Inside Liverpool FC

NO NEW STADIUM...

2008-08-29T11:02:00.001+02:00

Reports late this evening claim that George Gillett and Tom Hicks are about to postpone construction of the club's new stadium because they can't raise the funds.

The controversial duo had hoped to send the builders in within the next fortnight but it's looking highly unlikely that the project is going to get off the ground, if you believe the latest claims.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum remains confident of eventually taking over the club so this news will certainly be welcomed by him and his team of advisors.

PARRY IN BARCELONA....

2008-08-29T11:00:00.001+02:00

Rick Parry is back in Barcelona again.

We have spent most of the summer informing you of the chief executive's frequent visits to the city. It would appear that this time he's there to conclude the deal for Espanyol's Albert Riera.

Despite working on that bit of business, we think that Parry's other visits there were for someone else, possibly at Barcelona, as we see no reason why he would have to make so many trips to conclude what appears to be a simple deal for Riera.

Will we ever know? Probably not...

TRANSFER'S EXPECTED SOON

2008-08-24T00:26:00.000+02:00

Liverpool have told Arsenal that they will not sell Xabi Alonso for £10million.

It is claimed that the Gunners have approached the Reds to see if we would be prepared to do a deal at that price but Rafa Benitez isn't prepared to let him go so cheap.

Meanwhile the boss has revealed that following talks with Rick Parry, there could be some transfer activity within the next few days.

Rafa said: "We are working really hard, we are moving in the right direction and hopefully we can do something positive in the next few days.

"The talks were positive, we cannot discuss names but we are now both working to improve our squad.

"There was no friction, but some personal problems. Now things are more clear and that is positive. It was a private conversation."

On Gareth Barry, he added: "I have had no word about Arsenal wanting Gareth Barry, and that is all I want to say on the subject. Other than that we are working towards improving our squad.

"Likewise there has been nothing more on Xabi Alonso. At the beginning of the summer we were looking at ways of raising money, but now we are happy with Xabi, he is a very good player.

"The offer we had was not good enough, so why would we want to sell him?"

STEVE GERRARD GERRARD

2008-08-24T00:22:00.000+02:00

Late goals from Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher claimed a dramatic victory for Liverpool after Middlesbrough had threatened to pull off a shock win at Anfield.

The Reds had looked on the verge of a frustrating defeat with five minutes remaining but the home-grown duo had other ideas.

Gerrard's superb curler from the edge of the area won it after Carragher's deflected strike had cancelled out Mido's opener.

It was a positive end to a frustrating afternoon for the Reds who dominated for the majority of the clash but struggled to find a way past rookie stopper Ross Turnbull. But they will now head into the second-leg of their vital Champions League qualifier on Wednesday in buoyant mood after snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.

The visit of 'Boro marked the first match of the new season at Anfield and as supporters settled into their seats they were not just treated to their first glimpse of the likes of Robbie Keane and Andrea Dossena in competitive action, but they will also have noticed the new electronic advertising boards lining the perimeter of the pitch.

The game itself began at a frenetic pace and although the visitors looked lively in the early exchanges it was Liverpool who had the first real sight of goal when Dirk Kuyt brought a great save out of Ross Turnbull from 25 yards.

It was the ideal start for the keeper who had only been called into the starting XI at the last moment after Brad Jones injured his hand in the warm up.

The Reds were eager to test him at every opportunity but both Robbie Keane and Yossi Benayoun shot well wide of goal when provided with opportunities while Pepe Reina had to be alert to tip Andrew Taylor's 15th minute blockbuster over the crossbar.

The visitors were far from overawed by their visit to Merseyside and, buoyed by their opening day win over Spurs, they more than matched Liverpool with Stewart Downing in particular looking dangerous on the left.

It just wasn't happening for the hosts and after Torres saw his penalty appeals turned down by referee Mike Riley Steven Gerrard was next to hang his head in frustration after his arcing effort flew just wide of the near post.

As the half came to a disappointing end, fans will have been cheered by the sight of Keane combining brilliantly with Torres to set the Spaniard clear but Robert Huth did just enough to deny him a clear strike at goal.

It was something they hoped to see more of in the second period but as the clock ticked down the visitors' rearguard remained stubbornly resistant.

In fact, it was 'Boro' who manufactured the best opening of the game on the hour mark when substitute Mido broke down the left and fed the ball into Tuncay who produced an unorthodox turn to completely bamboozle Martin Skrtel before lashing his shot straight at Reina.

For Liverpool it was Torres who continued to look the more likely and he smashed a 25-yard thunderbolt just wide of the far post as he continued his bid to become the first player in Liverpool's history to score in nine successive home league games and break the previous record of eight set by Roger Hunt in 1961-62.

However, it was not to be El Nino's day and Rafael Benitez's men were stunned 20 minutes from time when Mido received a pass from Jeremie Aliadiere and fired a sweet 25 yard strike into the bottom right-hand corner to leave Reina with no chance.

It looked like Middlesbrough were on the verge of their first win at Anfield in 21 attempts but with time running out Carragher pulled them level with a speculative 25-yard effort that took a huge deflection off Emanuel Pogatetz.

And it got better for the Reds in injury-time when Gerrard seized on a loose ball on the edge of the area to curl home a magnificent winner and send the home support into ecstasy.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Dossena, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Benayoun, Gerrard (captain), Alonso, Kuyt, Torres, Keane. Subs - Agger, Plessis, Aurelio, Ngog, El Zhar, Babel, Cavalieri

Middlesbrough: Turnbull, Taylor, Pogatetz (captain), Huth, Wheater, Downing, O'Neil, Shawky, Aliadiere, Sanli, Alves. Subs - Johnson, , Hoyte, Williams, Digard, Emnes

LIVERPOOL WIN

2008-08-16T20:35:00.000+02:00

Liverpool won 1-0 against Sunderland this evening with a goal a brilliant individual goal from Torres.

RAFA CONSIDERS HIS FUTURE WITH LFC...(AMERICANS OUT!)

2008-08-16T09:44:00.001+02:00

EXCLUSIVE: Rafa Benitez thought of resigning from Liverpool last week and even discussed leaving the club with his closest allies, according to sources close to the Spanish manager. The only thing that stopped him from leaving Anfield was his respect for the Liverpool fans and for the people that work with him on a daily basis.

This is the first time since his arrival that Benitez has come this close to resigning, although on two other occasions offers from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and a couple of other major European clubs led him to reassess his future at Anfield. On both occasions he decided to stay put and the club improved his contractual situation.

According to sources this time around, it is his desperation with the Barry transfer deal, the lack of a satisfactory conclusion to the Alonso transfer and the gaping hole on the left hand side of midfield - yet to be filled - that are the major causes of his dissatisfaction and frustration. This has nothing to do with his contract. “Rafa doesn’t care about what he is getting paid, he thought he was being undermined this summer and was close to giving up”, says a friend of the manager.

The situation at Anfield has been so confusing over the last few weeks - with the Gareth Barry saga and Xabi Alonso's failed move to either Juventus or Arsenal - that Benitez felt the need to explain, at his Friday press conference, that he was not involved in the Barry transfer: another way of saying that if it did not take place, then it was not his fault.

“Since I started talking with Martin O'Neill in April, I didn't talk with Aston Villa. All of the talks have been between Rick Parry and the owner and chief executive of As ton Villa and they have been pretty good... I was not doing the talks about Barry, I was not doing the talks about Alonso, so if someone wants to talk about these players, then they have to talk with the chief executive of our club. If you want to talk about football, talk with me," said Rafa.

According to different sources, Benitez would have liked Gareth Barry to have been his first signing of the summer, ahead of even Robbie Keane, and by now the squad would have been closed. Instead, there is at least one new player to come in, although Liverpool have not yet given up hope in signing the Villa midfielder. The club, according to sources close to Tom Hicks, can afford Gareth Barry or a new left winger without the need to sell anybody.

One final factor, that influenced Benitez' decision to stay, was his belief that the team is set for a very good season and that they are in a position to improve on last year.

WE WERE LUCKY SAYS RAFA

2008-08-14T09:26:00.001+02:00

Rafael Benitez admitted his side were lucky to escape with a draw after they produced a below-par display in the first-leg of the Champions League qualifier with Standard Liege.

The Reds boss was frustrated that his side could not reproduce their good pre-season form against the Belgian champions but feels the Anfield factor will play a vital role when the two sides meet at Anfield in a fortnight's time.

"I think we were lucky not to concede," said Benitez.

"You never know what is going to happen when a game gets underway but clearly we didn't play well.

"The performance was poor but the result was good. We didn't concede away from home which is always important and to play the second-leg at Anfield could make a massive difference.

"The positive thing was the result and we didn't have to say too much about the display in the dressing room because everybody already knew it wasn't good."

The Reds struggled to come to terms with Liege's fast start to the contest and Benitez felt his side were their own worst enemy and was grateful to keeper Pepe Reina for securing a 0-0 draw with a first-half spot-kick save.

"They were very aggressive and we could not keep the ball," he said.

"Our passes were bad and we always lost the first and second ball.

"In the first 20 minutes they were on top of us and after that we controlled it a bit more.

"In the second-half they started the same way and played more long balls and continued to win the first and second balls and if you don't win them you will continue to be under pressure.

"I was a little bit surprised because we were playing well in pre-season with a lot of confidence.

"I told the players before, after watching their Super Cup game against Anderlecht, that it could be like this.

"We knew they could be very aggressive. They were organised and pressed well and it was difficult for us to keep the ball.

"I think the entire team didn't play well; so the strikers, midfielders and defenders didn't play well and Pepe Reina was man of the match."

