Brazillian linked to Liverpool

Interest is mounting for Brazilian hot property Hernanes who is strongly linked with a move to Italy but has also attracted the interest of a number of Premier League sides. Liverpool are the latest club to be linked with the playmaker in the Brazilian press with claims that Rafa Benitez will step up his chase the talented South American by financing the move with the sale of fringe players Andrea Dossena and Ryan Babel.

The 24-year-old’s full name is Anderson Hernanes de Carvalho Andrade Lime and he currently plies his trade for Sao Paulo. The club currently top the Brazilian top flight a point ahead of rivals Palmeiras with just 4 games left with their season ending in December.

Hernanes has been linked to the likes of AC Milan and Juventus but the Italian clubs have struggled to raise the fee Sao Paulo are demanding. The midfield schemer’s club ridiculed a recent attempt by AC to sign the player with Sao Paulo Technical Director Joao Paulo de Jesus Lopes revealing to Globoesporte’s of the Italian club’s interest in their defender Miranda and Hernanes.

He had this to say, “I need to find how much a crate of bananas is worth, as that is how much they want to give us for both players.

We know that Milan ended the season in the red and not even the £60m from Kaka’s sale to Real Madrid was enough to balance the books.”

The player himself has spoken of his love for Serie A but the financial lure of the Premier League could sway the Brazilian to our shores. Hernanes revealed to the Gazzetta dello Sport,”I’m a player who loves to think on the pitch.”

“I understood that in every player there’s the time to evaluate and do the best things. My best qualities are probably dribbling with the ball and my hard shot.
“The comparison with Pirlo is very good, it definitely pleases me. He’s a complete player, probably the best midfielder in the world.

“I especially watch constantly the matches of Inter and Milan, also because there are many Brazilians. It would be something to be proud of and a pleasure to play in Italy one day.”

Despite his love of Italian football, Hernanes would be at home at Anfield with fellow Brazilians Lucas, Fabio Aurelio and Diego Cavalieri at the club.

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More injury blows for The Reds

Liverpool's chronic fitness problems have continued with the news that both Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun will be sidelined for up to a month due to muscle injuries.

Both players sustained their injuries in Monday night's 2-2 draw with Birmingham City at Anfield - a game that ensured Liverpool have won only once in their past nine games in all competitions.

Injuries have severely hampered Rafael Benitez's attempts to mount a title challenge and, with Fernando Torres out for three weeks due to a hernia problem, the loss of two more key players is another harmful setback.

Benayoun and Riera will miss the upcoming Premier League games against possible top-four rivals Manchester City and neighbours Everton, while their participation in the potentially-crucial final Champions League group fixture against Fiorentina is also in doubt.

"Both Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera have muscle problems and will be out for three to four weeks," Benitez told the club's official website. "It depends on each player, but for Riera this is the second time with this injury.

"We will have to wait and see how they progress but hopefully in three weeks they could be available. We are disappointed because there are too many things at the moment that we can't change. Both players are wingers as well and for them to be out at the same time is bad news for us.

"Daniel Agger felt something in his back after the Birmingham game and didn't go with Denmark after we spoke with their doctor and manager. I think he could be back training again in a few days.

"Glen Johnson's was a strange situation because he finished the game on Monday and then travelled to London to be with England. He felt something in his hamstring and came back to us for a scan. Hopefully it's not too serious and he could be available again in a week.

"With Fernando Torres we are talking about two or three weeks of treatment and working with the physios. I was talking with him this morning and he is doing well. Hopefully he can be running in a few days and we will see how he progresses.

"It was good to have Steven Gerrard back on Monday night. He is feeling okay and should be training fully with the other players we have here in a few days."

Meanwhile, Liverpool defender Daniel Ayala has signed a new contract which ties him to the club until 2012.

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Liverpool target £20 M Carlton cole

West Ham will demand £20million from Liverpool for Carlton Cole.
The Hammers are braced for the Reds to head a number of clubs making their move for the England striker in the January transfer window.

Although boss Gianfranco Zola is desperate to hang on to his star man, the London side are under pressure to sell in the New Year.
They are now owned by Icelandic investment bank Straumur, who have to satisy creditors themselves.

Cole, who signed a new five-year contract last year, is not pressing for a move away as he dreams of making the England squad for next summer's World Cup finals.
Yet, he may have no choice but to move on as the Hammers attempt to bring in any funds they can.
Cole, who turns 26 today, has emerged as one of the Barclays Premier League top strikers after reigniting his career under former Chelsea team-mate Zola.
The Italian could also face bids for his other big names, notably Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Valon Behrami.

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Kaka is a huge fan of Gerrard

Real Madrid star Kaka has revealed his admiration for Steven Gerrard – claiming the Liverpool captain has the 'heart of a lion.'

