Liverpool Boss Plans £35m Triple Premier League Swoop: Dalglish Targets Aston Villa, Birmingham City and Blackpool Stars

Anfield boss lines up trio of new additions.

Liverpool are planning a triple Premier League swoop as they look to improve his Anfield squad this summer. The club’s new owners are ready to hand boss Kenny Dalglish significant funds and the Scot will make moves to sign Blackpool playmaker Charlie Adam, Birmingham City defender Scott Dann and Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing.

Dalglish is hoping to add more natural wide options to his attack having seen the likes of Maxi, Milan Jovanovic and Joe Cole fail to make an impact and will therefore look to lure England international Downing to Merseyside and given the poor season the Midlands club have had this season could help to tempt the former Middlesbrough man to make a move to Liverpool.

Kenny Dalglish is also keen to beef up his defensive options and given that Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Jamie Carragher are both over 30 and that Daniel Agger is plagued with knocks a move to bring in further central defensive options makes a great deal of sense and the Liverpool manager has identified Scott Dann as a potential target.

The 24 year old England hopeful has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since January and has for the past season and a half formed a solid partnership with Roger Johnson and the Liverpool born defender would surely be tempted by a move to his home-town club.

The third target on Dalglish’s radar is Blackpool playmaker Charlie Adam who is likely to leave Bloomfield Road this summer regardless of whether the Tangerines avoid the drop but Liverpool will have to fight the likes of Aston Villa and Tottenham who are also both keen on the Scottish international.

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Villa boss Houllier in hospital

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has been admitted to hospital, the club has confirmed.

The 63-year-old was taken to hospital in Birmingham overnight.

He has spoken to the club's chief executive Paul Faulkner and his condition is said to be comfortable.

Assistant manager Gary McAllister will take Thursday's training session. Houllier has thanked supporters for their concern.

He is expected to remain in hospital for a couple of days as a precaution and it is anticipated McAllister will take charge of the team on Saturday for their game against Stoke at Villa Park.

Mr Faulkner said Houllier sounded "positive" when he spoke to him.

"I've also received a lot of good wishes from fans and I would like to thank them for their kind thoughts in wishing Gerard a speedy recovery," he said.

"I will see him this afternoon, along with Gary, and we will pass on the fans' messages.

"I know they will mean a lot to him. We would ask everybody to respect his privacy and that of his family at this time."

'Healthier and fitter'

Houllier had major surgery after suffering heart-related problems in 2001, whilst manager of Liverpool FC.

He arrived at Villa Park in September to succeed Martin O'Neill.

When he took the position Houllier revealed he had consulted his heart surgeon before accepting the job.

He said he had returned to speak to Dr Abbas Rashid, the man who led the team who performed his 11-hour operation, and was given a clean bill of health.

"When you go into a job you know there will be pressure, that it will be hard work and you won't sleep every night," he said at the time.

"You need to make sure your body is ready. I have checked that. I am much healthier and fitter now than I was before."

Villa have been hovering around the relegation zone in recent weeks, although they have won their past two matches and the club previously said Houllier had their "total support" as he attempts to guide them to Premier League safety.

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Houllier - Villa are united

Houllier is set to recall James Collins and Richard Dunne for Saturday's trip to Everton after the defensive duo were fined two weeks' wages.

The pair were disciplined by the club for their behaviour towards members of the coaching staff during a team-bonding session at a health spa three weeks ago.

Collins (calf) and Dunne (shoulder) were ruled out through injury but proved their fitness when on international duty this week with Wales and the Republic of Ireland, respectively.

And Houllier is adamant the spa incident is now firmly behind all involved as Villa focus on their last eight games of the season.

"The only thing I can say is that the events are finished," said the Villa boss. "It has been dealt with, it is gone and over.

"The players expressed their will to the club and to myself that they want to give their best for their fans and the club. It is good.

"They were unfortunately both injured for the last game against Wolves but they are available after playing for Ireland and Wales.

"If they are fit, they will play. It is as simple as that because they are personality players and they have the club at heart. They also have strong experience."

Villa fans unveiled a banner reading 'Houllier out' even before losing 1-0 to Wolves, which was Villa's first defeat by their local rivals since March 1980 and left them just one point above the bottom three.

The Frenchman, who was appointed as Martin O'Neill's successor last November, insists he is committed to seeing the job through though.

"Everyone is entitled to think what they want but I took the job because it was a challenge," he said.

"The challenge is bigger now because of what happened but sometimes you battle to get in Europe or a cup.

