Juventus come for Alonso again but for a Swap

Juventus are keen to open swap talks with Liverpool over midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Last Year Juventus failed to meet Rafa Benitez valuation and could not complete the switch of Alonso.But they have revived their interest in the midfielder.

Juve came close to landing Xabi from Liverpool last summer and Gazzetta dello Sport says they're ready to try again after seeing a deal for Udinese midfielder Gaetano D'Agostino collapse this week.

The Bianconeri cannot match Liverpool's massive £35 million asking price for Xabi, but hope to convince manager Rafa Benitez by including players in their bid.

The prime pair to be offered to Benitez will be Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen and star French striker David Trezeguet.

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Young Dutchman on Rafa's List

Press reports suggest PSV’s attacking midfielder Ibrahim Afellay is a target for Rafa Benitez.

This would surely be a great addition to the Liverpool squad.Can he be the right Replacement for Xabi Alonso.It just seems that Rafa is just keeping his options open if Alonso decides to move on.

The talented 23-year-old has also been linked to a number of Premier League clubs in the past with Arsenal thought to be very keen although the arrival of Andrey Arshavin seems to have ended that interest. There are a number of English clubs looking to add more width to their teams and Afellay could prove to be an excellent signing for those clubs.

Despite his superb winning record, a poor season for PSV seems destined to result in the sale of at least one of their star players as the club languished in 4th place, a staggering 15 points behind newly crowned champions AZ. PSV may have struggled but Afellay certainly didn’t. Last season he enjoyed his most productive season yet with an impressive 13 goals in 28 league appearances (27 starts).

Despite his age, Afellay has now made 111 League appearances for the club and scored 25 goals. Only 7 players have scored more league goals than the youngster this season which has prompted the attention of a number of Italian clubs.

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Alonso open to Real Move

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso insists he would have 'no regrets' about staying at Anfield, but has refused to rule out a big-money move to Real Madrid.

The Spain international, who scored the winning goal for his country in Sunday's Confederations Cup third-placed play-off win over hosts South Africa, has been strongly linked with a £25million switch to the Bernabeu over the past 12 months.

Alonso looked set to be sold last summer in order to make room for Gareth Barry, then of Aston Villa, before the deal collapsed and the 27-year-old is understood to have been offended by manager Rafa Benitez's apparent desire to cash in.

Benitez maintains that he does not want to part company with the influential former Real Sociedad player, but Real are understood to remain keen to team Alonso with the likes of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo as they form a new era of 'galacticos'.

And Alonso is refusing to dismiss any outcome on his future, telling Don Balon: "In respect to all this I have not closed any door and we will just have to wait and see what happens.

"It is always positive when various teams are said to want you because that is better than nobody being interested, but I cannot say much more.

"I know that I have to keep playing well and will be able to decide what happens next whenever it arises.

"I do not think a move to Real Madrid is impossible, but I would also have no regrets at all staying at Liverpool."

Reports on Merseyside claim that Benitez is to hold clear-the-air talks with Alonso this week as the pair attempt to settle their rumoured bust-up.

The 61-time Spain cap insists he has no problem working with his current boss, who brought him to England in 2004, but has not expanded upon their association.

"My relationship with Benitez is professional, just like he has with any other player. I believe that is how things will stay too," Alonso continued.

"I am happy in England and have adapted, but I do miss certain things from Spain. I cannot rule out a move or even staying in the Premier League.

"I am happy there (England) and although I was a bit home sick at the start, I am still there.

"This situation is normal for me because I know what is actually happening, away from what is being reported. For that reason I am perfectly calm."

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Torres gives some Player Advice to Benitez

'El Nino' reckons the Reds would do well to raid the Mestalla this summer...

Fernando Torres has urged the powers that be at Liverpool to draft in creative, attacking talent - or, to be more specific, the likes of his fellow Spain stars David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata.

The Valencia trio are among the Primera Division's most exciting players, and Torres believes the Reds need to buy someone of that ilk if they wish to catch Manchester United next season.

According to the News of the World, he said, "We have some very good players but maybe we need other players. I hope Liverpool will bring people like Silva, Mata or Villa.

"These are small players with quality like United had with Carlos Tevez and also with Paul Scholes. They are clever players and maybe they can make the difference."

However, Liverpool's relatively tight budget means that unless a Xabi Alonso or Javier Mascherano is sacrificed, Los Che's star attackers are almost certainly out of reach.

But Torres has said in the past that he doesn't believe big spending is necessary to keep the Kop club competitive, and he pointed to one of Rafa Benitez's bargain buys as proof.

"Yossi Benayoun plays like these kind of players and I hope we can bring more like that so then we have different options to play against all the sides," he said.

For while the Anfield giants were impressive against their direct rivals last term, they struggled regularly to break down weaker opposition - particularly, and alarmingly, at home.

Thus, Torres is eager to see a jinking genius or two arrive on Merseyside this off-season, as he reckons this type of player will be crucial in getting the better of the lesser sides in the Premier League.

"It was frustrating but football is difficult against the smaller teams. We need players with quality to try to win these matches and I want Liveprool to sign players like this," the striker said.

"We finished four points behind United but we are improving. We are getting more points every season. I know that every year we can finish with more points.

"I have recommended the names to Benitez and I hope we have the money."

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Arbeloa offered contract Extention

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists the signing of Glen Johnson does not necessarily mean Alvaro Arbeloa's days at Anfield are numbered.

England right-back Johnson, 24, completed his move from Portsmouth for a fee believed to be £17m although much of that will be offset by money still owed from Peter Crouch's transfer to Fratton Park last summer.

Johnson's arrival increases the likelihood of Arbeloa leaving this summer, with Real Madrid ready to make a move.

But Benitez has not ruled out the possibility of the 26-year-old staying.

''Arbeloa was a good player for us last year. He has one year left on his contract and we have offered him an extension and we're talking,'' Benitez told the club's website. ''He is our player but if there is a good offer we have to consider it.

''We have two or three clubs asking about him. He would like to stay but he knows the competition will be hard.''

Benitez has already accepted he paid over the odds for Johnson, but stressed there were many factors which made the deal the right one for the club.

After after a summer which has already seen the £59m transfer of Kaka - and the expected £80m move of Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid the Liverpool boss is happy with the outlay on his first signing of the summer.

''We knew the market was going to be difficult this summer and some of it has been crazy,'' said Benitez.

''Manchester City and Chelsea were there - they were making offers. We had to be quick and the club acted quickly.

''It was down to the player whether he chose us or City or Chelsea and he chose us. It was very clear from talking to him that he wanted to play for Liverpool.''

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Liverpool Ready to Bid for Torres Spain Strike Partner

Liverpool are ready to make a big bid for the superstar.

According to Spanish radio Liverpool have managed to find the funds to make a massive bid for David Villa of Valencia.

It has seemed to be a certainty that Villa would stay in Spain but the reporter on Valencia radio stated that David Villa’s head may have been turned by Fernando Torres and that while he still wants to stay in Spain the one club he would join outside Spain is Liverpool.

Liverpool’s finances have improved it appears and they are ready to test Valencia and David Villa with a very big offer, they are very serious by all accounts and feel confident that they stand a good chance of getting him.
In Marca today the battle lines are being drawn by Barcelona and Real Madrid and with Liverpool now entering the battle it is now purely down to the player and with Torres in Villa’s ear it may not be so far fetched that David Villa indeed becomes a Liverpool player.

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Benitez Defends Big Money Move for Johnson

Liverpool's decision to splash out around £17.5m on Portsmouth wing-back Glen Johnson has raised a few eyebrows, and now Rafael Benitez has defended spending over the odds in order to "compete in the top four".

The 24-year-old England international agreed terms with the Anfield club on Monday, meaning only formalities remain before he completes a move.

The financial hit will be softened by the fact Portsmouth still owe the Reds around £7m from the deal which took Peter Crouch to Fratton Park 12 months ago and it is believed the two clubs have agreed to merge this into the deal leaving a £10m fee.

Even so, Liverpool will be paying a huge fee for a player who cost Pompey just £4m two summers ago.

"Sometimes you have to spend a little bit more,'' said Benitez. "You can't compete in the top four of the Premier League unless you spend some money.

"We were looking for a player of quality and also somebody who is British because of the new Champions League rules. Glen Johnson fits both categories.''