With Javier Mascherano, Lucas Leiva and Ryan Babel all on Olympic duty and the likes of Fabio Aurelio and Martin Skrtel out injured, Benitez felt his side lacked options on the bench and admitted he had been forced to bring skipper Steven Gerrard into the frame to try and inspire a late rally.

"We have a lot of players away or injured and the competition for the places needs to improve," he continued.

"Gerrard couldn't start and he is a player who can change a game and if you have two or three players of this level on the pitch it is different.

"We were talking with the doctor before the match and we knew he couldn't start and we were thinking maybe we could use him and in the end we did need him.

"I have been really pleased with the commitment of the players in the pre-season but this game was different, it was difficult and we didn't play well.

"Fabio Aurelio and Skrtel have been training and when they are available we will have more options.

"Argentina play Holland in the Olympics too, so one player will return earlier. If you have more players competing for places it is better for the team."

GARETH BARRY...yawn

2008-08-14T09:19:00.000+02:00

Reds target Gareth Barry will become cup-tied this evening if Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill deploys him against FH Hafnarfjordur in the UEFA Cup second round qualifier.

If Liverpool come up with the £18million before the 7pm kick-off then the midfielder obviously won't be involved. If he does play he'll be ineligible to play in the Champions League before the knock-out stages in February.

Because of the on-going saga that has dragged on all summer, all eyes will be on the starting line-up (and the bench) this evening.

LIVERPOOL DRAW 0 -0

2008-08-14T09:18:00.000+02:00

Enough said... shocking performance... better now than later.

SIGN THE PETITION TO GET TOM HICKS AND GEORGE GILLETE OUT!

2008-08-10T13:13:00.002+02:00

Today i am embarassed to be a Liverpool fan. These owners of ours are ruining our club, the traditions and principals that have stood firm are being torn down by 2 ignorant people who are simply in this for personal gain, and donot give a damn about the fans and actually winning... is that not what it is all about?
Sign this petition, its time to take action!YANKS OUT!

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/ggthout/

CONCERNING CLAIMS FROM ANFIELD

2008-08-09T09:37:00.001+02:00

Reports late this evening claim that Rafa Benitez has had a new bust-up with the club's owners for rejecting the offer of an interest free £12million loan.

A mystery Liverpool supporter approached the club with the offer so that the money could be invested on players in the summer transfer market but Tom Hicks and George Gillett rejected the offer.

It is also claimed that the duo are not impressed with the manager's pursuit of Gareth Barry because they think he's too expensive.

Both parties refused to comment about the claims when approached.

LIVERPOOL WIN 1-0

2008-08-09T09:35:00.003+02:00

The Reds boss admitted he was pleased with his side's overall display after Andriy Voronin stoppage time winner sealed a deserved victory against the Italians and Benitez felt the impact of the likes of Jay Spearing - who created the winning goal - was the main highlight of the night.

"I think it was a very good game against a good team," he said.

"You could see they were pretty sharp, comfortable on the ball and played well on the counter attack. We had two or three really good chances to score and win the game so overall it was very positive, particularly as we had a lot of young players in the side.

"The young players were good too. We know all about the senior players but they all played well. Nabil El Zhar, Jay Spearing, Damien Plessis, and Nemeth - they were all good."

Benitez also had words of praise for Xabi Alonso, who enjoyed a superb display at the heart of the Reds' midfield.

"He was playing well," he said.

"That was positive for us. He is a good player and hopefully we will have another good player coming in soon. We can improve so we will try to improve."

With a Champions League qualifier away to Standard Liege and a Premier League encounter with Sunderland just around the corner, Benitez is now focused on putting the final touches to his squad and admitted a left-sided player was still a priority.

"Clearly we have problems on the left," he said. "We have sold Riise and Kewell and Fabio Aurelio is injured. Leto doesn't have a work permit and Babel is at the Olympic Games, so I think we can improve in this area."

LIVERPOOL WIN 1-0

2008-08-09T09:35:00.002+02:00

LIVERPOOL WIN 1-

2008-08-09T09:35:00.000+02:00

DIC BACK IN THE HUNT....PLEASE BUY THE CLUB!

2008-08-08T11:12:00.001+02:00

An inside source heavily involved in previous negotiations between Dubai International Capital and the club's owners has informed 'our informer' that Tom Hicks and George Gillett have again agreed to sit down to discuss the future of the club.

It is claimed that a formal meeting is to be held in New York within the next 11 days and that Rick Parry does not attend at the request of co-owner Tom Hicks, after it was suggested that the Reds chief executive should be present by DIC officials.

"DIC made moves again on Thursday. They will be back around the table before 19th August."

Please just buy LFC... those yanks are just holding back the Rafalution!!

NO MONEY LEFT...........

2008-08-08T11:11:00.001+02:00

Newspaper reports today claim that Liverpool have been unable to stump up the cash to complete the Gareth Barry transfer.

These reports totally contradict information supplied last night, that said the money was now in place but that the Reds are delaying the deal for other reasons.

The Mirror's Dave Maddock - who is close to the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher but not senior club officials - writes: "American tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks had confirmed they would underwrite the £18million transfer for the Aston Villa skipper, allowing manager Rafael Benitez to sign Barry by the end of this week without first selling players.

"But the money has not arrived, prompting fresh speculation about their commitment to the club."

BARRY - LATEST

2008-08-06T15:27:00.001+02:00

Incoming Liverpool signing Gareth Barry has formally rejected an opportunity to sign for Arsenal, after the Gunners matched our offer for the midfielder.

The Aston Villa skipper is due on Merseyside for a medical after telling his current employers that if they blocked his proposed move to Anfield, he would buy himself out of his contract next year for around £2million.

Publicly there has been a lack of progress but with Liverpool having been on their travels, no medical was going to be performed until the Reds returned to prepare for Lazio.

A medical is booked in for today but it's claimed that the player has still not been given permission to 'officially' talk to us, unless has something has changed overnight.

GERRARD INJURY UPDATE

2008-08-06T15:26:00.001+02:00

Steven Gerrard could miss next week's Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege after limping out of tonight's 4-1 win over Valerenga.

The Liverpool skipper picked up a thigh strain and will undergo a thorough examination tomorrow. Early indications are that he could be out of action for around a week.

Speaking straight after the match, Rafa said: "It is a thigh strain. We need to wait but it could be one week."

LIVERPOOL WIN 4-1

2008-08-06T15:24:00.000+02:00

Liverpool extended their unbeaten run in pre-season to seven matches as they eased to a comfortable victory over Valerenga in Oslo.

Superb goals from Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun and David Ngog secured a 4-1 win for the Reds as Rafael Benitez' side stepped up a gear in their preparations for next week's Champions League qualifier in Belgium.

Ahead of the match, a buoyant crowd packed into the stadium to see Liverpool in action, but it was the hosts who made the more assured start to the proceedings and after a cagey opening 10 minutes it looked like the Reds could be in for a tough evening.

However, it was Rafael Benitez's side that made the first chance of any note when Fernando Torres fizzed a low drive just wide of the near post.

It set the tone for the remainder of the half and just seconds later Xabi Alonso flashed a 25-yard effort just over the crossbar after Dirk Kuyt's cross from the right had only been half-cleared by the Norwegian outfit.

It seemed only a matter of time before Liverpool would strike the opening goal of the match and after Steven Gerrard had smashed a 30-yard shot well over the bar, they duly obliged courtesy of an exquisite finish from Alonso.

A neat build-up down the right ended with Robbie Keane, who touched the ball back for the Euro 2008 winner to curl the ball beyond the despairing dive of Perkins and into the far corner of the net.

It was the Spaniard's second goal of the pre-season and followed on from his superbly executed spot-kick in the 4-0 win over Rangers four days earlier.

It was all plain-sailing for the visitors and not even the blow of losing skipper Steven Gerrard through what looked like a thigh strain on 28 minutes could stop them from dominating the remainder of the half.

Robbie Keane went close to opening his account for his new club with an 18-yard shot that arrowed just wide of target while Jamaican defender Adrian Reid - who was making his Valerenga debut - was left to breath a huge sigh of relief when he saw his awkward defensive header crash back off his own post.

The Norwegians had been almost non-existent as an attacking force in the opening 45 minutes and so it came as a huge surprise to those packed inside the Ullevaal Stadion when they drew level within two minutes of the restart.

A flowing one-touch move down the right opened up the Liverpool defence allowing Bojan Zajic to coolly dispatch the ball beyond substitute keeper Pepe Reina and spark huge celebrations amongst his Valerenga teammates.

The home support began to dream of a shock Valerenga victory but the goal only served to shake the Reds into action and within 60 seconds normal service had been resumed courtesy of another virtuoso strike from Fernando Torres.

The Spanish hot-shot latched onto Dirk Kuyt's intelligent header before surging beyond Reid and nonchalantly slotting the ball past another substitute keeper, Bolthof, to put Liverpool 2-1 ahead.

From that moment on the pattern of play began to resemble that of the first period and Keane was once again cursing his luck less than a minute later when he dragged a low effort just wide after he was played through on the left side of the penalty area.

It was a frustrating night for the Irishman who is still to open his account for his new club although he did at times show glimpses of the quality he will offer Rafael Benitez's side.

The Reds boss once again opted to mix it up with a series of substitutions midway through the second-half but not before Yossi Benayoun made it 3-1 with a magnificent individual goal on the hour mark.

The Israel international slalomed his way past three defenders before clipping a rising shot over the keeper and into the far corner of the Valerenga net.

By now the Norwegians had run out of steam and there was even time for a fourth when substitute David Ngog raced into the area to fire home his second goal in as many games.

It meant the same four players who were target in the 4-0 mauling of Rangers at the weekend had found the net again and reiterated the strength in depth Benitez now has at his disposal.

