Benitez expects Mascherano to be fit against Chelsea

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez expects Javier Mascherano to be back from injury to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Argentinean midfielder has suffered from a slight hamstring problem and was not fit for the Champions League match against Fiorentina on Tuesday.

"I expect Javier to be fit for the Chelsea game, he will be ready," said Benitez in the Telegraph.

"He was very close to being fit to play in Florence, but he had a slight hamstring problem and could not train in our final session before we left for Italy on Monday, so he could not be risked."

Danish defender Daniel Agger could also be available after playing an hour of the reserves' 2-0 win against Manchester City on Tuesday, his first game of the season after a knee operation.

Benitez demands best from Mascherano

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has demanded the best from Argentinean midfielder Javier Mascherano, following an indifferent start to the season, stating he can win Liverpool games.

"He is a key player for us and will be during the season," said Benitez in the Telegraph.

"He has two more years left on his contract and we would like to keep him," he added. "If we need to talk to him, we will, but he has enough time and he has to play to the level he was before and we will be pleased with him.

"It was difficult for him at West Ham and I remember when I met him he was a little bit low, but as soon as he saw the possibility of coming here he was really pleased. Since then, since his first day, his commitment has been really good.

"Javier has been good for the club and we have been good for him. Thanks to Liverpool he is captain of Argentina, and we have to have the best from him if we want to win more games."

Mascherano a doubt for Burnley clash

Javier Mascherano is a major doubt for Liverpool's Premier League clash with Burnley at Anfield tomorrow, after picking up a knock in Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Paraguay on Wednesday night.

The 25-year-old midfielder is having treatment, but he is unlikely to be risked after playing two full matches for Argentina in the past week.

Lucas Leiva who has completed a 6,000 mile trip from South America was due back at Melwood today and is expected to play, having not featured in either of Brazil's World Cup qualifiers.

Red's skipper Steven Gerrard is expected to drop into a central midfield role alongside Lucas if Mascherano is not passed fit.

Benitez talks about the Mascherano transfer saga

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has discussed the Javier Mascherano saga that threatened to disrupt the Reds preparations for the new season and has revealed that Barcelona player and Argentinean team mate Lionel Messi attempted to persuade the midfield enforcer to leave Anfield for the Nou Camp.

"Javier has a very good friend in the national team and that is Messi," said Benitez in the Telegraph.

"Messi was on to him every day and that is not easy, but Javier knows what we think of him and he will be okay."

The article goes on to say: "Now that Mascherano has opted to stay, Benitez is expected to work out a new contract for the player." Benitez himself revealed that Mascherano was nearly swayed by Barcelona's advances, saying:

"I talked with Javier, his agent and Barca. It is normal they see him as such a good player, and an option for them."

"We told Javier he was so important for us and we wanted to keep him. We were not talking about any price."

"He was a bit disappointed as it was a fantastic opportunity with a big club. But he is happy here, and as a player and a person you can trust him 100 per cent."

Mascherano will remain at Anfield

Midfielder Javier Mascherano is prepared to commit his immediate future to Liverpool reports the Telegraph. Manager Rafael Benitez has spoken with the Argentinean midfielder and explained how important he is to the team especially in light of the recent departure of Xabi Alonso. The midfield enforcer has been the subject of press speculation all summer with Barcelona players and club officials publicly speaking about the player. But Benitez insists he is integral to the assault of the Premiership title this term.

"I have spoken to him before but now he realises he is a very, very important player for us," said Benitez. "He is a key player, he knows he has to be an example and he is ready. It was difficult before for him but now he has seen Alonso go and so he knows he must stay," said the Reds boss in the Telegraph.

"He played much better against Atletico than he has before," added Benitez. "I am confident he is more focused now. The last week has changed the situation a lot and he is playing much better."

"I am confident he is 100% focused," Benitez adds in the Guardian.