Johnson's stock has risen considerably over the last 12 months, from a player getting into scrapes off the pitch, to a firm regular in Fabio Capello's England plans.

As Liverpool have endured problems in the full-back areas throughout Benitez's tenure, this time the manager will hope he has a right-back for the long-term.

Benitez is also confident he will make other signings while securing the long-term futures of his best players.

"We have a plan. We can sign one more player if necessary, but that's without any players leaving,'' he told the Liverpool Echo. "Alvaro Arbeloa has had a very good season but he has one year left on his contract.

"If he signs that will be good because we will have more competition, but if we get a good offer we will have to consider it.''

Benitez is also hoping to offload Sebastien Leto, Andriy Voronin and Andrea Dossena.

Leto is expected to sign for Panathinaikos shortly.

"I think that the possibilities to play at Panathinaikos next season right now are more than 90%,'' said the Argentinian winger. "I have been waiting for something from Olympiakos all these weeks but they didn't make a move to buy me so far.''

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Liverpool Owners trying to find a new Sponsorship deal on Par with United

Liverpool to dump Carlsberg in effort to catch Manchester United

Liverpool FC, the English soccer club, are reportedly ready to bring their long-term shirt sponsorship deal with Carlsberg to an end in an effort to secure a deal comparable to the UK£80 million (US$130 million) partnership Manchester United have signed with Aon

According to The Times newspaper, ‘while talks are continuing and both parties would like their long association to continue, Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr, the co-owners, believe that the club have been undersold commercially for too long and want a deal that reflects their position as one of the most recognisable brands in world football.‘

‘The present deal with Carlsberg, which was signed in February 2007 in the wake of the Americans’ takeover at Anfield, is worth £7.2 million a year and expires next summer,‘ continues the Times. ‘Carslberg has until the end of July to negotiate a new contract exclusively with Liverpool but thereafter the club will be able to explore other options.‘

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Barcelona look at Mascherano Alternate

The Roman gladiator is the latest midfielder to be linked with a move to the Camp Nou…

Barcelona are stepping up their desperate chase to sign another world class central midfielder.

The Blaugrana have long been tied to Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano but with the Reds declaring that the Argentine is not for sale, and with Real Madrid threatening to enter the race, the Catalans are now prepared to turn their attention to Roma favourite Daniele De Rossi.

According to El Mundo Deportivo, Barca technical director Txiki Begiristain has added the 25-year-old to his shopping list once again this summer. The midfielder has already been tracked by Barca over the past few seasons and they almost landed him two years ago in what was Frank Rijkaard’s final campaign. Instead, it was Toure Yaya who ended up at the Camp Nou.

Current Barcelona trainer Pep Guardiola also requested the services of De Rossi last summer and he has once again expressed his interest this year. But like arch rivals Real Madrid, who are also reportedly keeping tabs on De Rossi, the Catalans are aware that the player has pledged his future to the Giallorossi and he will not leave the Eternal City regardless of who comes calling.

The Spanish paper believes that Barca’s only hope is to convince Roma, who are in the midst of economic uncertainty, to part with their star midfielder in exchange for a healthy amount of cash.

So far this summer, Barcelona have always been the first club to be linked with countless megastars, including Franck Ribery, David Villa, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mascherano, but they appear to always drop out of the race for their signatures.

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Liverpool Sign Johnson

Liverpool are set to complete the signing of Glen Johnson after the Reds confirmed that they had reached an agreement with Portsmouth and the player for the transfer of the full back.


Rafael Benitez has been tracking the England ace for several months and appears to have beaten off competition from Chelsea, who also had a bid accepted by Pompey, to land his man.

A club statement read: "Liverpool FC confirmed this evening that they had reached an agreement with Portsmouth Football Club and with Glen Johnson for the transfer of the player to Anfield."

Johnson is expected to cost in the region of £18m and the 24-year-old's arrival will cast doubt on the future of Alvaro Arbeloa.

Meanwhile Liverpool have snapped up highly rated 16-year-old Aaron King from Rushden & Diamonds.

The young striker has agreed a two-year scholarship deal at Anfield after impressing during a trial.

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Liverpool co-owner agrees to sell the Montreal Canadiens

Liverpool owner George Gillett has agreed to sell the NHL's Montreal Canadiens to the Molson family in a deal that could help lift the financial cloud over the Premier League club.

The deal to sell the NHL's most successful ever team is worth a reported $550m (£330m).

Gillett put the Canadiens up for sale earlier this year as he scrambles to find funds to meet obligations on debt incurred as part of his takeover of Liverpool in partnership with Tom Hicks.

The sale includes Gillett's 80% stake in the team, the Bell Centre arena, and the Gillett Entertainment Group. Brewing moguls the Molsons, who sold the controlling interest in the team to Gillett for around $275m (£165 ) in 2001, already own the remaining 20% share.

''This is a very exciting time for our family and we are grateful to the many people and organisations who came forward to offer their collaboration in the development of our proposal,'' Geoff Molson said in a statement.

The sale must first be approved by the NHL's Board of Governors, and will likely not be completed for several more weeks.

The NHL's approval of the sale would, however, seemingly be only a matter of course.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman responded positively to the news of the deal, saying: ''I think to the extent that they've been able to find people who are obviously passionate about the game and structure a transaction that makes sense for everybody, that's a real plus for the franchise and the fans in Montreal.''

News of the deal comes a little over two weeks after Liverpool's accountants warned of ''significant doubt'' over the club's parent company's ability to continue as a going concern with debt repayments due on July 24.

The company formed by Gillett and Hicks suffered a loss of £42.6m ($70.5m) last year, largely on interest repayments. The pair took out a loan of £350m ($580m) when they bought the club in 2007.

While Hicks and Gillett have been seeking other investors for Liverpool, they have so far come back empty-handed, meaning funds from a sale of the Canadiens could be needed to help cover upcoming payments.

Hicks has also been seeking to sell off elements of his own sporting empire - which includes Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers and the NHL's Dallas Stars.

Hicks' situation is further complicated as the Hicks Sports Group in April defaulted on a £325m loan ($525m) relating to the Rangers and Stars.

The Canadiens, who are celebrating their centenary year, are the oldest continually run professional ice hockey team in North America. Their 24 Stanley Cup titles are the most in the NHL.

''Our family has been very proud to be associated with the Montreal Canadiens over the past eight years and particularly to be a part of their Centennial Season,'' Gillet said after confirming the deal.

''I am fully confident that the Molson brothers, who have been a great part of the heritage of the club, will ensure the preservation and development of this great sports institution.''

The Molson family first bought the team in 1978, although their involvement dates back to the 1950s.

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Fan Favourite Alonso Admits he's Happy at Liverpool

Xabi Alonso has admitted that he is happy at Liverpool, but added that no-one knows what could happen in the future.

The Spanish star has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, with Real Madrid believed to be chasing his signature.

However, in an interview with El Pais, Alonso explained that with Sami Hyypia already gone, he is one of the senior players at Liverpool.

"I am happy at Liverpool but in football you cannot close the doors on anything because you don't know what will happen. I do not plan to go. With Hyypia already gone, I am one of the senior players alongside [Jamie] Carragher and [Steven] Gerrard," he mused.

"[Four or five years ago] There was strong interest in me from Madrid, but Liverpool came and that is where I went. It was not a wrong decision, not for me anyway. I have played at Liverpool, a special club, grown as a player and won titles."

With regards to his relationship with manager Rafael Benitez, Alonso denied claims that he has a problem with the Liverpool boss.

"Each one has his own point of view. He is the manager and I try to do the best with what he tells me. We have a good professional relationship. We speak normally, saying what he wants from me and what I can give. He makes the decisions and we try to execute them," he mused.

Despite his remarks about his Liverpool future, however, Alonso did acknowledge that, at times, he has questioned his path.

"Last summer there was certain indecision and I did not know what was going to happen. I finished up playing well, though. I have had two quite complete seasons," he concluded.

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Liverpool Keeping Close Eye on Sniejder Situation

Liverpool are among Premiership clubs watching Wesley Sneijder's situation at Real Madrid.

Sneijder is expected to be pushed out of Real this summer following the arrivals of AC Milan star Kaka and Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

It's emerged that Ronaldo has been offered No9 and Sneijder's No10 shirt in a sure sign the Dutchman has no future at the Bernabeu.

