GWistooshort

Transfer news from the papers today..... Aston Villa have "insisted" that Liverpool withdraw from the race to sign David Bentley as a condition of allowing Gareth Barry to join the Reds. Villa have earmarked Bentley as a replacement for Barry & don't want Liverpool's interest to inflate the transfer fee. A deal reported to be in the region of £15m could be brokered for Barry if Liverpool undertake not to pursue Bentley. Villa are resigned to losing Barry, but won't sell him to Liverpool until they have lined up his replacement. www.sundaymirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/06/22/exclusive-villa-involve-david-bentley-in-gareth-barry-transfer-row-98487-20617587/ Liverpool are ready to hijack Chelsea's £15m move for Rafael Van der Vaart, with Rafa Benitez hoping to sign him after securing Barry. Although Chelsea have been working on a deal to sign Van der Vaart, new boss Phil Scolari is not keen, preferring Ricardo Quaresma. Liverpool are also considering a £6m move for 19 year old German Marko Marin, who plays for Borussia Monchengladbach. www.people.co.uk/sport/football/tm_headline=hotline-rafa-bid-to-stall-van-deal%26method=full%26objectid=20617562%26siteid=93463-name_page.html David Villa has commented on his future saying "In the event that Valencia told me they were going to sell me then I would address my options. It's an issue between the clubs. It's not something I'm thinking about. My focus is on this tournament and making sure Spain do well. This is not a time to be thinking about my personal future. I'm not into material wealth. Will it make me a better footballer? No. Money is nice but it doesn't motivate me or make me happy." Spurs, Man Utd, Chelsea, Barcelona & Real Madrid are all queing up to sign Villa in a £20m deal. Arsenal "would also love to sign him" but fear they have been "totally out-priced". www.sundaymirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/06/22/exclusive-spain-s-david-villa-i-love-the-pressure-98487-20617416/ Chelsea, Spurs, Real Madrid & Barcelona "are all thought to be considering summer bids" for Villa, who is valued at around £25m. www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_3722161,00.html Spurs have agreed a £20m deal to sign David Villa. www.sundaymirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/06/22/spurs-agree-20m-deal-for-spanish-star-david-villa-98487-20617403/ Arsenal are in pole position to net Andrei Arshavin, with AC Milan & Chelsea also in the queue, though Milan are outsiders because they cannot offer Champions League football next season. www.people.co.uk/sport/football/tm_headline=arsenal-put-on-arshavin-alert%26method=full%26objectid=20617390%26siteid=93463-name_page.html Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is approaching the final year of his contract at Bayern Munich, says he could move to the Premier League this summer. "I've always wanted to play there and we'll see if it happens this year", he said. www.skysports.com/football/euro2008/story/0,23063,11966_3722236,00.html

I take it you've seen THIS too then

From Guillame Balgue.... 21/06/2008 Aimar set for Premiership? For some reason, Pablo Aimar has got a very good press in England. He has been linked with big clubs in the past but there has never been a real possibility of him making it to the Premier League. Now 29 and after a very poor season at Zaragoza, a respected intermediary has been given the mandate of selling him to an English club. Problems with him? His injury situation is not clear but he has played 53 games in two seasons, which is a good return. What any club would be buying is a great last passer, a man with vision that can play behind the lines. Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, Everton, even West Brom could do with someone like him, but River Plate will have something to say about that as they are also interested. We will keep an eye on him. www.guillembalague.com/rumores_desp.php?id=20

More transfer news today..... Juventus are becoming increasingly irritated at the price that Liverpool are asking for Xabi Alonso & could switch their interest to Alberto Aquilani, Arda Turan or Dejan Stankovic. www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun21h.html Juventus managing director Jean-Claude Blanc has said that the club are looking at several midfielders - “Aquilani, Stankovic or Xabi Alonso? We're negotiating with more than three.” Alonso has said that he has "always been fascinated by Italian football" & that "Juve are one of the biggest teams in Europe, perhaps the biggest in Italy". http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Foo...britain-locale/ Liverpool are holding out for a fee of 20m euros (£15.75m) for Alonso & Juve are "struggling to come up with the cash". www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2008/06/21/juventus-still-keen-on-xabi-alonso-100252-21127634/ Inter Milan are ready to approach Porto with an offer for Ricardo Quaresma. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/g...ers/7466977.stm Samuel Eto’o’s agent has said that despite growing rumours, the Barcelona striker has not passed a medical with Arsenal. http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Foo...ocale/football/ AC Milan are leading the chase for Andrei Arshavin www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun20r.html But Zenit St Petersburg's manager Dick Advocaat said yesterday that the club hasn't received any bids for Arshavin yet & also played down speculation linking the player with a move to Arsenal, saying “what is written in newspapers is not always true”. Advocaat also said that Zenit may receive some bids after Russia's match with Holland in Euro2008. http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Foo...britain-locale/