Mascherano’s brother adds to the players speculation

Javier Mascherano's brother has renewed the speculation surrounding the Argentina captain by stating the midfield enforcer may leave Anfield if Barcelona come in with a good cash offer.
Mascherano's agent Walter Tamer has already claimed that the 25-year-old is 'tired of life' in England, but Reds Manager Rafa Benitez is determined the midfielder is going no where. Today’s Mail speculates The Reds “are prepared to triple his wages to make him see things differently.”

The players brother, Sebastian Mascherano told Spain's COM Radio: “If Barcelona really come with a very good cash offer, I believe Javier may leave Liverpool as it would be the best for him and his family.”

“But I think that if there is no good offer, they will not let him go."

“I am sure Messi and Javier have spoken,” he said. “Leo is one of the people who have been pushing the most for Javier to play at Barca.”

Barcelona confirm they have not bid for Mascherano

Barcalona's vice-president of sport Rafael Yuste has confirmed that the reigning European champions have not approached or made a bid for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano.
Press speculation and Masherano’s agent have caused unwelcome gossip all summer, but Yuste insists no agreement is in place to take the Anfield enforcer to Spain.

"I can confirm that Javier Mascherano is a fantastic player, that personally I like a lot, but we have not bid," he said to Sky Sports.

"We have a lot of players that want to come to Barcelona and that is all. Mascherano is a fantastic player, but he is with Liverpool.”


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No deal for Xabi and Mascherano stays says Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has rejected fresh claims that Javier Mascherano is unhappy at Anfield and says Xabi Alonso who was struggling with an ankle injury is fit to face the Singapore national team on Sunday.

“Like I said before, Alonso will enjoy the weather, the fans and the journalists,” Benitez said. “He is ready and can play,” reports the Echo

“As for Mascherano, you have a big problem now in the press."

“There are too many websites, too many newspapers, too many radio and TV stations who have to compete every day."

“It seems sometimes you repeat something and people read news that is 15 days out of date."

“Mascherano knows our ideas. He is working hard and is an important player for us.”

“For us to be here is a great experience,” Benitez added.

“For the club it’s a great opportunity and we have to approach it in a positive way."

“Hopefully we won’t have any more injuries and we will be able to train properly.”

Martin Skrtel and Nabil El Zhar will undergo scans at Melwood today after injury cut short their stay in the Far East, says the story.


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Mascherano’s agent claims the player has grown tired of life in England

Javier Mascherano agent Walter Tamer claims the Liverpool midfielder is keen to move to Spain as he has grown 'tired of life in England'.

The Argentina International has been the subject of much press speculation in Argentinean, British and Spanish press with clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly interested in securing the Red enforcer. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has made it clear that he is no intention of letting the player leave the club, saying £50 million would not be enough to part with the fan favourite.

However, Mascherano’s representative, Walter Tamer, has claimed the 25-year-old has grown unsettled in the Premier League and is eager to move abroad, reports Sky Sports.

Tamer quoted at Argentinean website Infobae.com stated:

"Barcelona is the easiest deal to set up as Javier wants to go to Spain. He is tired of life in England.”

"His wife has not been given a permanent visa. She has to go through an odyssey each time she wants to go.

"Liverpool refuse to sell, this can be overcome with an extraordinary offer."

Benitez and Mascherano hold talks

Javier Mascherano will play his first game for Liverpool when Rafael Benitez’s side meet Rapid Vienna tomorrow night, as the Liverpool manager aims to build the Argentinean’s fitness and match practice ahead of The Reds Far East tour.

The midfielder who enjoyed an extended summer break following the birth of his second daughter last weekend, joined up with his team mates at their Swiss training camp on Thursday.

The player has been the subject of constant speculation over the summer with the Barcelona keen to secure the midfield general’s services. However today’s Echo confirms player and manager have met to discuss the press reports, stating: “The pair have spoken about the speculation which has surrounded Mascherano throughout the future but the Reds boss is keen to keep the matter in house for the time being, choosing

Insua refuses to let speculation distract team as Mascherano waits on Rafa meeting

Emiliano Insua has explained the Liverpool squad can’t allow any off the field speculation regarding transfers of players to stop them concentrating on the task at hand. The Liverpool squad are currently in Switzerland preparing for the new season, but press speculation has surrounded the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano. The Argentinean midfielder who has been linked with Barcelona, joined up with his Liverpool team mates yesterday, however he is yet to meet up with manager Rafael Benitez. Today’s Echo explains:

“Mascherano joined up with the rest of Rafa Benitez’s squad at their Swiss training camp yesterday but is still to meet with the Reds boss who was away on club business in Hungary when the Argentinean arrived.”