Tottenham and Liverpool are heading a queue of clubs keen to sign the ex-Ajax star.

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Chelsea Rival Liverpool for Johnson

Portsmouth executive chairman Peter Storrie has confirmed Chelsea have matched Liverpool's £17.5m bid for England defender Glen Johnson.

Pompey accepted a bid from Liverpool earlier this week and the 24-year-old looked set to seal a move to Anfield. However, Storrie has confirmed the Fratton Park club have also now agreed terms with Chelsea - Johnson's former club.

The in-demand full-back now has a decision to make, with both sides keen to tie up a deal this week.

"The matter will come to a conclusion at the beginning of next week. I do not have a preference over the move, it is up to Glen," Storrie said. "The deals are almost identical so it really is down to him and what club he prefers, which one is going to pay him more money.

"Glen wants to play regularly in the Champions League, he has got himself back in the England side so I understand that. Sometimes you have to be fair to players."

Storrie admits that Johnson needs to be playing Champions League football next season in order to secure his place in Fabio Capello's starting XI - with the World Cup finals now less than 12 months away.

"It's a big year for him with the World Cup coming up," he added. "Playing Champions League football will make him an even better player than he is today."

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Torres on Owen and Mascherano

Liverpool ace Fernando Torres insists Newcastle United striker Michael Owen can still compete in the Premiership.

Fernando Torres is hopeful that Javier Mascherano won't quit Liverpool for Barcelona.

He told the Daily Mail: "I know that he is a big part of the history of this football club and that the fans at Anfield loved him. I have no idea where he will be playing next season, but I am convinced that he still has a lot to offer.

"He has been unlucky with injuries in recent years and I know how frustrating that can be, but he has a natural instinct in front of goal and you don't lose that just because you have been injured."

He told the Daily Mail: "Javier loves it at Liverpool - that is all I can tell you. In the summer people like to make a lot of noises about world-class players - and Javier is a worldclass player.

"He has said himself that he is very happy at Anfield and there is no reason for him to want to leave."

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Liverpool 2009-10 3rd Kit

Liverpool's third kit for next season has been leaked out.

Well along with the Red Home Jersey and the 2nd Black Jersey.Even this seems to be a very decent one.

Well compared to all the 3 kits of the other teams, Liverpool's Jersey can be rated best!!!

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Reina totally focused on Liverpool , cools down Barca Rumours

Jose Reina claims his sole focus is winning the league at Liverpool, despite reports of a £17 million move to Barcelona.

Thursday morning reports have the Spanish shot-stopper linked with a return to Camp Nou, as contract negotiations with Victor Valdes continue to stall over financial demands.

Barca are prepared to offer €20 million for the Liverpool keeper, offering him the chance to stake a claim for the number one jersey at the World Cup in a head-to-head battle with Iker Casillas.

However Reina, who has been tipped as a future Liverpool captain by Steven Gerrard, insists his only focus is bringing The Premier League title back to Anfield.

"All we want here at Liverpool is to win the Premier League,” Reina told LFC Magazine.

“I would prefer to win every game 3-2 if it meant we won the title at the end of the season.

"I had a little challenge going with Petr Cech last season where we would see who could concede the least goals.

"We would send text messages to each other about the clean sheets as well. I told him I would swap all my clean sheets for his league titles.”

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Liverpool Online Store Confirms Johnson Signing and Gives you Customization Option

Liverpool appear to have let slip their successful pursuit of Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson by including his surname for shirt printing on their online store.

It has been widely reported that Rafa Benitez has secured a £17 million deal for the England international but neither club has yet commented on the rumours.

However, the fact that ‘Johnson TBC’ appears on a drop-down menu to choose shirt personalisation on Liverpool’s official online store suggests that a transfer is imminent, if not completed already.

Chelsea and Manchester United were also reported to have bid for the right back, who begun his career with West Ham before earning a move to Stamford Bridge in the early days of Roman Abramovich’s reign.

Having seemingly turned his back on a return to West London, Johnson should now become Liverpool’s first significant capture of what could be a busy summer at Anfield.

The news of Johnson’s imminent arrival is not the first time that replica shirts have made headlines.

Paul Ince famously angered West Ham fans when being pictured with a Manchester United shirt before his move to Old Trafford had been sealed and Robinho revealed in January that he moved to Manchester City after Real Madrid were angered by Chelsea’s decision to publish a photo of him on their official website.

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Arbeloa hints at Anfield exit

Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa has revealed he would be tempted by a move back to Spain with The Reds poised to sign Glen Johnson as a potential replacement.

Arbeloa, who is currently on international duty with Spain in the Confederations Cup, has been linked with a move back to former club Real Madrid in a reported £7 million deal.

The defender, who has one year remaining on his current contract, has established himself as Benitez’s first choice right back since signing for the club in 2007 from Deportivo La Coruna.

But the expected arrival of Johnson is likely to push him down the pecking order with Madrid reportedly keen to tempt him back to his homeland.

“I am happy at Liverpool, but I have something to prove in Spain as I did not show my best form in La Liga,” he told Elmundo. “One day, I’m sure I will return.

“It is always nice to be linked to big teams – even to this Madrid side in a time of transition. They are working hard to build a great team. I have one more year remaining on my Liverpool deal, but anything can happen.

“A contract renewal is in the air. I am contracted for one more year, but if Liverpool get an offer they will consider it. It is all in the hands of my agent.”

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Torres rubbishes Manchester United Rumours

Fernando Torres has ruled out a move to Manchester United Football Club.

The Premier League champions have been linked with a sensational £40million bid for the Spanish international, but the ex-Atletico Madrid ace insists his future is at Liverpool.

“I don’t know anything about Manchester United, just that it has been in the newspapers,” he said. “Listen, my team is Liverpool and this is very clear to me.”

The possibility of the Anfield club selling Torres to United was always absurd, and now this should end all speculation of what would have been the biggest shock in transfer history.

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Liverpool to start their New Campaign at White Hart Lane

Check out all the Premier League Fixtures for the Season 2009-10

Saturday, 15 August 2009
Aston Villa v Wigan
Blackburn v Man City
Bolton v Sunderland
Chelsea v Hull
Everton v Arsenal
Man Utd v Birmingham
Portsmouth v Fulham
Stoke v Burnley
Tottenham v Liverpool
Wolverhampton v West Ham

Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Arsenal v Bolton
Birmingham v Portsmouth
Burnley v Man Utd
Fulham v Blackburn
Hull v Tottenham
Sunderland v Chelsea
West Ham v Aston Villa
Wigan v Wolverhampton

Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Liverpool v Stoke
Man City v Everton

Saturday, 22 August 2009
Arsenal v Portsmouth
Birmingham v Stoke
Burnley v Everton
Fulham v Chelsea
Hull v Bolton
Liverpool v Aston Villa
Man City v Wolverhampton
Sunderland v Blackburn
West Ham v Tottenham
Wigan v Man Utd

Saturday, 29 August 2009
Aston Villa v Fulham
Blackburn v West Ham
Bolton v Liverpool
Chelsea v Burnley
Everton v Wigan
Man Utd v Arsenal
Portsmouth v Man City
Stoke v Sunderland
Tottenham v Birmingham
Wolverhampton v Hull

Saturday, 12 September 2009
Birmingham v Aston Villa
Blackburn v Wolverhampton
Fulham v Everton
Liverpool v Burnley
Man City v Arsenal
Portsmouth v Bolton
Stoke v Chelsea
Sunderland v Hull
Tottenham v Man Utd
Wigan v West Ham

Saturday, 19 September 2009
Arsenal v Wigan
Aston Villa v Portsmouth
Bolton v Stoke
Burnley v Sunderland
Chelsea v Tottenham
Everton v Blackburn
Hull v Birmingham
Man Utd v Man City
West Ham v Liverpool
Wolverhampton v Fulham

Saturday, 26 September 2009
Birmingham v Bolton
Blackburn v Aston Villa
Fulham v Arsenal
Liverpool v Hull
Man City v West Ham
Portsmouth v Everton
Stoke v Man Utd
Sunderland v Wolverhampton
Tottenham v Burnley
Wigan v Chelsea

