Joe Cole for Benayoun Replacement?

(posted by Roku)

Roy Hodgson, the new Liverpool boss, hoping to bring Joe Cole to Liverpool. He is finally decide that Joe Cole is the ideal replacement for Yossi Benayoun.The 28-year-old recently parted ways with Chelsea after his contract at Stamford Bridge came to an end, and he is now free to talk to any club he chooses.

After previously linked to move away from England and been denied by his agent. Cole has reported to agreed in principle with Gunners despite to Tottenham. 

Gerrard Promises He Will Not Quit International Football

(posted by Roku)

Liverpool skipper insisted that he will not giving up his place despite the disappointment performance in South Africa. England exited from the Word Cup after losing badly to The Young Germany 4-1.

 

Fabio Capello has suggested a new era of England to give a chance to the youngster. Gerrard once again remains to keen to add his 84 caps. Unlike his teammate, Jamie Carragher who once again decided to retired from international football.

"There is no way I want the disappointment of the Germany game to be my last for England," Gerrard told his club's official website. "It was such a low and I am determined to do as much as I can to make amends for what happened. "I expect there to be a lot of changes to the squad and it is up to the manager whether I am selected, but I am going to continue to make myself available for my country."

Hodgson Needs Gervinho and More Brits

(posted by Roku)

New Liverpool boss, Roy Hodgson is targeting the Ivory Coast star, Gervinho to add his attacking option. This Lille forward, spent just only one season, scored 13 goals on his debut season. Lille, wants £10 million for Gervinho. But as report has said, Hodgson would not be willing to pay more than £8 million to secure his services. Arsenal has also linked with Gervinho following his good perfomance in South Africa. 

Meanwhile, Hodgson stated that he needs more British player to meet the new regulation of Premier League. From this season, every Premier League squad will have to name a 25-man squad at the end of each transfer window, with a minimum of eight home-grown players included. This includes players who have played for an English or Welsh team for at least three seasons between the ages of 16 and 21.

For next season, Liverpool has already welcomed Jonjo Shelvey and Raheem Sterling from Charlton and Queens Park Ranger. But Hodgson insist his squad isn't strong enough. "I think the club have been trying to do that already with younger players like Jonjo Shelvey and Raheem Sterling but it takes time for them to come through so we might have to go into the transfer market. We would be foolish not to be aware of the importance of home-grown players with the way UEFA and Premier League rules are going, otherwise we're going to struggle to get our squad numbers together."

Liverpool now linked with Ashley Young and the Newcastle captain, Steven Taylor.

Roy Hodgson Will Make Steven Taylor as His First Signing

 

(posted by Roku)

According to Sunday Mirror, Hodgson will attempt to make a bid for Steven Taylor. An early bid are already thought to have taken place between Reds and Taylor representatives. 

Newcastle United having gained a promotion this season.  Taylor is believed to be waiting to hear future plans from the Toon hierarchy before making a decision on his future. But Newcastle has already stated that they will not spend much amount of money this season. Something that Taylor concerned about by their lack of ambition. 

It's thought the 24-year-old defender would favour a move to Liverpool, despite interest from several Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Aston Villa. Taylor has just one year left on his current deal and Newcastle may be forced to listen to offers to avoid losing him for nothing next summer.  

Chelsea Sign Benayoun

 

(posted by Roku)

Chelsea have announced the capture of Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee believed to be between £5 million and £6 million.

The 30-year old has been linked with a switch to the Premier League champions all summer as a replacement for the out of contract Joe Cole and will join his new team-mates for pre-season training on July 5. The move brings to an end the Israel international's three year stay on Merseyside, where he grabbed 18 goals in 92 appearances. Speaking to the Blues' official website, Benayoun said: "I am very excited to come to a club like Chelsea, it is a big club and I think it is a dream for every player. Hopefully we will be successful."
Manager Carlo Ancelotti added: "We are happy to have this new player. Yossi has a lot of quality in midfield and can play in lots of positions. I like his behaviour on the pitch and he will do a great job for us next season." A spokesman on Liverpool's official website wished Benayoun all the best for the future. They said: "Yossi's departure was agreed between the player and Rafael Benitez a number of weeks ago. Everybody at Liverpool FC wishes him well for the future." 

