The next Anfield manager?

It appears to be only a matter of time before Roy Hodgson is fired as manager of Liverpool FC.

Hodgson himself says he will never quit the job, even having to aplogise to the Liverpool fans for his comments in the wake of Wednesday's desperate home defeat by Wolves. 

There even has been made a petition directed at owners Fenway Sports Group - led by John Henry and Tom Werner - calling for Hodgson to be removed immediately.
 
If I am to judge by all the rumors that abound right now, it seems the Bolton game on new years day will be make or break for him, with Kenny Dalglish looming in the wings as caretaker manager for the rest of the season.

According to The Glasgow Evening Times Hodgson has been handed a two-week ultimatum to save his job.

If we are to belive Dominic King of the Da|ily Mail Damien Comolli is responsible for identifying the next Anfield boss.

 Rafa Benitez are not under consideration to take over on a permanent basis. So who will it be? 

According to Goal.com former Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard is the preferred option, with 20.86 per cent of the readers wotes. 

An article on Caughtoffside says Rijkaard is the man replacing Hodgson. The club’s are ready to axe the 63 year old former Fulham boss and will do so within the next 48 hours, the article states. 

But the choice is far from unanimous. In second place, 17.51% of the Goal.com readers see Guus Hiddink as the right man for the job. 

Other candidates that has been mentioned are Didier Deschamps, Manuel Pellegrini, Louis van Gaal and Martin O'Neill. 

The same Daily Mail article states that Damien Comoli may bring in as may as four players in January, with a £1.5m deal for Rennes winger Sylvain Marveaux allready in place.

Liverpool's top priority in January?

Liverpool haven't given up hope of Rafa Benitez returning to Anfield - but the Spaniard is said to be keeping a close eye on the manager job at Chelsea, if we are to believe The Daily Mail.

At the same time Roy Hodgson is the William Hill favourite to be the next Premier League managerial casualty following the Reds' latest defeat. It gives  an abysmal first half of the season, with the lowest tally at this stage of the season since 1953/54, when Don Welsh’s side was relegated.

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge however has stated that he doesn’t want Kenny Dalglish to become manager of Liverpool again..

But who is to save Liverpool in the second half of the season??

Goal.com claims Aston Villa’s Ashley Young has become Liverpool’s top priority to sign in the winter transfer window. The proposed deal should cost the Merseysiders around £14m in fees, plus an alleged £75,000 per week in wages.

The 25 year old Englishman currently earns £65,000 weekly, and had refused to extend his contract with Villa Park which leads to the belief the club will be willing to sell him now to get some value on his contract that extends until the summer of 2012.

Former Liverpool and current Villa manager Gerard Houllier suggests it would take crazy money for him to sell, but club owner Randy Lerner hints the value of the player would go down as he continues to refuse to sign a new deal, thus cash now is the best option for the club.

Villa had been offered £20m by Tottenham for Young’s services last summer, but the club declined, and another delay would see his value taking another steep plunge.

Liverpool are also ready to sign winger Sylvain Marveaux from Rennes in an attempt to bring in some authentic wide men to the squad.

According to Liverpool Daily Post Damien Comolli appears set to make his first major signing since becoming director of football strategy at Anfield.

The paper claims the winger was in the crowd for the Wolves game and is thought ready to join Liverpool during the January transfer window if a fee can be agreed between the two clubs for the 24-year-old.

Another exciting player that is back on the radar is Milan’s Ronaldinho.

He is now being offered around to English clubs, including Liverpool, according to the Daily Mail.

The 30 year old is wanted by a number of Brazilian clubs including Gremio, Flamengo and Palmeiras but none of them can afford Milan’s asking price of £7million. As a result, Milan have resorted to offering the former World Player of the Year around Europe. Ronaldinho’s brother and agent Roberto de Assis has stated a move to another European club is still a possibility:

- There are many Brazilian clubs interested in Ronaldinho, but I won’t rule out a European move. It seems clear his time with the Rossoneri is at an end, he said.

Milan coach Massimo Allegri has not started Ronaldinho in the league since October and the player is out of contract in the summer.

Milan want to cash in on the player in January as they don’t want to lose him for nothing when his contract expires after paying £15million to Barcelona for the Brazilian three years ago. It is questionable whether Ronaldinho’s wages could be matched by all but the biggest clubs.

ELF Voetbal in Holland are reporting that Hamburg winger Eljero Elia’s representatives believe a move could be on the cards to Liverpool in the January transfer window. According to the report, they believe the move hinges on the Reds selling Ryan Babel.


Elia has been a long term target for Liverpool since his days at FC Twente, and despite Steve McClaren’s Wolfsburg seemingly favourites to land Elia, interest from the Reds has meant that the race for the Dutch international’s signature has become more open.

With a loan bid rejected by the Reds for Babel from Birmingham earlier this week, it remains uncertain whether the Hamburg star will get the opportunity to move to Anfield.

A name that keeps on being mentioned for the January transfer window is West Ham striker Carlton Cole.

Roy Hodgson confirmed watching and holding discussions about the seven-time England striker earlier this year and it is claimed that if the club's new owners New England Sports Ventures are willing to offer around £7 million then a deal could be reached to take the 27-year-old to Anfield, Sky Sports reports.