Saturday, 3 October 2009
Arsenal v Blackburn
Aston Villa v Man City
Bolton v Tottenham
Burnley v Birmingham
Chelsea v Liverpool
Everton v Stoke
Hull v Wigan
Man Utd v Sunderland
West Ham v Fulham
Wolverhampton v Portsmouth

Saturday, 17 October 2009
Arsenal v Birmingham
Aston Villa v Chelsea
Blackburn v Burnley
Everton v Wolverhampton
Fulham v Hull
Man Utd v Bolton
Portsmouth v Tottenham
Stoke v West Ham
Sunderland v Liverpool
Wigan v Man City

Saturday, 24 October 2009
Birmingham v Sunderland
Bolton v Everton
Burnley v Wigan
Chelsea v Blackburn
Hull v Portsmouth
Liverpool v Man Utd
Man City v Fulham
Tottenham v Stoke
West Ham v Arsenal
Wolverhampton v Aston Villa

Saturday, 31 October 2009
Arsenal v Tottenham
Birmingham v Man City
Bolton v Chelsea
Burnley v Hull
Everton v Aston Villa
Fulham v Liverpool
Man Utd v Blackburn
Portsmouth v Wigan
Stoke v Wolverhampton
Sunderland v West Ham

Saturday, 7 November 2009
Aston Villa v Bolton
Blackburn v Portsmouth
Chelsea v Man Utd
Hull v Stoke
Liverpool v Birmingham
Man City v Burnley
Tottenham v Sunderland
West Ham v Everton
Wigan v Fulham
Wolverhampton v Arsenal

Saturday, 21 November 2009
Birmingham v Fulham
Bolton v Blackburn
Burnley v Aston Villa
Chelsea v Wolverhampton
Hull v West Ham
Liverpool v Man City
Man Utd v Everton
Stoke v Portsmouth
Sunderland v Arsenal
Tottenham v Wigan

Saturday, 28 November 2009
Arsenal v Chelsea
Aston Villa v Tottenham
Blackburn v Stoke
Everton v Liverpool
Fulham v Bolton
Man City v Hull
Portsmouth v Man Utd
West Ham v Burnley
Wigan v Sunderland
Wolverhampton v Birmingham

Saturday, 5 December 2009
Arsenal v Stoke
Aston Villa v Hull
Blackburn v Liverpool
Everton v Tottenham
Fulham v Sunderland
Man City v Chelsea
Portsmouth v Burnley
West Ham v Man Utd
Wigan v Birmingham
Wolverhampton v Bolton

Saturday, 12 December 2009
Birmingham v West Ham
Bolton v Man City
Burnley v Fulham
Chelsea v Everton
Hull v Blackburn
Liverpool v Arsenal
Man Utd v Aston Villa
Stoke v Wigan
Sunderland v Portsmouth
Tottenham v Wolverhampton

Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Birmingham v Blackburn
Bolton v West Ham
Burnley v Arsenal
Hull v Everton
Man Utd v Wolverhampton
Stoke v Fulham
Sunderland v Aston Villa
Tottenham v Man City

Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Chelsea v Portsmouth
Liverpool v Wigan

Saturday, 19 December 2009
Arsenal v Hull
Aston Villa v Stoke
Blackburn v Tottenham
Everton v Birmingham
Fulham v Man Utd
Man City v Sunderland
Portsmouth v Liverpool
West Ham v Chelsea
Wigan v Bolton
Wolverhampton v Burnley

Saturday, 26 December 2009
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Birmingham v Chelsea
Burnley v Bolton
Fulham v Tottenham
Hull v Man Utd
Liverpool v Wolverhampton
Man City v Stoke
Sunderland v Everton
West Ham v Portsmouth
Wigan v Blackburn

Monday, 28 December 2009
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Blackburn v Sunderland
Bolton v Hull
Chelsea v Fulham
Everton v Burnley
Man Utd v Wigan
Portsmouth v Arsenal
Stoke v Birmingham
Tottenham v West Ham
Wolverhampton v Man City

Saturday, 9 January 2010
Arsenal v Everton
Birmingham v Man Utd
Burnley v Stoke
Fulham v Portsmouth
Hull v Chelsea
Liverpool v Tottenham
Man City v Blackburn
Sunderland v Bolton
West Ham v Wolverhampton
Wigan v Aston Villa

Saturday, 16 January 2010
Aston Villa v West Ham
Blackburn v Fulham
Bolton v Arsenal
Chelsea v Sunderland
Everton v Man City
Man Utd v Burnley
Portsmouth v Birmingham
Stoke v Liverpool
Tottenham v Hull
Wolverhampton v Wigan

Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Bolton v Burnley
Man Utd v Hull
Portsmouth v West Ham
Stoke v Man City
Tottenham v Fulham
Wolverhampton v Liverpool

Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Aston Villa v Arsenal
Blackburn v Wigan
Chelsea v Birmingham
Everton v Sunderland

Saturday, 30 January 2010
Arsenal v Man Utd
Birmingham v Tottenham
Burnley v Chelsea
Fulham v Aston Villa
Hull v Wolverhampton
Liverpool v Bolton
Man City v Portsmouth
Sunderland v Stoke
West Ham v Blackburn
Wigan v Everton

Saturday, 6 February 2010
Birmingham v Wolverhampton
Bolton v Fulham
Burnley v West Ham
Chelsea v Arsenal
Hull v Man City
Liverpool v Everton
Man Utd v Portsmouth
Stoke v Blackburn
Sunderland v Wigan
Tottenham v Aston Villa

Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Arsenal v Liverpool
Fulham v Burnley
Portsmouth v Sunderland
West Ham v Birmingham
Wigan v Stoke
Wolverhampton v Tottenham

Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Aston Villa v Man Utd
Blackburn v Hull
Everton v Chelsea
Man City v Bolton

Saturday, 20 February 2010
Arsenal v Sunderland
Aston Villa v Burnley
Blackburn v Bolton
Everton v Man Utd
Fulham v Birmingham
Man City v Liverpool
Portsmouth v Stoke
West Ham v Hull
Wigan v Tottenham
Wolverhampton v Chelsea

Saturday, 27 February 2010
Birmingham v Wigan
Bolton v Wolverhampton
Burnley v Portsmouth
Chelsea v Man City
Hull v Aston Villa
Liverpool v Blackburn
Man Utd v West Ham
Stoke v Arsenal
Sunderland v Fulham
Tottenham v Everton

Saturday, 6 March 2010
Arsenal v Burnley
Aston Villa v Sunderland
Blackburn v Birmingham
Everton v Hull
Fulham v Stoke
Man City v Tottenham
Portsmouth v Chelsea
West Ham v Bolton
Wigan v Liverpool
Wolverhampton v Man Utd

Saturday, 13 March 2010
Birmingham v Everton
Bolton v Wigan
Burnley v Wolverhampton
Chelsea v West Ham
Hull v Arsenal
Liverpool v Portsmouth
Man Utd v Fulham
Stoke v Aston Villa
Sunderland v Man City
Tottenham v Blackburn

Saturday, 20 March 2010
Arsenal v West Ham
Aston Villa v Wolverhampton
Blackburn v Chelsea
Everton v Bolton
Fulham v Man City
Man Utd v Liverpool
Portsmouth v Hull
Stoke v Tottenham
Sunderland v Birmingham
Wigan v Burnley

Saturday, 27 March 2010
Birmingham v Arsenal
Bolton v Man Utd
Burnley v Blackburn
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Hull v Fulham
Liverpool v Sunderland
Man City v Wigan
Tottenham v Portsmouth
West Ham v Stoke
Wolverhampton v Everton

Saturday, 3 April 2010
Arsenal v Wolverhampton
Birmingham v Liverpool
Bolton v Aston Villa
Burnley v Man City
Everton v West Ham
Fulham v Wigan
Man Utd v Chelsea
Portsmouth v Blackburn
Stoke v Hull
Sunderland v Tottenham

Saturday, 10 April 2010
Aston Villa v Everton
Blackburn v Man Utd
Chelsea v Bolton
Hull v Burnley
Liverpool v Fulham
Man City v Birmingham
Tottenham v Arsenal
West Ham v Sunderland
Wigan v Portsmouth
Wolverhampton v Stoke

Saturday, 17 April 2010
Birmingham v Hull
Blackburn v Everton
Fulham v Wolverhampton
Liverpool v West Ham
Man City v Man Utd
Portsmouth v Aston Villa
Stoke v Bolton
Sunderland v Burnley
Tottenham v Chelsea
Wigan v Arsenal

Saturday, 24 April 2010
Arsenal v Man City
Aston Villa v Birmingham
Bolton v Portsmouth
Burnley v Liverpool
Chelsea v Stoke
Everton v Fulham
Hull v Sunderland
Man Utd v Tottenham
West Ham v Wigan
Wolverhampton v Blackburn

Saturday, 1 May 2010
Birmingham v Burnley
Blackburn v Arsenal
Fulham v West Ham
Liverpool v Chelsea
Man City v Aston Villa
Portsmouth v Wolverhampton
Stoke v Everton
Sunderland v Man Utd
Tottenham v Bolton
Wigan v Hull

Sunday, 9 May 2010
Arsenal v Fulham
Aston Villa v Blackburn
Bolton v Birmingham
Burnley v Tottenham
Chelsea v Wigan
Everton v Portsmouth
Hull v Liverpool
Man Utd v Stoke
West Ham v Man City
Wolverhampton v Sunderland

For Full Story...

