SUNDAY 27
	Mexico delight for duo Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez helped Argentina reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup after a thrilling 3-1 win over Mexico on Sunday night. Skipper Mascherano played for the full 90 minutes and Maxi enjoyed an 86 minute run-out before cramp forced him off the field. Both Reds stars were impressive and Diego Maradona's side now face Germany in Cape Town next Saturday afternoon. (LFC Official Website) Gerrard predicts new-look England Skipper Steven Gerrard expects there to be changes in the England squad for the Euro 2012 campaign but he has urged Fabio Capello to remain as manager. The chances of the so called 'Golden Generation' to win a major tournament may have ended after England were beaten 4-1 in their World Cup second round match by Germany in Bloemfontein. Gerrard said: "Everyone in the dressing room is hurting, the coaching staff and the players. "We'll go away in the summer and analyse things personally and the team. "We'll have to see what the future holds. We've got an experienced team and players who are getting on. "I'm sure there'll be changes by the time the next tournament comes around." (Press Association Sport) Report: DIC return to negotiating table with Liverpool Dubai International Capital are again in takeover talks with Liverpool. The Sunday Express says while managing director Christian Purslow has been concentrating on finding Rafa Benitez’s successor, chairman Martin Broughton has been focused on attracting buyers to take over from George Gillett and Tom Hicks. (tribalfootball.com) Cambiasso in Mascherano swap? Rafa Benitez could sacrifice Esteban Cambiasso to sign Javier Mascherano, while there’s also interest in Daniel Agger, Lucas and Glen Johnson. According to the Sunday Mirror, Benitez is bringing out the big guns to break down Liverpool’s resistance. The £30m price-tag is too steep for the Nerazzurri, but that figure would be cut down significantly if Cambiasso were offered as part of the deal. (Football Italia) Del Bosque: Torres still dangerous Fernando Torres may not have hit top form in the World Cup yet but Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque insists he remains a major threat. Del Bosque is still pleased with what Torres has contributed to Spain's qualification for the last 16, even it if has not been goals. "What's important is that he's played in the three games and has progressed in his preparation," Del Bosque said. "He's a player who even though he hasn't scored goals he benefits us as someone who makes it hard for opposing defences and who is always a threat to the other team. He's a very dangerous player." (TEAMtalk) Deschamps out of Reds role running Didier Deschamps and Marseille have ruled the former Chelsea midfielder out of the running to become the next manager of Liverpool. Fulham boss Roy Hodgson had looked most likely to take over before Marseille's title-winning coach Deschamps emerged as a strong contender. However, the World Cup winner has now rejected any chance of him joining Liverpool, revealing he is "in discussions" about a contract extension with the French club.. He explained, "I am happy at Marseille. I am not there for just one year. A coach must be there for the long haul, and that is my wish." (TEAMtalk)
	SATURDAY 26
	Kuyt unsure about Liverpool future Dirk Kuyt admits he is unsure about his future at Liverpool. With Rafael Benitez having departed recently and the club yet to unveil his successor, uncertainty reigns at Anfield at the moment. Kuyt is concentrating on Holland’s ongoing World Cup campaign, with a last-16 clash against Slovakia at the forefront of his mind, but was non-committal about his future on Merseyside. “I’m just focusing myself on the World Cup,” he said. “I still have a long-term contract with Liverpool and I’m just focused on the World Cup. What happens at Liverpool, we’ll see.” (Irish Examiner) Marseille reject Liverpool Deschamps approach Speculation has been rife over who will take charge at Anfield since Rafael Benitez left the club at the beginning of the month, with Kenny Dalglish and Roy Hodgson among the current frontrunners. However, Dassier claims Deschamps is the man Liverpool want. "It's true, Liverpool's executive director Christian Purslow called me Thursday morning," Dassier told L'Equipe. "He speaks French very well, is very polite. "I was expecting his call because I had heard of Liverpool's interest in Didier. He asked me if I would allow him to meet Didier and (agent) Jean-Pierre Bernes. "I replied that I would never forbid anyone from meeting whoever. I also kindly indicated to him that there wasn't the slightest chance for him to pinch our coach. Even in his dreams." (ESPN Soccernet)
	FRIDAY 25
	Torres and Spain march on Fernando Torres can look forward to a World Cup last sixteen clash against Portugal next week after Spain sealed qualification from Group H with a 2-1 victory over Chile. (LFC Official Website) Report: Mascherano unlikely to join Inter Inter president Massimo Moratti has said Javier Mascherano is unlikely to arrive from Liverpool. "Mascherano is strong, but it is improbable that he will come. He costs too much and plus it's not said that Liverpool will sell him," he told Rai. (Goal.com) Report: Reds move for keeper Liverpool are reportedly poised to return to Wolves with an improved bid for goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. The Reds are already said to have had a £2million offer for Hennessey rejected by Wolves boss Mick McCarthy but remain keen on the Wales international and would like to sign him as back-up for first-choice Pepe Reina. (Clubcall.com) "I’ll return one day to Liverpool", says Rafa Benitez Rafa Benitez has revealed “everything changed” at Liverpool FC last season and that he will return to the city one day. The Spaniard left Anfield by mutual consent earlier this month after a disappointing campaign in which his team finished seventh in the Premier League and failed to qualify for the Champions League just a year after narrowly missing out on the league title. Benitez always maintained his family were settled in England and has said he intends to keep their home on the Wirral. “I can guarantee one thing,” he finished. “I will not sell my house. It is our home here. “We will come back. I don’t know when, but we will come back for sure.” (Daily Post)  Rafa Benitez and wife Montse offer parting gift to Hoylake Cottage As they prepare to leave for Italy former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and his wife Montse have offered a final donation to the Merseyside care home they have supported since arriving in the city. The couple left a “generous” but unspecified amount to the Hoylake Cottage Day Care Appeal. It is a parting gift from the couple as Montse gives up her voluntary role of chair of Hoylake Cottage’s social events committee. She has helped to galvanise support for a £1.5m appeal for a new day care centre for older people. Now, Montse is house hunting and checking out schools in Milan, as Rafael prepares to take up his new job in charge at Inter Milan FC. Montse Benitez said: “I was very close to my granny who had dementia for 10 years until she died. “She had a nurse at home, but not everyone is so lucky which is why I wanted to help Hoylake Cottage. “I will keep in touch with all the progress and hopefully once the new centre is built, I will come back to join in the celebrations.” (Liverpool Daily Post) Benitez makes donation to Rhys Jones fund Generous former Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez made a “substantial” cash donation to the Rhys Jones Memorial Fund yesterday. He arranged for one of his old coaching staff at Anfield to hand-deliver a cheque to Rhys’ mother Melanie at the West Derby Tesco where she works. Benitez said: “I am doing this on behalf of the people that cannot. “I know that every person on Merseyside would have loved to give the Fund a donation but they are in hard times and can't find the extra cash.” (Liverpool Daily Post) Thor Zakariassen ©