Liverpool ready to swoop for £7m Cahill

In demand: Liverpool have entered the race to sign Bolton defender Cahill

Liverpool have entered the race to sign Gary Cahill.
The Bolton defender, who is out of contract at the end of the season, looked set to join Chelsea after a £7million fee was agreed on Friday.
But the highly-rated 26-year-old has failed to settle on personal terms at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas saying that the two parties were some way off finalising the dealAnd According to the Daily Mirror, Liverpool are ready to vest their interest.
Manager Kenny Dalglish is a huge admirer of Cahill and is prepared to swoop, with the defender reportedly preferring to stay in the north.
Cahill joined Bolton from Aston Villa for £5million in January 2008 and has emerged as one of the country's finest central defenders, forcing his way into Fabio Capello's England squad.

Liverpool FC keen on Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen

Liverpool are reportedly keen on signing Swansea midfielder Joe Allen.

The Wales international has impressed for Swansea this season and is believed to have been watched by Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish for some time.

And according to Caughtoffside.com, Dalglish is now preparing to make a move to sign the Wales international after being impressed by what he has seen.

Swansea would be extremely reluctant to sell the 21-year-old, who only recently signed a new four-year deal with the club, but it is thought that he could be tempted by the chance to move to Merseyside.

Bolton eye Liverpool starlets Raheem and Jon Flanagan

Bolton Wanderers are hoping to swoop on Liverpool duo Raheem Sterling and Jon Flanagan on-loan in the January transfer window.
Manager Owen Coyle is desperate for new recruits to salvage his team’s season after two wins all season has left his side second bottom.
Winger Sterling, 17, is one of the most highly-rated teenagers in England and Coyle insists he can help the teenager’s development in the same way he has done for Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge.
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish may be willing to let the youngsters go on-loan to give them first-team experience but this may change by the new year depending on injury and form of his current regulars.
However, Coyle insists defender Gary Cahill will not be leaving the Reebok Stadium for Anfield this summer.

Liverpool eye Colombian as Suarez replacement

Liverpool target Teo Gutierrez has been made available by his club - but only if his £8m valuation is met.
The Racing Club de Avellaneda forward has been attracting the attention of a number of clubs across Europe and the impending eight game ban Luis Suarez is facing has heightened Liverpool's thoughts of adding another striker to their squad.
The 26-year-old has his six goals in 15 appearances in Argentina's top-flight this season and has now reached 15 caps for his native Colombia.
Racing Club vice-president Rodolfo Molina told Argentinean paper Ole: " There is no formal proposals for Teo Gutierrez, just words but no realities.
"When we receive an actual proposal we will study the numbers hard. The club does not reject the sale, but we will only negotiate on his real value."

Liverpool FC will keep shouting for Champions League place, says Dalglish

Kenny Dalglish believes that Liverpool's current approach will keep them in with a shout of Champions League qualification - because it served previous Anfield teams extremely well.Yet in spite of his side's wastefulness, Dalglish remains unwavering in his approach and has cited the success of his managerial predecessors as a motivation to persevere.

He said: "It's the same story as what it has been after a few games here.

"I think the performance was more than satisfactory enough to win the game. We had a lot of chances so we'll just continue to do as we keep saying. "We'll always be shouting and we'll always do what we believe to be right and go about our work in the fit and proper manner," he added.

"We can't do anything about refereeing decisions, opposing goalkeepers and defenders."We can only do what we do and we'll continue to work hard and get the belief that we can score goals."

Liverpool considering £20m Valencia star

Liverpool are considering a £20m January move for Valencia frontman Roberto Soldado, according to the Metro.
The Reds are keen to add a forward to their squad in the upcoming transfer window and have identified the goalscoring ability of Soldado as someone who could excel in the Premier League.
Liverpool have reportedly watched the 26-year-old on several occasions this season, including Valencia’s 7-0 win over Genk last week which saw Soldado net a hat-trick.
Soldado has a contract with Valencia until 2014 and it is believed the La Liga club want £20m from Liverpool in order to sell.

Liverpool eyeing up next Ryan Babel

Liverpool are keeping an eye on young Dutch winger Ola John who plays for FC Twente.
John, 19, can play on the left or right side of the attack and has been compared to former Liverpool attacker Ryan Babel who left Anfield in January 2011.
The Reds could face competition for the teenager’s signature though with La Liga side Sevilla also thought to be in interested in the pacey forward.
John has scored three goals from 14 appearances in the Dutch championship this season.

Jeepers keepers! Reina's frustration at opposition stoppers shining against Liverpool

Safe hands: Pepe Reina has continued his fine form for Liverpool

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is looking forward to the day when his opposition counterparts stop saving their best performances for his team.In the goalless draw at Wigan on Wednesday the Latics' Ali Al Habsi was named man of the match after a number of saves, including one from Charlie Adam's penalty.The Oman international follows the likes of Manchester United's David de Gea, Norwich's John Ruddy, Swansea's Michel Vorm and even QPR's third-choice goalkeeper Radek Cerny who all were at their very best against the Reds.Of that quartet only the latter finished on the losing side and it has cost Liverpool a handful of points.'Once again it is the goalkeepers - Al Habsi was man of the match and he prevented us getting those three points,' said Reina. 'But we didn't lose the game and we kept a clean sheet which is always positive.'We have to take the positives and that is the team is defending very well and we can take a lot of confidence from that.'

