Pep the saviour

Pep Reina is set to pull off another fine save, something he has done many times in his sterling career for Liverpool. But this time he’s not out to palm away a rocket hit at his top corner. No sir, the Spanish glovesman is out to save the job of Reds manager Rafa Benitez. And he plans to start in Lyon on Wednesday when Liverpool face a crunch Champions League tie against the French giants. Liverpool have lost six of their last seven matches with many calling for Bentiez’s head. "In weak moments, strong people have to appear," said Reina on Monday. "I want to be one of them and support my team-mates if they need it. Belief is the word we need to use the most - belief in ourselves and our team-mates."

Owen’s single focus

Michael Owen wants to start banging in goals for Manchester United rather than reclaim his England place. Ever since Owen signed for the reigning EPL champions in June after an ill-fated four years at Newcastle, speculation has been rife regarding his return to the England squad. England coach Fabio Capello has even admitted a "torment" over Owen. But the striker is only focussed on one thing. "England is something I don't really think about," he confessed. "I have played for England 89 times and I would love to play for England again. But I am concentrating on playing for Manchester United. I genuinely go to bed thinking that I have got to play well the next day and win games for Manchester United, not that if I score I might get picked for England."

Nando heartbreak for Rafa

As if things couldn’t get any worse for beleaguered Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez, he was hit with the news on Monday that Fernando Torres could be out for two months. Benitez admitted that his star striker is battling a damaged groin and may need surgery. "We are trying to manage, as he was close to having an operation," said Benitez. "He is not comfortable and hasn't got the power he had before, so we have to try to protect him." And with Steven Gerrard also sidelined and probably needing an operation, and injuries to defenders Martin Skrtel and Martin Kelly and winger Albert Riera, the Reds go into Wednesday’s crunch Champions League clash with Lyon looking very thin on the ground. They are also sweating on Glen Johnson, Fabio Aurelio, Daniel Agger and David Ngog, who all face late fitness tests.

United want German ‘keeper and other transfer rumours

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wants to bring in Manuel Neuer from German Bundesliga team Schalke to succeed Edwin van der Sar in goal at Old Trafford. However the 23-year-old German won’t come cheap with a fee of £18m being demanded by his club. This would shatter the British transfer record for a goalkeeper which currently stands at £9m which Sunderland paid for Craig Gordon two years ago. The move would also spell heartache for young United ‘keeper Ben Foster who was hoping to one day replace Van der Sar! Elsewhere, Manchester City are keen to sign Osasuna's £10m-rated right-back Cesar Azpilicueta, City striker Robinho could be on his way to Barcelona, and Chelsea have again been linked to Spanish striker David Villa, allegedly putting a £33m offer on the table - but the Valencia player would prefer a move to Manchester United!

Ed is Fergie’s top dog

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is still far and away the best goalkeeper in the EPL – even at the ripe old age of 38. The canny Scot has come under fire for not persisting with talented young ‘keeper Ben Foster, who started the season in goal for United when Van der Sar was out injured. "Ben was always going to lose his place when Edwin came back. You don't dismiss the quality and experience of Van der Sar. You couldn't even say he is declining - he is at his peak. He is phenomenal. He really is top dog," commented Fergie. Foster’s inactivity has seen him fall out of favour with England coach Fabio Capello and ruined his chances of going to the World Cup.

RVP compared to club legends

Arsene Wenger sees a bit of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp in Robin Van Persie. Van Persie has enjoyed a stellar start to the season. His two goals against rivals Tottenham on Saturday took his tally to seven from as many games. The 26-year-old has also adapted quickly to his role at the top of Wenger's new 4-3-3 formation. And praise can’t come higher than being compared to two club legends. "He is a mixture. He is less of a runner than Thierry Henry and he is not completely Dennis Bergkamp because he plays higher up the pitch. He is vital because when you play the ball to his feet his first touch is always perfect and that allows others to join in. It makes everybody dangerous. In the box he is clever and intelligent," said Wenger after his side’s 3-0 win over Spurs.

Giants fight for Villa and other transfer rumours

It looks like Manchester United and Chelsea will not only be fighting it out for EPL honours this season, with reports that the two giants of English football are also set to lock horns over highly-rated Spanish striker David Villa. The Blues are said to be tabling a £25m bid for the Valencia forward while the Red Devils are interested in Villa and his midfield team-mate David Silva, with Sir Alex Ferguson ready to pay £40m for the pair. Elsewhere, cash-strapped West Ham are ready to offload Matthew Upson with Liverpool favourites to land the £10m-rated defender. Liverpool will raise funds for Upson by fobbing off Ryan Babel to Ajax for £6m.