Jamie Carragher Targets A Return To Trophy-Winning Days

Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher is hoping the club can once more return to challenging for trophies after a barren spell.

The red side of Merseyside lost their record of most top division titles to Manchester United last season, but Carragher believes the club is close to tasting success again.

"You want to be in there, and Liverpool should be in there challenging for trophies," Carragher told Sky Sports News.

"It's been a few years now since we won a trophy and that's what we want to try and change this season coming, but I'm sure everyone's got the same idea."

Carragher expressed respect for the Reds' arch-rivals Manchester United, but hopes their dominance will be coming to an end soon.

“If Man Utd win, they win and you say good luck and you have to respect what they've achieved.

"We can't keep these records - we've five Champions League titles - if we're not competing for them.

"We have to try and win more as it's been too long for Liverpool and it's something we're looking to change."

Liverpool And Arsenal Want Scott Dann

Liverpool and Arsenal are ready to battle it out for Birmingham City ­centre- half Scott Dann – but prices in the Blues’ clear-out are proving too high.

Kenny Dalglish and Arsene Wenger are keen on the 24-year-old defender, who is viewed as a cheap alternative to other targets like Bolton’s Gary Cahill and Blackburn’s Chris Samba.

But City wants £12million for the former England Under-21 international and that is putting off the Kop and the Gunners as well.

Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and Stoke are also on alert for him but only at around half of that price.

Ex-Brum chief Alex McLeish would love to take Dann with him to Aston Villa.

But relations between the second city clubs have hit rock bottom after Big Eck’s controversial exit.

Any move by Villa would further enrage the Blues who are still reeling from McLeish resigning by e-mail before agreeing to talks with their bitter rivals about filling the void left by Gerard Houllier.

Birmingham are trying to whip up an auction for Dann, Roger Johnson, Craig Gardner and Cameron Jerome.

But City’s masterplan to sell their stars before naming a new boss has been stalled by lofty valuations.

Dann’s centre half partner Johnson was initially priced at £15m when Birmingham was relegated but his value is dropping as there are no takers for anything like that price.

Wolves and Sunderland have been linked with the former Cardiff defender.

Midfielder Gardner is available at £7m which is slightly too high for the likes of Newcastle and Sunderland, who are leading the chase – as ­revealed by Hotline two weeks ago.

Striker Jerome has been valued at £8m but Bolton, who is interested, do not even want to pay half of that.

Midfielder Seb Larsson is on the verge of joining Sunderland on a free transfer having snubbed offers from Newcastle, Aston Villa and former club Arsenal.

Liverpool Keen On South Korean Stars

Liverpool are preparing a swoop for Celtic star Ki Sung-Yeung in the event of a deal for Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam falling through.

The Reds have attempted to finalize a deal for the Scotland international this week, but with the transfer making slow progress and Tottenham reportedly ready to renew their interest, Kenny Dalglish is preparing to turn his attentions to the 22-year-old South Korean.

Despite his age Sung-Yeung has already represented his country 38 times and is central to Celtic boss Neil Lennon’s plans making 34 appearances for the club last season.

Liverpool is also monitoring the situation of Sung-Yeung’s countryman Ji Dong-Won and his proposed transfer to Sunderland.

The 20-year-old is close to signing for Steve Bruce’s side subject to a work permit being granted, but Liverpool may attempt to take advantage of this situation with the club interested in bringing him in as back-up for first choice pairing Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Liverpool Switch Attention To Julio Sergio

Reports from Italy suggest that Liverpool have switched their attention to Roma goalkeeper Julio Sergio as they bid to snap up an experienced understudy to Jose Reina.

The English side had agreed a deal in principle with Roma for Julio Sergio’s team-mate Doni, however the Brazilian shot-stopper was not willing to take a cut in wages to head to Anfield.

At Roma Doni earns €2.5M, but Liverpool was only prepared to offer the keeper €900,000 per season, making his decision to reject Kenny Dalglish’s side an easy one.

Now though Liverpool have spied Doni’s team-mate and countryman Julio Sergio as a possible alternative.

Aurelio Impressed By Lucas

Liverpool left-back Fabio Aurelio believes midfielder Lucas Leiva has matured into a top-class midfielder.

Lucas joined Liverpool in 2007 but a series of below-par appearances in his first two seasons did little to convince the Anfield faithful.

However, the 24-year-old has started 68 games for Liverpool in the subsequent two seasons, and he was named Liverpool's best player during the 2010-11 Premiership season by members of the club's official website, taking 40 per cent of all votes.