Here's the new kit in its entirety.....

According to today's Independent Zenit St Petersburg's manager Dick Advocaat admitted yesterday that Andrei Arshavin is keen to leave. Apparently an announcement from Zenit's sporting director Konstantin Sarsania on Arshavin's future was expected yesterday, but it has now been postponed until Monday at the earliest. www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/arshavin-fashions-look-of-russias-stunning-new-collection-851680.html

Transfer news from this morning's papers..... The improved relationship between George Gillett & Tom Hicks could be "good news" for Rafa, who is "desperate" to sign David Silva, as "now he could have the cash to make a massive bid". Liverpool are "close to signing Gareth Barry" & have "already signed" Andrea Dossena. Rafa "wants two wide men, who will cost big money". "Even more interestingly, he has the chance to sign Valencia striker David Villa, who has formed a devasting partnership with Torres for Spain". www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/06/21/hicks-gillett-make-up-89520-20615945/ David Villa has said that when Euro 2008 ends "I hope to be going back to Valencia. I never thought about leaving before and I'm not thinking about it now". www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/transfer-news-and-speculation-21-june-851679.html Rafa "has received a double boost in his bid to raise transfer funds for Gareth Barry and David Silva". George Gillett has hinted there might be more money available in the transfer window & Juventus have re-iterated their intention to sign Xabi Alonso, with a £15m compromise bid likely. The fact remains that Rafa "still has to generate more funds on top of the £4m received for John Arne Riise this week if he is to land his top targets". Possible sales of Peter Crouch & Scott Carson are "lined up" & Liverpool "seem certain" to have the funds to meet Aston Villa’s valuation of Barry with an £18m bid likely to be needed & "remain confident the transfer will be completed". "Attempts to sign Spanish midfielder David Silva will be more difficult, however, with the £20m needed to tempt him away from Valencia beyond Benitez’s current means." www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2008/06/21/rafa-benitez-set-to-be-handed-a-double-financial-boost-for-summer-spending-64375-21127745/ Despite improved relations between Gillett & Hicks they are "struggling to provide Benítez with funds in the transfer market and have instead told him that he must generate money by selling players". The signing of Dossena from Udinese for £7m has been "secured" & Liverpool are "hopeful" of signing Barry for a fee in the region of £17m. Rafa "hopes" to raise £25m by selling players such as Carson, Itandje, Pennant, Crouch & Guthrie, "but, although the money would be reinvested in the squad, there is little expectation of any big-money signings beyond Barry". David Silva & David Villa "would be on Benítez's wish list in an ideal world", but "are both thought to be out of his price range", leaving him instead to look at players such as James Milner, whom Newcastle value at about £9m. www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article4183474.ece Villa will target Milner Barry leaves for Liverpool. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/g...ers/7466977.stm Reported Liverpool target David Bentley is interesting Aston Villa, but "is more likely to go to Chelsea or Tottenham". http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/g...ers/7466977.stm

From Sky Sports website..... Juve continue Alonso chase Midfielder's future remains unclear By Chris Burton 20th June 2008 Juventus remain confident of signing Xabi Alonso despite failing, as yet, to agree a fee with Liverpool. The Spain international had been expected to complete a move to Serie A next week, but talks appear to have stalled. Liverpool are believed to be holding out for a 20 million euros deal (£15.75m), and Juve's latest offer falls short of that mark. Despite the delay in proceedings the Italian club's general manager Jean-Claude Blanc still believes an agreement can be reached, while he also confirmed that the Turin giants continue to track other options. Talented "We're following more than three footballers," Blanc told Sky Italia. "And we'll see if what you read in the papers comes true or the other names we're working on. "Xabi Alonso? It's an operation that we're taking forward and we'll compare him to other deals which could be done. "We're looking for a very talented midfielder - there's not many of those around and some of them aren't available. We have to talk first with the club and then with the player. "Only one of these deals will be done." www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_3714186,00.html

