'POOL WINNING BATTLE FOR BARRY'
According to The Independent, 'Liverpool are winning the battle to sign Gareth Barry with the player himself having made the decision to sign for Rafael Benitez's club this summer rather than agree a new contract at Aston Villa'.
While the deal itself is said to be 'complicated' with the clubs unable yet to agree a fee, the newspaper reckons that 'Barry's wishes will, in all likelihood, force Villa into doing a deal eventually'.
Barry is said to regard a move to Anfield as being 'in his best interests even though he is likely to be asked by Benitez to fulfil a role on the left side of midfield and defence rather than in the centre - where he has established himself for England.'.
Pool offered a 'mish-mash' of players in exchange for Barry, but it is not thought that Peter Crouch - the one player on the Anfield books who Villa really value - was included on the list.
AND SIGNING NEW FULL-BACKS
As well as signing Barry, The Indy also says that 'Benitez is close to signing the Birmingham City goalkeeper Maik Taylor as a back-up to Jose Reina' and 'Borussia Dortmund full-back Philip Degen on a free transfer'.
Degen is a right-back and it could be all change at full-back at Liverpool next season with the Daily Mail reporting that 'Liverpool are lining up an £8million move for Barcelona defender Eric Abidal as manager Rafa Benitez plans a major shake-up in the wake of his side ending the season empty-handed'.
To accommodate the new men, John Arne Riise has been told he should look for a new club. The Chelsea hero was, says The Sun, 'called into a meeting with boss Rafa Benitez following their exit from the competition last week'.
Apparently, he reacted 'angrily at being axed'. Oh dear. Hasn't he noticed he's been naff for two years?
CROUCH A WANTED MAN
While Aston Villa apparently won't be getting Crouch, there are a fair few clubs who would be happy to take him off Liverpool's hands.
According to The Daily Mirror, Portsmouth are drawing up the fine print on a contract worth £4million, which they will give the big man after paying Liverpool £8million for his services.
The other usual suspects are skulking in the shadows should that one not come off, with Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Manchester City interested.