Aurelio feels that Lucas has grown into the role, and shown great maturity in dealing with the boo-boys in the first two seasons.

"He has shown great personality and capability to change things around. We remember that at the beginning the fans were not very happy with him but he was patient and remained concentrated on his work and now we can see that he is a man who can do the job.

"He deservedly has a new contract with the club and we hope that he can spend a lot of years here in Liverpool because he can be a great player for us, just like he was last season."

Lucas became the youngest player ever to receive the Bola de Ouro in the Campeonato Brasileiro in 2006, and many Liverpool fans expected the former Gremio player to show the silky skills of former winners Romario, Robinho, and Kaka.

Lucas' game is more functional, but compatriot Aurelio is delighted that Reds' fans are starting to see his talents.

"I think there was a great impact to move from Brazil to England because there is a very different style of football and also he was very young when he arrived here," he said.

"So together with the big changes it was very difficult for him in the beginning and the pressure was there as well."

Skrtel - Future Bright For Reds

Martin Skrtel believes that the future is bright for Liverpool with club legend Kenny Dalglish at the helm.

Dalglish was confirmed as the Anfield outfit's permanent manager on a three-year deal in May having taken over on an interim basis following the departure of Roy Hodgson in January.

The Reds enjoyed an impressive second half of the season, climbing from the doldrums of 12th place in the table to eventually finish the campaign in sixth spot.

And defender Skrtel revealed how Dalglish immediately won over the dressing room and lifted all the players who were in the doldrums after struggling during Hodgson's ill-fated spell at the helm.

He told LFC Weekly: "Kenny gave us our confidence back. His first game was against Manchester United in the cup. Our first meeting with him took place that weekend and he said we had to trust him because he trusted us.

"He told us the most important thing was a good team spirit and if we played together we could get some success. He has kept our confidence high and that has been the most important thing.

"He's done it through his personality. He's a nice guy and he's always joking and smiling. He has changed the atmosphere around the team."

The Slovakia international centre-back admitted he had a lot to learn about Dalglish's time at Liverpool as a player and manager when he first moved to Merseyside in January 2008.

He added: "To be very honest I didn't know an awful lot about Kenny. I was very young when he was the manager for the first time.

"But in the four years I've been at the club I have seen him here and have learned about the history of the club and the part he's played in it. Now I know a lot more about him.

"Appointing him (permanently) was definitely the best option. I'm happy because he is a nice person and a great manager. I can see the future under him being very good."

Liverpool To Face Valencia

Liverpool will host Spanish side Valencia for a pre-season friendly on August 6th.

In recent years Liverpool has returned to their tradition of hosting a major European side for a home friendly, although last year they did not due to Europa League qualifiers.

The year before they hosted Atletico Madrid and in 2008 it was Lazio.

Liverpool fans will be hoping a current Valencia player, winger Juan Mata, will be appearing in the game for the home side rather than the opposition. The two clubs are believed to be in talks over the Under 21 international.

Starlets Kick-Off World Cup

Six of Liverpool's finest Academy graduates will be in action tonight as England kick-off the U17 World Cup in Mexico with their opening match against Rwanda.

Exciting wide-man Raheem Sterling is joined in John Peacock's squad by prolific striker Adam Morgan, left-back Brad Smith, goalkeeper Tyrell Belford, centre-back Matty Regan and winger Jack Dunn.

Left-back Tom King is also hoping for action in the World Cup having been selected by Australia.

King's Australia side faces Ivory Coast in their opening game on Tuesday, June 21.

England also faces group games with Canada and Uruguay.

Fans To Stage Anfield Charity Walk

Liverpool fans are being asked to support a walk from Newton-le-Willows to Anfield later this month in memory of a passionate Reds fan Chris Edwards - and raise money for charity in the process.

Kopite Chris sadly lost his brave fight with stomach cancer in late 2010 aged just 33, leaving behind his wife Joanne and unborn son, Luca, who arrived safely in February of this year.

Raised in Birkenhead, Chris was an avid Liverpool fan since childhood and held season tickets at Anfield with Joanne.

Even at his funeral, his love for the club was on show with an LFC flag draped over his coffin.

Now, Chris's family and friends want to honour his memory by walking the 16 miles from his family home in Newton-le-Willows to Anfield on Saturday, June 25 - and they're hoping to raise funds for the Christie's charity.