Insua, speaking about the speculation, highlighted the players importance to the team:

“Obviously they are two very good and two very important players for us, this is clear to everyone,” said the 20-year-old left back.

“There has been a lot of talk but all we know for sure right now is that Javier has already come back to us and that Xabi is due back with us on Sunday.”

However the young defender refuses to let anything distract his pre season training:

“The only thing we can do as players is concentrate on our own situation and keep working hard to make sure that we are fit and ready for the first game of the season.”

Benitez will to tell Mascherano he’s staying

Rafa Benitez will tell Javier Mascherano he will not be allowed to leave the Reds when the player returns to pre-season training later this week, reports the Echo.

Mascherano is due to join his team mates at the Switzerland training camp on Thursday after becoming a father for the second time at the weekend. Mascherano’s future has been widely speculated upon in the past weeks with Barcelona publicly acknowledging they want the Argentine midfielder.

The story also claims “the 25-year-old told the Reds boss that his wife was suffering from homesickness.” But “with the likelihood of Xabi Alonso quitting Anfield increasing with every passing day, Benitez would be loathe to lose Mascherano as well and see his entire first choice central midfield wiped out in the space of a few weeks,” says the article.

Benitez has no intention of selling “a player he regards as one of the finest defensive midfielders in world football.”

When Mascherano joins up with his team mates in the coming days “Benitez will take the opportunity to tell the former West Ham man that he won’t be going anywhere because he is needed for Liverpool’s assault on the Premier League title in the coming season.” Benitez is hoping the “lure of possible glory with Liverpool will be enough to convince Mascherano that his future remains at Anfield,” reports the story.

‘Alonso and Mascherano will stay at Liverpool’ declares Benitez

Rafa Benitez is convinced Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano will be both still be Liverpool players when the transfer window closes on the 31st of August. The duo have been the source of daily speculation from the press with headlines declaring ‘Liverpool “brace” themselves for bid.’ However almost seven weeks have passed since the end of the season and no bids have been made. Benitez when asked about the pair’s future during the Glen Johnson press conference today, said:

"I do not think Alonso or Mascherano will go. It is clear that they both are under contract with long-term agreements. That is it," declared Benitez to Sky Sports.

"There has been a lot of things written, a lot of rumours, but both players are under contract and we have no more need to talk about things."

"They are both very good players and I will be very pleased to keep them. They both have very good contracts."

"We signed them both from different situations. Alonso was coming from Real Sociedad and nobody had really heard much of him outside of Spain, he did well and we renewed his contract because of that."

"Mascherano came from West Ham where he had not been doing well. We brought him here and gave him a good contract, so we are very pleased with them both,” said Benitez. As a gentle reminder of how good the club has been to the two midfielders, the Reds manager added:

“Liverpool has been very good to them."

Transfer Speculation: Alonso, Valbuena, Arbeloa, Mavinga, Mascherano

Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid remain interested in Xabi Alonso but are not prepared to meet Liverpool's valuation claims Sky Sports. Santiago Bernabeu director general Jorge Valdano speaking to Spanish radio station Onda Madrid, stated: "Xabi Alonso is a priority if he fits into our budget, and this doesn't seem the case. We are very far from the figures that Liverpool have set out."

Valdano added on ‘Cadena Ser’, the most listened radio station in Spain: "Liverpool have taken up a difficult stance over Xabi Alonso. I don't like to talk about the private details of negotiations. We are studying many alternatives. We want someone who can channel the play and there aren't many like that in the world. After the great players who have arrived, we aren't in a hurry," he said. (We want) two signings, maximum three. That's the number with which the team will be able to cover all eventualities."