The first few minutes were all about Liverpool There's a transcript of the interview in one of my earlier posts in this thread - click HERE

If you're interested you can listen to George Gillett's interview HERE The radio station has done a separate podcast of it so there's no need to forward through the whole programme trying to find it

George Gillett has revealed that his cold war with Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is thawing as he backs Rafa Benitez in the transfer market this summer. Speaking in a radio station interview with TheFan590 in Toronto, Gillett paid special tribute to Fernando Torres but hinted he expects the Spain striker's team-mates to improve their game in a bid to push for next season's title. Gillett, who also owns Montreal Canadiens, conceded he was shocked with the worldwide response to his previous interview on the station, when the news broke of the breakdown of his relationship with Hicks. "The reaction was so profound that we have to tone it down," he said. "No, I hadn't [expected the reaction]. It was amazing, notwithstanding that soccer is the leading sport in the world. It was shocking how popular Liverpool is and it did surprise me. "It was an amazing response. We hold these assets in trust for the fans and have an obligation to the fans and I feel that very strongly, both in Montreal and Liverpool. "Developments? No, nothing that either I would talk about or be worth talking about but it's fair to say there has been communication between the Hickses and the Gilletts. It has been substantially improved and I believe it will be for the benefit of the club. "Time is a healer and there were things that happened previously the other way as well, when it took a while for both of us to realise, I think we both realised, that perhaps we weren't communicating very well. "It is a huge responsibility we have to the fans to do the right thing for the club and I believe the Hickses and the Gilletts are communicating better with us and us better with them. And that'll be better for the club. "I'm not going to comment on things specifically," he replied when asked if the 'for sale' signs were up at Anfield. Gillett is looking forward to supporting Benitez during the transfer window. "All of us are focused on the transfer window coming up and so forth," he stated. "We want to be ready for that and have adequate resources and good communication with Rafa. "Our hope is we're making that kind of progress." When quizzed on Liverpool's performance last term, he replied: "I'd rather the fans make that decision, but the club has a history of winning trophies. "Any season you don't win one of the trophies we compete for, I suspect, the fans as well as Hicks and Gillett, are disappointed. "Overall, I thought the team played quite well, particularly beginning and late [season]. "I think they were very representative and Fernando Torres was a wonderful, wonderful selection last summer. The rest of the boys played quite well but we've got to help Rafa try and compete in the chase for The Premier League." www.setantasports.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/06/20/Prem-Gillett-radio-interview/?facets/sport-space/great-britain-locale/football/

Juventus general manager Jean-Claude Blanc says he is still confident of signing Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso despite the Anfield club wanting a higher transfer fee. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/g...ers/7464943.stm

More Silva rumours from today's Mirror... Valencia have privately contacted several clubs, including Liverpool, to gauge interest in Silva & Villa & Rafa "has expressed firm interest" in Silva although the £20m+ asking price is a "big stumbling block". Rafa has grown tired of the "sky-high" price tags placed on other players he has targeted, such as Barry, Riera & Milner, who are all "vastly overpriced in his opinion". Rafa "believes he has two trump cards" in th chase for Silva: Valencia have to sell because of their money worries & Anfield chief scout Eduardo Macia worked with Silva as a youngster at Valencia & they still keep in touch. Liverpool "are also keen on Villa, but with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea circling, the striker will be out of any Anfield price range". www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/06/20/exclusive-liverpool-turn-transfer-sights-to-spain-s-david-silva-89520-20614506/

A bit of retro transfer gossip...... We lost out to Hibs in trying to sign Steve Archibald when Kenny was manager because Kenny was on holiday & couldn't be contacted! http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/sport/Hibs...bald.4205792.jp

interesting use of the past tense there innocent mistake by the Daily Post or something more?