All money raised will go towards research into gastro-intestinal cancer at Christie's hospital, where Chris received his treatment.

Reds Secure Masters Glory

Liverpool were back to their irresistible best as they cruised to glory in the Selco Mersey Masters tournament at the Echo Arena on Saturday evening.

A Patrik Berger-inspired Reds saw off Everton and Blackpool in the group stage, before thumping Bolton Wanderers 5-1 in the final.

It's Liverpool's first Masters title in five years, and the victory gives them the opportunity to be crowned national champions later this year, when they'll contest the Grand Final at Wembley.

Prior to kick-off, the Reds' preparations were hampered by the loss of Mark Wright due to family commitments, meaning their squad was a man light for the tournament.

However, it had little impact as Liverpool cruised to a commanding victory over Everton in their opening match in Group A.

Paul Walsh struck four times to add to a Berger strike to give the Reds an emphatic 5-1 win.

It meant they needed just a draw in the final group game against Blackpool in order to progress into the final.

After a tentative first half, Bjorn Tore Kvarme latched onto a defence-splitting Stephane Henchoz pass to put Liverpool ahead, before former Anfield youth player Andy Roscoe doubled the advantage.

Chris Beech netted a consolation for the Tangerines, but they were unable to stop John Barnes's side reaching the final as group winners with a 2-1 triumph.

Kvarme was again on target in the final, opening the scoring with a composed finish in the first half against a Bolton team that contained current Trotters boss Owen Coyle.

Scott Green levelled for the Lancashire side just before half-time, but Berger restored Liverpool's lead shortly after the re-start.

Kvarme then netted his second of the final with a thumping volley prior to Berger sealing his brace and Walsh making it 5-1.

It is Liverpool's first Masters success at the Echo Arena and they'll now hope to pick up where they left off when they compete in September's London-based Grand Final.

Gerrard Sets Sights On Title

Steven Gerrard says Liverpool's aim next season is nothing less than to win the Premier League title.

The Reds captain has been out of action since March, when he saw his season cut short by a groin injury, and is looking forward to returning for the new campaign.

And the influential midfielder is eyeing silverware ahead of his comeback.

Gerrard told Sky Sports News: "If we were to get back in the top-four next season I think it would be a fantastic achievement.

"But we will be setting out to win the league, because that's what you do year in and year out at Liverpool."

He added: "We've got a good side together. Hopefully it'll be strengthened with a few new signings in the next few weeks before we go back.

"Then we'll be in a position where we're competitive next season."

Gerrard admits it stung to see Manchester United surpass Liverpool's title record last season when they landed their 19th league trophy.

"The way they were playing you knew the 19 was going to come," he added. "And it did hurt because they are our biggest rivals.

"You've got to give credit where it's due. We've got to get on with it and the challenge is can we equalize as soon as possible."

Gerrard says he is hungry to get back to action after spending so long on the sidelines.

"I'm actually dying for a game of football," he added. "In a strange way it's been good to get a rest mentally, and also physically.

"I believe I'm going to come back firing, fit and well next season.

"It's probably the best I've felt, physically and mentally, going into a season so I'm excited, I can't wait for it."

Liverpool Face Serie A Race For £8m Defender Addition

Liverpool face competition from Serie A side Roma for the services of Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy according to talkSPORT.

The 25-year-old French international has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer after growing frustrated at a lack of trophy success.

Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger is said to have told Clichy he is free to leave Arsenal if the right offer comes in, and Liverpool were the first club to show their interest with a reported offer of £5million.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is known to be in the market for a left-sided defender this summer, having deemed Paul Konchesky surplus to requirements at Anfield.

He instead opted to deploy an out of position Glen Johnson and 17-year-old academy graduate Jack Robinson in the left-back berth for much of the 2010/11 campaign.

But Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli has made a defensive acquisition in that position a top priority ahead of the new season. After completing the signing of Jordan Henderson last week, Comolli said:

"If a player is English, or British or has played in the Premier League, we'll look at that over someone abroad," and Clichy certainly fits the bill.

A mainstay in Arsenal's backline, Clichy has appeared in 153 out of a possible 190 Barclays Premier League games, and he also has vast experience of European football, having racked up 48 Champions League appearances since moving to the north London club in 2003.

But with just 12months to run on his existing Arsenal contract, Clichy has indicated he is unlikely to agree a new deal, so Wenger is looking to sell-up now rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.