Liverpool to bid Gareth Barry in January

Reports are suggesting that 30 months after losing out on his signature, Liverpool are ready to make an offer for Manchester City midfielder, Gareth Barry.
Liverpool talisman Lucas was ruled out for the remainder of the season after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament against Chelsea earlier in the month.
As is natural, the Merseysiders have been associated with a number of replacements as the side look to return to the heights of the Champions League.
Club captain Steven Gerrard is another midfielder the football community have come to expect on the injury list and the Manchester City middleman would be expected to play in similar roles to both players should a January move come to fruition.
Although his age makes him an unattractive proposition for the future, Barry has shown his ability to perform well at the top level this campaign and could be a suitable midfield supplement at an expected asking price of £7m.

Luis Suarez to be available over Christmas as racism row drags on

LUIS SUAREZ is set to be available for all of Liverpool’s matches over the next month with the bitter row over his eight-match ban expected to drag on well into the new year.
The Reds don’t expect to receive the written judgement explaining why the Football Association’s independent commission found the striker guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra for ‘weeks rather than days’.
Only when Liverpool are in possession of those details will the 14 days begin in which they have the opportunity to lodge an appeal.
Any punishment is suspended until the end of the appeal process so Suarez’s fate might not be known for months.

Given Liverpool’s fury at the verdict, an appeal is almost certain and that would lead to the FA forming another three-man panel. They are unlikely to meet until February at the earliest.

Blackburn tell Kean: Beat Man Utd AND Liverpool to keep job

Blackburn Rovers boss Steve Kean must beat Manchester United to keep his job.
The Daily Star says Kean avoided the sack last night, despite Rovers crashing to defeat at home to Bolton to leave them rock bottom of the table.
The under-fire Scot returned to his family home in London and held crisis talks with the club's Indian owners via video-link.
He was handed another reprieve, but Venky's told Kean he must mastermind wins at Manchester United and Liverpool to save himself from the sack.

Kenny Dalglish not surprised Liverpool hold best defensive record in Premier League this season

The Reds have conceded just 13 times this term and the manager has hailed his back line and the midfielders in front of them for taking the pressure off by keeping the ball

Kenny Dalglish says it is “no surprise” that Liverpool have the best defensive record in the Premier League.
The Merseyside outfit kept their sixth clean sheet of the season in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday and have conceded just 13 goals in 16 games.
Liverpool sit three points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea and Dalglish has praised his defence for putting in consistent displays.
"It's no surprise," Dalglish told reporters. "You've got the best goalkeeper in the Premier League [Pepe Reina], England's right-back [Glen Johnson], two international centre-backs [Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel] and probably the best uncapped left-back [Jose Enrique].
“And they get a lot of help from the boys in front of them. The more we have the ball the less pressure they are under and we have a lot of the ball in a lot of games."
Agger and Skrtel have formed a formidable partnership and have forced the club’s vice-captain Jamie Carragher to the bench since returning from injury.
Dalglish added: "Since he has been injured the two lads have played fantastically well. I think that's a guideline to how well the lads have played, the fact that Carra has not played the last three or four games."

Cole planning Anfield trip to 'say hello'

On-loan Lille midfielder Joe Cole is planning to pay parent club Liverpool a visit over the festive period and says he is relishing having Christmas off this year.
Cole confirmed that he will return to England for Christmas while Ligue 1 is on a winter break and revealed that he plans to drop in on Kenny Dalglish and Co. at some point.
"I've not had a Christmas off since I was 15, so I'm very happy about that," Cole told the club's official website. "I can spend some time with my family. You know my little girl's getting to the age now where she maybe doesn't know what it is but she gets all excited about the tree and the lights and everything.
"It's great to be going home at Christmas and seeing my family and not going in and having pasta and chicken on Christmas Day and things.
"I'm going to go and watch a Liverpool game to say hello because obviously I'm still contracted to them, and I've got no other time to see Chelsea or West Ham. But I'm sure I'll catch a game at some point and I wish them all the best and I hope that they can continue to keep winning as much as they can."

Cliftonville reveal Liverpool have joined race to sign Everton and Swansea City target Rory Donnelly

The Northern Irish club’s chairman says he’s been contacted by Reds boss Kenny Dalglish about the talented 19-year-old, who’s already set to hold talks with rival suitors

Liverpool have joined Everton and Swansea in the race to sign Cliftonville striker Rory Donnelly, the club’s chairman Gerard Lawlor has revealed.

Donnelly, 19, attracted the attentions of English top-flight scouts after scoring 17 goals in the Irish Premier League last season.

The talented youngster’s representative was already scheduled to hold talks with Everton and Swansea, but now Lawlor has revealed Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has contacted him to register his interest.

"It's not every day you get Kenny Dalglish ringing you and asking how the Reds got on at the weekend," Lawlor told the Belfast Telegraph.

"He made it clear that Liverpool want to sign him and that they would be back in touch."

Livepool will have to act quick if they are to sign the forward, as Cliftonville released a statement on Sunday saying they want the youngster's future to be resolved before the new year.

Downing: Liverpool quality shows Aston Villa fans why I left for Anfield

Best foot forward: Downing believes his move to Anfield has been vindicated

Liverpool midfielder Stewart Downing brushed off the Aston Villa boo-boys and claims the comfortable 2-0 victory shows he joined a club heading in the right direction.
'I knew I would get booed and get some stick, but that wasn't a problem for me,' he told the Liverpool Echo. 'I was just focused on ensuring we got a result. I think they gave up after about 50 or 60 minutes and turned on their own team.
'We were by far the better team. I think today proved a point in terms of showing why I wanted to come to Liverpool.
'It wasn't to do with money, I've joined a top team. Just look at the players we've got on the bench who can't get a game. That shows how strong the squad is.
'This was the right move for me at the right time. I enjoyed my time at Villa – it's a great club with great people but you move on in football, that's the way it is.'
But Downing was also impressed with Liverpool's application throughout the entire 90 minutes.

