Liverpool Look To Continue Summer Spending Spree With £6m Barcelona Attacker Bid

Liverpool plan to continue to add to their Anfield squad and are preparing a bid for Barcelona attacker Jeffren.


The Merseyside club are believed to be set to complete the signing of Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing and have already snapped up Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam and Kenny Dalglish is thought to be keen to beef up his attacking options whilst planning for the future and sees the young Nou Camp youngster as an ideal signing.

Venezuelan born Jeffren is set to leave Barcelona just under five years since his debut for the Catalan club. The adaptable youngster has failed to win a regular spot in the club’s first team both under Frank Rijkaard and then Pep Guardiola.

Dalglish is looking to bring in extra attacking options to give his squad more strength in depth and given the fact that Frenchman David N’Gog has failed to make an impact and Dirk Kuyt has been converted into a wide player, the addition of another attacker makes a great deal of sense.

Barcelona are after a quick sale and some sources believes that means Pep Guardiola could accept as little as
€7m (£6.1m) for the youngster.
Though far from being a first team regular at the Nou Camp, Jeffren has found himself becoming more of a regular presence in Guardiola’s plans of late, making 31 apperances over the past two seasons across all competitions.
Damien Comolli has done business with Barcelona before, helping bring Giovani dos Santos to Tottenham and whilst that move has not worked out all that well it was deemed something of a shock when it took place. This has led some to believe that Liverpool are leading the chase for Jeffren.

The speedy attacker also fits the criteria of Liverpool’s new owners who are willing to invest in youthful additions hence their forking out of funds to sign Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson, all 23 years or age or under.

Jeffren has just returned from Spanish Under 21 duty where he helped his country to the European Championship title in Denmark.

Source: Caughtoffside

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Liverpool will take time over new stadium decision

Liverpool will not be pressured into deciding on whether to redevelop Anfield or move to a new stadium, according to managing director Ian Ayre.

According to the Press Association, Ayre revealed on Sunday it was “increasingly unlikely” that the club would be able to redevelop 45,000-seat Anfield and instead suggested a move to a new stadium at nearby Stanley Park could be a more realistic option.

“No amount of pressure will force Liverpool Football Club to make a decision quickly for the wrong reasons,” he said. “With regards the refurbishment, the type of work that's been going on (in the last nine months) has been developing plans and drawings that look at what is possible with Anfield, and that has incorporated a study into the extension of the main stand and a study into the extension of the Anfield Road End.

“Both of these, if successful, could deliver a 60,000-plus seater, which would be great, but it comes with whole other challenges and whole other areas we have to investigate.”

Source: tribalfootball

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Liverpool Agree Downing Fee

Liverpool have agreed a fee for Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing, the Anfield club revealed on Wednesday.

Downing, 26, has reportedly been a target of two previous bids from Liverpool during the English Premier League off-season, and it now appears that the Reds are close to landing the England midfielder.

A statement on Liverpool’s website announced a bid had been accepted for Downing, with Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner telling The Guardian that Downing had handed in a transfer request to help push through the move.

“I can confirm that we have reached an agreement with Liverpool following an improved offer received earlier today and the submission of a formal transfer request by Stewart Downing, and have subsequently given them permission to speak with the player,” he said.

“We believe there are replacements available in the market who can strengthen our squad ahead of the coming season, and we are in discussions as such. We are also working hard to conclude a deal for a goalkeeper, who we believe can also strengthen the side.”

Downing joined Villa in 2009 in a package worth 12 million pounds from boyhood club Middlesbrough.

His arrival at Liverpool would be the latest big-money buy for manager Kenny Dalglish.

Strike duo Andy Carroll (35 million pounds) and Luis Suarez (22.8 million) joined in January, while midfielders Jordan Henderson (16 million) and Charlie Adam (seven million) have been off-season arrivals.

Source: SoccerNews

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Liverpool Are Preparing £7m For French Striker

Liverpool are ready to make a £7million offer for Brest striker Nolan Roux after Schalke had a second bid rejected by the French side.


Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has been to watch the 23-year-old play, on the advice of director of football, Damien Comolli, and was suitably impressed.
Initial enquiries were made but it was believed German side, Schalke, were favourites to sign the former France U21 international.

But Brest have rejected two bids from the Bundesliga giants of £3.5million and another offer of £5.8million, according to Fanatix.

The Ligue 1 have made it clear that they are prepared to hold out for £7.1m and will not be lowering that valuation.