The duo have gone head-to-head in two Champions League finals in recent years, and Kaka admits the Reds' No.8 has left a lasting impression.

"England have always had individually strong players and I am a huge fan of Stevie Gerrard," said the Brazil midfielder.

"He has the heart of a lion and is the icon of the modern footballer with his ability to attack and defend so well."

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Crouchy would love to see Liverpool win the League

Tottenham striker Peter Crouch still holds his former club Liverpool in the highest regard, so much so that he would like to see them win the Premier league this season. The England international spent three years at Anfield prior to being sold to Portsmouth, but he suggested they remain the most enjoyable years of his career thus far.

Crouch told Sky Sports News: “I found it difficult to score in the first part of my time there (at Liverpool) and the fans were fantastic to me.”

“I went on to score a good amount of goals and had the best years of my career.”

“I'd love to see them win the league.”

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Torres on three week rehabilitation

RAFA BENITEZ has confirmed star striker Fernando Torres has started a three-week rehabilitation programme to avert the threat of groin surgery.

The Spanish international sat out Monday night’s 2-2 draw with Birmingham City after telling Benitez he did not feel confident enough to play another game on the injury.

Torres has battled through the pain barrier against Manchester United, Fulham and Lyon but he was not risked at Anfield, as the Reds surprisingly dropped two points.

He visited a specialist in Valencia last week for a second opinion on his sportsman’s groin and it was suggested that Torres needed three weeks rest from football.

That period has now started but even though Liverpool face several difficult fixtures at the end of November, Benitez is refusing to say when ‘El Nino’ will return.

"Torres was not confident and we have now started a three-week course of treatment," he said. "We will have to see how he reacts. We are not considering an operation yet."

Liverpool return to action after the international break when they host Manchester City on November 21 and then play Debrecen in the Champions League three days later.

Torres has been spared a trip to Spain to play in his country’s international friendly against Argentina and will continue to work with Liverpool’s medical staff.

"I don’t know if he will be ready for Manchester City," Benitez said. "The only thing I can say is we’re talking about two or three weeks working with the physios. We haven’t got a deadline, we just need to see how he is every day."

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Johnson confident of turning around things

Glen Johnson is confident Liverpool can turn around their "awful" run of form despite Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera adding to the club's injury problems.

With Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres both struggling for fitness in recent weeks, Liverpool have won only one of their last nine games and they needed a highly controversial penalty to secure a 2-2 draw at home to Birmingham on Monday.

The match also saw Benayoun and Riera both ruled out for at least three weeks with hamstring injuries, while Daniel Agger has suffered a slight recurrence of a back problem. The extra absentees will increase the pressure on Liverpool as they trail Premier League leaders Chelsea by 11 points and look set to exit the Champions League at the group stage.

However, Johnson, who has just returned from groin and calf injuries, feels they can still turn their run of form around despite their problems.

"The record sounds awful and it is awful for a club like Liverpool, but things like this happen in football," he said. "You stick together and keep fighting. We have seen in the league that everyone can beat everyone.

"If someone had told you at the start of the season that we'd win one in nine, you'd have laughed your head off. We will just look to get as many points as we can as quickly as possible then have a look at the end of the season and see where we are.

"Unfortunately, we have picked up a couple more injuries but the sooner we get the lads back together the better it will be for everyone. I am one of the worst when it comes to being injured. I can barely watch when that happens and all you want to do is help out.

"You just have to listen to your body. I have had a problem with my groin and torn my calf. It has been very frustrating but now I am looking to get going properly."

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Benitez fears title race over

Rafael Benitez is now looking at targets this season other than the Premiership title.

Liverpool are 11 points behind leaders Chelsea following Monday night's 2-2 home draw with Birmingham.

Benitez's side have won only one of their last nine matches in all competitions, and just one of their last five in the Barclays Premier League.

A more realistic target now is to retain their place in the top four and achieve Champions League qualification for next season.

Benitez said after the draw with the midlanders: "We have to be realistic and think what our target is now. For me it is just the next game, the next point to see whether we can climb a little higher in the table.

"Then you never know what can happen. We did win six games in a row, if we did that again everything would be different.

"The main thing now is to get players fit, and see who we have available for the next game after the international break.

"We will then wait for some months to pass and see whether we can win some games in succession. That is all I am looking at now."

Benitez has always talked of the big clubs losing more matches this season, which would allow Liverpool to keep in contact despite their nightmare form.

The Spaniard added: "People keep discussing our bad run, but previously we won six on the trot and we have beaten Manchester United.

"It is a question of keeping going. I would be really worried if we were not playing well and not winning. But I can see that we are beginning to play better, it is a question of luck now.

"Maybe people think that I am angry about all this. But when I see the players working so hard, trying to change our situation, there is nothing more to say to them, they are doing all they can.

"This is the only way to change our situation. To keep working hard and play well, and I believe we did play well against Birmingham."

