Match Report: Galatasaray 3 - 0 Liverpool

An understrength Liverpool side lost 3-0 to Galatasaray in Istanbul, their second successive pre-season defeat by that scoreline.

Having been defeated at Hull on Saturday, manager Kenny Dalglish sent out a virtual reserve side in the first half at the Turk Telekom Arena, with only Andy Carroll considered a genuine first-team starter.

Such was the make-up of the team there were five full-backs on the pitch at the start and the disjointedness cost them as former Reds striker Milan Baros hooked home an eighth-minute volley and added a far-post header just before half-time.

The introduction of Dirk Kuyt and Alberto Aquilani at the interval improved the cohesion slightly but when former Bolton striker Johan Elmander crashed home a volley from the edge of the area seven minutes from time the visitors' difficult night was complete.

Liverpool has now conceded three goals in each of their four pre-season friendlies so far.

They play Valerenga in Norway on Monday when Dalglish is expected to field a much stronger side.

Kenny's Istanbul Verdict

Kenny Dalglish acknowledged his disappointment at seeing Liverpool go down to a 3-0 friendly defeat to Galatasaray on Thursday, but believes the game can stand his squad in good stead for the season ahead.

Two first-half goals from former Anfield forward Milan Baros and a stunning volley from Johan Elmander condemned the Reds to defeat in Istanbul.

But while unhappy with the result, Dalglish feels the workout his players were given at the Turk Telekom Arena will assist in ensuring their primed for the start of the Barclays Premier League season next month.

He told a post-match press conference: "I think they looked a bit sharper than us at the start of the game. It was the same as at the weekend in that we played a lot better in the second half than we did in the first half.

"But the players worked hard and they'll benefit from the effort they put in. It won't do us any harm for the season ahead, but we've got to get ourselves a bit sharper, a bit more clued up and lively when we're not in possession of the ball."

He added: "I think the benefit is it's another game. They looked a bit sharper than us and are maybe a wee bit ahead of us. Their season was due to start but I think it's been put back for a number of days."

"We've just got to get ourselves street-wise on the pitch and get up to speed with our thoughts when we're not in possession of the ball. August 13 is a big day for us when the season starts, and we'd like to think this will stand us in good stead getting towards that date."

Liverpool named a youthful squad for the trip to Turkey, with the likes of Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger remaining at Melwood to prepare for Monday's trip to Valerenga.

Asked about his team selection, Dalglish told reporters: "It's pre-season. We've another game on Monday and we've got to pick another team.

"We'll have people back who weren't eligible for this game. For the young boys who played it will have been a great experience for them, and for the players who played it will be good for fitness.

"We don't want to lose a game, but we've got two games in four days and a long trip home tonight, so we had to take that into consideration when we were picking the team - and we'll also take it into consideration when we pick the team on Monday."

Meanwhile, local journalists asked Dalglish for his thoughts on the performance of Galatasaray star Arda Turan as well as the atmosphere inside the Turk Telekom Arena.

He replied: "It was a good atmosphere, Galatasaray played well, they were sharp at the beginning and quicker than us, but I wouldn't have picked out any of their players because we were only watching our own players."

Park Wants 'First Choice' Liverpool Move

Park Chu-Young is a target for German side Schalke, but would prefer a move to Liverpool, according to talkSPORT.

After declaring that his future lay away from current side Monaco, the South Korean is looking for a new club for the upcoming season after claiming he would refuse to play in the second tier of French football following Monaco's relegation.

Despite Schalke's advances, Liverpool is still his preferred destination.

With David N'Gog still set to leave Liverpool, Park would provide ideal back up to Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in The Reds' attack.

Park's demands means he would be available for as little as £6 million, despite scoring 12 goals last season for Monaco.

The price is expected to tempt Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur into bidding for the 26-year-old this summer.

Park's fellow countryman Ji Sung-Park is also being linked with a move away from his club, Manchester United, after he claimed he was uncertain about his future at United.

