Liverpool Set To Make £13m Bid For South American Wing Wizard

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is on red alert after the latest comments coming out from Gaston Ramirez's representatives.

According to reports on Insidefutbol.com, Liverpool have been monitoring Uruguayan international winger Ramirez for sometime now and it is believed the Anfield club are plotting a move when the January transfer window opens.

La Liga side Sevilla is also interested in the 20-year-old, but it is felt Liverpool are leading the chase for Ramirez.

The Uruguayan is currently with Serie A side Bologna and it is believed they will be willing to part with their prized asset if their £13million valuation is met.

Speaking about Ramirez, his agent Vincenzo D'Ippolito said: "The directors of his team know that if not in January, he will leave next summer because there are many clubs interested."

Kenny Awaits Deal For Marco Bueno

Liverpool will wait until Mexican teenage striker Marco Bueno turns 18 next year before stepping up their bid to sign him.

The Reds entered the race to sign one of the stars of this summer's World Under-17 championships in July and brought the Pachuca player over for a ten-day trial in August.

But Bueno returned without penning a contract and made his first-team debut for the Mexican top flight club over the weekend.

However, newspaper reports in central America claim Liverpool plan to sign Bueno when he comes of age on March 31 next year.

Andres Fassi, sports vice president of Pachuca, said: "We received a letter last week from Liverpool, who wants the player to go there when he turns 18.

"Maybe Liverpool will then make an offer, but that would not be until he is 18 years old, when FIFA's laws allow."

Liverpool & Manchester City Looking At US Starlet

Liverpool and Manchester City have joined the race to sign 21-year-old American international Brek Shea.

Scouts from both teams are believed to have watched his performance in the 1-0 victory against Honduras over the weekend where Shea set up the game's only goal.

The promising youngster from FC Dallas can play in midfield or up front and is highly regarded by USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann.

"There are some exciting youngsters coming through the ranks but Shea is definitely the one to watch. He is fast, physical, creative and with an incredible work rate," Klinsmann said.

But City and Liverpool face stiff competition to sign the attacker, with Chelsea and German outfit Schalke 04 also interested.

Henderson Eyes Starting Spot

Jordan Henderson has declared himself satisfied with the start to his Liverpool career but now hopes to kick on and start against Manchester United on Saturday.

The England Under-21 international made the move to Anfield over the summer from Sunderland and is happy with the way he has adapted to his new surroundings.

However, competition for places under Kenny Dalglish is fierce and Henderson started on the bench as the Reds claimed victory over Everton before the international break.

The midfielder recognizes that he must therefore keep striving for improvement as he looks to establish himself as a regular in the side.

"I think I have settled in okay. I am enjoying my time there and the lads have been brilliant, as well as the fans," he told Sky Sports News ahead of captaining England Under-21s against Norway on Monday night.

"I now need to kick on and do even better."

Steven Gerrard's return to fitness has given Dalglish an extra option in midfield but Henderson does not necessarily believe that will keep him out of the side.

"Hopefully not. I am not really worried about that, I think it's part and parcel of football," he said.

"Obviously Stevie is a massive player and is going to play in most games, but I just need to concentrate on what I need to do and make sure I work hard every day in training.

"Given the opportunity, I need to take it and make sure I stay in the team."

Henderson hopes to be selected for the visit of Manchester United to Anfield on Saturday, after admitting it was frustrating to miss out on the Merseyside derby.

"Obviously the derby is a massive game and everybody wants to play in it, so I was a little bit disappointed not to start, but the team did brilliantly and got a great result and I was fortunate to come on as well," he said.

"There were still a lot of positives to come out of the game and hopefully I can start the next one."

Craig Bellamy Race Row Probed

Wales and Liverpool star Craig Bellamy is at the centre of an investigation after he was called a “sheep-sh***er” by fans.

Bellamy was allegedly the victim of “inhuman, degrading and vile” taunts by rival fans during Liverpool’s Carling Cup match at Brighton last month.

A complaint was lodged with the group ‘Let’s Kick Racism Out’.

