WEDNESDAY 27
	Agent: No Juve bid for Kuyt Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt knows nothing about a possible move to Juventus, his agent Robert Jansen has claimed. Reds manager Rafa Benitez has recently been tipped to take over at Juve with current boss Ciro Ferrera severely under pressure after a number of lacklustre displays. The reports have sparked rumours over which players could join the Spaniard if he moves to Italy and Kuyt has seen his name linked with the Serie A club. However the forward, who Benitez bought for £9million from Feyenoord in summer 2006, is happy at Anfield, according to Jansen. "I know nothing of Juventus' interest," he told Calciomercato.it. "No-one has contacted us at the moment. He is now happy at Liverpool where he has two more years of his contract left." With Benitez refusing to rule out a switch to Serie A after his side's 0-0 draw with Wolves on Tuesday, Jansen took a similar stance with Kuyt. "The relationship with Benitez is excellent," he added. "If Dirk could follow Rafa when he becomes the next coach of Juventus? I don't know. I cannot answer these questions now." (Football 365) Reds reject Yossi rumours Liverpool have moved swiftly to deny reports that Yossi Benayoun is on the verge of joining Dynamo Moscow. Dynamo claimed on Wednesday that the Reds midfielder had agreed terms and was poised to join the Russian outfit before the close of the January transfer window. The suggestion came from the club's sporting director Konstantin Sarsania, who also insisted the Israel captain's move was at an advanced stage on a deal worth around £7million. "It is true that we have come to an agreement with the player's agent," said Sarsania, who has seen Dynamo already raid Anfield in the transfer window to bring out-of-favour striker Andriy Voronin to Russia. "In the next two days, Liverpool will make their own decision." But the Reds have wasted little time in giving their response to the Dynamo director's comments and have made it crystal clear the 29-year-old is going nowhere. "The player is not for sale, it's as simple as that," said a club spokesman on Liverpool's offical website. Benayoun, who is currently enduring a spell on the sidelines after fracturing a rib in Liverpool's untimely FA Cup exit to Reading earlier in the month, has been a key performer for the Reds over the last 18 months and has three years left to run on his current deal. (Sky Sports) Juventus want Kuyt to follow Liverpool boss Benitez Juventus want not only Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez - but also Dutch attacker Dirk Kuyt. Tuttosport says Juventus were interested in signing Kuyt before he joined Liverpool in 2006 and there have been discussions over the player during transfer negotiations over Momo Sissoko and Xabi Alonso . (tribalfootball.com)  Bruce weighs up move for Liverpool's Babel Sunderland are considering a move for Liverpool striker Ryan Babel as the Black Cats look to strengthen up front before the January transfer window closes. Steve Bruce is pondering whether to make a move for the Anfield misfit as he weighs up all his options ahead of the window shutting on Monday, having been thwarted already in hopes of signing Schalke 04's Kevin Kuranyi or Club America's Salvador Cabanas. And the Black Cats are fully aware that Liverpool would let the Dutch international go if the right deal could be struck. (Sunderland Echo) Dominic King on a night of frustration for the Reds Lonely Planet, the travellers’ bible, recently published a list of the cities they deem to be the worst in the world. Along with places such as Los Angeles, Seoul and Accra, Wolverhampton was plonked in at number five; in other words, it’s a place they say you should avoid at all costs. Rafa Benitez and his Liverpool players will know exactly why today. Befitting the miserable metropolis they ventured to last night, the Reds rustled up a charmless performance, much to the consternation of those who witnessed it; just when you think a corner has been turned, another dead end appears. There can be no complaints that Liverpool left with just a point to show for their ‘efforts’ nor can there be any feelings they were hard done by; for all the talent they had on the pitch, rarely did they threaten to impose their quality on the game. (Dominic King - Liverpool Echo) Benitez silent on Juve switch talk Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is remaining tight-lipped over reports linking him with a shock switch to Italian giants Juventus. Following the goalless draw at Wolves, Benitez refused to comment on speculation suggesting Juve are about to sack coach Ciro Ferrara. Benitez, when asked about the Juventus link, said: "I prefer to talk about the game. Is the speculation a distraction? I was really focused today on trying to do the right things and to try and win this game. "Is being linked with Juventus flattering? I prefer to concentrate on the game." (TEAMtalk)
	TUESDAY 26