The duo both stared for South Korea during the 2010 World Cup, but United and Monaco could be set to lose two of their prized assets.

Liverpool And United Fight For African Strike Sensation

Manchester United is set to run the rule over AIK Solna striker Teteh Bangura who has also attracted interest from Liverpool according to talkSPORT.

The 21-year-old forward is one of the hottest properties in Sweden with his goalscoring record of 15 goals in as many games attracting interest from a host of top European clubs.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is known to be on the lookout for the brightest up and coming talent the world has to offer, and is reportedly keen to bring Bangura to Anfield at the earliest opportunity.

Having already recruited the likes of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Alexander Doni, Liverpool could take their spending over £50million with the addition of the African ace.

Bangura only joined Solna on a three-year deal in October 2010 after previously impressing in the lower leagues, and it hasn't taken long for interest to rise again in the talented star.

With a host of Barclays Premier League rivals also monitoring Bangura, Manchester United are the next side to take a look at the Sierra Leone international, with Sir Alex Ferguson's brother and, Red Devils chief scout Martin expected to be in the stands for Solna's league game against Elfsborg this weekend.

Ferguson has been made aware of Bangura's potential through reported interest from United's domestic rivals, and doesn't want to miss out on the chance to bring another promising star to Old Trafford at the expense of Liverpool.

Liverpool Facing Merseyside Fight Over England Ace

Everton is the latest club to be linked with a move for Manchester City winger Adam Johnson.

The England international has been on the radar of a handful of clubs this summer as speculation mounts that he could leave Eastlands.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish was reportedly considering a move less than a fortnight ago, with the Daily Star Sunday claiming the Scot has taken a keen interest in the former Middlesbrough man.

Anfield interest first swelled back in March, with claims in The Sun that Johnson would be willing to consider a move to Liverpool.

Despite securing the services of Stewart Downing on Merseyside for £20 million, Liverpool continues to be linked with wingers, with Juan Mata another player speculatively placed on the radar.

As with the Spaniard, Liverpool would face stiff competition to secure another signing this summer, and competition for Johnson comes in the shape of Everton.

The Daily Mail claims the Toffees are preparing 'an ambitious loan move' to bring the 24-year-old to Goodison Park, offering regular first team football under David Moyes.

AC Milan Join Fiorentina In Race For Alberto Aquilani

AC Milan is closely monitoring the situation of Liverpool's Alberto Aquilani as they consider the addition of the former Roma and Juventus midfielder, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports.

The 27-year-old is surplus to requirements at the English side and initially appeared to be on his way to Fiorentina.

Nevertheless, the Tuscans would prefer to take Aquilani on loan, while the playmaker has set his sights on a permanent move. Although the player's agent is adamant that the deal could still go ahead, the Italy international is believed to be looking at other options and would be open to a move to San Siro.

Milan is eager to add some fresh impetus to their midfield ahead of the 2011-12 campaign and have previously been linked with players such as Ganso, Marek Hamsik and Riccardo Montolivo.

When asked about a possible move for Aquilani, Milan CEO Adriano Galliani refused to extensively comment, but hinted that the Liverpool man could be an option: "Aquilani our 'Mister X'? Well, that could happen," he remarked.

Nevertheless, Milan won't make a move for Aquilani just yet, as Galliani revealed earlier this week that the Serie A champions will only approach a new midfielder in the closing stages of the transfer market in an attempt to get their man for a reduced price.

Dalglish Poised To Snatch £12m Defender From Relegated Rivals

Fresh reports linking Liverpool with a move for Scott Dann have emerged this morning, speculating that Kenny Dalglish could steal the Birmingham City defender away because of his current employers’ dire financial situation.

Due to the legal trouble that Carson Yeung, the owner of the Midlands club, now finds himself in, it seems as if the Blues could struggle to make any headway in the transfer market prior to their season in the Championship.