If the transfer was to be completed, it would likely prove as popular as the capture of maligned Paul Konchesky with Reds supporters, however it wouldn't be a huge shock if a move paid off.

Peter Crouch was a surprise hit after his unexpected arrival on Merseyside in 2005 despite a slow start and Hodgson also worked wonders on the last forward he signed from West Ham, the much-mocked Bobby Zamora.

Cole has endured a disappointing season so far though, scoring only five times - twice in the 3-1 win at Fulham on Boxing Day - and has at times struggled to hold down a place in the Irons team as they battle relegation, so a switch to Liverpool would baffle many observers.

According to Live4Liverpool Spanish radio station RAC-1 is reporting that both Liverpool and Chelsea are tracking Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu.

The 16 year old has yet to turn professional at Barca and the youngster has offers from several English clubs including Liverpool, as well as from Real Madrid.

Deulofeu is a skilful winger and is said to have a bright future in the game. He is represented by Gines Carvajal who has close ties with both Liverpool and Real Madrid after dealing with both sides in transfer deals before.

RAC-1 however suggests that Carvajal would prefer Deulofeu to move to Madrid but it will be up to the player where he moves to.

Today's last roumour is that Liverpool target Gokhan Inler is set to leave Udinese - potentially in January.

The 26-year-old Swiss international holding midfielder has been monitored by a number of clubs after several consistent seasons in Serie 'A', and Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is thought to be one of the parties monitoring the player.

- Gokhan will certainly change club in June, but it is not out of the question that it could happen in January. The lad has many offers from Spain and England, said his agent Dino Lamberti, according to GiveMeFootball.

Italian clubs are also thought to be keen on the player, but Liverpool have highlighted the player as a starter following the disappointing impact made by Christian Poulsen at Anfield.

The Italian side are thought to have valued the player in the region of €8.5 million, although Liverpool would certainly face stiff competition from a number of clubs if they wish to secure the player's signature in January.

Striker back on the radar

It seems Manchester United will try to test Liverpool's resolve over Pepe Reina with a bid for the goalkeeper in January, or at least so the Metro report.

On the other hand Roy Hodgson has again stated that he does not want any of his first team players to leave, and that he only wants to buy "first team material", in the January tranfer window...

And what seems apparent is that Liverpool looks set to capture a new forward in January...

Again it has been revealed that Ivory Coast forward Gervinho could be making the trip from Lille to Merseyside for as little as €12.5m (£10.7m) before the window closes.

IMScouting relayed the news, explaining that Lille had originally demanded around €15 million (£12.8 million) for their star striker.

However, the clubs have fostered a good working relationship over the last few years and Lille have allegedly lowered their asking price in a friendly deal, Metro reports.

The Ivorian international has been on top form and has so far scored no fewer than seven goals in Ligue 1 this season.

If predictions come true, it could bolster Liverpool's steadily-building league campaign and perhaps help close the gap with Chelsea, where Gervinho's fellow Ivorian Didier Drogba plays.

In the spirit of NESVs stated desire to bring in young talent to Liverpool, it looks as though Roy Hodgson is ready to battle with his old club Fulham for Crystal Palace’s exciting young striker Wilfried Zaha, according to The Mirror.

Kop chief Hodgson wants to take the young Eagle as part of the club’s long-term planning - with Kenny Dalglish also involved in the recruitment of top talent for the future.

Zaha has been a hit for Palace since making his breakthrough this season and Liverpool want to snap him up after landing other prospects like Jonjo Shelvey and Raheem Sterling this year.

Hodgson’s spies have been checking on Zaha, who will ironically face his team in the FA Cup, while other calls have been made to register their interest.

However Hodgson’s old employers at Fulham are also on the hunt for Zaha, who may be sold by George Burley’s club if they need to raise funds to bring in new faces to beat the drop.

Palace would want around £2 million for Ivory Coast-born starlet Zaha, who is still just 18. But in their ideal world he would be left with them for the season.

Liverpool are reportedly considering a move to bring Hatem Ben Arfa to Anfield and will attempt to beat Newcastle United to sealing the French winger on a permanent deal.

The 23 year old is currently on loan at St James’ Park but is sidelined with a long term injury after breaking his leg against Manchester City early in the season and Roy Hodgson is hoping to pip the Magpies to securing a deal to bring the Marseille man to Anfield in the summer, Caughtoffside reports.

Alan Pardew’s side are hoping to seal a £5m deal to bring the French international to the club on a permanent deal but Liverpool may hope to be able to persuade the speedy winger to move to Merseyside but clearly any hope of doing so would depend very much on what kind of finish Hodgson can get out of his team.

A reported Liverpool transfer target is German defender Robert Huth. He now says he plans to snub Liverpool and commit his future to Stoke.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson is keen to land the stopper to beef up his backline and is willing to pay £5million.

But the German is happy at the Britannia Stadium and wants to remain a Potter, we can read in The Mirror.

He said: “I had some texts telling me about the story. It doesn’t bother me because it’s great here at Stoke for me.’’

Elsewhere the agent of Udinese midfielder Gokhan Inler cannot rule out a move away in January.

