Brendan Rodgers believes he is close to agreeing a loan deal for Daniel Sturridge

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes he is close to agreeing a loan deal for Daniel Sturridge - but Chelsea need to find a replacement before he is allowed to leave.

GettyImagesDaniel Sturridge could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge

Sources at Liverpool have told ESPN that Sturridge is ready to make the move to Anfield, even though there have been reports of Arsenal and Tottenham making a late bid for the services of the striker. who will celebrate his 23rd birthday on Saturday.

Bayern Leverkusen forward Andre Schurrle has emerged as a key man in this transfer saga, with Chelsea believed to be close to tying up a £20 million deal for the young Germany international.

Liverpool Match of the day : Liverpool 1:1 Hearts - 30 August 2012, At: 20:05

UEFA Europa League 
Liverpool 1:1 Hearts
30 August 2012, At: 20:05
Anfield
Liverpool 1:1 Hearts
A late solo-effort from Luis Suarez sealed Liverpool's place in the group stages of the Europa League after they beat Hearts 2-1 on aggregate.

The Reds drew 1-1 at Anfield on Thursday night despite controlling play for large spells of the game and carving a multitude of opportunities to put the tie beyond their visitors.

David Templeton thought he had taken the game to extra-time with his late effort; however, Suarez then raced down the field and produced a moment of magic, beating two men and poking past the 'keeper to clinch qualification. He celebrated by displaying a t-shirt message of support to injured teammate Lucas Leiva.

Brendan Rodgers has said that he refused to give Andy Carroll a guarantee of first-team football at Anfield

Brendan Rodgers has said that he refused to give Andy Carroll a guarantee of first-team football at Anfield, leading to Liverpool's record signing joining West Ham.

Brendan Rodgers could not get the best out of Carroll

The £35 million forward finalised a season-long loan deal at Upton Park, giving Rodgers 24 hours to find a replacement in attack. And the Liverpool manager called Carroll's departure "a strategic decision" that gives him room for manoeuvre in the transfer market as he looks to bolster his squad.

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott and Fulham's Clint Dempsey are on Rodgers' radar, while Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge has also been linked with Liverpool.

Liverpool have completed the signing of striker Samed Yesil from Bayer Leverkusen

Liverpool have completed the signing of striker Samed Yesil from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of around £1 million.

Samed Yesil celebrates with team mates after scoring for the Germany Under-17 side

Yesil, 18, has represented Germany at Under-16, U-17 and U-18 level and will join the club's youth ranks after passing his medical.

"The first thing is that I have to train and then in one or two years I hope, step by step, to be in the first team," he told the Liverpool website. "It is my dream to play for Liverpool and I will give my all."

The German hit six goals for his country at the U-17 World Cup last summer, finishing second top scorer.

Andy Carroll is determined to stay at Liverpool despite the club

Andy Carroll is determined to stay at Liverpool despite the club's willingness to offload the striker before the transfer window closes on Friday.

PA PhotosAndy Carroll can no longer command a first-team place at Liverpool

Carroll's future has been the subject of intense conjecture amid reports on Thursday that the club are eager to part company with the striker in order to finance other deals.

Speaking this week, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers said: "I don't think we are in a position to have £35 million players as third choice strikers.

"It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that Andy has been a cover player for us in the opening two games."

Liverpool are ready to sell Andy Carroll to West Ham United

Liverpool are ready to sell Andy Carroll to West Ham United and Charlie Adam to Stoke in a bid to finance one last push to sign Arsenal forward Theo Walcott.

Andy Carroll and Charlie Adam: For sale?

West Ham have indicated they are still interested in a last-minute deal for Carroll, even though he has made it clear he does not want to leave Anfield.

The two clubs, though, have agreed a £20 million package should the England striker be convinced to change his mind.

That deal would see West Ham take Carroll on a season-long loan initially, paying his £80,000-a-week wages in full, and then sign him permanently for £17 million if they avoid relegation.

Brendan Rodgers has been dealt an blow with the news that midfielder Lucas Leiva will be out of action for up to three months with a thigh injury.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has been dealt an blow with the news that midfielder Lucas Leiva will be out of action for up to three months with a thigh injury.