The Israeli international will link up with his new team-mates on Monday when pre-season training gets underway and he admits he can't wait.

"Everything looks lovely. It is a great training ground and you can see it is one of the best clubs in the world from the way the people here treat you," he told Chelsea's official website.
"I met a few of the staff and the players I know a little bit from playing. It is a good challenge for me and I am ready for it.

"There are a lot of good players, big players. For me it is the beginning and I have to work hard and prove I can bring something to this club.

"The only thing I can promise is I will work hard and do my best, and hopefully it will be good enough."

Benayoun's last appearance for Liverpool at Anfield was against Chelsea in May where the Blues won 2-0, something which lingers in his memory.

"The last home game I knew it would be my last for Liverpool," Benayoun added.

"I tried to do my best but Chelsea were strong. All the years here in England, five years, Chelsea were always a difficult side to play against with big players and that's why they are always there at the top, fighting for trophies - that's why I am glad to be a part of it now."

The Israeli conceded that there were many offers for him on the table to consider, but his choice was straightforward and he is happy to have signed a three-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

"I had offers from a few teams, but when Chelsea came in for me it was the obvious and only thing to think about, and I am glad it came out in the end," he added.

"I leave a great club at Liverpool and I had a great time there, so I am very grateful for them also."

 

Chairman : Why We Chose Roy ?

(taken from LFC.tv)

Martin Broughton today explained why Roy Hodgson was the number one choice to become Liverpool Football Club's 18th manager.

The Chairman lifted the lid on a rigorous interview process during which Hodgson was grilled by Christian Purslow, Kenny Dalglish and Broughton himself.

In the end the board decided the former Fulham boss met every requirement outlined after Rafael Benitez's departure at the start of June.

Broughton told reporters at Hodgson's Anfield unveiling: "You take the League Managers' Association's Manager of the Year - that shows the respect his peers have for him. It's a respect that's been earned not only over the last year, which was outstanding, but over a long period of time.

"Roy brings precisely the sort of experience we were looking for. He's been around and dealt with lots of different international players.

"He's English but he's cosmopolitan. He wasn't chosen because he was English - he was chosen because he was the best man for the job.

"We need someone to steady the ship at this stage and I think Roy has got all of the talents we were looking for."

Broughton added: "Can I just express on behalf of the club our appreciation to Mohammed Al Fayed and the Fulham team for allowing Roy to talk to us and for being so good about the whole process."

Hodgson was quickly installed as the bookies' favourite once the Anfield hotseat became vacant - but Broughton revealed the board started their search with an open mind.

He said: "We didn't start off with a first choice. We wanted to have a proper and professional process. We didn't say A was favourite or B was favourite. We talked to quite a lot of people.

"There were a lot of applicants and we approached some others. There were a number of telephone interviews to get a shortlist. Then there were a number of face-to-face interviews which Christian Purslow and Kenny Dalglish carried out.

"They put their conclusions to the board and the board agreed it would be a good idea for me and Christian to meet the last two. That was last weekend and Roy was our choice."

Roy Hodgson Shortlist

Hodgson is believed to be targeted Brede Hangeland, Danny Murphy, Gilberto Silva, and Rafael van der Vaart once he's been appointed as Reds manager.

The former Inter Milan manager had done a very great job with Fulham last season. England's failure in the 2010 World Cup had seen him linked with a potential move to take over the reins of the national team, but recent reports point towards the gaffer being unveiled as the latest to take to the helm at Anfield.

Daily Mail reported that he will be given £15 million for transfer kitty. And could be boost by the sale of Mascherano (£25 million) and Yossi Benayoun (£6 million). It is also said that he will look towards to bring the Panathaikos veteran midfielder, Gilberto Silva. The former Reds midfielder, Danny Murphy also reported to be under consideration.