Inler has repeatedly been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.

"Gokhan will certainly change club in June, but it is not out of the question that it could happen in January,” confessed agent Dino Lamberti, TribalFootball writes.

“The lad has many offers from Spain and England, but would prefer to stay in Italy.”

Liverpool linked with big signings

It's only a few days left of the year, and the opening of this winters Silly Season. 

Now Liverpool is linked with two major signings in January...

The Sunday Telegraph say Liverpool are trying to put a deal together to sign reported Manchester City transfer target Edin Dzeko.

But the Reds will have concerns of being outbid by Manchester City for the Bosnia international.

Wolfsburg had hoped to keep Dzeko until the summer but after a poor start to the season under Steve McClaren - they are 13th in the Bundesliga and out of the cup - they are prepared to let their star player go.

Wolfsburg, who won the title in 2009 with Dzeko as top scorer, are open to Liverpool's suggestion of taking players in part-exchange, with Ryan Babel and Daniel Agger the German club's preferred options.

A less likely transfer to go through is being speculated on the Vital Liverpool Blog.

The blogger writes abot two photos posted on Twitpic and Yfrog, with old team mates Kun Aguero and Maxi Rodriguez, saying "Am I the only one who's thinking this really isn't that unlikely?"

Earlier in the week on his twitter feed Kun Aguero posted the two photos of him in Liverpool with his friend and current reds player Maxi Rodriguez.

Further on the blogger say there is many reasons Aguero would want to leave Atletico Madrid who won last season's Europa League to join a Liverpool team that's struggling a lot on the pitch.

But there are previous quotes from the Argentine that could put us on other thoughts...

In an interview with German TZ newspaper Aguero was quoted as saying: "If I had to choose a league then it would be the Premier League, I have been a Liverpool fan for as long as I can remember and it would be a dream to play there. I watched the Champions League final and celebrated every goal as if it was for Independiente," Aguero said.

An argument could be that Liverpool wouldn't be able to afford a player of his calibre; the again John Henry has recently spent $187m on two players for his Red Sox baseball team and Damien Comolli has sayd "If there's a possibility of us getting a world-class player, we will have the backing"...

Finaly, Liverpool are plotting a move for Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari, according to Caughtoffside.

The Ghana international appears to be surplus to requirements at the San Siro and the Anfield boss is keen to bring the former Portsmouth man back to the Premier League to help the Merseyside club in their fight to save their season.

Muntari has started just one Serie A match this season and has been linked with a move away from the treble winners and the 26 year old may well be keen on a move back to England where arguably he has played the best football of his career.

Inter Milan paid Pompey £12.7m for Muntari in July 2008 but would reportedly accept around £10m for his services, a fee that Liverpool would surely be able to stump up thanks to the promised investment in new signings made by new owners NESV...

Babel and Kuyt in swap deal?

It has been a few very quiet days with no new transfer rumours surfacing on the radar, but with boxing day, and another postponed game, there is some new speculations on the horizon...

Liverpool are believed to have offered Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt to Inter in the hope of cutting a part-exchange deal to sign full-back Davide Santon.

Glen Johnson was previously reported to have been on his way out of the Anfield club owing to his exchanges with manager Roy Hodgson earlier in the season, and now the young Italian defender has been linked with a move to Merseyside.

The 19-year-old's agent had previously revealed exclusively to Goal.com UK that Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are all interested in his client.

Now Itasportpress reports that the Reds had a bid of £8.5 million [€10m] kicked back, and have now offered to include Babel and Kuyt to fashion out a move, Goal.com report.

Among other things there is today again speculations to whom that might replace Roy Hodgson as Liverpool manager...

After parting ways with Rafael Benitez last summer Liverpool has begun the campaign in ignominious fashion, plunging into the relegation zone at one point, and endured something of a stop-start season up to now.

New England Sports Ventures - the owners of Liverpool - will reportedly allow Hodgson to remain in charge until the end of the season, when they would start searching for a new boss, Goal.com report.

Now the News of the World claims that Didier Deschamps is the top candidate to take the reins from the Anfield boss.

The Marseille manager is believed to have been previously interviewed as a replacement for Benitez, but was cast aside as Hodgson was favoured due to his prior experience in managing a Premier League club.

Bid tabled for Dutch striker?

Roy Hodgson does want to strengthen his Liverpool squad in January, and has dropped a hit that he might turn out frustrated in the January market.

- If the players are available that we have targeted and think could make us a better team then it would help us shape the team a lot quicker than maybe will be the case otherwise, Hodgson said.

But it seems at least one transfer target is being followed seriously...

Liverpool have apparently tabled an £8.5 million bid for Dutch striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

The club are now awaiting a response from the players club, FC Utrecht of the Dutch Eredivisie, TalkSport report.

Liverpool have needed a back-up striker or partner to Fernando Torres for a while, and Roy Hodgson obviously believes that Wolfswinkel will be the answer to his problems.

At the young age of 21, the striker has plenty of time to adjust to life in England and settle at Anfield so he can help the club out of the unfortunate position they currently find themselves in.

He is a versatile player who can also play as an attacking midfielder, but prefers the strikers role – and with good reason too – scoring 10 goals in 11 games in the Eredivisie and 7 goals in 6 Europa League games.

