Gomez interest confirmed

Today Glen Johnson again is linked with a move away from Liverpool. This time it is Real Madrid that apparently is interested in the defender.

He is back on Real Madrid's radar after details emerged of a bust-up between Jose Mourinho and his vice-captain Sergio Ramos, The Daily Mail reports.

Reported Liverpool target Mario Gomez' agent says he expects interest in the January transfer window.

Sport.co.uk understands that the Bayern Munich forward is attracting interest from top European clubs ahead of the January transfer window with the player’s representative expecting enquiries for the striker.

Gomez, 25, is being tracked by Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Juventus following a difficult start to the Bundesliga campaign with Bayern Munchen having onlu recently broken into the first-team following an injury to Miroslav Klose.

The German international is highly regarded as one of Europe’s most prolific marksman following his 35 million euro move from Stuttgart to Bayern Munich in 2009.

Despite recently being given more game time by boss Louis van Gaal Gomez is being monitored closely by the aforementioned trio, but despite interest there has been no formal offers. However the player’s agent does intimate that it is still early to talk about transfer gossip.

Oliver Mintzlaff told Sport.co.uk:

- Mario Gomez is one of the best strikers in Europe, the best German striker, and the best in the Bundesliga. There is no concrete interest, but it is early, we expect interest. But even with Mario at the moment, it is quiet.

Reported Liverpool and Arsenal target Karim Benzema is now also on the radar of Juventus.

According to Il Corriere dello Sport the Italian giants will attempt to sign the Real Madrid striker on loan for the rest of the season in what would represent a blow to his Premier League suitors.

The 22-year-old joined Real from Lyon for around £30 million in 2009 but failed to live up to expectations during his first season at the Bernabeu.

His poor form had led to growing speculation that he would soon leave Spain and, despite a recent turnaround in fortunes for the France international in Madrid, it has been claimed he could still leave Los Blancos should their demands be met.

Liverpool and Arsenal are said to both be monitoring the Frenchman with a view to making a move in January and Real are reportedly willing to accept offers of around £15 million for his services.

But - along with Juventus - Liverpool will allegedly have to battle with with Arsenal in the race for Benzema after Mediaset reported he is the north London club's 'no.1 target'.

David Bentley looks likely to end his nightmare stay at Spurs in January, and is hopeful of securing a move to Liverpool after reports of interest from manager Roy Hodgson, according to Metro.

Bentley, who is still just 26, wants to leave White Hart Lane after falling out of favour with Harry Redknapp in a bid to reignite his flailing career.

And the former Blackburn and Arsenal star has identified Anfield as his first-choice destination amid speculation that Hodgson is considering a bid in the region of £5million to take him to Merseyside.

Bentley has shown flashes of his talent since making the move back to London from Ewood Park in a 2008 deal thought to be in the region of £17million.

However, he has failed to justify his price tag and remains on the fringes of the first team behind several of the club's other creative stars including Luka Modric, Aaron Lennon and new signing Rafael van der Vaart.

Hodgson is desperate to add a specialist winger to his squad and believes for the price he is expected to command during the transfer window, Bentley represents a bargain.

The former England international has started just one Premier League game all season, and his exorbitant wages at Spurs mean the former Fulham manager believes he can play hardball in negotiations over the player's transfer value.

According to the Daily Mirror, Liverpool, along with Stoke, Fulham and Aston Villa are queueing up to sign Manchester City left back Wayne Bridge.

The former England international is not part of Roberto Mancini’s first team plans after he bought Aleksandar Kolarov for £19million from Lazio in the summer and is expected to leave Eastlands in January. 

Stoke are said to be leading the way for the 30 year old as Potters boss Tony Pulis is believed to be lining up a loan bid in the New Year. 

Bridge has two years left on a £70,000 per week contract, after joining from Chelsea in January 2009.

Liverpool’s hopes of signing Rennes right-back Rod Fanni have been given a boost, Imscouting reports.

The news is that a proposed move to Marseille looks likely to fall through.

Fanni is one of the best right-backs in the French top division and has forced his way into the French national team over the past couple of years, making five appearances for them so far.

The attacking-minded defender has been watched closely by Liverpool of late, with Roy Hodgson travelling to France to watch him play against Auxerre last month.  With Hodgson having had a public disagreement with Glen Johnson recently, speculation increased over Fanni's arrival at Liverpool.

