A replacement for Konchesky in the summer?

As Paul Konchesky is out on loan with Nottingham Forest and Glen Johnson is playing out of position, Liverpool most likely will be looking for a new left back in the summer.

Today's most mentioned transfer rumour involving Liverpool FC, is without a doubt Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique.

According to the Daily Mirror, Liverpool Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli was at Ewood Park to watch the left back in Newcastle’s 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers. The Spanish defender’s contract is up at the end of the seaon, the paper claims.

However, Magpies fansite newcastleunited-mad.co.uk say talks to extend a contract, which will have only 12 months left to run at the end of the season, have been postponed at the player’s request.

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Magpies boss Alan Pardew has admitted that talks have stalled over a new deal:

- Jose’s situation is simple: he’s made it clear that he won’t talk to us until we’re safe. What are we now, 32 points? Well we’re not safe, are we? So that makes the situation clear and, to be honest, it makes a lot of sense for both him and us, he tells the Mail.

- He is an outstanding player and we know that. He is an important player for this team because a lot of our play goes through him. He is involved in a lot of the good stuff that we do and I thought he was superb (against Blackburn). In terms of technique and impact, I thought he was the best player on the pitch by some distance.

Comolli will be looking for a player to fill Liverpool’s problem position at left back and the Reds may trouble Newcastle again in the summer after purchasing Andy Carroll for £35m.

Enríque has previously stated he would like to spend the rest of his career at Newcastle – but so did Andy Carroll.

Elsewhere, apparently Liverpool are preparing an £8m bid for Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge as the Merseyside club looks to further strengthen their strike-force.

The England Under 21 international is currently on loan at Bolton and has impressed with his opening performances for the Trotters, netting three goals in his first three matches.

Having already brought in Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, boss Kenny Dalglish and Director of Football Damien Comolli are keen to bring in further youthful additions as the club plans for the future and Liverpool were said to be close to bringing in the youngster as part of the deal that saw Fernando Torres join Chelsea and will return to the West London club in order to land Sturridge in the summer, Caughtoffside reports.

The former Manchester City man has made just one Premier League start for the Blues and after his spell at Bolton comes to a close the youngster will be reticent to sit back on the Chelsea bench, biding his time waiting for his team-mates to fall prey to injury or loss of form to propel him into Carlo Ancelotti’s first team plans.

If an offer came in for the Birmingham born 21 year old then Chelsea may not stand in the way of a sale of a player who is very much a bit part player at the club.

Bid made for Spanish striker?

Babel going to Hoffenheim? Bid made for Alvaro Negredo? Young and Downing not for sale. Johnson going to Spurs?

For a while it seemed most likely that Ryan Babel was on his way to Ajax, involved in a swap deal where Luis Suarez would go the other way. Now, however the more likely outcome seems to be Babel going to German club Hoffenheim.

This afternoon an official statement on Liverpoolfc.tv says:

'Liverpool FC this afternoon announced they had accepted a bid from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim for the transfer of Dutch international Ryan Babel. The Bundesliga Club have now been given permission to discuss personal terms with the player, who has travelled to Germany'. 

The latest reports however says the Hoffenheim deal is 'is far from cut and dried'. 'There are still details to be clarified. We are still not in agreement', said the clubs general manager Ernst Tanner.
 

Today Spanish football writer Guillem Balague said this on his Twitter :

Liverpool negotiating with few strikers. Made an offer for Negredo but Luis Suarez is in pole position.Torres tends to b on his own upfront'. 

Earlier Talksport has reported that Liverpool has been given green light to make a £17m move for the Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo. This makes that report more likely to be true.


All this does, of course, not stop the Luis Suarez saga from tumbling on...

It has looked like Tottenham has been Liverpool's worst rival in the hunt for the Suarez. But now reports claims Spurs has switch sights to Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano.

Tottenham are considering a move for the £12.5m Sevilla striker as they are set to miss out on Liverpool-bound Luis Suarez, Goal.com report.