Liverpool could now renew their interest as they look to provide cover for star strikers Andy Carroll and Luiz Suarez.

Brest chairman Michel Guyot believes Schalke are delaying a deal on purpose, with it their intention to snap up Roux once he has completed a pre-season programme in France.

He told L’Equipe: “It is not sale season at Brest.

“I am not keen to sell Nolan Roux and we will only consider bids which match the valuation. There is no need for me to comment on an offer of 6million.

“Schalke are taking their time with Nolan as they want him to prepare for the season here and then be ready for the start of their campaign.”

Source: Caughtoffside

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Doni set for Liverpool medical

Sky Sports sources understand Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni will undergo a medical at Liverpool on Tuesday.


The 31-year-old's agent said last week that a deal was imminent following several weeks of negotiations.

An initial move broke down earlier in the summer after Doni failed to agree personal terms with Liverpool.

But the Brazilian could complete his move to Anfield this week after an agreement was reached with Roma.

Doni would only provide back-up to Kenny Dalglish's first choice, Jose Reina, but would offer an experienced deputy.

Liverpool on Sunday departed for a pre-season tour of the Far East, but members of the medical staff will still be available to oversee Doni's medical.

Source: Skysports

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Liverpool on brink of signing goalkeeper Alexander Doni from Roma

• Doni's agent expects deal to be completed soon
• 'Only concrete offer is from Liverpool,' agent says


The Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni is expected to complete a move to Liverpool before Friday, according to his agent.

The 31-year-old rejected the initial terms for a move to Anfield but appears to have accepted an improved offer. "We should close the deal by the end of the day [Thursday]," his agent, Ovidio Colucci, told Impero Romanista.

"Of course, anything could happen before the signatures are added to the contracts but I can confirm that there is only Liverpool for Doni.

"The only concrete offer has come from Liverpool and we hope to wrap everything up by this evening."

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New Adidas Liverpool 3rd Kit 2011/12

Hot on the heels of the release of Liverpool’s new away kit, they have just released their new 3rd kit for the coming 2011/12 season. The former heavyweights of English football had a turbulent 2010/11 campaign. The ousting of Hicks and Gillett from New England Sports Ventures signaled a new beginning for the Reds, who struggled in the first part of last season under the guidance of Roy Hodgson. King Kenny’s arrival in January sparked a mini revival on Merseyside; the controversial sale of Fernando Torres to Chelsea paved the way for the Uruguyan wizard Luiz Suarez and England striker Andy Carroll to join up with the likes of Gerrard, Meireles and Kuyt. A strong second half to the season, wasn’t quite enough for the 5 time European cup winners to qualify for a European spot next season, but Liverpool fans will be encouraged by the form and spirit showed by the squad under club legend Kenny Dalglish. Preparations for the new season are well under way, with the unveiling of 2 new kits; they have also signed the young English midfielder Jordan Henderson from Sunderland for around 16million and look set to be building what could be a squad to mount a serious title challenge.

Liverpool launched the Liverpool 2011-12 3rd jersey for the upcoming 2011/12 season and now it is available for sale. The kit will be manufactured by Adidas and Standard Chartered will remain the shirt sponsors. This is the last season of Adidas as The Red’s shirt manufacturers. From 2012/13, Liverpool football kits will be manufactured by Warrior Sports with whom they have signed a contract worth £25 million per season, a record deal.

Their new 3rd kit is white just like the one they wore last season. However, the designing is much different. The red is replaced by cyan, which makes up the Adidas stripes on the shoulders and the cuffs of the sleeves. Unlike the new away kit, the collar is rounded but still black. It features a black stripe running alongside a cyan stripe from the collar down to the right armpit. The Liverpool crest Adidas and Standard Chartered logos are also in blue. The shirt is manufactured using Adidas’ special sweat absorbing technology ClimaCool™ that helps the player remain dry. The shirt also remains lightweight even after absorbing sweat this it is comfortable for the player.

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Liverpool undecided on quitting Anfield

Liverpool have generated some interest in selling naming rights for a proposed new stadium but a senior official insists a final decision on whether to move or redevelop Anfield has yet to be taken.


According to Billy Hogan, managing director of Fenway Sports Management - the global commercial arm of club owners Fenway Sports Group - the primary consideration has to be ensuring the club can compete financially with their main rivals.