However, Marseille have also been linked with Fanni for some time and indicated a few days ago that they expected to tie up a deal for the 29-year-old.

Now, the French champions have revealed that they have been unable to push through a deal for Fanni, leaving the door open for Liverpool.

Marseille chairman Jean-Claude Dassier told RMC:

- Today we can only be pessimistic, Fanni's agent is being irrational and it is doubtful a deal will now be done. I can't see any way it could be completed, except if the player decides to manage himself in a reasonable way.

A name that comes back on to the transfer radar of Roy Hodgson today is Benfica winger Fabio Coentrao.

He was a reported target under Benitez, but now it seems he is back, with GiveMeFootball today reporting on a potential bidding war between several clubs.

Manchester United is a new club in the race for the player that has been monitored by some of Europe's elite in recent seasons.

AC Milan have reportedly earmarked the versatile left sided player, who can play in defence or midfield, as a potential successor to Paolo Maldini, and are poised to move for the player.

This news could spur Manchester United into showing their transfer hand, with the Old Trafford club still keeping an eye on the situation.

Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City and Juventus are, like Manchester United, also thought to be keen on the player, whilst Liverpool have long been admirers of the players ability.

Hodgson is keen to strengthen his squad, and with question marks over the form of Paul Konchesky, Liverpool could make their move in January. They are the outsiders, though, it is reported.

Another transfer target Liverpool apparently also have to fight against Manchester United to get is Valencia winger Joaquin.

TalkSPORT suggests the Spain international - also a reported target for Liverpool - could be tempted to leave Valencia for Manchester.

Sir Alex Ferguson is allegedly a keen admirer of the 29-year-old and has apparently identified him as the man to replace the injured Antonio Valencia at Manchester United.

However, the Manchester United boss will reportedly have to fight with Liverpool for his signature as Roy Hodgson looks to add more cutting edge to his side in January.

A transfer battle between Manchester United and Liverpool would make for fascinating viewing for the neutrals as each side looks to improve their respective squads.

The Liverpool boss has admitted that his side rely too heavily on the goalscoring talents of Anfield hero Fernando Torres and, hence, is understood to have identified his attacking department as the most in need of reinforcement.

City forward on loan?

Despite the poor results for Liverpool this season Roy Hodgson does not fear for his job. He belives NESV will back him as he tries to turnaround the club's recent decline.

- Because basically speaking unless there is a major inflow of cash into the club and the team is going to be changed from one moment to the next then whoever takes my place will be doing a similar job with similar players, Hodgson said, The Birmingham Mail reports.

So any other manager would do exactly the same job as Hodgson, giving the same results? Would not change anything, would he? I'm just asking...

One report today implies that Liverpool has had a plan to tak Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor on loan in January.

This has however come unstuck now that Carlos Tevez has handed in a transfer request, Sportingo reports.

The Argentine's insurrection has caused uproar in Manchester though it provides a lifeline for Adebayor after his career at Eastlands appeared to be over. With only Mario Balotelli and forgotten men Roque Santa Cruz and Jo remaining as front line strikers, Adebayor will now get another chance to shine for Roberton Mancini.

The development will disappoint Roy Hodgson who was planning on making a loan enquiry for the Togolese hitman as he searches for another forward with Liverpool owners NESV having previously said that no significant funds will be available for player acquisitions in January.

Hodgson had earmarked Adebayor as the man to partner Torres, in the short term at least, as they bid for a top four finish and the lack of a transfer fee had made him a far more attractice option than either Carlton Cole or Darren Bent.

Elsewhere Liverpool apparently are keeping a close eye on Sochaux midfielder Ryad Boudebouz, according to Goal.com.

The 20-year-old has seen his stock rise dramatically in recent months; playing in the World Cup for Algeria and, in turn, attracting the interest of a number of Europe's top clubs.

Liverpool director of football strategy, Damien Comolli, will travel to France before the New Year with a view to bringing Boudebouz to Anfield when the transfer window opens next month.

- Liverpool have shown serious interest in him and Damien Comolli will come to watch him at a game in the next two or three weeks, an insider told Goal.com.

- It is looking very possible that he will sign for Liverpool - he is an exciting young player who needs developing but is capable of special things.

Boudebouz is an attack-minded midfielder with an eye for goal who would certainly fit with the ethos of Liverpool owners NESV in their quest to bring top young talent to Anfield.

Another name that re-appears today is Borussia Dortmund striker Lucas Barrios.