Lucas, 25, was taken off just five minutes into Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, and scans have confirmed a torn thigh muscle.

Rodgers confirmed on Wednesday that the player is now expected to be sidelined for "two to three months", as he again begins a lengthy road to recovery.

The news comes just weeks after Lucas made his return to action from a cruciate knee ligament injury, one which had sidelined him since December 2011.

Taking to Twitter to express his frustration Lucas wrote: "No words to describe my feelings at the moment. It is (sic) been hard to be positive but I am sure better days will come. YNWA."

Joe Allen has vowed to repay Brendan Rodgers' faith in him by helping Liverpool to success.

Joe Allen has vowed to repay Brendan Rodgers' faith in him by helping Liverpool to success.

Allen: feels he owes Rodgers

Allen, 22, has made an impressive start to his Anfield career since following manager Rodgers from Swansea.

Signing for £15 million just before the start of the season, he was a stand-out player on his home debut as Liverpool drew 2-2 with Manchester City on Sunday.

He has hailed Rodgers' influence on his career, and wants to return the favour by ensuring the manager drags Liverpool back towards the top four after last season's eighth-place finish under Kenny Dalglish.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has admitted defeat in his attempts

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has admitted defeat in his attempts to bring Andy Carroll back to the club from Liverpool.

Alan Pardew has ruled out a Carroll reunion

Carroll, 23, moved to Merseyside from Newcastle in a record £35 million deal in January 2011, but has since scored only 11 goals in 58 games.

He was heavily linked with an exit following the arrival of new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers in the summer, with West Ham and Newcastle interested in moves that would have involved a loan spell prior to a permanent deal.

Tony Pulis has made a £4 million bid for Liverpool's Charlie Adam

Tony Pulis has made a £4 million bid for Liverpool's Charlie Adam and hopes to complete a deal in the next 24 hours.

Charlie Adam had been planning to stay at Anfield this season

Stoke City manager Pulis wants the former Blackpool midfielder to bolster his options at the Britannia Stadium.

Pulis has moved for Adam, who appears surplus to requirements under new Anfield manager Brendan Rodgers, after considering alternative deals for Spurs' Tom Huddlestone and Blackburn Rovers' Steven N'Zonzi. He faces opposition from Fulham and Everton, who have both made tentative enquiries for the 26-year-old and Turkish club Fenerbahce is are also another potential destination.

Liverpool are trying to sell Jay Spearing to Bolton to raise money for Brendan Rodgers' rebuilding.

Liverpool are trying to sell Jay Spearing to Bolton to raise money for Brendan Rodgers' rebuilding.

Jay Spearing: Faces competition for regular football

Wanderers had hoped to take the midfielder on loan for the season but Liverpool want £3 million for the 23-year-old.

While Spearing played 25 games last season and started the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea, he did not even make the bench for Sunday's 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

After completing the loan signing of Nuri Sahin, Rodgers has seven central midfielders ahead of Spearing in the queue for places - the Turk, Steven Gerrard, Joe Allen, Lucas Leiva, Jonjo Shelvey, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam.

Nuri Sahin is not ruling out the possibility of a permanent move to Liverpool

Nuri Sahin is not ruling out the possibility of a permanent move to Liverpool after sealing a season-long loan from Real Madrid.

Nuri Sahin has joined Liverpool on an initial season-long loan

Sahin endured a difficult debut season at the Bernabeu following his move from Borussia Dortmund last year, but there was extensive interest in his services this summer.

It is reported that Jose Mourinho was only willing to sanction a loan move as he believes the Turkey international still has a future with Madrid, but Sahin has suggested he could remain at the club beyond the end of the current campaign.

Brendan Rodgers has said that young prospect Raheem Sterling will continue his development in

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said that young prospect Raheem Sterling will continue his development in and around the Anfield club's first team set-up, and not by way of going out on loan.

Raheem Sterling has impressed Brendan Rodgers

The 17-year-old winger made his first Premier League start for the club in Sunday's 2-2 draw with champions Manchester City, following up an impressive display he had put in the previous Thursday in Liverpool's Europa League win over Hearts.

Now Rodgers is keen to continue handing Sterling further opportunities at Anfield, and has made it clear that any clubs hoping to take the player on loan will be left disappointed.