Transfer news from this morning's papers..... Rafa "believes he can talk Valencia into parting with" £20m rated David Silva & "is exploring ways of funding a deal" although he "has been made aware funds are scarce". www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1027829/Rafa-fears-20m-Silva-scuppered-Liverpools-American-owners.html Rafa has targeted Silva who is valued at £20m by Valencia, but is beyond Rafa's budget unless Liverpool can sell Xabi Alonso, Peter Crouch, Scott Carson & Jermaine Pennant & Valencia reduce their asking price which Liverpool hope their current financial pressures will force them to do. Silva is "close to Liverpool's chief scout, Eduardo Macia, who coached him through Valencia's youth system". www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/jun/20/premierleague.liverpool Liverpool are "weighing up a move" for Silva, but will "face a fight to prise him away from Valencia, who are likely to ask for £20m". Liverpool are in the market for a wide player, with James Milner & Albert Riera "the more affordable options" Rafa "has considered". "Silva’s price tag would have to be reduced significantly as Benitez is still confident of sealing Gareth Barry’s move from Aston Villa and his budget would not stretch to the current valuation." David Villa has "interested Benitez in the past but was not on his radar for this summer’s transfer business". Juventus are "still expected to table a bid" for Xabi Alonso once Euro2008 is finished & "his agent has previously indicated that the Italians are keen to complete a deal". Alonso said yesterday “At the moment I’m a Liverpool player. Really it is something that I am detached from. I am just focusing on the European Champion-ship. At the moment I’m absolutely a part of Euro 2008. “Whatever is going to happen is between the clubs and I have nothing to say about that. I haven’t spoken so far with Rafa because he knows that I am focused and I am thinking about the Euro and at the moment I have no news. I signed a contract with Liverpool last summer. I have four more years of contract at Liverpool. I haven’t been told anything so far. My plans are to start next season with Liverpool, unless there is a change. We will see what happens. I can’t really say any more.” www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2008/06/20/rafa-benitez-may-look-to-secure-david-silva-signing-64375-21109852/ A £10m bid from Portsmouth for Peter Crouch is "imminent". www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/portsmouth-waiting-in-wings-for-pound10mrated-wrightphillips-850788.html Liverpool are "monitoring" Croatian striker Ivica Olic, who German sources say Rafa sees as "the ideal foil" for Torres. Olic himself said "I think I'll play next year for Hamburg. And even longer. But so much is possible in football." www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1027701/Rafa-sees-Olic-perfect-partner-Torres-Riise-happy-leave-Liverpool.html Rafa was "considering using Riise as a makeweight in a further bid to make up the £18m Aston Villa want for Gareth Barry...but Liverpool decided to cash in on Roma’s firm offer after Riise...expressed his desire to join them". www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2008/06/20/carragher-leads-tributes-as-riise-signs-in-at-roma-64375-21109582/ Real Madrid are "pushing very hard" to sign David Villa "irrespective of whether they sign Cristiano Ronaldo or not". www.guillembalague.com/rumores_desp.php?id=17

A £7m deal for Andrea Dossena "is thought to be close to completion". www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2008/06/19/rick-parry-pays-tribute-to-departing-john-arne-riise-64375-21107297/ Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani is set to turn down a potential move to Juventus or Liverpool by committing his future to Roma, according to his agent. www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_3710840,00.html