24 year-old Dann has been an alleged target for Liverpool and Arsenal throughout this summer, though Arsenal are thought to be far more interested in the potential acquisition of Phil Jagielka.

Indeed, just today Arsene Wenger has made a £15 million bid for the Everton centre-back.

Dann is a lifelong Liverpool fan and would understandably jump at the chance of a move to Anfield to work under Kop legend Dalglish, who is a known admirer of him.

The Liverpool boss is looking to bolster his defence after injuries last season saw his back-line stretched for large parts of the year.

Although the academy players who stepped in - namely Martin Kelly, Jack Robinson and John Flanagan - themselves well, Dalglish is keen to add more experienced defenders.

Liverpool's transfer policy of recruiting young British players - highlighted by the £35m purchase of Andy Carroll and the recent buys of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing - means Dann certainly fits the profile.

Hull City Ponder Daniel Ayala As Cover For Paul McShane

Hull City could re-sign Liverpool defender Daniel Ayala on loan to cover Paul McShane, who will be out for several weeks with a calf injury.

Boss Nigel Pearson told BBC Humberside: "To pick up an injury at this point in pre-season is disappointing for us and him. We'll have to deal with it."

Ayala, 21, made 12 appearances for Hull during a loan spell last season.

Pearson added: "There are always different criteria that will dictate whether we can or can't make the deal."

Hull rejected a loan bid for Republic of Ireland international McShane, 25, from Reading earlier this summer as the club's owners have refused to subsidize any loan deals away from the club.

Preview & Matchday: Liverpool vs Galatasaray S.K.

Three games down, three left, and with the new Premier League season just over the horizon it wouldn’t be surprising to see many key players get more than a half of action when Liverpool heads to Istanbul to take on Galatasaray later today. While Istanbul is hardly unfamiliar territory for Liverpool, the sold-out Turk Telekom Arena will be new, as the modern, state of the art stadium that took the club out of its old haunts and dropped it next to a freeway on the city’s outskirts only opened in January.

While no news has been released on Liverpool’s traveling squad yet, rumours have Pepe Reina and Steven Gerrard far from match fit and remaining in Liverpool, while Raul Meireles (ankle) and Daniel Agger (unknown) are believed to have stayed behind nursing slight knocks as well. Martin Skrtel, however, is expected to be available to make his first appearance of the preseason after a 2010-11 campaign that saw him regain something of his old form after the arrival of defensive guru Steve Clarke alongside Kenny Dalglish. No matter how many minutes he gets, it’s obvious that signs of a tighter defence will be integral for Liverpool as they build towards the new season.

Elsewhere, despite recent talk that he could be one of the players to head out on loan to free up space in Liverpool’s crowded midfield, Jay Spearing will be with the team, too, after talking about his determination to stay and fight for a place. Meanwhile, after saying that his client was definitely staying with Liverpool this season, over the weekend Alberto Aquilani’s agent changed his mind and started spreading rumours that the player was heading to Fiorentina on a loan similar to the one that sent him to Juventus last season—only this time around it would be even worse for Liverpool, as the agreed end of season fee the Italian club would be free to walk away from would be set at £10M and Liverpool would be picking up 20% of the player’s wages in the meantime. Needless to say, if Liverpool actually were to go through with such a deal it would be right to question the sanity of those involved, but as the days slip by with nothing happening it’s quickly turning into the reverse of the Charlie Adam saga: Nobody’s sure if he’s gone or not yet but most assume it will happen sooner or later. Maybe. Unless his agent changes his story again.

With the preseason friendlies at their half-way point, many will be eagerly awaiting team news to find out if the Italian has made the trip or not. Without any whispers of injury, if he hasn’t headed to Turkey with the club it would add credence to the recent rumbling that his future indeed lies elsewhere. Either way, though, with the bulk of Liverpool’s incomings this summer sorted and most of the squad approaching match fitness, at the very least an improved performance compared to the tired outing on Saturday against Hull will be expected—and as brought up earlier in the week, despite talk of it only being preseason the actual result might offer more insight into Liverpool’s future fortunes than many would guess.