Liverpool anxious over Lucas injury

Liverpool are waiting to discover the extent of midfielder Lucas Leiva's thigh injury amid concerns that he could be out for up to two months.

Lucas and Anfield team-mate Daniel Agger

Lucas, came off five minutes into Sunday's 2-2 draw with Manchester City after having felt the injury during the warm-up.

Manager Brendan Rodgers initially thought the 25-year-old had pulled a muscle, but is worried that it could be a tear that would keep him out for between six and ten weeks.

Lucas missed the final five months of last season after damaging his cruciate knee ligament in a League Cup victory at Chelsea at the start of December.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has told Steven Gerrard he must leave Liverpool

Sven-Goran Eriksson has told Steven Gerrard he must leave Liverpool if he wants to win the Premier League.

Steven Gerrard has yet to win a league title

Gerrard, who was a key player for Eriksson during his time in charge of the English national side, has spent his entire club career at Anfield.

The midfielder has enjoyed success in cup competitions, most memorably captaining Liverpool to the Champions League title in 2005, but he has never won the Premier League, with the club's last championship coming in 1990.

Chelsea have told Liverpool that they will not allow Daniel Sturridge to move to Anfield in a cut-price deal this week.

Chelsea have told Liverpool that they will not allow Daniel Sturridge to move to Anfield in a cut-price deal this week.

Daniel Sturridge is eager top play more regularly this season

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has set his sights on landing Chelsea forward Sturridge, who fits neatly into Liverpool's long-term plan to sign young, British players and mould them into world-class stars.

Yet Anfield insiders have revealed that Chelsea are holding out for a bumper fee for the England international, who is being valued at a whopping £25 million by the reigning European champions.

Spanish full-back Jose Enrique is certain that the Barcelona approach will bring success

Spanish full-back Jose Enrique is certain that the Barcelona approach will bring success to Liverpool under Brendan Rodgers.

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique

Enrique, 26, who played in the Primera Liga for Celta Vigo and Villarreal before moving to England, feels that the new manager has got Liverpool playing the right way.

Rodgers wants his team to play out from the back and develop a fast passing, high pressing game in the manner of Barcelona.

His players have had one or two teething troubles with the new philosophy, as defender Martin Skrtel gave away an equaliser during Sunday's 2-2 draw against Manchester City with a careless pass that went straight to scorer Carlos Tevez.

Liverpool FC look to fulfil Mancini's erratic prophecy

The room remained silent, but the expression of Roberto Mancini was unyielding. "I think Liverpool will fight for the title this year because they bought good players," the Manchester City manager told his captive audience at Friday's press conference. "They have a good manager; they change their style of play." The Italian is gaining a reputation for wild predictions and wacky prophecies. No matter the points difference between his City side and Manchester United last season, the Italian maintained his side were the underdogs in the title race. If you approached him moments after Sergio Aguero's divine intervention in the final minute of the final day, he probably still would have tied red ribbons around the Premier League trophy.

Mancini won't quit over transfer policy

Roberto Mancini has laughed off reports that he is willing to quit Manchester City in frustration at the club's transfer policy.

City have only made one summer signing, Jack Rodwell, while failing to lure a host of big-name targets to the Etihad Stadium, and it was suggested that the Italian would walk away from his lucrative five-year deal with the champions.

But he said: "No. It is not true. If the newspaper sells a lot of copies, I am happy for the newspaper. I never said this and I never think this."

Mancini is looking to strengthen City's squad before the transfer window closes with Scott Sinclair's move from Swansea thought to be imminent.

First the Game for Liverpool VS Manchester City

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has thanked Premier League rivals Manchester City for giving him back his self-belief.

Brendan Rodgers is seen as a rival by Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini

As Rodgers prepared to face City at Anfield this weekend, he reflected on how easily he could have ended up working for Roberto Mancini. City manager Mancini offered Rodgers the chance to join his coaching staff in January 2010, and the two men met in Italy to discuss a role.