Teams

Valerenga: Perkins, Jepsen, Muri, Reid, Storbaek, Berre, Heastad, Strand (c), Zajic, Holm, Shelton. Subs - Bolthof, Dos Santos, Fellah, Haidar, Jalland, Nouri, Singh, , ,

Liverpool: Cavalieri, Dossena, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa, Benayoun, Alonso, Gerrard (c), Kuyt, Keane, Torres. Subs - Darby, El Zhar, Hyypia, Insua, Nemeth, Ngog, Pacheco, Plessis, Reina, Spearing

THE ARSE WANT ALONSO

2008-08-04T11:23:00.000+02:00

Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The Gunners have made an official enquiry to Reds chief executive Rick Parry about the availability of the Spanish international, hence Rafa's comments about the player over the weekend.

Speaking on Saturday, Rafa said: "I don't think it will be easy [for him to leave].

"The value of Alonso in the market will be really high. We are really pleased with him and we don't want him to go unless we get a very good price."

Arsenal value Alonso around the £11m mark while it is claimed the Reds are looking for around £18m.

If Rafa does find a buyer, he will almost certainly bid for Valencia's David Silva. If Alonso stays, it means we have another great player for the forthcoming season.

It's a win-win situation in our opinion.

Meanwhile Benayoun has been linked with AS Roma, but his agent has claimed he is a happy Red and does not want to move now. Lets hope so.

DAVID SILVA POSSIBLY ON HIS WAY

2008-08-03T13:19:00.000+02:00

Rafa Benitez is running out of time to land his last luxury signing of the summer.

The Reds boss would like to bring in David Silva but he desperately needs to find approximately £19million to lodge a formal offer. Further payments would almost certainly have to be included in any deal but it's going to take an initial £19m to open formal negotiations.

If Xabi Alonso is sold that could free enough funds to convince the club's owners to fund the rest but it's likely that they would also want to see additional funds raised, possibly from the sale of Jermaine Pennant, especially after funding a move for Gareth Barry.

Valencia president Vicente Soriano is expecting Barcelona to swoop for Silva again within the next week. He's already gone on record as saying that both David Villa and Silva are not for sale. However Valencia desperately need money and Barca are aware of that. So too are Real Madrid who have emerged as favourites to capture Villa.

Roma are another club chasing Silva. The player's agent continually claims interest from Italy but Valencia have denied speaking to the Italians.

It is possible that Silva's future could be decided within the next week. If he remains with Valencia, that could suit Benitez as it would enable him to return next year armed with the funds needed to complete a deal.

INSIDER SOURCES ARE REPORTING: "Rafa wants to bring him [Silva] in but the budget won't allow it. He must sell 2, possibly 3 players and 1 of them would have to be Alonso.

"The Americans have already advanced money by finalising the Barry payments but even so they know that if they were to help Rafa bring in Silva, they would win over a lot of fans.

"But time is running out as Silva could be on his way to Barcelona if they swoop during the coming week."

The source added: "If Silva moves before the money can be raised don't be surprised if you see us linked with Shaun Wright-Phillips.

"If Silva stays where he is, Rafa will obviously consider returning with a bid next year depending on how things work out this season."

WE'VE GOT BARRY...FINALLY

2008-08-03T13:18:00.001+02:00

Liverpool target Gareth Barry is to undergo a medical at Melwood after Aston Villa finally agreed to let the player leave.

As expected the England international will complete his protracted transfer within the next few days.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill has been forced into an embarrassing u-turn after the player insisted that he wanted to become a Red, despite O'Neill's so called "deadline".

O'Neill said: "We had a meeting last Monday with Gareth and his agent at which we all agreed we would have a 5pm deadline on Wednesday and if Liverpool had not proved they had the wherewithal to proceed with the transfer deal then we would all leave that aside and move on.

"I was hoping that would be the case and this was not a matter of Liverpool missing the deadline by 15 minutes, as seems to have been reported.

"Liverpool first showed their interest in signing Gareth Barry almost four months ago, so this is not a case of missing a deadline by 15 minutes. That's simply not true.

"The following morning we were very upbeat on the strength of what had happened on Wednesday evening. We were very buoyant and optimistic that everything could come back to normal again.

"That wasn't to be though. On Thursday there was a meeting between Gareth's agent, myself and the player. Even though the deadline had passed they still felt Liverpool were going to come in and do the deal.

"Obviously I was disappointed to hear that. Gareth's head is a bit all over the place at the moment and they asked for some more time.

"So I've listened to what they've said and I'll go with it - reluctantly but I'll go with it. There will be no deadline and Liverpool have all the time in the world now to sign Gareth Barry. They've got up to the normal window, which is the 31st of this month.

"So it's really up to them, Gareth and his agent to sort it out. I've decided this is the only way forward for us really.

"I have a football club to run and I really do want people who want to play for us.

"If Liverpool at the end of it all do not come up with the money, that's no-one else's fault but their own.

"I'd be delighted if that was the case and Gareth stayed. But I would doubt that very much. The ball is very much in their court."

KEANE MAKES DEBUT IN VILLAREAL STALEMATE

2008-07-30T23:54:00.001+02:00

KEANE MAKES DEBUT IN SPANISH STALEMATE

Robbie Keane and David Ngog both made their first Liverpool appearances as the Reds were held to a third successive pre-season draw by Villarreal in El Madrigal.

In a match organised as part of the deal which took Pepe Reina to Anfield three years ago, the Liverpool 'keeper had to be content with a place on the bench following the birth of his second child in the early hours - but he received a standing ovation from all corners of the ground when joining the action with ten minutes remaining.

Also receiving a heroes welcome back to first team football were the Reina's fellow Euro 2008 stars, with Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa all enjoying their first action since their success in the summer.

It was a game of debuts, and not just those of new strikers Robbie Keane, who during 45 minutes showed several glimpses of the class which persuaded Rafa Benitez to splash out earlier this week, and David Ngog, who also enjoyed bright first-half.

The match also provided a first outing for a new grey away kit; one which bears a striking similarity to the Candy-sponsored number worn the last time a league championship trophy made its way to Anfield in 1990.

If that is a good omen for the season ahead, so too were the performances of many of Benitez's fringe players. The likes of Diego Cavalieri, Stephen Darby and Damien Plessis all put in decent displays in what was another useful run out.

The game was preceded by a guard of honour for old boy Pepe Reina, whose transfer to Liverpool three years ago included a clause for this friendly to be played. The shot-stopper was granted a standing ovation from a near-capacity crowd as he carried Spain's Euro 2008 trophy onto the pitch.

Once play did get under way, the new incumbent of our famous number seven shirt waited just two minutes to issue a signal of intent with a cheeky flick towards the onrushing Andrea Dossena. Sadly the move broke down but it was exactly the kind of touch the travelling Kop had come to see.

Others were out to impress, too, like the imposing Plessis, who flighted a superb ball to Andriy Voronin down the right wing. The boy has clearly been spending time with Xabi Alonso.

Next, with 20 minutes gone, Plessis provided his teammates with a much-needed refreshment stop after inadvertently belting the ball into the face of home captain Javi Venta, who laid strewn across the perfect grass for some time.

Off went the Liverpool players towards Doc Waller and his water bottles, a temporary antidote to the scorching Mediterranean heat.

It seemed to do the trick, as well - for just seconds after play resumed, Keane took out two men with another delicate touch before Dossena burst down the right and won a corner.

All very nice, but the Reds had yet to threaten Diego Lopez's goal. The first effort of any substance didn't arrive until 27 minutes when Keane, fed by Yossi Benayoun, fired over from inside the D.

At the other end, Cavalieri, who displayed safe hands throughout, was forced to respond to a rasping shot cum cross which he did well to turn away.

The Brazilian was called into action once more on 32 minutes when former Arsenal playmaker Robert Pires wriggled his way into space in the box before testing the visiting goal with a low sidefoot.

It was turning into a sustained period of pressure for the side who finished second in La Liga last term. Next Llorente ghosted past the seemingly well-organised Reds backline before lobbing Cavalieri. Happily the linesman's flag was correctly raised.

Liverpool were starting to ride their luck. An opening goal seemed almost certain on 42 minutes when Ibagaza fired against the woodwork, with the ball landing invitingly to teammate Cani eight yards out. With the net gaping, the man in yellow was somehow denied by a magnificent block from the impressive Stephen Darby.

A brief moment of respite arrived late in the first half when Benayoun worked his way into space before teeing up Ngog inside the box. Just when it seemed the Frenchman was about to join our relatively short list of goalscoring debutants, Lopez pulled a fine low save out of the bag.

The personnel might have changed, with Benitez making nine changes at the break, but the second half began pretty much where the first ended: with Villarreal on the attack.

Substitutes Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger had to be at their very best to prevent a dangerous cross from Cani finding Llorente at the near post.

On too was Nemeth, another debutant, sporting shiny red boots. Sadly for him, many of the kind of chances he took with ease for the reserves last season were arriving at the wrong end.

Full-back Gonzalo should have scored following a goalmouth scramble only to be denied once again by Cavalieri, who this time used his legs to keep Liverpool's slate clean.

Finally, 20 minutes after the restart, the visitors began to get a foothold.

The turning point came when substitute Daniel Pacheco was found darting into acres of space down the left. It was two on two, with Jermaine Pennant sprinting forward to join the young Spaniard, who sadly took the wrong option by cutting inside and shooting harmlessly wide.

Nemeth then came close with a rasping effort. Unfortunately for him, it was his final contribution after being told to shake hands with Fernando Torres just 25 minutes into his senior bow. It was no reflection on the youngster's performance, just a case of simple maths, with Benitez having too many outfield players in need of a run out.