	Gerrard: We'll keep fighting Steven Gerrard has spoken of his delight at being back in action - and insisted Liverpool have turned the corner in their battle to claim a top four place. The Liverpool skipper completed all 90 minutes of the Reds' goalless draw at Wolves on Tuesday night as Rafael Benitez's side moved into fifth place in the league table. Although not the victory the Reds craved in the Midlands, Gerrard believes there were enough encouraging signs over the course of the match to suggest the team are heading in the right direction. "It was a frustrating and difficult game tonight," he said. "Wolves defended well and the pitch was difficult to string passes together on. "We're happy with how we defended as a team and that's four or five games undefeated for us now. We're a more difficult team to beat at the moment. Earlier in the season we'd have lost this game 1-0 but we've turned the corner now." (LFC Official Website)  Rafa finds positives in draw Rafa Benitez treated Liverpool's goalless draw with Wolves as a positive result despite falling off the pace for a UEFA Champions League berth. The Reds had the chance to return to the top four for the first time since September providing results went their way ahead of their clash against relegation-battling Wanderers on Tuesday night. But even with the return of fit-again talisman Steven Gerrard, the Merseysiders' toothless display saw maximum points elude them and leave them trailing Tottenham by three points in the race for fourth place. "I think it was a tough game in the first half," admitted Benitez to Sky Sports. "We were more in control in the second half, they were pushing (for a goal). It was a tough game for both (sides) and maybe the result is fair." (Sky Sports)  Wolves hinder Reds' charge Liverpool's quest for a top-four finish hit a stumbling block as Wolves claimed a precious point in their survival bid in a scrappy goalless draw at Molineux on Tuesday night. The Reds were looking to close in on a UEFA Champions League position with maximum points against a side who had lost their last three matches and failed to score in as many games. Rafa Benitez, whose agent has played down reports linking the Spaniard with a move to Juventus, named an attacking line-up with talismanic skipper Steven Gerrard back in the line-up after overcoming a hamstring injury while recent signing Maxi Rodriguez made his full debut on a cold night in the West Midlands. (Sky Sports)   Maxi and Gerrard face Wolves Maxi Rodriguez makes his first start and Steven Gerrard returns to the starting XI for tonight's Barclays Premier League encounter at Wolves. The Reds skipper has recovered from the hamstring injury that he sustained in the FA Cup defeat at home to Reading, and is one of two changes to the line-up that saw off Spurs last time out. Our number eight replaces Alberto Aquilani while Maxi comes in for Philipp Degen. Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Insua, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Mascherano, Lucas, Gerrard, Riera, Maxi, Kuyt. Subs: Cavalieri, Aquilani, Babel, Ngog, Degen, Darby, Pacheco. (LFC Official Website) Bruce: Reds talk unsettled Jones Star striker Kenwyne Jones has been unsettled by talk of a January move to Liverpool, Sunderland manager Steve Bruce admitted on Tuesday. The Trinidad and Tobago hitman has been linked with a loan move to Anfield, something Reds boss Rafael Benitez played down on Monday. But Bruce conceded the former Southampton frontman did not look himself in last weekend's FA Cup loss at Portsmouth. "It certainly has unsettled him," said Bruce. "His performance on Saturday reiterated that - and that's my fear. "With all the speculation and nonsense that is surrounding him, he has had his head turned by a ludicrous notion that we are going to let him out on loan." The player has netted just one goal in Sunderland's last 11 matches and Bruce admitted: "On Saturday it looked as if it (the speculation) had affected him. " (TEAMtalk) Benitez's link to Juventus denied Rafael Benitez's agent insists the Liverpool boss is staying at Anfield, despite speculation linking him with a move to Serie A side Juventus. Current manager Ciro Ferrara is under pressure because of Juve's poor form. However, Benitez's agent Manuel Garcia Quilon said: "I have had no contact with Juventus or with any other Italian club regarding an interest on Rafa." Benitez signed a new deal in March 2009 that could keep him at the Merseyside club until 2014. His agent added: "There have been rumours linking Rafa to Juve, just as there have been reports linking Guus Hiddink to Juve. "They are all media speculation and there is no truth in it. Rafa has a four-year contract with Liverpool." (BBC Sport Online)     Steven Gerrard waxwork to appear in Madame Tussauds Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard has been transferred to an exclusive London club - for just £150,000! But before Reds fans worry