Liverpool touch woodwork - 17 times

Kenny Dalglish has laughed off Liverpool's record of having hit the woodwork 17 times in their 16 Premier League matches this season.
Luis Suarez was denied by the post and crossbar in Sunday's 2-0 win at Aston Villa, leaving Dalglish to ponder what might have been.
"We can solve that problem if we can shave a couple of inches off the post," joked the Liverpool coach.
"We'll keep trying because the harder you try, the luckier you become. Maybe one day we'll hit the bar and it will end up going in.
"We've got a really good spirit in the dressing room and it shows on the pitch. We've had a shut-out, scored two goals to increase our goals and points tally, and increased the number of times we've hit the woodwork as well."

Liverpool challenge Chelsea, Man Utd for Tiote

Liverpool have joined the battle for Newcastle United midfielder Cheik Tiote.

The Sunday Mirror says Kenny Dalglish sent a scouting mission to St James’ Park yesterday as the Ivorian, 25, played his first game since October 22, against ­Swansea.

Chelsea are favourites to land him, but Liverpool have now entered a chase that also includes ­Manchester United.

Liverpool track Real Madrid forward

LIVERPOOL will monitor Mesut Ozil’s situation at Real Madrid after Jose Mourinho gave the midfielder a stark ultimatum.
The inconsistent Germany star has been told by his manager that he will be on his way next summer unless there is a marked improvement.
Damien Comolli will keep an eye on developments and if Real signal they are willing to sell, then the Reds’ director of football will propose a deal.
Liverpool’s hand will be stronger if they qualify for the Champions League, although failure would not rule them out of the running for the 23-year-old.
Real paid Werder Bremen £12.4million for Ozil after he starred in the 2010 World Cup.

Home rules for Dalglish as Liverpool boss brushes off poor Anfield record

Home advantage: Dalglish believes Liverpool's performances have deserved better results

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish disagrees with the school of thought which suggests his side perform better away from home.
On the road this season the Reds have picked up four wins, including important results against top-four rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.
At Anfield, where they are expected to be stronger, they have registered only three wins, although five draws means the points tally is slightly greater.
Liverpool's last match away from home ended in defeat at Fulham, their first in all competitions since mid-September.
That result could easily have gone the other way and while Dalglish was happy with that display he does not think it differed from performances at Anfield this season.

Arsenal & Liverpool 'next Vieira' target on Barca radar

Arsenal and Liverpool face strong competition from Barcelona in the race to sign Yann M'Vila.
Cadena Cope is reporting that the Catalan giants are now 'closely monitoring' the 21-year-old Frenchman, who has been dubbed 'the new Patrick Vieira' in his homeland after some impressive performances for both club and country.
The Rennes starlet already has 17 international caps to his name for Les Bleus, and was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer as Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger courted the player.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for M'Vila on a number of occasions, with the most recent speculation coming in the early stages of the summer transfer window.
Kenny Dalglish spent big in the summer bringing other targets to Anfield, with Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson drafted in to bolster the Liverpool midfield under the Scot.
However, injuries to Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva could leave the Liverpool boss looking to the transfer market once more in the position, and whilst 'King Kenny' has been coy over possible transfer targets on Merseyside, he admitted that money was available should he wish to strengthen the squad in 2012.

We're ready to return to top four - Dalglish

Kenny Dalglish has warned the Premier League elite that his Liverpool side are about to gate-crash their exclusive party.

But even as the rebuilt Reds' manager voiced a passionate belief they are now good enough to break back into the top four - after two years in the wilderness - he admitted the final step is always the hardest.
Liverpool visit Aston Villa on Sunday, knowing they can rise to fifth if results go their way this weekend - putting them within touching distance of the top as they enter the crucial festive period.
The club's re-emergence this season after a nightmare spell over the past couple of years has been impressive, but that progress is in danger of being undermined by a lack of a cutting edge up front.
Dalglish though, argues his side are on the verge of challenging the top teams once more - a refreshing new, attacking approach has transformed the mood of the club.
"We are close. The fine tuning we need is only slight - but then again some of the smallest steps are the biggest ones to take," explained the Scot.
"Of course, it's going to be tough to break into the top four, the teams that are there or thereabouts are really good sides. It's going to be tough but we'll have a good go at it and see where it takes us.
"How we get the extra points to do that is the question. But we have to keep believing in what we are doing, keep playing as well as we have done, and hope we get that wee bit of extra luck.
"We believe we are doing things the right way, so we'll continue to do that because we don't know any other."

Liverpool in fight with Rangers for Dundee United midfielder Allen

Ally McCoist faces an even tougher task to lure Scott Allan to Rangers after Liverpool last night entered the race to sign the Dundee United starlet. Sportsmail can reveal that Kenny Dalglish hopes to fend off competition from the Ibrox side, Celtic and West Brom for the Scotland Under-21 cap.
The Baggies have already had a £400,000 bid accepted by the Tannadice club, but Allan's future
remains up in the air.
McCoist has spoken of his desire to land the midfielder, urging him to put Scottish silverware ahead of English gold.
With the Anfield giants now in the running, however, both he and Celtic counterpart Neil Lennon appear to be facing a losing battle in persuading the 20-year-old he would be best served by staying in Scotland.