"Here we are battling adversity together. Together - that means the team, the staff, management, the owner, chief executive, the fans, everybody.

"The fans play an important part," added the former Liverpool boss. "When the fans show the banner, you are not very happy about that.

"But I came here because I've got pride in being at this club. I said that straightaway and that hasn't changed.

"I've got pleasure in what I'm doing. It's not because things are not particularly easy. Sometimes you go through hard times at this job. I've got a challenge -the challenge is eight games - and the unity is there."

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Martin Jol And Owen Coyle Join David Moyes On Shortlist For Aston Villa Job

Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has put Martin Jol, Owen Coyle and David Moyes on his shortlist of successors for under-fire manager Gerard Houllier. Reports from last weekend suggested Houllier’s poor run of form this season will see the Frenchman axed regardless of how he performs in the final eight games of the season.

Everton manager Moyes is the front-runner for the post, as he was heavily linked with the job after Martin O’Neill quit at the start of the season. Moyes has endured another frustrating campaign on Merseyside, with limited financial muscle and a thread-bare squad. But he has performed wonders at Everton in the nine years at the club – an FA Cup final and, Champions League and Europa League action.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle is another possibility. The Scot has won many plaudits for the way he promoted Burnley and has transformed the Trotters in such a limited time. This time last year he was fighting off relegation with ease and now he is an FA Cup semi-final and on the verge of Europe. His availability could be a problem as he would not want to leave if he manages to secure Europa League qualification.

The last name on the list is ex Tottenham Hotspur manager Jol. He was another named link with this post before Houllier got the job. Lerner is attracted to the former Ajax coach because of his continental experience and he will be able to attract big-names to the club.

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No mutiny at Villa - McAllister

Aston Villa assistant manager Gary McAllister has rubbished suggestions there is a mutiny taking place at the struggling Premier League club.

Players were reportedly unhappy at new rules allegedly brought in by manager Gerard Houllier, including the banning of mobile phones.

"I don't think there's any mutiny here," McAllister told BBC Sport.

"There's been little arguments here and there but nothing outside the realms of what happens at most clubs."

Villa have won only six of their past 25 Premier League games, leaving them one point above the bottom three.

Some fans called for Houllier's head after the 1-0 home defeat by Wolves, but he has since received a vote of confidence from chief executive Paul Faulkner, who said the club's best chance of staying up is with the Frenchman in charge.

On Sunday, goalkeeper Brad Friedel also said rumours of a player revolt were "laughable".

I've seen some of the players talking about pride, playing for the fans, playing for the jersey

Gary McAllister Aston Villa assistant manager

Friedel added: "Supporters need to know there is nothing in this story."

Meanwhile, McAllister denied suggestions Houllier had made draconian changes to the club rule book and dismissed rumours that players were unable to speak to chairman Randy Lerner without Houllier's permission.

"The facts are most football clubs have a rule book which is set by the PFA [Professional Footballers' Association] and apart from little tweaks here and there, it's a standard rule book," said McAllister.

"Mobile phones aren't switched on inside the building and Gerard had this rule when I was a player at Liverpool.

"It's to encourage people to speak to each other rather than be texting and phoning. But when they get to the car park, its fine.

"And I've never worked under a chairman who's more accomodating. I've probably spoken to him more than I've spoken to any other chairman."

McAllister added that the staff and players' "passion and feel for the club" will see them avoid relegation, despite many of Villa's players being unfamiliar with relegation battles.

"I've seen some of the players talking about pride, playing for the fans, playing for the jersey - they know we're in a bit of trouble and we need to produce," he said.

"I agree some players in other teams are a little bit more hardened. But I don't think it's going to be a problem because players' pride and quality will lift them above it.

"We've got enough quality and goals in the team and we all believe we'll be good enough to come out the other side."

McAllister also denied suggestions that Houllier, his former boss at Liverpool, was losing his appetite for the task.

"Gerard Houllier is a proven manager - I'm working under somebody who's had to make big decisions, won things," said the Scot.

"I don't think he does anything by half measures. One of the things he said to me when he asked me to join him is that there's an opportunity to get a project going.

"It's a club that's got most things in place - the training ground, the stadium, the fans, a squad that's done well in the past - and he's here to try to take it to the next level, to pick up a trophy."

Villa's next game is a Premier League fixture away against Everton on Saturday.

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Aston Villa Hope to Replace Gerard Houllier With Everton Manager David Moyes

Villa Park to turn to Goodison Park boss this summer?

