SATURDAY 3
	Inter wait on Mascherano Inter Milan sports director Marco Branca has seemingly dismissed the suggestion that the club would need to sell in order to buy Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano. The Argentina captain, who is preparing for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Germany, seems set to leave Anfield and he has been persistently linked with the European champions. Mascherano's arrival at Inter has increased in probability after the Italians appointed former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez as their new boss earlier in the summer as a successor to Jose Mourinho. It has, though, been speculated that Benitez would have to sell members of his squad in order to raise funds to meet the asking price of the defensive midfielder. But Branca has played down these reports, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport when quizzed on the subject: "It is not said that someone will leave. "We are waiting in a long market with long negotiations. Without a serious offer (for a member of the Inter squad), we will stay as we are." (Sky Sports) Dream over for Masch and Maxi Javier Mascherano's aspirations of captaining Argentina to World Cup glory are over after Germany sent Diego Maradona's men crashing out of the quarter-finals with a 4-0 victory. In perhaps the most stunning result of the tournament so far, Germany fired a clear statement of intent with a comprehensive rout of one of the competition favourites. (LFC Official Website) Alonso: He's got my backing Xabi Alonso today became the latest Spain star to back Fernando Torres as the striker searches for his first goal of the 2010 World Cup. The Liverpool man has featured four times for his country so far in South Africa without hitting the net. It is clear that Torres has yet to reach 100 per cent fitness following surgery - but Alonso doesn't think it will be long before he makes a mark on the tournament. "Fernando is working really hard. Strikers are valued for their goals. Hopefully an important one will come soon enough," said the former Reds midfielder. "He plays most of the time on his own between two central defenders. It's not easy but we're really confident that he'll score soon." Torres is expected to retain his place for tonight's quarter-final tie with Paraguay despite the impressive cameo of Fernando Llorente against Portugal on Tuesday. (LFC Official Website) Carra quits after 'one-off' return Jamie Carragher insists his return to the England squad was a 'one-off', and believes Fabio Capello deserves to stay on as coach. Liverpool defender Carragher was brought out of international retirement to take up a place in Capello's World Cup squad and made two appearances in South Africa. Carragher was delighted to be involved in the tournament, but the 32-year-old has confirmed he is not planning to be available for national team duty next season. "This was a one-off thing," he said. "The manager said he had a few injuries and I came into the squad and helped. "I was delighted with the opportunity to play in a World Cup and work with Capello, but I have always said the most important thing for me is Liverpool Football Club. (TEAMtalk)
	FRIDAY 2
	Carra confident Reds pair will stay Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is confident star players Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will still be at the club next season. The 32-year-old told talkSPORT: "I think there is a lot of talk about this but the people who say these things, a lot of them are doing this to create a bit of pressure around the club. "I don't think anyone knows these people personally to come out and say that. "I am sure they will still be involved at the club next season and if they are the aim for the club will be to get back into the Champions League." (TEAMtalk) Joy for Dirk in Port Elizabeth Brazil 1-2 Holland There was delight for Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt today as he helped Holland to a famous victory over Brazil in the World Cup and book a place in the tournament’s semi-finals. Kuyt played the full 90 minutes for the Netherlands, flicking on Arjen Robben’s corner to Wesley Sneijder to head home Holland’s winner in the 68th minute. (This is Anfield)  Hodgson thanks fans Roy Hodgson today thanked Liverpool supporters for their messages of support as he stepped-up his pre-season work on only his second day at Melwood. The new boss was at Melwood on Thursday morning to greet the returning players for their first day back. After overseeing training Hodgson then travelled to Anfield for a photocall and to meet the world's media. He then held a series of meetings with club captain Steven Gerrard, vice-captain Jamie Carragher and technical staff including Sammy Lee and Kenny Dalglish. Today he met with medical and fitness staff before overseeing training again at Melwood. He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I have had a terrific welcome from supporters and staff. I always knew Liverpool fans were special and the reception I have received from them has been superb. I would like to place on record my thanks to them." (LFC Official Website) Hodgson defends Blackburn Rovers record New Liverpool FC manager Roy Hodgson has defended his record in English football and insisted he has learned from failures earlier in his career. The 62-year-old's appointment on a three-year contract at Anfield has received a lukewarm response in some quarters. Despite his relative success with Fulham, making them a solid mid-table Barclays Premier League side and guiding them to the Europa League final, there are those who still remember his