Liverpool

Bolton complete signing of Diouf
Liverpool forward El-Hadji Diouf has joined Bolton on a four-year deal after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee. The 24-year-old Senegal international scored nine goals during a season-long loan spell with Wanderers in 2004/5, helping them qualify for the Uefa Cup. "He has all the skills to become one of our most significant signings in the modern era," boss Sam Allardyce said. "Last season he was a revelation. We will give him the platform he needs to become one of Europe's top strikers." Former African player of the year Diouf joined Liverpool from Lens for £11m after the 2002 World Cup, but failed to make an impact at Anfield. But he rediscovered his best form at the Reebok Stadium and ended up as their top scorer last season. The attacker has been dogged by controversy at both Liverpool and Swindon - twice running into trouble for spitting at fans - but Allardyce believes he can put that behind him. Allardyce added: "He has had a turbulent last few years but now he can take all that pressure off his shoulders and concentrate on playing football at the highest level." Diouf told Bolton's website: "Sam Allardyce is the best manager I've ever worked with. He makes you feel important and most of all lets you play football without worrying about anything else. "Last season was my best spell for nearly five years and gave me an understanding that my career was going nowhere at Liverpool. "The Bolton fans have made me welcome and are always chanting my name. "As a player that makes you feel so proud and all you want to do is play to your best and not let the fans down - they mean a lot to me."

Benitez low key on Figo transfer
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has played down reports of moves for Real Madrid trio Luis Figo, Raul and Guti. Figo is the latest to linked with Liverpool, with Bolton and Qatari club Al Rayyan also showing an interest. But Benitez told El Mundo Deportivo: "There are many people at Real Madrid that we are aware of, but we really know our limitations. "There are players that cannot leave and there are others we do not want, but the press link them to us. Qatar has emerged as one of several possible destinations for Figo, who has been told he can leave the Spanish giants. Fernando Hierro, one of the 32-year-old former Portugal captain's former Real team-mates, is at Al Rayyan. "We know about Liverpool's offer but we are able to offer much more money," said Al Rayyan president Ali Al Moaimi. If Figo, who has one year left on his Real contract, joined Bolton it would be a huge boost ahead of their first appearance in Europe. Figo's former Madrid team-mates Hierro and Ivan Campo have both made the trip from the Bernebeu to Bolton in recent years. But Allardyce has admitted: "It's flattering to be linked with one of the world's greatest players. In all honesty, it would be very difficult to afford a player of Figo's calibre."

Reds forced to cancel Japan tour
Liverpool have cancelled their pre-season tour to Japan, so they can defend their Champions League crown. The Reds did not qualify for the competition after finishing fifth in the Premiership but Uefa has allowed them in as the European Cup holders. But Liverpool will have to start out at the first round qualifying stage which starts on 12/13 July. Reds chief executive Rick Parry said: "We've explored ways to fulfil our commitment but had to cancel." The Anfield club were due to play against the J-League's Shimizu S-Pulse on 27 July and Kashima on 30 July. Parry added: "We would like to express our sincere regret to all Japanese fans who would have enjoyed seeing the matches. We look forward to being able to visit Japan as soon as possible."

Liverpool set for Gerrard talks
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry is to hold contract talks with midfielder Steven Gerrard when the 25-year-old's agent returns from a holiday next week. The Reds captain has two years left on his current deal and Parry says there is no "higher priority" at Anfield than securing him on a long-term basis. "The priority is to keep Steven and build a winning team around him," Parry told BBC Radio Five Live. "As long as he wants to stay, we want to keep him." Gerrard helped Liverpool win the Champions League trophy in May but there has been speculation about his future with him being linked to Chelsea and Real Madrid. The player is unlikely to figure in Liverpool's upcoming Champions League first round, first leg qualifying round match on 12/13 July unless a deal is agreed as his appearance may decrease the transfer fee should he move on. But Parry said: "There's a common aim to get things sorted, we want him to stay and hope Steven wants to stay. "All being well it will be sorted quickly, there is certainly no panic. "The issue for Steven was he wanted to win trophies with us and wanted to be successful. But the key was he wanted to be successful with us. "There's a will on both sides but we're not going to negotiate in public, it will happen when it happens in our timescale. "It is another hugely important task. There is no higher priority for us than to secure Steven's future." Gerrard recently said he would be holding talks at the end of June and beginning of July. "The ball is in Liverpool's court now. I'm ready to talk and am waiting for them to give me the nod," the England international said recently. There has been plenty of speculation surrounding Gerrard but he has insisted he would like to stay at Anfield. "Of course, yes, I've still got two years left. We haven't spoken about a new contract yet and I don't know how long those talks will go on for," he said. "But the sooner they start the better because I want my future sorted before the start of the season." He added: "The European Cup has gone now. We've got to be just as hungry. We won the big one but it is important we forget about that and move on and try to do better in the Premiership."

Coventry move interests Partridge
Coventry are leading the race to sign 24-year-old former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland Under-21 midfielder Richie Partidge. Partridge scored four goals in 31 appearances while on loan at Highfield Road between September 2002 and April 2003 after being released by Liverpool. "Coventry, Norwich and Leeds are interested in me and if I had the choice, it would be Coventry," he said. "I really enjoyed it there when I had a season-long loan."