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Benitez shows faith in the team

Rafael Benitez believes his players are angry at the way Liverpool's season has gone, and want to put things right.

Liverpool are desperately searching for a win to re-ignite their season after a spell of just one victory in eight matches in all competitions and will get a chance when they face Birmingham at Anfield in Monday's crucial Premier League encounter.

And Benitez revealed he fully understands the frustrations expressed by Jose Reina after last week's 1-1 draw in Lyon, when the Spanish shot-stopper said it was a disgrace the club were struggling to qualify for the Champions League last 16.

"Everyone here, every fan, every player, wants to see the team doing better," Benitez said. "I have confidence we will improve. Winning a couple of games in a row will boost everyone's confidence.

"Pepe Reina has been very disappointed with what has happened in the Champions League, and said so. But he has a very positive mentality, we both agree.

Benitez admitted a series of injury problems have meant his side have struggled to get out of their current rut but believes a return to fitness for some players has lifted the squad.

"We are not stupid, we know we can improve," Benitez said. "But we have trained well since we returned from Lyon with Fabio Aurelio, Glen Johnson and Albert Riera all back and working. I could see the difference in the mood of the squad.''

"They want to play, to be ready and to help in the situation we are in. People have been angry, and they want to change our position. It is all about getting a good win. And when your backs are against the wall, you play better and fight better.

"We now must show confidence in our team, our staff, and work harder. The finances are being questioned. But I am assured that we did not budget for a last 16 place this season, only to reach the group stages.

"The problem will come next season if we cannot arrest this situation. But the commercial department is earning us more money and the position of the club is very healthy.

"But if we do get into the top four it will be easier. But we are not desperate, I can guarantee we are in a good position and will be in a better position.''

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Aquilani finally to make his Anfield Debut

Liverpool's fans will finally get the chance to welcome £20 million Alberto Aquilani to Anfield on Monday.

The Italy international, signed in August, has been recovering from a knee operation since. Now, having also overcome a recent virus problem, the 25-year-old seems certain to make his Premier League debut for the club against Birmingham.

The fans have waited so long to see the man bought to replace Xabi Alonso, so he can expect a hero's reception. Certainly his appearance in the squad will give Liverpool's worried support something to cheer with fitness doubts surrounding Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.

Manager Rafael Benitez looks likely to name Aquilani on the bench, and give him the opportunity of a cameo appearance in the second half.

Benitez said: "It could be the time to let the Anfield fans see Aquilani at last. He has been getting fitter and had a short spell in a reserve game and then a few minutes at Arsenal in the Carling Cup.

"We had him with us in Lyon last week and I did want to bring him on. But Lucas and Javier Mascherano were controlling the game. So we waited a bit, we did not want to change they way the side were playing, even though he could have come on. Then we scored and there was no need to use him, it was just a shame we conceded so late.

"He was almost over the virus and he will certainly be much better on Monday. He has trained well. He does not have match fitness, but the only way to improve that is to play him in games.

"We have more players available now, so maybe he can be on the bench and then come on to change the game if necessary. He will certainly be involved.''

Torres has the better chance of being involved against the Midlanders as he struggles with a groin problem.

Gerrard has barely trained for a fortnight, but Benitez was pleased with his involvement in a training session yesterday and his chances of facing Birmingham improved.

Fabio Aurelio, Martin Skrtel and Albert Riera are also likely to return from injuries. Glen Johnson has also improved his after training this weekend, but he and Martin Kelly are still struggling.

Benitez at least needs Torres on the pitch for a game Liverpool must win to keep themselves in contention for a top four place.

He said: "We hope to be able to keep going with Fernando. Maybe he can be available for Birmingham, we will see how it goes. It was a risk to play him against Manchester United, but he scored a fantastic goal and everyone was saying what a massive difference he makes.

"He played, and scored, at Fulham and I was criticised by a lot of 'experts' because he was taken off in the second half. They can see that he has a problem, but the same thing happened in Lyon when I took him off.

"You cannot win. It does not matter what you do, someone will always criticise you. It is too easy. Fernando will play if he continues to have less pain than before. Does he need an operation? Nobody really knows, we'll wait and see.

"I have had many players with this problem under my management over the years. They carried on, and sometimes you can play for the whole season with such a problem.

"But I have been surprised at what some critics have said about Torres' involvement. People who have played football for years seem not to understand that the manager has more information.

"So when they are on TV, they just talk and they do not really know the situation. I have enough experience to cope. I understand how our club is treated by the pundits in England, and the things that critics say and why.

"Hopefully people who do understand the game will know how difficult it is to manage a team like ours. I hope they can be more respectful and know we are trying to do our job here in a difficult situation.

"We have a lot of confidence in our team, our squad, our staff and especially our fans to understand what we are doing.''

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