"I am close to joining Milan."

Liverpool are close to saying goodbye to their Italian midfield disappointment, Alberto Aquilani. The 27 year-old is looking forward to leaving the club where he has had very little success or joy since signing for a huge fee of £20 million back in 2009.

Aquilani told the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Spport; "I am close to joining Milan." It is a move which would see Liverpool make a loss of £11.3 million, with the Milan side prepared to pay £8.7 million for Aquilani's services.

Having signed Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam this summer, Kenny Dalglish has clearly prepared for a season without the former Roma central midfielder, and with Raul Meireles, Lucas and Steven Gerrard already, it is unlikely Aquilani will see much game time at Liverpool anyway.

In fact, during his season on loan at Juventus last year, he played more game than he has done in two seasons with Liverpool, playing only 28 times and scoring two goals for the Reds. That is due to a mixture of injuries and simply not impressing in the few games he did play for Liverpool.

When he signed for Liverpool in 2009, Rafae Benitez, the then manager said of his player: "He is a good passer, the final ball is good, and he also works. If he can settle down properly in England he can be a very good addition. I think the signing should excite the fans." 

However, he simply was unable to settle in England like Benitez had hoped, and everyone involved will probably be pleased with him moving on, back to his country where he is no doubt more comfortable with his style of play.

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The Curious Case of £20m Downing

Liverpool have agreed a fee with Aston Villa for their left midfielder, Stewart Downing for £20 million. No, that isn't a typo, but Kenny Dalglish has in fact sanctioned £20 million of Liverpool's transfer fund on yet another English player, who quite frankly is not worth that stunning amount.

Liverpool indeed, needed a winger. They needed a player who could provide the width and crossing ability to deliver some balls into the box for Andy Carroll and Luiz Suarez. This position was therefore incredibly important for them, and for their strikers success next season. They were linked with the highly rated Spanish youngster Juan Mata for £20 million, but for the same amount, they have spent it on a 26 year-old former Middlesbrough winger, who was bought by Aston Villa for half that amount only two years ago.

It is a great bit of business for Villa, but it once again highlights how inflated prices for footballers, in particular English footballers have become. Liverpool seems to be on a one man mission to provide us all with some prime examples of when clubs overpay for English players. Already have they spent £35 million on Andy Carroll, then the £20 million spent on Jordan Henderson which is quite laughable, and now this.

That is £75 million on three English players with very little top class experience to note - 495 club appearances between them - and now a massive amount of pressure on their shoulders to deliver next season.

Arsenal have been criticized for not spending large amounts on big players, but in this case, they were extremely lucky to escape this transfer saga. Arsenal registered their interest in Downing last week, and enquired about his availability, but were clearly put off immediately by the price tag dangling from Downing. £20 million is a ridiculous fee to pay for Stewart Downing, and Arsenal made a very intelligent and grounded move by steering clear of any more involvement in a deal.

Liverpool on the other hand have really piled the pressure onto Downing. Two years ago he was brought to Aston Villa from Middlesbrough for £10 million. In two years, 79 appearances and 11 goals later, his value has inexplicably been doubled, and along with the price tag comes an enormous amount of pressure to prove his worth. If he doesn't make an immediate impact, he could easily be branded a "flop", much like Alberto Aquilani has.

Look at Shaun Wright Phillips for example. He was bought by Chelsea for a ridiculous fee of £21 million in 2005. He couldn't make an impact at all, and failed miserably to assert himself as a starter, and was sold back to City, but now, as a result of his time pretty much doing nothing at Chelsea, his career has come to a stand still. Lets not be too hasty, but I think this period in his career will prove to be massive, because if he fails to live up to expectations, it could ruin his confidence, and ruin his career.

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Downing Will Leave Villa For Arsenal or Liverpool

Stewart Downing, the Aston Villa left winger will leave the club this summer. He has not explicitly said so in public as yet, but has rather dropped a major hint that he will look for a new club soon by saying that he will not be signing a new contract at Aston Villa at the moment because he is at a "major crossroad" in his career.