The opportunity came up when Rodgers' fledgling managerial career had taken a dip, with Reading having sacked him in December 2009 after only six months. He rejected the chance to join Mancini, instead taking charge of Swansea the following July and guiding them to the Premier League in his first season.
First the Game for   Liverpool VS Manchester City

Liverpool Match of the day: Liverpool 2-2 Man City..26 August 2012

In the : Anfield
Date: 2012-08-26
A stunning free-kick from Luis Suarez helped earn Liverpool a point against champions Manchester City as the Reds drew 2-2 in their first home game of the 2012-13 Barclays Premier League campaign.

Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City

Luis Suarez has declared that he wants to leave the Patrice Evra race row in the past

Luis Suarez has declared that he wants to leave the Patrice Evra race row in the past and focus on firing Liverpool into the Champions League.

Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra: The infamous non-handshake

Suarez was banned for eight games and fined £40,000 after the FA found him guilty of racially abusing the Manchester United defender during a Premier League game last October.

Having served his ban, Suarez raised tensions further when he refused to shake Evra's hand as the teams lined up before the return fixture at Old Trafford in February.

Suarez subsequently apologised for his part in the handshake row, although continued to declare his innocence of the racism charge.

Liverpool have confirmed the loan signing of Nuri Sahin from Real Madrid subject to a medical.

Liverpool have confirmed the loan signing of Nuri Sahin from Real Madrid subject to a medical.

Nuri Sahin is set to join Liverpool over the weekend

Sahin, 23, had been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool's Premier League rivals Arsenal, who are in the market for a midfielder following the sale of Alex Song to Barcelona.

However, it is reported the Gunners were seeking a loan deal for Sahin that included an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season - something Madrid were not keen on.

Arsene Wenger claims the impending return of Jack Wilshere

Arsene Wenger claims the impending return of Jack Wilshere dissuaded him from signing Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin.

Jack Wilshere is closing in on his return from a long-term ankle injury

Liverpool confirmed they had reached a deal to sign the Turkey international on a season-long loan, appearing to have beaten their Premier League rivals in the race to sign the playmaker.

However, while Wenger will not be tempted to bring Wilshere back before he is ready, he believes Sahin would be surplus to requirements at Emirates Stadium as soon as Wilshere returns.

Brendan Rodgers has played down Roberto Mancini's claim that Liverpool are Premier League

Brendan Rodgers has played down Roberto Mancini's claim that Liverpool are Premier League title challengers.

Brendan Rodgers is seen as a rival by Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini

Mancini made the claim as he prepares to take his Manchester City side to Anfield on Sunday.

Liverpool manager Rodgers, who replaced Kenny Dalglish during the summer, has made it clear that there is plenty of work to do after the club finished eighth last season.

His ambition is to turn Liverpool into title contenders once again, but with his spending limited, the manager thinks it will take a while.

Asked if he thought Mancini was right to describe Liverpool as title contenders this season, Rodgers said: "Let's hope so! Listen, we've got a bit of work to do. There's absolutely no doubt about that.

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has declared that winger Raheem Stirling

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has declared that winger Raheem Stirling has a "big future" at the club after impressing in the Reds' 1-0 Europa League victoryover Hearts.

Raheem Sterling impressed for Liverpool against Hearts

Sterling, 17, joined the club from QPR's youth set-up in 2010 and has emerged as one of Liverpool's most promising young players in recent years.

The Jamaica-born winger was the star performer as Brendan Rodgers' side toiled for a narrow victory on Thursday, with Andy Webster's 79th-minute own goal giving the Reds an advantage for next Thursday's second leg at Anfield.

Liverpool are challengers for the Premier League title, according to Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini.

Liverpool are challengers for the Premier League title, according to Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini.

Brendan Rodgers: Faces City on Sunday

Mancini takes his City side to Anfield on Sunday to face a team who finished 37 points behind his Premier League champions last season and who lost at West Bromwich Albion last Saturday.

But the Italian believes that a change of manager on Merseyside, with Brendan Rodgers replacing Kenny Dalglish, and the quality in the squad means they could end Liverpool's 22-year wait for a 19th title.

Brendan Rodgers is hopeful the club can tie up the signing of Real Madrid midfielder

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is hopeful the club can tie up the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin before the end of the week.

Nuri Sahin appears set for a move to Anfield

Jose Mourinho confirmed this week that he expected Sahin to secure a loan move to the Premier League, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham all vying for his services.