Meanwhile a host of English newspapers are claiming Real have set a time limit on any deal. The Mail says: “Real Madrid insiders believe that the club's new coach Manuel Pellegrini will want to move on to other holding midfield targets if a deal for Alonso cannot be tied up within two weeks.”

Whilst the Telegragh claims: “Any deal for Alonso is likely to turn into a lengthy affair. Real are reportedly on the cusp of tabling a £35 million offer but due to a clause in the player's contract which dictates that a certain amount of the transfer payment is due to Real Sociedad, Liverpool are likely to wait until next month by which time the clause will have expired.”

Interestingly each story agrees on one thing by stating Madrid “have yet to make an official bid for the midfielder.”

Mathieu Valbuena
Liverpool and Wigan are heading the chase for Marseille’s Mathieu Valbuena, reports Sky Sports. Valbuena's agent, Christophe Hutteau, claims the midfielder is a target for a host of clubs across Europe:
"Mathieu would very much be interested in playing in England as the Premier League is the best in Europe. Wigan are interested in Mathieu, but I think Mathieu would like to go to a big team in England. Liverpool are also interested in Mathieu, but so are teams in Spain, Germany, Italy and Russia. I think Mathieu will leave Marseille and I think it is very possible he could play in England this season."

Alvaro Arbeloa
Today’s Mirror claims: “Real Madrid are trying to sign Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa on the cheap after making a cut-price £5million offer.”
The story claims Spanish club which has spent over £140m this summer on Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, “are trying to drive a hard bargain over Arbeloa because they know the Spanish full-back is desperate to join them.”

Chris Mavinga
Liverpool are reported to have agreed a deal for highly-rated French youngster Chris Mavinga reports Sky Sports. Reports in France claim Liverpool have agreed a three-year deal for the Paris St Germain defender.
“Mavinga, who has yet to make a first-team appearance for PSG, is regarded as one of the best young prospects in France having played for the French Under 18 side,” says the story. “Arsenal were also interested in Mavinga, but “Liverpool have beaten their Premier League rivals to the 18-year-old's signature.”

Javier Mascherano

Press speculation persists over the future of the Argentinean midfielder. The Telegraph claims: “Mascherano's Anfield exit, meanwhile, looks likely to be completed sooner rather than later.” Once again despite repeated speculation from the media, Barcelona have still not made any offer for the player, however the Telegraph claims: “Barcelona's suspected opening offer of £25 million is expected to be rejected by Benitez, who has made clear his feeling about losing the Argentina international, but anything over £30m means Liverpool will struggle to hold on to the 25-year-old.”

Of note here is the phrase ‘suspected opening offer,’ which clearly illustrates the story does not know what the offer will be, if any is in fact to be made. It doesn’t take a mathematical genius to deduce that the “£25 million” bid the story claims, “is expected to be rejected by Benitez,” as the manager stated £50m would not be enough for the player. Furthermore how long does Barcelona need to ‘prepare’ its offer for the player? The press have persistently claimed that Barcelona have been ‘preparing’ their bid since the end of the season with offers ranging anywhere between £20m-£35m.

Worth pointing out was Mascherano’s own statement following the season's conclusion: "My future is here," said the 24-year-old. "I am here and I will continue to give 100 per cent.”

Mascherano rumour mill misses the facts

Today’s Daily Mail continues the Javier Mascherano rumour mill with a story running under the exploitational headline:

“Mascherano stuns Benitez: Liverpool midfielder pressing for move to Barcelona”

The story by journalist Joe Bernstein claims:
“Liverpool's title plans have been thrown into disarray by a stand off between Javier Mascherano and manager Rafa Benitez.”

It adds that:
“The pair fell out at the end of last season after Benitez rotated the team, leaving Mascherano out of some crucial matches.”

Ahh, the old chestnut "rotation" rears its head once more. However a quick look at the stats reveals the truth. Javier Mascherano did not play in the Champions League quarter final against Chelsea on 8th April because he was suspended. He also did not play in Premier League match against Fulham on April 4th as he had only just arrived back from International duty the previous day. The midfielder had been on an 11-hour flight from Bolivia.