unsuccessful spell at Blackburn between 1997 and 1998. "I did make mistakes there; you always make mistakes when you fail somewhere. "I have analysed those failures but I don't think they were quite as blatant as some people would like to think." (Daily Post)   Yossi joins Chelsea Liverpool have today completed the transfer of Yossi Benayoun to Chelsea Football Club. The two clubs last month agreed an undisclosed fee for the player, who joined Liverpool from West Ham in 2007, and the deal has been confirmed this afternoon. The 30-year-old Israeli international made 172 appearances and scored 37 goals during his three seasons with the Reds. A Liverpool spokesman said: "Yossi's departure was agreed between the player and Rafael Benitez a number of weeks ago. Everybody at Liverpool FC wishes him well for the future." (LFC Official Website) Houllier delighted for Hodgson over Liverpool appointment Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier is delighted to see Roy Hodgson installed as manager at Anfield. Houllier famously won a treble with Liverpool in 2001 and feels his pal Hodgson is the right man to put some silverware in the Anfield trophy cabinet. "I spoke briefly to Roy on Thursday night to congratulate him," said Houllier. "I didn't need to give him any advice. Liverpool is a big club with a big heart, where there is a special link between the people and the players and staff. I'm sure Roy is the ideal man to make it work. "Obviously we need to know if any players will leave and who will come in, but Roy has a tradition of success and I'm sure he'll bring that at some stage. "The competition is getting harder all the time but I know he is up for the challenge. He's a good choice for Liverpool, for the people and for the fans." (tribalfootball.com) Rush full of praise for new boss Liverpool legend Ian Rush has spoken very highly of newly appointed Reds manager Roy Hodgson, who was unveiled at Anfield yesterday. Hodgson’s appointment has been met with a mixed reaction from Liverpool fans, but Rush is not in doubt that the club have made the right appointment to replace Rafa Benitez. He said: “I know Roy quite well and its a good appointment." (This is Anfield)     Roy: Reds rebuilding not required Roy Hodgson does not anticipate a major rebuilding job at Liverpool and fully believes he can bring trophies back to Anfield. However, he has stressed he cannot hope to do that without quality players - both those he has inherited and some he will look to bring in. Hodgson is confident if he can hang on to the likes of Torres and Gerrard - and that may be a big if - he can start having a positive effect almost immediately. "I hope it is not a rebuilding process," said the former Fulham boss, who is reportedly working with a transfer budget of just £15million. "It is well documented there is uncertainty about star players but I am confident we will deal with that situation and we won't lose any star players." (TEAMtalk)  Dalglish approves of Hodgson appointment Roy Hodgson says Kenny Dalglish has "a very big part" to play in Liverpool's future after the Anfield legend gave his backing to the new boss. Dalglish was a contender to replace Rafael Benitez at Anfield but has given his approval to the former Fulham manager, who took over at the Premier League club yesterday. The Scot said in the Daily Mail: "I look very favourably on the appointment. "I have known Roy a long time and have a great respect for him. "We've not had detailed conversations yet but my interests are in Liverpool." (TEAMtalk)     Spanish media: Madrid test the water in Gerrard battle According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid have already made tentative enquiries for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. Marca claim Liverpool’s appointment of Roy Hodgson will only delay the apparently inevitable departure of Gerrard this summer, as the 30-year-old has made up his mind to leave the Premier League after his club’s dismal showing last season. Real Madrid have allegedly made a €24 million offer to Liverpool in an effort see how susceptible they are to selling their long-serving captain. (Sport.co.uk)   Liverpool tell Juventus to up bid for Riera Liverpool have told Juventus to up their offer for winger Albert Riera. The Daily Mail says Liverpool have rejected a £5million bid from Juventus for winger Riera. (tribalfootball.com)   Report: Benayoun to ink £5.5m deal at Chelsea today Yossi Benayoun will confirm his exit from Liverpool within the next 24 hours and put pen to paper on a £5.5 million deal to join Chelsea, according to a report from The Sun. (Goal.com)     Venables: It all started at Crystal Palace for Liverpool boss Hodgson Former Tottenham and Crystal Palace boss Terry Venables is delighted to see Roy Hodgson in charge at Liverpool. As a player, the new Liverpool chief failed to cut the mustard at Crystal Palace before moving into non-league football. Venables, who has known Hodgson for more than 40 years, said: "When I started out in management with Palace in the late 1970s, he used to come and watch us train. "He'd stand by the pitch with Mike Kelly - my goalkeeping coach at Euro 96 - and observe everything, taking it all in. He wanted to learn from everywhere and everyone." (tribalfootball.com)
	THURSDAY 1
