggling problem with his groin, and hopefully the operation has cured it.

"A fit and fully firing Steven Gerrard can only improve the squad.

"He's certainly one of the most complete footballers of his generation. Over the last 10 or 12 years there have been a number of really top English players and certainly Steven is one of them.

"I've only seen little glimpses of him since I came here but he's a captain who, rather than speaking and motivating, leads by example on the pitch. I am looking forward to seeing him do that next season."