Additionally, to strengthen a Reds that looked shaky on more than a few occasions last season, the 62-year-old is believed to have cast his eye on raiding his former club for Brede Hangeland. It has been speculated that the success achieved under Hodgson will be convincing enough for the Norway international to switch allegiances and move to Merseyside. Hodgson is also reportedly interested in bringing in Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart to Anfield, amidst claims that the now manager of the Spanish club, Jose Mourinho, will let go of the player. 

(posted by Roku) 

Jovanovic Confirms His Move to Liverpool

(posted by Roku)

The 29 years old has confirmed his move to Liverpool. Even the departure of Benitez to Inter Milan and the Liverpool's failure to qualify in Champions League. He declared that there will be no u-turn for him. "I am going to Liverpool. I have signed there for three years. I repeat: no pre-agreement - a real contract," Jovanovic said. "And the departure of Benitez changes nothing. I have maintained contact with the executive board of Liverpool and everything is good. "I am working to arrange my visa for England. Next week I go there to collect my work permit. "Everything is in order since in the last two years I have played 75 per cent of the matches for my national side. Next I am looking for a house. "On the 14th or 15th July I will join the squad for a training camp in Switzerland. But, as from Thursday, I want to start my individual training programme so I can show them immediately that I am worth a place in the side."

Mesut Ozil - the Diamond from Germany

(posted by Roku)

In September 2006, Özil was called up for the Germany U-17 team. Özil has been a member of the German U-21 team since 2007. On 29 June 2009, Özil was the catalyst in a 4–0 win over England during the U-21 European Championship final.

He made his debut for the Germany national football team during a friendly match against Norway on 11 February 2009. He scored his first goal for the senior team in his third appearance, another friendly, against South Africa on 5 September in Leverkusen.

 

This 21 years old kid showed his magical movement and technique with his German team in WC2010. I labelled him "MUST BUY" player. Why?

The first is because, Liverpool was lack of creativity. We don't have a skilfull attacking midfielder while Benayoun becoming older and inconsistent. He shown his creativity when German trash England on 27 June 2010.

Second, Ozil can become a great star. He is still 21 years old and can become better player.

Third, although he is 21 years old kid, his instinct could make him a goal getter midfielder. I counted that he make 3 dangerous move to England penalty box.

Four, he is better than Joe Cole. With him behind Torres, we can proudly called one of the Big Four of England again.

Inter Boss Rafael Benitez: Give Kenny Dalglish The Liverpool Job

Inter manager Rafael Benitez has backed claims that Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish should replace him as manager at Anfield.

Benitez left Liverpool following a reported £6 million severance package agreed upon by both parties and although the Reds are strongly linked with a move for Fulham coach Roy Hodgson, the Spaniard believes they should look in house and towards Dalglish for the most suitable candidate.

"I think they should look at Kenny Dalglish," Benitez told the Italian media in his first press conference as Inter boss. "He is the best man for the job. The owners should listen to the fans because they are unhappy. "No one knows the club better than Dalglish, and he wants the job and in my opinion he should get it." The former Valencia manager spent six years at Liverpool, winning the Champions League and FA Cup in his first two seasons.

(taken from Goal.com)

Liverpool Set To Approach Roy Hodgson

Liverpool reportedly set to make a formal approach to Roy Hodgson to be a successor to Rafael Benitez in the next 48 hours. Hodgson who enjoyed a very good season with Fulham believed to be clear favourite to manage The Reds. Another candidate who is believed to be top candidate is Louis Van Gaal.

 Another news was about King Dalglish. The Sun reported that Kenny Dalglish has informed Liverpool's hierarchy that he wants to manage the five-time European Champions. The Scot won a clutch of trophies whilst in charge at Anfield between 1985 and 1991. Appointing Dalglish would save on any compensation payments to other clubs, such as the £2.5 million it would take to prise Roy Hodgson away from Fulham.

