Liverpool to be rich than City and Chelsea,if this take over goes through

According to latest reports surfacing, an Abu Dhabi billionaire might be on the cards for a comlplete takeover.

Nothing has been agreed upon or finalized, no press release or media report, so don't celebrate just yet.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is the current President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir (Ruler/ Leader) of Abu Dhabi. His one of the wealthiest Arab businessmen in the World. He is wealthier than his half-brother, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who is the owner of Manchester City FC.

Sheikh Khalifa as his known is said to be the third wealthiest royal with his net-worth around $19 billion, he also has major interest in Abu Dhabi and UAE developments.

If he successfully takes over Liverpool, he will look to make major investments in the club and according to stats, with his wealth Liverpool could have more financial power than both Manchester City and Roman Abromovich's Chelsea.

With so much money been spent around in recent years on club takeovers and player transfers, this could be exactly what Liverpool need. And in terms of the club, it could be perfect as they hope and wish to keep their most prized assets, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, at Anfield.

Recently we also heard of a bid by a wealthy middle-eastern businessman said to also be from Abu Dhabi who prepared a multi-billion dollar bid for Manchester United but was unsuccessful as the Glazers turned it down.

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King Kenny in the front seat for Anfield Job

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has asked to be taken off the selection panel to find a new manager as he feels he may be able to take the job himself.

The Anfield club are on the prowl for a replacement for Rafael Benitez and installed Dalglish to lead the search with managing director Christian Purslow.

But reports suggest that Dalglish may put himself forward for the job after seeing the shortlist of candidates.

The top name on that list is Fulham’s Roy Hodgson but it is believed that he will remain in London so Dalglish now has interest in taking the reins at his beloved club.

He had a stint as manager of the Reds in between 1985 and 1991 before moving onto Blackburn, Newcastle and Celtic. He then returned to Anfield last year in an ambassadorial role as well as overseeing the youth academy but it now seems he wants to do more for a club who has struggled for silverware in recent times.

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Eriksson wants dream Liverpool job

The race for the newly vacant Liverpool manager's job is hotting up as Sven-Goran Eriksson threw his hat into the ring and former winger John Barnes gave his backing to Kenny Dalglish - if the Anfield legend wants to reprise his old role.

Meanwhile, media reports claim managing director Christian Purslow and Dalglish, the duo in charge of the search for a replacement for Rafael Benitez, have set their sights on Fulham boss Roy Hodgson as the number one target for the role, with Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill also in the running.

Former England and Manchester City manager Eriksson admitted he is a life-long Liverpool fan and that he wants to manage the club. Eriksson said he was shocked to learn Benitez had left Anfield and said he hopes to be in contention to take over at Liverpool once his short stint in charge of the Ivory Coast comes to an end in South Africa.

Eriksson told the Sun: "I have been a Liverpool fan all of my life. I never mentioned it when I was in charge of England because I didn't think it was fair. I was shocked when I discovered Rafa Benitez had left. Would I want to be the manager of Liverpool? It is every manager's dream to manage Liverpool.''

Eriksson told how he used to watch Liverpool games on TV at home in Sweden and how he also visited Anfield when he was learning his way as a coach.

"My father was also a Liverpool supporter and every Saturday we would watch an English match on television. It was the highlight of the week. Liverpool matches were televised quite regularly and we would cheer them on. They have always been my team and nothing has changed.

"When I was starting out in coaching I was invited to Liverpool to see how they did things. Joe Fagan was the manager at the time. I remember him showing me around Anfield and taking me into their legendary boot room. It was such a privilege and an honour for me to be invited in there. I will never forget that moment. Liverpool will always hold a special place in my heart.

Former Anfield star Barnes believes the club must quickly put their faith in a new manager to ensure stability. He told BBC Radio Five Live: "Whoever comes in should come in now and say 'I'm the manager of Liverpool' - not short term, and you can't really say long term because as a manager you know two years and you're not going to be there. I think Kenny would do a fantastic job, but I've no idea (whether he wants to go back into management).''

With limited funding available, Barnes admits the incoming manager must get the best out of a squad whose lack of depth was exposed in last season's seventh-place finish in the Premier League.

"The new manager has got to be someone who can come in and work with the existing squad,'' he said. "I hope Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres stay because I think they've been our best players.''

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Alonso hopes for Gerrard reunion at Madrid, but Anfield reunion should be much better

Xabi Alonso would be delighted to see former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard join him at Real Madrid.

Jose Mourinho, who attempted to prise Gerrard away from Anfield during his time at Chelsea, has hinted that he could be interested in the England midfielder and the Spanish press reported on Friday that a €30 million bid is in the offing.

Alonso says he still holds his former club in high regard but suggested he would relish the chance to play alongside the Liverpool captain once more.

"We will see what happens," he said. "Steven is a legend at Liverpool and I have a lot of respect for Liverpool's fans and also the club, but it is clear that he's an awesome player. He has incredible quality."

Madrid are also believed to be considering a move for Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi.

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Liverpool captain to get the England armband at the world cup

Steven Gerrard has declared he is ready to captain England at this summer’s World Cup after Rio Ferdinand was ruled out of the tournament.

Gerrard was vice-captain going into the tournament and is prepared to step up to the plate.

“Every player in the squad wants Rio to be fit and available and leading us at the World Cup," he told reporters

"But I will be ready to lead the country if called upon."

This comes after England captain Rio Ferdinand was ruled out of the World Cup after picking up an ankle injury in England’s first training session in South Africa and Gerrard reaffirmed his commitment to England and the World Cup campaign.