too much, it is only his waxwork which will be moving to the capital at Madame Tussauds museum. Gerrard will appear in the interactive Sports Zone in his Liverpool kit and boots which he donated. He said: "It is an absolute thrill to have my own wax figure at Madame Tussauds." The wax model has been worked on since October last year when sculptors met Gerrard at Liverpool's Melwood training ground. During the sitting, the team took over 300 precise measurements and a catalogue of reference photographs to work with. The figure is nearly ready at a cost of £150,000. "We’re delighted to be welcoming Steven Gerrard to the attraction in this World Cup year", commented Liz Edwards, PR Manager. "He will join his England team-mates David Beckham and Wayne Rooney in our Sports Zone and guests will be able to test their own footballing skills with a "shoot out" challenge over half term". As well as his fellow footballers, Gerrard will join an all star sporting cast of greats from past and present in Madame Tussauds’ Sports Zone - from Lewis Hamilton to Sachin Tendulkar, Mohammed Ali to Jesse Owens. (Liverpool Echo) Benitez looking to seal Reina deal Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has revealed that talks are ongoing with Pepe Reina and his agent over the Spanish goalkeeper signing a new deal at the club. After more world class performances in the Reds goal this season, Benitez is eager to get a deal drawn up to extend Reina’s stay at Anfield. Reina, who moved to Merseyside in the summer of 2005 still has two and a half years to run on his current contract, which he signed in 2007. Benitez told the club’s official web site, “We have had conversations with his agent and he knows our idea. We also know his idea. “The conversations will continue and I think it will be easy to finalise and have an agreement. “His mentality is really good and we are really happy with him. In a top side you have to be a good goalkeeper for 90 minutes. “He has a great character and he is always pushing his teammates. He is a leader on the pitch too.” In November, Reina told of his desire to sign a contract extension. He said, “Rafa Benitez is building something special here. He proved that when he came here – the club was one thing and now it’s something totally different. We have grown up and we can still grow up a little bit more.” (This is Anfield) Benitez: Gerrard committed to Reds Liverpool gaffer Rafa Benitez is certain talismanic captain Steven Gerrard will not quit Anfield in the wake of the club's troubled season. Rumours have implied that the Reds' inspirational skipper is ready to walk away from his hometown club in the summer following their faltering campaign. Liverpool have crashed out of the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup, and they are battling to finish fourth in the Premier League. But Benitez, who is preparing his side for Tuesday's trip to Wolves, is confident Gerrard remains 100 per cent focused ahead of his possible return from injury at Molineux. "I don't have any doubt at all about Gerrard's commitment - and nobody at this club has," Liverpool's manager said in the Daily Mirror. "Yes, he can maybe play better or he can play worse, but he will always try, that is absolutely guaranteed. "People have talked about his form, but the consistency of form is something you can only find when you train every week and have training sessions in a row. "If you are injured and have to start again, and injured and have to start again, then it's difficult for any player to show his best, be it Gerrard, (Fernando) Torres, (Yossi) Benayoun or whoever." (TEAMtalk)
	MONDAY 25
	Rafa dampens down Jones row Rafa Benitez has played down claims by Sunderland boss Steve Bruce that Liverpool have been "disrespectful" in their bid to sign Kenwyne Jones. Bruce said last week that the Reds had tried to unsettle the Trinidad and Tobago international, whom Benitez is believed to want to sign on loan to cover for a six-week lay-off to striker Fernando Torres. Benitez on Monday insisted he had not been involved at all in any negotiations and was concentrating on football matters. "I was not dealing with this," said the Liverpool boss. "(Managing director) Christian Purslow has been talking with (Sunderland chairman) Niall Quinn so they have to manage the situation because I was not doing anything. "I prefer not to talk too much because we will create a debate so Christian and Niall will continue to talk if they need to talk. "They were in contact but I don't know what the situation is now." On Friday, Bruce said: "I find it hugely disrespectful, the antics of Liverpool and this constant badgering of Kenwyne Jones, when we as a club haven't heard anything. "I don't know whether they are serious or whether Rafa is playing games with his board. It might be power games at Liverpool." (TEAMtalk) Reds receive Gerrard boost Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard looks set to be available