As for Liverpool’s opponents, Galatasaray have started slowly through three preseason matches of their own, having so far registered a 1-1 draw at 2. Bundesliga side SpVgg Greuther Fürth, a 0-0 draw at home to Inter Milan, and a 1-0 loss on the road to FC Twente.

Their manager Fatih Terim, who was named the seventh best manager in the world in 2008 after taking Turkey to the semi-finals of the European Championships, returns for his third spell managing the club he earlier spent a decade playing for. After a tumultuous 2010-11 season that saw them go through Frank Rijkaard, Gheorghe Hagi, and finally Bülent Ünder, the return of a familiar face who once led the club to four Super Lig titles and one UEFA Cup sees Galatasaray back in steady—and popular—hands.

If Terim will be familiar to Galatasaray fans, there are a few names on the playing side who most following Liverpool will themselves be well acquainted with. Johan Elmander, their big signing of the summer so far, will be familiar to many, with the Swede looking to make a fresh start after moving to Galatasaray from Bolton on a free. Elmander only managed 18 goals in 92 appearances across three seasons while in the Premier League, but he and his new club will be hoping that a change of scenery brings back the form that saw him playing an important role for Toulouse and Brondby earlier in his career.

And of course there’s Milan Baros, who was an important part of Liverpool’s squad when they headed to Istanbul in 2005 for the Champions League final. As much as anything, he’ll be remembered by Liverpool fans for dropping the trophy during the celebration, leaving a lasting dent that the club decided not to repair. After he left Liverpool, he bounced from Aston Villa to Lyon to Portsmouth before finding a home in Turkey, but following a strong start for Galatasaray in 2008 he has spent much of the past two seasons injured. He’s fit now, though, and will expect to play against his old club.

Meanwhile Arda Turan will also be looking to impress against the side he’s publicly talked of wanting to move to in the past. He hasn’t been linked as often to Liverpool this summer as in other years, but the young captain was Juan Mata and Enrique Lavezzi before Juan Mata and Enrique Lavezzi were—a player who thanks to some small scrap ends up becoming a short-term obsession for half the people following Liverpool, even though in the end it seems likely the club was never in for him in the first place. In any case, if earlier preseason performances by Turan and Galatasaray are anything to go by, today’s affair will be a tight and chippy one. Though of course if Liverpool’s earlier preseason performances are anything to go by a sloppy goal-fest could be on the cards.

Kenny Dalglish Hopes Memories Of 2005 Will Inspire Liverpool FC In Galatasaray

Kenny Dalglish is hoping returning to the city of one of Liverpool’s greatest ever triumphs will bring out the best in his players tonight.

The Reds face Galatasaray at the new Turk Telekom Arena as they continue their pre-season preparations.

It will be the third time Liverpool have played in Istanbul since their stunning comeback to beat AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final.

“It’s a great game for us and everyone is looking forward to it,” Dalglish said.

“It’s a shame we’re not playing at the Ataturk as that stadium will always have a special place in everyone’s hearts.

“But everyone has great memories of Istanbul after what was achieved here back in 2005.

"That was a fantastic achievement.

“This game is only a friendly but we will try to get the maximum we can out of the game.

"We’re playing at a new stadium and Galatasaray will pose a decent test for us.”

Dalglish fielded a different side in each half of last Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Hull City.

However, he is set to make fewer changes tonight with a number of players saved for Monday’s trip to Oslo to face Valerenga.

“We’ve got two games in the space of a few days and the players need to get more minutes in than they’ve had so far,” he added.

“But we will do whatever the situation dictates and we won’t leave players on longer than needed just for the sake of it.”

Highly-Rated Striker 'Signs Pre-Contract' With Liverpool

Mexican starlet Marco Bueno has signed a pre-contract agreement with Liverpool, his current employers Pachuca have confirmed, and he will now have a trial at the Kirky Academy before a permanent deal is agreed.