An FA spokesman said that they are “aware of this complaint”, as are Brighton.

Bellamy’s Welsh team-mate, black defender Ashley Williams, vowed abusive racist chants will not affect him in Bulgaria tomorrow.

The Bulgarian FA is the subject of a UEFA inquiry after racist chants were allegedly aimed at Ashley Young during England’s qualifier last month.

Wales’ European Championship clash is the first game in the Levski Stadium since that night.

Williams said: “You get a lot of stick at away grounds anyway, so you’ve got to be big enough to deal with it.”

Duo Feature In England Win

Adam Morgan and Conor Coady both featured as England U19s rounded off their participation in the Limoges tournament with a 3-1 win over Ukraine on Sunday afternoon.

Morgan, who struck the winner in Friday's 1-0 triumph over Portugal, was named in the starting XI by Noel Blake but did not get on the scoresheet during a 57 minute run out.

Coady came off the bench to play the final 18 minutes of the contest while Jack Robinson was an unused substitute.

Reds Announce New Partnership

Liverpool FC continues to grow its Partner portfolio with the announcement of a new three-year partnership with the dynamic mid-market hotel chain Park Inn by Radisson.

The partnership will see the Club working with Park Inn by Radisson to help raise their profile by engaging LFC's supporters up and down the country.

Ian Ayre, Liverpool FC Managing Director, said: "By teaming up with successful companies we can support mutual goals more effectively and Park Inn by Radisson is a forward thinking, progressive business that shares our values.

"We are excited about working with a brand that has such an innovative and fresh approach to business and the Club will provide Park Inn by Radisson with significant brand visibility and access to our supporter base across the UK."

Eric De Neef, Senior Vice President, Park Inn by Radisson, added: "Our 23 Park Inn by Radisson hotels across the country are perfect for away fans travelling to matches; for business, or for weekend breaks. All of them offer a hassle-free stay in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere - we look forward to welcoming Liverpool FC's supporter base."

Hillsborough Debate Scheduled For Next Monday In House of Commons

The House of Commons will hold its first full-scale debate on the Hillsborough tragedy next Monday.

It will also be the first in response to an e-petition after almost 140,000 people – 40,000 more than the qualifying number – backed calls for a parliamentary discussion on the grounds of clear public interest.

Walton MP Steve Rotheram then convinced the cross-party business committee the terms of the e-petition’s motion must be debated and, barring a last-minute government climbdown, voted upon.

The motion calls for all government documents pertaining to the disaster, including cabinet minutes and No 10 discussion papers, to be released in an “unredacted, unedited and uncensored form” to the Hillsborough families and the independent panel currently scrutinizing unseen documents relating to the tragedy.

The government, which appealed in the high court against full disclosure, insists it has every intention of releasing all papers to the panel.

But ministers have kept a get-out clause which could allow them to invoke precedence curbs on cabinet minutes from the time when Margaret Thatcher was prime minister.

Mr. Rotheram believes his debate will put irresistible pressure on ministers.

He said: “It has taken 22 years, which is far too long, but at long last momentum is on our side.

“We need to ensure ministers fulfil their obligations because the families have been let down so many times previously.”

Mr. Rotheram won the debate largely because 96 fellow MPs – the number was purely coincidental – backed his move.

They were from nine parties – the three mainstream ones and others from Welsh, Scottish and Northern Ireland parties – and included every Merseyside MP, former ministers, and those spanning both the left and right wing.

The debate will start at 7pm next Monday and will last three hours.

Unless the minister responding – most likely home secretary Theresa May – agrees to the motion, there will then be a Commons vote.

That is expected to be overwhelmingly behind the Hillsborough families because few MPs will want to be seen voting against.

Such a vote would mean, under parliamentary rules, the files could be released in full within a day or two – unless ministers try to appeal again.

Carragher Prepares To Celebrate Landmark Against Man United

Jamie Carragher has seen it all before as he prepares to celebrate his 677th Liverpool appearance – against the old enemy Manchester United on Saturday.