The next match he did not play in was in February.

Mascherano in fact only missed a grand total of 4 matches in all competitions since the end of December 2008.

The story goes on to dig out a one word quote from Mascherano that he gave two weeks ago:
“The 25-year old captain of Argentina is now pressing for a move to La Liga, declaring he is ‘flattered’ by reported interest from Barcelona.”

The story then declares:
“The player’s attempt to force his way out of Anfield has stunned Benitez.”

There are no quotes from Benitez that alludes to him being ‘stunned’

This story has been completely manufactured in order to continue the story that Javier Mascherano wants to leave the club. If any of these stories had any basis in fact and the player did indeed want to leave the club, there are a couple of things that he should bare in mind: He was rescued from the obscurity of West Ham's bench by Rafa and he was also allowed to fulfil his Olympic dream at a crucial stage of last season.

Reina warns off Barcelona and Real Madrid

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina believes Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano will still be Liverpool players come the start of the season reports Sky Sports. Speaking about the current speculation regarding the two midfielders to Spanish news agency EFE, Reina said:

"I believe that he [Benitez] has his mind very clear and his idea in these moments is to not sell. He wants to continue with a team he has known for a long time, with an already fundamented base and where we know almost everything.”

He also warned Barcelona or Real would have to pay huge amount in compensation to disrupt the team:

"Whoever wants to touch this team or this structure will have to pay a lot of money."

Insua will be a big hit next season says Mascherano

Javier Mascherano believes fellow Argentinean Emiliano Insua will prove to be a big hit at Anfield next season reports the Post.

Insua made 13 appearances last season and Mascherano believes the 20-year-old can establish himself as the first choice left back.

“He’s been doing well. Obviously he is a young player so can still improve and get better. It isn’t easy to be playing for the Liverpool first team at just 20. I’m really happy for him. Emiliano didn’t play first-team football in Argentina, so to come here at such a young age and make the breakthrough is a great achievement,” Mascherano added: “It would have been easier for him had he played first-team football in Argentina. Everything was new to Insua when he came here. But after just two years he is playing really well whenever he gets into the first team.”

Alonso talks Real Madrid, Rafa and Liverpool

Xabi Alonso has given an interview in this week’s edition of Spanish magazine ‘Don Balon', which appears to be emerging as a mouth piece for Spanish clubs in pursuit of Liverpool players. It also printed last weeks Javier Mascherano interview. Quotes from the article have been plastered all over the British press today which have reported the interview as: 'Alonso refuses to close door on Real Madrid move.’

Asked if he will soon return to Spain to play, Alonso said:
“I don't close any door in that area, so we'll see what happens.”

The player speaks about last summers troubles in which he was almost sold to Juventus and the current supposed interest from Real:

“Last year I was close to joining Juventus. I do not have a defined career plan. It's always good that several clubs want you, it's better than nobody wanting you, but I can't do too much about it. I know that I have to do my work well and, in the future, I'll decide what I have to decide.”

He is then asked about being linked with other teams and he says:
“The truth is that it is not a situation”

Asked if his would be an 'impossible marriage' to Real Madrid, Alonso says: “No, it does not have to be so impossible.”

The Spanish midfielder also reveals his relationship with the manager:
“My relationship with Benitez is professional, like he has with any other player,

'In my opinion, the team has progressed, but in the end we did not win any titles, so we cannot be happy or satisfied,' he said. No doubt that in the Premier League, we were closer than in other seasons, and in the Champions League we got to the quarter-finals. But what everyone wants is to win titles.'

'I've already been in England five years and the truth is that I have adapted well,' he said. 'I'm happy there, though from the beginning I have longed for certain things, and I continue to do so.'
He is then asked again about all the rumours of transfers and would it a disappointment to remain in Liverpool? “No, not at all it wouldn’t be a disappointment. I carry on as normal.” There is also the suggestion the player would rather remain quite as his words may be misconstrued by the press, stating: “in the end, you know what is really happening, regardless of what you are commenting.” And that he prefers to “keep pretty quiet.”

