Liverpool smashed two club record transfer fees on one day

Andy Carroll has completed his transfer from Newcastle United to Liverpool FC and signed a five and a half-year-deal that will keep him at Anfield until 2016.

The club agreed a record transfer fee of £35million with Newcastle earlier yesterday for the transfer of the England international striker.

The deal was subject to the completion of a medical, which the player has now passed.

Andy Carroll will wear the No.9 shirt for Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Luis Suarez has also completed his transfer from Ajax to Liverpool FC and signed a five and a half-year-deal.

The club has also agreed a record transfer fee of up to £22.8million with Ajax for the transfer of the Uruguayan international on Friday.

Luis Suarez will wear the No.7 shirt for Liverpool.

In other transfer deadline story, Daniel Ayala will not be joining Derby County.

It was thought the defender would be heading to Pride Park on an emergency loan, and the player was in Derby this morning to complete his move.

But following further discussions between both clubs and the player it has been decided that Ayala, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, will continue his rehabilitation at Melwood with a view to signing for the Rams on emergency loan when the window reopens.

What a dramatic January transfer window deadline for Liverpool Football Club. Fernando Torres are now out of sights, the Reds has signed to new young strikers in Carroll and Suarez. The future at Anfield looks brighter than ever.

Source: LiverpoolFC.tv

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Fernando Torres joined Chelsea for £50million

Liverpool Football Club can confirm Fernando Torres is now a Chelsea player.

The Spaniard completed his move from Liverpool to Stamford Bridge just seconds before the transfer deadline at 11pm.

The 26-year-old had a race against time to complete a medical and finalise paperwork to seal the British transfer record deal of £50million.

But in the last few minutes, the confirmation was given that Torres had completed his controversial move out of Anfield to Chelsea.

The striker has signed a five-and-a-half year contract after agreeing personal terms.

His £50million transfer dwarfs the £32.5million that Manchester City paid for Robinho in the summer of 2008. In fact, only Kaka (£56million, Milan to Real Madrid, 2009), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (£56.5million, Inter to Barcelona, 2009) and Cristiano Ronaldo (£80million, Manchester United to Real Madrid, 2009) have cost more than Torres in the history of the game.

Speaking at Stamford Bridge after finalising the move, Torres, who was also pictured with a Chelsea shirt [sorry, I won’t post his picture in the Blueshit shirt].

   "I am very happy with my transfer to Chelsea and I am looking forward very much to helping my new team-mates this season and for many years to come. Having played against Chelsea many times since coming to England, and in some very big games I will never forget, I know there are many great players here and I will work hard to win a place in the team. I hope I can score some important goals for the supporters to enjoy this season." said Fernando Torres.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have confirmed the loan signing of 17-year-old Coventry midfielder Conor Thomas, with a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season.

Adios, El Nino.

Leave your thoughts or banters on the comment box below.

Sources: Liverpool ECHO, ESPN

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Liverpool full-back joined Forest on loan

Liverpool full-back Paul Konchesky has joined Championship side Nottingham Forest on loan for the rest of the season.

Konchesky has endured a troubled time at Anfield since he was signed by former Reds manager Roy Hodgson from Fulham last August.

The 29-year-old had made 18 appearances for Liverpool this season, but has been unable to win over the club's supporters.

He has not made an appearance since Kenny Dalglish replaced Hodgson as manager earlier this month and had been linked with a return to Fulham.

However, Dalglish has now confirmed that Konchesky has opted to join Forest to boost the club's push for promotion to the Premier League.

Forest manager Billy Davies had been anxious to improve his squad before the transfer window closed and Konchesky could play in Tuesday's game away to Coventry City.

Meanwhile, Kenny Dalglish had nothing to report on Fernando Torres at this morning's press conference, but he did reveal that Jamie Carragher was back from injury and available for Wednesday's clash with Stoke.

In other news, Daniel Ayala has been loaned to Derby.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, SKY SPORTS

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Torres will be a Blues by the end of the day

The Fernando Torres transfer saga is expected to go to the wire but will end with him as a Chelsea player, according to reports in this morning’s British press.

Liverpool have lined up a remarkable £50million worth of transfers for deadline day as they prepare for life without Fernando Torres. The plan includes moves for Ashley Young and Charlie Adam.

Chelsea are willing to pay cash to bring the disaffected Torres to Stamford Bridge in what would be a record transfer between two British clubs, although not the £50million that Liverpool are seeking, which equates to the release clause in the 26-year-old contract should the Anfield club fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.

Torres returned to Liverpool's training ground today following a short break in Spain and he spent over seven hours at Melwood, accompanied by his representatives. He also trained for the first time since stunning Kenny Dalglish and the Liverpool squad with the timing of his transfer request, but he did so alone.

Chelsea have yet to agree a fee with Liverpool over the player whom Roman Abramovich hopes will revitalise their title defence and enhance his chances of bringing the Champions League trophy to London. Negotiations will continue on deadline day, with Chelsea hopeful that Liverpool's asking price will drop to as low as £37million as 11pm approaches, although that appears unlikely. A £35million bid was rejected out of hand by FSG on Thursday and Liverpool's owner views the signing of Suarez as a way to provide support for Torres, not to name his replacement.

   “Chelsea are prepared to meet Liverpool’s £50million valuation of Fernando Torres before the transfer window closes at 11pm” report The Independent.

“Chelsea are planning to make a £45million cash offer for Fernando Torres” according to The Telegraph.

“Chelsea are willing to pay cash to bring Torres to Stamford Bridge in what would be a record between two British clubs” say The Guardian.

Whatever happens over the next 20 hours, Torres has sullied the memories Liverpool fans held of him. He's pulled a knife, stabbed deep and it's hard to see those wounds healed quickly, stay or go.

In 2007, The Times interviewed Dalglish and Torres together. Both had kind words for the other, the mutual appreciation clear.

Torres said: “I’m very proud that I’ve been able to spend time with him. And I’m honoured that he took the time to talk to me. Seeing someone like him makes me even more hungry to continue to work hard and, perhaps, some day, reach his level.”

You'll never make it now, Fernando. Not after this.

And what does Dalglish make of it all? We'll probably never know. But it's a fair bet his opinion has changed from that day four years ago.

Kenny concluded that interview speaking directly to Torres: “Fernando, this is a special club with special fans. They love people who love to wear their shirt. But they’re not daft, they know when it’s real and when it’s just for show, kissing the badge and all that. They love to identify with people on the pitch. And I think they will identify with you very, very easily.”

We did. We don't any more.

Let’s hear your thoughts on Fernando Torres leaving Liverpool FC for Chelsea on the comment box below.

Sources: This Is Anfield, Well Red

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The Good and the Bad of selling Fernando Torres

Cashing in Fernando Torres to fund rebuilding Liverpool can show no player is bigger than the club.