Hodgson was able to watch the player in the Europa League, as Liverpool came up against Utrecht in the Europa League group stages. Wolfswinkel didn’t score in the two games played against Liverpool – no one did, as both games were goalless bore draws, but the Liverpool must have seen something to persuade him to table a bid.

Liverpool are reportedly the only club who have placed a bid, and Utrecht will decide over the weekend,giving Liverpool an answer next week.

Elsewhere it seems Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik, according to reports in his native Slovakia.

Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was keen on signing the 23-year-old playmaker during his time at the club. But it is thought his summer departure has done nothing to dampen Liverpool's interest.

Damien Comolli, the club's new director of football strategy, has reportedly identified Hamsik - often compared to Czech Republic legend Pavel Nedved - as a key transfer target, Talksport report.

Liverpool are not the only team considering an offer for the £12m-rated star, but Napoli insist no decision will be made on his sale until the end of the season.

Liverpool will also strengthen their defence in the upcoming transfer window with the signing of Stoke City’s Robert Huth, Sportingo claim.

Huth has a wealth of experience despite being just 26 years old and his physical no-nonsense style is reminiscent of Jamie Carragher at a younger age.

The former Chelsea centre back celebrated two Premier League titles while in west London but left in 2006 after finding himself behind John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and William Gallas in the hunt for a starting place in the first team.

Moves to Middlesbrorugh and Stoke have seen the player develop and Reds boss Roy Hodgson has earmarked the German as the ideal defensive reinforcement in January.

A bid of around £5m is likely to be enough to secure his signature.

Uruguayan full-back in January?

As Jamie Carragher is linked to a future as coach, to lead the next generation of England internationals, Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson say he is unfazed and feels no additional pressure amidst rumours that Rafael Benitez could return as Liverpool manager.

Today's new name on the transfer radar is from Uruguay...

Jorge Fucile insists he is concentrating on his career at Porto amid ongoing reports of a winter transfer window bid from Liverpool, Sky Sports report.

Anfield manager Roy Hodgson was first linked with a £7million offer for the versatile full-back, who can play on the right or left, in the summer.

Fucile has been earning excellent reviews at Porto and he also featured in five matches as Uruguay finished fourth at the 2010 World Cup finals.

Speculation is suggesting Hodgson will renew his interest in the 26-year-old in January due to concerns over the reliability of Glen Johnson and Paul Konchesky.

Porto, who have reached the knockout stages of the Europa League, are not actively looking to sell, but they admit they will not instantly dismiss an approach for Fucile.

- It is not our intention to sell, but it is normal that we will study offers if they arrive, directors of the Portuguese club are credited as saying.

In-form Wolves midfielder Matt Jarvis is reportedly attracting the interest of Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton.

The former Gillingham winger has been earning rave reviews for his impressive showings this season and has inevitably become the centre of transfer speculation for the coming window, FootballFanCast claims.

It is thought that Everton boss David Moyes has sent scouts to watch Jarvis already this season and with Steven Pienaar thought to be leaving Goodison Park, Jarvis could be a perfect replacement.

However, Roy Hodgson is also thought to be a big fan of Jarvis and is set to trump Everton by offering big money to capture the Wolves midfielder in January.

Wolves also have transfer targets of their own and the sale of Jarvis could help fund big moves for Robbie Keane and Joleon Lescott.

Reported Liverpool target Adam Johnson could be on his way out of Manchester City next month.

According to the Daily Mail, Sunderland are attempting to sign the 23-year-old 'on loan' for the remainder of the season, as well tabling a bid to sign Nedum Onuoha on a permanent basis.

However, should Johnson become available, Liverpool are thought to be in the running for the England winger who has grown increasingly frustrated at his lack of regular football under Roberto Mancini.

Last month the former Middlesbrough star - who signed for City for around £11 million in January - let his frustration get the better of him, admitting he may have to leave Eastlands in order to fulfil his ambitions.

These comments placed Liverpool - and others - on red alert and offers for the highly-rated attacker are now expected in January.

The Liverpool boss is understood to have identified his attacking ranks as the most in need of reinforcement in the New Year and - along with a bid for Johnson - has been linked with moves for Aston Villa ace Ashley Young and Spurs flop David Bentley.

It is widely tipped that Christian Poulsen will be leaving Anfield in January. Now Liverpool are ready to offer the Danish player to bottom side West Ham in a swap deal for the Hammers’ vice-captain Scott Parker, according to reports.

West Ham, who are currently sitting at the tail end of the Barclays Premier League, are reportedly interested in taking flop Poulsen to Upton Park in a cut price deal.

However Liverpool, who are keen to offload the former Juventus midfielder, will only sell if they can find a replacement for the Dane.

And Parker, who has been linked with Liverpool earlier in the season, would be the perfect alternative – and the player would relish the chance to play at a higher level in the Europa League.

Benitez back on Merseyside

Rafa Benitez is currently on Merseyside and is enrolling his children at school in the area and it is where he intends to settle once his involvement with Inter is concluded.