Then, after a Torres volley bounced harmlessly wide and a Alonso free-kick was saved well by Lopez, came the moment most who were present had been waiting for: the introduction of Reina, who was greeted by chants of 'Reeeeiiiina' as he made his way to the Liverpool goal with 10 minutes remaining.

BERGER HITS OUT AT O'NEIL

2008-07-30T10:48:00.001+02:00

Former Liverpool midfielder Patrik Berger has hit out at Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill for his 'child-like' treatment during the Gareth Barry saga.

Berger is now at Sparta Prague after he was kicked out of Villa Park by O'Neill. Berger was suspended and fined the maximum two weeks wages for advising Barry to move to Anfield.

"I don't see any reason to change my opinion - nobody can fine me now," said Berger.

"I just said what I thought would be best for Gareth but the manager fined and suspended me from the training ground.

"It was the manager's decision but I was surprised because we went through my comments in the papers in his office and I went home.

"But the next day I got a letter to my house saying I was banned and fined - he was not even strong enough to tell me eye-to-eye.

"Gareth got a similar letter but we are adults not children and can face it - I would prefer he'd just told me straight."

BALAGUE OPINION ON KEANE SIGNING

2008-07-30T10:45:00.000+02:00

Guillem Balague has been talking about the signing of Robbie Keane from Tottenham.

Balague - Spain's top football expert and a close friend of Rafa Benitez - believes the Keane capture is an excellent bit of business for the Reds.

He said: "The signing of Keane is Rafa's nice surprise for the Liverpool fans. He is a player who will improve the side, no doubt about it.

"I'm fed up already with people questioning his strike rate and talking about percentages. That is nonsense because Keane is a top quality player and he will show that once he puts on the red shirt.

"His arrival cheers everybody up and we can't wait for the start of the season. With Keane on board now alongside Torres I've got a pretty good feeling about the season ahead.

"When Rafa signed Torres last year people didn't know that much about him in England so there wasn't that high expectancy but he had a sensational first season. Keane does arrive with great expectations but he will deliver. Torres and Keane is the perfect partnership for me."

KEANE AND TORRES FORMING CLOSE RELATIONSHIP ALREADY

2008-07-30T10:22:00.000+02:00

50 goals from the 2 of them I reckon....

INTEREST IN BENAYOUN

2008-07-30T10:20:00.000+02:00

West Ham United have made an informal approach to Liverpool regarding the availability of Yossi Benayoun.

The 28-year-old is available at the right price, whether or not the Hammers would be prepared to meet that, we shall have to wait and see.

Meanwhile Reds youngster Krisztian Nemeth has turned down the chance to join Leeds United on loan.

FA CRITICISE LIVERPOOL ON SIGNING FOREIGN YOUNGSTERS

2008-07-21T10:19:00.000+02:00

FA director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking has hit out at Liverpool for signing so many foreign youngsters.

He believes that Liverpool along with the other big clubs in the Premier League, are preventing the development of English youngsters that are trying to break through the ranks.

Brooking said: "75 per cent of players in the scholarship age groups at Liverpool now are from overseas. So if only 25 per cent of them are English then it's not helpful for us.

"With a lot more overseas youngsters coming into our academies then it is likely they will slowly filter down into the lower leagues when they leave their clubs.

"There is a danger then that we could see a Football League with a large number of foreign players who haven't quite been good enough for the Premier League.

"They could stop our English youngsters from developing and we could even see fans switching off from the game because there are not enough of their own local players coming through at their clubs.

"So I think that is something we really need to reverse the trend on if we are going to improve our English kids in the long term."

LIVERPOOL SWOOP FOR YOUNG STRIKER

2008-07-21T10:18:00.001+02:00

Liverpool have been tipped to sign teenage French striker David Ngog from Paris St. Germain for £1.5million.

PSG boss Paul Le Guen made the 19-year-old available after the youngster refused to sign a new contract.

Liverpool's French scout Laurent Viaud recommended Ngog - cousin of Jean Alain Boumsong - to the boss and it's claimed we're now making moves to sign him.

BENITEZ CONFIDENT OF SIGNING KEANE

2008-07-21T10:16:00.000+02:00

Rafael Benitez remains confident of reaching a successful conclusion in his attempt to complete the £20 million signing of Robbie Keane, the Tottenham Hotspur forward, despite last week's angry attack on the Liverpool manager by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.

Benitez and Liverpool believe Levy's decision to report the club to the Premier League will come to nothing and that a deal will be struck that will permit Keane to join Benitez's squad within the next week.

The manager is also hopeful of completing the £18 million transfer of Gareth Barry from a reluctant Aston Villa and with Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso due to report back on Friday for the first time since helping Spain to Euro 2008 success, Benitez's pre-season preparations will begin to gather momentum.

The latest stage of those - Saturday's 1-1 with Polish side Wisla Krakow in Switzerland - was overshadowed by the return of captain Steven Gerrard to England for treatment on a groin problem that will keep the midfielder sidelined for around 10 days.

The Daily Telegraph

LIVERPOOL DRAW 1-1

2008-07-20T11:11:00.000+02:00

Liverpool saw their 100 per cent pre-season record come to an end after they were held to a hard-fought draw against Wisla Krakow in Fribourg.

The Reds went into the clash with the 11-times Polish champions hoping to stretch their winning streak to three matches, but despite taking the lead courtesy of Andriy Voronin's sixth minute strike they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Prior to the kick-off a Swiss army of fans welcomed the Reds on to the pitch and it wasn't long before they were cheering the opening goal of the game when the Ukrainian pounced to fire home at the second attempt.

A delightful move involving Lucas Leiva, Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun ended with the Israeli picking out the unmarked striker, who saw his initial, tame effort well blocked by the keeper, but was on hand to steer the rebound into the roof of the net to collect his second goal of the pre-season.

Ahead of the match many observers had suggested the Poles would provide the Reds with their sternest test yet and the supporters crammed inside the Stade St-Leonard were left in no doubt as to the attacking prowess of Krakow when they stunned the Reds with an equaliser just six minutes later.

A flowing break down the left saw Marek Ziencuk cut the ball back to Tomas Jirsak who swept the ball past Cavalieri with a neat first-time finish from 12 yards out.

Both sides then had opportunities to take the lead but Voronin somehow failed to find the bottom corner after a weak back pass had sent him clean through, while Rafa Boguski was unlucky to see his fine drive deflect inches past the near post after taking advantage of a miss-timed jump from Stephen Darby.

In truth, the Poles could so easily have gone in at the interval leading by a 2-1 scoreline but Ziencuk saw his dangerous free-kick from the right bounce through a body of players and off Cavalieri's far post.

It was a big let off for Liverpool, who upped their game in the second period after boss Rafa Benitez made a series of half-time substitutions to give other members of his squad a run out.

On 52 minutes they manufactured the first opening of the period when Voronin saw his stabbed effort well saved by Pawelek after some neat play by Benayoun.

The Israeli was enjoying a productive afternoon on the right and he nearly added to his first-half assist with the Reds' second goal, but his low effort was superbly hooked off the line by a Krakow defender after Jermaine Pennant and Fabio Aurelio had combined to him set up.

Dirk Kuyt, Emiliano Insua and Aurelio all went close to winning it for Liverpool late on but it wasn't to be and the Reds will now head to Germany for the final match of their whistle-stop tour of Europe against Hertha Berlin on Tuesday.

GERRARD INJURED

2008-07-20T11:09:00.000+02:00

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has left the pre-season training camp in Switzerland to return to Melwood after picking up a groin injury.

It is hoped that the Reds skipper will only be out of action for up to 10 days.

Press officer Ian Cotton said: "Steven has a slight groin strain which will keep him out for between seven and ten days.

"He has left the training camp to return to Melwood where he will receive treatment on the injury."

ALONSO TO INTER?

2008-07-19T09:52:00.001+02:00

According to italian news sites, Inter Milan have shown interest in Alonso for 20 million Euros! That would do nicely

LIVERPOOL REPORTED TO FA REGARDING BERBATOV

2008-07-19T00:03:00.001+02:00

Liverpool and Manchester United have both been reported to the Premier League because of comments made regarding Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov.

Spurs chief Daniel Levy was furious that Rafa Benitez has gone public with his interest in Keane and he's even madder with Sir Alex Ferguson for his comments about Berbatov.

A statement issued earlier today by Levy on Tottenham's official website, said: "Today's public comments by Manchester United's manager, announcing that he has made an offer for Dimitar and is confident that the deal will go through with time working in their favour, is a blatant example of sheer arrogance and interference with one of our players. It is also probably one of the worst offences by any manager in the Premier League to date and is unbelievably hypocritical given his recent comments in respect of Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid.

"This comes after a series of events, dating back to last summer, which have shown Manchester United to be in breach of Premier League (PL) rules. As a result, we have today made an official complaint to the PL about the conduct of Manchester United. Benitez made similar comments in respect of Robbie recently and we made an official complaint to the PL about the conduct of Liverpool earlier this week.

"The behaviour of both clubs has been disgraceful. We told both clubs very early on that we had no interest in selling Robbie or Dimitar, respectively, and that they should refrain from pursuing the player. Both clubs arrogantly chose to ignore this request and we now have evidence that both clubs have systematically been working to prise the players away from us, outside of PL rules of conduct.

"Our subsequent position has been severely compromised by both clubs making their intentions widely known and indeed making contact with the players and their agents, without the Club's permission.

"I have absolutely no wish to sell either player and to date we have not accepted any offer for either. However, when a player's head is turned and their commitment is absent, particularly when they occupy key positions such as that of striker, they become a negative influence in a team dressing room in which they were once a positive addition and influence. This is the situation we now have on our hands, with both Dimitar and Robbie having made it clear that they wish to leave for Manchester Utd and Liverpool respectively.