Liverpool are according to GiveMeFootball fighting Real Madrid in the race to sign the 26-year-old Paraguayan striker who has been in fine form for the runaway Bundesliga leaders this term, leading to speculation over a potential big-money move away from Signal Iduna Park.

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson was thought to be one of the parties interested in the player, with the Anfield chief searching for an attacking foil for Fernando Torres as his number one priority in the New Year.

However, Spanish paper Marca claims that Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has joined the chase for the player, with the La Liga giants keen to find cover for Argentine international striker Gonzalo Higuain.

A long-term target of the Merseyside outfit, Barrios is thought to have originally appeared on the Liverpool radar when Rafa Benitez was in charge of the club.

Hodgson is believed to have continued the interest after glowing references from the Liverpool scouts, and were considering an offer in the region of €17.5 million.

Winger interest confirmed

There may be as many as four new player signings at Anfield this January.

Liverpool are believed to be keen on bringing in a new right-back, central defender, forward and winger if the right players become available in January. To help add to the attacking options Wigan's Charles N'Zogbia is mentioned as a possible target, Sky Sports reports.

Elsewhere a Swedish left back is entering the transfer radar...

Liverpool are amongst the Premier League teams chasing versatile Swedish international Behrang Safari.

The Basel left back, who can also play as a winger, was influential in the club's Swiss Super League title winning season last term, and Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is thought to be monitoring the player through his links in Scandinavia.

Safari's agent, Martin Dahlin, has a relationship with the Reds boss from his time as Sweden and Blackburn manager, something that could give the Liverpool manager an edge should he wish to negotiate a deal.

- Behrang Safari, has been doing very well and was recently linked with Liverpool, Fulham and Everton, Dahlin told Sport.co.uk.

- He is a 25 year-old left-back and left-winger who has been playing in the Champions League with Basel and has already got 17 caps for Sweden. I have high hopes for him, the agent concluded.

Additional Barclays Premier League interest will come as no surprise to the Anfield outfit following the player's impressive start to the current campaign, which could lead to an offer of more than the £3 million valuation from Liverpool or any of the suitors.

Reds scout Jakob Friis-Hansen confirmed that the club were watching Safari last month, with the Liverpool boss keen to strengthen his squad from an area which he knows best.

One of the more familiar names on the Liverpool transfer radar is Evertons Steven Pienaar.

Now Liverpool reportedly are leading the chase to sign the Everton contract rebel and are ready to make an offer for the South African international in January.

Roy Hodgson is thought to be ready to offer around £4m for the former Ajax man who is out of contract in the summer, Caughtoffside reports.

The midfielder has refused to sign a new deal with the Toffees and David Moyes has admitted the club will prefer to offload the 28 year old in January rather than lose him for nothing in the summer and Hodgson is thought to be very keen on the adaptable Everton man.

The likes of Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Ajax are all said to be interested in Pienaar but the short move to Anfield is apparently one he is keen on making.

Liverpool is also reported to be in the battle to sign Paris Saint Germain midfielder Stephane Sessegnon.

The battle for the signature of the midfielder has begun with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, West Ham and Everton tracking the talented Benin international, Sport.co.uk confirms.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is, as things stand, the favourite to land the 26-year-old after the player signalled his intention to move to England. 

Also Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has monitored the player and Liverpool’s new director of football strategy, Damian Comolli, is a confirmed admirer. He has also had the player watched on a number of occasions since joining the Reds.

The Hammers and Toffees are also reportedly in the race for Sessegnon having made tentative enquiries.

Sessegnon confirmed last summer his intention to quit the French capital at the end of this season after two years at the turmoil-ridden Parc des Princes.

Speaking to Sport.co.uk, a source close to the player revealed:

- I do not know if he will be staying at the moment. I could not say for sure. He could leave PSG.

- The Premier League is a serious option for him, and he would like to play there. So we will see.

Today Liverpool are being linked with a shock swoop for Barcelona wonderkid Bojan Krkic in the summer.

The 20-year-old striker, who can also play in the wing positions, has failed to earn a regular starting spot at the Nou Camp, leading to speculation that he could leave the club in the summer.

His agent, Zoran Vekic, revealed that the player will not be making a Catalan exit in January, but admitted Bojan would consider his options at the end of the season. Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is thought to be one of the interested parties in the player.

- Next summer we will analyse it and we'll see, but at the moment he is happy at Barcelona. He's not having many minutes but every time he has a chance he's playing quite well, Vekic told Sport.co.uk.