Football's most powerful clubs prosper by expelling those who no longer want to work there. The institution asserts its power over the individual. These partings can be painful, and appear calamitous, but there is always another talent out there to be hired. The club renews itself, the departing star is doomed one morning to retire.

On one seismic day on Merseyside, Liverpool rejected a £35million bid from Chelsea for Fernando Torres then had a £23million offer for Luis Suarez accepted. In between, it became apparent Torres was urging Liverpool to keep listening to Chelsea, thus displaying an urge to flee Anfield for Stamford Bridge. Later he submitted a written transfer request which was rejected. In any transfer caper, the point of no return is when the player departs in his head, leaving only his body to reach for the door.

Torres is a textbook case: wanted to leave in the summer – revived that hope in January, just like Darren Bent. And when Suarez was signed on the day Torres pressed his claim, Liverpool were either moving on by acquiring a replacement or offering their Spanish star a compelling new reason not to scarper, depending on your interpretation.

Either way Liverpool were recovering their poise, their authority. For too long Anfield has fretted over this or that player absconding, as if a club with five European titles suddenly existed only to stop big names running away. The loss of Xabi Alonso and then Javier Mascherano to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively induced a kind of rolling terror on the Kop. Those sales left Pepe Reina, Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Torres from the core of the indispensables who drove Rafa Benitez's best team to second in the Premier League with 86 points in May 2009.

When he signed, in July 2007, Torres boasted that his friends had been for You'll Never Walk Alone tattoos. In his first season he scored 33 times in 46 outings. Then he struck the winner for Spain at Euro 2008. If every centre-forward in the world bought his A game to a set of fixtures on any given day, surely Torres would be the sport's best No.9, ahead of Didier Drogba, David Villa, Diego Forlan, Samuel Eto'o, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the rest.

Yet this is secondary to the rehabilitation of Liverpool, where a section of fans have lost all civility and consideration in their dealings with the outside world. To them, debating forums are merely a platform on which to spray abuse. Those of us who see Anfield as a bulwark against the more unedifying features of the modern game hope the anger will soon subside and the humour return.

Liverpool in Dalglish's time as a player was not splenetic, as it is now, and he would not want it to remain so. One step to salvation is to employ only those who want to be there. Torres perked up when Dalglish took over but also when the January transfer window opened to offer an escape. Courted by Manchester City in the summer, El Nino stayed at Anfield reluctantly and was not sufficiently reassured by the Fenway Sports Group takeover to reject Chelsea's overtures.

Despite the recognition that Liverpool could block the move Torres believes an immediate departure is the best solution. If he were to join Chelsea, he would be eligible to play in the Champions League. He is hopeful of Liverpool recognising that his departure could be good for all concerned. Liverpool signed him for £22million; with a little bartering they could make more than £20million profit by selling now.

Players talk hogwash about leaving "to win things". They leave mainly for money and because they tire of sharing teams with colleagues they know to be inferior. At first selling Torres seemed unthinkable. Then it started to feel like part of the recovery.

Source: The Guardian UK

Should we still keeping the player who doesn’t want to play for our club? Leave your thoughts in the comment box below.

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Liverpool signs Luis Suarez for £23million

Liverpool Football Club announced on Friday afternoon that they had agreed a fee of up to 26.5million Euros with Ajax for the transfer of Luis Suarez, subject to the completion of a medical.

The Club have now been given permission by Ajax to discuss personal terms with the player and his representatives.

It has been speculated that Fernando Torres' rejected transfer request in the wake of Chelsea's £35million initial attempt to sign the Spaniard could have deterred Suarez from moving to Anfield.

But, in an interview prior to travelling to England on Saturday, the 24-year-old remained keen to sign for underachieving Liverpool and continued to rank the 18-time champions of England as a top-four club.

It remains to be seen whether Suarez partners Torres in attack, as Liverpool had planned, against Stoke at Anfield on Wednesday.

Torres is involved in an ugly standoff with his club after submitting a written transfer request late on Friday night, which overshadowed the agreed deal for Suarez.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, SKY SPORTS

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Liverpool left-back heading back to his former club

Liverpool are believed to be in advanced talks with Fulham over a possible return to Craven Cottage for left-back Paul Konchesky.

Konchesky has dropped out of the picture at Anfield in recent weeks following the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as manager.

The left-back was brought to Merseyside from the West London club in the summer by former Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson.

However, the defender has endured a difficult time in trying to win over the Reds fans and he has not played since Dalglish replaced Hodgson, with Glen Johnson starting in the left-back slot.

Fulham are now ready to offer Konchesky an escape route out of Anfield and a quick return to his former club by taking him on loan for the remainder of the season.

Mark Hughes is in the market for a new left-back, with Mexican defender Carlos Salcido reportedly failing to settle to life in England.

A number of clubs are thought to have made enquiries to ask about Konchesky's availability, but because he has already played for Fulham and Liverpool this season, the only club he can join during this month's transfer window is the Cottagers because of FIFA regulations.

Fulham are now hoping to reach an agreement with Liverpool to sign Konchesky before the transfer window closes on Monday.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, TeamTalk

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Transfer latest: Ajax set deadline for Suarez

Liverpool have been told they have until Saturday to meet Ajax's £21.5m asking price for striker Luis Suarez or they can forget about a deal.

The Ajax manager Frank de Boer imposed the deadline in Amsterdam yesterday in an attempt to bring the on-going situation to a swift resolution. Suarez is though to favour a move to England but he has two and a half years left on his contract and Ajax are refusing to budge from their valuation of £21.5m.

De Boer said: "This situation has been going on long enough. We don't want to lose him. Liverpool know what they have to pay and we are sticking to our guns.

"We want to know by 29 January, after that nothing more will happen. Within two days we want security, otherwise it takes too long. By 29 January we want to know where we stand.

"He [Suarez] scores, makes assists and we cannot simply replace him. If Liverpool wants something, it must be fast."

De Boer added, part in jest, that the price will rise every day from Saturday if a deal is not struck by then. "We'll add €5m [£4.3m] per day to our asking price from Saturday on until the end of the transfer window."

De Boer also admitted that Suarez had told him of his affection for Liverpool, but insisted he had not asked for a transfer.

Suarez, who was a key member of the Uruguay team that finished third at last year's World Cup in South Africa, is thought to be at the top of Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli's list of targets this month, as the Anfield club are convinced of the need to provide some support to Fernando Torres. Comolli believes Suarez could be the perfect foil for Torres, with an impressive record of scoring 81 goals in 108 games in the Dutch league. Liverpool have already had a £12.7m bid turned down. An Ajax spokesman said on Tuesday: "We'll have to wait for them to come back with something more respectful."

Liverpool also face losing out on Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam after their £4m bid was rejected. Adam has put in a transfer request but Blackpool manager Ian Holloway is not worried about keeping a potentially disgruntled player in his squad.