Football writer Guillem Balague on his blog today says it is true, as has been reported in the media today, that Benitez is back on Merseyside, and that it is a question of when, rather than if, Benitez`s tenure as Inter Milan coach is officially brought to an end in the coming days.

Sky Sports today writes that Benitez has been axed by the Italian club after just six months in charge.

The manner in which his spell in charge at the San Siro is formally concluded could end up being resolved by the lawyers in order to determine whether Benitez quits or is dismissed - along with the quantity or eligibility of any compensation, Balague writes.

He is deeply disappointed by his experience in Serie A where he found his role limited to that of simply a coach and although numerous signings were discussed – Mascherano, Kuyt, Lucas Leiva – he was frustrated that the club failed to deliver.

Balague makes an educated guess as to where Benitez will most likely end up after Milan, and say that out of the three big European leagues, a return to the Premier League would suit him best and would be his preferred option.

This surely is going to fire speculations over Roy Hodgson's future as Liverpool manager. Will Liverpool FC be Benitez's next stop...?

Johnson replacement in sight?

The January transfer window is just about ten days away, with the rumour mill going of it's hinges.

Even if it has been said Liverpool do not need or want to sell players, one or two might find the way out of Anfield. One player that has not been of the best this season is Christian Poulsen. He might be headed for London.

According to Goal.com West Ham manager Avram Grant want to move for the Liverpool flop if he avoids sack until January

If another player disapears in January, Hodgson apparently has his replacement in sight... 

Roy Hodgson has apparently decided to get rid of Glen Johnson after all, and has set his sights on Russian right back Alexander Anyukov to replace him, FootballTransferTavern reports.

After the Liverpool boss’ very public criticism of Johnson’s form, it was thought the England right back would be on his way out of Anfield come January, and despite club press releases to the contrary, it looks as though the relationship between player and manager is beyond repair.

The Daily Mail has reported Hodgson’s interest in Alexander Anyukov, who currently plays for Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg. The 28-year-old is a very experienced professional, including 54 caps for his country, and may bring a bit of stability to Liverpool’s back line.

Anyukov is valued by his club at around £10m, which Liverpool would hope to recoup from Glen Johnson’s transfer.


Liverpool seems to be bringing in two young players in Millwall’s youth goalkeeper Yusuf Mersin and Swedish striker Kristoffer Peterson from Savedalens IF.

But the youth recruitment don't stop there...

Liverpool are hoping to sign Inter Milan youngster Davide Santon according to Cauthoffside.

The talented teenage Italian international has been told he can leave the San Siro and a host of clubs are looking to secure his signature and given the much publicised reports of a falling out between Hodgson and England international Glen Johnson the reports of interest in another right back are no surprise.

Santon has spent the past two seasons trying valiantly to fight for his place with the Serie A giants but is now looking for a new challenge and has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League with the likes of Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly interested in the attack minded wide man who can also operate in an advanced right wing role.

Ironically Liverpool’s hopes of signing the £8m rated Inter Milan starlet may be helped if Rafa Benitez, as widely reported, is sacked as the former Anfield boss may not be so keen to sell to a club who gave him the axe.

And apparently the money from a possible Glen Johnson sale can be ending up many different places...

Again Liverpool is being linked with a move for Mancester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips - now funded by the Glen Johnson sale, The Metro reports.

Liverpool's new owners are ready to sanction a move to end Shaun Wright-Phillips’ miserable spell at Manchester City, with Glen Johnson heading to Europe to fund the transfer, they write.

Anfield boss Roy Hodgson wants more pace in his pedestrian midfield and has identified England winger Wright-Phillips as the perfect candidate for that requirement.

The Reds accept defender Glen Johnson is on his way after a breakdown in his relationship with Hodgson, with Bayern Munich joining Juventus and Inter Milan as possible destinations.

And his departure will help fund the move for former Chelsea star Wright-Phillips, who has found his first-team opportunities severely limited under Roberto Mancini.

One transfer rumour that is being dismissed today is that of Russia striker Alexander Kerzhakov, who has told Liverpool he is not the answer to their striker shortage.

Anfield scouts have watched the Zenit St Petersburg striker over the last six months, but he is keen to stay at the newly crowned Russian champions, The Daily Mail say.

- I'm not planning to go anywhere, said Kerzhakov, who was this week named player of the season in Russia.

- I feel at home here and I don't want to move anywhere.

Today's updated rumour is about Birmingham defender Scott Dann.

Now Birmingham reportedly are bracing themselves for a £10 million bid from Liverpool.

According to the Daily Mirror, the Merseysiders have been closely monitoring the 23-year-old who intends to consider his options should an offer be tabled by a serious bidder.

The chance to join the Reds could prove too good to refuse for the the defender who is a Liverpool native and supposedly once had an Anfield season ticket.

There has been growing speculation in recent months that Dann could be on his way to Liverpool after a string of imperious displays at the heart of the defence - and the former Walsall man has admitted to being humbled by the interest in his signature.

- Obviously the speculation linking me with some top clubs in the Premier League is flattering, Dann told skysports.com.

- Ultimately it is my ambition to play at the highest level with a major club like it is for any player, but for the time being I am happy playing at Birmingham and I am focused on doing my best for the club.