And despite past bitter clashes Carragher doesn’t see the eagerly anticipated game as the Kop calendar’s most explosive.

That’s despite flashpoints such as his tackle on Nani last season which sparked some ugly scenes.

The fixture Carragher always looks for first are the Merseyside derbies, so the Anfield encounter with United will always take second billing to those.

And that’s not an opening shot in the usual war of words between the two old adversaries.

Carragher, 33, genuinely believes playing United is nothing like the Mersey mayhem which was in full flow eight days ago with Jack Rodwell’s red card.

He said: “When I was a kid I was a Blue and it doesn’t matter what side you are the derby is the big one, always.

"Some will say the United game is but as a local lad, Everton is the biggest game of the season.

“And facing them on their own pitch with a packed crowd behind them – all the ingredients are there. Everything is against you and that makes it so special when you win.”

Last season United beat Liverpool 3-1 and 1-0 in the FA Cup at Old Trafford. Liverpool saved face with a 3-1 at Anfield and Carragher fancies the same result again.

He said: “It’s a different team now and the mood around here has been transformed.”

Liverpool Target Unhappy Celtic Star

Liverpool have reportedly expressed an interest in Celtic youngster Ki Sung-Yeung who is said to be keen to leave Parkhead after a poor start to the campaign by the SPL side. The 23 year old was the subject of an £8m offer from Rubin Kazan but that was rejected by the Scottish side but Neil Lennon may struggle to prevent his talented attack minded midfielder from having his head turned by interest from Anfield.

Ki was one of the most consistent performers for Celtic last term and his creative displays made him an instant hero at the Glasgow club but having seen his side fall a massive ten points behind leaders Rangers the South Korean international is said to be pushing for a move away from Scotland.

Liverpool’s main sponsors Standard Chartered has publicly stated that the purchase of a player from Eastern Asia would help build the club’s presence in the region and the club’s director of football Damien Comolli has scouted the former FC Seoul star and the Merseyside outfit are ready to make an offer in January.

Though Liverpool have brought in a number of midfielders over the summer they did also lose Raul Meireles to Chelsea and are likely to allow Alberto Aquilani to complete a permanent move to Italy in due course. Ki Sung-Yeung is an adaptable player who can in a number of roles across the midfield and has a great deal of potential to further improve having taken to life in the SPL remarkably well.

Last term Ki racked up 34 games in all competitions and weighed in with a fair few assists and some long range crackers of his own and whilst clearly a move into the Premier League would represent a big jump in quality there are many in the game who feel the set piece specialist is more than able to make the grade at the highest level.

Liverpool Were Interested In Everton New Boy George Green

Everton new boy George Green had a trial with Liverpool before deciding to move to Goodison Park, it has been confirmed.

The 15-year-old had also been on the respective radars of Arsenal, Rangers, Tottenham and Southampton, while has been likened to a young Wayne Rooney.

Liverpool, though, ran the rule over Green last year, but the midfielder was told he did not have the physique they were looking for.

However, when the Reds registered their interest in Green once more, the teenager said he would rather remain with Bradford than move to Anfield.

"He said he'd rather stay at Bradford than go to Liverpool," Bantams academy chief Archie Christie told the Liverpool Echo.

"He had been last year and was just told he wasn’t big enough, he wasn’t strong enough etc."

Christie also claimed Braford had agreed to sell Green to Tottenham but, after the youngster went to last weekend's Merseyside derby, he opted to join the Toffees.

"Davie Moyes phoned me and we had already agreed an offer for Spurs, but he asked to at least have the chance to speak to him," added Christie.

"So we took him to the Merseyside derby on Saturday. They told him this is the People's Club and that you’re either red or blue in Merseyside, and he said 'I’m a Blue'."

Manchester City Rival Liverpool For Bologna Midfielder

According to reports Manchester City are interested in Uruguayan winger Gaston Ramirez.

Ramirez has stated publicly he is happy at his current club, Bologna, although he did talk about moving to a ‘bigger level’ in the summer.

City are believed to have pursued the midfielder with a €10 million offer but the player remained in Italy.