Kenny Dalglish pleased with Stewart Downing’s contribution

THERE are few clubs on earth where the spotlight shines as brightly as it does at Liverpool FC.For English football’s most decorated club, the idea of failure is not one to be entertained. Success is very much a part of the Anfield furniture.
Stewart Downing was already aware of that well before his £20m summer switch from Aston Villa, but recent weeks will have provided a gentle reminder to the England
international; when Anfield demands, its players deliver.
“Stewart has made plenty of chances for us,” says Kenny Dalglish. “And he has had a few opportunities himself, which he has been unfortunate with.
“But if we had taken a greater percentage of our chances, or if luck had been more kind to us, then everybody’s stats would be better.
“Our points tally would be better, our goals-for would be better, and individual stats would be better.
“Stewart has made a huge contribution to the fact we have hit the post 16 times and created so many chances and shots at goal.
“When they start going in everyone's stats will improve.”

Aston Villa v Liverpool team news and preview

The busy festive season begins in earnest for Liverpool and Aston Villa when they clash at Villa Park on Sunday.
Alex McLeish side have struggled for large parts of the season their failure to turn draws into win not just impacting their league position with the club currently sitting 9^th but also with the Villains faithful who have become somewhat disillusioned with the style of play.
Villa have drawn 7 of their 15 games so far this season however the signs that could turning the corner were witnessed last weekend when they recorded only their fourth win of the season with a 2-1 win over Bolton.
Liverpool meanwhile will look to keep their push for European football next season going strong when they visit Aston Villa on Sunday.
Team news:Brad Guzan continues in the Villa goal with Shay Given out injured while Stiliyan Petrov, who scored last weekend against Bolton, also set for an extended run following the season ending injury to Jermaine Jenas.
That means that Stephen Ireland will once again have to contend with a place on the bench.
Liverpool will be without midfield pair Lucas and Steven Gerrard, who is slowly be edged back into the first team, while Jay Spearing sits out the second game of his three match suspension for his sending off against Fulham.  Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam will form the midfield pair with Stewart Downing, who scored the winner when the two sides met at Villa Park at the tail end of last season, set to face his former club for the first time in a red shirt.
The England winger has so far failed to reach the heights of last season as he continues to adapt to his new surroundings and Sunday offer the perfect opportunity to get his season on track.
Despite the cloud hanging over Suarez, this season’s reds talisman should start, the only big decision as to whether Dalglish sticks with the misfiring Andy Carroll or opts to move Dirk Kuyt up front with the free scoring Maxi coming on the right.

Prediction: Aston Villa are currently 7/2 to grab a win with Betfair who acknowledge the impressive away form of Liverpool who are evens Despite a one nil loss last time out and a narrow 1-0 win over QPR last weekend I fancy Liverpool for a 2-1 win at odds of 9/1

Madrid midfielder on Liverpool loan radar

Liverpool are being linked with a January loan move for Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.
The 26-year-old is one of a handful of players in the position to be linked with the Reds, as Kenny Dalglish considers his options following a season-ending injury picked up by Brazilian Lucas Leiva.
Seydou Keita, Yann M'Vila and Sandro have also been placed on the radar, but reports in The Independent claim Liverpool are plotting a loan move on the French international.
Diarra has Barclays Premier League experience from his time at Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth, whilst Tottenham Hotspur were also linked with a move for the player in the summer.
Liverpool were also reported to have an interest at the time, and are once again considering the former Le Havre starlet with the transfer window just 17 days away.
Jay Spearing is expected to fill the gap left by Lucas in the heart of the Liverpool side, whilst skipper Steven Gerrard is yet to recover fully from an ankle injury at Anfield.
A short-term deal is expected to appeal most to Liverpool as their former Gremio starlet recovers from the anterior cruciate ligament injury picked up in the Carling Cup, although it's unclear if Jose Mourinho will be willing to let the out-of-favour central midfielder leave in a loan capacity.

Liverpool FC eye Sandro as Kenny Dalglish keen on new midfielder

Liverpool are reportedly keen on signing Tottenham midfielder Sandro.

The 22-year-old was last month linked with a move to Manchester United, while reports earlier this year suggested Real Madrid were showing interest in the Brazil international.

And according to Metro, Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is considering a January bid for the former Internacional starlet as he looks to replace Lucas Leiva, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

AC Milan, rivals Inter and Juventus have all been linked with Sandro, and Dalglish may find that trying to lure him to Anfield is a tough ask as his agent has hinted at a move away from the Premier League should he leave Spurs.

Luiz Paulo Chignall was quoted as saying: "A move to Italy? Sandro is interested in playing in the major leagues, and Serie A is one of them.

"In football you can never rule anything out, though, with it possible that negotiations will see all parties reach an agreement.

"Many clubs have contacted me for information on his situation, but there has been no official proposal.

"He's a Tottenham player and any possible negotiations must pass through the club."

Torres-Suarez partnership would be stuff of fantasy

On this dismally cold day we are told that Roman Abramovich is allegedly seeking £20 million to part company with Chelsea hit man Fernando Torres.
Torres arrived at Chelsea amidst a storm. He immediately endeared himself to the Blues when saying that he was pleased to be playing at a “big club.”
But such is football, that if El Nino were to return to Anfield and shoot Liverpool to the Champions League all would be forgiven and forgotten. It is football after all.
I wasn’t shocked with Torres’ mid season switch and had an inkling from my very own insider who had told me in November 2010 that Torres had not made the cut for Europa League games in order to preserve his European
eligibility.
Would Liverpool fans have him back? In a jiffy, I’d say. A mouth watering partnership with Luis Suarez is straight from the realms of fantasy football.
Many a dab hand Kopite will wholly trust Kenny Dalglish’s judgement on this. That, the voice of the fans and the picture painted by Damien Comolli’s computer generated analysis may prove to be the key feature if Torres is to ever return.

Liverpool eyeing Wolves striker Fletcher

Liverpool are eyeing Wolves striker Steven Fletcher.
Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is expected to enter the winter market for a new striker with his team struggling for goals this season.
The Express & Star says Fletcher is emerging as a big-money target for Champions League chasers Liverpool.

