Liverpool in talks over defender?

Left back from Marseille? New Gerrard midfield partner and Torres strike partner? Nigerian international striker on the radar. Roma striker is not untouchable... and Russian international for summer transfer?

It has now been confirmed that, as I reported yesterday, the first transfer under Dalglish's helm has been the former Arsenal and Blackburn winger Jason Banton, it has been officially confirmed.

King Kenny has today gone out to cool the talk of transfer targets, claiming he has not discussed potential transfer targets for the current window with the club's owners. 

Despite these claims the transfer rumours keeps coming more than ever...

Liverpool have, according to Sportingo, made contact with Marseille over the availability of Taye Taiwo.

Liverpool are keen to sign a new left back and their attention has switched to the Nigeria international after an assessment of the squad by caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish.

The Scot made the surprising decision to play out-of-form Glen Johnson in that position in the 2-1 defeat to Blackpool highlighting the lack of options in that position. Fabio Aurelio was mysteriously omitted while Paul Konchesky is tipped to follow former manager Roy Hodgson through the exit door after a failing to rise to the level expected at Anfield.

Taiwo has emerged as the Reds number one target after impressing for L’Om over a number of seasons. Quick and powerfully built, the 25-year-old is solid tackler but also provides an added dimension in attack.

His strong running and powerful shot are an asset to the Ligue 1 club for whom he also gets on the scoresheet from direct free-kicks.

Another new name appears on the radar as Liverpool today are linked with Inter's Victor Obinna. According to TalkSport he has caught the eye of Liverpool whilst starring for Premier League strugglers West Ham.

The Nigerian international has been one of the few players to gain credit during West Ham's failure to impress this season and has indicated his desire to stay in London.

The 23-year-old only made a handful of starts at Inter following his move from Chievo and it is understood that the European champions would happily recoup £8 million on the forward.

Obinna may have his head turned by the interest of Liverpool though, especially with the Hammers facing the prospect of relegation.

Liverpool are today being linked with both West Hams Scott Parker and Luis Suarez.

Parker has been in sensational form again for the Hammers this season and has consistently been linked with a move away from Upton Park.

Parker has stated that he has no desire to leave West Ham, but it comes as no surprise that he is wanted by a number of clubs - including Tottenham - and The Guardian now reports Liverpool are interested in his signature.

However, Liverpool are expected to have to spend big to bring the former Chelsea midfielder to Anfield, after Spurs were told that they would have to pay £15 million for his services.

But, according to The Mirror, Kenny Dalglish will ask to be backed in the transfer market during a meeting with owners New England Sports Ventures this week and hopes to bring in a midfielder to partner Anfield hero Steven Gerrard.

The new Liverpool boss is thought to have identified Parker as the man to play alongside Gerrard, but whether the Anfield club will launch a bid remains to be seen.

The acquisition of a new striker to play with Torres is also a priority for Liverpool, and they have been linked with moves for Ajax captain Luis Suarez and Roma hotshot Mirko Vucinic.

And, despite Dalglish said to have drawn up a shortlist of potential candidates, he has stated that he will allow Liverpool director of football strategy Damien Comolli to look after transfer dealings.

When it comes tu Vucinic, according to Goal.com, he is not untouchable, as Roma would sell him to Liverpool if budgetary constraints forced a need for immediate cash flow.

Il Corriere dello Sport reports the Italians have never generated much favour for selling the 27-year-old Montenegrin ace, but firm interest from Liverpool, and a need for cash could change their position.

For now Vucinic is seen as stable in the capital, but with Roma's future unknown and linked to a sale from club creditors Unicredit, player exits may be needed in future.

Two heavily linked players - Aston Villa's Ashley Young and Wigan Athletic's Charles N'Zogbia, are the two names on Kenny Dalglish's shortlist, Sportingo says. 

The list had included Valencia's Juan Mata and Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips but those moves have been scuppered due to the signing of a contract extension and a proposed move to Fulham, respectively, they claim.

Finaly GiveMeFootball reports that Liverpool striker target Pavel Pogrebnyak could make a summer move to the Barclays Premier League.

The Russian international has been linked with a number of clubs in recent months, with former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson thought to be one of the interested parties.

New Reds chief Kenny Dalglish is expected to continue the Anfield outfit's interest in the player, although Liverpool are now unlikely to secure a switch this month.

- He will stay here until the end of the season. In summer we will make a decision, player agent Oleg Artemov told the Daily Mail.

- A number of Premier League sides are interested in him. We've received a lot of offers.

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.

Fanni deal almost done?

As there is just over 20 days left until the January transfer window opens, the rumour mill is getting hotter by the hour.

Today some really exciting rumours has occured on the radar...

Highly rumoured Marseill right back Rod Fanni could be the first player through the Shankly Gates come next month.

According to The Daily Mail Liverpool hope to complete a £3m deal within the nex 48 hours.

Marseille also want the 29-year-old after losing Spain Under 21 international Cesar Azpilicueta for the rest of the season, but Rennes - third in the French league - would rather sell Fanni abroad than strengthen a team who are one place and one point behind them.
Reliable French newspaper L’Equipe reports that Liverpool are very keen on Fanni and Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi said:

- A decision will be made within 48 hours.

A player that has not been on the Liverpool radar since april 2008 is Brazilian, some might say fading ace, Ronaldinho.

Reports originating from Italy now claim that Liverpool are trying to take the 30-year-old Brazilian ace to Anfield, according to Sport.co.uk.