"We see Liverpool as a truly global proposition from a marketing standpoint and a naming rights partnership with Liverpool Football Club is really unlike any other thing there is out there," Hogan told Bloomberg.

"It's something we've seen some interest in and we'll continue to have those conversations."

Hogan added that the final decision will "rest on which opportunity allows us to keep generating revenue to compete with the rest of our competition in the Premier League".

It is believed FSG's preferred option is to increase both the capacity and corporate opportunities at Anfield, as they did when they took over at baseball side Boston Red Sox.

But that could still pose some issues in restricting match-day income and plans for a new build in Stanley Park have not been ruled out.

Under the terms of the agreement struck when plans were first drawn up for the new stadium project the club did have until the end of this month to take up the option of the 999-year lease they agreed with the city council for land in Stanley Park.

With discussions between the two parties continuing, however, that may be subject to change.

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Liverpool to Sign Cultured Set Piece Specialist?!

Keisuke Honda, heading to Anfield?
Published on June 11th, 2011
Written by: Guest Writer


Former Liverpool target has again been linked with a move to Anfield this week. Interest in the player was high when he had an excellent 2008/09 season in Holland playing for VVV-Venlo, and at the end of 2009, after being linked with Liverpool and other Premier League and European clubs, Honda signed for Russian outfit CSKA Moskow for €6M.

This move coincided with his rise in stature in the Japanese National team, where Honda starred in the 2010 World Cup and the Asia Cup, where he was voted Most Valuable Player. Again, Honda was in high demand during the summer, but stayed in Moscow, honouring his 4-year contract.

Yesterday it emerged that Honda is ready to leave Moscow and try his luck else ware. “My life has been a series of ups and downs. Right now I’d have to say it is a downer. That includes my current situation at CSKA.” He told press.

After Honda’s personal success in the World Cup, he has become an idolised player in Japanese footballer. In a similar way to Ji-Sung Park at Manchester United, a move for Honda would provide substantial economical benefits to a club buying him, where extra revenue could be made through shirt sales in the Far East.

Known as a versatile player, Honda is recognised as an attacking midfielder, but has also been known to play anywhere across the midfield as well as left-back, and Honda is known for his passing abilities and his vision. His sweet left foot and ability to drop deep to link others into play has become a big part of his game.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has expressed his desire for a wide player and having signed Jordan Henderson during a week – fans will question just what role Honda could fill.

With another 2-years left on his contract in Russia, the fee may not come cheap, and CSKA recently showed a hands off warming to clubs. But with the player unsettled it may not be long before Honda is seen pulling on the shirt of one of the Premier League or La Liga’s elite.

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Former Liverpool star could make Premier League return

Liverpool's Champions League hero Jerzy Dudek could be heading back to the Premier League - with Aston Villa a possible option.


The Polish goalkeeper has spent the last four seasons at Real Madrid but made just one La Liga appearance last term and, at 38, he sees it as time to move on.

"I have not thought about hanging up my boots yet," he said. "Look at Jens Lehmann, who returned when requested by Arsenal. My family is very happy in Spain and in Madrid. My son has a girlfriend, so my priority is to not change the country.

"But I have an offer from Spain, and Turkey and England. What is clear is that wherever I go, I have to play. Although I have been happy at Real Madrid and I consider it my home, it is now time to play again."

Villa lost Brad Friedel to Tottenham last week and, whoever gets the job Gerard Houllier vacated, he will be made aware of Dudek's availability.

Source: talkSPORT

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Liverpool complete Henderson deal

By Anton Stanley
Thursday, June 9
Source: talkSPORT


Liverpool have announced they have completed the signing of Jordan Henderson from Sunderland for a ‘substantial fee’.
A statement on the Reds’ website said: “Liverpool Football Club have completed the signing of Jordan Henderson after the 20-year-old passed a medical and agreed personal terms.

“Henderson travelled to Merseyside on Wednesday after a fee was agreed with Sunderland. He then underwent a medical examination in Liverpool before signing a long-term deal.”
Henderson who has now rejoined the England Under-21 squad in Denmark told Liverpool’s website: “Obviously it's hard to leave your local club. I'm a Sunderland lad, I've supported them all my life. But I'm really looking forward to the future now and obviously this is a massive opportunity for me. I'm really excited by it.

“Liverpool's definitely the place to help me come on as a player, and improve me. The club's going in the right direction and it can go as high as it wants.”