(posted by Roku) 

"Redknapp Good for Liverpool" said Fowler

(posted by Roku)

 

Former Liverpool goal-getter, Robbie Fowler trust Harry Redknapp is the best choice to replace Benitez. Reds has sacked Benitez last week and being linked with Astonvilla's Martin O'Neill and Fulham's Roy Hodgson. With Harry Redknapp, Spurs enjoyed a very good season. From a relegation candidate they turned into Champions League qualifier candidate. "I'm not saying they'll go for him, but he's done fantastic at all the clubs he's been at in the Premier League and so have Martin O'Neill and Roy Hodgson.""You want someone who has done well in the Premier League and knows how it works so you know, as a top man, why not Harry Redknapp?," Fowler told the Press Association. "He's done fantastic with Spurs [Tottenham Hotspur] and he would be a very good manager for Liverpool. 

Redknapp whose contract will expire next season, has proved himself as a good dealer at market. Something that Benitez always been criticised. There also been a speculation that the new boss will sell Torres and Gerrard to boost the transfer funds. But Fowler said ridiculous. "Both [Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard] are world class and if the new manager wants to win leagues and cups you need players like that, so whoever comes in will want to keep them. "Players like to win things. Admittedly you get a lot of money for them but if you do sell them it's very hard to replace them.

Liverpool Being Raid

After the departure of Benitez to Inter. Many clubs in Europe trying to exploit the situation. The first is Torres' situation. As we known, that City and Chelsea are interested on Torres. Luckily Torres has said 'no' to City. But now, City offer a huge contract and Torres will earn more than £200,000 week, and could make him the richest footballer in the world. The source continued by saying that negotiations were underway behind the scenes at Chelsea who have also made Torres aware of their interest.

Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has said the move would benefit both Inter and the coach, claiming Benitez is the right man to take the job. "Only someone like Benitez could take the place of a coach like Mourinho," he said. "He is a great coach and is a winner. He will find himself well in Italy because of the tactical game. Rafa studies everything. Inter have made a good choice. "And new horizons have been opened for the Argentine midfielder himself, who hinted he could join the coach at the San Siro. "Me with him? I don't know about my future, but I spent great years with Benitez. My football is his football."

(posted by Roku)

original article on goal.com

Liverpool Being Raid

After the departure of Benitez to Inter. Many clubs in Europe trying to exploit the situation. The first is Torres' situation. As we known, that City and Chelsea are interested on Torres. Luckily Torres has said 'no' to City. But now, City offer a huge contract and Torres will earn more than £200,000 week, and could make him the richest footballer in the world. The source continued by saying that negotiations were underway behind the scenes at Chelsea who have also made Torres aware of their interest.

Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has said the move would benefit both Inter and the coach, claiming Benitez is the right man to take the job. "Only someone like Benitez could take the place of a coach like Mourinho," he said. "He is a great coach and is a winner. He will find himself well in Italy because of the tactical game. Rafa studies everything. Inter have made a good choice. "And new horizons have been opened for the Argentine midfielder himself, who hinted he could join the coach at the San Siro. "Me with him? I don't know about my future, but I spent great years with Benitez. My football is his football."

(posted by Roku)

original article on goal.com

Benitez will Leave Liverpool

Benitez is in talks to leave Liverpool after being told by Martin Broughton that there was a minimal money for summer transfer market. Benitez is believed to had a discussion about transfer fund with the Chairman, but failed to get the money and told the Chairman that he can't do the job without the money. Broughton seems understood the situation and offered a deal of Benitez's disposal from Anfield. It is widely suggested to give Benitez £3 million for his compensation. Although Benitez has four years remaining on his £5m-a-year contract, potentially entitling him to £20m, the most he could expect to get would be £16m.

Several sources, Benitez will be join Inter as a successor of Jose Mourinho. Massimo Moratti, has said that Fabio Capello as an ideal successor of Mourinho, but Capello denied to move to Inter. Hours later, Benitez confirmed that he will quit his job at Liverpool. 