Pellegrino released by Liverpool
Argentina defender Mauricio Pellegrino has been released by Liverpool. The 33-year-old moved to Anfield from Spanish side Valencia on a short-term contract in January, rejoining his former manager Rafael Benitez. Pellegrino played 12 times for Liverpool, making his last appearance coming against Aston Villa on the final day of the season. The defender was not in the squad for Liverpool's Champions League victory over AC Milan. But he played in the Champions League final for Valencia in 2000 and 2001. The Argentine also played in the Spanish title-winning sides of 2002 and 2004, and last year's Uefa Cup final win over Marseille under Benitez.

Guti eyes up Premiership switch
Real Madrid's Guti has revealed he wants to play in the Premiership. The 28-year-old has been linked with Liverpool, and has been pictured in English newspapers shaking hands with Steven Gerrard on a beach in Ibiza. He said: "There is nothing concrete, but I have always said that if I left Madrid, I would like to play in England. The English league is ideal." He added: "I would be willing to go if the move benefited the club. I feel that I could play in another league." Guti added: "I have a contract with Madrid until 2008 but it is true that I hope to start a new period in my career and open the way in another team." Guti has been linked with Juventus and AC Milan as well as Liverpool and also Arsenal. "I am proud that clubs like that, all of them big clubs, could be thinking about me," he said. "They have great squads and coaches and are capable of doing important things. It would be very interesting to play for any of them. "I have spoken to Emilio Butragueno and Arrigo Sacchi at Madrid. They know how I feel and what I want and know we have to look for a solution that is for the good of all of us."

Baros wants to stay at Liverpool
Milan Baros has rejected an approach from French champions Lyon and insists he wants to stay at Liverpool. The 23-year-old Czech Republic striker had been expected to leave Liverpool, despite their Champions League win. Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier, newly-appointed at Lyon, was interested in an £8m deal for Baros. But Baros' representative Dalibor Lacina said: "Milan's decision has been made easier by the fact that Liverpool are playing in the Champions League." He added: "This is not a decision against Lyon - this is a decision for Liverpool." Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez may yet have final say, however, as he chases Southampton's Peter Crouch and Feyenoord's Dirk Kuijt. Baros was critical of Benitez on occasions last season, and could be surplus to requirements.

Liverpool seeded for qualifiers
Holders Liverpool are seeded in the first qualifying round of this season's Champions League, Uefa has revealed. Liverpool were granted entry into the competition after their dramatic win against AC Milan, despite finishing only fifth in the Premiership. They could now face Welsh minnows Total Network Solutions or Glentoran of Northern Ireland in the qualifiers, which start on 12 and 13 July. The draw is made on Friday, and Celtic enter in the second qualifying stage. Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick, meanwhile, has praised Uefa for giving Liverpool special dispensation to go back into the competition after their win. Liverpool were reportedly unhappy at being forced to play in the first round qualifiers and have had to cancel a lucrative tour to Japan. But Barwick said: "The theory that Uefa would get to a situation where Liverpool wouldn't be allowed back in it was, for us, untenable. "I thought Uefa did a fantastic job. Liverpool start where they start. They just have more matches to go before they win it."

Liverpool transfer Diarra to Lens
France international midfielder Alou Diarra has joined Racing Lens from Liverpool on a four-year contract. Diarra, 23, spent last season on loan at Lens, who have now taken up the option of signing him for £1.98m. The midfielder, who last played for France in March, was signed by former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier in 2002. The midfielder never played for Liverpool, spending a season on loan at Le Havre and Bastia before moving to Lens, where he played 34 games.

Dudek keen to stay with Liverpool
Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek has no plans to quit the club - even if boss Rafael Benitez signs a new goalkeeper. Dudek's heroics helped Liverpool beat AC Milan in the Champions League final but Benitez is reportedly keen to sign Villarreal keeper Jose Reina. Dudek said: "I have got a contract with Liverpool for another two years. "I accept there is competiton for my place but I want to stay at Anfield. I want to wear the number one shirt and help Liverpool win the Premiership." Reina has been linked with a £8m move to the Champions League winners for the past two months. The Spanish goalkeeper, whose performances helped Villarreal reach the semi-finals of the Uefa Cup in 2004, signed an eight-year contract with the Valencian outfit last summer. And Liverpool boss Benitez has confirmed that Reina is one of his transfer targets. "There are various keepers we have been following. Reina is one of them. We are near but it's still to be confirmed," Benitez told Spanish news agency Efe. Benitez has until 6 July to sign players who are eligible to take part in the first qualifying round of the Champions League.