"Charlie will have to accept whatever we do," Holloway said. "In the summer he will have 12 months left on his contract. That is a whole new ball park. I'll speak to the owners and let them know how Charlie feels but we have a duty to the fans to run the club professionally."

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, The Independent

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Liverpool young fullback returning to Anfield

Liverpool defender Emiliano Insua is reportedly wanted by Juventus on loan.

The 22-year-old full back joined Galatasaray on loan at the start of the season, and appeared to be out of the club's plans following the arrival of Roy Hodgson and the signing of Paul Konchesky in the summer.

However, the subsequent departure of Hodgson and arrival of Anfield hero Kenny Dalglish has given hope to Insua with regards to a future at Liverpool, and the player has stated his desire to play for the Merseysiders under the Scotsman.

Italian publication Tuttosport claim that Juventus are now interested in taking the player on loan though, and Dalglish's decision on the Argentine could provide a clue as to his long-term future with Liverpool.

Insua has struggled to hold down a first-team place on loan at the Turkish giants, and their Italian counterparts believe an opportunity is available to bring the player to Serie 'A'.

Liverpool could be keen to recall the player, given that Glen Johnson is currently operating in the left-back position at Anfield, and a decision is expected before the end of the transfer window.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, GivemeFootball.com

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Goal Highlights: Liverpool 1-0 Fulham

Liverpool's renaissance under Kenny Dalglish continued as victory over Fulham lifted them into their highest Barclays Premier League position of the season.

It was not the most notable of performances, although there were plenty of spells of good football from the hosts, as John Pantsil's second-half own goal divided the teams.

But the Reds registered back-to-back wins for the first time since early November to move up to seventh, within six points of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, and maintain the feeling of optimism which arrived when Dalglish replaced Roy Hodgson earlier this month.

The last time the legendary Scot faced a Fulham team at Anfield he was player-manager on the occasion of a 10-0 League Cup victory in September 1986 against the then third-division side - and he did not even score.

There was to be no repeat of those fireworks, understandably considering Liverpool's still fragile form and the Cottagers' precarious position.

Portugal international Raul Meireles was man of the match at the weekend and he started brightly again as he kept the advanced midfield role even on captain Steven Gerrard's return after suspension.

It was he who got on the end of Martin Kelly's right-wing cross to direct a low header goal wards which the goalkeeper turned around his post.

Stockdale was called into action again in the 25th minute when Glen Johnson, playing at left-back, cut inside to unleash a right-footed shot which the keeper tipped over.

Clint Dempsey forced Jose Reina into a low save just before the half-hour but the Spain international should not have been given a chance seconds later when Andrew Johnson cut the ball back to the penalty spot but Moussa Dembele hit his shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Daniel Agger fired a low 30-yard drive wide and Torres headed over from Kelly's cross in added time at the end of the first half as the hosts failed to make their dominance pay.

Maxi Rodriguez had a shot blocked by Aaron Hughes but when a cross was swung back into the area the Argentinean wasted his free header with an aimless looping effort.

But that was forgotten when Liverpool took the lead in the 52nd minute. [Read more…]

 

Source: Video courtesy of FootyTube.com

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Ryan Babel moves to Germany

Ryan Babel has brought his three-year Anfield career to an end by signing for German outfit Hoffenheim.

The Dutch winger has penned a two and a half year deal with the Bundesliga outfit with the option of a further year.

During his time with the Reds, Babel made 146 appearances and contributed some unforgettable goals.

We would like to wish Ryan the best of luck at his new club.

Source: LiverpoolFC.tv

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Wolfsburg targets Liverpool forward

According to OnTheMinute.com, Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg are considering Milan Jovanovic as the replacement for Edin Dzeko.

The Bosnian's departure has given the German side a huge sum of money with which to reinvest in the squad and Liverpool striker Jovanovic is a prime target.

The 29-year-old put in impressive performances for Standard Liege and moved to Merseyside on a free transfer, but has since been unable to replicate his form for the Reds.

The former Lokomotiv Moscow man has in the past expressed a desire to trudge on and fight for a regular spot in the club's starting line-up, but his agent has admitted that he could be on his way out.

Source: OnTheMinute.com

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Liverpool striker heading for the exit

Liverpool’s unsettled forward will be making his way out of Anfield soon. He doesn’t fits into the squad for three successive managers at Liverpool Football Club, Rafael Benitez, Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish.

Ryan Babel joined the Reds in July 2007 in a deal worth more than £10million. His Reds debut came on August 11, 2007 when he appeared as a second-half substitute against Aston Villa.

It wasn't long before our new No.19 was hitting the back of the net, making two Derby County defenders look silly before lashing home at the Anfield Road end on September 1.

Another nine goals followed in a satisfying first year including an audacious flick in an 8-0 Champions League drubbing of Besiktas.

Sadly, just as he was poised to set Euro 2008 alight with Holland, Babel was forced into the treatment room. An ankle ligament injury sustained in training brought with it the heartache of missing Austria and Switzerland.

There was further frustration domestically as the wide man struggled to hold down a regular place in Rafael Benitez's starting XI, and he was subject to intense speculation concerning a transfer away from the club in January 2010.

No move materialised and Babel seemed galvanised for the remainder of the campaign, putting in a series of decent displays. Flashes of absolute brilliance continued to punctuate his Anfield career, notably in 2009-10 a stunning solo effort against Lyon in the Champions League.

In the latest news from Liverpoolfc.tv, Babel has agreed a move to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. The Dutch international will fly to Germany tomorrow to finalise the deal.

The move comes six days after Liverpool accepted a bid for the 24 year old striker from the Bundesliga outfit.

We all wish Ryan Babel the best of luck in his football career in Germany.

Source: Liverpoolfc.tv

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Tell us what’s your thought about Ryan Babel’s career at Anfield so far in the comment box below.

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Match Highlights: Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-3 Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish secured his first win after returning to the helm after Liverpool beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 at Molineux on Saturday lunchtime.

Fernando Torres broke the deadlock in a scrappy contest on 36 minutes after generously being setup by Raul Meireles for the simplest of tap ins.

The Portuguese ace did get on the score sheet shortly after half-time, however, with a sure-fire goal-of-the-season contender as he expertly smashed a 25-yard volley into the top corner.

Wolves pressed in an attempt to reduce the arrears late on, but Torres struck again at the death to help the Reds claim an important three points.

Buoyed by a much-improved attacking performance during last weekend's 2-2 draw with Everton at Anfield, Liverpool journeyed to Molineux aiming to secure not only the first win of Kenny Dalglish's second coming, but also their second on the road in the Barclays Premier League in 2010-11.

Indeed, the manager's satisfaction at his side's derby display was reflected in his team selection with just one change made - Christian Poulsen replacing Jay Spearing in midfield.

However, despite their lowly position of 19^th in the table, Wolves demonstrated they are anything but pushovers by winning 1-0 at Anfield in late December, while they could also consider themselves highly unfortunate not to have taken something from a recent narrow defeat against Manchester City at Eastlands.