Following on from this interview, tonight’s Echo reports that “Rafa Benitez will stage clear the air talks with Xabi Alonso this week.”

Following on from international duty, the story says: "Alonso did not give assurances about his future after the Confederations Cup third/fourth place play-off. Asked whether his immediate future lay with Liverpool or Madrid, he said: “That I cannot answer.”

“Benitez does not want to lose either Alonso or Javier Mascherano” says the article, “but if Alonso is keen for a Bernabeu switch – as the Spanish press are reporting – he wants the player to publicly come out and state his intentions.”

The story also states Rafa “has reluctantly accepted there is little he can do to keep hold of a player who is adamant he wants a move,” however speaking about Alonso and Mascherano, the report says: “he will not let both leave Anfield.”

Mascherano's image of unrest is being created by the tabloid press

An interview given by Javier Mascherano to Spanish magazine Don Balón has been quoted by the British press as proof that the player wants to leave Liverpool. Speaking of being linked to Barcelona and Real Madrid the Argentinean Midfielder said:

"It's really flattering. For me it means great recognition because we are talking about big clubs."

This is the headline that a majority of the papers are running, however most of the interview has not been published by the English tabloid press intent on creating an image of unrest. The player goes on to say “it's always good to know that teams like Barça and Madrid are interested in you”. However the player revealed his happiness in playing for the Reds by stating: "I feel comfortable at Liverpool.”

Mascherano also gave praise to his Liverpool coach, Rafael Benítez: "[He is] excellent. He's a perfectionist, working down to the smallest detail that you can imagine. Fortunately he has renewed his contract, meaning his ties to the club continue and this will give more calm to everybody."

Mascherano also speaks of the Reds victory over Real Madrid by saying the Spanish club is in “upheaval” and “the organizational capacity of the British” ensures the Dominance of English clubs in the Champions League. He goes on to say “I also believe that the pace of the Premier is superior to the (Spanish) League.” Mascherano also heaps praise on Liverpool’s “devastating” attacking ability. When asked if Torres is among the best forwards in the world, the midfielder says: “It is very fair. Fernando is a great striker and defenses almost cannot win against him.” Maschrano also talks of his partnership with Xabi Alonso proclaiming the “understanding” between the two players has almost reached “perfection”.

Hardly an image of unrest.

However the view that Mascherano being fed-up at Liverpool is being perpetuated on a daily basis. David Maddock reporting in today's Mirror says “the root of the Argentine's unhappiness at Anfield is the fact that he is paid considerably less than the majority of his team – mates,” and the new arrival of Glen Johnson may also be a contributing factor by proclaiming the defender is on a “massive deal – which will earn the England full-back around £4m a year” and it “could force Liverpool to TREBLE Javier Mascherano’s wages to keep him.” The story says Mascherano “is only on around £25,000 a week - a fraction of the cash Liverpool's top stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres command.”

Johnson according to the journalist will be on £4m a year, which approximately works out at £77,000 per week. But Maddock’s numbers for Mascherano do not add up. The Argentinean, who last February signed a four year deal with Liverpool for approximately £18m, according to Maddock is on “around £25,000 a week.” However a quick calculation reveals Mascherano will be on approximately £86,500 a week. Maddock has displayed time and again that his writing ability is not much kop, now he reveals his maths are worse. I’m glad he didn’t choose to be a nuclear physicist.

Transfer Speculation: Mascherano, Alonso, Reina, Tevez, Silva, Albiol, Distin, Owen, Dossena

Javier Mascherano
The Mail claims the Argentinian midfielder is set to leave Liverpool, with Barcelona preparing a £35million bid. The Argentine, 25, has told boss Rafael Benitez he needs to leave because his wife, Fernanda, is reluctant to return to England. The article says Masherano’s wife is pregnant and “has returned to South America with their daughter Iola and does not want to fly back. Benitez is understanding but still wants at least £35m for his midfield enforcer. Mascherano's agent, Walter Tamer, held talks on Wednesday with Barca general manager Raul Sanlehy and sporting director Txiki Begiristain, who will offer around £20m plus possibly striker Bojan Krkic.”