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Ashley Young will decide on Liverpool or Manchester Utd transfer next week

Ashley Young has sidelined discussions over his future until after England’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Switzerland at Wembley on Saturday.


The winger has only 12 months remaining of his Aston Villa contract and is being strongly linked with a move to either Manchester United or Liverpool.

Young said: ‘I have said I’ll speak to the manager [ Gerard Houllier] and chairman [Randy Lerner] at the end of the season.

'I’ve got to concentrate on this game and then see what happens regarding talking to them.’

Young, who has refused to sign an improved or extended contract with Villa, is hoping to build on his impressive performances for his country against Denmark, Wales and Ghana.

‘I feel, with the last two games I’ve started, I’ve done really well,’ he added.

‘I think I’m giving the manager a lot more to think about with my performances.’

The Villa wide man scored seven goals and made nine assists in 37 Premier League appearances last season.

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Arsenal, Chelsea & Liverpool VS Malaysian Selection in July 2011

Treat for EPL fans

PETALING JAYA: Local football fans of the English Premier League (EPL) are in for a fantastic treat in July!

Three of the Big Four of the EPL – Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool – will be in town for a 10-day EPL Festival. However, the exact dates have yet to be confirmed.

The three teams will take on the national side on three different dates in July.

Football fans can look forward to seeing the likes of Frank Lampard, Fernando Torres and David Luiz (Chelsea); Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie (Arsenal); and Steven Gerrard, Raul Meireles and Luis Suarez (Liverpool) in action.


Big guns: Three of the main stars from the English Premier League (from left) Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea) and Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) will be in the country for the 10-day EPL Festival in July.
Manchester United, who make up the Big Four, enjoyed two hugely successful visits here in 2001 and 2009.

This will be the first time that three top English clubs will be in town since the inaugural FAPL Asia Cup in 2003. Then, the teams who came were Birmingham, Newcastle and Chelsea.

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay had announced last year that they would be in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok in July for their Chelsea Asia Tour 2011.

Chelsea’s Asia Tour programme in Kuala Lumpur would include a friendly game against the national team at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, an open training session for the fans and community coaching programmes.

Source: Thestar

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Lyon join Liverpool in chase to sign Newcastle ace Enrique

By talkSPORT
Monday, May 16


Newcastle's sought-after defender Jose Enrique is being targeted by French giants Lyon.
The 25-year-old left-back has attracted a host of admirers this season, with Liverpool reportedly keen on the Spaniard with current full-back Fabio Aurelio regularly struggling with injury.

Youngster John Flanagan, 18, has been drafted in as cover this year and, despite a string of impressive performances, manager Kenny Dalglish is said to want someone more experienced.

But, according to reports in France, Lyon are looking to replace Aly Cissokho, who could leave for Inter Milan this summer, and have earmarked Enrique as the man they want to fill the void.
Enrique joined Newcastle in 2007 in a £6million deal from Spanish side Villarreal and has gone on to make 128 appearances at the club.

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Liverpool blow as Barcelona youngster wants Nou Camp stay

By talkSPORT
Monday, May 16


Barcelona youngster Jeffren is set to snub a summer move to Liverpool in a bid to make his name at the Nou Camp.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Liverpool who are set for a £50million summer spending spree, according to reports.

Old Firm duo Rangers and Celtic were also keen on bringing the Venezuela-born forward to the SPL on loan but Jeffren insists he wants to stay at Barcelona despite his lack of first-team football.

"I do not want to go because I want to succeed in this club," said Jeffren, who has started just three La Liga games this season.
"I hope to have more minutes on the pitch and my biggest wish is to remain at Barca."

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Liverpool 0 Tottenham Hotspur 2: match report

Party pooper: Rafael van der Vaart (centre) is congratulated by his Tottenham Hotspur team-mates after the Dutchman put his side ahead after just nine minutes at Anfield
Photo: GETTY IMAGES


By Rory Smith, Anfield
Last Updated: 10:54PM BST 15/05/2011

Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday May 15 2011.

Rarely can a poisoned chalice have been so fiercely contested.

Liverpool have long aspired to the Europa League as the only coronation gift available to Kenny Dalglish; Tottenham Hotspur have long scorned it as an unwelcome consolation. Seeing their Thursday nights booked up is hardly a prize either will treasure; both fought until their last breath to earn the right to complain, long and loud, next season.