In fact, the Reds' last win at Molineux was way back in April 1979, while they'd managed just two clean sheets in their last nine trips to the Black Country.

But the visitors fashioned the first chance on a chilly Midlands afternoon when only a block by Christophe Berra prevented Poulsen giving them an eight-minute lead after good interplay between Glen Johnson and Lucas Leiva carved open a chance for the Dane.

Wolves then had goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey to thank for thwarting Torres on 21 minutes. Meireles's inch-perfect pass sent the Spaniard bearing down on goal, only to see his effort beaten away after deftly stepping inside the challenge of Richard Stearman.

Nevertheless, it was proving a real midfield scrap with neither side able to stamp their authority on a bitty contest. [Read more…]

Source: Video courtesy of FootyTube

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Steven Gerrard to play on for five more years and wants Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool's permanent manager

The Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, has set himself the target of playing for another five years.

The England midfielder, 31 in May, admits he has been lifted by Kenny Dalglish's return as manager and he wants to carry on playing for as long as possible, although he has considered taking his coaching badges.

"It's not my main priority or focus at the moment, I still think that's a long way off," he told LFC Weekly. "I believe I can play football for another four or five years but I do sometimes think about what I'm going to do when I finish playing.

"I would like to stay involved in some capacity, whether that's on the media side or in the dug-out we'll have to wait and see. I will certainly try to get my coaching qualifications at some point."

Steven Gerrard has also told Liverpool's owners to look no further than Kenny Dalglish for the club's next permanent manager as they commenced their squad overhaul by agreeing to sell Ryan Babel to Hoffenheim.

Now Gerrard, who was consulted by the then managing director, Christian Purslow, regarding Hodgson's arrival last summer, has lent his influential voice to the Dalglish campaign. "I want to do everything in my power to ensure that he stays here for a long time, beyond the initial six months," the Liverpool captain said.

"I'd love nothing better when the end of the season comes than for us to be on the back of a good run of results that ensures he gets the job full-time. That's my short-term plan, to give everything I've got and all my energy to try to make that happen. I won't lie. When Kenny rang to say he was coming back it was a big lift. I love Kenny as a person and I've certainly enjoyed the first few days we've had working with him. I can see a positive future for Kenny at the club."

Dalglish is without a win in his first three matches back at Liverpool but has vanquished the disharmony that surrounded Hodgson's reign and, certainly against Everton on Sunday, has overseen an improved performance level. The 59-year-old has also been without Gerrard since the 32nd minute of his comeback game, the FA Cup defeat at Manchester United, but the midfielder insists Dalglish has the backing of the entire squad.

Gerrard added: "I think Kenny is the perfect person to get everyone moving in the right direction again. He's the talisman at this club. His nickname, the King, says it all really. He's the perfect manager and also the person to bring it all together. It's time to regroup and for us all to be pulling in the right direction because this season certainly hasn't been good enough."

Source: Guardian UK

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Rumour Mills: Players linked to Liverpool FC

There are just two weeks left for Liverpool to make their move on target players and sew up deals to bring fresh blood to the squad and save a dwindling season.

Let’s take a look at the potential targets as reported by the press.

Transfer in:

Liverpool interested in Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel

The agent of Bayern Munich captain Mark van Bommel claims Liverpool have made an enquiry about the player but better offers have also come in from elsewhere.

 

Liverpool eye loan move for Aston Villa left-back

Former Red Stephen Warnock could be set for a return to Anfield to solve Liverpool’s full-back problem.

 

Liverpool target Aston Villa winger

Liverpool have made Ashley Young their top target for the January transfer window and are confident they can land the Aston Villa winger.

 

Liverpool back in on Ajax striker

The controversial Uruguayan international is reported in this morning’s papers to have told Ajax he wants to leave the club for Anfield if a fee can be agreed this month.

Report from De Telegraaf newspaper has mentioned,

   "The transfer of Suarez to Liverpool opens the door for me to go to Ajax.

"If Liverpool and Ajax - whether in combination with Luis - can reach an agreement over me I will surely come to the club. For the chance to play I am willing to settle for far less pay." said Ryan Babel. (credits to Liverpool Echo)

But this move seems to be not on the table anymore as Liverpool FC sending Babel to Germany instead.

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Liverpool accept Hoffenheim bid for Ryan Babel

Ryan Babel is set to leave Liverpool after the club announced they had accepted a bid from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim for the Dutch striker.

Babel has been given permission to travel to Germany and discuss personal terms with his prospective new employers.

He has struggled to nail down a first-team place at Anfield and was again on the bench on Sunday during the derby draw with Everton.

According to Germany's Bild newspaper, the two clubs have agreed on a fee in the region of £5.8million and Babel is set to fill a void which has emerged in the German side's attack this winter.

''Following the departure of (Demba) Ba and the injury to (Chinedu) Obasi, we were in an emergency situation,'' said Hoffenheim's owner Dietmar Hopp.

''Babel was one of the prime candidates who our general manager Ernst Tanner was most convinced about.''

Hoffenheim slipped to ninth in the Bundesliga table after going down 2-1 to Werder Bremen last weekend and they are currently five points adrift of Bayern Munich. The Bavarians occupy fifth place, which would be good enough for a place in the Europa League next season.

The 24 year-old could make his debut against St Pauli on Sunday, should the deal be completed in the next few days.

However, the player himself had earlier spoken of his hope for a loan move back to Ajax, as part of Luis Suarez's potential transfer to Liverpool.

Let us know what do you think of the winger’s imminent departure on the comment box below.

Source: Telegraph UK

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Match Highlights: Liverpool 2-2 Everton

Dirk Kuyt rescued a point from the penalty spot as Kenny Dalglish's return to the Anfield dugout ended with a 2-2 draw in the 215th Merseyside derby against Everton on Sunday afternoon.

The Scot had looked on course to secure his first success at the third time of asking at the expense of the Blues after Raul Meireles's first goal for the club gave them a deserved interval lead.

However, two goals in seven second-half minutes from Sylvain Distin and Jermaine Beckford turned the game on its head and put David Moyes's men in sight of their first derby double since their 1984-85 title-winning campaign.

The Reds needed to respond and with just over 20 minutes to play they grabbed a share of the spoils when Kuyt converted from the spot.

There were many positives to be taken from the display but the result means Liverpool drop to 13^th place in the Barclays Premier League standings, just four points above the drop zone.

The afternoon began with a dizzy sense of optimism as the spotlight was firmly centred upon Dalglish. [Read more…]

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, RuTube

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Ryan Babel accept FA Twitter charge

The Holland international has requested a personal hearing and that will take place next Monday, January 17.

After Sunday's FA Cup exit at Manchester United, where Liverpool conceded a controversial first-minute penalty and had captain Steven Gerrard sent off, Babel posed a mocked-up picture of Webb wearing a United shirt.

He also wrote: "And they call him one of the best referees? That's a joke."