(posted by Roku)

Goal.com Summer Shopping: Who Should Liverpool Buy?

(taken from goal.com)

Goalkeepers
Between the sticks, Liverpool have arguably the best goalkeeper in the League in Reina, and perhaps Benitez’s best signing thus far, and the Reds certainly don't need to look for a replacement for the Spaniard.

In reserve, Brazilian stopper Diego Cavalieri is an adequate understudy. The ambitious 28-year-old is seemingly more composed than the back-up goalkeepers at rival clubs - Arsenal’s Lukasz Fabianksi springs to mind - and the Reds can feel confident that they house enough quality in this vital department.

Defence

Liverpool’s back-line would certainly welcome some reinforcements, if not just the acquisition of stronger understudies.

In terms of centre-backs, Benitez has four senior options at his disposal, in the shape of Carragher, Daniel Agger, Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Martin Skrtel. However, with Carragher (32) and Kyrgiakos (30) not getting any younger, an extra addition would be useful to the Liverpool tactician.

On Tuesday, Goal.com UK revealed that reported target Simon Kjaer is open to a move to the Premier League, after agent Mikkel Beck revealed that his client: "Is ready to leave for sure, and he is already ready to play in a big team.”

The Palermo centre-back has a £10 million release clause in his contract, an interesting proposition for a Liverpool side not blessed with a wealth of excess change. However, with full-back Fabio Aurelio set to leave the club, and with Carragher and Agger likely to get the nod ahead of the 21-year-old Dane (should he sign), Benitez may feel that the money could be better spent elsewhere.

City Light | Onuoha could prove a surprise bonus

An option for the Spaniard could be Manchester City’s Nedum Onuoha. The talented 23-year-old seems surplus to requirements at Eastlands, and with 113 senior appearances under his belt, including 94 Premier League matches, would certainly need no time to settle into the league.

But more importantly, the versatility of the former England Under-21 international would make him an attractive signing for the Reds, with Onuoha able to play anywhere across the back-line. Not only would he offer competition to Agger and Insua, he would also prevent Javier Mascherano from having to fill-in at right-back whenever Glen Johnson is sidelined.

Midfield

On paper, Liverpool appear fairly healthy in the midfield department. Nonetheless, unsavoury relationships between Benitez and players such as Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun seem destined to end in a similar fashion to that of exiled winger Albert Riera, and their departures could help fund significant team improvement.

For whatever reason, Benitez has never seemed convinced with the Israeli; and with other clubs willing to snap-up the midfielder, the Spaniard may as well use his sale to finance new signings.

Rumoured summer departures of Gerrard and Mascherano seem unlikely; the latter is set to miss-out on a move to Barcelona with the La Liga giants focusing their crosshairs on Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas, so Benitez has the opportunity to turn a malfunctioning midfield into a mouth-watering machine.

It’s simple, Liverpool need width and a confident, ball-playing midfielder. With Joe Cole’s Chelsea future hanging in the balance, the Merseyside giants should pull-out all the stops to acquire the talented England man, who would be available on a free-transfer, and help solve their left-sided problems, as well as adding extra attacking options in the centre of the park.

Another option for the Reds would be Atletico Madrid's Simao, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks, and would cost around £8 million.

Cole Coup | Chelsea man should be No.1 target

Again, the Reds should look to prise talent from neighbours City, and with Mancini’s side going all-out to sign James Milner, Stephen Ireland would prove a great addition for the Anfield club, adding not only the creative spark which their midfield craves, but an extra goal threat in the process.

However, the club, as revealed by Goal.com, may look to acquire Valencia’s Ever Banega for around £8.5 million. An astute piece of business for sure, but with Alberto Aquilani, a player of doubtless quality, having already shown the difficulties international stars have adapting to the Premier League, capturing a proven star would be a wiser option.