From the official site...... THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, JOHN Paul Hassall 19 June 2008 John Arne Riise's final season with Liverpool may well be remembered for THAT own goal against Chelsea but it was a rare blemish on an Anfield career that was otherwise blessed by a series of sensational highs. As he bids farewell to Merseyside following a seven year spell with the Reds Liverpoolfc.tv takes a look back at 10 of his finest moments with the club. 1. 'Super' first goal for Liverpool Three matches into his Reds career and the former Monaco full-back went some way to showing the goal threat he would pose when he marked his return to the Stade Louis II Stadium with an effort against European Champions Bayern Munich. The Norwegian opened the scoring on 22 minutes when he applied a fine finish to Michael Owen's right-wing cross to set Liverpool on their way to a 3-2 win and ensure Gerard Houllier's men not only claimed the Super Cup for the second time in our history but also gave us our fifth trophy of the calendar year. 2. Derby delight An indifferent start to the Premiership campaign saw the Reds travel to Goodison Park determined to put an end to a run that had seen them lose two consecutive league matches. It was hardly the kind of fixture you would want for restoring flagging confidence and when Kevin Campbell gave the home side the lead after just five minutes it looked like Liverpool were on the verge of yet more away day misery - much to the amusement of the Everton fans. However, the Blues reckoned without the inspiration of Steven Gerrard, who drew the Reds level on 11 minutes with a sensational effort before Michael Owen converted a spot-kick on the half hour mark to give Houllier's men a half-time lead. As Everton pushed forward in search of a second-half equaliser they left gaps at the back and on 52 minutes Riise etched his name into Merseyside derby folklore when he ran half the length of the pitch before turning Steve Watson and steering a third, match-clinching goal, past Paul Gerrard. 3. "Jooohn Arnnne Riiiise! I wanna knoooooow, how you scored that goal!" If scoring a superb individual goal to see off neighbours Everton wasn't enough to earn Riise a place in the hearts of all Kopites, then his strike in a 3-1 mauling of Manchester United certainly was. The Reds had already beaten their old foes in their previous three encounters and after Michael Owen had taken advantage of a defensive lapse from Wes Brown to give Liverpool a deserved lead, Riise was presented with an opportunity to double the advantage. The hosts were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box on 39 minutes allowing JAR to line up what would become known as one of his trademark rockets. As Didi Hamann touched the ball into his path the Norwegian surged forward to unleash an unstoppable 25-yard drive that seared into the top left hand corner via the crossbar to leave Fabien Barthez with no chance and Manchester United where they belong, on their knees. 4. Free-kick finesse Liverpool put one foot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League courtesy of a resounding 3-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield. Goals from Luis Garcia, John Arne Riise and Didi Hamann did the damage in a first knockout round win that was all the more impressive given that Rafael Benitez's side were without the suspended Steven Gerrard. With the Reds leading courtesy of Garcia's clinical 15th minute finish they were presented with a chance to double their lead 10 minutes before the interval when they won a free-kick to the right-hand side of the Anfield Road end goal. As JAR stood over the ball, fans conjured up images of that wonderful strike against Manchester United and urged him to go on and repeat it. He did not disappoint. With unerring accuracy he curled a delightful 25-yard effort inside the near post of Hans Jorg Butt's goal to send Anfield into raptures and set Liverpool on their way to a win that would avenge the quarter-final defeat of 2002. 5. Carling Cup cracker Liverpool travelled to Anfield South as many people's underdogs as Rafael Benitez and his side looked to secure their first victory over Jose Mourinho's Premiership leaders. The Reds had outplayed the Londoners in an unfortunate 1-0 defeat at Anfield on New Year's Day but few outside Merseyside expected them to emerge as League Cup winners for the eighth time in their history in Cardiff. They were right too, as we slumped to a frustrating 3-2 extra-time defeat, but not before JAR sent the travelling Kop into ecstasy with a sensational first minute opener. Fernando Morientes found space down the right flank before sending a searching ball to the far post where Riise, who had been given a left midfield berth for the contest, arrived to smash home a sensational volley from just inside the penalty area. It was the perfect start and although the Reds would go on to lose the match it was a goal that would have been worthy of winning any final. 