£17m Johnson Liverpool bound

Glen Johnson looks close to a move to Liverpool after the Liverpool Echo and the Portsmouth News reported a fee had been agreed.

Liverpool and Portsmouth are believed to have settled on a fee of around £17 million for the England defender, with the Liverpool Echo claiming that Johnson has told The Reds he wants to sign.

Both clubs are attempting to close the deal quietly, with Rafa Benitez keen to avoid losing Johnson to a last-ditch hijack as he did with Gareth Barry a week ago.

The Portsmouth News admits Peter Storrie said midway through Monday that no bid had been received for the player, but that situation is said to have changed on Monday night.

Negotiations will continue into Wednesday, but trusted local paper The Liverpool Echo claims Liverpool are ‘very confident’ they will get their man.

Should Johnson arrive, Rafa Benitez will listen to offers for Alvaro Arbeloa, who is viewed as an option for previous club Real Madrid as they consider moving Sergio Ramos to the heart of their defence.

For Full Story...

Gerrard sets Retirement Date

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has revealed he is considering retiring at the end of his current contract.

Can any one just imagine how the Liverpool squad will look like when Steven Gerrard will not be there.How dearly will all the Liverpool fans around the world miss him on the field of Anfield every weekend.

Everyone around the world would just hope that he gets to lift the Premier League Before hangs up his boots.

The 29-year-old England midfielder has a deal until 2013 with the Reds, but admits it could be his last in football.

"I'll be 33 at the end of my contract, and it's doubtful whether I'll carry on," he said in an interview with France Football.

"If I decide to stop, I'll be proud of the fact I've spent my entire career with the same club."

Gerrard also revealed he gave serious thought to leaving Anfield for Chelsea four years ago, but changed his mind late in the day.

"I've thought about leaving Liverpool twice during my career, especially in 2005 when Chelsea was a temptation," he added.

"But I'm glad I never turned those thoughts into reality."

For Full Story...

Liverpool confirm Alonso and Mascherano "Not for Sale"

Liverpool have reinforced their manager Rafael Benítez's insistence that the midfielders Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano are not for sale. Both players have been the subject of transfer speculation, with Alonso linked with a move to Real Madrid and Mascherano reportedly a target of Barcelona.

Last week Benítez said Barcelona "could not afford" Mascherano and that Alonso was "not for sale" and a statement from the club today reiterated those sentiments: "Despite repeated media speculation on the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, Liverpool has received no official approach or offer from any club regarding the players. Neither is for sale and furthermore Liverpool has no interest in the long list of Spanish-based players being linked with a move to Anfield as part of any deal."

For Full Story...

Mascherano wants to move on due to his Unsettled Family

A shock report in todays News of the World says that Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano is going to demand a transfer to Spain, because his wife is unhappy at Liverpool.

Chris Bascombe wrote in the tabloid: “In the latest shattering transfer blow to manager Rafa Benitez, the Argentina skipper is considering leaving because his pregnant wife Fernanda has been unable to settle on Merseyside.”

He also quotes a “source” as saying: “The truth is Javier loves Liverpool and is especially thankful to Rafa for everything he has done for his career in England. But he’s facing a huge dilemma because he feels his family might be more settled in Spain. Nothing is certain, but it’s true it’s a big problem for the club.”

“Although the 25-year-old midfielder is professionally happy at Anfield, the personal despair at being apart from his family means he feels he has no option but to consider moving on. He thinks it will be easier for his wife to live in a Spanish-speaking country.”

Benitez has already hit out at Barcelona, saying that Mascherano is not for sale “at any price”, but if the player explains his predicament he may have no choice but to accept the situation.

For Full Story...

Fergie Dreaming of Liverpool Star at Old Trafford

Manchester United are ready to test Liverpool with a £40m bid for KOP Favourite Fernando Torres.

Fergie Should Stop Dreaming and Get Back to Reality because Anfield is no "Theatre of Dreams".Fergie Must be going from a Mental Trauma after the Ronaldo Sale.

In a sensational report this morning in the Sunday Express, it seems that Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson has decided to test the resolve on Liverpool’s hard-up owners by sending a £40m bid for their Spanish superstar Fernando Torres.

Liverpool paid £20m for Torres two years ago, and Ferguson thinks that the financial problems at Anfield would force Hicks and Gillet to seriously consider the chance of making £20m profit on a deal that could help wipe out this seasons deficit in one foul swoop.
Just the thought of Ferguson bidding for Torres will severely anger the Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who has been locked in a war of words woth Ferguson for the last six months.

For Full Story...

Portsmouth Confirm Offer for Johnson

The Pompey chairman confirms that the club have received a big offer for the England full-back...

Portsmouth chairman Peter Storrie has stated that a big money offer for right-back Glen Johnson has been received.

The England full-back has been the subject of speculation linking him with a move away from Fratton Park for the majority of the season, and he could now make a move in the summer.

The bid is thought to be somewhere worth between £15 million and £20 million.

The clubs thought to be interested in the ex-West Ham United player are his former club Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.

City were rumoured to have put in a bid of £18 million in the last couple of days, but it is now thought that the bid has come in from either the Blues or the Reds.

Storrie claimed that the club would not stand in the way of the player's chance to play Champions League football next season, and it is believed that Liverpool would be his preferred destination after a previously disappointing spell at Stamford Bridge.

Johnson has recently criticised his former employers for not giving him enough chances in the first team, and is reportedly not keen on a return to the Blues.

However, a move for the 24-year-old now seems likely as he looks to take a step up in his career.

For Full Story...

Liverpool make Bid for Real Madrid Striker but face Competition

Rafa Benitez has been a firm admirer of Alvaro Negredo during his spell at Almeria.He thinks Negredo will the right strike partnet for Fernando Torres.

Rafa Benitez has made a £6million offer for Real Madrid’s Alvaro Negredo – but faces competition from Valencia.

Cash-strapped Valencia want Negredo, 23, to be part of any deal for striker David Villa, who is a £35m target for Real.

Madrid sold hitman Negredo to Almeira in 2007 but exercised a £4m option to re-buy him – even though he is likely to be sold this summer.

Liverpool boss Benitez believes Negredo has huge potential but might only be able to land him by making Xabi Alonso available to Madrid.

For Full Story...

Torres talks about Gerrard and his Love for Liverpool

There are generally only two names in the mix when the title of best player in the world is under discussion and Steven Gerrard is never one of them.

The soon to be most valuable footballer of them all, Real Madrid's £80m man Cristiano Ronaldo, and his long-time rival Lionel Messi at Barcelona tend to be regarded as the best two talents the game has to offer, but one high-profile observer believes Liverpool's inspirational skipper is well worth a mention in this debate.

In the opinion of Spain and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, 2010 could be the year that sees Gerrard earn the praise many of his admirers believe he is overdue, with the World Cup finals providing the ultimate stage to confirm his class.

While Gerrard collected the Player of the Year award from England's football journalists last month, the Liverpool talisman is always well down the pecking order when the more prestigious end of year prizes are handed out, but Torres is convinced all that could be about to change.