"Irrespective of the outcome and futures of Robbie and Dimitar, we are continuing to seek to bring in quality, talented players for the future, who want to play in a Spurs shirt."

REINA GONE MAD - LEGEND! YOU'S THINK HE PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE FOR SPAIN

2008-07-18T09:39:00.000+02:00

BARRY INJURED...........

2008-07-17T16:00:00.000+02:00

Liverpool target Gareth Barry picked up an injury during his return to pre-season training.

The England midfielder injured his foot and will miss Saturday's Intertoto Cup first-leg tie with Odense BK.

It is not yet known how serious the injury is.

Meanwhile fresh reports continue to link Arsenal with the player but the Gunners are unlikely to table an offer because it's claimed they think he's over-priced.

VORONIN INSPIRES WIN

2008-07-17T08:30:00.001+02:00

Liverpool have continued their winning start to pre-season with a 2-1 victory over FC Lucerne in which Lucas and Andriy Voronin found the net. The work being carried out during the Swiss training camp is clearly paying dividends, with the Reds producing some fine interplay in the opposition half.

Most notable among a makeshift side were Daniel Pacheco and Voronin, with the latter scoring a goal which will live long in the memory.

The first goal took 10 minutes to arrive - and the manner in which it came is sure to excite Kopites from Switzerland to Speke. It was little Pacheco, so impressive on his first-team bow against Tranmere at the weekend, who was the architect, weaving a bit of magic around the box before finding the run of Lucas with an exquisite pass. The Brazilian made no fuss about finishing the move with a cool sidefoot beyond David Zibung.

Sadly, what followed was not quite as pretty on the eye from a Liverpool point of view as a hopeful ball into the box from the hosts exposed some defensive vulnerability. New boy Philipp Degen lost out on a far-post header and the ball was nodded across the six-yard box where Gavranovic was ready to convert a free header.

Such mistakes are common at this stage of pre-season, especially with new faces playing together for the first time. Still, Rafa Benitez will doubtless look to do a little ironing out over the coming weeks.

The Spaniard will have taken great heart from the response of his side as the first half wore on, with Voronin, Pachecho and Yossi Benayoun in particular crafting some wonderful one-touch football to leave the home side scratching their heads.

Voronin restored Liverpool's lead on 36 minutes with a 16-yard lob. It was the kind of audacity that Manchester City would pay upward of £25million for.

The second half was again sprinkled with deft touches from Voronin and the diminutive Pacheco, though at times both were guilty of over-ambition. At just 17, the latter looks a huge prospect - even if 2008-09 arrives too soon in his physical development.

The nearest Liverpool came to a third followed some great link-up play between Lucas and Voronin, though sadly the latter could only drive into the side-netting from 10 yards.

Another positive was the return of Ryan Babel, with the Dutch winger playing his first 45 minutes of football since injuring his ankle in the build-up to Euro 2008.

MIDFIELDER DESPERATE FOR MOVE

2008-07-16T17:35:00.000+02:00

Gareth Barry to beg bosses for chance to join Liverpool

Gareth Barry will today plead with Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill to stop jeopardising his dream move to Liverpool.

The England midfielder, 27, is due at Villa's training ground at 9.30am after his two-week suspension ended yesterday.

A livid O'Neill banned Barry from all the club's premises last month after he criticised the Villa boss in his desperation to go to Anfield.

And Barry has been in limbo ever since as Villa subsequently turned down Liverpool's fourth bid of £17million.

But Barry will be back at the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground as Premier League rules prevent a player being suspended for more than two weeks.

He is now set for talks with O'Neill before Villa head to Denmark tomorrow for their InterToto match with OB Odense.

Barry will definitely not travel with Villa's squad for their first competitive game of the season on Saturday.

But the midfielder insists he must be allowed to train with the first team on their return to keep his fitness as otherwise it will be a restraint of trade.

Barry, who has kept in shape practising on his own at non-League Lewes Town, is anxious to leave immediately as O'Neill pledged not to stand in his way in future when he signed a new four-year deal in 2006.

Barry also knows he could buy himself out of the final year of his contract in 12 months time for just £2m.

And an £18m fee for him is likely to be agreed with Liverpool offering £15m in cash and full-back Steve Finnan, 32, in part exchange.

ALONSO ATTRACTING MORE INTEREST

2008-07-16T17:31:00.000+02:00

Arsenal have made an approach for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The Spaniards proposed move to Juventus appears to have fallen through and with Arsene Wenger in the market for a high quality midfielder, Alonso has now been added to the Arsenal manager's list of summer targets.

Alonso's agent Inaki Ibanez has confirmed the approach.

He said: "The player knows about this subject and now the decision lies with Liverpool."

TAKEN FROM THE MIRROR... HOPE ITS NOT TRUE...

2008-07-16T09:56:00.000+02:00

Liverpool's transfer plans in tatters after Alonso deal collapses

Rafa Benitez must feel like jumping off the imposing Jungfrau mountain which towers over Liverpool's training camp at picturesque Interlaken.

After months spent working out his summer transfer strategy to the last detail, the Reds boss woke this morning to find more holes in his plans than a piece of Swiss cheese.

Juventus' decision to pull out of a £14million move for Xabi Alonso has wrecked his strategy, leaving it teetering on the brink of collapse.

Because of the financial pressures at Anfield, Benitez has known all summer that who he could buy depended on who he could sell. And Alonso's switch to Turin was supposed to fund Gareth Barry's signing from Aston Villa.

But Juve boss Claudio Ranieri's announcement yesterday that he had ended his interest in Alonso leaves Benitez seriously short of readies.

He could do with finding a friendly Swiss banker in Interlaken because all he has rattling round in his piggy bank is £8m.

And with Martin O'Neill adamant that Barry will not be leaving Villa Park for less than £18m, that leaves him £10m short in his attempts to land his No.1 summer transfer target.

Liverpool have tried to get round their cash flow problems, but their offer to pay for Barry in three £5m instalments, plus a further £2m in add-ons, has been rejected out of hand by Villa. The Anfield boss has also been forced to sell Scott Carson for a knockdown £4m because Villa refused to take up the option to buy the England goalkeeper for £8m.

Benitez did manage to squeeze £11m out of Portsmouth for Englland striker Peter Crouch and has generated another £6.5m by offloading John Arne Riise and Danny Guthrie.

However most of this has been swallowed up by the £10.5m combined signings of Diego Cavalieri and Andrea Dossena.

Benitez has been honest about the club's situation, saying: "We know the situation regarding what we can spend and we are trying to find solutions if we do not have enough money.

"We are still trying to sign players who will make us better, but if you do not have too much money - and that is clear - we will have to have a little bit of imagination to progress in the market.

"We know we will have to sell some players if we want some cash so we have to do that."

Benitez is becoming increasingly frustrated by Barry's transfer saga, which is threatening to run for longer than the Mousetrap.

He had hoped to have the England star on board for his Swiss training camp, but can only look on helplessly as the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months.

The cash shortage has already forced Benitez to abandon plans to raid his old club Valencia for Spanish stars David Villa and David Silva because of a lack of funds.

And his lack of financial muscle in the transfer market was painfully reinforced when he was priced out of moves for Newcastle's James Milner and Espanyol's Albert Riera. He might also have to give up hope of signing Robbie Keane - the second name on his list of targets - unless he can generate some cash fast.

Tottenham dismissed Liverpool's first offer for Keane of Crouch and £5million and now the Reds don't even have the England striker to offer as part exchange.

Spurs would sell for £18m, but this is way beyond what Benitez can scrape together.

His big hope is that he can find a buyer for Alonso and Atletico Madrid have shown interest in the past, although the Spanish midfielder would prefer a move to either rivals Real Madrid or Barcelona.

And claims in Spain that Alonso has attracted the attention of Arsenal have been flatly denied by the clubs and the player's agent.

Benitez admits: "We have a fantastic group of young players and in the future they will save us money.

"At the moment, we still have to buy big names and the only way to do that is to sell players.

Everybody knows what our ideas are and what players we want. We are working hard with different names now.

"The fans trust us. We are working hard this summer and we have a lot of different people in different countries working for us."

All this angst for Benitez is in contrast to last summer when he was finally able to spend it like Chelsea as he splashed out over £42million on Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun.

The problem now is that Liverpool's move across Anfield Road to their new home on Stanley Park has put a serious drain on their resources.

The costs have spiralled since the plans were first unveiled and the latest figure prices the stadium at £400m.

All this is bad news for Benitez and while Sir Alex Ferguson and Luiz Felipe Scolari have almost unlimited transfer funds at their disposal, he is left trailing in their wake even before a ball is kicked this season.

TORRES ON HIS WAY TO BE ANFIELD LEGEND

2008-07-15T09:22:00.000+02:00

Fernando Torres has warned Gareth Barry and Robbie Keane to prepare for a culture shock as they close in on their dream moves to Liverpool.

Spanish striker Torres is set to return to pre-season after a summer in which he has lived up to his hype by scoring the winner in the Euro 2008 Final against Germany.

His heroics in Austria and Switzerland had come on the back of a stunning debut season on Merseyside, in which he netted 33 goals, 24 of them in the Premier League.

Now he is set to be joined by Aston Villa midfielder Barry and Spurs striker Keane, as manager Rafa Benitez beefs up Liverpool's British spine.

But Torres has given an assessment of his first season at Anfield, which will leave both players in no doubt about the high standards expected.

The former Atletico Madrid skipper said: "Rafa has taught me to demand a lot of myself daily, not to relax. When you are in a team where things are going mostly well, players tend to relax.

"But you must always push yourself and never become complacent, try to do your best every single day. At a club like Liverpool, you can't sit back after scoring 20-odd goals and say, 'Well, that's it'.