My sources, whom I believe to be very much in the know, say that in private, he is looking for the exit door this summer, and that Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in signing him - particularly the latter. Kenny Dalglish is a big fan of the England international, and the Liverpool manager apparently got in contact with Downing a few weeks ago. Downing said:

"Martin O'Neill, left and that was strange. He was one of the main reasons why I went to Villa. It was difficult when he left, everything changed. It took some getting used to, but credit to the new manager (Gerard Houllier) he led the team through a very good run in the end and I have enjoyed being such a big part of the team."

"I know the club are keen for me to extend my contract as I only have two years left on my deal and that my agent (Struan Marshall) had a recent meeting with our chief executive (Paul Faulkner). However, I am 26 and at a major crossroads in my career so I won't be committing to a new deal at the moment."

However, a major factor that may swing in Arsenal's direction is Downing's desire to play Champions League football. The 26 year-old added: "The most important thing is to play football, but I do want to play in the Champions League at some point."

While Liverpool have failed to even reach the Europa League, Arsenal have secured a qualifying place in the Champions League, and this is a qualifying place which they surely must be favourites to progress through. If Downing wants immediate Champions League football, then Arsenal would be his choice between the two clubs. But, with Liverpool's new manager and new signings, he could either join immediately and help them to a Champions League spot next season, or ride out another year of his 2 year Aston Villa contract and join Liverpool next summer.

In other transfer news, Liverpool are close to signing Wigan's James McCarthy for £10 million while Arsenal's Gael Clichy looks set to leave on the cheap due to his expiring contract in a £5 million deal to Bayern Munich. Arsenal are also once interested in signing long term target Chris Samba for £10 million from Blackburn.

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Liverpool's Suarez Shows His Desire & Ambition

The Europa League isn't the most attractive of prospects for a lot of footballers and managers, with it being seen as an unwelcome distraction which tires players and gives them a disadvantage in their domestic games. The Champions League is what teams want - more money, more prestige, more glory; players get to test themselves among the best, and managers have the chance to raise their profile on the world stage.

Luis Suarez however, Liverpool's £22.8 million January signing has set his sights on the Europa League this season as another means of winning trophies. Liverpool are on rich form since Kenny Dalglish returned to the club which praise him as their "King", but Tottenham remain favourites for 5th place as they have a game in hand. Whether Tottenham want that spot is another matter, but Suarez showed his competitiveness by announcing his desire to get into the competition and win it:

 “It is the sort of competition you want to play in. It is our objective for the season. When I came that is what I wanted to help Liverpool achieve.

Suarez emphasised the fact that a club with the prestigious history of Liverpool must do their best to win any competition that they are involved in, even if it isn't the most celebrated. Of course, the Uruguayan would prefer to play in the Champions League, and that no doubt is the target for next season, but this season that seems slightly too far out of reach:

"It looked really difficult but we have kept winning and we have just had to hope that Tottenham dropped points. Now when they come here it will be the most important game of our season. 

“A club like Liverpool can only think in one way. If you get in to the Champions League, your objective has to be to win that. If you get in the Europa League, of course, your objective has to be to win that.

"That is what a club like this must aim for. We have to do everything we can to win as many competitions as we can.” 

Suarez's sentiment is the complete antithesis of that of Bayern Munich attacker Arjen Robben, who seems to infer that the Europa League is the worst possible occurrence for his side:

“I cannot imagine that (playing in the Europa League)."  

“That is the worst that can happen. I think it is better if you don’t play in it at all.” 

“Even winning the Europa League would not mean anything for me. That is not the title you want to win and it is not something I want.”

Suarez's attitude is admirable, and one that Liverpool will welcome in years to come. It shows his desire to both win things and please the fans at Liverpool, who have been without many trophies in recent years. In his short time at Liverpool, he has shown his tenacity and determination, working tirelessly up front, often on his own, helping to directly create 3 goals for his team mates as well as scoring 3 himself.

Suarez has settled quickly at Liverpool, but due to being cup-tied, has not been able to play in this years Europa League for Liverpool. Next season, Liverpool fans will hope that his partnership with Andy Carroll is a success, along with their season. A full season will showcase his real flare and technical ability, and with this attitude, he is sure to be am Anfield crowd pleaser.