"When people talk about the best footballers in Europe, they always single out Messi, and Ronaldo, but Gerrard is just as strong," begins Torres, who confirmed his commitment to Liverpool by signing a new contract at Anfield last month.

"Messi and Ronaldo are special talents and the fact that they are in teams winning the important trophies means they stand out from the rest. Maybe you need to win something to earn the big awards, I don't know, but we all understand how good Gerrard is.

"I'm spoilt having a team-mate like Gerrard as I can count on him supplying me with perfect passes. You make the run into the space and however tightly marked he is, he finds a way to get the ball through in perfect condition.

"The highest compliment I can pay him is that he's as creative as a Xavi at Barcelona, with something extra as well. When you add his energy, toughness, leadership and goal scoring ability and the result is a fantastic all-round player.

"Maybe I am biased because he is my team-mate and friend, but Stevie does not get the credit he deserves either in England or with European fans. This can change in 2010 when he has a chance to confirm his class with Liverpool and in the World Cup."

You only need to spend five minutes in the company of Torres to appreciate just how deeply he has been gripped by his Liverpool love affair during the two highly-prolific years he has spent wearing the famous red No.9 shirt.

Idolised by the fanatics who call Anfield's Kop home, Torres is not merely paying lip service to his followers when he talks about his dream of winning the English league title, as he fully appreciates the significance of such a triumph.

Clearly hungry to win his first major trophy in a Liverpool shirt, Torres admits he has been caught up in a local battle that may not be a natural duel for a young Spaniard to get embroiled with.

"They say foreign players don't care as much as the home grown, but we are very much aware that Liverpool haven't won the Premier League for 20 years and understand the supporters are desperate for us to put that right," he continues.

"The rivalry with Manchester United is intense and the roof will come off at Anfield if we beat them to next year's title. Obviously the Champions League means a lot to Liverpool, but the English title is the one everyone wants in our dressing room.
"I was brought up at Atletico Madrid, where the love of the team's colours knows no bounds. It's the same at Liverpool, though on an even larger scale. We have fans not only in this city, but literally all over the world.

"Liverpool Football Club is a phenomenon, with millions of fans totally identify with everything the club stands for. They are at one with the players and that's why the backing we get at Anfield and from the away support is second to none.

"This club has it all: the history, the prestige, the fans, the organisation. It's a big responsibility to give the fans here the success they desire, but the challenge is always exhilarating and this is why I was delighted to sign a new contract.

"I can never feel flat during a game at Anfield as there's a unique solidarity as football is what our supporters live for and you don't always find this at the major clubs. Loyalty comes and goes for some clubs, but it's permanent for Liverpool fans.

"Now we need to win the big trophies and we can trust Rafa Benitez to keep the upward momentum going for us. He is a great manager and has helped me improve so much in my time at Liverpool. I left Spain when I was still young, but my manager has helped me to mature.

"I'm so happy in England. The crowds and the pitches we play on are perfect and the attitude is great. The biggest players like Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Cesc Fabregas know the first rule of the game is to put the team before themselves. This is why English teams are so successful right now."

After scoring the winning goal for Spain in Euro 2008 last summer, Torres endured a stuttering season at Liverpool, with fatigue appearing to get in the way of his ambitions.

With this in mind, some have questioned the wisdom of his participation playing in the Confederations Cup tournament in South Africa this month, yet he insists the breaks he was forced to take during the season means he can push his body through another tiring tournament this summer.

"I feel fine and I'm looking forward to this tournament," adds Torres. "I know I need to stay fit next season as this will help Liverpool win prizes and, obviously, the World Cup is the big target for Spain. Still the Confederations Cup is important also.

"Every time the Spanish national team comes together, we want to win. We're on a long, successful run at the moment and have standards to maintain. We have built up a tremendous amount of confidence and are a very proud set of players. The Confederations Cup would be nice but clearly the number one objective is to do really well at the World Cup.

"It's normal for us to be highly-rated when people think about the World Cup as we are the European champions. Barcelona's Champions League victory is bound to raise expectations too and this is something we have to live with.

"Still, the World Cup is our biggest test. So many times in the past Spain have promised a lot, but failed to deliver. We showed what we are capable of last summer and I'm confident of more of the same next year. Not only do we have the talent, we love being together as a group and this unity can take us long, long way."

If a poll was taken to crown the best striker in the world, Torres may well come out on top. Should he stay fully-fit for the upcoming season with Liverpool and Spain, he may well challenge Ronaldo, Messi and even Gerrard for the title of best footballer in the world 12 months from now.

For Full Story...

FIFA Agent Confirms Liverpool's Lavezzi Bid

The middleman at the centre of the Lavezzi affair claims the Reds have enquired after the striker and next week will be decisive.

Ezequiel Lavezzi has fallen out with Napoli and fled to Argentina after the Partenopei refused to grant him an improved deal that he claims was agreed months ago.

One of his representatives, Alejandro Mazzoni, maintains that the Argentine’s future at the San Paolo is in doubt and his advisor, Eduardo Rossetto, claimed this week that the Vesuviani director of sport Pierpaolo Marino has met twice with FIFA agent Pablo Cosentino on behalf of Premier League giants Liverpool over a move to Anfield.

“I have spoken with both Napoli and Liverpool,” Cosentino told the Roma daily.

“Yesterday, Mazzoni came to my office and we evaluated the situation. I have heard from both clubs, with whom I have an excellent relationship.

“I can’t say more for the time being, even because things have gone too far in this affair. It’s now time to reflect and everything will be more clear next week.”

Lavezzi is contracted to Napoli until 2013 on wages of €1 million per season and his agent has claimed Liverpool are prepared to offer ‘El Pocho’ a €3m salary.

For Full Story...

Babel to stay put at Liverpool

RAFAEL Benitez is keen to keep Ryan Babel at Liverpool - despite claims earlier in the summer he would be allowed to speak to other clubs.

The Dutch winger had been seen as someone the Spanish manager would sell to raise transfer funds.

But Babel has made it clear he does not want to leave Anfield.

And now it seems Benitez is happy for Babel to remain at the club into next season.

He said: “Hopefully Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will play alongside each other more next season, and we also have good young players like David Ngog, Nabil El Zhar, Ryan Babel and Emiliano Insua coming through.”

Babel’s agent insists the player is content at Liverpool.

He said: “Ryan is very happy at Liverpool and clearly doesn’t want to leave. He still has a three-year contract.”

Babel has been an impact player from the bench at Liverpool, and carried out a similar role for Holland yesterday when the Dutch celebrated qualification for South Africa with a 2-0 win over Norway.

For Full Story...

Mascherano not going anywhere assures Rafa

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez warned Barcelona that Javier Mascherano is not for sale - at any price.
The 25-year-old is said to be keen on a move to the Spanish giants.

But Benitez has dismissed the the claims, insisting Mascherano is happy at Anfield.

He said: “Mascherano has no price.

“Barcelona could not afford to match his value to Liverpool Football Club.

“We do not want to sell and Javier is very happy here.

“I have spoken to Javier two or three times this summer - the last time was only last week - and he was very happy, very positive."

Speculation grew after his agent Walter Tamer was quoted as saying Mascherano would welcome a move to the Nou Camp and that a transfer was feasible.

But Benitez has told Tamer that any offers for the midfielder would be ignored.

He added: “Walter told me that two clubs with big, big names were asking after Mascherano - and I told him to forget it, that Javier was happy in Liverpool and he was not for sale.

“So I was surprised to see the agent’s comments today.

“He has a long contract and any club can forget about bidding for him. They can offer £40m or even £50m, we don’t want to sell.”

For Full Story...

The Yanks set to Refinance their Loan

Liverpool's beleaguered co-owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, look set to refinance their £350m loan with the Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia from next month's deadline, the Guardian has learned. The extension could cost up to £3.5m for the arrangement fee, with interest payments – approximately 4% above the banking rate – similar to the terms on their current facility.

It was announced last week that Hicks' and Gillett's parent company, Kop Football (Holdings) Limited, suffered a £42.6m loss for the year ending July 2008 despite a record turnover of £164.2m. A Liverpool supporters group, Spirit of Shankly, has launched a protest campaign to dissuade RBS from extending the loan beyond the 24 July deadline.

However, the two banks are willing to extend their loan, given rising income at a club who finished second in the Premier League last season, qualifying for the lucrative Champions League for a seventh season in a row. "Banks won't want to jeopardise growth through taking control," a source close to the situation said.