Another report that makes til Suarez Liverpool move more likely is The Daily Mail saying Ajax has stripped of him the club captaincy.

Something that makes the deal less likely is a report from ESPN, saying Ajax would in all probability only be able to finance a deal for Babel if they sell Suarez and De Boer has warned that they will not allow the striker to leave for a pittance.

Now the Babel deal seems not to go through for Ajax, and The Daily Mail claims Ajax want £27m for Suarez but that he is likely to cost significantly less.

Two other messages from Twitter:

@Muireannnn: Liverpool have made an official bid for Luis Suarez! They want 23m, sorry Ajax Liverpool want your best player ;)

@Arlarse: "Liverpool seal Suarez deal after tough negotiations. £18 million plus £6 million in clauses. Contract will be signed tomorrow" 
 

In adition to Suarez Ashley Young and Stewart Downing has looked like Liverpools other prime targets for this transfer window. And some sources claim Liverpool prepare 'crazy money' for the Villa winger.

But according to Kopsource Gerard Houllier insists Downing and Young are not for sale.

Speaking at the unveiling of his new £24m striker Darren Bent, Houllier dismissed reports that either player could be leaving the club this month.

- They’re not for sale, as simple as that.” said the former Anfield boss.

Today's most surprising rumour is that Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson is on the verge of a £15m move to Tottenham Hotspur, with the England international only needing to agree personal terms with the North Londoners for the transfer to go through.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has worked with the full back while he was in charge of both West Ham United and Portsmouth, signing him as a 15-year-old for the Hammers Academy, and again while at Fratton Park, where he spent £4m to bring him to the South Coast from Chelsea in August 2007.

And, with new Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish in desperate need of money to strengthen his under-performing squad as they battle against relegation and the Scot also delighted with the recent progress made by local boy Martin Kelly, who has deputised for Johnson in recent weeks with the defender absent due to personal issues, both parties appear happy with the move, according to Sporting.

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.

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.

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.

Ashley Young back on the radar

Today three of Liverpool first team players has been linked with a move away from Merseyside. 

According to The Daily Mail Juventus are lining up a triple raid with approach for Alberto Aquilani, Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger.

An earlier strongly linked player however is back on the radar...

Todays biggest transfer rumour is regarding Ashley Young who Liverpool are hoping to bring in during the January transfer window, if you believe a report in The Mirror today.

Hodgson and transfer negotiator Damien Comolli are working on the ambitious project and hope to seal a deal worth £15m for the England winger in January, the paper say.

Villa will want a big fee for Young but Liverpool sources are quietly confident they can come to an agreement on price, especially if the player indicates that he fancies the move.

Also sources on the Koptalk Insider say there is contact with the player.

 

- His (Young) agent was in regular contact with Christian [Purslow] and Damien [Comolli] believes he could be snapped up for much less than Aston Villa are asking. Continuation here is the key. But I would expect a formal offer will go in very soon if nothing has changed since they last spoke, the Koptalk source said.

The most exciting rumour of this week seems not to go through. Ronaldinho has gone out playing down the talk of a rumoured move to Liverpool.

It was reported earlier in the week in the Italian press that the out-of-favour striker was seeking a move to pastures new with Roy Hodgson one of a number of potential suitors.

Nevertheless, despite playing second fiddle to compatriots Pato, Robinho and Swedish hitman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the 30-year-old insists that the Rossoneri’s Serie A table-topping form was reason enough for him to focus on life under Massimiliano Allegri, Sport.co.uk reports

Speaking to the press after Milan’s 2-0 home defeat to Ajax last night, Ronaldinho was coy on the transfer rumours:

- I am tranquil in terms of staying. It's an important season and we are top of Serie A for the first time since my arrival here.

- I want to put Allegri in difficulty when he plays me. It was not easy against Ajax as I was playing as a striker, but I was better in the second half.

Yesterday it was reported that Marseille have been trying to finalise a deal to sign Rennes full-back Rod Fanni, who also have been linked with Liverpool.

