Kuyt Has Faith In Liverpool Title Challenge

Dirk Kuyt believes Liverpool can challenge for a Barclays Premier League title in the coming years.

The versatile Dutchman recently put pen to paper on a new deal at Anfield, and was part of the Reds' side that came close to winning the championship under Rafael Benitez back in 2008/09.

Under Kenny Dalglish, Kuyt is now confident Liverpool can turn their recent fortunes around, and with the backing of owners Fenway Sports Group become a major force in English football once again.

"I signed up (to a new contract) because I have faith in the club," said the former Feyenoord star.

"Everything I noticed shows the ambitions are high. The appointment of Steve Clarke, assistant to Mourinho at Chelsea, is one example. Just a very good on-the-pitch coach. That sort of thing."

Kuyt maintains his belief that Liverpool are still one of the biggest clubs in Europe, despite the fact that they will not participate in either the Champions League or Europa League next season.

The forward has also vowed to help the Merseysiders win trophies, and will hope to start that process next season.

"The club strives again to get to a level that suits the club. I feel that I am at one of the top clubs in Europe. The goal is still to become champions and win cups, and I will help."

Luis Suarez: I Have Settled In Well At Liverpool

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez feels he has settled in at Anfield quicker than he could have expected.

The 24-year-old Uruguay international has made a big impression on Merseyside since his £22.8 million move from Ajax in January.

Suarez has scored four goals for Liverpool but caught the eye as much for his assists, most notably in a memorable 3-1 defeat of Manchester United in March.

Suarez told LFC Weekly: "I think I have settled in well, which is very, very important.

"Settling into a new team was always the most important thing about coming here.

"I think I have done that and it's happened a lot quicker than I thought it would.

"It's hard when you come to a new team for the first time as there are lots of changes that you've got to adapt to but it's gone well - and from the very first game really. I am very, very happy here."

Suarez arrived at Liverpool alongside £35 million record signing Andy Carroll and could be joined by more faces this summer with the club strongly linked with Sunderland's £20m-rated midfielder Jordan Henderson and Ipswich youngster Connor Wickham.

Everton Join Liverpool & Manchester United In The Race To Sign Charlie Adam

Everton have joined Liverpool and Manchester United in the race to sign Blackpool captain Charlie Adam this summer, Goal.com can reveal.

Toffees manager David Moyes believes Adam's drive and creativity would improve the Everton side and has made it known he would be interested in completing a deal for his fellow Scot.

Everton's chances of landing the playmaker will undoubtedly be boosted by the fact he is represented by Moyes' brother, Kenny, as well as the prospect of regular first-team football at Goodison Park.

Everton would hope to pay around £4 million for the Adam but Blackpool is believed to still be asking for £8m despite their relegation from the Premier League.

Merseyside rivals Liverpool have shown the most interest in signing Adam although their desire to push through a deal may dampen with the anticipated signing of Jordan Henderson from Sunderland.

United have also been regularly linked with a move as Sir Alex Ferguson explores his options to replace Paul Scholes, but they are thought to be prioritizing Inter playmaker Wesley Sneijder or Tottenham star Luka Modric.

Everton see Adam as a an excellent option to add to the squad, where he could combine with other attacking midfield talents in the shape of Mikel Arteta, Leon Osman and Tim Cahill.

Blackpool took up an option at the end of the season to extend Adam's contract until next summer, but Seasiders boss Ian Holloway has accepted that his star man will be sold.

Adam, who was the subject of failed bids from Liverpool and Tottenham in January, earns just £12,000-a-week and he could more than double those wages with a move to another Premier League club.

Everton's interest in Adam comes as rumours continue to circulate over the future of midfielders Jack Rodwell and Marouane Fellaini. Rodwell, rated at £20m, is a long-term target for Manchester United while his Belgian team-mate has been linked with Chelsea and Real Madrid.

A swoop for Adam may go some way to convincing Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal target Leighton Baines to stay at Goodison Park after the highly-rated left-back admitted it was “nice” to see the club linked with well-known players.

Liverpool Agree Deal For Brazilian Goalkeeper

Liverpool have agreed a price with AS Roma for goalkeeper Doni, according to Sky Sport Italia.

The Brazilian, 31, would presumably be brought to Liverpool as back-up for the formidable Pepe Reina who looks like staying at Anfield despite speculation earlier in the year that the Spaniard could leave.