Barragan set for Liverpool move
Sevilla full-back Antonio Barragan looks likely to move to Liverpool. The 18-year-old has yet to play for the Uefa Cup qualifiers but is said to have caught Rafael Benitez's eye with his performances at youth level in Spain. "He has been negotiating with them for the past six months," confirmed Sevilla sporting director Ramon Rodriguez after Barragan rejected professional terms. "We tried to keep him but he has freely chosen another route. We have looked after him but he has decided to leave." Benitez has lured a host of Spaniards to Anfield since moving to Liverpool and Barragan will add competition at right-back for present first-team members Steve Finnan and Josemi. "The Fifa rules regarding young players who do not have professional contracts have favoured us on many occasions and this time it is Liverpool who have taken advantage of them to take the player," Rodriguez added.

Liverpool happy with TNS pairing
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry admitted the Champions League qualifier draw with Total Network Solutions was the perfect draw for the holders. Parry said after they were paired with the Welsh minnows: "It is not too far to travel, it could not be better in that respect. It's got romance as well. "We didn't want to be travelling to the far reaches of Europe or the borders of Asia. Logistically it's fine for us. "It is a game that captures the imagination - great for both clubs." TNS may request a change of venue for the second leg, from their home ground The Dreflan, to The Racecourse at Wrexham to accommodate a bigger crowd and turn the tie into a money-spinner. Parry said: "It is their decision and we will respect whatever they may wish to do." And should Liverpool progress, as they are expected to do, they will face the winners of HB Torshavn of the Faroe Islands and FBK Kaunas of Lithuania. He added: "We are doing our homework about the two teams - they are unknown quantities to us - but the main thing at this stage is looking at the travel plans and the impact of the journeys. "Rafa will react professionally. He will be doing his homework straight away and will be talking about the impact on pre-season training."

Liverpool to face Welsh side TNS
Holders Liverpool have been drawn against Welsh side Total Network Solutions in the first qualifying round of the Champions League. The winner of the tie will play Faroe Island team HB or Lithuanian outfit Kaunas in the second qualifying round. Northern Ireland side Glentoran have been drawn against Shelbourne, who play their football in the Republic. Celtic play the winners of Kazakhstan side Kairat and Slovakian team Artmedia in their second qualifying round tie. TNS, who have previously played Manchester City in European competition, will have to switch their home leg from the Treflan on safety grounds and may opt for Wrexham's Racecourse Ground. The winner of the Glentoran versus Shelbourne tie will play Romanian side Steaua Bucharest in the second qualifying round. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First qualifying round draw Game 1 LIVERPOOL v TNS Game 2 FC Haka v Pyunik Game 3 HB Torshavn v FBK Kaunas Game 4 FC Levadia Tallinn v Dinamo Tbilisi Game 5 NK Gorica v KF Tirana Game 6 FC Kairat Almaty v FC Artmedia Bratislava Game 7 PFC Neftchi v FH Hafnarfjordur Game 8 Rabotnicki v Skonto FC Game 9 GLENTORAN v SHELBOURNE Game 10 Dinamo Minsk v Anorthosis Famagusta Game 11Sliema Wanderers v FC Sheriff Game 12 F91 Dudelange v NK Zrinjski (Ties to be played over two legs 12/13 July and 19/20 July) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Second qualifying round draw FC Kairat Almaty or FC Artmedia Bratislava v CELTIC HB Torshavn or FBK Kaunas v LIVERPOOL or TNS GLENTORAN or SHELBOURNE v Steaua Bucharest Levadia Tallinn or Dinamo Tbilisi v Brondby Partizan Belgrade v Sliema Wanderers or Sheriff Tiraspol Debrecen v Hajduk Split NK Gorica or SK Tirana v CSKA Sofia Anderlecht v FH Neftchi or Hafanarjordur Valerenga v FC Haka or FC Pyunik Rabotnicki or Skonto Riga v Lokomotiv Moscow F91 Dudelange or Zrinjski Mostar v Rapid Vienna Dynamo Kiev v FC Thun Malmo v Maccabi Haifa Dinamo Minsk or Anorthosis Famagusta v Trabzonspor (Ties to be played over two legs 26/27 July and 2/3 August) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The draw for the third and final qualifying round takes place on 29 July. A total of 74 clubs will take part in the Champions League, the three qualifying rounds involve 58 clubs. From the qualifying rounds 16 teams will go through to the group stage, to join a further 16 clubs who have qualified automatically.

Kirkland prefers Baggies to Bhoys
Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is set to choose West Brom over Celtic as his destination for a loan spell. Kirkland, 24, wants to stay in the Premiership to prove his fitness and win back his England squad place. His agent told the Express & Star: "Chris is a little concerned Scotland means 'out of sight, out of mind.' "The opportunity at Albion suits all parties. They get a top keeper, and Liverpool can see Chris prove his fitness and show what he can do." Kirkland was ranked as one of England's top young keepers when he moved from Coventry to Liverpool for £6m in 2002. But his time at Anfield has been dogged by injuries and his future on Merseyside is in doubt. Champions League final hero Jerzy Dudek, is still at Anfield, while the acquisition of Scott Carson from Leeds and the expected arrival of Villareal keeper Jose Reina has pushed Kirkland down the pecking order. Kirkland's agent Colin Gordon said: "He wants to prove to the football world he is fit again and ready to re-establish himself, not just in the Premiership but as an England goalkeeper. "There is a World Cup year down the line and that is still very much in his thoughts."

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