Facing multi-billion pound losses, banks are pushing unprofitable companies into insolvency or demanding control through a debt-for-equity swap. In Spain the local savings bank Bancaja has practically taken control of Valencia, who have about £500m of debt. However, the source added: "It doesn't make sense to take control of a business that's performing well; this approach could be applicable to Liverpool."

The refinancing deal will buy Hicks and Gillett time as they attempt to avoid having to sell Liverpool, although their prospects of borrowing a further £400m to build a new stadium on Stanley Park have receded. Last week's accounts included a warning from the accountants, KPMG, that there would be "significant doubt on the group's and parent company's ability to continue as a going concern" without an extension to the £350m loan. A source close to Hicks responded that the Texan was "very relaxed" and "confident".

Liverpool's manager, Rafael Benítez, meanwhile, has confirmed that he has funds to enhance his squad this summer. "I won't talk about any figures and I can't say how much we have," he said. "Clearly we don't have too much to spend but I think we have enough money to add the one or two players that we need."

For Full Story...

Merseysiders Could Share the New Stadium

In order for English Liverpool and Everton to take part in the 2018 World Cup bid, the clubs will be required to share a new venue.

The news was announced by England’s 2018 bid committee earlier this week in the Observer, after the group determined that neither Anfield nor Goodison Park meet FIFA’s criteria.

As a result, the newest stadium would be located in between Liverpool and Everton’s current venues. In fact, Liverpool has already shown interest in constructing a new venue at the same location singled out for Stanley Park, with bidding stakeholder North-West Regional Development Agency supporting the dual arrangement.

Liverpool City Council head Warren Bradley commented on the situation, noting that the new stadium would cost about GBP 300 million and house 60,000 supporters.

Bradley further advised that while opposing fans may be reluctant to accept a shared venue, similar arrangements are successfully in place in other countries.

The future of Stanley Park could become clearer following an upcoming among stakeholders, including directors at Liverpool and Everton.

For Full Story...

Xabi to stay a Red

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez spoke to Telemadrid about the players that he has been linked with of late.

Perez admitted that Los Blancos are looking to bring in an estimated six new players, but the 62-year-old conceded that attempts to sign Liverpool midfielder and Spain international Xabi Alonso could be entirely in vain.

"He [Xabi Alonso] is a great player but he also plays in a big team and I haven't heard any news that they plan to sell him," he said.

"It's obvious that [Liverpool manager Rafael] Benitez is counting on keeping him. That's normal, he's a good player and it wouldn't be easy to replace him."

Since taking over, Perez has openly laid his cards on the table when it comes to his intentions in the Spanish capital. The honcho stated that at least nine players are regarded as dead weight, and will be let go as he looks to continue rebuilding the club in a glamorous fashion.

"The squad has 28 players. We can bring in six new and only register 25," he concluded.

For Full Story...

Rafa has Enough Cash to Splash

Rafa Benitez insists Liverpool are ready to secure the 'one or two' top signings required to overhaul Barclays Premier League winners Manchester United.

The Reds boss is delighted with his current squad having overseen our best title challenge since 1990.

Benitez believes a few select improvements could be enough to transform Liverpool from runners-up to champions.

"I think we have enough money to add the one or two players that we need," he said.

"I'm very happy with the squad we've got. This season has been really good and we've competed on all fronts. If we can sign one or two players then I'm really positive that we can improve.

"I won't talk about any figures and I can't say how much we have."

Benitez's confidence in his current crop stems from a record-breaking campaign in which the Reds took Alex Ferguson's men all the way.

"I'm also positive because we were talking recently about how Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard didn't play together for a long time this season," he said. "Hopefully they will play together more next season.

"We've also got good young players like David Ngog, Nabil El Zhar, Ryan Babel and Emiliano Insua, who was playing really well, coming through.

"We have a very good squad but we can still improve a little bit.

"How much can we improve? Enough to win the title? I'm sure it will be enough to compete. Like this year, we will try to compete on all fronts until the end."

Benitez's focus in recent months has been on ensuring the club keeps hold of its star names.

Daniel Agger, Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt have all followed their manager's lead by agreeing new deals.

"Some clubs were asking for our players so the priority was to extend the contracts of our key players," he said. "Those players who are the spine of the team.

"We spent some money to guarantee this and now we just have to improve a little bit because we are in a very good position."

Benitez, who signed a new five-year contract back in March, celebrates five years as Liverpool manager next week.

And his appetite for the job remains as healthy as ever.

He added: "When I decided to sign a new contract I did it because Liverpool Football Club is more than a club.

"It is the heart of the city. It is our life and for the people here it means so much. I thought I had to sign. We have to fight, we have to do it.

"Every single year, every single week and every single day when you talk with a fan he is supporting you and supporting the team.

"You can see the passion and it makes a massive difference.

"Our fans are amazing and when I talk with people in Spain they all say the same. We will see it again when we go to Asia in pre-season.

"I receive a lot of letters from people talking about the club. And as I said before this is more than a club."

For Full Story...

Mascherano Could swap Anfield for Nou Camp

The midfield hardman’s agent has confessed that his client would have no problems swapping Anfield for Camp Nou

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has become one of Barcelona’s prime transfer targets this summer and it appears that the Blaugrana could get their man should they step up their pursuit.

The Argentine captain’s agent, Walter Tamer, has revealed that his client would not hesitate in accepting an offer to join the Catalans should one be officially made.

“If a club like Barcelona want to bring you into their ranks after having completed such a brilliant season and having won everything, obviously as a player, you are going to say, ‘Yes, I want to play there,’” he told RAC-1 programme ‘Tu Diras’.

“It is an honour for Javier that a club like Barca pay such close attention to him, especially after the incredible season they had. I believe that a transfer would be feasible. If Barca really want him, he will sign for them.”

Tamer also believes that ‘Masche’ would have no problems fitting into Pep Guardiola’s setup at the Camp Nou.

“He would have a very easy job at Barca,” claimed the agent.

“Sometimes we talk and joke that the only thing he has to do is run, rob the ball, and pass it on to all the superstars in front of him.”

Tamer, however, is aware that a Mascherano switch to Catalunya is not as easy as it seems, especially since Liverpool have to be willing to sell first.

“I have spoken with [Barca technical director] Txiki Begiristain before, but we have not been in contact for a while now,” the representative asserted.

“To have something concrete, we have to talk to Liverpool first to know what their options are for Javier to leave, and then talk to Barcelona to find out their level of interest.

“What if Xabi Alonso also leaves? Surely, [Liverpool manager] Rafael Benitez would not want to have both his central midfielders go. It will be difficult, although Xabi’s future does not depend on Mascherano and vice-versa.

“The transaction would certainly happen, but the first to leave will have more options.”

For Full Story...

Rafa Sqaushes of Rumours of Ezequiel Lavezzi

The Reds are not keen on 'El Pocho', according to the former Valencia boss...

Well thats the way Rafa Works in the Transfer Market.He doesn't like to disclose his targets because that just increases the price tag of that player.

Liverpool have reportedly been chasing the signature of Napoli star Ezequiel Lavezzi, but Rafa Benitez has quashed the speculation, stating that the Premier League side do not want to add the ex-San Lorenzo star to their squad.

"We never contacted Lavezzi and we have no intention of doing so. We want to put a stop to these rumours," the Spanish tactician claimed to the English press, according to tuttomercatoweb.

One of Lavezzi's representatives, Eduardo Rossetto, had recently made statements to the contrary, indicating the the Reds were extremely interested in signing the Partenopei forward.

The Argentine international has been an influential figure and fan favourite at the Stadio San Paolo for the last two seasons, but has become unsettled after what he claims is "a lack of respect" from the Serie A outfit.

Press reports from the peninsula suggest that AC Milan, Juventus, and Manchester City are also in the running for the 24-year-old.

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Liverpool Confirm New Reserve Team Boss

Liverpool have announced the appointment of John McMahon to their backroom staff as reserve team head coach.

Having spent almost four years at Shrewsbury Town, McMahon is delighted to make the move back to Merseyside.

"If any Premier League club comes knocking at your door it is something that you have to consider and with it being Liverpool it was a job that I couldn't refuse," he said.