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Watch: Liverpool 3 - 0 Manchester City

The Liverpool fans at Anfield will have sore hands and hoarse throats as they travel home tonight after watching their Liverpool side destroy a poor Manchester City, most notably in the first half as Liverpool lead with a very well deserved three goal lead. It was the first 45 minutes in which Andy Carroll scored a wonderful brace which highlighted his power, dominance over defenders and that he is certainly not a one trick pony, going some way in proving his £35 million worth. Dirk Kuyt also grabbed a tidy goal to compound City's misery who suffered a miserable away day to lose their grip on that all important fourth spot. Liverpool fans had quite a lot to cheer about.

A bright start by Liverpool saw an, as always well supported Liverpool side dominate play, with young players such as Jay Spearing and debutant John Flanagan impressing throughout. Luiz Suarez was, as always, very lively, running between the defence on a couple of occasions, forcing a good save from Joe Hart just before the opening goal, and coming close on other occasions. He didn't get a goal, but there is no doubt he could have as he tormented the City defence all night. 

Andy Carroll's broad smile after scoring his first goal summed up the relief beaming from both him and the fans who have tonight seen the future of their number 9 player, the successor to Fernando Torres who is coincidently still yet to score for his new club, Chelsea. The Englishman said: "The reception I've got from the fans has been great, it's been fantastic since I got here." Talking of his thunderous drive for his unforgettable first goal for Liverpool, he said, "It dropped nicely for me on the edge of the area and I knew I'd hit it (cleanly), and I hit it sweeter than thought."

Liverpool's side since the start of the season has evolved, and the Liverpool fans erupted with joy today as they watched the players perform in a manner in which hasn't been shown very often at all this season. The players were able to control the game and keep the ball in City's half and grab the goals to kill off any threat of a City comeback.

This wasn't helped at all by Carlos Tevez's injury just before Carroll's first goal in which the former Manchester United striker pulled up holding his hamstring. He told the Sky Sports reporter - in sign language as he still struggles with English - that he felt a tear in his hamstring and he thought it was a pretty bad one. That pretty much rules him out of the Manchester United - City clash in the first leg of the FA Cup Semi final on the week end, and could rule him out for the rest of the season.

Liverpool will hope to use today's win as a boost for their week end clash with Arsenal. The Arsenal game is a huge game in terms of the title race, because if Liverpool beat Arsenal, they are all but awarding United's 19th trophy to the Old Trafford side, and seeing United overtake their own league title tally. Arsenal cannot afford another slip up if they are to catch United at the top of the League, and they must take advantage of their game in hand at the Emirates.

A Passionate Rivalry Fuelled by Desire to Win

Ryan Giggs once said that the fixture between Liverpool and Manchester United is "probably the most famous fixture in English football". The veteran United player was speaking from experience - vast experience, and if anyone between the two sides still playing knows how deeply intense and important a game between the two sides is, it is Giggs. He has won 11 Premier League medals during his 21 years at Old Trafford, and under Sir Alex Ferguson, has equalled Liverpool's record for League titles.

18 titles each, and the end of the season is on the horizon. Neither side have relived their glory days this season, and, in Liverpool's case, have seen their quality dive to an unexpected and very unwelcome low under Roy Hodgson. Replaced by Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, and their form picked up, but such was their deficit of the leaders, that they now have no chance of catching either United or Arsenal at the top of the table and preventing their North West rivals from taking that 19th title.

The record means "so much" according to Rooney. The young United striker may not have as deeply rooted loyalty to United than Ryan Giggs has possessed over the passed two decades, but his past with Everton has fuelled his contempt for the Reds. He said yesterday that winning the 19th title for United would mean not only so much to United fans, but Everton fans too, who love to see their rivals suffer. 

"I grew up an Everton fan so to be part of the team to overtake Liverpool's record would be brilliant. It would mean so much to us players as well as the fans.

"It is something I have been thinking about a lot. I know all the Everton fans want us to do it and hopefully we can. You look forward to every game at this stage and you've got to enjoy it, especially when you are in the running for a few trophies. It is exciting for the fans and it's exciting for the players knowing that you are just a few weeks away from possibly winning a major trophy or two."