for Tuesday's Premier League clash with Wolves. The midfielder suffered a hamstring problem in the FA Cup third round replay defeat to Reading earlier this month and was ruled out for a fortnight. Manager Rafa Benitez is hopeful his talismanic skipper will be fit but will wait until just before kick-off before making a final decision. (Sky Sports) Rafa hails 'right-back' Dirk Rafa Benitez today heaped praise on Dirk Kuyt for his role in getting Liverpool back to winning ways - and revealed how the Dutchman offered to play at right-back amid the club's injury crisis. Kuyt was the two-goal hero as Liverpool beat top-four rivals Tottenham last week and was the subject of several questions as the gaffer gave his pre-Wolves press conference on Monday. "He has a fantastic mentality," Benitez told reporters. "We talk about him being a striker who has played on the right because we needed it. He can also play as a second striker. "He is a player that every manager would want in their team. You can play him or not but he's always available, always ready and always helping the team." (LFC Official Website)  Liverpool confirm Plessis interest Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed that an unnamed Italian club has shown an interest in Damien Plessis. Plessis' career has stalled at Anfield since he made a handful of appearances after breaking into the first team in 2007/08 and Benitez has indicated that he is willing to negotiate. The Liverpool boss told his club's official website: "Plessis is a young player who isn't playing games. We were considering a loan but we're talking to the player and his agent. "We had an Italian team asking about him and we'll see if we can find a solution that is best for him and for us." (Sporting Life) Fixtures changed for live TV Liverpool have announced four fixture changes rescheduled for live television coverage during March. The trip to Wigan Athletic has been changed from Saturday, March 6, to Monday, March 8. The game will be shown live on ESPN and kick-off at 8pm. Supporters should note this fixture may be re-scheduled should Wigan be involved in an FA Cup quarter-final. Our Anfield meeting with Portsmouth has been changed from Saturday, March 13 to Monday, March 15. The game will be shown live on ESPN and kick-off at 8pm. Again, supporters should note this fixture may be rescheduled should Portsmouth be involved in the FA Cup quarter-final. Our trip to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United has been switched from Saturday, March 20 to Sunday, March 21. Kick-off will be at 1.30pm and be shown live on Sky Sports. Our Anfield meeting with Sunderland has been move forward 24 hours to Sunday, March 28. Kick-off will be at 4pm and be shown live on Sky Sports. (LFC Official Website) Liverpool FC offer Jovanovic a move to Anfield Liverpool have offered Milan Jovanovic the opportunity to move to Anfield at the end of the season. The Standard Liege striker is out of contract this summer and the Reds have put together a package that would see Jovanovic sign a three-year deal. Jovanovic is high on Rafa Benitez’s wanted list and it is understood the Serbian international would jump at the chance to play for Liverpool. However, Jovanovic – who is a target for a number of Europe’s top clubs, including AC Milan – is seeking some assurances before he makes his next move. (Liverpool Echo)  Big Sami backs Rafa With Liverpool’s poor form in the first half of the season prompting some critics and media vultures to call for Rafa Benitez to resign as manager, ex Reds player Sami Hyypia has spoken out in support of his former boss. Hyypia said: “Should Benitez quit as Liverpool manager? Absolutely not, he has done a great job there so why should he? He hasn’t had the money of Manchester United and Chelsea, but he has still been successful. “Look how much Chelsea have spent to try and win the Champions League. Rafa won the Champions League in his first season in charge, then got to another final with nowhere near the budget of Chelsea.” The former Reds captain is also confident Liverpool will finish the season in the top four and believes their experience will be the telling factor in seeing them finish ahead of their rivals. ”I am sure that Liverpool will finish in the top four,” he added. “Manchester City and Spurs have put together great squads, but when the pressure is on in the last 10 games of the season, experience starts to show. “Most of those Liverpool lads know what it is like to play under pressure, and that for me is why they will finish the season in the top four. “Rafa is an excellent man-manager and during all my time at Liverpool everybody liked him and everybody respected him. “Players don’t stick up for their gaffer if you are not a good man-manager. “It would be easy for the players to blame the manager, but they are taking responsibility and sticking up for their boss – and that’s a rare thing now.” (This is Anfield) Thor Zakariassen ©