The agent also dismissed the possibility of a January loan move, something Liverpool have been linked with in relation to the player in the past.

Spurs, Juventus, Inter Milan and Arsenal are also thought to be keen on the player's services, news that could lead to a major battle for Bojan's signature in the new year.

The Anfield board reportedly want attacking young talent added to the Liverpool squad, and Bojan would certainly fit the bill were he to be available.

A fee in the region of €16 million is thought to be enough to persuade Pep Guardiola to sell the starlet.

Hodgson has been sacked?

Sunday night the rumour mill was over-heated with rumours that Roy Hodgson had walked away from his post, or gotten the sack as manager at Liverpool FC.

The same day it was officially announced that Liverpool FC's Principal Owner John Henry and Chairman Thomas Werner will be live on LFCTV monday night.

Will they be there to answer questions about the sacking of Hodgson?

Here's some of the tweets that came out of Liverpool fans and others on Twitter sunday evening:

@SportRumours: #FOOTBALL: Unconfirmed reports emerging that Roy Hodgson has left #Liverpool by mutual consent. #LFC

@Shanay_Patel: So Hodgson on his way out? #lfc #rumours
@wainy11: 2 big football rumours this evening saying that both Ancelotti and Hodgson have left their respective clubs. Anyone know any concrete info?

@rhysage1: @SportRumours perhaps hodgson will be the next wales manager in a shock appointment!!

@mattmarchant: @simonrim unconfirmed reports Hodgson has left Liverpool via mutal consent

@TomboyTan_LFC09: YES PLSSSS!!! RT @ScottDraper87: Rumours that Hodgson has left Liverpool!!! Please let it true!!!!!!

@craiglfc4eva: any news on hodgson leaving?? true????

After a while BBC Sports journalist David Ornstein tweeted that the rumour was not true:

BREAKING: Comolli tells me rumours Hodgson has left #Liverpool by mutual consent are "absolute rubbish" #LFC #fb

The Guardians Twitter said Liverpool FC was looking into the rumours:

@guardian_sport: Roy Hodgson has not left Liverpool. The club is looking into the origin of the rumours.

Also Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish said it was nothing to it:

@kennethdalglish: Roy hasn't left Liverpool. A malicious rumour

Got anything on the subject? Please e-mail to murphysliverpool@gmail.com!

First Suarez bid turned down

After the abysmal game at St James Park, losing 3-1 to Newcastle, Hodgson is frustrated over Liverpools Jekyll and Hyde performance.

He is probably not the only one being frustrated. He puts the blame on the players, but who is really to blame? Will he survive the season as Liverpool manager?

Now onto todays rumours, starting with a striker that may be on his way...

Liverpool have made a €15m (£12.5m) bid for Ajax striker Luis Suarez, but the Dutch side are holding out for closer to €25m (£20.9m).

According to Italian publication Tuttomercato the Reds want to pair the Uruguayan with Fernando Torres at Anfield, and have made initial enquires to bring Suarez to the club in the January transfer window.

Ajax are not currently in a position where they can reject a substantial offer for their star asset, but will attempt to hold out for a bigger fee from the Premier League side.

The likes of Juventus, Real Madrid and Tottenham have been linked with Suarez in the past, but Liverpool have now emerged as one of the main contenders for the player’s signature.

The 23-year-old struck 49 goals in an incredible season last year, and has managed 11 goals in 22 matches for the Amsterdam club this season.

African starlet Rabiu Ibrahim is now a free agent after failing to agree a new deal at Sporting Lisbon.

The 19-year-old playmaker has been monitored by the cream of Europe in previous years, with Liverpool one of the Premier League clubs thought to be interested in the player, GiveMeFootball say.

Injuries have hampered the attacking midfielder's further develpopment in Portugal though, and the player has reportedly failed to agree terms on a new contract at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

His signature would be seen as a gamble by most, but still only a teenager, the player has the chance to continue developing.

Liverpool recently appointed Damien Comolli as Director of Football strategy at Anfield, and any decision on a potential move could fall into his directive.

It is also unknown as the wheather Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson would be interested in the maverick African talent.

Celtic have also been close to signing the player in the past, and could challenge Liverpool or any club with interest in the player due to his current situation.

