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.

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.

Hodgson wants Dutch striker?

Roy Hodgson has tried to clairify his critical comments of Glen Johnson, saying they were not intended to insult or single-out the England international.

But according to The Daily Mail Glen Johnson is on the brink of leaving Liverpool after a total breakdown in his relationship with manager Roy Hodgson.

 

- Things have moved rapidly downhill for Glen since Roy arrived. He finds the style of football boring and the way he was criticised by the manager in public was uncalled for. He was made to train too soon with a groin injury and it's kept him out for longer than it should have done, said a source.

 

And Christian Poulsen could be set to end his Anfield "nightmare" by leaving Liverpool for former club Sevilla, according to reports.

 

The Dane is unsettled at Merseyside and craves a move away from the Reds, with los Nervionenses emerging as front-runners to secure his signature, Goal.com reports.

 

It has been a fairly quiet day when it comes to other transfer rumours, but one name has poped up on the Liverpool transfer radar -  Twente forward Luuk de Jong.

The 20-year–old has has had a flying start to the season, scoring seven goals and contributing four assists so far.

De Jong is a neat forward, who possesses good movement and an eye for goal.  He is also getting a good taste of Champions League football this season too.

The People reports that Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson likes the look of de Jong and views him as an eventual successor to Dirk Kuyt.

Liverpool are apparently considering a £2.5million bid for him in June, but will face competition from Spanish side Real Zaragoza.

French winger linked

There's been a lot of talk about Pepe Reina and his future at Anfield. But today it was confirmed that Jose is fully committed to his long-term contract at the club and has not told manager Roy Hodgson he wishes to leave.

Elsewhere there is exciting speculations of players that may leave, and that may come in...

Spanish sports journalist Guillem Balague in his Blog with The Times writes that Sevilla wants Christian Poulsen, while Damien Comolli wants to bring Antoine Griezmann to Liverpool.

The new Seville manager, Gregorio Manzano, has now had a little over a month to assess his squad. - He's going to prioritize the purchase of at least two central midfielders. An experienced player that he can put straight into the team, and a young player that he can develop, Balague writes.

- As a result, Liverpool's Christian Poulsen has been placed high on the list of transfer wish list. The Dane had a very successful stay at the Spanish club before he was sold to Juventus in 2008.

- The 19-year-old French midfielder Antoine Griezmann seems to be a potential target for Liverpool, after Damien Comolli, the club's new Director of Football Strategy, hinted purchasing Griezmann in a meeting with senior players at Anfield, according to Balague.

Griezmann plays for Real Sociedad and has established himself in the club's first team after he made his debut for the Spanish club last year. The rapid 19-year-old can play both left wing and the role of withdrawn striker. He is described as being technically very good, while he has a nose for goals.

Today - again Liverpool is linked with the former Chelsea star Shaun Wright-Phillips.

The 29-year-old speedster is being tipped to make a January exit from current club Manchester City, and Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is thought to be one of the parties interested in a move for the player, GiveMeFootball reports.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright, was quoted as saying he wants the former Chelsea player to get first-team football.

- I'd love him to get out of there on loan at least. We're talking about someone who is still in the England squad, so Fabio Capello obviously rates him, said Wright. Hodgson is also thought to hold the player in high regard, and could see the player as an additional attacking presence alongside Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt.

The Reds boss is thought to have been given a transfer budget in the region of £35 million, the GiveMeFootball writes.

Liverpool will face competition when it comes to another reported transfer target. Niko Kranjcar is reportedly on the radar of German giants Bayern Munich.

Bayern coach Louis van Gaal looks set to rival Liverpool for his signature, and is expected to make a bid for the 26-year-old Croatian in the January transfer window, GiveMeFootball reports.

Van Gaal is reportedly prepared to offer £11 million for the Tottenham man and will be encouraged by his recent comments about wanting to play regular football, they report.

Hvem erstatter Alonso?

Minst fire aktuelle erstattere for Alonso. Hvem velger Benitez?

Denne uka ble det endelig en slutt på sagaen om Xabi Alonso, som til slutt havnet hos Real Madrid. Det er utrolig trist, men Alonso har vært en svært god spiller for Liverpool og må huskes og respekteres for det!

Men hvem skal ta hans plass, nå som Rafa Benitez & co har godt over £30m å bruke på kjøp? I tillegg til pengene for Alonso må vi også huske på salgene av Arbeloa, Leto og også Keane i januar, som ikke ble erstattet. Og trolig er også Dossena på vei ut. Totalt gir dette trolig Benitez en lommebok på nærmere £50m. Med så mange spillere solgt og på vei ut må Benitez handle minst én eller to spillere inn. Men hvem?

Akkurat nå ser det ut som det er minst FIRE aktuelle midtbanespillere, og siden Alonso var så viktig for laget ville det ikke overraske om Benitez henter inn to nye på midtbanen, i tilefelle en av dem ikke slår til.

Alberto Aquilani, Romas midtbanespiller, virker akkurat nå som en av de mest sannsynlige. I dag skriver The Independent at en avtale trolig vil bli klar i løpet av den neste uka. Aquilani kan gå rett inn i den rollen Alonso hadde i Liverpools 4-2-3-1-system, som en av de to foran den bakre fireren.

The Mirror har samlet litt fakta om Aquilani.

Benitez' representanter planlegger også, i følge The Independent, et møte med Valencia i forbindelse med at de er i England for pre aeason-kamper, og sjekke ut tilgjengeligheten til David Silva, og Portsmouths Sylvain Distin skal også fortsatt være aktuell for å komme inn og styrke forsvaret.

Et annet alternativ som har dukket opp de siste dagene er Juventus' 29 år gamle midtbanegeneral Christian Poulsen. I følge Sky Sports er Liverpool nær en avtale for den danske landslagsspilleren.

I tillegg har det i noen dager blitt rapportert - senest av FourForuTwo, at Standard Lieges midtbanespiller Steven Defour er aktuell for Liverpool denne sommeren. Det hevder i hvert fall spilleren sjøl og agenten hans.

- Jeg har en avtale med klubben om å kunne dra til en toppklubb, og Liverpool passer inn perfekt, sier Defour.

- Stevens navn har blitt nevnt, ikke bare hos Real Madrid, men også hos Liverpoool som følger ham nøye, sier spillerens agent Paul Stafani i følge The Daily Mail.

Den fjerde midtbanespilleren som linkes som erstatter for Alonso er Gokhan Inler. Den tidligere FC Basel og FC Zurich-spilleren har vært god etter at han gikk til Serie A og Udinese i 2007. Og i følge EatSleepSports er han nå aktuell for Liverpool.

Hvem tror du Benitez henter inn for å erstatte Alonso?