Sky Sports now report that Marseille chairman Jean-Claude Dassier has confirmed they are set to step up their interest.

It is thought the Mediterranean outfit would have to pay about €4million (£3.36m) to sign Fanni, who is under contract with Rennes until June 2012.
Talks

And the two clubs seem to have reached an agreement as Marseille are preparing to begin negotiations over personal terms with the former Lens and Nice player.

Liverpool linked Connor Wickham will not come cheaply. Ipswich boss Roy Keane has warned Liverpool they will have to offer big money, after comparing the teenager to Wayne Rooney.

Wickham, 17, is the Tractor Boys' youngest-ever player and a target for the Reds, who are ready to swoop in January, as well as Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.

Keane said:

- There aren't many Connor Wickhams around. You've got to be careful not to get blasé about Connor and say "we'll take £7m or £8m for him", The Daily Mail reports.

- I have a certain figure in my head that we'd have to consider. I think Connor and his agent would have that as well.

- Whether that's Tottenham or Liverpool or whoever, but United had to buy Rooney for £28m when he was 18.

According to Live4Liverpool German newspaper BILD is reporting that PSV striker Ola Toivonen is not ready to leave the Dutch club in January.

The Swedish international has been linked with Liverpool in recent months.

BILD reports that despite also being linked with Steve McClaren’s Wolfsburg, Toivonen is willing to remain at PSV for the rest of the season, ruling out a move to the Reds as the Merseyside club look to bolster their frontline in the January transfer window.

Both manager Roy Hodgson and assistant Sammy Lee have been said to have made personal checks on Toivonen this season with Roy confirming that the 24 year old came under consideration in August.

American Clint Dempsey, linked with Liverpool and Wolfsburg, has dismissed speculation with a switch from Fulham.

Steve McClaren's Wolfsburg are not having the best of runs in the Bundesliga and are also thought to be trailing the Texan.

However, Dempsey's agent Lyle Yorks claims the mooted interest from these two clubs is mere speculation, although he did reveal a number of sides are trailing the Cottagers star.

- Some of it is just reports and some of it is accurate, Yorks told MLSsoccer.com.

- There's interest in Clint, but there are no discussions right now.

On the Liverpool and Wolfsburg links, he added:

- These two are just reports at this point.

Also today a new name appears on the Liverpool transfer radar.

Roy Hodgson is said to be closely following the movements of FC Twente’s Theo Janssen according to Metro.

The midfielder is known as a free-kick specialist with an amazing left foot. He was propelled into the limelight this season with some impressive displays against Tottenham in the Champions League.

The 29-year-old is reported to have been on Hodgson’s radar for the past four months, and has a £3m release clause in his contract. However, the release clause does not come into effect until the summer.

- Nobody has spoken to me and if they did, FC Twente can ask what it wants for him, said club president, Joop Munsterman.

The effect of the clause could obviously force Hodgson to pay over the odds to get his man early in January. However, with the clause looming and without a contract renewal, it could force Twente to accept as little as £5million in the new year.

Scottish champions Rangers have also expressed an interest in the player, but should Liverpool make a move they would surely be favorites to land the Dutchman’s signature.

One of the "strange things"?

The net literally is bubbling over with comments about the Ronaldinho transfer rumour. And maybe the signing of the Brazillian superstar is one of the "strange things" that Comolli refered to speaking to The Telegraph the other day.

One who has spoken about the Ronaldinho gossip is Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva, backing the possible move.

- I am not aware of anything in terms of Ronaldinho signing, but I would be very happy if this was to happen, Lucas told Globoesporte, The Daily Mail reports.


- We started a friendship when we played in the Olympics and for Brazil. It would be nice to play with him at Liverpool. Everyone knows Ronaldinho and they know what he can do, Lucas said.

Another strange thing that might happen is that Glen Johnson could end up elsewhere than on Merseyside.

Sky Sports understands Johnson was unhappy with Hodgson's public criticism and is considering a move away from Anfield when the transfer window reopens next month.