"To work with a manager of the quality of Rafa Benitez and an assistant manager like Sammy Lee is brilliant."

Younger brother of former Kop favourite Steve McMahon, John spent eight years at Tranmere Rovers before making the move to Shrewsbury as number two to Gary Peters and then progressing to become assistant manager to Paul Simpson.

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Liverpool's Offer Confirmed by Lavezzi's Agent

The agent of Napoli frontman Ezequiel Lavezzi has confirmed Liverpool have made an offer for the Argentine International.

He has insisted that Liverpool had offered his client Thrice as much as he is earning with the Naples Outfit.

A couple of weeks ago, there were rumours Liverpool had made a 22million Euro bid for Lavezzi, however now Eduardo Rossetto (Lavezzi's agent) says there is a concrete offer from Rafa's team: "There is a definite proposal from Liverpool.

'The one thing I can say, that so far I have kept confidential, is that (Napoli manager) Marino met twice with the FIFA agent Pablo Cosentino, who invited him to set a meeting in either Liverpool or Naples with the British club.'

Rossetto was asked if this meeting had taken place yet, : 'No. And we do not want to compel Napoli to sell the player. But I think it is appropriate that the club consider the offer: to judge that it is either sufficient or insufficient.'

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The Ex-Liverpool Giant Tall Striker on his way back to Anfield???

Liverpool will attempt a shock move to re-sign striker Peter Crouch from Portsmouth.

Despite severe financial restrictions in place at Anfield, manager Rafa Benitez will attempt to try to land Crouch for as little as £4million.

The Anfield club are not alone in wanting Crouch.

Five other clubs - Blackburn, Sunderland, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Tottenham - have declared their interest in the lanky striker.

But Liverpool have a distinct advantage because Pompey still owe them half of the original £8m transfer fee, which is due to be paid over the next 18 months.

The deal to take Crouch to Fratton Park was spread over the two-and-half years of a four-year contract.

That's why, when Pompey were attempting to deal with a financial crisis a few weeks ago, Liverpool thought they could make a bargain signing.

However, Portsmouth's new wealth under their prospective owner Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim appears to ensure that there is no immediate requirement to sell Crouch.

And even if Pompey decided to cash in on him, they are likely to favour a deal with another club who are prepared to make a far bigger cash offer than Liverpool.

Crouch rejected three offers to stay at Liverpool prior to his £8m move to the south coast last summer and Pompey have now slapped a £10m premium on his head, valuing him at about £18m.

The marksman became increasingly frustrated sitting on the Anfield bench and demanded regular first-team football.

Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth manager at the time, guaranteed Crouch a place in the side in a dream partnership alongside fellow England international Jermain Defoe.

Defoe has subsequently followed Redknapp to Tottenham - and if he can raise funds by selling fringe players, the Spurs boss would like to work with Crouch again.

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Liverpool tracking Lazio Ace

Liverpool look favourites to sign Macedonian international.

Lazio could sell if Liverpool Offer the Right Price for the Star Player.

Even Chelsea have Tried Ealier to take this ace away from Lazio.But Lazio had been reluctant to sell at that point of time.

Daily Star on Sunday reports that Macedonian international Goran Pandev is a close target for Liverpool. The Lazio forward could be available if the price is right.

Pandev played in yesterdays World Cup qualifier for Macedonia against Norway, but never managed to outplay the solid Norwegian defence with Fulham defender Brede Hangeland in charge.

Pandev and his Macedonia is still in reach of the 2nd place in the group, which could see the former Yugoslavian province in next years World Cup finals.

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Finally Some Good News about Transfer Funds

Liverpool claim they can outspend anyone but Chelsea

A Liverpool "source" has responded bullishly to The Sunday Times, following days of reports that the Merseyside giants were facing financial meltdown after the publication of the losses sustained by Kop Football Ltd.

A senior "Liverpool source" has told The Sunday Times that "We have more spare cash to spend than any club except Chelsea." (There is no mention of Manchester City in the article.)

The "source" adds that Liverpool's transfer budget this summer will be a minimum of 20 million pounds plus sales and that manager Rafael Benitez "is free to exceed it" if he can "make a convincing case."

According to the The Sunday Times article Liverpool are not constrained financially like Arsenal and Manchester United who are more indebted to banks and institutions.

The Sunday Times "source" also says that Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is "an amazing guy who knows he has a healthy transfer budget to augment one of the world’s strongest squads."

Finally, the "source" claims that American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett "want to remain at Liverpool, ideally in partnership with a new investor — yet to be found — with deep pockets to help fund the stadium."

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Torres insists there is gona be Somthing Special about Liverpool

'El Nino' thinks that success is just around the corner for Rafa Benitez's side

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has insisted that his side are on the brink of “something special” and claims that here is no club in the world he would rather play for.

The Spaniard, who has recently signed a new deal with the Reds, told the News of the World that he was expecting to win plenty of trophies at Anfield.

“I believe we are on the verge of something special here and I am delighted to commit my future to this club,” explained the striker.

“You would not get top players signing new contracts if they did not think there were good times ahead. I expect many trophies for Liverpool in the years to come.”

Rafael Benitez’s side ended the season empty-handed but finished second in the Premier League to Manchester United, and Torres admitted he expected his side to do even better next season.

“We came very close this season and next season, with the experience we now have, we know we can go one better,” he said.

“Manchester United are very strong but we will improve and will have more about us next year.”

Despite suffering an injury-plagued campaign, Torres still managed 14 league goals and he admitted that if he had played more games, the season could have ended quite differently.

"We were unlucky with injuries this season. I am not making excuses but things could have been different. The manager is building and I expect many trophies for Liverpool in the years to come,” he added.

"Winning Euro 2008 with Spain was amazing and it made me understand how good the feeling of winning is. It has made me even more hungry for FA Cups, Premier League titles, European Cups - I want them all. And I want to win them all with Liverpool.”

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Rafa Confident about the Current Squad and Bringing in Some New Faces

Rafa Benitez believes he has assembled the spine of a title-winning side - and claims the club is working tirelessly behind the scenes to find any missing links this summer.

Benitez has made retaining current stars a priority over the last two months, with new deals agreed for Daniel Agger, Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt.

The Anfield boss now hopes to add to his talented squad over the coming months.

"We are working very hard to keep the spine of the team - that was always the idea," Benitez told LFC Magazine.

"We have Pepe Reina as the number one goalkeeper with Diego Cavalieri behind him, another good goalkeeper. Then we have Skrtel, Carragher and Agger - three good centre-backs.

"Then you go to the midfield with Alonso, Mascherano, Lucas and Gerrard, with Torres up front and Ngog, who is a very good prospect. We have a good squad that is still young, so hopefully we can improve further.

"We know we still need to improve in some specific areas. We will be working very hard to do that over the summer."

This month marks the fifth anniversary of Benitez's arrival in England.

His brief back in June 2004 was to repeat the trick he performed with Valencia in La Liga - breaking the stranglehold of two dominant and high-spending teams using less resource.

Five years on, Benitez has taken the Reds closer to the league title than at any time since 1990 - but he admits transforming Liverpool from top four also-rans to genuine championship contenders has been a tall order.

"We didn't know everything when we first arrived here," said the boss. "Now we can see little things that can make a massive difference.

"Now we know these things we can be more precise, sign players in a better way, approach games and different competitions in a better way. We know the rules and the style of the game in England much better now.

"Maybe sometimes you don't need as long to start challenging as it has taken us. But when the other teams are so strong it becomes much more difficult. You can try to move fast, but if they go as fast as you, you have to go faster.

"The only way to do that is to try to sign the right players every single time.

"With Sami Hyypia leaving we have just two players left at the club from when I took over - Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

"Coming to a club that needs a lot of work is a massive difference to arriving at a club without too many changes to make. From my time here, Chelsea and United already had big squads with top-class players. They have both spent big money since and improved a lot.

"We could not spend that kind of money, but look at the level of the squad now compared to five years ago. We have had to work hard rebuilding the whole squad.

"It's not just a case of saying, 'Oh, Liverpool should win because they are spending.' The other clubs are spending too but had better squads from the beginning. That is why if we are to reduce the gap we have to do things almost perfectly.

"We have learned together what it means to stay close to the top of the table from the beginning to the end. I am sure that will help us in the future."

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