Doni has been Roma’s number one goalkeeper since the sacking of manager Claudio Ranieri at the turn of the year, replacing another Brazilian, Julio Sergio, as the first choice stopper.

If the deal goes through, it’s likely Liverpool will offload Brad Jones who was on loan at Derby County last season.

Liverpool Keen On Malouda

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is preparing an £8million bid for Chelsea winger Florent Malouda as he continues his search for a wide player.

The 30-year-old only has one year left on his contract, and it is unsure whether or not he will be offered a new one in 12 months time.

With Chelsea eyeing up several big signings themselves this summer, Malouda may become surplus to their needs, and they may be willing to cash in on the French international before he can go on a free transfer next June.

Malouda has not enjoyed the best of seasons at Chelsea this year, but Dalglish is adamant that the winger would be an excellent addition to the Liverpool squad.

The Liverpool boss will also be keen to get his hands on Malouda sooner rather than later, as his first preferences of Ashley Young, Eden Hazard and Juan Mata now all appear to be out of reach for the Reds.

Liverpool Like The Look Of Barcelona Duo Bojan Krkic And Jeffren Suarez

Liverpool have made contact with Barcelona regarding the potential signing of Bojan, while they are also interested in Jeffren Suarez, it has been claimed.

According to the Daily Mail, the Reds are 'in touch' with the European champions in the hope they can broker a deal for Bojan, while they remain keen on 23-year-old old Jeffren.

Liverpool have been linked with Bojan, 20, for a number of months after Spanish publication Marca initially reported the Reds were 'confident' of bringing the young forward to Anfield.

Jeffren, meanwhile, has also found himself at the centre of speculation regarding a potential move to Liverpool in the past, with Metro alleging the winger had been identified by Damien Comolli as an alternative to Ashley Young.

The acquisition of the Spanish duo would certainly prove to be quite a coup for Liverpool and would serve as further evidence of owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) fulfilling their pledge to invest significantly - and in young players in particular.

Liverpool, however, are expected to have to fight off interest from Arsenal in the pursuit of Bojan, with the Daily Mail also suggesting the Gunners are monitoring the Spain international with genuine interest.

After the culmination of a sixth successive trophyless campaign for Arsenal, Arsene Wenger has been urged to ditch his notorious frugality this summer, and the signing of Bojan could be just the tonic for Gunners' supporters.

Arsenal are also expected to sign defensive reinforcements, and have been linked consistently with Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill and versatile Frenchman Mamadou Sakho.

Rangers Return On The Cards For Reds Ace

Liverpool defender Danny Wilson could be on his way back to Glasgow Rangers on a season-long loan next season according to the Daily Mail.

The 19-year-old Scotland international is tipped for a bright future, but is expected to complete a temporary move away in order to gain some much-needed first team experience.

Wilson only moved to Anfield from Ibrox last July, but has started just a solitary game for Liverpool, and Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is keen for the £5million signing to continue his development north of the border.

Newly appointed Gers boss Ally McCoist, who took over the Rangers reigns from Walter Smith following his Blues retirement, is keen to strengthen his defensive department this summer, and will likely welcome the opportunity to bring Wilson back to Glasgow.

The SPL champions have also been negotiating a loan deal for another up and coming Barclays Premier League starlet, Kyle Bartley, who spent time on loan at Rangers from Arsenal last season.

With Madjid Bougherra looking to move away from Ibrox back to the English top-flight this summer, Liverpool's Wilson would be a strong addition for Rangers ahead of the new season.

Dalglish Must Up £8m Bid To Snare Target

The Daily Mail understands that Ipswich starlet Connor Wickham could be set for a move to Liverpool this summer, but Kenny Dalglish has been told to up his bid from £8 million to £10 million.

On Saturday reports were circulating that Dalglish had put in a £8 million bid to coax Wickham to Liverpool, but the bid was turned down. Ipswich had reportedly asked for £15 million as a starting price, and while Tottenham were in the mix as well as Liverpool for the 18-year-old, Spurs couldn’t come close to the asking price for Wickham’s services.

Wickham signed an extension to his contract with the npower Championship club in January, keeping him there until 2014. While there is a £15 million get out clause, Dalglish was hoping that a £8 million would snare the starlet.

Wickham has been compared to Newcastle star Alan Shearer, and has been referred to by some as the next Andy Carroll, after the youngster starred for his side this season.

Wickham can also boast scoring the winning goal against Spain in last year’s Under-17’s final, putting his worth through the roof to large clubs like Liverpool.