Spurs are worthy of what will, if they beat Birmingham next week, be their place in Europe, although justice was only done in the most unjust of circumstances. They deserve it for this display and this season. They started brightly, endured a predictable dip and ended on a high. Both in this display and in this season.

But that their guests are better prepared, equipped and suited to an autumn of far-flung travel will not assuage Liverpool’s anger. Dalglish’s side fell behind to a fortuitous opener from Rafael van der Vaart and they lost thanks to the sort of decision which would have sent Ryan Babel scrambling to Photoshop.

Even Spurs seemed taken aback to see Howard Webb point to the spot when John Flanagan and Steven Pienaar’s shoulders collided outside the box. There was no intent from either party; Webb’s decision, and Luka Modric’s coolness, certainly spoiled one.

“I’m not here to sponsor the FA,” Dalglish said. “It is just unhelpful to everyone that we cannot express our true thoughts and it’s even more disappointing that the officials get away scot-free without having to come and explain their decisions.”

That anger was manifest in the Scot’s fans and players, too. On this of all days, when Dalglish was unveiled to a deafening roar as the club’s permanent manager, when Fenway Sports Group, the owners who have done so much to steer Anfield back on course, were present. Little wonder Pepe Reina, Lucas and Martin Skrtel were so ruthless in dealing with a streaker. It was no laughing matter.

Yet hindsight will tell them that sixth place, after the start to their season, is a feat. It will tell them that Spurs deserved this, Webb or no Webb. It will tell them, too, that for all Redknapp’s insistence that he has no interest in the Champions League’s ugly sister, he knows – to misquote Ian Holloway – that it is better to go home at the end of the night with someone, rather than all alone.

“I scared them into it,” the Spurs manager said. “I told them that if we qualified through the Fair Play league, we’d be back playing in June. We are not fighting for the Europa League. We are fighting for fifth, because you want to finish as high as you can.”

It worked. Spurs started excellently, pressing high, suffocating their hosts. Van der Vaart’s opener, volleyed in off Glen Johnson, was ample reward.

Andy Carroll missed the best chance of the half by ballooning a Skrtel cross over, while Luis Suárez, usually electrifying, offered the Kop the odd jolt rather than full charge.

When Webb intervened, Liverpool could not muster a response. Anfield will not be blessed with Europe next season. Spurs, now that they are there, may not appreciate it, but Liverpool will tell them that, even with poisoned chalices, you do not know what you’ve got until it’s gone.

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Liverpool Plan £13m Bid for Dutch “Cristiano Ronaldo”

Anfield director of football targets Feyenoord youngster.


Liverpool are reportedly preparing a significant offer for Feyenoord playmaker Georginio Wijnaldum this summer. Director of football Damien Comolli has earmarked a move for the free scoring 20 year old midfielder who is on the fringes of the Dutch international set-up.

Wijnaldum has been linked with a move away from De Kuip after the Rotterdam based side slumped to tenth place in the Eredivisie after a difficult campaign that included an embarrassing 10-0 defeat against PSV Eindhoven.

On a personal level the local born youngster has been a big success netting 14 goals and assisting many others and Liverpool’s pursuit of re-building their squad with the signing of top notch youngsters to complement the young talent coming through the club’s academy, has led to Comolli’s interest in the €15m (£13.1m) rated Dutch star in the making.

The Merseyside club have purchased the likes of Raheem Sterling and Jonjo Shelvey in the past year and seen academy graduates John Flanagan, Jack Robinson and Martin Kelly greatly impress and the club’s new owners are keen to bring in youthful talent that can be part of the club’s long term drive for major honours.

Having already invested in the signings of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, Kenny Dalglish has stated his intention to bring in more new additions this summer and the potential that Georginio Wijnaldum possesses clearly impresses Comolli who is known for his ability to spot young talent from the continent having spent seven years as European scout at Arsenal before director of football stints at Tottenham and St Etienne.

Georginio Wijnaldum has been likened to Cristiano Ronaldo in his style of play, his direct running and has an eye for goal much like the Real Madrid star.
Back in November 2008 the then teenager stated “I will need at least a couple of years before I’m ready. Dirk Kuyt is my role model. He left Feyenoord when he was the best, I am not that far.” Which further fuel the chances of a successful move for the Dutch Under 21 international.

