Dalglish eyes Saints star

Kenny Dalglish's £80million Liverpool revolution is set to continue with the capture of Southampton whizzkid Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The Kop boss has been told by the club's American owners to carry on spending as he looks to build a squad capable of mounting a sustained challenge for the Premier League title next season.

And after missing out to Manchester United in the £16million race to land Phil Jones last week, Dalglish has moved in to beat Arsenal for top teenage winger Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Arsene Wenger was certain that he had secured the 17-year-old winger with a package that could net Southampton up to £12million.

But Liverpool have matched the Gunners' offer and Dalglish believes he has moved into pole position to land the son of former England winger Mark Chamberlain.

Dalglish has been handed the biggest single transfer kitty in Anfield history by owners Fenway Sports.

He is hopeful that a buyer willing to pay the same for £18million misfit Alberto Aquillani can be found in Italy.

Dalglish wants to build his team around predominantly British talent.

He broke the club's transfer record by buying Andy Carroll from Newcastle for £35million in January and has splashed out another £20million to bring in Jordan Henderson from Sunderland.

Stewart Downing is high on Dalglish's wish-list, although Aston Villa's resolve to keep the £15million-rated England winger has been stiffened by Ashley Young's departure to United.

And Liverpool have turned their attentions to Bolton's Gary Cahill after Jones chose Old Trafford ahead of Anfield, with the England centre-back having a £16million release clause in his contract.

The Merseysiders are also ready to go to £9million for young Ipswich striker Connor Wickham after being rebuffed in midweek, and are confident that a renewed bid for Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam will succeed after a winter off was rejected.

Liverpool are also looking to solve a left-back problem.

Newcastle's Jose Enrique remains the club's preferred choice, despite an interest in Arsenal's unsettled Gael Clichy, although they will be reluctant to pay more than £7million with the Spaniard having just 12 months left on his contract.

Source: Sunday Mirror

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