Juventus have been strongly linked with a move for Johnson with the Bianconeri keen to bolster their defence in January.

Former Reds boss Rafa Benitez is also thought to be keen on bringing Johnson to Inter Milan having signed the defender during his time at the helm at Anfield.

Johnson is understood to be interested in a move abroad if the club decide to listen to offers for his services in the New Year.

Another transfer rumours that is really buzzing today is that Ajax striker and captain Luis Suarez looks set to leave the club in January.

The Uruguayan international is said to be disappointed at manager Martin Jol's departure from the club on Monday following a poor run of form.

And Suarez, 23, has now instructed his agent to instigate talks with Ajax bosses over engineering a move away - possibly as soon as the January transfer window - according to reports in the Netherlands, Metro reports.

Spurs and Arsenal are also said to be interested, but it appears Suarez favours a move to Anfield.

Given his desire to leave, Hodgson is hopeful of securing the South American's signature for a bargain price of £9million - especially as the post-World Cup hype surrounding him now appears to have died down.

Another name reappearing on the Liverpool transfer rumour mill is Real Madrid's Lassana Diarra.

Spanish daily newspaper AS is reporting that Liverpool and Tottenham are the frontrunners as Real Madrid look to offload Lassana Diarra in the January transfer window.

The 25 year old has only started three games this season, and according to AS, the French international is all set for a move back to England where he has already played for Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth.

It is believed that the Reds and Spurs would be keen to take the holding midfielder on loan in January in view to a permanent move at the end of the season.

AS also states that Manchester United and Aston Villa are said to be monitoring the situation.

A completely new name on the radar is the Lazio defender Stephan Lichtsteiner.

The 26 year-old Switzerland international is comfortable at centre-half and right-back and is interesting Liverpool ahead of the January market, TribalFootball reports.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson is aware of Lichtsteiner through his time with the Swiss national team and knows he has also been a long-term target for Real Madrid.

The defender is inside the final two years of his Lazio contract and the next two transfer windows represent the best time for the Rome club to sell.

Comolli's £80m wish list

With Gerard Houllier coming to Anfield monday talent-spotter Damien Comolli seems to have a desire to re-start the Liverpool French revolution.

On top of his wish list for January there are four Frenchmen.

Comolli, the new director of football strategy charged with helping boss Roy Hodgson ­recruit new stars, has been assembling a hit-list of transfer targets for the January window and next summer – with four Frenchmen on the radar.

Related reading: Liverpool pondering big moves? 
Related: Transfer targets video compilation

And heading the wish list of French stars are four of Laurent Blanc’s side who outplayed England in their 2-1 friendly win at Wembley last month.

Yann M’Vila, Rennes’ 20-year-old midfielder, Marseilles striker Loic Remy – 24 next month – Lille centre-back Adil Rami, 25 later this month, and St Etienne attacking midfielder Dimitri Payet, 23, have all been identified by Comolli as viable targets, The People reports.

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And with Lille’s exciting ­£20million Belgian winger Eden Hazard plus Borussia Dortmund’s £15m-rated Serbian central ­defender Neven Subotic also a priority, all of Comolli’s targets would cost a staggering £80m.

That would be an immediate test of Kop owner John Henry’s commitment to Anfield’s future. Comolli has been told by ­Henry to nab players in their early 20s as Liverpool build for a ­brighter ­future.

But he’ll have his work cut out to land them all – especially Hazard, who is being tracked by Real Madrid.

Boss Hodgson has been told he must offload some players to raise additional transfer funds and England defender Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger, Ryan Babel and Fabio Aurelio will all be made available, the paper reports.

Liverpool to swap defenders?

As the week came to an end with a well fought victory over West Ham, according to Goal.com Glen Johnson tells friends he is leaving Liverpool to join Inter in January.

The England right-back still wants to leave Anfield following public criticism from manager Roy Hodgson, despite both men playing down the dispute, they report.

- Glen thinks he's going to Inter in January and wants to leave Liverpool if he gets the chance, a friend of Johnson's told Goal.com. 