Whether a move for Dann comes to fruition remains to be seen, but Liverpool are thought to be in the market for defensive reinforcements next month.

Gomez in swap deal?

Rafa Benitez is apparently fighting to hold on to his Inter Milan job. Now he says the club haven't had it so good for 20 years.

Roy Hodgson feels the Liverpool side he inherited from Rafael Benítez is starting to feel like his own. But the manager says he needs to bring in his own players like Harry Redknapp at Tottenham Hotspur.

Maybe this one will be one of them?

Accoring to Sportingo Liverpool will use Bayern Munich's interest in full back Glen Johnson to further their pursuit of striker Mario Gomez.

The Germany international has been a revelation this season for the Bavarian giants, scoring 12 times in the Bundesliga and six times in the Champions League including a hat-trick against CFR Cluj. He has even netted for his national team as his dream campaign continues.

Liverpool were interested in signing Gomez in the summer and had looked into the possibility of taking him on loan, a suggestion that brought an angry response from Bayern director Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

With the Reds still keen on acquiring another striker, they will only have been encouraged but the player's recent displays though the German club are now even less happy to lose him.

However, that could change depending on their level of interest in Johnson. Bayern are in the market for full backs and seem to have decided that Merseyside will be the focus of their attention with Everton's Leighton Baines also being considered.

Johnson has had a falling out with Reds boss Roy Hodgson which could hasten his departure from Anfield and Liverpool will allow him to move to the Allianz Arena as long as Gomez is included in the deal.

Liverpool are again being linked with a "SHOCK" move for former striker Peter Crouch.

The 29-year-old left the Reds for Portsmouth for a reported fee of £11 million in 2008 after three eventful years at Anfield.

But now it appears Liverpool are considering bringing the Spurs star back to Merseyside as they search desperately for striking reinforcements.

It had initially been reported by the Daily Star that Liverpool were keeping tabs on the England international and now, according to caughtoffside.com, Spurs would be willing to entertain offers of £10-12 million for the ex-Southampton forward.

The Liverpool boss has frequently admitted his intention to bring more potent attacking options to Anfield when the transfer window opens in order to ease the burden on Torres and Reds captain Steven Gerrard.

Hodgson will reportedly have upwards of £20 million to spend next month on new recruits as he and NESV aim to transform fortunes at Liverpool.

Arsenal and Liverpool are weighing up bids for Southampton teenager Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – but have been told it will take “Theo Walcott money” to get him.

Goal.com UK understands that the Barclays Premier League big-hitters are seriously considering an offer for the England Under-18 attacking midfielder, who is the son of former England international Mark Chamberlain.

But Southampton are ready to dig in their heels and demand a £10m fee for a player who club insiders rate as better than Walcott at the same age.

- A lot of the big clubs are watching Alex but it will take serious money to get him, a Southampton source told Goal.com UK.

- The coaching staff rate him higher than Walcott at the same age and the club have sorted out their financial issues so are not under any great pressure to sell him for a knockdown fee. It will take Walcott money to get him.

A player that keeps coming back on the transfer radar is Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Now, according to caughtoffside.com, Liverpool are ready to table an offer of £5 million for the former Chelsea speedster.

Wright-Phillips joined the Londoners for £21 million from City in 2005 before moving back in the opposite direction three years later after struggling to make an impact at Stamford Bridge.

However, the England international has failed to feature regularly at City under boss Roberto Mancini and the Eastlands side are reportedly ready to entertain offers for the out-of-favour attacker.

This has put Liverpool on red alert as they look to draft more potent attacking options to Anfield in January in order to ease the goalscoring burden on Fernando Torres.

Hodgson will reportedly have upwards of £20 million to spend on new recruits when the transfer window opens as new Liverpool owners NESV look to back their manager in the transfer market.

Benitez back to Anfield?

Today's most predictable transfer rumour is the one that comes every time we are nearing a transfer window.

Barcelona are reportedly plotting a €100 million splurge to sign Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Liverpool forward Fernando Torres. 

Also Cologne and Hamburg are apparently chasing Liverpool attacker Milan Jovanovic, which has been put on the transfer list for January at with a £3m price tag.

It has otherwise been a quiet day when it comes to rumors about people coming in, but a few has surfaced.

The first one about an old, but oh so familiar name... 

Reports in Spain today claim that Liverpool's new owners are considering offering Rafa Benitez an escape route from the San Siro back to Anfield, according to KopTalk.

Benitez is unhappy that he has been unable to strengthen his squad and he's indicated that he will leave the club if Inter do not deliver on promises that were made in the summer.

Speaking afer Inter were crowned World Champions, Benitez said:  

- There are three possibilities. One, 100 percent support for the coach and buy four or five players to build a stronger team with competition among the players to be able to carry on winning matches and trophies.

- Two, carry on like this without a project, without planning and go ahead with one person to blame, for the whole season getting to May this way.

- The third is to speak to my agent, reach an agreement if there is not this support. Simple. 

These are comments that did not fall well with Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti, who has criticised the comments made by Rafa, BBC reports.

Koptalk say it has been claimed that John Henry and Tom Werner have drawn up a list of possible replacements and that Benitez is on that list. However, KOPTALK sources exclusively revealed some time ago that André Villas-Boas, the FC Porto manager, was the leading candidate at that time. Other have since latched on to that claim.

