When Steven Gerrard netted direct from a free-kick against Manchester United on Saturday around 200 million Liverpool fans screamed in delight. Whilst it wasn't quite enough to win the game for us, it represented a successful return of a Kop hero after almost six months struggling on the sidelines.

Saturday was his first start in ages, and the fact that he came through all 90 minutes of such a physical encounter should boost Stevie G's confidence levels ahead of the Christmas run-in.

Aston Villa have revealed that they have rejected a bid of over £15m from Liverpool for England winger Stewart Downing, according to the Free Football Bets website.

More to follow

He hasn't really set the English Premier League on fire since signing under Rafa Benitez last summer, and now Milan Jovanovic is cutting his losses.

Liverpool are too - a player who was trusted to make just 10 appearances for the club in his debut season has been told he is surplus to requirements, and free to leave for nothing.

"I got the paper from Liverpool that I am free to search for a new club," Milan told the Greek media. "Up to now, I still haven't received an official offer from Olympiakos, but I am looking forward to hearing their plans."

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has said that Liverpool can win the title next season. The Reds picked up 34 points from 18 games following Kenny Dalglish's return to Anfield as manager in January.

"The form we showed over the second half of the season bodes well," the Uruguay striker told LFC weekly.

But captain Steven Gerrard said: "Getting in the Champions League will be the main aim."

Liverpool have moved closer to signing Sylvain Marveaux on a free transfer after the French midfielder underwent a medical on Merseyside.

The 25-year-old is out of contract following five seasons in the Rennes first team.

Marveaux made only 10 appearances for Rennes last season due to a serious groin injury but, providing he passes the medical, the left-sided midfielder is likely to become Liverpool's second capture of the summer following the arrival of Jordan Henderson from Sunderland.

Marveaux in action:

Fernando Gago has been linked to Liverpool - though whether we need him with Henderson and Gerrard is a moot point, especially with Charlie Adam in 'advanced talks'.

"Gago needs to play and Liverpool would be a perfect club for him," his agent Marcelo Lombilla is quoted by the Daily Star.

"Fernando wants to get back on the pitch and return to the top level and at the moment that is not possible in Madrid."

But Lombilla is not certain he will leave after he revealed that it was Jose Mourinho who told him not to join Manchester City last season.

Steven Gerrard is quietly confident of a successful season, but doesn't want to build up fans hope too much...

"I'd love nothing better than to lead the lads to some silverware next year but I don't want to raise expectation by saying that will definitely happen," he told the club's official website.

"It would be stupid of me to raise expectations any more than they are already. Getting in the UEFA Champions League will be the main aim. I think it is for all the clubs in the Premier League.

Thanks God for Lionel Messi and Barcelona! I know most (surely all?) Liverpool fans were jumping up and down as the Barca boys thrashed the Mancs in the Champions League Final for the second time in three years, but whilst many were cheering just because that smug smile had been off their fans faces (at least momentarily) I was cheering on the fact that the CL Final loss means that Liverpool are STILL the best team in England!

Our brand new £20m signing has been impressive - here are the best Youtube videos about him :)

Liverpool have been linked with Brazilian footballer Alexander Doni, who would offer sterner competition for Pepe Reina in between the sticks.

Doni's agent, Ovidio Colucci, has revealed the player would be interested in a move to Anfield.

"I spoke to the club (Roma) yesterday and they confirmed they are holding talks with Liverpool to reach an agreement regarding the transfer of Doni," said Colucci.

"Once an agreement is reached between the two clubs, we will begin negotiating personal terms with Liverpool.