Three solutions to Liverpool’s scoring troubles

Kenny points out the problem,but can he see the solutions?

Luis Suarez scored his first goal in over two months against QPR on Saturday, just Liverpool’s 18th strike in the league.
This has become a worrying statistic for Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, as his side have begun to lose touch with the teams leading the Premier League.
Another concern is that Liverpool’s immediate rivals Chelsea and Arsenal are both beginning to show some good form.

There are a number of arguments being put forward but GMF have come up with what they feel are the most suitable options for the Merseysiders.

Accommodate Andy Carroll

The £35million signing from Newcastle United has struggled to settle in at Anfield and has been spending the majority of his time sat on the bench.
This makes coaxing his best form out of him more difficult, as you cannot risk it while the team are struggling to finish games and not looking overly dominant.
However, the long-term benefits could outweigh the quick fixes in this regard, as a fully fit and firing Andy Carroll would surely lead to a great rate of goals.
His physicality alone is enough to occupy most defences, but couple this with the guile and movement of Luiz Suarez and you have a potentially devastating partnership.

Change the system

Although it is en vogue for Premier League sides to play the 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation and variations thereof, a straightforward 4-4-2 could suit Liverpool.
Following on from the previous point, this would make it easier for Andy Carroll to fit into the side and give him and Luiz Suarez the chance to form some kind of understanding.
Another expensive summer signing struggling to make his mark is Stewart Downing, whom Dalglish purchased from Aston Villa for £22million.
The England international has failed to register an assist or goal this season, but he has been quite unfortunate so far. Downing’s strengths are taking opponents on and putting dangerous crosses into the box.
Having Luiz Suarez in the middle means there isn’t much likelihood of this tactic being overly effective, which has been illustrated by a number of positive performances from Downing ultimately ending fruitless in goals stats.
Having more to aim at in the box would benefit him greatly and could in turn help turnaround the fortunes of Carroll.

Buy a new striker

The simplest answer to Liverpool’s little problem could also be the most effective in this case. With the transfer window looming ever closer, Dalglish may be well served to go out and purchase a proven goal scorer.
Dirk Kuyt is yet to register this season, Andy Carroll has not really got going at Liverpool, Luis Suarez has only just come out of two-month drought and Steven Gerrard has spent most of the season injured.
That means the vast majority of Liverpool’s main goal sources are not doing the job they would normally do. This is a problem around the Christmas/New Year period especially, with lots of games coming over a short amount of time.
If a team is struggling to find the net and is not seeing out games, February could arrive quickly and they, seemingly all of a sudden, have fallen too far behind their rivals.
January signings have been known to reinvigorate a side’s season and spur them on to greater feats in the second half of the year. If Liverpool were to bring in a quality striker, it could mean the difference between Champions League qualification and no European football at all.

Liverpool beat rivals to signing of Wycombe wonderkid Ibe

Strike: Ibe is the youngest ever Football League goalscorer

Liverpool have beaten off interest from Manchester United and Tottenham to sign Wycombe wonderkid Jordan Ibe.
The 16-year-old burst into the spotlight by scoring a stunning goal against Sheffield Wednesday in October.
His goal made him the youngest-ever scorer in the Football League; he struck 10 days short of his 16th birthday.
The fee is believed to be around £500,000 and he will finish his final year at secondary school in South London before making the move to Merseyside next summer.
Wycombe captain Gareth Ainsworth had urged Ibe to continue his development at Adams Park but it is thought the club decided to cash in on the teenager before the controversial Elite Player Performance Plan begins next season.
The plan replaces the current system of tribunals with fixed tariffs for the transfer of home-grown youngsters.

Talent: Ibe will move to Liverpool in the summer

Ibe last appeared for Wycombe from the bench in a 4-3 defeat at MK Dons, which left them embroiled in a relegation scrap in League One.

What's going on?!! Liverpool cosy up to Man Utd sponsor

Liverpool have risked the wrath of fans by getting close to Manchester United sponsors Aon.
The Sun says Kop chiefs ditched a local firm and put their insurance with Aon — the company which pays United £20million a year.
And that means they are now indirectly contributing to the transfer and wages kitty of the team who last season finally pulled clear of Liverpool by winning their 19th English title.
A source said: "It's an incredible thing to do.
"When the Liverpool fans find out, they will be furious that the club is effectively helping United.
"Working with the sponsors of your biggest rivals looks like an own goal."
Clubs take out insurance policies worth millions on stadiums, property and against the possibility of players being seriously injured or having to quit the game.
Liverpool declined to comment.

Steven Gerrard set to make Liverpool FC comeback at New Year

Steven Gerrard is hoping to make his Liverpool comeback in time for the New Year.

The Reds captain returned to light training last week after spending five weeks on the treatment table following an ankle infection sustained at the end of October.

Gerrard had targeted this Sunday's visit to Aston Villa as his original return date, affirmed by the club's initial announcement that their talismanic skipper would be missing for a fortnight.Since his return in the Carling Cup win over Brighton in September, Gerrard made substitute appearances against Wolves and Everton before netting in his first start, again against United.Another 90-minute outing followed seven days later against Norwich before he was sidelined with this latest infection, which required immediate surgery and a protective cast.

But he is now expected to feature in Liverpool's final fixture of 2011 against Newcastle United on December 30, which will end his injury-plagued year on something of a positive.

The timing of Gerrard's return will help aid Kenny Dalglish's selection headache in filling the void left by Lucas Leiva's season-ending injury, picked up against Chelsea last month.