Xabi Alonso
A number of papers are reporting that Xabi Alonso has cast further doubt on is Liverpool future because of the answer he gave to a Spanish Radio station. The Guardian reports: “Asked by the Cadena Ser radio station if he would be disappointed having to stay at Liverpool next season, he responded: "I can't answer that question." To which the interviewer replied: "And with that you have said it all." The Telegraph is also running the same interview, but reveals more of Alonso’s answer: “But each player thinks about their own future. It's clear that on the outside there are reports about your future, but you cannot do much and the only thing you can do is train normally."

Jamie Carragher speaking in an interview on Sky Sports has this to say on the subject: "This summer there has been a bit of speculation about players moving on, so at the moment I'm hoping that doesn't happen rather than people come in. We have got a great side at the moment, and I'm sure the manager will make a couple of additions, but we don't want to lose anyone." Speaking of Alonso, Carragher said: "He and Stevie Gerrard were probably our best two players last season. I think Stevie won Footballer of the Year, but if you asked the fans I think they would maybe say that Alonso was our best player last season so he is certainly someone we don't want to lose."

Pepe Reina
The Reds keeper has been the subject of speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona, because current keeper Victor Valdes had not signed a new contract with the club. However the Mail says: “Victor Valdes has ended speculation linking him to Manchester United by signing a new contract at European champions Barcelona. The extention to 2014 is also likely to be met with relief at Liverpool, whose Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina had been lined up as a replacement for the Nou Camp No 1.”

Carlos Tevez
The Argentinian has today ruled himself out of a move to Liverpool Football Club. Sky Sports News sources have been informed that a move to Anfield is not an option for Tevez. Interestingly, the player has not ruled himself out of a move to arch rivals and ‘swimming -in-loot’ club Manchester City. However this is probably more of an over site by the considerate young player who clearly wouldn’t upset any United fans with a move to Eastlands.

David Silva and Raul Albiol
Today’s Mirror says of the upcoming move of Glen Jonson will be the first edition to his summer transfer activity, but it wont be his last. Speaking of Benitez the story says: “He wants a wide player and has been chasing Valencia winger David Silva for some time, while he is also in talks over the Spanish club's centrehalf Raul Albiol, with the pair valued at a combined £30m.”

Sylvain Distin
The Mail declares that Liverpool have launched a bid for Sylvain Distin: “The 31-year-old French defender is in demand. Liverpool have already placed a £2million bid and Aston Villa have also expressed an interest. Sunderland, keen to bolster their leaky defence, want him too but Steve Bruce is likely to be disappointed. Distin is keen on Liverpool but he may only be a squad player there and will be keen to hear Martin O'Neill's plans.”

Michael Owen
Fernando Torres has spoken about Michael Owen, who is available on a free transfer and has recently sent out a brochure to Premiership, Italian and Spanish clubs promoting his services. Torres said: "I know that he is a big part of the history of this football club and that the fans at Anfield loved him," said Torres in the Daily Mail. "I have no idea where he will be playing next season, but I am convinced that he still has a lot to offer. He has been unlucky with injuries in recent years and I know how frustrating that can be, but he has a natural instinct in front of goal and you don't lose that just because you have been injured."

Andrea Dossena
The Telegraph reports that Juventus are considering both Dossena and international team-mate Fabio Grosso, 31, to fill the left-back spot. "I don't know if you can call it an ultimatum, but I think that Juve will decide what to do within the next week," agent Roberto La Florio told Calciomercato.it. "The left-back position is a necessity for the Bianconeri and the directors are not willing to drag this on. However, I still think it's a two-horse race between Andrea and Grosso. Dossena's age and wages are on his side. Is he worth around 6-7million euros? The last time I met with Liverpool we did not talk about numbers, I can only say they paid more for him last summer. Andrea has subtly expressed his desire to join Juve in recent days, but he also said that he loves it in Liverpool. We'll definitely know more about it next week and Juve remain the most likely destination for him."