Liverpool's modern team have, as it is well known, failed to win a Premier League title, and in the meantime, United have succeeded at the pinnacle of the League table time after time, even winning the title three times in a row from 06/07 to 08/09. Liverpool have only been able to watch United succeed with gritted teeth - only coming close in the 08/09 season when they achieved their highest points total of 86 which was still not enough to overcome United. 

Players feel this rivalry, as Rooney showed in the quote above. Gary Neville, recently retired from United had a stunning passion for beating Liverpool, and as a result became a massive hate figure for Liverpool fans. This kind of fiery, hot-blooded conflict between players and opposing fans create that fantastic atmosphere in games. Much like Roy Keane's hatred for both Arsenal, and losing moulded the way in which the United - Arsenal games were played.

Steven Gerrard too, a talismanic figure for Liverpool who has often carried the team when many of the team dragged their heels with laziness is involved in this fight of the North West. The captain of Liverpool inspires his side at times admirably, but his main ambition to win a Premier League title has so far failed, and as he gets older, this achievement looks more and more unlikely. Gerrards banning of any Manchester United shirts in his house really sums up this burning rivalry.

Just as it means "so much" to Wayne Rooney and indeed I am sure, Ryan Giggs, it means a great deal to fans of both sides who live to see their respective teams succeed, and defeating their rivalry along the way. Whether there ferocious tackles, dubious decisions, last gasp goals or referee criticism, this is a rivalry that will continue with the same burning passion and interest for a long time. 

Watch: Sunderland 0 - 2 Liverpool

Dirk Kuyt Penalty:


Luis Suarez Goal:


Liverpool added another three valuable points to their tally under Kenny Dalglish with a good win against a Sunderland side who were rather unlucky throughout the match. Despite being the home side, many decisions went against the team in red and white stripes much to the vocal displeasure of the Sunderland fans. Injuries were also a factor with both Sulley Muntari and Kieran Richardson being substituted with knocks within the first 20 minutes.

The opening goal came as a result of a penalty. Originally awarded as a free-kick outside the box by the referee, he changed is mind after being prompted by his linesman. The outrage from the Sunderland manager Steve Bruce was evident, and his mood wasn't improved when Kuyt expertly slotted the ball into the corner of Mignolet's net.

There were however no questions asked about the second. Luis Suarez gave aother glimpse of what is to come inhs Liverpool career with a super strike from an impossible angle toseal the game and take the three points back to Anfield. Later he was subjct of a last man challenge from John Mensah which saw the defendr given a straight red to compounds Sunderland's misery.

Liverpool bounced back from the mid week loss and ejection from the Europa League, and continue some good form in the Premier League.

It's Best It Ended When It Did for Liverpool

Liverpool crashed out of the Europa League at the hands of Braga on Thursday as the Reds failed to overturn a one goal deficit which they suffered in Portugal last week. I say "crashed out" - it would be far more suitable to compare the failing to a slow, tiresome burning out and eventual gentle stop rather than eventful, action packed full car chase ending in an exploding and manic "crash". I watched the match, and in hindsight I wished I hadn't.

If Kenny Dalglish's long term future relies on the upcoming performances and results in matches, then this was indeed worrying for him and his future. Of course he is probably the best choice for Liverpool as long term manager - having the full and undying support from the fans is and will be vital - but this performance, much like all of Liverpool's European performances this season, have been uninspiring and just plain boring. Fair enough if you get the end result, but when your not even getting a goal against the 6th place Portuguese League side, you know there are problems.

The fact that Andy Carroll started for Liverpool had pundits and commentators alike, excited beyond belief with the idea that long balls would be expertly nodded down by the big man for either Cole or Meireles to smash home. It actually conspired that Joe Cole was woeful as he has been during his short Liverpool career so far. I hesitate in blasting Cole who is obviously a quality player, but he did pretty much nothing against Braga to warrant £90,000 a week. This is, after all, a player whom Steven Gerrard compared to Lionel Messi when he first signed for Liverpool.