"After you score 20, Benitez is on at you during the next training session and stays on top of you all day, all week. He tells you to go off on your own and do new exercises.

"There are days when you think, "My God, this guy does not let you breathe'. At times like that you don't realise that all he wants is for you to improve.

"I want to progress in life, not relax, not be complacent. And you need someone close to you telling you to keep at it. It is impossible to do it otherwise.

"We don't always fancy having someone like that so close. But in the long term, I'm sure everybody will thank him for it."

Benitez is under pressure to deliver the Premier League title this term, after a campaign without a trophy last season which was characterised by his controversial rotation policy.

As such, he has undertaken an aggressive buying policy to reshape his side. Out have gone John Arne Riise to Roma, Mohamed Sissoko to Juventus and Peter Crouch to Portsmouth. And there are buyers being sought for Jermaine Pennant, Xabi Alonso and Andriy Voronin.

In have come defenders Philipp Degen from Borussia Dortmund and Andrea Dossena from Udinese, while Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri has been signed from Palmeiras.

Barry's position at Villa is virtually untenable after being barred from the club's facilities while Liverpool haggle over his £18m price tag.

Keane is hoping for a better campaign - wherever he plays - after Tottenham's league form tailed off following their Carling Cup win over Chelsea in February.

That victory qualified Spurs for this season's UEFA Cup but Benitez knows that the chance to play Champions League football will appeal to the Irishman.

Torres, however, has warned that with the chance to play to at the highest level comes a pressure to perform.

And he has only learned to cope with that by learning from consummate professional, Steven Gerrard.

He told Champions magazine: "I really admire Steven Gerrard because I know the pressure he is under every day, everybody talking about him all day long, in changing rooms, in the pubs, in the stadium.

"I've heard people say that he should be stronger, have a stronger personality. And I know from experience how difficult it is to deal with all that. He is at another level of course, because Liverpool is a huge club.

"But I was captain of my team from a very young age and I know everybody was talking about me. I could feel it. I could see it out of the corner of my eye - especially when things weren't going right.

"People look at you from a distance and challenge you with their eyes. All that happens every day to Stevie and he copes with it - he copes with everything that is expected of him all the time.

"He's always under tremendous pressure to perform and everyone looks to him to show leadership, to lift the team.

"He has been a great example to everyone and those of us who have been in a similar situation know how difficult it is to handle.

It's incredible how he carries himself regardless of what's going on."

And Torres added: "I'd love to be captain one day - Steven has shown me how to be a great leader."

Rafa Benitez has taught me to demand a lot of myself and never become complacent.

THE MIRROR

PENNANT TO BLACKBURN?

2008-07-15T09:18:00.000+02:00

Blackburn plan £5m raid for Liverpool's Jermaine Pennant

Blackburn are planning a £5million move for Jermaine Pennant to replace Tottenham-bound David Bentley.

Rovers are ready to act quickly when Bentley's £17million move goes through and manager Paul Ince wants Pennant to fill the gap on the right.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is willing to let Pennant go to fund his bid for Valencia's David Silva.

But he will want closer to the £6.7m he paid Birmingham for former Arsenal winger Pennant two years ago.

That fee could prove a sticking point with Rovers reluctant to pay too much up front, preferring to pay in instalments.

NEMETH KNOCKING THEM IN AT WILL

2008-07-15T09:12:00.000+02:00

Liverpool youngster Krisztian Nemeth fired Hungary to victory in their group A opener at the Under 19's Euro Championships.

Nemeth - who has scored 11 in 7 - scored the only goal against Bulgaria.

He is certainly one to look out for in the future!

SCOTT CARSON SOLD

2008-07-14T15:53:00.000+02:00

Stoke City have agreed a fee of around £4m with Liverpool for England international goalkeeper Scott Carson, BBC Radio Stoke understands.

Carson was at the Britannia Stadium on Monday to open negotiations over personal terms.

The 22-year-old joined Liverpool from Leeds for £750,000 in 2005, but spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, making 35 Premier League appearances.

Carson, who has two caps for England, would become Stoke's record signing.

The proposed £4m fee marks a major reduction in the player's asking price, with Liverpool previously holding out for around £10m.

GUTHRIE GONE

2008-07-14T15:45:00.000+02:00

Liverpool have confirmed that Danny Guthrie has today completed his transfer to Newcastle United. The fee has not been disclosed but it's rumoured to be around £2.5million.

CAVALIERI'S GOOSE...

2008-07-14T15:42:00.002+02:00

Liverpool's new signing Diego Cavalieri adds a lovely new lady to the Anfield ranks by the name of Daniela Muzzi Grecco.
Heres a pic and you will see why I thought its worth posting!

SIGNING IMMINENT

2008-07-14T09:48:00.001+02:00

Liverpool and Aston Villa are this week expected to finally agree a deal that will see Gareth Barry secure his proposed move to Anfield.

Barry has been shown around the facilities by Rafa Benitez and was requested to be made available for a medical at the weekend. Sadly that had to be scrapped with both clubs failing to strike a deal in time.

However, it is now widely reported that a deal should be finalised later this week. The club's medical team are away with the rest of the squad but that shouldn't create any problems with regards performing any incoming screenings although there could be some minor delays.

AGUERRO????

2008-07-14T09:45:00.001+02:00

Sergio Aguero's agent has intimated that either Arsenal, Liverpool or Manchester United are preparing a bid for his client.

The Atletico Madrid striker has proved to be a sensation in the Primera Liga since swapping homeland Argentina and Independiente for the Spanish capital in 2006.

After forming a lethal strike partnership with Diego Forlan at the Vicente Calderon, the 20-year-old finished the 2007/8 campaign as the third top scorer in Spain with 19 goals and also walked away with the Antonio Puerta award for Best La Liga Player.

Aguero, known as 'Kun', is valued at around the £35million mark by Atletico but despite the hefty price-tag, almost all of Europe's major clubs are interested in his services.

Now his agent Jose Segui is quoted in the Spanish press as saying: "I've had interest from a leading English team and they've asked me to approach Atletico with a bid.

"I can't say more until I've spoken to the club about the offer.

"All I can tell you is that it's one of the best teams in Europe and it's not Chelsea."

DAGGER JUST GLAD TO BE BACK

2008-07-14T09:44:00.000+02:00

By Paul Walker, The Independent

Daniel Agger believes he has to start his Liverpool career all over again after almost 10 months of injury anguish. The 23-year-old played his first senior game since last September in Liverpool's 1-0 friendly win at neighbours Tranmere on Saturday, as he battles to re-establish himself in the Anfield club's defence.

Agger cost £5.8m from Brondby in January 2006, and made an immediate impact, successfully ousting veteran defender Sami Hyypia to become Jamie Carragher's defensive partner.

A serious metatarsal injury eight games into last season kept him on the sidelines, but the young Dane completed 75 minutes at Prenton Park in his comeback.

Liverpool fielded a side of youngsters and squad players, with Yossi Benayoun's first-half strike enough for a comfortable victory.

Agger will continue to work his way back to full match fitness at Liverpool's Swiss training camp during the next fortnight with games against Lucerne, Wisla Krakow and Hertha Berlin in seven days.

He said: "This has been the most frustrating time of my career, I have just had to look forward, concentrate and work hard to get myself back.

"I have missed so much football over the past year that I feel I am almost starting my career at Liverpool all over again."

The Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has highlighted Agger's absence last season as one of the key reasons their title challenge fell away. It meant Hyypia – who had expected a back-up role – played 44 games last term and earnt himself another one-year contract to allow him to complete 10 years at the club.

Agger and Martin Skrtel can be expected to challenge Carragher and Hyypia strongly next season, with the Dane explaining: "The competition here now in central defence is really tough so I must be at my best form and fitness."

BENAYOUN WINS OPENING PRE SEASON FIXTURE

2008-07-12T19:12:00.001+02:00

Liverpool have kicked-off their pre-season programme with a well deserved 1-0 success over Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park.

Rafael Benitez's men were full value for their victory in a largely one-sided contest which was decided by a moment of Yossi Benayoun brilliance just before half-time.

Liverpool will doubtless face tougher tests as their warm-up programme moves into Switzerland over the next week, but Benitez could have asked for little more from his team's first outing of the campaign in front of a sell-out crowd on the Wirral.

To add to Rafa's delight, Daniel Agger made a successful return to first team duty after an injury plagued year while Daniel Pacheco offered a tantalising glimpse into the future with a fine display on his debut appearance.

Liverpool dominated the early exchanges against a Tranmere side who seemed intent to sit back and soak up the pressure.

Spanish youngster Daniel Pacheco ? making his first ever start for the Reds ? was bright and lively in the opening stages and came close to breaking the deadlock with a curling shot towards the far post which missed Danny Coyne's goal by inches.

Pacheco went even closer shortly after the half hour mark when he latched onto a brilliant forward pass from Daniel Agger and after taking one touch to control the ball, he fired in a shot which Coyne did well to turn away to safety.

The Tranmere number one was comfortably the busier of the two goalkeepers on show, although there would have been little he could have done about a fierce Jermaine Pennant shot had it been a couple of inches lower and not bounced to safety off the top of the bar.

The goal Liverpool richly deserved finally arrived just two minutes before the end of the opening period ? and it was well worth waiting for.

Israeli Yossi Benayoun found himself in space down the left and after cutting inside onto his favoured right foot, he superbly floated a shot over the outstretched arms of Coyne and into the back of the net.

Benitez made seven changes at the break, handing debuts to new signings Diego Cavalieri and Philipp Degen.

Liverpool continued to control the flow of the play with Coyne forced into a smart stop to deny Plessis while Agger sent a long range drive flying over the goal behind which the travelling Kopites were housed.