Another defender that could be on his way out of Anfield in January is Fabio Aurelio.

GiveMeFootball reports that Hodgson is lining up a £6 million part exchange offer to lure Emre Belozoglu back to the Premier League.

The former Inter Milan winger according to reports in Germany is available for £7m plus Aurelio.

The Turkey international has experienced the Premier League before during a short spell at Newcastle.

Liverpool have already put together a short list of transfer targets in January after the appointment of Damian Comolli as director of football strategy.

Comolli will work alongside manager Roy Hodgson to identify targets from abroad and the focus has previously been on bringing young, seemingly French, talent to Anfield.

However, the club are also aware of the need to combine that youth with experience or risk having similar naivety to Arsenal, whose manager Arsene Wenger admits concerns over his young squad’s squandering of chances.

And Emre has previous experience of playing in England so would not need much time to settle into Liverpool’s team and he has been playing well for Fenerbache this season. 

But there might be changes in other parts of the squad as well. What about putting Stephen Ireland out of his Aston Villa missery?

The former Manchester City midfielder has fallen down the pecking order at Villa Park with Houllier at the helm. He does not apppear to be a big fan of the schemer, regularly selecting players such as Nigel Reo-Coker ahead of him Caughtoffside reports.

The Liverpool boss will be given significant funds to strengthen his squad this January, and Ireland looks set to be his first major signing.

Another top priority will be a striker, with names such as Mario Gomez, and Fernando Llorente recently linked with a move to Anfield, they belive.

Roy Hodgson also has been on to France scouting again. This time to see Lille star Gervinho. 

Hodgson took in Lille's win over Monaco at the weekend, but he wouldn't be drawn as to which players he was watching, Goal.com reports.

L’Equipe reports that Hodgson was present at the Stade Lille-Metropole with Laurent Viaud, a French scout for the Reds.

Gervinho’s performance was rather overshadowed by another stunning display from teenage Belgian Eden Hazard, who frequently tore the Monegasque defence to pieces and was directly responsible for both Lille goals.

At the end of the game, when Hodgson was asked if he was following Gervinho, he simply stated that the Ivoirian was not the only good player on the field.

Rumours also keeps on coming about earlier reported target Charles N'Zogbia.

The Wigan winger has stated to the Daily Star that the Latics are only a “stepping stone” in his career:

- They know very well I’m not a player who is going to stay at the club. I give 100 per cent on the pitch, but, if there’s a bigger club that wants me, the manager and the president have always told me the door is open for discussion.

Birmingham had a £9m bid for him accepted in the summer, but could not agree personal terms.

French club Marseille are reportedly interested, and N’Zogbia said an offer from them was “not something you refuse”.

Another reported target for both Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are Xherdan Shaqiri, who reportedly is in talks with Inter Milan.

Italian sources quoted by the German 4-4-2 Web site claim the Treble winners are willing to pay Basel €7 million for the 19-year-old Swiss winger’s services.

Shaqiri has been linked with a host of clubs, including Juventus, Manchester United, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, FC Barcelona and Genoa CFC. Liverpool were reportedly taking note of Shaqiri last season, and in September it was reported that he was keen on a move to Anfield.

Shaqiri was one of the youngest players to go to the World Cup, testament to his potential.  His pace and dribbling ability helped FC Basel to the league and cup double last term as he contributed six goals and five assists in his debut season.

Spanish star being priced out?

After that sobering defeat to Stoke at the weekend once again there is speculations regarding Roy Hodgsons future as Liverpool manager.

And once again the Dutch legend Frank Rijkaard is linked with the managerial post.

According to GiveMeFootball the odds have dramatically been shortened on Rijkaard becoming the new man at the Liverpool helm.  

Martin O’Neill and Guus Hiddink are also thought to be in contention, while Liverpool fans’ favourite Kenny Dalglish is a 12/1 shot with SkyBet. 