Aston Villa will put Everton manager David Moyes top of their short list this summer, with Gerard Houllier set to leave even if the club survive in the Premier League.
Chief executive Paul Faulkner said their ‘best chance of staying up is with Gerard’, but they have reserve-team boss Kevin McDonald available as a caretaker if results continue to slide.

SOURCE: Daily Mail

Would David Moyes elect to leave Everton for Villa Park? Would this be wise move? The Scot has made no secret about his displeasure at having to operate within very strict budgetary constraints, but would a move to Aston Villa not also have it’s own problems to deal with?

Moyes arrived at Goodison Park on March 14 2002 and has taken them to six top eight finishes in his eight full seasons, which is pretty good going and one can see why Randy Lerner would consider trying to nab the former Preston man, but is it a move that will appeal to the 47 year old Glaswegian?

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Liverpool Keen on Aston Villa Winger Marc Albrighton

Villa Park youngster on Anfield radar.

Liverpool are reportedly interested in Aston Villa winger Marc Albrighton and the Merseyside club may move to sign the youngster this summer. Kenny Dalglish is keen to bring in natural wide options and may feel that due to the poor season the Midlands club has had and the reported bust ups between the boss Gerard Houllier and a number of players that he could persuade the England Under 21 international to push for a move from Villa Park to Anfield.

Having brought in Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in January Dalglish is now looking to bring players to help provide ammunition for their front line and is apparently an admirer of the 21 year old Tamworth born wide man who is now a regular in the Aston Villa starting line up.

Even though Albrighton only signed a new contract last November Liverpool may feel that they can tempt the intelligent winger and will have more chance of doing so if Aston Villa finish the season mired in a relegation battle.

Liverpool have predominantly used Maxi and Dirk Kuyt in wide role with mixed results and the club’s new owners are willing to fund significant moves in the transfer market, especially for young players with good sell on value.

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Euro 2012 round-up: Villa record

David Villa came to Spain's rescue as the striker became his country's record goalscorer in the Euro 2012 qualifier against Czech Republic in Granada.

Jaroslav Plasil's long-range drive just before the half-hour gave the visitors a surprise lead in the Group I match.

But midway through the second half Villa took control, first beating Chelsea goal keeper Petr Cech with a low shot and then a penalty soon after.

In 72 games for Spain, Villa has scored 46 goals - two more than Raul.

The former Real Madrid striker took 102 matches to score 44 times for Spain but Villa's 46 goals have come in 72 games.

The victory ensured Spain, who have 12 points from four games, protected their 100% record - as did Netherlands whose easy 4-0 away win over Hungary was their fifth successive Euro 2012 Group E qualifying victory.

Rafael van der Vaart gave the 2010 World Cup runners-up the lead in the eighth minute with Ibrahim Afellay adding a second just before the break.

Dirk Kuyt beat Hungary's offside trap to make it 3-0, with Robin van Persie completing the rout in the 62nd minute.

The Dutch have a maximum of 15 points after five matches, six ahead of Hungary.

Italy took control of Group C after beating Slovenia 1-0 in Ljubljana thanks to Thiago Motta's 73rd-minute goal.

In only his second appearance for Italy, Brazil-born Motta fired into the corner for his first international goal to take Italy onto 13 points, six ahead of Slovenia after five matches.

Goals by Philippe Mexes and Yoann Gourcuff gave France a 2-0 win in Luxembourg in a match that witnessed the international returns of Patrice Evra and Franck Ribery, following their respective five-match and three-match bans.

Evra and Ribery, who both had quiet games, were subjected to boos by the 2,000 French fans who had travelled to the Josy Barthel stadium.

Mexes headed in a Samir Nasri free-kick on 28 minutes to give those fans something to cheer about, with Gourcuff volleying in the second goal on 72 minutes.

France have 12 points from five games, four points ahead of Belarus, who travel to third-placed Albania on Saturday.

Axel Witsel scored early in each half as Belgium coasted to comfortable 2-0 win over Austria in Group A in Vienna.

Witsel beat goalkeeper Jurgen Macho to the ball and headed in on six minutes before the Standard Liege player volleyed in his second on 50 minutes.

The win took Belgium level with Austria on seven points - five behind group leaders Germany, who play Kazakhstan on Saturday and have a 100% record from their four games.