However, it is understood his club is likely to sell him as early as the January transfer window.

His agent, Vincenzo D'Ippolito, has admitted the player will have left the club by next summer.

D'Ippolito has been pushing for a new contract for the youngster, but Bologna is in no financial position to match what rivals have tabled.

"We must talk with the leaders of Bologna. Between January and June, the guy will leave and there's not much Bologna can do, the club already knows this," confessed D'Ippolito.

"When a boy of 20 years of age, who has done very well in Bologna, has important offers, he aims to go to clubs that will compete at the top of the table. He's liked by many teams in Italy, the first five to six in the league would take him for sure."

City’s Premier League rivals Liverpool are also expected to join the chase for the Uruguayan.

Downing Delighted With Reds Welcome

Stewart Downing is delighted with the manner in which the Liverpool squad has knitted together, and believes the camaraderie in the Reds' dressing room has been a key factor behind the club's encouraging start to the new campaign.

Kenny Dalglish made no less than seven summer signings, all of which have settled quickly into life at Anfield, wasting little time in making an impact on the Barclays Premier League, with a return of 13 points from their opening seven games.

"It's a big part of football," Downing told LFC Weekly. "If teammates aren't getting on, then you don't tend to do well. If you all do get on, then that can only help you when you step on the field.

"We're still a relatively new group. Some of the lads like Stevie and Carra have been here since day one. A few others like Pepe and Dirk have been here a couple of years, then there's quite a few of us who have only arrived recently. There's a good mix.

"There has been a bit of dressing room banter. And as the weeks go by and we all get to know each other better, there is more and more. The boss is into it big and the players have been out for a few meals together."

Downing feels his seamless transition into the Reds side is mainly down to the warm welcome he has received from the players, coaches, and other Liverpool staff.

"I knew a few of the lads already from the England setup so I was lucky in that sense," he added. "Some of the other lads didn't know too many people, such as Jordan [Henderson].

"It was easy to feel at home here with the lads. It's a good club with good people. There is a good group of players and they've all helped me.

"But I think gradually we're all getting to know each other and develop a team spirit. It's good and should continue to get better."

Coates Tipped For The Top

John Scales is confident Sebastian Coates has all the attributes to be a big success in a Liverpool shirt, and is convinced he will go from strength to strength under the influence of the Reds' defensive stalwart Jamie Carragher.

The highly-rated Uruguayan international arrived at Anfield on the back of an impressive Copa America having been crowned the young player of the tournament - just one example of why the former Liverpool defender believes the 21-year-old can play a big part in the club's future.

"I've seen glimpses of him in action for Liverpool and during the Copa America," Scales told Liverpoolfc.tv. "He's obviously adapting to the pace of the Barclays Premier League and that will take him a little bit of time, but I like what I've seen.

"He won the young player of the tournament at the Copa America so you can see that he is a talent. I think having Suarez there, a fellow Uruguayan, will help him too.

"I think he's got a good mental attitude and the right personality to be a success at Liverpool. He can only benefit from having the likes of Jamie Carragher there; senior players who can help him to progress and improve as a player.

"They know all about the ethos of the club and I think he'll be excited about learning more and bedding in at Liverpool. I expect him to be central part of that team over the next few years."

Scales has been pleased with Liverpool's impressive start to the 2011-12 campaign, which he says is testament to the hard work put in by Reds boss Kenny Dalglish. The progression that the club has made in the short time under his stewardship is exciting, and bodes well for a bright future.

"The top four is definitely within reach," he continued. "When you look at the strength of some of the other teams I think that is a very realistic target.

"The new structure is coming along nicely. There is an excitement about the place and I've certainly got a buzz about watching Liverpool again.

"Steven Gerrard coming back in will give everyone a boost too and I'm sure those lads can't wait to play with the skipper when he is in top gear.

"I think the new boys have already shown that they have a big future ahead at Liverpool. Kenny has great strength in depth now."

Reina Reveals Gunners Snub

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina claims the club blocked him from making a £20million move to Arsenal in the summer of 2010.