Truth be told, as things stand, we can't see a Liverpool return for Benitez but what is positive is that the owners are thinking from themselves and not just listening to members of the former regime who were responsible for axing Benitez and replacing him with Roy Hodgson, the KopTalk site claims.

KopTalk understand that Roy Hodgson will be given the bullet at the end of the season if not before.
 

Today's most twittered and reported Liverpool transfer rumour is that Liverpool are believed to be interested in making a loan move for Chelsea's young striker Daniel Sturridge.

The manager of the Merseyside club, Roy Hodgson, has for some time maintained that he needs to bolster his strike force, so as to give Fernando Torres some breathing space.

And now The People claims that the Reds are looking to take the 21-year-old former Manchester City starlet on loan, with a view to a £5 million permanent transfer during the summer.

Sturridge has not made a single league start at the west London club this term, and it is thought  he could be receptive to a move away from Stamford Bridge to reignite his career.

The same paper repeat that Liverpool are interested in Spurs winger David Bentley. 

But if the interest is to materialise in a January bid there will be competition for the player.

The People today report that Birmingham are willing to outbid Liverpool to land the player that is desperate for an escape route from White Hart Lane after making only two Premier League appearances this term.

And now Tottenham accept they will have to take a hit as they attempt to offload him.

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson wants to boost his Anfield squad but the club’s spending capacity is limited, and the Reds cannot offer anything higher than £6m for the winger.

That news will bring hope to Birmingham boss Alex McLeish if he can move early and line up a bid of about £8m.

Liverpool in queue for Ireland?

This snowy saturday, with the Fulham game being canceled due to weather conditions, has been a really quiet day for Liverpool transfer rumours.

But one story has surfaced...

Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland has told manager Gerard Houllier that he wants to leave Villa Park in the January transfer window.

Now Anfield, White Hart Lane and Goodison Park bosses apparently form an orderly queue to fight for his signature, Caughtoffside say.

Ireland, 24, joined Villa in the summer as part of the deal that involved James Milner moving to Manchester City.

- He said he wanted to go in January. He said that to his agent. I’m not so convinced about that, said Houllier in an interview with BBC.

- Have I told him to move? No, no, no. Once a player wants to go, he goes. Simple as that.

The Frenchman, who told Ireland to work harder soon after he succeeded Martin O’Neill, left the Irishman out of Villa’s squad for the recent derby with West Brom and has excluded him for Saturday’s match at Wigan.

- There is a discrepancy between what I see in training sometimes and what I see in the games. I told his agent that is his problem, he has got to sort that out,” said Houllier.

- I like the man, I like the player, he has got a skilled touch, he has got an eye for the pass, but he has got to adapt to modern football as well.

However Houllier insisted that Villa will not allow Ireland – valued by City at £8m as part of the Milner transfer – to be sold cheaply.

- I think we will be looking to get the same kind of money back – the club probably would, said the Villa boss.

French winger in January?

Roy Hodgson today said he hopes for January transfers.

- I can only hope we get some of the injured players back and I can also hope if there is any possibility of transfers in the January window that will help us and make us a better team that I’ll be given the opportunity to take those players, he said Talksport reports.

A 24 years old Frenchman could become Hodgsons first signing in January....

One of the names mentioned most often this fall on the Liverpool transfer rumour mill is that of  Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia.

According to the Daily Express, Liverpool have held talks over the potential signing of Charles N'Zogbia. The club is ready to table an offer of around £7 million after scouts were dispatched to watch the Wigan winger at close quarters.

It's not the first time Liverpool representatives have been to watch the 24-year-old Frenchman, with three Anfield scouts - including chief talent-spotter Eduardo Macia - allegedly deployed to monitor N'Zogbia during Wigan's Carling Cup victory against Swansea in October.

And, according to Click Lancashire, Roy Hodgson was at the DW Stadium earlier this month and was wowed by N'Zogbia's man-of-the-match performance in the 2-2 draw with Stoke.

N'Zogbia is understood to have been identified as a high-priority target by Liverpool in their pursuit of attacking reinforcements when the transfer window opens next month.

Belgium starlet Eden Hazard has talked up the prospect of a move to Liverpool or Arsenal in the summer after apparently rejecting a move to Chelsea.

Lille winger Hazard, 19, is rated among the most promising talents in Europe and has for some time been talking up the prospect of a move to Real Madrid or Arsenal.

Zinedine Zidane has recommended the player to Madrid, but Hazard has now said he believes his first-team opportunities would be restricted at the Bernabeu and that he would prefer to continue his development at a club like Arsenal.

- I could have gone [to Chelsea] last June, but I was not ready to make that big leap, he said Soccernet reports.

- Recently, the press have been writing about interest from Liverpool, and it is nice to hear your name being mentioned everywhere, especially with the best teams in the world.

- If I do leave at the end of the season, I don't want to go somewhere I will be on the bench, and it will be difficult to break through in a team like Real, where Ronaldo and Kaka will be my competitors. But there are teams like Arsenal, where youngsters can grow more easily into the first team and make their mark.