Skipper Steven Gerrard received a standing ovation from all sides of the ground when he was introduced to the action with twenty minutes left to play, but by this time Rovers were working their way back into the game and went close to levelling the scores when Chris Curran headed wide from close range.

That was as good as it got for the home side though, who were always second best against a Liverpool squad who will jet off to their training base at Interlaken tomorrow buoyed by their first victory of the season.

STARTING LINE UP FOR FIRST FRIENDLY OF THE SEASON

2008-07-12T16:05:00.000+02:00

13 Martin
2 Darby
6 Hobbs
5 Agger
23 Carragher
16 Pennant
7 Plessis
21 Lucas
22 Insua
15 Benayoun
11 Pacheco

Subs:

1 Cavalieri
4 Hyypia
3 Skrtel
19 Degen
20 Kelly
12 Aurelio
8 Gerrard
14 Spearing
10 Voronin
9 Flynn

REDS CONFIRM SIGNING OF NEW KEEPER

2008-07-11T16:14:00.001+02:00

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of 'keeper Diego Cavalieri from Brazilian outfit Palmeiras. The 25-year-old comes in to challenge Pepe Reina.

BENITEZ PROMISES STRIKER SIGNING

2008-07-10T21:21:00.000+02:00

On a busy day at Melwood training ground Rafa Benitez revealed Liverpool have signed a goalkeeper, and he promised ‘at least one striker’ would follow.

Benitez has been extremely busy in the transfer market, wheeling and dealing to bring in Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena, while contact has been confirmed for Gareth Barry and Robbie Keane.

Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri will arrive for £3 million, Benitez confirmed on Thursday, before all attentions are turned to the top end of the pitch.

Having admitted that Keane is a target but David Villa is not, the Liverpool boss guaranteed Reds fans that a new striker will arrive at Anfield before the start of the new season.

"Everyone knows what our ideas are and what players we want. We are working hard with different names now, and at the moment that is not (David) Villa,” Benitez confirmed.

"We will have another main striker before the season starts, maybe two.

"The fans must trust us, we are working hard during the summer with a lot of people in different countries working for us.

"We have a new keeper. And we are looking for a lot of players for the right price.”

ALONSO - LATEST

2008-07-10T21:20:00.000+02:00

Rafa Benitez has hinted that he still intends for Xabi Alonso to leave Liverpool this summer, telling the gathered media ‘he knows my ideas and he knows why’.

Alonso has been the £14 million target of Juventus all season, in a deal that would facilitate Liverpool’s £17 million move for Gareth Barry.

The Reds want closer to £16 million for their Spanish midfielder, which has caused The Old Lady to stall on the transfer.

It now appears Alonso’s move may collapse, a situation that does not seem very satisfactory to Benitez.

"The situation with Alonso has not changed. Juventus made an offer that was not good enough and now we are just waiting,” he explained.

“I do not know, really, whether that will go through.

"Xabi wants to stay because he is happy here but he also knows that Juventus is a top side.

“I have talked to him, he knows my ideas and he knows why. So we will try to find a solution for him, for us, and the best for the club."

Benitez did reveal that all his signings will be made by using funds from the sales of others, and Alonso would certainly be the most lucrative departure for The Reds.

"We know the situation regarding what we can spend, and we are trying to find solutions if we do not have enough money.

"And we will still try to sign players that will make us better. But if you do not have too much money, and that is clear, we will have to have a little bit of imagination to progress in the market.”

BITTER SWEET RETURN TO TRAINING FOR BABEL

2008-07-10T21:19:00.000+02:00

Ryan Babel has returned to training after recovering from the ankle injury that forced him out of Euro 2008.

While that's good news, it could mean we face another problem because if fit, he will almost certainly be selected to represent Holland in the Beijing Olympics.

Confirming the situation, Rafa said: "Obviously, we are really pleased that Ryan is coming back to training because he is an important player for us and he has worked hard to recover from the injury he suffered with Holland.

"But we are really worried because after getting him fit it is likely that we could lose him again if he is selected for the Olympics. This is a big problem – we prepare him and then he goes away with the national team.

"This season is very important for him. In his first season he was settling in but this time he has more experience and we are looking for him to give something from the beginning, so it is really important for him to start working with his team.

"This is a strange pre-season because we have to wait for players to return from the Euros at the start and then at the end we are going to lose players to the Olympics."

RONALDO TO MISS LIVERPOOL MATCH...MAYBE...

2008-07-06T21:26:00.000+02:00

Meanwhile surgery on Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo will see him miss the Liverpool clash in September, if of course he's still a Utd player come then.

DAVID MARTIN TO GO OUT ON LOAN

2008-07-06T21:25:00.000+02:00

Liverpool are hoping to loan out rookie 'keeper David Martin to a Championship club next season in the hope of him gaining valuable first team experience.

ANOTHER CENTRE BACK? DOUBT IT!

2008-07-06T21:24:00.000+02:00

A very brief newspaper snippet today claims that Liverpool are sniffing around VfB Stuttgart centre-back Fernando Meira (30).

According to player manager Roger Wittman, Liverpool and Juventus have declared an interest in the player who is available.

Wittman said: "Once the player is put on the transfer list, everything will go very fast. There's always interest for a player of his qualities."

ARBELOA TO SEVILLE???

2008-07-06T21:23:00.000+02:00

According to a brief snippet today, Sevilla have made an enquiry regarding the availability of Reds defender Alvaro Arbeloa.

TORRES:GERRARD IS MY ROLE MODEL

2008-07-06T14:58:00.000+02:00

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres believes pressure from Rafael Benitez and
inspiration from Steven Gerrard have helped him to become a global superstar and
European champion.

The 24-year-old topped off a season during which he scored 33 goals in his debut campaign for the Reds by firing Spain to the Euro 2008 title last weekend.

And he claims manager Benitez's demand for constant improvement has driven him
to ever greater heights following last summer's transfer from Atletico Madrid.

"After you score 20, Benitez is at you during the next training session and stays on top of you all day, all week," Torres told Champions magazine.

"I want to progress in life, not relax, not be complacent, and you need someone close to you telling you to keep at it. It is impossible to do it otherwise.

"We don't always fancy someone that close but, in the long term, I am sure that everybody will thank him for it."

The Spaniard has also been impressed by his club captain Gerrard, and in particular by the Scouser's ability to deal with the pressures that come with his high profile.

"He's always under tremendous pressure to perform and everyone looks to him to
show leadership, to lift the team," Torres said.

"He's a great example, and those of us who have been in a similar situation know how difficult it is to handle.

"It's incredible the way he carries himself regardless of what is going on around him. I'd love to be captain of another team one day and Steve has shown me how to be a great leader."

KEANE TRANSFER HEATS UP

2008-07-06T14:56:00.000+02:00

Reported Liverpool target Robbie Keane will not be allowed to leave Tottenham this summer, according to assistant boss Gus Poyet.

The Republic of Ireland international striker is thought to be a big summer target of Reds boss Rafa Benitez who is aiming to pair up Keane with prolific Spanish hitman Fernando Torres at Anfield.

However Poyet has moved quickly to dismiss the possibility of Keane leaving White Hart Lane given the doubt surrounding Dimitar Berbatov.

He told the Sunday Star: "We can't afford to let Robbie go.

"We have lost Jermain Defoe and, hopefully Dimitar Berbatov will stay.

"If we lost Robbie it would be too much.

"We have to keep our best players if we want to achieve something."

PETER CROUCH DAYS ARE NUMBERED

2008-07-05T00:01:00.000+02:00

Liverpool striker Peter Crouch looks set to sign for Portsmouth after the Reds accepted a £10million transfer bid.

Rafa Benitez was hoping to receive much more than the £10million offered but with no serious bidders coming in, he's had to take the money to help finance other deals.

Providing there's no last minute problems, Crouch should sign for Pompey next week.

AJAX FAIL TO TEMPT YOSSI

2008-07-05T00:00:00.000+02:00

Ajax have given up trying to sign Reds star Yossi Benayoun after the player rejected an opportunity to open negotiations with them.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is willing to let Yossi leave and permission was granted by the board for the player's agent to speak to Ajax.

However Yossi doesn't appear to be up for a move and has insisted that he doesn't want to leave Anfield.

NEW GOALKEEPER ON THE WAY?

2008-07-04T23:59:00.000+02:00

The agent that represents Palmeiras goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri claims his client is close to securing a move to Anfield.

Cavalieri's representative Juninho Parmigiani says he's due to hold talks with the Reds over the weekend to try and finalise a deal for the 26-year-old Brazilian.

He said: "The Palmeiras' board released Diego to negotiate with Liverpool and we are going to fly in to finalise the last details.

"We still cannot say that everything is closed because there are some things between Liverpool and Palmeiras and other details in the contract.

"I believe everything is going to be resolved this weekend.

"If everything goes as it was agreed, he is going to sign the contract."

PHILIP DEGEN INTERVIEW

2008-07-04T20:29:00.000+02:00

How does it feel to be an LFC player?

I feel very good. It's a great club with great fans and I am happy to be here. I know the club has a strong tradition and a rich history. I hope to play a big role in the future.

How much are you looking forward to the challenge of playing in England?

Well, you probably know that I played in Germany with Borussia Dortmund - that was a strong league too. But now I'm looking forward to the challenge of England and the Premier League, which is probably the strongest league in the world right now.

You've been to Anfield before, haven't you?

I have been to Anfield before, with Basel; although I did not play on that occasion. But it was a great experience and to see the fans singing the famous song 'You'll Never Walk Alone' was something special.

What are your main attributes as a player?

I am a pacey player who likes to get forward. I have a good attacking mentality and like to get up and down the flank. I also have good technique.