The 17-year-old has been linked with a move to Merseyside for the past few weeks and, should he impress Reds representatives on trial, Bueno is expected to sign a five-year contract.

"A pre-contract with the parents and Bueno was signed to be sent to Liverpool," Pachuca vice-president Andres Fassi said.

"So we are accepting the 10-day trial and the conditions, if the English decide to keep him."

Bueno's trial will commence in mid-August - reports the Liverpool Echo - and the youngster is ready and waiting for his chance to shine.

"I feel very happy and very motivated," Bueno said. "I am wearing the shirt of Liverpool. I have my family behind me and that's enough to face any challenge.

"I have to face it with great motivation and commitment to represent the country in the best way, and with faith that everything is achievable.

"It's a life experience that I will never forget. I'm very excited about that and will give my best. Where the opportunity arises I will make the most."

Bueno - who has been compared to compatriot Javier Hernandez - was a an integral member of Mexico's under-17 World Cup winning squad earlier this month, and will come to Anfield with a reputation that is growing with each passing day.

Gunners Join Liverpool In Copa America Champion Chase

Arsenal are being linked with a summer move for Uruguay defender and reported Liverpool target Alvaro Pereira.

The Porto full back has been linked with a move away from the Estádio do Dragão following the departure of Andre Villas-Boas, with Juventus also thought to be keen on the 25-year-old.

However, Tuttomercatoweb now claims that Arsenal are keeping tabs on the left back, with the former CFR Cluj player thought to be seeking a new challenge away from Portugal.

With Gael Clichy making a move away from the Emirates earlier in the month, Arsene Wenger is believed to be in the market for a player in the position at Arsenal.

Carl Jenkinson has already joined in a £1 million move, although the Arsenal boss is likely to be after experience with Kieran Gibbs the only left back with experience on the books.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has also been linked with a move for the player, with the Reds to bring a player in the position to Anfield as they look to replace Paul Konchesky.

A handful of players in the position have already been linked, but when questioned on the subject Pereira admitted he was yet to hear anything concrete from Liverpool.

"Liverpool? I do not know, I cannot say anything. My only wish is to celebrate Uruguay's big win [at Copa America]," he told A BOLA on Sunday.

"After this, I will return to Porto, my club, and then we will see what happens."

Milan Jovanovic Will 'Definitely' Sign For Anderlecht - Agent

Milan Jovanovic's agent Dejan Veljkovic believes the midfielder will "definitely" join Anderlecht from Liverpool.

The Serbian winger has been told that he is surplus to requirements at Anfield, despite only joining the club from Standard Liege last summer, scoring just two goals in 18 appearances.

Anderlecht have already announced their interest in Jovanovic but the Belgian club’s general manager Herman van Holsbeeck has revealed that his wages, reportedly £65,000 a week, could prove to be a stumbling block.

However, Jovanovic’s agent is sure that his client will sign for Belgium’s most successful club side, and is confident any difficulties in the deal can be solved.

"Milan will definitely come to Anderlecht," Veljkovic told Het Nieuwsblad in Belgium.

"We are talking again and everything looks good: the sporting aspects, financial, contributions.

"We are still a few solutions [away] but there is movement."

Jay Spearing Ready To Fight For Liverpool Place

Liverpool's Jay Spearing is ready to fight for his place in an overcrowded midfield this season.

The 22-year-old signed a new long-term contract towards the end of the previous campaign after impressing manager Kenny Dalglish.

An injury to captain Steven Gerrard meant the Wirral-born player was given a chance in the final three months of the season and he seized the opportunity, starting the final nine matches of the Barclays Premier League season.

With Gerrard returning to fitness and the summer arrivals of England Under-21 international Jordan Henderson and Scotland's Charlie Adam, midfield is an area where Dalglish is now blessed with a surfeit of talent.

However, it is not a concern for Spearing.