Carroll started his first game for Liverpool and couldn't get into the game. The team lacks the ability to cross from the wings, with Johnson often being the main provider. Johnson was coincidental swiftly closed down whenever he received the ball in a dangerous position as if to emphasise the danger of his and Carroll's combination. Carroll did what he does though - getting his head on anything he can and occasional holding the ball up well when he found it at his feet. He ran and ran, copying the template of the tireless Dirk Kuyt, but in this case, it was to no avail.

It was best it ended here though. Lets face it, Liverpool with this team had no chance of winning the competition when other teams in the competition have far more creativity and spark than the Reds do without the very important but cup-tied Luiz Suarez. It was a toothless display from Liverpool who can now concentrate on their domestic and far more important competition of the Premier League. They will be fighting for a place in the Europa League next year so they can bore us all over again. Joy!

Watch: Liverpool 3 - 1 Manchester United

Manchester United suffered in what was one of their worst performances this season - and there has been a few. Below are the match highlights. Match thoughts are to follow.

First Half Highlights



Second Half Highlights

Watch: Suarez Scores on Debut for Liverpool

Below you can see the two goals scored by Liverpool to propel them to seventh spot in the Premier League as they continue their inspired revival under the returned Anfield legend, Kenny Dalglish.

Their new number seven, Luis Suarez ,would have been dreaming of the perfect start to his Liverpool career and try to emulate his manager's time wearing the iconic seven shirt. The Uruguayan may not have struck the cleanest strike as he grabbed his first Liverpool goal in front of his now adoring fans, but if he continues to show his obvious quality, he will have chances in abundance to slot a clean strike into the oppositions net and win games for Liverpool.

In the absence of a scruffy haired, sulking Spaniard moping slowly around the pitch looking utterly disinterested and waiting for the game to finish without contributing a thing - apparently worth £50 million, the teams morale was not brought down, as instead of the grumpy Torres, they saw they enthusiasm and hard work of Dirk Kuyt ad Raul Meireles up front. Suarez joined them in the second half.

Liverpool however, will face a bigger test on the week end when they face Chelsea and the £50 million man himself. But for now: Torres who? Enjoy:

 



Wolves 0 - 3 Liverpool: Watch Match Goals

Wolves 0 - 3 Liverpool: Watch Match Goals Here

Fernando Torres scores two tap-ins and Raul Meireles scores a wonder goal to seal Kenny Dalglish's first win since his return to management with Liverpool.

As you would expect, Kenny Dalglish was delighted at his teams performance - an obvious improvement from the previous meeting between the two sides, when Wolves left Anfield with a shocking 3 points as Roy Hodgson headed for the exit:

"The feeling is elation because we won 3-0. Everyone is happy - the defence, the forwards. We got the success because we played as a team. Hopefully we can build on that.

"Wolves have been in a good vein of form and have beaten Chelsea here. For us to come along, play like that and go home with three goals and none against is a fantastic effort. It was not a flattering result. The players got what they deserved. It was a credit to their belief, hard work, effort and determination throughout the game."

“If you don’t compete at Molineux, you will walk away with nothing but a defeat. The players showed a lot of pride in their performance and pride in the football club. The way they have responded to Stevey Clarke, myself and Sammy Lee since we came in is great credit to them.”

The Wolves manager, Mick McCarthy told of how the influence of Liverpool legend Dalglish played a big part in his sides disappointing loss, especially when Wolves won the previous fixture under Roy Hodgson, whom McCarthy has sympathy for:

"We beat them when Roy was there. He is such a great guy and a top coach but it is Kenny Dalglish coming out of the stand.

"I think he is enjoying a support and a warmth Roy didn't. He has garnered and nurtured that and they are on a better roll than they were because of it."

Liverpool still have a lot of work to do to get his side back to their best, as Wolves aren't exactly the hardest opposition as they languish in the relegation zone, but Meireles' improvement over the past few games as well as Fernando Torres getting back on the score sheet can only be good for the Reds. The transfer window remains open, and Liverpool look keen on both Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam and Ajax striker Luis Suarez - both of whom would strengthen the Liverpool side. However, Ajax have warned Liverpool to get on with negotiations, as they won't sell at the last minute because they need time to find a replacement.

A good game for Liverpool, but will it continue?

Fábio Coentrão a Liverpool Player Already?