Downing: Liverpool must shoot to kill

Liverpool must develop ruthlessness to kick opponents when they're down if they want to win titles.
That is the brutally honest assessment of their own players, after yet another impressive weekend performance that almost became another tale of frustration and missed opportunity.

On too many occasions this season, the Reds have created enough chances to tie up games well before the end, only for their carelessness in front of goal to allow the opposition an unlikely route back.
That almost happened again on Saturday, when QPR got battered but almost miraculously found themselves trailing by just a single goal late in the game, and then missed a glorious chance to snatch a point.
Despite playing as well as any side in the Premier League - as their recent display against leaders Manchester City proved - Liverpool haven't scored more than two goals in a game since August.
Winger Stewart Downing, who concedes he is as guilty as anyone when it comes to poor finishing, says he and his team-mates must discover a ruthless streak to bring the victories their form deserves.
"Our performances have been very good this season, and we have created plenty of chances, but the biggest issue so far is we haven't converted enough," admitted the England star.
"We haven't scored enough goals and that means we haven't killed teams off. We all know we have to finish them off when you get those sort of chances, because if you don't they invariably punish you at this level.
"Hands up, if we'd taken more of our opportunities this season then we'd be in a much better position, and we all know that."

Liverpool want £25m Leandro Damiao

Liverpool are hoping that they can persuade Internacional to part with star striker Leandro Damiao during the January transfer window as Kenny Dalglish attempts to address the clubs lack of goals.

The Reds have the joint best defensive record in the Premier League with Manchester City, having conceded just 13 goals, but Dalglish's side have scored just 18, 30 less than the league leaders.

Dalglish has brought the likes of Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy to Anfield in the last year, but it seems another front man is topping his list of targets.

Brazil international Damiao has been in outstanding form for Internacional ever since becoming a regular in the first team at the start of last season.

The 22-year-old has scored a staggering 40 goals this year and has emerged as one of the most in-demand striker in South America, with the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal both showing an interest in the forward.

Liverpool had been heavily linked with Barcelona striker David Villa but the club would have to spend close to £40million to land a striker who is already 30-years-old.

The clubs transfer policy is to bring the best young players to the club and it is perhaps far more likely that they would attempt to make an offer for Damiao.

A number of European clubs have shown an interest in Damiao, but Liverpool are hoping that by making an offer of £25million they will be able to persuade the Brazilian side to part with the forward.

Dalglish dismisses transfer talk

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has insisted he's not desperate to sign a new striker in January following the Reds' weekend win.

Liverpool had 15 attempts at goal but only managed to find the net once against the newly promoted Hoops, as they continue to struggle against teams below them in the Premier League table.

With questions being raised over the club's attacking options, speculation has begun over a potential new striker making his way to Anfield in January.

However, Dalglish has admitted he can't stop the rumour mill and believes the club have enough quality in attacking positions.

He told the club's website: "We did miss some chances, yes, but the goalkeeper saved a lot of them too.

"Do I feel the need to go out and do something about that? Aye, whichever side comes along here next, we'll ask them to come without a keeper. That's the best way to do it, isn't it?

"Irrespective of what I say, it's not going to stop speculation we are going out in January to sign Joe Bloggs up front, or whoever. I don't need to say anything."

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United chase David Villa

Liverpool target sparks United & Chelsea 'transfer stampede'

Barcelona striker David Villa will spark interest from a quintet of Premier League club when he sits down for talks with manager Pep Guardiola, according to The Express.

The Spanish World Cup winner was left out of the Barca team to face Real Madrid, restricted to a substitute appearance during the 3-1 El Classico win.

Villa is expected to question his role at the Nou Camp, and is prepared to instruct his agents to find him a move to England.

Liverpool have previously been linked with an unlikely bid for the striker, but reports suggest that Chelsea and Manchester United are now interested, with Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Anfield club are expected to have the edge in the race for Villa, with goalkeeper Pepe Reina on good terms with the 30-year-old.

But while The Reds have been heavily linked with Villa, it's Chelsea and United who are expected to be put on alert.

Chelsea may be keen to bring in Villa to partner with misfiring Fernando Torres, hoping the pair can replicate their international form in the Premier League.

In the short term, a move for Villa would provide fruitful for United, with Javier Hernandez out injured for the second time this season, and Dimitar Berbatov, who is also out injured, likely to leave the club in the near future.

A stumbling block for the trio may be the asking price for Villa, with the catalans likely to demand a significant portion of the £40 million they shelled out for him in 2010.

Teammate Seydou Keita has also been heavily linked with Liverpool, but with Luis Suarez working overtime to keep Kenny Dalglish's side in the hunt for the top four, the Scot may be tempted to recruit some reinforcements.

Warnock urges FA and Premier League protection for Suarez, despite Anfield winner

Put it there: Warnock was happy to defend Suarez, despite his winner

Neil Warnock has called on the FA and Premier League to reprimand clubs whose fans verbally abuse Luis Suarez as he insisted the Liverpool striker deserves greater protection.

The Uruguayan has a FA charge of improper conduct hanging over him after he made a gesture to Fulham supporters at the end of a tempestuous game at Craven Cottage last Monday. If found guilty, he faces a ban.


Suarez has become one of the most-talked about players in the Barclays Premier League and Queens Park Rangers fans baited him for long periods of Saturday’s game at Anfield but he had the final answer, scoring the goal which gave Liverpool a 1-0 win.

Warnock marvelled at Suarez’s display but it was the QPR manager’s words about the situation surrounding him that were most significant. He believes the game's authorities have a duty to show aggressive behaviour towards players will not be tolerated.


'I think it is easy to criticise, people look for headlines, but he (Suarez) needs help,' said Warnock. 'He is a foreign player in a foreign country; the crowd away from home gives him so much stick he should be protected from that as much as possible.