Another originaly African player, Frenchman Blaise Matuidi has been linked with a move to Arsenal for some time now, yet Arsene Wenger’s hesitance to take a chance on the player dubbed "the new Claude Makelele" has encouraged Liverpool  to emerge as rivals for the player’s signature, Footballtransfertavern reports.

The France international would seem to be just the kind of player both clubs need: a defensive midfielder who breaks up opposition play and starts counter attacks, who is also very comfortable with the ball at his feet and is an accomplished passer of the ball.

The player’s disciplinary record is also very impressive for such a tough-tackling midfielder, as he has never been given more than 5 yellow cards in any one season at Saint Etienne.

A composed, accomplished tackler, able to sit in front of defence and hit a pass to anywhere on the pitch: Arsene Wenger and Roy Hodgson would surely see Matuidi as the missing piece in their respective midfield line-ups.

But it looks increasingly likely that the Arsenal manager has left it too late to sign the midfielder, and after Wenger’s declaration that he will not be making any signings in January, Liverpool are poised to sneak in with a bid of £8m in and snatch Matuidi from under Wenger’s nose.

Finaly, if Liverpool were to sing Swedish striker Johan Elmander in January, the club will get competition from one familiar face.

Former Liverpool manager and current Inter Milan boss Rafa Benitez will reportedly look to pip his former club to the signing of the Bolton Wanderers striker.

Elmander's contract at Wanderers expires at the end of the season and he has so far turned down a one-year extension.  Although the Swedish international has taken a while to settle down at the Reebok Stadium, he has had a stunning start to the season, with eight goals and three assists for Owen Coyle's side.

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson and his No.2 Sammy Lee have reportedly watched Elmander closely this season and would like to pair him with Fernando Torres .

However, according to the Sunday Mirror, former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will look to bring Elmander to the San Siro.

Samuel Eto'o is rumoured to be on the verge of leaving Inter Milan and should the Cameroon striker be removed from the wage bill, Benitez will be able to make Elmander a large offer.

Italian striker on free transfer?

Liverpool have accepted that unsettled defender Glen Johnson wants to leave Anfield, According to The Daily Mail

There may also be a swap deal where Liverpool gets Brazilian-born Italy marksman Amauri and cash for Johnson.

Another Italian striker may however come to Anfield on a free transfer...

Liverpool striker target Antonio Cassano could become a free agent as soon as Monday, GiveMeFootball reports.

The controversial Sampdoria forward is set to leave the Stadio Luigi Ferraris after a major fallout with the club's president, and Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is thought to be one of the parties interested in signing the player.

A decision over the player's future could not be reached in a court of arbitration last week, and the second hearing is schedule for Monday in Italy. If the club wins, it will see the player's contract terminated immediately, making him a free agent.

There is no shortage of interest in the Italian international in the Premier League or abroad, with Manchester City, Spurs, Juventus and Inter Milan all thought to be challenging Liverpool for the signature.

The Reds boss has money to spend following the arrival of NESV as the new Liverpool owners, but the opportunity to land Cassano on a free would be too good to turn down for the Merseyside outfit.
Liverpool defender target Philippe Mexes appears set to leave Roma, Talksport reports.

The French international centre back has reportedly rejected a new contract offer from the Serie 'A' outfit, opening the door to either a cut-price move in January or free transfer in the summer.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson is thought to be one of the Premier League managers thought to be interested in the player, with Arsenal and Chelsea the competitors to Liverpool in the race to sign the player.

TalkSPORT report that the player's agent is in advanced talks with Premier League clubs, with reports in Italy backing up the claims by stating Mexes will leave the Stadio Olimpico at the end of the season. Liverpool are thought to be one of the clubs in contact.

The player has been valued in the region of £2 million due to the length of time left on his contract, although Liverpool could look to negotiate a pre-contract agreement that would see the player come to Merseyside for free at the end of the season.

And finaly today, a new name:

FC Porto’s leading striker, Falcao, is being tracked by Liverpool in a bid to boost their striking options, according to Footballtransfertavern.

It looks to be an initial 4-month loan deal valued at £1.5m, with the option to buy the player for £14m.

Columbian sensation Falcao is 24-years old and has hit an incredible 51 goals in 63 appearances for FC Porto. He finished last season as the league’s top scorer and he has proved he is a natural born goal-scorer, something David N’Gog and Dirk Kuyt clearly are not.

He will provide the assistance Fernando Torres needs if Hodgson decides on a 4-4-2 formation and he will be a great back-up player at least, should the Spaniard get injured…..again.

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.

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.