6. The cross that inspired the comeback of all comebacks When it comes to Istanbul everyone has a story tell. Fans delight in recalling their efforts in reaching the promised land while the players who donned the famous red shirt that day all played their role... John Arne Riise was no different. Having been deployed on the left hand side of midfield during a disastrous first 45 minutes, JAR was moved into a left wing back role for the start of the second-half as Rafael Benitez shuffled his pack with a switch to a 3-5-2 formation. It was a move that paid almost immediate dividends and one that saw Riise provide the cross for Steven Gerrard to head the Reds back into it on 54 minutes. The Norwegian collected a pass from Xabi Alonso deep in Milan territory and after seeing his first cross blocked by a Milan defender, he showed great composure to steady himself before flighting over a ball for the skipper to give his nod of approval to. We all know what happened after that and although the Norwegian would go on to miss a penalty in the shoot-out he had still played an important role in our fifth European Cup triumph. 7. Riise rocket gives Jose the Blues We've been here before haven't we? A semi-final of a prestigious cup competition and Jose Mourinho's Chelsea were again the side that stood between Liverpool and a major final. Twelve months earlier Luis Garcia had booked our place in the 2005 Champions League final to break Chelsea hearts and now he was it again, as the Reds ran out 2-1 winners at Old Trafford. The little Spaniard struck an audacious volley that proved to be the winning goal on 53 minutes but it was Riise's exquisite first-half free-kick that set the Reds on the road to victory. The full-back had already scored two famous free-kicks during his Anfield career and he made it a hat-trick of set-piece specials when he curled a low 20-yard effort inside the left-hand corner of the net to ensure Liverpool's semi-final hoodoo over Chelsea would continue. 8. Exorcising the demons of Istanbul It's fair to say that Liverpool have given their fans their money's worth since the turn of the new Millennium. In Cup finals alone they have produced performances that have taken our breath away. Michael Owen's last-gasp winner in 2001, the nine goal Golden goal thriller in Dortmund, Istanbul, and of course, who could forget the Steven Gerrard final of 2006. In a clash with Alan Pardew's Hammers that bore an eerie resemblance to the events that transpired in the Ataturk just 12 months earlier, the Reds fought back from the dead to secure a 3-3 draw and take the match to a penalty shoot-out. For one player it was a chance to exorcise his demons. In Istanbul, Riise had opted for placement in the shoot-out, allowing Dida to make a fine save down to his right. It was miss that he admitted had haunted him ever since, and so the chance to put it right against West Ham was one he was not about to let slip away. This time he stepped up and made no mistake, hammering the ball down the middle to give the Reds a crucial 3-1 lead with Hammers keeper Shaka Hislop diving to his left. As JAR wielded away in celebration he could not hide his emotion, pumping his fists with delight before rubbing his face in relief. 9. JAR shows Chelsea no charity Liverpool kicked off the 2006/07 season hoping to add the Premier League title to the Champions League and FA Cup already won under Rafael Benitez. First up they faced reigning champions Chelsea at the Millennium Stadium and after a stern test of their credentials they emerged triumphant courtesy of goals from Riise and Peter Crouch. JAR had made something of a habit of scoring against the Blues and he continued his rich vein of form against them when he drilled home a 25-yard blockbuster to open the scoring on nine minutes. The Reds' number six led the breakaway following a Chelsea corner and as space opened up in front of him he continued to surge forward before unleashing a fierce drive that flew into the back of the net to surprise keeper Carlo Cudicini. 10. Barcelona Belter In 1976 it was John Toshack who broke Catalan hearts with a goal that set the Reds on the road to the UEFA Cup final. Fast forward 31 years and it was another John making the headlines in the Nou Camp in yet another famous European night in Liverpool's history. It was Jar's penultimate goal in a red shirt and when you consider the context of the strike it was probably his most famous. The Reds had travelled to Catalonia as many people's underdogs for a Champions League first knockout round clash that pitted the 2005 Champions League winners against the 2006 winners. Ronaldinho and co were tipped to go on and retain their crown and it all appeared to be going to plan when they took the lead on 14 minutes courtesy of Deco's fine header. It set the tone for the majority of the first period in which the visitors endured a sustained period of Barcelona pressure before breaking clear to stun the hosts with an equaliser on 43 minutes. Craig Bellamy was the hero turned villain, arriving late at the far post to head Steve Finnan's cross into the net via a blunder from keeper Victor Valdes. It was a huge boost for Rafael Benitez and his side and after the break they played with a renewed vigour that saw them go on and claim a famous 2-1 victory. Steven Gerrard's clipped ball from the right found Dirk Kuyt in the penalty area and although the Dutchman was thwarted by Valdes, Bellamy showed great composure to lay the ball to Riise, who crashed the ball into the roof of the net from 10 yards to claim not only a massive victory but also score his first ever goal for the Reds with his right foot. www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N160265080619-1101.htm