The 24-year-old quickly posted an apology but it could not prevent him becoming the first person to be charged by the Football Association for an indiscretion on the social networking site.

In the wake of the charge Babel was backed by both manager Kenny Dalglish and Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association.

"I think it is only a bit of fun, a joke. Maybe I've been out of the game too long," said Dalglish.

Taylor felt the FA over-reacted to what he thought was not a serious issue. "I thought a warning letter would suffice," he said on Tuesday.

"But it may be they need to put a marker down for the future because these sites are being accessed by the media so it can be the equivalent of being on the television or being in the national press.

"But I felt the fact that an apology had been made [would mean] we could move on."

Source: Telegraph UK

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Goal Highlights: Blackpool 2-1 Liverpool

The Reds season misery continues again with Kenny Dalglish’s first Premier League game away to Blackpool yesterday. Liverpool struck early in the match at Bloomfield Road but went down 1-2 to the Seasiders yet again.

Clearly, Dalglish has had got the players’ confidence and commitment back onto the pitch but we still lack some personnel to the overall playing squad. It also shows that the Reds has missed Gerrard’s influence on the pitch.

Read the match report from LiverpoolFC.tv and watch the goal highlights courtesy of SportskeVideoVesti.

  

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Daniel Pacheco scores in front of Kenny Dalglish

Daniel Pacheco scored a superb goal in front of Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool Reserves beat Sunderland 2-1 at the Academy on Tuesday afternoon. Watch highlights now online.

Nikola Saric bagged the other goal on a day when the young Reds played some lovely football as Dalglish, Steve Clarke and Sammy Lee watched from the sidelines.

Liverpool's caretaker boss will also have been delighted to see Jay Spearing come through 90 minutes on his return from a fracture just above his ankle.

The only negative for manager John McMahon was the late dismissal of goalkeeper Martin Hansen for a foul which led to Sunderland getting a consolation strike from the penalty spot.

The result keeps the second string top of their section of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North.

The opening 20 minutes were brought to life by 17-year-old Suso, who showed off his blend of wizardry and composure alongside the returning Spearing in central midfield.

The Spaniard produced a great delivery on 21 minutes which Emmanuel Mendy might have used better.

Tom Ince, back from a loan spell under his dad at Notts County, threatened on 27 minutes with a dainty turn and shot from the edge of the box which slid just wide.

Minutes later Pacheco gained possession before taking his markers one way and then the other. His eventual shot from 20 yards forced a fingertip save from Trevor Carson in the Sunderland goal.

Ince was next up with a well-struck hit which stung the goalkeeper's palms. [Read more…]

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, video courtesy of OjosMagicos59

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Match Preview: Blackpool v Liverpool

Barclays Premier League
Venue: Bloomfield Road

Date: Wednesday, 12 January

Kick-off: 2000 GMT

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway will reshuffle his pack after making nine changes for the FA Cup defeat to Southampton.

Elliot Grandin is available after a hamstring injury but David Carney is on international duty at the Asian Cup.

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard is banned while Glen Johnson will be a doubt if his partner has not given birth.

Joe Cole has an ankle problem and Paul Konchesky has a dead leg - both will be given late fitness tests.

Blackpool:

Injured/unavailable: Basham (leg), Carney (international duty), Clarke, Gilks & Martin (all knee), Harewood (hamstring)

Liverpool:

Suspended: Gerrard (three matches)

Doubtful: Cole (ankle), Johnson (personal reasons), Konchesky (dead leg)

Injured: Carragher (shoulder), Spearing (ankle)

Match officials:

Referee: Michael Oliver

Assistant referees: Mick McDonough & David Richardson

Fourth official: Anthony Taylor

When Kenny Dalglish was last in charge of Liverpool, Blackpool were in the old Fourth Division - now the two Premier League teams sit side by side on 25 points.

Dalglish will find many other changes since his last stint in charge of the Reds but their spirited 10-man display in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford will give Liverpool fans hope that he still retains his golden touch.

Having come away beaten but not bowed from the largest stadium in the Premier League, Dalglish now takes his side to the smallest, Bloomfield Road, in a re-arranged game after their Boxing Day clash was postponed by the weather.

It will be at places like this that Liverpool's season - and Dalglish's future - will be decided. Just one win away from home this season has left the Reds only four points clear of the relegation zone.

Blackpool, who were also knocked out of the FA Cup at the weekend, have the opposite problem - their home form is the worst in the Premier League.

Ian Holloway describes Dalglish as "an absolute hero of mine" but will be going all out for a famous double after the Seasiders' win at Anfield earlier this season, a result which contributed to the premature departure of Dalglish's predecessor Roy Hodgson.

Source: BBC Sport UK

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PFA defends Ryan Babel Twitter joke

The Professional Footballer's Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has questioned the Football Association's decision to charge Liverpool's Ryan Babel over his Twitter post on Sunday, suggesting they lack a sense of humour and have "much more serious" issues to focus on such as the assault on the Stevenage player Scott Laird.

Babel was charged with improper conduct for posting a picture and comments about the referee Howard Webb on Twitter after Sunday's FA Cup defeat at Manchester United. He sent out a mocked-up picture of the World Cup final referee wearing a Manchester United shirt and also wrote: "And they call him one of the best referees? That's a joke. SMH [shaking my head]." Babel, who has yet to respond to the charge, later apologised via his Twitter account.

"Where's our sense of humour gone in our game?" Taylor said. "He's apologised, let's move on. "I would think that Howard Webb is a big enough man, a big enough person and good enough referee to take it.

"To my mind, and to most footballers' minds, it is the same sort of stuff that flies about every weekend via mobile phones, but they are obviously taking a stance on it. I thought a warning would have been sufficient." [Read more…]

Source: Guardian UK

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Steve Clarke appointed as Liverpool first team coach

Liverpool have appointed former Chelsea assistant manager Steve Clarke as first team coach.

Clarke, who played over 500 senior matches for St Mirren and Chelsea, is the first addition to new manager Kenny Dalglish's backroom staff following the departure of Roy Hodgson on Saturday.

"Steve is a great addition to our backroom team and I'm delighted we've been able to bring him into the club," the Scot said.

"I am looking forward to working with Steve alongside Sammy Lee (assistant manager) and our other technical staff."

The appointment of the well-respected Clarke will go some way to silencing the critics who claimed Dalglish, who has not managed for more than a decade, had been out for too long and was not equipped to deal with the modern-day demands of the game.

Clarke, who was at the club's Melwood training ground this morning, was a part of the coaching set-up at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho when the Blues won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two Carling Cups over three seasons.

Mike Kelly, who Hodgson brought with him from Fulham as coach in the summer, was not involved with the team in their FA Cup defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford yesterday and his departure from Liverpool will be confirmed in due course.

