Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes the Anfield side can challenge for top honours this season.
By Nick Johnson. Thursday, 29 July 2004.
TheFA.com is here to provide you with a round-up of all the latest football stories that have hit the headlines today.
Steven Gerrard insists he has no regrets about rejecting Chelsea, but admits his decision will be proved right only if Rafael Benitez can lead Liverpool to a new era of success.
The England midfielder was set to swap Anfield for Stamford Bridge in a £35million deal - only to change his mind at the 11th hour.
"I’ve no regrets about not moving clubs and the decision I made," said Gerrard.
"I’m glad I ‘m preparing for a new season at Liverpool but only time will tell if I have made the right choice." (Daily Express)
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The Sun claim David Moyes fears he will be sacked as Everton boss and replaced by fellow Scot Gordon Strachan.
The Merseyside club are in turmoil as director Paul Gregg is trying to replace Bill Kenwright as chairman.
Moyes is apparently casting nervous glances over his shoulder to see if he fits in with the plans of the ambitious Gregg.
Strachan is available after quitting Southampton boss for personal reasons in February.
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Manchester United have given up hope of signing England striker Wayne Rooney before the start ofthe season, report to the Daily Mail.
The club remain confident Rooney will ultimately move to Old Trafford but Chief Executive David Gill indicated they may have to wait until the transfer window opens in January or - as is more likely - next summer.
He said: "It would be silly to rule anything out. You can’t be categoric saying that something won’t happen in the future."
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Arsene Wenger believes Patrick Vieira is not seeking a move to Real Madrid.
The Arsenal boss admits he cannot work out his captain’s real thoughts - but he is hoping for the best.
"I am not in Patrick’s head but I don’t think he has an interest in Real Madrid," said Wenger.
"I hope it is natural for him to stay with Arsenal because it is his club." (The Sun)
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James Beattie has pledged his future to Southampton - and insisted he and Kevin Phillips can surpass their 30-goal partnership of last season.
Beattie has been linked with a £6million move to Charlton Athletic, but the former Blackburn striker insists he wants to stay at St Mary’s.
He said: "I have said all along that Kevin is a quality player and it makes it easy for me having him alongside me up front.
"Things started to come together towards the end of last season and hopefully we can carry that on." (Daily Star)