From today's Liverpool Echo..... John Arne Riise's move to Roma could complicate Liverpool's attempt to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa because although Villa boss Martin O’Neill is now "prepared to listen to cash plus player deals" Riise was his "preferred choice of Liverpool’s available talent". Scott Carson "may now become a makeweight in a transfer saga which has become frustrating for all parties". www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2008/06/19/john-arne-riise-exit-may-hit-liverpool-bid-for-gareth-barry-100252-21104662/

The BBC's Phil McNulty on Arshavin..... Arshavin would grace Premier League 18 Jun 08 Andrei Arshavin made a delayed entry into Euro 2008 - but Russia's little master delivered a performance that was well worth the wait. Guus Hiddink's young side needed inspiration to get the victory over Sweden that would give them a quarter-final against Holland on Saturday and the return of Arshavin after suspension was perfectly timed. The man who master-minded Zenit St Petersburg's Uefa Cup triumph delivered the sort of display that underscored why he is coveted by clubs in the Premier League. Arshavin first came to my attention seriously on a freezing night at Goodison Park in December when Everton beat Zenit in a Uefa Cup group game. He may have been on the losing side, but there was no doubting his pedigree and it was no surprise he swiftly became a transfer target for David Moyes. Arshavin was swift of thought and limb, and while his finishing was wayward he made light of his slight frame to illuminate the game. Everton's interest, as so often, has been talked about without materialising into fact and after he destroyed Sweden I suspect he may have more illustrious clubs on his trail. Sorry to sound cruel Everton fans, but I am afraid that falls into the harsh but fair category. I do not see why Arshavin would end up at Everton. Newcastle United and Manchester City have also been linked, but gone are the days when the riches of the Premier League can prise away the pride of impoverished Russian clubs. Zenit are cash rich and the word is that Arshavin is on £50,000-a-week - limiting the clubs who will move seriously for a player who has been catapulted to prominence in recent weeks. Newcastle is hardly a mouth-watering prospect. Arshavin will not earn that much more money in the current round of belt-tightening at St James' Park and why should he entertain a club that cannot even offer him European football next season? Nope. I would imagine he would be happy to give Everton and the Toon Army the swerve, even if they somehow conjured up enough cash to even be granted an audience with him. Manchester City have shown an interest in Arshavin along with CSKA Moscow's Brazilian striker Jo, and he may be worth more of a gamble than splashing £200,000-a-week on the fading Ronaldinho, who I believe is past his best and will not be motivated to re-ignite his career in the unlikely surroundings of Eastlands. He may carry the element of a gamble - I well recall how Sergei Rebrov was a sure thing when Spurs paid £11m to sign him from Dynamo Kiev. He was a player who looked to have all the elements of a world star, but was awful at White Hart Lane. But Arshavin looks made of sterner stuff, and when a man of Hiddink's pedigree claims he is the cleverest player he has ever managed, that's good enough for me. There is always a danger in buying a player after a big tournament, but Arshavin looks the real deal. A classic number 10 playing just off the front man and setting traps for the opposition all over the pitch, I would love to see Arshavin in the Premier League. www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/euro2008/2008/06/arshavin_looks_premier_league.html

www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N160260080618-1440.htm

Transfer rumours from this morning's papers..... Andrea Dossena's arrival from Udinese is "imminent". Xabi Alonso's move to Juventus "won’t be resolved before the end of Spain’s involvement in Euro 2008" with no fee agreed yet. Portsmouth are still weighing up an offer for Peter Crouch but Liverpool expect in the region of £10m. They will also listen to offers for Scott Carson. www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2008/06/19/riise-ends-his-anfield-career-64375-21102511/ Spurs are emerging as favourites to sign reported Liverpool target David Bentley, who grew up as a Tottenham fan, although they are unwilling to pay Blackburn's £15m asking price. www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/transfer-news-and-speculation-19-june-849880.html Aston Villa are believed to have made an offer for the £15m rated Bentley, although the player "is thought to favour a move to Liverpool". Chelsea, Everton, Man City & Spurs are also keen on Bentley. www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/06/18/bentley-registers-on-o-neill-s-radar-65233-21096225/ Spurs have emerged as "strong favourites" to sign Bentley after he indicated that he wants to return to London. Bentley grew up as a Spurs fan & "is understood to have set his sights on a dream switch to White Hart Lane". Bentley also been linked with moves to Liverpool & Man City. Spurs hope to secure a deal for £12m. www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1027365/Bentley-set-Spurs-switch-England-star-targets-London-return.html Chelsea face a fight with Real Madrid & Liverpool for David Villa, who will cost around £32m. www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/06/19/sfnvil119.xml

Would be good in our front 3 IMO & available for around £11m according to media reports - Man City & Newcastle are apparently interested

£4m rising to £4.4m dependent on Roma qualifying for the CL & the number of appearances Riise makes