It had been thought that Arsenal were the most likely to sign the Turkey international, but reports emerged on Friday suggesting Arsene Wenger's insistence on a permanent deal had scuppered their chances.

Manchester United and Liverpool are interested in signing Mexico's Olympic gold medal winner Hector Herrera, according to his club.

Manchester United and Liverpool are interested in signing Mexico's Olympic gold medal winner Hector Herrera, according to his club.

The 22-year-old Pachuca midfielder is rated at £10 million after helping Mexico defeat Brazil to win the Olympic football tournament.

Pachuca sporting director Andres Fassi said United had approached him about Herrera, who is not yet a full international, but added that he hoped to keep the playmaker.

"There is an official interest," he explained. "We have the document, but there's nothing else to add at this time. We want him to continue in Pachuca. We know he's going to emigrate to England, though. Manchester United and Liverpool have talked to us.

Fulham over remarks made about Clint Dempsey by the Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Premier League are considering a complaint made by Fulham over remarks made about Clint Dempsey by the Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.


The West Londoners filed the complaint last month after Rodgers told a press conference that Liverpool were interested in signing the American international.

However, Cottagers manager Martin Jol has confirmed that no offer has been received for Dempsey, 29, who was omitted from the Fulham squad to face Norwich on the opening day of the season and will also be absent from their second game at Old Trafford.

Fulham believe Rodgers contravened Premier League rules by publicly revealing his club's interest in the player.

Their complaint, received last month, was discussed by the Premier League board. The Premier League will write to the parties involved before it is decided whether any further action needs to be taken, although We understands that Liverpool contacted both the league and the club with their response to the complaint.

A Premier League statement said: "The Premier League has received a complaint from Fulham FC regarding certain comments made by Liverpool FC officials, and is currently looking into the matter."

The issue was sparked by a story on a website belonging to Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group which implied that Dempsey was to become a Liverpool player.

Although the story was swiftly taken down, Rodgers, speaking during his club's American tour, told a press conference: "Clint is a player we've inquired about - it is as simple as that. Ian Ayre, our managing director, has spoken with the club to see what the position is.

"That is where we're at. He's a very talented player - but we don't like to talk about other clubs' players."

Speaking as he prepared for Fulham's game at United, Jol said: "It's the same situation. There has been no formal bid on the table and nothing has changed."

He had earlier described the situation as "almost embarrassing" amid reports that the player was refusing to play, and claimed Dempsey had told people at Fulham that he was going to Liverpool.

Brendan Rodgers has said he would "need to be nutcase" in order to let £35 million striker Andy Carroll leave Liverpool on loan.

Brendan Rodgers has said he would "need to be nutcase" in order to let £35 million striker Andy Carroll leave Liverpool on loan.


In what appears an about-face on remarks made earlier in the summer as speculation over Caroll's future intensified, the Anfield manager said his squad was not deep enough to allow the 23-year-old to go without generating funds to sign a replacement.

He hit out at Newcastle - who sold Carroll to Liverpool in January 2011 - saying they would be taking "a liberty" if they tried to bring the England striker back to the North-East in a loan deal.

"There is absolutely no chance [of a loan deal] - and certainly not Newcastle,'' Rodgers was quoted as saying in the Guardian. "Newcastle got £35 million for this player last year. To even consider wanting to take him on loan is a liberty, really.

Brendan Rodgers is set to make another move to bring Daniel Sturridge to Anfield

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is set to make another move to bring Daniel Sturridge to Anfield - with a deal for Chelsea forward believed to be within touching distance at last.

Sources close to the Reds have told ESPN that Rodgers has been pursuing Sturridge all summer, with the glut of attacking midfield signings at Chelsea this summer pushing the Team GB Olympic star down the pecking order of Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo.

Inter Milan have also been linked with a move for Sturridge, but the promise of regular first-team football in a Liverpool side playing to his strengths would appeal to the 22-year-old.

Jose Enrique will miss Liverpool's Europa League play-off first leg trip to Hearts as manager Brendan Rodgers prepares to field a much-changed side.

Jose Enrique will miss Liverpool's Europa League play-off first leg trip to Hearts as manager Brendan Rodgers prepares to field a much-changed side.


Enrique was unavailable for last Saturday's 3-0 Premier League defeat at West Brom due to a knee injury, which he picked up in training.