Sources in Italy suggest that Roma are preparing an offer of £8million in the hope that it will be enough to activate negotiations before Liverpool themselves return with an improved bid.

Defender 'Rejects' Arsenal In Favour Of Merseyside Move

Columbia international Cristian Zapata has rejected a move to Arsenal, and is very close to signing a deal with Liverpool, according to the Metro.

The Udinese defender is currently participating in the Copa America, but took the time to tell a local radio station that he is relatively close to agreeing to a deal with Liverpool.

“I don’t know anything for sure, all I can say is that I am very close to Liverpool," Zapata told La FM.

“We will see what happens with my future at the end of the Copa America.

“I have gained experience [with Udinese], however, the time has come for me to make the jump up to a big team.”

Liverpool is reportedly desperate to sign the 24-year-old, with Kenny Dalglish a long term admirer of Zapata, particularly because of his flexibility in both defence and the full back position.

Dalglish is moving quickly now to sign his targets after Manchester United bagged Liverpool target Phil Jones last week. Zapata hinted that a deal could be done with the Merseyside club by the end of the week.

Arsenal were said to be interested in Zapata, and have been over a long term period. With Wenger's youth policy, and Zapata's relatively young age, the Arsenal manager had made enquiries about the star, according to reports. But Zapata has decided that he favours Liverpool over a move to Arsenal after all.

Liverpool Turn Back On 'Perfect' Real Madrid Star

Liverpool won’t be making a move for Fernando Gago, even though the Real Madrid star issued a ‘come get me’ plea to the Merseyside club, the Liverpool Daily Post understands.

Gago’s representative Marcelo Lobilla said yesterday that Liverpool would be the perfect destination for the star, with multiple clubs including Aston Villa and Tottenham also linked to a possible move for the midfielder.

“Gago needs to play and Liverpool would be a perfect club for him,” Lobilla said.

“Fernando wants to get back on the pitch and return to the top level and at the moment that is not possible in Madrid.”

While Gago has struggled for game time at Real Madrid, the 25-year-old has made 100 appearances for the Spanish giants over four years, making him an attractive signing in the Barclays Premier League.

Liverpool, however, look to have bowed out of the race for the star, with Kenny Dalglish concentrating on signing younger players with experience in English football.

Sylvain Marveaux Denies Liverpool Move Collapsed Because Of Failed Medical

Rennes midfielder Sylvain Marveaux has underlined that his transfer to Liverpool fell through because he could not agree personal terms with the Premier League side.

The former France Under-21 international appeared set to sign for Liverpool on a free transfer from Rennes to put a couple of disappointing seasons, marred by injuries, behind him, but the move collapsed on Friday.

Reports in France suggested the transfer did not go ahead as Marveaux could not pass a medical at Liverpool, but the midfielder has now declared that was not the source of the problem.

"I do not want to go into details, but if I have not signed for Liverpool, it was because there was a contractual disagreement between the involved parties, Thursday evening," he told L'Equipe.

Marveaux, who stated he was 'disgusted' to hear such reports about him, stressed he is fit to play: "Today, I can undergo a medical before you and you will see there is no problem," said the 25-year-old, who made just 10 appearances for Rennes in 2010-11.

Dalglish Drops Asking Price To £8m For Want-Away Midfielder

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is prepared to let midfielder Alberto Aquilani leave for as little as £8million just two years after Liverpool paid £17m for the Italian international.

Aquilani spent last season on loan at Italian giants Juventus and despite impressing many with his assured performances in the centre of midfield was told that he would not be signed on a permanent deal after the club appointed Antonio Conte as their new manager.

The 26-year-old was told that he would be returning to Anfield for the start of next season but it appears as though Dalglish does not see him having a future at the club and is now prepared to listen to offers.

AC Milan were said to be interested in securing the midfielders signature but interest has cooled in recent weeks, forcing the Reds to lower their asking price in the hope of forcing through a deal.

Dalglish has already got a number of central midfielders fighting for a starting berth in Steven Gerrard, Raul Meireles, Jay Spearing, Lucas and recent arrival Jordan Henderson, while discussions are also on-going with Blackpool as the club attempt to land Charlie Adam.

In what has become a long running saga, the Merseyside club are desperate to try and sell the player as soon as possible so that they can draw a line under his disappointing spell with the club.

Liverpool are confident that there will be some interest in the Italy midfielder after he made 33 appearances for Juventus last season and regained much of the confidence that had been lost with his time in the Premier League.