How important was Rafa in you joining the club?

He was very important. He is the manager here and one of the finest coaches in the world. He has a fantastic record with both LFC and Valencia. I'm looking forward to working with him.

You will face stiff competition from Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa in the right-back berth...

Yes, I know. They are very good players and it will be difficult but I am ready for the challenge and look forward to breaking into the first team soon.

Can we challenge for the league?

I am sure we can challenge. We have a very strong team with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. But there are some strong opponents in Man Utd and Chelsea, so we will have to be very consistent. It's a long season and anything can happen but we will go into the first game of the campaign hoping to push them all the way.

Finally, a message for the fans?

I will do all I can for the side and for the fans. I want the club to succeed and I will always do my best to ensure Liverpool are winning matches.

ANDREAS DOSSENA SIGNS FOR LFC

2008-07-04T19:55:00.000+02:00

The Italian full-back becomes Rafael Benitez's second acquisition of the summer following the arrival of Swiss international Philipp Degen.

Dossena, who has been capped once at senior level by Italy, is seen as the ideal replacement for John Arne Riise, who departed for Roma earlier this month.

The 26-year-old began his career aged 14 with Hellas Verona in northern Italy, coming through the ranks before spending four seasons in the senior squad.

His big break came when he signed for Udinese in 2005, though he was immediately loaned to Treviso FBC 1993 for a year.

The defender returned to the Stadio Friuli ahead of the 2006-07 campaign, where his form eventually saw him make his international bow in a friendly against South Africa in October 2007.

By the end of the season his move to Merseyside had been confirmed, with Dossena saying: "Liverpool are a great team, and it is great to be linked to such a famous club. I want to play Champions League football, the Reds have already won it and they often get to the big games. In England, they are on the same level as Manchester United."

LATEST ON GARETH BARRY

2008-07-04T11:54:00.000+02:00

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill says Gareth Barry can leave for Liverpool but only once the asking price has been met.

Liverpool have offered an initial fee in the region of £15million which could rise by a further £2m/£3m depending on appearances and club success.

O'Neill said: "Gareth made his position very clear and then it's straight forward. We have put a valuation on him and Liverpool value him differently just now.

"That is what the stalemate is, nothing else. When he says he wants to leave there is not much you can do about it.

"Gareth wants to go. That has been the case since June and if Liverpool meet our valuation he will go."

ROBBIE KEANE LATEST

2008-07-04T11:52:00.000+02:00

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has suggested that the time could be right for Robbie Keane to sign for Liverpool.

The Spurs star is at the peak of his career and boss Rafa Benitez would like to take advantage of that and bring him to Anfield to bolster his squad for the coming season.

Trapattoni said: "For me he is an important player.

"I think Robbie at the moment has matured and, like players in that position, in the forwards, 26 to 28, it is important for him and important for us, I hope it is for him.

"For him it's a big challenge. I don't know what's happening with Liverpool at the moment [but] I would be very happy for him."

MEANWHILE, the daily mirror in the UK reports the following:

Liverpool's bid to sign Robbie Keane will have no chance of succeeding until Dimitar Berbatov's future at Tottenham is resolved.

Although Liverpool are confident he wants to move to Anfield, Spurs are determined to keep the Irish striker.

EXCULSIVE: PARRY TO RETURN TO SPAIN

2008-07-03T22:33:00.001+02:00

Insider sources are reporting that Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry will return to Spain before the weekend.

Over the last few months Parry has made a series of trips to Spain flying into both Barcelona and Valencia airports.

It is claimed that Parry has visited the city of Barcelona 3 times within the last 6 weeks and it looks like he's about to clock up his 4th visit to the fine city.

MONSTER CONFIRMED IN ARGENTINE OLYMPIC SQUAD...#$%^!

2008-07-03T11:48:00.000+02:00

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi, Liverpool's Javier Mascherano and Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero have been included in Argentina's squad for the Beijing Olympics football tournament.

Former Barcelona and Villarreal midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme, now with Boca Juniors, was also included by the champions as an over-age player.

Messi has already said that he is torn between playing for Argentina and Barcelona in August.

Coach Sergio Batista's 18-man squad named also included Inter Milan defender Nicolas Burdisso and Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago.

Argentina face Serbia, Australia and Ivory Coast in their first-round group.

The Olympic football tournament is limited to under-23 teams, with three over-age players allowed per side.

Goalkeepers: Oscar Ustari (Getafe), Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar).

Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta (Espanyol), Luciano Monzon (Boca Juniors), Ezequiel Garay (Real Madrid), Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Federico Fazio (Sevilla), Lautaro Acosta (Sevilla).

Midfielders: Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Juan Roman Riquelme (Boca Juniors), Ever Banega (Valencia), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Jose Sosa (Bayern Munich).

Forwards: Diego Buonanotte (River Plate), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli), Angel Di Maria (Benfica).......No Tevez ?

GARETH BARRY FINED BY ASTON VILLA

2008-07-02T20:43:00.000+02:00

Aston Villa have fined Reds target Gareth Barry for giving an 'unauthorised' newspaper interview at the weekend in which he said he wanted to sign for Liverpool.

Villa have also told the player not to report back for pre-season training.

Boss Martin O'Neill said: "Gareth will not be returning to training tomorrow and he has been disciplined after giving an unauthorised interview to the News of the World."

Meanwhile 19-year-old Emiliano Insua has signed a new three-year contract with the Reds.

ROBBIE KEANE LATEST

2008-07-02T15:28:00.000+02:00

Reports this evening claim that Robbie Keane has not handed in a transfer request.

From what we're reading Spurs are trying to discredit the claims but everything seems really tightly worded.

For example he may not have "handed in" a transfer request but he may have verbally requested to leave. It's that kind of stuff we're seeing and if Spurs are denying it, why is there no official statement on their website?

We're not convinced. We think there's a play on the words we're seeing and we believe that the player has made it clear he'd be up for a move to Anfield. We just don't know how he's done that.

Hope this makes sense.

Inside Liverpool FC

NO NEW STADIUM...

PARRY IN BARCELONA....

TRANSFER'S EXPECTED SOON

STEVE GERRARD GERRARD

LIVERPOOL WIN

RAFA CONSIDERS HIS FUTURE WITH LFC...(AMERICANS OUT!)

WE WERE LUCKY SAYS RAFA

GARETH BARRY...*yawn*

LIVERPOOL DRAW 0 -0

SIGN THE PETITION TO GET TOM HICKS AND GEORGE GILLETE OUT!

CONCERNING CLAIMS FROM ANFIELD

LIVERPOOL WIN 1-0

LIVERPOOL WIN 1-0

LIVERPOOL WIN 1-

DIC BACK IN THE HUNT....PLEASE BUY THE CLUB!

NO MONEY LEFT...........

BARRY - LATEST

GERRARD INJURY UPDATE

LIVERPOOL WIN 4-1

THE ARSE WANT ALONSO

DAVID SILVA POSSIBLY ON HIS WAY

WE'VE GOT BARRY...FINALLY

KEANE MAKES DEBUT IN VILLAREAL STALEMATE

BERGER HITS OUT AT O'NEIL

BALAGUE OPINION ON KEANE SIGNING

KEANE AND TORRES FORMING CLOSE RELATIONSHIP ALREADY

INTEREST IN BENAYOUN

FA CRITICISE LIVERPOOL ON SIGNING FOREIGN YOUNGSTERS

LIVERPOOL SWOOP FOR YOUNG STRIKER

BENITEZ CONFIDENT OF SIGNING KEANE

LIVERPOOL DRAW 1-1

GERRARD INJURED

ALONSO TO INTER?

LIVERPOOL REPORTED TO FA REGARDING BERBATOV

REINA GONE MAD - LEGEND! YOU'S THINK HE PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE FOR SPAIN

BARRY INJURED...........

VORONIN INSPIRES WIN

MIDFIELDER DESPERATE FOR MOVE

ALONSO ATTRACTING MORE INTEREST

TAKEN FROM THE MIRROR... HOPE ITS NOT TRUE...

TORRES ON HIS WAY TO BE ANFIELD LEGEND

PENNANT TO BLACKBURN?

NEMETH KNOCKING THEM IN AT WILL

SCOTT CARSON SOLD

GUTHRIE GONE

CAVALIERI'S GOOSE...

SIGNING IMMINENT

AGUERRO????

DAGGER JUST GLAD TO BE BACK

BENAYOUN WINS OPENING PRE SEASON FIXTURE

STARTING LINE UP FOR FIRST FRIENDLY OF THE SEASON

REDS CONFIRM SIGNING OF NEW KEEPER

BENITEZ PROMISES STRIKER SIGNING

ALONSO - LATEST

BITTER SWEET RETURN TO TRAINING FOR BABEL

RONALDO TO MISS LIVERPOOL MATCH...MAYBE...

DAVID MARTIN TO GO OUT ON LOAN

ANOTHER CENTRE BACK? DOUBT IT!

ARBELOA TO SEVILLE???

TORRES:GERRARD IS MY ROLE MODEL

KEANE TRANSFER HEATS UP

PETER CROUCH DAYS ARE NUMBERED

AJAX FAIL TO TEMPT YOSSI

NEW GOALKEEPER ON THE WAY?

PHILIP DEGEN INTERVIEW

ANDREAS DOSSENA SIGNS FOR LFC

LATEST ON GARETH BARRY

ROBBIE KEANE LATEST

EXCULSIVE: PARRY TO RETURN TO SPAIN

MONSTER CONFIRMED IN ARGENTINE OLYMPIC SQUAD...#$%^!

GARETH BARRY FINED BY ASTON VILLA

ROBBIE KEANE LATEST

GARETH BARRY...yawn