Wickham is the latest in a line of youngsters connected with Liverpool since Dalglish took over the reigns; Besides Andy Carroll’s £35 million move in January, Jordan Henderson has also been connected to Merseyside for £18 million, as Dalglish looks to put in a place a long term plan at Liverpool for a trophy winning squad.

Sevilla Tell Liverpool Perotti Is Not For Sale

Sevilla has told Liverpool that Argentine winger Diego Perotti is not for sale.

The English side was heading a long list of suitors for the winger, who has also been the subject of an enquiry from Juventus.

But Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido has ruled out the sale of Perotti this summer and has told any potential bidders not to waste their time.

"He is not for sale," Del Nido said. "Clubs in England and Italy have called us to ask about him.

"But our answer remains the same. He does not have a price because we do not want to sell."

Alberto Aquilani Could Be Offered AC Milan Escape Route From Liverpool

AC Milan are ready to pounce for Liverpool outcast Alberto Aquilani if Juventus keep dithering over making an offer.

The Italian international is currently on loan at Juve, and wants to tie up a permanent deal with the Turin giants, but the move is stalling due to the Bianconeri’s reluctance to meet the Liverpool’s £16million asking price.

They’ve already missed one deadline to make a bid, and the Reds have been forced into negotiations due to the player’s unwillingness to return to Anfield, but Juve’s proposal of just £6million is way below expectation.

Now, newly-crowned Serie A champions Milan are ready to steal in with an offer of closer to £10million for the former Roma man, and Aquilani is understood to be willing to accept the opportunity to move.

The Rossoneri are looking for a new creative force in midfield after Andrea Pirlo left for Juventus, and the Liverpool man would fit the bill.

Tottenham Rule Out Move For Liverpool Star

Liverpool winger Joe Cole will not be heading to Tottenham Hotspur, after sources close to the club ruled out a move.

The England International has been linked with a move back to London, after an unsuccessful first season in Merseyside, which has been blighted with injury and poor form.

However, sources have told Sportsvibe that Cole will not be heading to White Hart Lane, as the player does not feature in boss Harry Redknapp's plans for next season.

We reported over the weekend how Liverpool chief John W. Henry is looking to slash the wage bill at Anfield, with Cole part of a contingent of players who are paid in excess of £100,000-per-week.

Cole, who joined Liverpool on a Bosman-ruling last summer from Chelsea was looking to reinvigorate his career, but has so far failed to do so under the stewardship of Roy Hodgson and now Kenny Dalglish.

With the club increasingly linked with moves for Aston Villa duo Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, it appears as though Cole's days at Anfield are numbered.

The West Ham graduate has also been linked with a shock move to Premier League new-boys Queens Park Rangers in a £3 million deal.

Reds Re-Launch Membership Scheme

Liverpool FC today announced the re-launch of their official membership scheme for 2011-12 - and it's bigger and better than ever before with some fantastic exclusive benefits for fans.

After surveying supporters and listening to what they want from the membership scheme, we've made improvements to ensure members get better value and feel even closer to the club.

The main adjustments include three levels of membership - adult, junior and international - with adult and junior subscribers given priority ticket access to all available Barclays Premier League home games.

For the first time ever, tickets for the Barclays Premier League home games in the first half of the season will all go on sale at the same time to members during July, giving them an improved chance of seeing Kenny's men in action in the new campaign. Members need to have joined by July 7 in order to take advantage of this benefit and get access to these first-half season tickets.

By joining the LFC Official Membership scheme, you'll also receive a monthly email newsletter which will provide exclusive video footage, interviews with the players and manager, and information and offers not available anywhere else, as well as a three-month free trial of LFCTV Online.

In addition, our welcome packs are better than ever before and arrive in a specially designed presentation box packed with goodies and much more.

Adult members will receive an exclusive book - Managing the Liverpool Way - and chrome LFC pen, as well as a benefits booklet, personalized welcomed letter and membership card (new members only).

Junior members will get three signed photos of LFC star players and a back-to-school kit consisting of a drawstring bag, pencil case, ruler, eraser, pencils and notepad.

International members will receive a memory stick containing exclusive footage from around the club and an interview with Luis Suarez not available anywhere else, as well as a chrome LFC pen.

Adult membership costs just £29.99 for the season, while Junior (aged 12 and under) is £14.99. International supporters can sign up for £18.99.

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."