"I've got more competition to fight against now but that doesn't bother me," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"When you are at a club of this stature you know that in the transfer window they are going to spend money on buying top-class players.

"I'm delighted with the signings we've made. Adding Adam and Henderson to the squad is a massive improvement for us, they are both great players.

"From a personal point of view, I wouldn't say them coming in puts extra pressure on me but it makes me fight more.

"I know I need to step up again and prove I can play alongside them or in front of them."

Spearing has been linked with a loan move to Premier League rivals Wolves, but having just had his best season for the club with whom he lifted the FA Youth Cup in 2006 he is not thinking about leaving Anfield.

"The first I heard about the Wolves stuff was in the papers and it's not something that's been discussed," he added.

"I'm just getting on with giving everything for this club.

"Last year was a massive season for me. (Former manager) Roy Hodgson gave me a lot of games and I owe him a lot for that.

"Then as soon as Kenny came in he showed confidence in me straight away.

"I've got a lot of thank Kenny for. Hopefully I can now kick on, even with the signings who have come in."

Alberto Aquilani’s Move To Fiorentina From Liverpool Collapses

Alberto Aquilani’s proposed loan move to Fiorentina from Liverpool has fallen through, according to Sky Sports.

The two clubs had been in talks over a loan deal with a view to a transfer at the end of the season, but the Italian midfielder is believed to have stalled on the move and is holding out for a permanent switch away from Anfield.

Fiorentina were also unwilling to match Liverpool’s asking price for the 27-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Juventus, and the deal has now collapsed.

Gazzetta dello Sport also report that Fiorentina have now turned their attentions towards Santos midfielder Arouca.

The news will come as a blow to Reds boss Kenny Dalglish, who had hoped to use any money raised from Aquilani’s transfer to further reinvest in his squad.

Borrell Joy As Reds Sink Blues

Liverpool Reserves secured their first win of the pre-season courtesy of a 3-0 triumph over Birmingham City at the Academy on Wednesday afternoon.

A first-half brace from Nathan Eccleston and a clinical spot-kick from Suso did the damage as Rodolfo Borrell's side produced an impressive showing.

The manner of the success left the second-string coach satisfied with another good work out as his squad continues to make progress in the lead up to the new campaign.

Borrell told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It's a step forward for us in our pre-season.

"We played well, especially in the first half, and overall I am happy.

"We arranged this type of game as part of our pre-season program as we want to be tested.

"Birmingham are a big, physical side and we had to earn the right to play our football.

"We managed to do that and I am happy to get the win. Obviously we need to keep improving but we've only been back three weeks and I think we are on schedule in our preparations."

Asked about Eccleston's contribution, the Spaniard added: "I thought Nathan (Eccleston) did well for his goals and he showed great hunger and desire to work for the ball.

"But that can be said all of the lads. We worked hard throughout and we will now look ahead to our next test against the first-team of Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday. They are a League One side who will be just five days away from their first competitive match so it will be a big game for us."

On an afternoon of brilliant sunshine in Kirkby, the Reds dominated the early stages and took the lead on 20 minutes when Eccleston cut inside from the right before curling a delightful left-foot strike into the top corner.

The visitors were struggling to cope with the inventive approach play of the Liverpool youngsters and five minutes later they found themselves two down when Suso showed good composure to outwit veteran stopper, Maik Taylor with a cool penalty after Eccleston had been fouled in the area.

The hosts were clearly well on top and they sealed the win in first-half stoppage time when a sublime run and pass from Krisztian Adorjan provided Eccleston with an opportunity to calmly stroke home the third.

Suso, Raheem Sterling and David Amoo all went close to extending the lead following the interval but it wasn't to be as the Reds cantered to a well-deserved success.

Ladies Go Down To Derby Defeat

Liverpool's lack of potency in front of goal again proved costly as they were edged out by a Natasha Dowie goal in the Merseyside derby.

Liverpool started well but were unable to put Rachel Brown under any kind of pressure before the home side began to dominate.