'Yes, he has got to learn he cannot be making gestures but, bloody hell, the stick he gets, it is about time someone did something about it. I think the FA and Premier League should. They are so quick to charge him in terms of putting a finger up.
'But look at the abuse he is getting and charge the clubs concerned. If they are going to give abuse like that, the stewards must hear it but they turn a deaf ear.'

Liverpool target Bundesliga star Lewandowski

Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski has been in good form this season scoring 14 goals.

Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski has caught the eye of Liverpool's director of football Damien Comolli in a bid to give more teeth to the Reds in attack, according to reports.Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has been handicapped by the misfiring Andy Carroll who might be on his way out during the January transfer.Liverpool have managed to score just 18 goals in 15 Premier League games and have had to depend on Luis Suarez who scored his first goal in two months against Sunderland on Saturday.

But the Merseyside club have struggled to break down the opposition when Suarez has been paired alongside £35 millin flop Carroll or Dirk Kuyt.

Carrool could be kept on his toes with the strong physical presence of a player like Lewandowski alongside Suarez.

Liverpool will attempt to lure Lewandowski when the transfer window re-opens next month.

The club’s owners splashed over £100 million on new signings in 2011 but the Anfield board will have fork out more as Liverpool bids to secure a coveted Champions League spot.

Liverpool plot move for Real Sociedad defender

Liverpool are plotting a move for Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez.
The Anfield club have sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old several times this season and will continue to monitor his form with a view to a bid in the summer.
Martinez has a clause in his contract, which runs until June 2015, which says he can go if they receive a £28million offer.

Drop Carroll Or Drop Top Four Dreams

Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez cannot play together. Full stop. Suarez needs to play with Maxi, Kuyt, Bellamy and other football thinkers. Andy Carroll just gets in the way...

The apparent inability of Andy Carroll to recapture the kind of form that made him one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League may be in part due to the player whom he was notionally bought to partner. On paper, the big man-little man partnership involving two very good players seemed a winning combination. The reality has been very different - and one has to wonder whether either is a suitable foil for the other.
Luis Suarez is Liverpool's dominant influence. He sets the tone, forces Liverpool to play. His willingness to work and find space, his ability on the ball and his movement all drive Liverpool from the front. Essentially, it is his almost constant availability and his intelligence that makes Liverpool work. He is a pass waiting to happen. A menace to opponents - always alive to possibilities. A midfielder's delight.
Suarez is also the catalyst - his presence appearing to bring out the best of like-minded players, like Maxi, Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy. Players that Rafa Benitez liked to say had game intelligence, who play in between the lines and make opponents uncomfortable with their constant movement and clever touches.
Clearly, since Dalglish returned to Liverpool, his side's most eye-catching performances have come when these players have been involved. Their dynamic rotation across the frontline and their intuitive touches and interplay have given Liverpool a real cutting edge - and a more convincing goal threat. And Suarez leads the way.
Drop Andy Carroll into the mix - and he just looks like he is in the way. He does not appear to think quickly enough or have quick enough feet, and he has a tendency to drift into spaces where Suarez would like to inject a little menace and mischief. He's just not on the right wavelength.
To make matters worse, Carroll's mere presence still brings out the simplistic and cowardly worst in some players - unable to resist a long punt in the direction of a big man, neither helping the striker nor the team.
Very little of this is Carroll's fault. Sure, he could work on his game - do a bit better. But it is hard to escape the feeling that he just does not fit into Liverpool's best XI. Shoehorning him into the side upsets the flow - and frustrates and inhibits Suarez, who on the evidence of his time with Liverpool and Uruguay seems to flourish when he has complete freedom to operate across the front line and is supported by similarly intelligent players.
Suarez is at his best when Maxi plays - and Kuyt and Bellamy. Liverpool are also then at their best. To get the best from Carroll, you feel Stewart Downing must play down the left, which means the Argentine Maxi tends to be left out, denying the Uruguayan one of his most effective foils.
Downing and Carroll cost a combined £55million - the kind of money that suggests they should be your plan A. However, team selection has to be based on performance and not price tag. Liverpool have the squad and the wherewithal to make the top four, but will only do so if their manager deploys his forces judiciously and based on form and the compelling evidence before him. Carroll and Downing may well come good for Liverpool - but at present, they do not merit a place in the team. The concern must be that price tag pressure and a desire to justify a massive transfer outlay if allowed to dictate who gets the nod could derail the club's ambitions this season.
Paul Little

One has 10 Premier League goals in 44 games, and is being heralded as the future of the England team. The other has 16 in 67, and is being heralded as an absolute waste of space. I give you Welbeck and Carroll. Amazing what a £35m price tag can do to get in the way of actually opening your eyes. Just get past the money thing, please.

Liverpool face Foxes fight over Caribbean winger

Liverpool face Npower Champonship competition in the race to sign winger Chris Humphrey, if reports are to be believed.
The Jamaican-born 24-year-old is being tracked by recently re-appointed Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson, according to the Daily Star, with the big-spending Foxes willing to take on Barclays Premier League suitors such as the Reds, Newcastle, Sunderland and Swansea.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish was first reported to have taken an interest in the Motherwell star back in April, with the Merseysiders thought to have been considering a summer transfer window move.