Rumours have spread that the first signing of Dalglish's return to Anfield will be Portugese wing-back, Fábio Coentrão. But according to Wikipedia, the 22 year-old has already signed for Liverpool, and is playing with the number 39 on his shirt!

Now obviously Wikipedia is not a reliable site in which you can draw solid conclusions as to player transfers, as anyone could have changed his current club information. However, there may be some truth to the rumours that Fábio Coentrão will sign for Liverpool this January.

Liverpool's left back position is currently occupied by Paul Konchesky. He isn't the most popular player at Liverpool at the moment, not least because of his poor form, and the consensus that the player isn't good enough for Liverpool, as well as the fact he was signed by Roy Hodgson.

Coentrão had a brilliant World Cup, being probably the best player in the Portugal side, providing an excellent source of width, pace and the provision of crosses - all things that Liverpool currently lack.

Chelsea were reportedly interested immediately after the World Cup last summer, but a deal never materialised - they do have Ashley Cole after all. Manchester United were also said to have taken an interest in the Portugese, after there were questions over Patrice Evra's future, but it seems Evra's future is safe at United, and with the emergence of the da Silva twins, this signing would not be needed.

However, Liverpool need another left back, with Aurelio never really showing consistency, as well as being prone to injuries as well as Paul Konchesky looking as if he will be on his way out. A fee of around £16 million is being circulated for the current Benfica man.

Quite a hefty sum for a left back, one that the Liverpool owners would have to dig deep for, but a signing, I would suggest, that would be worth the money.

Was it a Penalty? United 1 - 0 Liverpool

Only 31 seconds in, and Berbatov went down in the penalty area through a challenge from Daniel Agger, and Howard Webb pointed to the spot. Liverpool fans would only have seen the following events in their nightmares, as Giggs stepped up to beat Reina, with replays showing that the contact on Berbatov for the penalty was minimal to say the least. It was the worst possible start for Kenny Dalglish, as he stood, mouth open in disbelief at the decision that had been made.

It wasn't a penalty. Agger didn't get the ball in his challenge, but the contact on Berbatov was not enough to bring him down. Berbatov claimed afterwards that anyone who knows him knows that he doesn't go down easily, but the challenge from Agger was enough to make him lose his balance. Two contradicting statements from the Bulgarian striker there, but the referee gave the penalty, and the game was basically won for United.

Half an hour later, and the situation for Liverpool became even worse. As a ball rolled in the centre of the pitch, Carrick and Gerrard ran to win it. Carrick just got there first, and nicked the ball away from the Liverpool captain, but with all the trademark passion and character that has made him a Liverpool legend and talisman, Gerrard dived in, intent on winning the ball and leaving his mark. He did the latter. The tackle was dangerous, he missed the ball, Carrick layed in a rolling heap on the Old Trafford pitch, and the 70,000 or so United fans called for Gerrard to be gone - all contributing to Gerrard's dismissal, as the United faithful got their wish.

At first glance, we may have said that a sending off was a tad harsh being only half an hour into the game, but Dalglish's accepting reaction to the replay confirmed that complaints to the red card were invalid, and Dalglish walked back to his seat without any complaints. He knew though, that the task ahead was a vertical climb up a giant mountain with resources that would not cut it. In other words, with the players on the pitch, and with the form they have been in, the task ahead was close to impossible.

United never really got into a groove. They were comfortable on the ball, and comfortable coping with the few Liverpool attacks that were attempted, but they weren't cutting enough or ruthless enough in the game to get the goal to seal the game off  - mainly because, they didn't need to. United were easily the stronger side.

The big build up to a game between two old rivals ended up with a match being decided by two big refereeing decisions. It wasn't the intensely gripping, passionate duel between two of the biggest names in English football that had been anticipated for the neutral, but the drama of the first half and Dalglish's return was enough to keep curious and nervous eyes on the game, and see United hold out for what ended as a comfortable but somewhat disappointing win.

Gerrard will miss the next three games for Liverpool, which includes the Merseyside derby, leaving Dalglish with the unenviable task of looking for some decent and affordable players in the transfer market to help get Liverpool's season back on track.