First Vicky Jones then Danielle Gibbons denied Everton an opener around the 20 minute mark, as Jones slid in to block a Dowie effort, before Liverpool's young goalkeeper turned a Toni Duggan strike around the near post.

On the half hour, Everton's dominance did tell, but Liverpool will have felt that Dowie's goal was preventable. Good work by Duggan down the left led to a harmless looking cross, but Dowie beat both Vicky Jones and Gibbons to the ball to turn it into the net.

Duggan almost doubled the lead when she headed Becky Easton's cross narrowly over, before Liverpool finally registered a shot on target at the other end.

A strong run by Littlejohn ended with the ball breaking to Kelly Jones, but the energetic midfielder couldn't get a true enough connection on her shot to trouble Brown.

Duggan then wasted another headed chance, this time directing her effort straight at Gibbons.

Despite the dominance of the hosts, the Reds should have gone into the break level. A 43rd minute Michelle Evans corner was met by Nicola Twohig, but, from around six yards, she could only head over the bar.

The combination of Dowie and Duggan again proved dangerous in the second half, as the home side tried to put the game to bed with a second.

That killer goal nearly arrived on the hour as Dowie latched onto a Jody Handley through ball before firing narrowly wide of Gibbon's far post.

Minutes later, Vicky Jones and Sam Chappell both produced last ditch clearances to keep Everton out - Jones blocking Unitt's shot and Chappell heading Duggan's cross clear from underneath her own bar.

Ruesha Littlejohn's tireless forward work nearly produced a Liverpool chance on 67 minutes, but her shot was tame after she broke from the halfway line.

Duggan then skewed a shot wide of the near post before Everton substitute Gwennan Harries was inches wide with a spectacular half volley.

The introduction of Nicki Harding added more impetus to the Reds' attacks, but Everton nearly doubled their lead with a freak goal on 75 minutes.

Gibbons' clearance was blocked by Dowie, but as the ball trickled goalwards it appeared to lose pace and Gibbons retrieved it comfortably a foot in front of her line.

Substitute Cheryl Foster almost salvaged a point at the death, but Brown was able to smother her shot.

Liverpool Will Return To Top Four At Arsenal's Expense - Mark Lawrenson

Club legend Mark Lawrenson believes that this season could be the one where Liverpool reclaims their place in the top four of the Premier League, with Champions League qualification likely to be at the expense of Arsenal.

After Roy Hodgson presided over a dismal start to last season, things picked up at Anfield with the appointment of Kenny Dalglish and the club finished the season with a flourish.

The team’s renaissance was in-part aided by large investment in the likes of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, and Lawrenson believes that the additions of Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam this summer will help push the club back into the top four.

“Liverpool has got a great chance,” said the former centre-back.

“The business they’ve done since January has been absolutely massive. Dalglish has brought in top quality players like Carroll, Suarez, Adam, Downing and Henderson and with the sales of Torres and Babel, the whole thing has only cost them £40 million.

“Five players for £40m? That’s great business in anybody’s eyes. With Suarez having such a great Copa America, bringing him in for the price they got him at and selling Torres was massive.

“However, I think some of the supporters may have got carried away – I can’t see Liverpool winning the league. They will probably be nearer fourth than first."

With the level of investment at Anfield providing a stark contrast to limited goings-on at Eastlands, Stamford Bridge and the Emirates, Lawrenson believes that Liverpool may have made up a lot of ground on their rivals.

Arsenal, in particular, has had a turbulent transfer window, with much emphasis on retaining the services of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri rather than recruiting new names.

Lawrenson believes that it is this lack of depth to the squad, as well as the added pressures of European football, that could allow Liverpool to sneak in ahead of Arsenal to qualify for the 2012-13 Champions League.

“I think Manchester United will win it, then City, Chelsea and then I’m going to say Liverpool in fourth,” said the BBC pundit.

“I think with Arsenal there’s too much predictability around the likes of Nasri and Fabregas.