Whilst a switch south of the border failed to materialise, the Reds chief is still said to have kept an interest in the player, with reports as recently as September suggesting Liverpool were still tracking his progress at Fir Park.
Humphrey spent time with Walsall and West Brom as a youngster before making a senior impact with Shrewsbury Town. After three years with the Shrews, he moved to the SPL.
His stock has continued to rise in Scotland, leading to some big-money links to England.
Liverpool certainly have the funds at their disposal if they wish to bring the player to Anfield, spending big on strikers last January and in a variety of positions in the summer, including the wing with Stewart Downing's arrival.
However, a lack of depth in the position means the Liverpool manager could look to strengthen at the next opportunity - the start of 2012 - although the Thai hierarchy at the King Power Stadium aren't afraid to splash the cash either. An interesting transfer battle could be on the horizon.

Dalglish ponders bid for Porto's £17m Fernando after Lucas injury blow

Liverpool are weighing up a move for Porto's defensive midfielder Fernando Reges.
Manager Kenny Dalglish will be given funds to strengthen his squad in January and the knee ligament injury suffered by Lucas Leiva means defensive
midfield has become a priority.
The 24-year-old Reges, known as Fernando, is widely recognised as one of the best players in his position and is also on the list of transfer targets of his former manager, Chelsea's Andre Villas Boas.

On the radar: Liverpool sent scouts to watch Porto's Fernando Reges (left)

The Brazilian is valued at around £17m but that is still within Liverpool's reach. They have studied other players such as Celtic's Beram Kayal but sent scouts to watch Fernando on Tuesday as Porto drew 0-0 with Zenit St Petersburg and went out of the Champions League.
Liverpool also want to bring in a striker and may yet look at a right winger and another centre back depending on what is available and at what price.

Liverpool boss Dalglish blasts FA over Rooney appeal and Suarez treatment

It started with a kick: Rooney lashed out at Montenegro's Miodrag Dzudovoic

Trouble: Luis Suarez makes finger gesture

Kenny Dalglish has criticised the FA for their appeal over Wayne Rooney's Euro 2012 ban and claimed they have set a dangerous precedent.

While Rooney, England manager Fabio Capello and members of the FA greeted the news that his suspension had been reduced to two games after a hearing at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Liverpool's  manager questioned the ethics behind the successful appeal.
Dalglish said: 'I don't think it sets a very good standard that they appeal against Wayne's three-match ban. I think it calls into question their own disciplinary system. I think it's  understandable because Wayne is a fantastic footballer but it's not as if it was a 50-50 challenge.
'So I don't know how they justify diluting it. If it's a straight red, it's three games. If they can justify diluting Wayne's then everyone else who appeals for a similar sending-off in a Premier League game will expect to have their ban reduced. It's great news for England that their best player is going to be available for the last game but I don't think it sets a very good  precedent for everyone else.'

Warnings from Liverpool and Arsenal for Man United and Man City: Europa League spells bad news for title hopes

The chance of lifting the Europa League is scant consolation for players like Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero

The two Manchester clubs crashed out of the 2011/12 Champions League at the group stage and will now have to settle for a place in the last 32 of the Europa League in the new year.

Two of the pre-Champions League favourites, United and City are leading the way domestically and were expected to reach the business end of Europe's premier competition, but what will their demotion to the Europa League mean in the long run?

talkSPORT takes a look at how English clubs have coped both at home and in Europe during previous years when Champions League disappointment has led to an opportunity of silverware in the UEFA Cup or Europa League…

ARSENAL: 1999/00
Final Premier League position: Second
UEFA Cup: Runners-up
FA Cup: Fourth round
League Cup: Fourth round
The Gunners were a point behind Leeds in the Premier League after 12 games when their Champions League adventure ended with defeat to Fiorentina. They got past Nantes, Deportivo, Werder Bremen and Lens to reach the UEFA Cup final, but Patrick Vieira and Davor Suker missed in the shoot-out to hand Galatasaray the trophy. Domestically, Man United finished a huge 18 points ahead of Arsenal in the Premier League, while the Gunners crashed out of both cups at the fourth round stage.
LIVERPOOL: 2002/03
Final Premier League position: Fifth
UEFA Cup: Quarter-finalists
FA Cup: Fourth round
League Cup: Winners
Liverpool were ahead of Arsenal in top spot in the Premiership when they bowed out of Europe's top competition at the group stage, following a dramatic 3-3 draw with Basel. The Reds came back from 3-0 down to grab a point, but needed all three to avoid elimination and demotion into the UEFA Cup. Gerard Houllier's side then beat Vitesse and Auxerre to reach the UEFA Cup quarter-final, where Martin O'Neill's Celtic banished their hopes of a second triumph in three seasons, having won the trophy in 2001. Back in England, dreams of a first league title since 1989/90 crumbled as Man United finished a huge 19 points clear of Liverpool, who finished a poor fifth, out of the Champions League places after a horrendous run of form in the middle of the season. Consolation came in the shape of a League Cup final win over Man United, but the rot had set in on Houllier's reign and he only lasted another season.
LIVERPOOL: 2009/10
Final Premier League position: 7th
Europa League: Semi-finalists
FA Cup: Third round
League Cup: Fourth round
Liverpool struggled to cope with the departure of Xabi Alonso in the summer, finishing six points behind second-placed Lyon in their Champions League group. For a team that had reached two finals, one semi, one quarter final and the last 16 in each of the past five seasons, this was something of a shock to the system. Things weren't any better at home, either, where the Reds found themselves 13 points behind leaders Chelsea at the time of their elimination, sat in seventh spot, having lost five of their opening 13 games. That's where Benitez and his underperforming stars finished the season - their lowest league position since 1998/99 - having been embarrasingly dumped out of the FA Cup at Anfield by Championship side Reading. The Europa League looked like providing some solace for Benitez, but Atletico Madrid ended their hopes of silverware in second leg extra-time of the semi-final. Like his predecessor Houllier, Champions League elimination was the prelude to Benitez being ejected from the Anfield hot seat.