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Gerard Houllier's law at Aston Villa casts shadow over future of eight players

At least eight senior players are considering their Aston Villa futures after details emerged of Gerard Houllier's attempts to arrest an alarming slump in the club's fortunes. It is understood several senior figures are disgruntled enough to be giving serious thought to their futures, including Gabriel Agbonlahor, Stiliyan Petrov, Richard Dunne, James Collins, Brad Friedel, Ashley and Luke Young and Stephen Warnock. Sportsmail can reveal that, apart from banning mobile phones in the dressing room, Houllier has imposed severe financial penalties for any breach of rules and has introduced a procedure for any player wanting to contact owner Randy Lerner. First again: How Sportsmail broke the news on Wednesday Revolt: (Clockwise from top left) Ashley Young, Richard Dunne, Brad Friedel, James Collins, Stephen Warnock, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Stiliyan Petrov and Luke Young There is a sliding scale of fines for players who break the rules. Latecomers for training, meetings or pre-match gatherings will be fined 10 per cent of their weekly wage for a first offence, 20 per cent for a second and 30 per cent for a third. Any grievances will have to go through Houllier, after he stipulated that players wishing to speak to Lerner must seek his permission. The Villa boss is hoping the crackdown will reverse the drop in morale that has accompanied the team's decline in the Barclays Premier League. It could backfire, though, with rumblings of discontent coming from almost the entire first-team squad. Villa are hovering close to the drop zone, and despondency seems to have deepened since the new rules were introduced. According to sources close to the squad, there is resentment at the changes coming so late in the season, when they need to stand united to fight relegation, and at being 'treated like schoolkids'. Lerner is backing Houllier but is bound to be perturbed by further signs of team spirit unravelling at the start of an eight-game run-in that ends with a trip to Arsenal and a home match with Liverpool. Houllier's brief reign has been beset by problems, with just six wins from 25 Premier League games leaving Villa one point above the bottom three. Troubles: Gerard Houllier is attempting to keep his players under control A disheartened Ashley Young has given up hope of a Champions League place with Villa and will seek a move to a top-four club at the end of the season, as revealed in Sportsmail. Manchester United are leading the chase, with Liverpool and Tottenham also monitoring the situation. Agbonlahor and Petrov have both had spells on the bench of late, while Dunne and Collins were involved in a drink-fuelled fracas at a health spa. Chief executive Paul Faulkner reiterated his support for Houllier, saying: 'Our best chance of staying up is with Gerard.' But the rules have done little to enhance harmony, with at least two players seeking advice on whether to follow them.  Houllier rewrites the rules as Villa stars rebel over new code of conductDowning admits it's a relief to join up with England after Villa woes Aston Villa planning summer raid for wantaway Man City stopper Given All the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion  Explore more:People: Ashley Young, Stiliyan Petrov, Richard Dunne, Gerard Houllier, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Luke Young Places: Liverpool

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Aston Villa And West Ham Battle Over Liverpool Flop

Anfield club look to offload high-earner with Villa Park or Upton Park his most likely destination.

Aston Villa and West Ham United are leading the chase to buy Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole.

The 29-year-old moved to Anfield on a free transfer last summer but has struggled to adapt to life on Merseyside.

He has suffered injuries and a drop in form meaning he has not established himself in the starting line-up. Kenny Dalglish has opted to use the likes of Maxi and Dirk Kuyt out on the wings and this has led to even fewer first team opportunities than under Roy Hodgson.

Liverpool are willing to listen to offers for the England international to get him off the wage bill.

Cole is believed to be earning £90,000 a week and manager Kenny Dalglish wants to free up that money for a new signing.

Villa boss Gerrard Houllier would welcome the playmaker into his squad as he searches for a replacement for the Manchester United-bound Ashley Young.

The Frenchman sees Cole playing just off striker Darren Bent, a position that is sure to attract the former Chelsea player.

Cole could also make an emotional return to his boyhood club West Ham.

Manager Avram Grant is keen to work with him again after a brief spell together at Stamford Bridge.

Cole is still loved by the Hammers faithful and would welcome him back with open arms but any deal will depend on the Irons avoiding relegation.

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Liverpool And Aston Villa Start Race For £10m England Star

Molineux hero could be on his way to Anfield or Villa Park.

Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Matt Jarvis is about to become the subject of bidding war between Liverpool and Aston Villa. The 24-year-old has had a fine season so far, culminating in a call-up to the England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales. Jarvis’ pace and delivery has been outstanding in this campaign and he ranks in the Premier Leagues top 10 for key passes in a match.

And his impressive performances have caught the attention of many Premier League scouts. Liverpool have emerged as favourites to get his signature as manager Kenny Dalglish looks to provide star striker Andy Carroll with crosses. Aston Villa will also bid for the former Gillingham and Millwall player as they will need a replacement for Manchester United-bound Ashley Young.

Bidding will start at £10million for a player signed for just £600,000 in 2007.

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