Liverpool still have to pay the final installment of £4.4m to Roma by the end of June and are hoping that they will be able to sell him in the coming weeks.

Kyrgiakos Earns Contract Extension

Liverpool defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos has earned himself a 12-month contract extension at Anfield.

The former Greece international, 32 next month, originally joined on a two-year deal from AEK Athens at the start of the 2009-10 season.

However, written into that agreement was an option for a further year and Press Association Sport understands Kyrgiakos has qualified for that having played the required number of matches last season.

Kyrgiakos was fourth in the pecking order of centre-backs in the previous campaign, behind Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger.

With the club looking to reinforce that area this summer his chances could be even more limited and it is possible he will be sold, with a return to his homeland the most likely.

Liverpool have, however, confirmed the departure of a number of reserves with former captain Steve Irwin, Nikola Saric, Jason Banton, Deale Chamberlain, Alex Cooper and Sean Highdale all leaving.

Carragher Relishing Reds Visit

Jamie Carragher has travelled the world for club and country - but is eagerly looking forward to his first ever visit to mainland China this summer.

The Liverpool defender will be part of the Reds' squad heading to Asia for a pre-season tour in July, which kicks off with a game in China on July 13.

"I have never been to China before and I don't think many of the players have either," he said.

"We are all really looking forward to it. I am sure it will be a great tour because we have a lot of fans over there and it will be great for us to see them and for them to see us play and train."

Carragher was quizzed by a selection of Chinese media representatives during a press conference at Melwood in April, in which he was asked his views on a wide-range of topics from Kenny Dalglish's return as manager to his thoughts on the Reds' youth policy.

"We've had a great run with the manager," he said. "It started with the new players coming in January and hopefully we can take it into next season.

"The manager has brought a lot of positivity to the club. The fans love him which is a good start and makes a big difference. He's very experienced as a manager as well and he's had a lot of success so is obviously very good at his job."

The assembled Chinese media were also keen to learn whether Carra thinks the future of the club is in good hands - and whether he himself may continue at Anfield once his playing days come to an end.

"I want to carry on playing and then we'll see what happens in the future," he added. "That is up to the club but you always want to help Liverpool Football Club.

"The future is bright, though. Last season Flanagan and Robinson have come through and Jay Spearing has done really well. At the Academy we've got Andre Wisdom, Conor Coady and Raheem Sterling as well."

Exodus Begins At Anfield

There has been numerous reports suggesting an overhaul of the Liverpool squad this summer following Kenny Dalglish's appointment as manager and it appears that the exodus could be underway.

The Reds have announced the departure of Jason Banton, Deale Chamberlain, Douglas Cooper, Sean Highdale, Steven Irwin and Nikola Saric.

Liverpool have already added Jordan Henderson to their squad ahead of the new season and reports have linked the Anfield club to a host of other players.

It has been reported that Kenny Dalglish will look to revitalize his squad by bringing in new faces and in order to pave the way for new arrivals, players will have to leave the club.

Liverpool Tipped To Snare Target From Newcastle

Jose Enrique has long been a target for Liverpool, and the left back looks to be closer than ever to a move to Merseyside after Alan Pardew admitted Enrique has snubbed a new contract with Newcastle.

"[Enrique] has Champions League aspirations and he is waiting to see whether anyone who has qualified for that competition is willing to come in for him," Pardew revealed.

"That is his right and there isn't much more we can do about it.

"We have tried as hard as we can, in the financial situation we are in, to keep him. We offered him an excellent deal, but he doesn't seem to be interested in signing it at the moment.

"It is frustrating - but that is the situation we are in.

"It is up to him, but he wants to see what else there is for him," the Newcastle manager said.

While Liverpool aren't in the Champions League this season, or the Europa League, the side have clearly set a goal to be back in the top tier European competition in the next few years. Signings of former teammate Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, along with Kenny Dalglish being made permanent manager, are all testament to this.

Enrique fills a gap that has long been a problem for Liverpool with Dalglish reportedly desperate to sign the star for the left back position. The BBC rated Enrique at £15 million, which puts the Spaniard well within Liverpool's budget.

Enrique recently said he wouldn't be concerned with leaving Newcastle, giving Liverpool a further boost that they well acquire their transfer prize.

"If I have to continue here [at Newcastle], I'm happy. If I have to go to another club, I'm happy in England," Enrique said.

"If I have to go to another league, I'm happy.

"I just want to play football - it's my life and it's best for me."