Reina admits he was tempted to leave Merseyside after returning from Spain's victorious World Cup campaign last year to find the Reds in a downward spiral.

Manager Rafa Benitez had been sacked, while director Christian Purslow was desperately seeking new owners to replace Tom Hicks and George Gillett as the club struggled under a financial crisis.

The Spaniard's head was turned by the Gunners but says Liverpool rejected their £20m bid and stopped him from making a switch to North London because they feared his exit would dissuade potential buyers.

"I went from elation one minute to depression the next as the realization dawned that Liverpool were going nowhere fast," said Reina in his new autobiography.

"When I signed my contract in April 2010 I hoped that better times were just around the corner, a feeling that was fuelled by the promises of improvement from people at the club.

"It didn't take me long to feel that their promises were hollow. I felt betrayed. Our owners were at war with each other, the club's debts were spiralling out of control and a change in manager had failed to dispel the feeling that we were on the road to nowhere.

"Arsenal had made their determination to sign me clear by offering £20m, a phenomenal amount for a goalkeeper. Part of me felt that I was well within my rights to consider my future even if I did so with a heavy heart.

"When Liverpool received the bid, they rejected it. This was not because I had been told that I was too good a keeper to leave. The reason I was given was quite different - and it left me feeling down. I was told that my continued presence was crucial to the sale of the club. I was simply a bargaining chip in the sales process.

"I still don't know what to think of Purslow because I understand he was there to look for new owners and to try to sell the club but ultimately he was making big football decisions that he was not qualified to make."

Reina made no secret of the fact he wanted Hicks and Gillett out ahead of Fenway Sports Group's takeover of the club last October.

The 29-year-old admits he would have liked fans favourites Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher to have joined him in getting behind the supporters' protests to oust the American owners.

"I was probably one of the loudest objectors because I believed it was important the supporters knew I was with them," he said.

"All I wanted the owners to do was sell up to people who could take the club forward, so I said so.

"The way I saw it, Stevie and Carra are the two principle members of our squad, the ones who the people love and if they had said something maybe it would have put Hicks and Gillett under real pressure."

"But in their view, it was more important to try to keep things as normal as possible."

Baby Joy For Skrtel

Liverpool Football Club would like to offer their congratulations to Martin Skrtel and his girlfriend following the birth of their baby boy. Barbora gave birth to Matteo in Liverpool on Friday night.

Speaking to his official website, Skrtel said: "I would like to announce great news! My lovely girlfriend Barbora gave birth to our first child!

"This great news came on Friday before our (Slovakia's) match against Russia. I would like to say that everything went okay and my girlfriend and Matteo are both doing well!

"I feel a little bit sorry for the fact that I couldn't be with them because of our match but on the other hand I am very proud and very happy!

"I would like to thank everyone for their support, especially people from the hospital in Liverpool. My special thanks go to Mrs Jane Ashton who works for Liverpool FC.

"She was the one who was helping Barbora with everything. She also gave me all the information I needed so I was always in touch with them."

Everybody at LFC would like to wish Martin, mother and baby all the best at this joyous time.

Carra Can Be Top Boss

Jamie Carragher has all the hallmarks required to be a future Liverpool manager, according to Tommy Smith.

The Reds vice-captain has made no secret of his desire to enter coaching once he hangs up his boots and has already begun a program to earn his UEFA B licence.

And while Carragher still has many more games to play before his playing career draws to close, Smith believes the 33-year-old has what it takes to be a success in the dugout.

"It was interesting to hear Jamie Carragher on his plans when he eventually hangs up his boots," said the man nicknamed the Anfield Iron. "And no surprise to know that he wants to stay in the game and get into management.

"Because Jamie will not just make a good manager one day, but a good Liverpool manager, of that I have no doubt.

"I was fortunate to play for years under Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan. And if you don't know what makes a good boss after playing under those men, you'll never know.

"They were all different but all had fantastic strengths, a passion for the game and a love of Liverpool FC.