Source: Premier League.com

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Liverpool back in on Ajax striker

Liverpool and Tottenham are locked in a battle for Luis Suarez after both clubs approached Ajax over a January move, Goal.com UK can reveal.

The Uruguayan star is believed to favour a move to Spurs but Liverpool could yet trump their Premier League rivals as Ajax want around €23 million for the striker now they have sparked a bidding war.

They had initially made Suarez available for €20m (£16.8m) but due to cash problems are determined to get the best possible deal.

Goal.com UK understands the Dutch club have indicated they are ready to cash in on their prize asset in the January transfer window despite the player claiming over the weekend that he would be staying in Amsterdam.

Suarez is leaning towards Tottenham due to their more competitive league position and for personal reasons, as he would prefer to bring up his young daughter in London.

As Goal.com UK revealed on Saturday, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has identified the World Cup star as his number No.1 striker target after dropping his interest in Andy Carroll and chairman Daniel Levy is due to step up talks this week.

But Liverpool have also been tracking the 23-year-old for a number of months and director of football strategy Damien Comolli has also registered his interest with Ajax as he prepares to take on his former club for one of the hottest properties in Europe.

"Ajax have received approaches from both clubs, although nothing is imminent," a source told Goal.com UK. "Suarez would prefer Tottenham at the moment because he is a family-orientated man with a very young child and he likes the idea of living in London."

Tottenham, who are fifth in the Premier League, want Suarez to help them secure Champions League football for next season, but the club are first waiting to sell Robbie Keane, the Republic of Ireland captain who continues to reject a move to Birmingham. Redknapp is also known to have slight concerns over whether Suarez will be able to cut it in English football as he fears he is too weak and small to lead the line.

Liverpool are confident they can pip Spurs to Suarez due to the history of the club and they feel they can offer a more lucrative wage package. New manager Kenny Dalglish is believed to support a move for the player, who has scored 110 goals in 154 games for the Dutch giants and netted a stunning 49 times last season.

Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, may also be more inclined to meet Ajax's asking price as they look to make another statement of intent following the dismissal of Roy Hodgson and his replacement with Kop legend Dalglish.

The Reds are desperate to add a quality striker to the squad as both a partner and an alternative to Fernando Torres, who has been out of sorts all season. They believe Suarez, who can play either as an out-and-out striker or as a creative second forward, fits the bill.

Suarez joined Ajax from FC Groningen in 2007 for £6.2m but his relationship with the club hierarchy has deteriorated since the sacking of former Spurs manager Martin Jol, especially after they failed to appeal against his seven-match ban incurred by the Dutch Football Federation in late November for biting PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal.

Comolli revealed on Monday that Liverpool - who have prioritised a striker, winger and full-back - have been working on a number of transfer deals but admitted the Merseysiders are not close to sealing any moves.

He said: "We have been working on it [a transfers list], but I don't know if there will be any activity because it is a very complicated market and we have to be very careful what we do."

Tottenham continue to try to complete a loan deal for David Beckham while their £2m January move for Everton's Steven Pienaar could also be under threat as reports emerged that Chelsea are interested in the South African midfielder.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, Goal.com

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King Kenny is officially unveiled at Anfield

Kenny Dalglish’s first full day back in charge of Liverpool FC, overseeing training at Melwood on Monday morning and being officially presented to the media in the afternoon.

Kenny Dalglish insists he will have no problem stepping aside this summer 'if someone better comes along'.

The man christened The King by Liverpool fans has been placed in charge of team affairs until the end of the season after Roy Hodgson left on Saturday.

Here’s a selection of videos from the day.

 

Read more on what Kenny Dalglish has to say about the future and transfer.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, all video credits to IndySportsNewsTV

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Gerrard sees red as Liverpool knocked out of FA Cup

Kenny Dalglish endured a frustrating return to the dugout as 10-man Liverpool went down to a 1-0 defeat against Manchester United in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

The Anfield icon was left stunned by the worst possible start to the encounter as Ryan Giggs gave the hosts a controversial second minute lead from the penalty spot before captain Steven Gerrard was shown a straight red card on 32 minutes for a lunge on Michael Carrick.

The Reds gave a good account of themselves in the second period but despite some magnificent support from the travelling Kop they could not find the breakthrough to force a replay.

It means our hopes of a first-ever visit to new Wembley will have to wait for another year while Dalglish and co will now turn their attention to Wednesday's trip to Blackpool and the small matter of next weekend's Merseyside derby with Everton.

Liverpool had gone into the Old Trafford encounter on the crest of a wave after a busy weekend had begun with an impressive Youth Cup victory over Crystal Palace and the sensational news that King Kenny would replace the departing Roy Hodgson in the hot-seat.

It led to a stark contrast in the mood of the supporters who had exited Ewood Park with their heads bowed in dejection following a midweek loss at Blackburn. Instead, 9000 members of the travelling Kop arrived in Manchester hopeful that their Messiah could inspire a sudden upturn in fortunes. [Read more…]

Watch the goal that shouldn’t be given

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Hodgson’s Tribute: Premier League managers’ view

Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson and expressed his delight at returning to the Anfield hot seat nearly 20 years after he left the job.

Hodgson was replaced by Dalglish on Saturday morning, having won just seven of 20 league games during his tenure. Relations with the club's fans grew strained as Hodgson questioned their support following a defeat to Wolves, and Liverpool's owners claim the former Inter Milan coach left by "mutual consent".

Dalglish flew into Manchester on Saturday evening ahead of Sunday's FA Cup third round tie at Manchester United, and he will take immediate control of the first team for the game.

"It's a great honour to be asked to come back," Dalglish told Sky Sports News. "It's under horrible circumstances because a very good man with great dignity and integrity has lost his job."

Asked how he will approach the United fixture, Dalglish replied: "We'll do our best. I'll have a kip and we'll go from there. I've just come off a plane!"

Liverpool's decision to axe Hodgson just six months after appointing him has not been welcomed by fellow Premier League managers, who claim the 63-year-old was not given enough time at Anfield.

"I am shocked because I rate Roy Hodgson as a great manager," Arsene Wenger said on Saturday. "It puts our job into perspective because he was Manager of the Year in July. It shows you how quickly we lose our qualities because he had to go six months later. Of course it is a shock and I feel our job suffers today."

Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier, himself stumbling across hard times at Aston Villa, also had sympathy for Hodgson, who managed just one away league win during his time as Liverpool manager.

"Roy got Manager of the Year last season so he was a great manager then and he still is today," Houllier said. "He's a fantastic person, I know him well but this world has become brutal, I mean it - if you lose two games you are in the firing line. I feel for him but Kenny has been a friend for a long time too."

Mark Hughes, who replaced Hodgson at Fulham, has backed his predecessor to bounce back from his latest disappointment, insisting he deserved longer to prove he was worthy of the job.