“In terms of experience, they have also got no centre halves or a goalkeeper and other than Fabregas, no leader. That’s why they fell apart last season.

“Most crucial will be their involvement in Europe, which Liverpool doesn’t have. This will be big for Dalglish’s team at the business end of the season, with no travelling all over the continent or playing on Thursday nights.

“From that point of view, I think Liverpool might just do Arsenal."

Despite the club’s heavy investment in players, some detractors have claimed that Dalglish is now inundated with attacking options, while the defensive needs of the side have been largely ignored.

Lawrenson does not believe that the abundance of talented midfielders now at the club is problematic at all, though agrees that Liverpool could do with defensive cover in order to sustain their push for as high a Premier League finish as possible.

“You can always sell midfielders, the Jay Spearings of this world, for example, you can always make money from," he said.

“Kenny won’t be worried about having so [much] to choose from in midfield. He’ll have a selection headache, which is the last of his worries.

“Fergie doesn’t worry about what team he’s going to pick, he just picks it. Kenny will be thinking ‘horses for courses’ and he’ll have all sorts of options that he didn’t have last season.”

With the start of the season a little under two weeks away, the former Liverpool man believes that should defensive cover be targeted, it should be players who would be quick to adapt to their surroundings.

Liverpool has been linked with a number of Premier League defenders, a few of which Lawrenson believes would be smart purchases, perhaps partly financed by cash-plus-players deals.

"In an ideal world Liverpool would get someone who has played in the Premier League before and someone who speaks English. I say that because they would settle in quicker,” he said.

“Everyone says [Jose] Enrique is in his last year at Newcastle – you’d definitely take him.

“Stephen Warnock gets linked every single time. He’s been at the club, is a local boy and knows what it’s all about but maybe Alex McLeish taking over at Villa has changed the situation, as he was frozen out under Gerard Houllier.

“Centre half-wise Kenny wanted Phil Jones but obviously couldn’t get him.

“The money wanted for Gary Cahill would probably stop that happening. Unless you could do a deal involving a couple makeweights – that’s a possibility. One of the things that Kenny will be thinking is that he can now offload fringe players in such deals.”

Liverpool Joined By Lazio In Race For £12m Lyon Star

Liverpool is facing a battle with Serie A club Lazio for the signature of Lyon star Miralem Pjanic.

TalkSPORT have claimed Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish made an approach to Lyon earlier this month regarding the availability of Pjanic but so far little progress has been made.

Dalglish is still thought to be interested in the 21-year-old Bosnia & Herzegovina international but he will now have to move quickly with Lazio now registering their interest.

Tottenham were also reported to be interested in Pjanic and they reportedly viewed him as the ideal replacement for wantaway star Luka Modric.

However, the Croatian midfielder is expected to remain at White Hart Lane for at least another season which means Spurs' interest in Pjanic has been shelved.

Lyon have slapped a £12m asking price on their star midfielder while Liverpool will currently not budge on their £10m valuation.

Lazio are also believed to value Pjanic at £10m and although Lyon are refusing to budge on their price, the option of a cash-plus-player deal could suit the French club.

However, Lyon are in no rush to sell as Pjanic is contracted to the club until 2013, putting them in a strong position when negotiating a transfer fee.

Striker Linked With Reds Switch

Liverpool is the latest club to take a look at Reading striker Shane Long with a view to making a possible move for the striker.

The Reds had scouts watching the Republic of Ireland international bag a brace during Reading's pre-season win over Northampton last weekend and they are the latest in a long line of reported interested parties.

Neighbours Everton have also been linked with the player and their need for a striker looks to be greater than Liverpool's.

West Brom has also been linked with the 24-year-old, but so far only relegated West Ham has made a bid.

Their offer of £6m was dismissed by the Royals who want to keep Long to spearhead an assault on the Premier League next season.

It remains to be seen whether Kenny Dalglish would make a move for the striker or whether Long himself would consider coming to a club where he would be third choice front man behind Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.