Attack

Liverpool desperately need extra attacking options. In Fernando Torres, they have one of the world’s best strikers, but the Spaniard, who has suffered with injuries this season, cannot do it alone.

Benitez has looked to solve the problem, with the forthcoming addition of Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic, who is set to join in the summer, but the club could do with some extra experience in the forward line.

With youngsters David N’Gog and Nabil El Zhar having been thrown in at the deep-end this season in Torres’ absence, a cool head to work alongside, both on and off the pitch, would prove invaluable. It would also allow for the young strikers to be sent out on loan to gain some valuable first-team experience.

Real Madrid legend Raul has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield, and would certainly fit the bill, but another of La Liga’s ‘old hands’ would prove a more useful signing, especially in Torres’ absence.

Old Hands | Henry would add a wealth of experience

The future of Barcelona’s Thierry Henry is yet to be confirmed, although a move away from Camp Nou is widely expected. The former Arsenal man, linked with a move to MLS side New York Red Bulls, once famously praised the emotion of the Anfield fans, and a final stint in England’s top-flight could prove too tempting to turn-down.

However, the touching welcome offered to Shay Given by the Reds fans after Henry’s infamous handball in the World Cup qualifier against Ireland could see the Frenchman’s perception of the Anfield crowd change somewhat, and more likely, theirs towards him.

Torres " Gerrard as Good as Messi and CR9"

 

(posted by Roku)

Torres believes that his club captain will be an influential player on World Cup 2010. He stated that Gerrard has the same level with Messi and Ronaldo. And also said Gerrard will show his best perfomance if Cappello gives him an attacking role.

"There are maybe five players at the World Cup who can win a big game on their own - Stevie [Steven Gerrard] is one of them," the Spaniard told the Daily Express. "He's in the same league as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, that's how good he is. "I prefer it when he plays further forward for England and supports [Wayne] Rooney. That is when England look at their most dangerous."

Torres' Agent "He will Stay"

Agent of Torres, Jose Antonio Peton believe that Torres will remain stay at club.  “For the moment I can assure fans that Fernando will continue at Liverpool next season,” Peton told Punto Radio.
“Everything is down to Liverpool’s attitude but for the time being Fernando is happy at the club and has a good contract.
“Liverpool have not spoken to us about his future, so he is just concentrating on playing at the World Cup.”
As we know, Torres linked with a summer move to many clubs. City, Chelsea, Madrid and Barca are on him.


(posted by Roku)

Benitez Confirmed Aurelio Will Leave

Benitez has confirmed that Fabio Aurelio will leave the club this summer. The left back joined Liverpool on free transfer in 2006. Now Fabio linked with a free transfer move again to Olympiakos. "Fabio's contract is nearly finished and he is going to leave us," Benitez told reporters on Tuesday.

"We had been trying to work something out with regards an extension but it was a pity that we couldn't. He has given us absolutely fantastic service. "Fabio is a top professional, a great player and a really good lad. I mean every single word I say about him. "It has been a pleasure having him here and we really will miss him."

"The one problem we had with Fabio was that he suffered too many injuries and it was such a pity because he has great quality," Benitez added. "When he was in the team, we were always able to play the ball out from the back and keep it because he uses possession so well. "With Fabio being out so much, it meant that we had to use Emiliano Insua more than we would have liked and that was not easy for him. "You can say things about players. But with Fabio, you are talking about an amazing person who gave 100 per cent all the time. We wish him all the best."  

(posted by Roku)

Riera to Swap with Nikola Zigic

Valencia striker, Nikola Zigic is interested in move to Premier League next season. And Liverpool has attracted to him. Benitez is planning to send out favour winger Albert Riera back to Spain and bring this towering striker, Zigic. Liverpool will give more €3-4 million in addition to this bid. Liverpool will be face a competition with Aston Villa and Birmingham.

Comments :

Well, Zigic is a player with great aerial ability. Can he replace Torres?? Absolutely no ! He is just a sub for him if he goes to Liverpool. 

(posted by Roku)