"It's very, very disappointing when you see a fellow manager lose his job," Hughes said. "But it's a league that thrusts focus on you every minute of the day and, at the end of the day, we're always judged on results. I'm sorry for Roy because he obviously was fantastic for Fulham for two years and deserved his chance to manage a top club. He's a good manager and I'm sure he'll come back.

"There's always that thinking that people who take over a club will always try to appoint their own man and there's many examples of that. There's a little bit of that in the Liverpool situation, I would suggest. But, listen, we're all grown men, we understand what happens. Sometimes, even when it's a little bit unfair, you've just got to get on with it."

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Hodgson out, Dalglish in

Roy Hodgson's miserable six-month reign ended with former title-winning player and boss Kenny Dalglish put in charge until the end of the season.

Since taking over from Rafael Benitez in the off-season, Hodgson presided over Liverpool's worst start to a season for more than 50 years — a dismal run of results that coincided with financial instability and a bitter court battle to oust unpopular American owners.

But even the arrival of Boston Red Sox owner John Henry in October 2010 couldn't halt the dire form on the pitch.

The club finally lost patience with the 63-year-old Hodgson after Wednesday's 3-1 loss at Blackburn. Liverpool are languishing in 12th spot in the Premier League and are sitting just four points above the drop zone.

The 63-year-old refused to answer questions on his future following the defeat at Ewood Park and speculation over his future intensified after his pre-match media briefing on Friday was cancelled.

Hodgson went to Anfield from 2010 Europa League finalist Fulham in July on a three-year contract. He left Anfield by mutual consent, a club statement said Saturday on the eve of an FA Cup match at archrival Manchester United.

Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have reportedly been looking at their possible options for a managerial change for over a week and they have now decided to act.

They had intended to see out the season with Hodgson before reassessing the situation but recent results - defeats to Blackburn and Wolves - and the deteriorating relationship with fans and associated falling attendances have prompted a rethink.

The club have turned to former player and manager Dalglish to take up the reins for the rest of the campaign and try and rescue a wretched campaign for the Merseyside titans.

   "We are grateful for Roy's efforts over the past six months, but both parties thought it in the best interests of the club that he stand down from his position as team manager. We wish him all the best for the future." said Principal Owner John Henry.

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Sack Roy Hodgson will leads to more uncertainty

Liverpool's new owners have been warned that even the sacking of Roy Hodgson might not be enough to stave off an exodus of their key players, including Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina. Although the manager's departure appears inevitable, and the two Spanish players would not leave during the winter transfer window, frustration at the club's inertia means they will go in the summer if they are not convinced by the new manager and handed reassurances of major investment.

The choice currently before Liverpool's owners, John W Henry and Tom Werner, is a huge one which will bring with it significant consequences. For some senior players sacking Hodgson is a step in the right direction. But while Hodgson continuing at the club would guarantee summer departures, his exit does not necessarily mean that Liverpool will be able to keep hold of their most important assets. With Liverpool immersed in a sale process last summer moves were blocked for Steven Gerrard, Torres and Reina; this year, it will be harder to prevent their departure. Liverpool quoted prices so prohibitive as to be a "not for sale" sign. At the same time reassurances were made regarding ambitions. Hopes had been pinned on new ownership and massive investment. As yet only half of that proposition has come to pass.

The arrival of a recognised, high-achieving coach will be vital if they are not to push for a transfer. Didier Deschamps, who was interviewed for the job last summer and remains a favoured candidate, appeared to rule himself out yesterday. The Marseille coach said: "When I talk about being the coach of Marseille in the new stadium, I mean it. It is an idea that pleases me. Now, 2014 is a very long way away in my profession. But I have said people should understand I am not a tramp. I proved it last year. I could have left."

Key Anfield squad members have been dismayed by the lack of activity from the new owners since they took over in mid‑October.

The lack of activity in this transfer window only increases that impression, with the club currently considering an offer for the Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka. Players feel that promises have been broken before and will not endure another season of underachievement and uncertainty.

Possible destinations are already being studied in case they should be required, but no decisions have been taken. Those clubs that tabled bids for Gerrard, Torres, Reina and Dirk Kuyt last summer are not necessarily expected to return 12 months on. The players are not expected to consider a move to Manchester United.

Following Liverpool's 3-1 defeat against Blackburn Hodgson refused to discuss a possible sacking, saying: "I am not prepared to talk about my future. At this moment I am depressed enough with the performance and the result. I am not here to talk about that. I have no comments to make and I don't intend to answer any questions on the subject." The club's director of communications then brought the press conference to a close and there was no indication from the owners today that they intend to change manager before Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie at Manchester United.

But Hodgson's days at Anfield are numbered. Fans have railed against him – he was met with graffiti at the club's training ground yesterday – and pressure builds to replace him. Progress is stalled by the absence of a chief executive at Anfield and the fact that the New England Sports Ventures group that owns the club continues to be based in the United States.

There has also been little opportunity over the Christmas period properly to discuss the club's next move. Kenny Dalglish, who currently occupies an ambassadorial role, made it clear that he wanted the manager's job in the summer before the former regime employed Hodgson – and he is still keen to take charge. There is, however, a reluctance to make a definitive decision at this stage, which only increases the uncertainty. With the situation being monitored closely by key players, it is a decision that must be made carefully.

Source: Guardian UK by Sid Lowe and Andy Hunter

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Liverpool ponder a move for Aston Villa midfielder

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is reportedly tracking Aston Villa's Stephen Ireland this month as he looks to strengthen his midfield.

Hodgson is desperate to add a spark to his under-achieving side and sees Ireland - who only joined Villa last summer - as a possible solution.

The former Manchester City starlet went to the Midlands club as part of the deal that took James Milner to Eastlands.

However, he has failed to hold down a first-team place since and - although rated by former Villa boss Martin O'Neill - does not seem to be on the radar of new manager Gerard Houllier.

As such, the 24-year-old Irishman could be up for grabs for as little as £4million - half his published price-tag for his involvement in the Milner transfer.

His age and previous Premier League form make him the perfect target for the Reds' new owners, who have previously stated they will only be looking at players who are young and cheap enough to demonstrate the potential for improvement during their Anfield stay.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, Metro

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Match Highlights: Blackburn Rovers 3-1 Liverpool

Liverpool's away day woes continued as they were beaten 3-1 by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Wednesday night.

Martin Olsson opened the scoring for the hosts just after the half-hour mark, making no mistake with a cool finish after being sent bearing down on Pepe Reina's goal.

Benjani doubled Blackburn's advantage shortly after on 38 minutes when he held off Sotirios Kyrgiakos before unleashing an unstoppable effort beyond the Reds' goalkeeper.

The Zimbabwean forward then made it three early in the second half, tapping home from close range from Junior Hoilett's cross.

Steven Gerrard claimed a consolation for the visitors with 10 minutes remaining when he finished emphatically after pouncing on a loose ball inside the box.

But any hopes of a dramatic fight back evaporated when Gerrard blazed over from the penalty spot following a poor challenge by Michel Salgado on 86 minutes.