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Liverpool’s New Kit Deal with Warrior

English Premier League Club Liverpool FC have signed a mega new kit deal with Boston based company Warrior Sports who are a subsidiary of New Balance . The new deal is worth a staggering £25million a year which doubles their current deal with manufacturers Adidas. Liverpool's new kit deal also puts one over EPL rival's Manchester United who's current deal with Nike is worth £23.5million a year.


It will come as a big blow to Adidas as Liverpool replica shirts are the fourth best selling football jerseys in the World, coming only behind Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, whilst Manchester United are also just above the Scousers in the best selling shirts table.
Warrior will take over from Adidas as Liverpool's Kit manufacturers ahead of the 2012/13 Premier League Season.
What do you think about this deal Liverpool fans? Could this put The Reds back up with the big boys?

SOURCE: Football Kits Online

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Liverpool To Confirm Kenny Daglish As Permenant Manager In 10 Days

Anfield boss to put pen to paper before last game of the season.


Liverpool are expected to confirm within 10 days that Kenny Dalglish will be their permanent manager, with his 11 wins in 21 games, which have driven the club up the table, convincing the club’s American owners to put their trust in him ahead of their venture into the transfer market this summer.

Though negotiations between the two sides are not yet complete, Dalglish’s appointment may be confirmed before the last game of the season at Villa Park, where Ashley Young and Stewart Downing are two of the prime summer targets as the side seek to compete at the top of the table again. Liverpool are believed to be in a strong position to secure the £12m Young, whose contract expires next summer.

Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), are keen to avoid a repeat of the problems which beset Liverpool last summer, when the drawn-out departure of Rafael Benitez meant it was 1 July, 28 days before the start of the club’s Europa League campaign, when Roy Hodgson was appointed manager.(Independent)
Liverpool’s Premier League record since the turn of the year is second only to Chelsea and that coupled with the general adoration Kenny Daglish is afforded at Anfield, has seen supporters clamouring to see FSG offer the caretaker boss a permanent deal. Indeed some have wondered why the process has been allowed to drag on for so long and indeed some have even suggested that there were a number of issues the Scot wanted cleared up before he takes the post full time. Some of the claims gleaned from various sources are as follows.

1) Dalglish wants to make sure that he has final say on any transfer purchases and that director of football Damien Comolli is merely a conduit and scout for such deals.

2) The caretaker boss also wants assurances in regard to funds for transfers for next season.

3) The length of contract Dalglish wants is for four years but co-owners John W Henry and Tom Werner initially only offered a two year deal.

4) Dalglish wants any contract to explicitly refer to him as “King Kenny”.

OK, we made the last one up.
In all seriousness it does seem that things are looking a hell of a lot rosier for Liverpool post-Hodgson but the real reason for that is probably not the poor spell the former Fulham boss was at the helm for but more because of the crass ineptitude of former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

The new signings Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll have both made an impact, with the Uruguayan in particular looking the part. The emergence of youngster Jack Robinson, Martin Kelly and John Flanagan bode well for the future and the vast improvement shown by the likes of Lucas, Raul Meireles, Maxi and Dirk Kuyt have shown that perhaps the squad wasn’t as average as it looked under the last season of Benitez’s reign and the first half of this campaign.

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Fulham 2-5 Liverpool: Reds romp to easy win in west London

By Michael Wade
Monday, May 9


Liverpool’s resurgent end of season form continued apace as they brushed Fulham aside to win 5-2 and leapfrog Spurs into fifth place.

With fifteen goals in the last five matches and no defeats Kenny Dalglish’s in form side are ending the season with a real flourish and the Cottagers were just the latest team on the receiving end as Liverpool flew into a 3-0 lead within 16 ferocious first-half minutes.

Maxi struck twice in the first seven minutes to claim his fifth and sixth goals in the last three games, the first coming within the opening minute after a defensive scramble saw the ball fall invitingly to him inside the six-yard box.

The second was slightly harder as the Argentinian headed in Glen Johson’s right-wing cross from a tight angle, and before Mark Schwarzer had recovered from the double blow he was dealt a third as he let Dirk Kuyt’s speculative effort slip through his hands.

Fulham recovered for the early part of the second-half and attempted to fight back, Moussa Dembele’s precise 57th minute finish beating Pepe Reina but further goals from Maxi, to complete his hat-trick, and Luis Suarez completed a memorable night in west London.

Steve Sidwell struck a second consolation in the 86th minute, casually shooting into the top corner from the edge of the box. That result leaves Fulham tenth.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

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