"There is still a lot of ambition in myself to go and achieve big things,” he said.

"The biggest thing you can do as a player is to win the World Cup so that's the challenge. The hunger [to win the World Cup] is still there.

"The World Cup is the pinnacle for any player. It's a fantastic stage to go and do well on. That's the challenge for me."

With Ferdinand now out of the World Cup, Michael Dawson, who was included in the 30-man provisional squad, will join up with the England team in South Africa.

England’s World Cup preparations are now underway and the team’s first World Cup fixture against the USA is just eight days away.

England face a reasonable group with matches against Algeria, the USA and Slovenia and Fabio Capello’s team will be looking to progress further.

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Toure linked to Liverpool

Yaya Touré could be in line for a move to Liverpool after his agent claimed that the Barcelona midfielder has already agreed a deal to join a Premier League club.

Chelsea and Manchester United have both been in the hunt for the 27-year-old, who has also been linked with a move to Manchester City where he would link up with brother Kolo, as Barcelona continue to eye Cesc Fabregas.

But after Arsenal rejected a £29million bid earlier this week, the La Liga champions have once again turned their attention to Javier Mascherano after failing to lure the Liverpool holding midfielder to Spain last summer.

A swap deal has been mooted with Mascherano, 25, keen to leave Anfield whilst Liverpool are unable to meet Barca's €36million asking price, but Touré's agent, Dimitri Seluk, has remained tight-lipped until the Ivory Coast international returns from the World Cup.

He said: "If everything goes well, Yaya will go to England.

"But we can't talk about definite clubs. We already have a closed deal, and all will be resolved before the World Cup."

Liverpool supporters also claim that managing director Christian Purslow hinted at a deal for Touré was imminent when he was bombarded with phone calls yesterday following Rafael Benitez's departure.

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Rafa Benitez quits Liverpool

Rafael Benitez has left Liverpool by mutual consent.

Benitez, who took over from Gerard Houllier in 2004, found his position untenable after a disappointing season which saw Liverpool finish seventh in the Premier League, just 12 months after being runners-up to Manchester United.

Rafael Benitez told the club's official website: "It is very sad for me to announce that I will no longer be manager of Liverpool FC. I would like to thank all of the staff and players for their efforts.

"I'll always keep in my heart the good times I've had here, the strong and loyal support of the fans in the tough times and the love from Liverpool. I have no words to thank you enough for all these years and I am very proud to say that I was your manager.

"Thank you so much once more and always remember: You'll never walk alone."

After a poor start to the campaign, which included an exit from the Champions League in the group stage, Benitez guaranteed he would qualify for the competition in 2010-11. But Benitez failed to deliver on that guarantee and only booked a place in the Europa League due to Portsmouth's perilous financial state, with Liverpool losing 19 matches in all competitions.

Failure to qualify for Europe's elite competition has ramifications for Liverpool's own finances, leading to speculation that star names such as Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres could be sold off to balance the books.

News of the 50-year-old's impending exit broke on Wednesday evening with talks underway to agree a compensation package. It is thought Benitez will receive a £6 million pay-off.

The Liverpool board feels that the club needs a new direction to stand any chance of finishing in the top four next season.

Liverpool released the following statement: "Liverpool FC today confirmed that Rafael Benitez is to leave the club by mutual consent. Mr Benitez relinquishes his position as team manager after six years and the board of directors would like to place on record their grateful thanks for his services and wish him all the best in his future career.

"The board has now asked managing director Christian Purslow, with the assistance of club ambassador Kenny Dalglish, to begin a formal search to identify and assess potential candidates for the managerial position. No timescale has been placed on the process and Liverpool FC will make no further statement until a new manager is appointed."

Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton said: "Rafa will forever be part of Liverpool folklore after bringing home the Champions League following the epic final in Istanbul but after a disappointing season both parties felt a fresh start would be best for all concerned.''

Benitez, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and also reached the final 2007, is now the favourite to take over at Inter Milan following Jose Mourinho's exit for Real Madrid and Fabio Capello's decision to stay with England.

"We really like Rafa Benitez and he is in our favour since the Champions League final in Istanbul [when Liverpool beat rivals AC Milan in 2005]," Inter director Gabriele Oriali told Corriere dello Sport.

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Valencia playmaker linked to Liverpool again

Liverpool are being linked with a move for Argentine international midfielder Ever Banega.

The Valencia star has been linked with a move to Anfield in the past, and now reports in Spain and Argentina suggest Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is ready to make his move with the transfer window back open.

Banega enjoyed a rapid rise to success in his homeland, graduating from youth to senior level at Boca Juniors. After only one teenage season in the Argentine Primera División, Spanish side Valencia snapped up the youngster for a fee in the region of €18 million.

An unconvincing start to life at the Mestalla saw a loan move to Atletico Madrid, but that failed to reap any rewards for either party as Banega struggled to make an impact for Los Colchoneros.

A return to Los Che has failed to reignite his career, and now the Champions League qualifiers are thought to be looking to recoup some of the money spent on Banega with a summer sale.

Financial problems for the La Liga side only adds up the reasons why the club are looking for a sale, and this coupled alongside Benitez's relationship at the club means a deal is more possible than first thought.

An £8.5 million transfer fee could prove to be a major stumbling block in the deal, and the Spaniard will have to work some magic in bringing that figure down amidst reports that the Merseyside giants don't have much of a transfer kitty to play with at this time.

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