	Dalglish never in the frame for vacant Liverpool post Kenny Dalglish suffered a major snub after being told he was never a contender for the Liverpool job, reports the Daily Mail. On the day Roy Hodgson was officially unveiled as the new manager, the Reds chairman Martin Broughton spoke on Dalglish's bid to make an incredible return to the hotseat. Club ambassador Dalglish was asked to advise on Rafa Benitez's successor and put his own name forward. Broughton said: “Kenny put his name in for the job and we appreciated the fact he wanted to do it but he was never a candidate. He is happy in his current ambassadorial role.” (tribalfootball) Roy watches Reds train Liverpool's players returned to Melwood from their summer break today - and their first training session was overseen by new boss Roy Hodgson. Shortly after agreeing terms on a three-year deal with the Reds, the manager donned his new club tracksuit to watch the players begin their preparations for 2010-11. While the likes of Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Glen Johnson and Fernando Torres were absent due to their World Cup commitments, Alberto Aquilani, Lucas Leiva and Emiliano Insua were all back at Melwood, along with new signing Jonjo Shelvey. (LFC Official Website) Broughton: No bids for Liverpool yet Chairman Martin Broughton says Liverpool have not yet received any bids since they were put up for sale in May by Tom Hicks and George Gillett. There has been much speculation about who is interested in taking over from the American pair, who finally admitted two months ago they had taken the Reds as far as they could after three turbulent years. But Broughton said he expected the first serious offers to come in within a couple of weeks and the process would then continue after that with a view to a final sale being completed by August or September. (TEAMtalk)     Hodgson targets Champions League return Roy Hodgson has targeted a return to the Champions League after being unveiled as the new Liverpool boss. Hodgson today signed a three-year deal to succeed Rafael Benitez in the Anfield hot-seat and is hoping to get the Merseysiders back in the top four. He said: "This is a very big club, a club with enormous tradition and when the club is sold it will get stronger rather than weaker. "My priority is to try to get the team doing better than last season and get them back into the Champions League spots." (Irish Independent - Press Association)     Del Bosque keeps faith with Torres Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has "full confidence" in striker Fernando Torres ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Paraguay. Torres has not scored in the tournament despite starting all four of Spain's games but Del Bosque will stick with the Liverpool striker on Saturday. "Our striker right now is Fernando Torres," said Del Bosque. "He's played four games, a lot of minutes and will play more. We've got full confidence in him." (BBC Sport Online) "Turkish delight" favours Liverpool switch over Spurs Galatasaray winger Arda Turan has revealed that his priority this summer is to move to Liverpool. The reds announced this morning that Roy Hodgson will take over from outgoing manager Rafa Bentez, with Turan eager to join the new era at Anfield, while Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger are also monitoring developments. (Sport.co.uk)   Hodgson to target four signings Roy Hodgson’s highly anticipated move to Liverpool is accompanied by rumors of a massive spending spree. The man who turned Fulham’s fortunes around is now set to begin a new era at Anfield but rather than leaving all the familiar faces behind, he is rumored to be very interested in keeping at least two of them around. (Premiership Talk)  Hodgson: Liverpool impossible to turn down New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has described his appointment as an opportunity that was "absolutely impossible to turn down". Hodgson was Liverpool's first choice to replace Rafael Benitez after the 62-year-old enjoyed a couple of impressive seasons at Fulham, which culminated in them reaching last season's Europa League final. "I'm extremely proud. The club's tradition in terms of its football and its managers is really second to none and it was an opportunity which was absolutely impossible to turn down," Hodgson told liverpooltv.com (Irish Independent - Press Association)  Barcelona hope £25m enough to land Mascherano Barcelona intend to slap in a bid for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano. The Sun says Barca will launch a £25million bid for Mascherano as soon as Yaya Toure completes his move to Manchester City. (tribalfootball.com)   Liverpool fans plan big protest against American owners Liverpool fans are planning more protests against the club's American owners. While fans are ready to welcome new manager Roy Hodgson, they still oppose the unpopular regime of the American owners, and plans have been drawn up to stage a massive rally on July 4 in Liverpool City centre. Fans' group the Spirit of Shankly has organised the rally to highlight plans for 'independence' from owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, on American Independence day. Spokesman James McKenna said: "As fans grow increasingly angry at the lies and false promises of the owners, we will be talking about how we plan to ensure the club's future. The day is for everyone, of all generations, to come together and hear how we can protect our club and its future." The rally will take place at 12 noon on St George's Hall Plateau and there will be live music from John Power of Cast and the La's, the Icicle Works and Peter Hooton of the Farm. (tribalfootball.com) Gerrard: Roy right man for LFC Steven Gerrard today backed the appointment of Roy Hodgson by declaring: "He's the right man for LFC." (LFC Official Website)   Carra relishing Hodgson era Jamie Carragher is relishing the prospect of working under Roy Hodgson. Carragher told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I'm