"It is a matter between the clubs, " Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.

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"We attempted to negotiate an option as an insurance policy... if Rafa left for Real Madrid or other clubs rumoured, " Hicks told the Liverpool Echo.

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The Liverpool Echo reports Mr Bampton was originally from Wallasey in Merseyside and the former St Mary's College pupil was a well-known face on the Liverpool art scene.

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"You look at those as a front three and you struggle to find a better front three in Europe - and I include Barcelona's in that, " Bayern Munich winger Robben was quoted as telling the Liverpool Echo.

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Mr Williams is now in contention for the UK Unsung Hero award made at Liverpool's Echo Arena on Sunday 14 December.

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Echo Arena Liverpool said it had not sold 40 tickets for either of the shows to HCT.

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Their major target will be the European Team Badminton Championship at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, which begins on 10 February.

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But he drew comparisons between the Swansea squad and the Liverpool dressing room, which both have a core of locally produced players who echo the fans' passion for the club.

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In Liverpool, the nightclub Cream is hosting a dance party with Fat Boy Slim and Pete Tong while The Christians and Echo and the Bunnymen give a free concert in the city.

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