"Not one of them would tolerate a player giving anything but his best, week in week out. They were born winners who loved the fans and reminded their players of their duty towards them. Shanks in particular worshipped the fans as much as they loved him.

"All sound familiar?

"They are exactly the qualities and characteristics which Jamie Carragher possesses in abundance."

Carragher is second in Liverpool's all-time appearance list having tallied 676 games for the club and Smith feels his love for the game and experience will stand him in good stead for if and when he begins a coaching career.

"He's doing his coaching badges now but given all his experience at Liverpool and on the international stage, he's already perfectly well qualified for me," he added.

"Jamie not only loves the club and knows it inside out, he also has a fantastic knowledge of the world game too. He's not just a wholehearted local player as some see it, but an educated student of the game. And that's important too these days.

"Jamie wouldn't stand any messing from anyone, and as we all see he is a born organizer too.

"I've no doubt that one day he'll be be our manager. And rightly so.

"He's got everything we'll one day need in a future Liverpool FC boss."

Liverpool Ready To Splash Out Cash To Land Cahill

Bolton defender Gary Cahill has fast become the most sought after defender in the Premiership with Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Man City all consistently linked with the player, however, it now appears that it will be Liverpool that will finally agree to stump up the £12 Million that Bolton are demanding for the 25 year old.

Bolton will have to sell Cahill this January or risk losing the England International for nothing in the summer, Bolton had played hard ball in the summer and put off a whole host of clubs with their valuation of Cahill, however, time is fast running out and a bid of £12 Million from Liverpool will be accepted.

Spanish radio has been discussing the possibility of Cahill joining Barcelona, however they are now stating that Barcelona have decided to withdraw their interest after it came to their attention that Liverpool were prepared to pay more than them for a player that will be just six months from being available on a free.

Liverpool are looking for a long term replacement for Jamie Carragher and have decided that it is worth paying over the odds for a player that could have at least seven years at the highest level left in him and it is the impending retirement of Carragher that has finally prompted the Merseysiders to make a move early rather than see Cahill leave for another club in January.

Liverpool To Attempt To Sign £30 Million Rated Wing Wizard

Liverpool could again try to sign the Real Sociedad starlet Antoine Griezmann after missing out on him last year, because the youngster has revealed he would like to leave the club at the end of the year.

Last year Liverpool was close to signing the 19-year-old French superstar, but Griezmann decided to stay in Spain with Sociedad and signed a contact until 2015.

His latest comments are sure to make Liverpool Director of Football Damien Comolli sit up and take notice, as last year when the Merseyside club were pursuing the youngster he said, “We have identified targets. If there’s a possibility of us getting a world-class player, we will have the backing.”

The fee will not be a problem, but last year they could have had Griezmann for around €8 Million, now because of a buy out clause in his contract they will have to stump up nearer €30 Million.

Barcelona, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid could also be interested in the news today as they have expressed interest in Griezmann in the past.

Liverpool Back In Race To Sign Ricky van Wolfswinkel

Liverpool has reportedly re-joined the race to sign Dutch international striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

The 22-year-old Sporting Lisbon starlet emerged on the Manchester United radar earlier in the week, with Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly taking a keen interest in the former FC Utrecht hitman.

However, Portuguese publication Correio da Manha claim that Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is again considering a move for the player, less than a year after the Liverpool chief made a personal scouting trip to Holland to watch the player.

Van Wolfswinkel has made a major impact in Portugal after his summer transfer move to Lisbon, earning rave reviews following the five-year €5.4 million deal

Goals against FC Zurich and Lazio in the Europa League have continued to add to the player's stock, and now clubs across the continent are taking an interest.

Liverpool is expected to be in the market for a striker in January, despite spending over £55 million on players in the position 12 months previously.

Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll made their way to Anfield, with Craig Bellamy joining on deadline day in August.

However, the Reds are still thought to be short of a player in the position, and could move for Van Wolfswinkel to make it a fourth player in the position for Liverpool.

Manchester United has a plethora of strikers at their disposal, with Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck the current top three for Sir Alex Ferguson.