The left-back will continue to receive treatment as the club's Melwood training base in the hope that he will be fit to face Manchester City on Sunday.

Captain Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Glen Johnson and Martin Skrtel are also set to sit out the game as Rodgers rests a number of key players.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho said he doesn't care where midfielder Nuri Sahin spends this season

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho said he doesn't care where midfielder Nuri Sahin spends this season, he just wants the transfer to be completed.

"It is all the same to me where he goes, but I hope it is closed soon," Mourinho said during a press conference Thursday prior to Real Madrid's Supercopa first-leg series versus Barcelona. "I don't want anything, I only want that Sahin plays and I like the option of the Premier (League) because it could give him certain characteristics of the game which he does not have and which (that league) could offer."

The Madrid coach suggested that Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham were all potential options and a year at any of these clubs would help him develop as a player.

"It is all the same to me though which club he goes to. I just hope that it happens soon for him, as it is best for him. Liverpool, Arsenal or Spurs, I have no preference," he said.

Tottenham and Liverpool have both approached Manchester City about signing winger Adam Johnson.

Tottenham and Liverpool have both approached Manchester City about signing winger Adam Johnson.

City boss Roberto Mancini confirmed last weekend that Johnson, 25, is surplus to requirements at Eastlands and can move on in search of regular first-team football.

Sunderland have already lodged a £10 million bid for the England international, but he is thought to favour a move to one of the Premier League's bigger sides rather than a return to his native North East.

Spurs and Liverpool fit that profile and a Manchester City source confirmed to ESPN that both "have made enquires for Adam Johnson".

Jordan Henderson has declared that a difficult first season at Liverpool made him ...

Jordan Henderson has declared that a difficult first season at Liverpool made him "become a man" and insists that he has learned from his experiences.

Jordan Henderson moved from Sunderland

Henderson managed 31 Premier League starts last season after arriving from Sunderland for around £16 million, but struggled to hold down his favoured position in central midfield despite a long-term injury to Lucas Leiva.

The 22-year-old showed glimpses of his ability in an unfamiliar role on the right flank, but was still a surprise inclusion in Roy Hodgson's England squad for Euro 2012.

37 games remain, but Liverpool must improve quickly

This was not what people had expected – certainly not amongst the away section at the Hawthorns. The exorbitance of short-sleeved shirts and shorts seemed a bad choice from the travelling Liverpool contingent: at two o’clock, as the skies turned grey and rain fell over the West Midlands, many wished for a rethink of their choice of attire; at five o’clock, they just wished they had not bothered at all. It was supposed to be the warmest day of the year. It was supposed to be the start of Brendan Rodgers’ Anfield revolution.

The sun eventually shone, but by that time Liverpool were 3-0 behind and withering in the heat. It was a scoreline that perhaps did a disservice to Rodgers’ side though, particularly in the first half. Having produced a controlled performed for 43 minutes - aided by the impressive Joe Allen in midfield - Zoltan Gera’s magnificent strike from 25 yards shifted the balance of the game. Daniel Agger’s red card 12 minutes into the second half and a pair of penalties stopped it dead. The tide had turned with no chance of recovery, both on and off the pitch.

In the stands, optimism swings like a paper pendulum in a hurricane, flitting from side to side with every tackle, pass and goal. The whirlwind of hysteria has already started. With every passing minute that Liverpool remained behind in the game, the more Brendan Rodgers’ appointment became a mistake. It matters not that this game represented just three points of a possible 114 throughout season’s duration, nor the mitigating circumstances dealt by the hand of referee Phil Dowd. In those 90 minutes of football, Liverpool’s fate was sealed, their course unalterable.

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has signed a new long-term contract at Anfield after a summer

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has signed a new long-term contract at Anfield after a summer of speculation about his future.

Martin Skrtel has committed his future to Liverpool

Last month, Skrtel, 27, admitted receiving offers to move to other clubs and said: "Anything can happen."

The Slovakia international - who won the Player of the Year award as Liverpool finished in a disappointing eighth position last season - was reported to have been frustrated by the club's failure to challenge for the Premier League title.

Speculation suggested that champions Manchester City were interested in signing Skrtel although his agent, Karol Csonto, had previously insisted his client was staying at Anfield.