really looking forward to the opportunity of working with Roy Hodgson as he's got such a great reputation in the game and is one of the most experienced managers in world football." (LFC Official Website)   Thompson: Hodgson can begin new era Phil Thompson believes the appointment of Roy Hodgson as manager will hopefully signal the beginning of a new era at Anfield. Thompson, a European Cup-winning captain with the Reds, now hopes new owners can also be found so the club can move forward after a period of stagnation under co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. "We need the sale of the club sorted to enable us to really go forward," he said. "I just hope it won't be too long before that's done. With a new boss and new owners it really would be the dawn of a new era." (TEAMtalk)   Roy Hodgson confirmed as the new manager of Liverpool FC Liverpool FC have formally announced the appointment of Roy Hodgson as new manager. The 62-year-old former Fulham, Inter Milan and Switzerland manager has agreed terms with the club on a three-year contract and becomes the 18th manager in Anfield history. (Liverpool Echo)   Murphy backs Roy's Reds move Danny Murphy has backed Roy Hodgson as the right man to transform Liverpool's fortunes. Murphy, who is being linked with a move back to Liverpool along with Hodgson, is a big admirer of the 62-year-old's management style and feels he is the right fit for the Reds. "Liverpool need someone who has an understanding of the history and heritage that lies behind the club and what it means in the context of English football," Murphy told the Daily Mirror. "People spoke about Mourinho, but I personally didn't see him as an ideal fit with Liverpool, because right now, they need someone who has an empathy for the club." (Sky Sports)  Is new Liverpool FC boss Roy Hodgson the flavour of the month, or the chosen one? Last November Roy Hodgson laughed off a newspaper article touting him to manage Britain’s 2012 Olympic footballers. “I’m flavour of the month, that’s all,” he joked. “I can think of a more suitable job.” He never suggested what job was more suitable. But Hodgson is now the new Liverpool manager. And the fear amongst some Reds fans is that it’s because those seven-month old words have become a self-fulfilling prophecy, because, to use Hodgson’s own description, he’s “flavour of the month.” If so, Hodgson has been a particularly enduring flavour. (David Prentice - Liverpool Echo)  Hodgson already eyeing handful of transfers for Liverpool Incoming Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has already targeted a handful of players to bring with him to the club. The departing Fulham boss wants to bring players such as Gilberto Silva, Brede Hangeland, Rafael van der Vaart and Danny Murphy to Anfield if and when he lands the top position. (tribalfootball)  Roy Hodgson set for biggest challenge yet at Liverpool FC Once the formalities and pleasantries are out of the way today, Roy Hodgson will embark on the biggest challenge of his 35-year managerial career at Liverpool FC. From taking the reigns at Halmstads aged just 28, to guiding unfashionable Fulham to the Europa League final last year, Hodgson is not averse to overcoming the odds. (David Randles - Daily Post)  This is Anfield and Roy must rebuild it The assertion by ex-Liverpool striker John Aldridge that Roy Hodgson faces the toughest challenge of any incoming Anfield manager since Bill Shankly -- who arrived in 1959 to a club in the bottom half of the old Second Division, with a crumbling stadium, poor training facilities, a sub-standard playing staff recently knocked out of the FA Cup by non-league Worcester City -- sounded like hyperbole. It was actually an understatement. The stadium is intact, though not a place Liverpool want to be as they survey a business plan with projections of extra millions in match-day revenues from a new purpose-built facility. Hodgson's job is to prevent Liverpool sliding down amongst the also-rans for as long as it takes his board to find the financial salvation of a new owner, to build the stadium and provide a transfer budget. (Ian Herbert - Irish Independent)  Aldridge views Hodgson's task as similar to Shankly's Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has warned Roy Hodgson he has a "massive job" on his hands at Anfield. Aldridge believes the extent of the task Hodgson will have to do is akin to what the legendary Bill Shankly was faced with when he rebuilt the club in the 1960s. "He's got a massive job on his hands at Liverpool," said Aldridge. "This is the most important stage in Liverpool's history since Bill Shankly took over with what's happening off the field with the owners and the lack of stability at the club." (The Scotsman)   Liverpool chief Ayre welcomes Standard Chartered era Liverpool commercial chief Ian Ayre is delighted to welcome the club's major sponsor Standard Chartered. It's a new era for Liverpool with Standard Chartered, which was a deal that Ayre personally oversaw. He told liverpoolfc.tv: "When I took up this position I set myself two or three landmark places to get to in a certain amount of time and I'd say this is the first big one achieved. But there's lots more to come. I couldn't imagine a better partner for Liverpool FC going forward. "They mirror all of our aspirations in terms of where they are, they have the right cultural fit and they are an amazing organisation to work with. Everybody in my team who has had the most exposure to them says they are an absolute dream to work with, they're very engaged, very passionate, and they are things which matter most to us." (tribalfootball.com) Thor Zakariassen ©