But regardless of who is the Liverpool manager in january, there will be money available for a star player, if the price is right...

In addition, Hodgson may possibly get money from the sale of Dani Pacheco, who wants out and from Alberto Aquilani who wants a permanent move to Juventus. And he would be willing to take Glen Johnson with him to Italy.

This is money Hodgson probably would need if the following player is on Hodgsons wish list in January;

Athletic Bilbao has slapped a price tag on reported Liverpool target Fernando Llorente. 

Liverpool will have to cough up a massive €63million if they are to land the Spanish, TalkSport reports.

Damien Camolli has been told that the club's owners New England Sports Ventures would make money available for a world class signing in the transfer window.

But their chances of landing the 6ft 5in Spanish international now seem remote after the La Liga club revealed they have increased the his buy-out clause from €36m to an eye-watering €63m.

Real Madrid are also keen on the big striker, but even they seem unlikely to meet that whopping asking price.

A new name poping up is French right-back Rod Fanni.

According to The Mirror Roy Hodgson eyes up the player as Glen Johnson's replacement.

Hodgson flew to watch the Rennes defender against Auxerre on Sunday and is poised to make a bargain offer of around £3m in the New Year window.

Fanni, 29 next month, is one of the most respected right backs in his homeland and has won five caps for France.

He has been close to coming to the Premier League before when Newcastle, Sunderland and Everton tried for him.

Another reported Liverpool target is PSV Eindhoven's Ibrahim Afellay.

PSV Eindhoven have now confirmed they have agreed a deal with Barcelona for the January transfer of highly-rated midfielder Ibrahim Afellay, TeamTalk writes.

Afellay announced last month he would not be signing a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of the season with PSV.

A number of clubs, including the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal were linked with the Holland international, but Barcelona have won the race for the 24-year-old's signature.

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.

Liverpool monitoring Newcastle striker

There has been reports saying that defender Glen Johnson is unsettled at Liverpool. The Guardian says it is believed Johnson has struggled to settle on Merseyside since his £18m transfer from Portsmouth.

This of course has fired speculations about his future, and according to Insidefutbol Italian giants Juventus is allerted.

Another unsettled player is Newcastles striker Andy Carroll. 

Today Goal.com reports that Tottenham are leading the race for the striker, with Manchester United and Liverpool monitoring his situation.

Carroll has been the subject of controversy in his personal life and figures close to the player now believe he may have to move away from Newcastle to settle down.

He is expected to be rewarded for his fine form on Saturday with a call up to Fabio Capello's England squad to face France on Wednesday.

Liverpool are in the market for a striker and would reportedly consider a move for the 6ft 4in forward, who has scored seven Premier League goals already this season and has terrorised defenders with his heading ability.  

Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on Juventus FC Torino striker Amauri.

Another striker on the monitor is Brazilian striker Amauri.

According to Italian reports, Liverpool have made enquiries about bringing the Brazilian to Anfield.

Amauri is a strong striker with a great eye for goal. He has good heading ability, and what he lacks in speed his makes up for in excellent technique.

He has scored three goals in 11 appearances for Juventus this term, all three coming in the UEFA Europa League. He found the net a total of 21 times in the previous two seasons for the Serie A side.

The 30-year-old is contracted to Juventus until the end of next season, and is valued at €7.5M-10M, ImScouting reports.

One younger player being linked is the Preston starlet Adam Barton.

Liverpool boss Hodgson is eyeing up a move for the 19 year old. He is is keen to buy British and the Blackburn-born Barton is rated as one of the most exciting prospects outside the Premier League, The Mirror reports.

Even though Pepe Reina has pledged his future to Liverpool, there keeps coming rumours about replacements.

According to ImScouting Liverpool is to line up Wolfsburg's Diego Benaglio as possible replacement for Reina.

Bayern Munchen are also said to be interested in the 27-year-old Swiss stopper, who is contracted to Wolfsburg until the end of the 2012/2013 season and is valued €10M-15M.

The Switzerland No. 1 is also great in one-on-one situations.