Liverpool went into the clash aiming to secure their opening away win of 2011 at the first hurdle having won just twice on the road in the Barclays Premier League in the whole of the previous calendar year.

However, both those successes had been achieved in Lancashire - at Burnley and Bolton - and following the manner of the dramatic New Year's Day win against the Trotters, the Reds embarked on the short journey to Ewood Park with renewed confidence. [Read more…]

WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS

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Liverpool interested in out of favour City striker

Liverpool have made an enquiry to Manchester City for Emmanuel Adebayor, skysports.com understands.

The Togolese star is one of a number of City players who have been linked with a move this January.

The former Arsenal striker is far from being first choice under Roberto Mancini and the imminent arrival of Edin Dzeko will push him further down the pecking order.

Now a host of clubs are making contact with City to register their interest in taking the 26-year-old.

And skysports.com understands that Liverpool are the latest club to express an interest.

However, they are not the only club looking at Adebayor, with Tottenham, West Ham and even Real Madrid linked with a move.

Liverpool would currently only be in the market to take Adebayor on loan given his wages and possible fee, with City unlikely to accept a cut-price deal for a player they paid over £25million for just 18 months ago.

But should City allow him to move on loan, then the Anfield club would hope to be in pole position to land him.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, SKY Sports

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POLL: Who should Liverpool FC appoints to succeed Roy Hodgson?

Let’s have a mini poll on the managerial issue surrounding Roy Hodgson future at Anfield.

Who should Liverpool FC appoints to succeed Roy Hodgson?

Let’s hear from all of you and leave your thoughts on the comment box below.

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Liverpool target Aston Villa winger

Liverpool have made Ashley Young their top target for the January transfer window and are confident they can land the Aston Villa winger, Goal.com UK can reveal.

The Reds face stern competition from Manchester United and Tottenham for the England international, who will cost around £14 million as his contract at Villa Park runs out in 18 months' time.

Manager Roy Hodgson has been driving the interest from Anfield as he looks to add British talent to the squad but Damien Comolli, the club's director of football strategy, also supports the move for a player who will add much-needed pace to the side.

Liverpool are ready to meet Young's wage demands of £75,000-a-week - or £3.9m a year - and will make an official approach to Villa when the transfer window opens. Insiders at Anfield claim the club are confident the former Watford man is keen on a move and they believe Villa may feel compelled to sell because of his contract situation.

Young, 25, currently earns £65,000-a-week but has refused to sign a new deal at the Midlands club and there have been suggestions that he would be prepared to run down his contract and leave for nothing in the summer of 2012.

Gerard Houllier, the Aston Villa manager, insists it would take "crazy money" for the Premier League strugglers to sell their prize asset - but owner Randy Lerner may feel differently as Young's value plummets as he runs down his contract.

Liverpool will press ahead with plans to sign Young despite being on the verge of signing Rennes winger Sylvain Marveaux, who was in the directors box for the 1-0 defeat to Wolves on Wednesday night.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, Goal.com

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Liverpool to sign another Dutchman from Hamburg

Eljero Elia could be on his way out of Bundesliga side Hamburg after Premier League outfit Liverpool expressed their interest in signing the Dutch international, according to a report in Hamburger Morgenpost.

Liverpool have been in disappointing form in the first half of the season and sit ninth in the table, and the club's new owners are believed to have earmarked Elia as the perfect winter signing, with personal terms reportedly already agreed.

The 23-year-old joined Hamburg from Twente in the summer of 2009 and impressed in his first season in Germany.

However, Hamburg coach Armin Veh isn't completely satisfied with Elia's performance this term and has benched the winger on more than one occasion.

Elia is far from happy with his current situation and could be on his way out of Hamburg in the January transfer window.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, Goal.com

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Liverpool leading the race for Germany centre-back

Liverpool are leading the race for Werder Bremen's World Cup star Per Mertesacker.

Mertesacker, the 26 year-old centre-back, is now on the Kop radar after director of football Damien Comolli made a personal check on him before Christmas. Bremen are prepared to sell the 26-year-old following their exit from the Champions League - but have told any interested clubs that the bidding will start at £10million.

Comolli watched Mertesacker in action as ­Werder suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Kaiserslautern on December 18 in their final Bundesliga game before the German winter break.

He recommended Liverpool should make a move for the Germany international.

Mertesacker had an outstanding World Cup as Germany knocked out England before losing to eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals.

And he fits the player profile Comolli gave new Liverpool owners New England Sports Ventures when they decided to appoint him following their takeover in October.

At 26, Mertesacker is yet to enjoy the peak years of his career and would maintain his market value. He's been with Bremen since moving from hometown club Hannover 96 in a ­£3million deal in 2006.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, Sunday Mirror

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Liverpool to sign Rennes winger

Liverpool chief Damien Comolli hopes to sign Rennes winger Sylvain Marveaux to a pre-contract agreement in the coming days.

The Sunday Mirror says Marveaux watched Wednesday's defeat to Wolves from the directors box at Anfield and is free to negotiate with clubs because his contract with Rennes expires in the summer.

Liverpool's director of football strategy Comolli has targeted the former French Under-21 star and is pressing ahead with his attempts to sign him, despite the uncertainty over Roy Hodgson's future.

Marveaux could be signed this month, but the Reds are happy to wait until June so not having to pay a fee.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, TribalFootball

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Match Highlights: Liverpool 2-1 Bolton

Joe Cole came off the bench to snatch a last-gasp winner as Liverpool got 2011 off to a winning start with a 2-1 success against Bolton on New Year's Day.

The No.10 was on hand to guide in Maxi Rodriguez's cut back after Fernando Torres's volley had cancelled out Kevin Davies's first-half opener.

It means the Reds are now up to ninth place in the table, nine points adrift of Chelsea who lie fifth.

The home side had gone into the encounter with a determination to get the disappointment of Wednesday's defeat against Wolves out of their system.

With this in mind, Hodgson opted to make three changes to the side that was undone by Mick McCarthy's men, with Fabio Aurelio, Daniel Agger and Maxi Rodriguez restored to the line-up. Steven Gerrard was a surprise absentee from the starting XI, with fatigue cited as the reason for him dropping to the bench.

In the morning edition of the local Echo newspaper, Club Ambassador, Kenny Dalglish called for everyone connected to Liverpool Football Club to pull together and focus on the matter in hand - claiming three points.

The Anfield faithful would have arrived at their seats expecting a response from their team too but it was a cagey opening with both sides tentative in their approach play.

In fact, there was little to shout about in the first 20 minutes other than when Martin Skrtel flicked a right-wing free-kick a few yards off target and Matt Taylor cleared a Maxi volley from under his own crossbar.

With the tempo slowing and passes going astray there was a clear need for some inspiration and the sight of Gerrard taking to the field in place of the injured Raul Meireles seemed to lift the spirits of the crowd. [Read more…]

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