The Brazilian international has been a peripheral figure at the San Siro this season with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pato and Robinho all preferred by coach Massimiliano Allegri.

A star of Frank Rijkaard’s spell in charge at Barcelona, Ronaldinho signed on in Serie A in 2008 but has failed to find the form which saw him crowned World Player of the Year in both 2004 and 2005.

A mercurial figure with the ball at his feet, the samba star is still regarded as one of the most talented creative players in the game and could be open to a move to England after coming close to sealing a deal with Manchester United in 2003.

The Brazilian is understood to currently earn in excess of £6 million a season, a figure which would no doubt make new owners NESV baulk.

Another exciting development is that Spain striker Fernando Llorente seems to be back in the rumour fold.

Liverpool have emerged as serious contenders for the signature of Spurs transfer target Fernando Llorente in January, Metro reports.

Buoyed by the club's upturn in fortunes of late, new Reds ownership group NESV are set to put their full weight behind Roy Hodgson by bringing in significant reinforcements to bolster the squad.

And although Liverpool have recently been linked to some bargain signings as the manager looks to bring in some new faces - the latest name is a Spanish international and World Cup winner who could form a formidable partnership with Fernando Torres.

Fernando Llorente, 25, could be sold by Athletic Bilbao in the January transfer window, given the club's well-publicised financial problems.

It is thought Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has already made enquiries about the player, but Llorente would be more tempted by an offer from Merseyside, given the presence of international team-mate Torres.

An asking price in the region of £16million could be a stumbling block for the Reds, whose new owners are trying to remain frugal.

Today's new name is Palermo midfielder Josip Ilicic, who reporteldy has caught the red eye.

The Slovenian international has caught the eye of a number of Europe’s top clubs with six goals in 13 goals for the Serie A so far this season.

Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool is now reportedly are ready to step up their pursuit of the 22-year-old, TotalFootballMadness writes.

It is however said that German giants Bayern Munich will be Liverpool’s main rivals for the signature of the €2.5 million playmaker who – like Anfield hero Steven Gerrard – is famed for his long-range shooting ability.

A deal for Ilicic would serve as further proof that Liverpool owners NESV plan to bring young talent to Anfield in their quest to build a squad for the future.

A player that also earlier has been linked with a move to Merseyside is West Hams midfielder Scott Parker.

Now Liverpool are ready to join Tottenham in a raid on the London club for the signature of Parker, according to Footylatest.

The fact that Parker has extended his contract at West Ham seems to make no difference to the Liverpool and Tottenham bosses and who can blame them with West Ham looking Championship bound they have probably figured that the West Ham owners will try and cash in on Parker as soon as they can.

West Ham though have apparently slapped a £20 Million price tag on Parker and it is hard to see how Liverpool can pay that sort of cash out even if the new owners are making funds available, Tottenham can afford it, that is not open to debate, but Liverpool is very questionable.

Silly Season!

Silly Season er igjen over oss og ryktene er mange!

Godt nytt år til alle lesere av Murphys Liverpool! Jeg har tatt det ganske rolig i jula og fornøyd konstatert at laget vårt har vunnet to kamper på rad for første gang siden september.

Med et nytt år er også transfervinduet igjen åpent i noen uker og det mangler ikke akkurat på rykter.

Blant annet melder avisa The People at det kan være aktuelt å hente den tidligere Lazio-spissen Goran Pandev på free transfer i januar. Den 26 år gamle makedonieren skal i følge avisa være en av Benitez' høyeste prioriteter denne måneden.

Han skal også være villig til å ofre spillere som Ryan Babel, Andriy Voronin, Andrea Dossena og Philipp Degen for å øke transferbudsjettet som i utgangspunktet skal være på omtrent null.

I følge The Sunday Mercury skal Liverpool også være interessert i den greske høyrebacken Vasilis Torosidis etter at Glen Johnson er blitt skadet. Den 24 år gamle spilleren har 25 landskamper for Hellas og skal være tilgjengelig til en rimelig pris.

Den samme avisa melder også at det kan være aktuelt å hente West Hams Carlton Cole og Crystal Palace sin ving Victor Moses.

Et annet spennende rykte er det The Daily Mail som bringer. De mener å vite at Benitez er ute etter å snappe Galatasarays ving Ardan Turan, etter at den tyrkiske midtbanespilleren skal ha avslørt at han ønsker å spille på Anfield.

Han skal koste omkring £10m.

Men det mest spennende ryktet akkurat nå er det Liverpool Echo som bringer: Benitez & co er ute etter å hente Atletico Madrids midtbanespiller Maxi Rodriguez på et halvt års låneopphold.

Den argentinske landslagsspilleren er kompis med Fernando Torres og Javier Mascherano og har vært nære en retur til hjemlandet. Men i følge kilder i spania skal en avtale med en klubb på Merseyside være like om hjørnet, skriver avisa.

I følge The Guardian sin oversikt over Premier Leauge-klubbenes planer i januar skal aktuelle spillere i januar være Emile Heskey (Aston Villa, £3.5m), Kenwyne Jones (Sunderland, £10m), Ruud van Nistelrooy, (Real Madrid, lån), Scott Parker (West Ham, £7m) og Roman Pavlyuchenko (Tottenham)

Og til slutt tar jeg med noe norske aviser også har fått med seg, nemlig at Andrea Dossena kan bli solgt til Zenit St Petersburg og i følge The Daily Mail kan det bli aktuelt å hente Branns Erik Huseklepp for £2m.