- I will not leave for another French club because, with 100 matches under my belt for Lille, I don't think I have to prove my qualities for a team in the same league.

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson saw Hazard in action during a recent scouting trip in France.

Sport.co.uk can exclusively reveal that there will not be any transfer for Belgian international Steven Defour.

The Belgian international and Standard Liege midfielder is being followed closely by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, while Liverpool are also monitoring the player's progress.

Speaking exclusively to Sport.co.uk, the player’s chief representative Paul Stefani said the 22-year-old would remain at current club Standard Liege for the remainder of the season to recover from injury.

- He’s injured at the moment. He’s out for three months, he said.

Defour has been relentlessly linked with Manchester United, with Sir Alex Ferguson a known admirer.

Asked if there was any chance that a move could be agreed, Stefani promptly rebuffed the rumours.

- No, no it’s impossible. A January move is impossible.

The player’s representative had previously told Sport.co.uk that as many as seven clubs were interested in Defour.

- Yes, it is true he is being watched. He is being monitored by seven clubs at the moment from England, France, Spain and Italy.

Stefani was then asked if a January move was in the pipe line. He replied:

- We don’t know. It depends on the club and whether or not there is a big move in the January window that could see other people move.

- I have received positive phone calls from clubs in the UK, who have said they can do things, so we will wait and see.

However, another injury set-back means a January move is out of the question.

Former Liverpool striker back to Anfield in January?

Former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse was linked with a move back to Liverpool in the summer transfer window, and has been mentioned on the transfer radar this fall as well.

The Metro even claimed at the end of November that Cisse was 'set for a Liverpool return' in January, whilst reports in Europe claimed that the Merseysiders would make a substantial offer for the player.

The striker, now playing for Greek side Panathanaikos is reportedly unsettled after a year and a half at the club.

Despite the change in manager at Anfield, the Reds are still thought to be keen on the player, with new boss Roy Hodgson considering bringing the former Liverpool favourite back to the club.

Fresh speculation in various other media outlets suggests that the rumours will continue until the opening month of the New Year, at which point Liverpool will have to decide on their best transfer options.

The former Auxerre, Marseille and Sunderland striker believes he has 'unfinished' business at Anfield following a couple of severe injuries during his time at the club, although he was part of the Champions League winning side in 2005, GiveMeFootball believes.

Fulham could provide Premier League competition for the player's signature, although the old Liverpool connection would make them a favourite destination for the player should they decide to spend some of NESV's money the 29-year-old French international.

Another striker that appears on the transfer radar is Borussia Dortmund star Nuri Sahin.

Liverpool are according to TalkSport ready to join the battle for the player.

The German-born Turkey international has earned rave reviews for his displays for Bundesliga table-toppers Dortmund so far this season.

And his form has reportedly caught the eye of Serie A sides Juventus and Inter Milan, who are said to be preparing summer bids,

But reports in Germany have revealed that Liverpool are now ready to rival any offer from Italy for the 22-year-old.

It is understood that Dortmund will refuse to sell in January, but could be ready to do business in the summer for a figure of around £13m.

Liverpool have made Villarreal midfielder Santi Cazorla their prime transfer target in the January transfer window, according to reports from Spain,  Sport.co.uk writes.

AS comments that the Spanish international, who has been an instrumental influence in the 'Yellow Submarines' rise to third spot in the Primera Division table this season.

His performances have not gone unnoticed on Merseyside, with Reds boss Roy Hodgson looking to strengthen the team by tempting Cazorla to the Barclays Premier League.

The 26-year-old has never hidden his desire to play at a bigger club, with Real Madrid and Barcelona linked with him two years ago, and may be interesting in a move to the illustrious Anfield outfit.

Despite missing the World Cup through injury, Cazorla has returned to the fold under Vicente Del Bosque, and given the presence of La Furia Roja colleagues Sant.

Liverpool appear to be leading the chase for FC Nuremberg playmaker Mike Frantz.

Aston Villa are also reportedly keeping tabs on the 24-year-old midfielder who has seen his stock rise dramatically thanks to a string of impressive performances in the Bundesliga this season.

According to Sport.co.uk, despite the fact Frantz has yet to represent Germany, he is held in a similar regard to Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller and his style of play has also drawn comparisons to his compatriots.

Liverpool are now thought to be frontrunners for Frantz's signature after his agent revealed contact had been made with a Premier League club.

Guido Nickolay told Sport.co.uk:

- Mike (Frantz) will be making a move. There are clubs interested but there is particular demand from England and the Premier League. I cannot name specific clubs at this time, but he should be leaving FC Nuremberg.
 

Elsewhere Liverpool apparently has an interest for Russia international right back Alexander Anyukov, as a replacement for unsettled Glen Johnson.

Now Zenit St Petersburg are ready to price Liverpool out of a move for the player, The Daily Mail reports.

The Russia international has been tipped for Anfield in the past and admits he is an avid fan of the Barclays Premier League. But the Russian champions would demand a hefty fee to consider letting the reliable full back leave.

Spartak Moscow are testing the water about his availability and Bayern Munich have also been linked.

But a £17million fee has already been mooted, which is more than Liverpool are likely to receive for unsettled England international Glen Johson.