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Dalglish has no plans to spend in January

Kenny Dalglish has no plans to buy during January © PA Photos

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Kenny Dalglish told reporters on Friday that Liverpool are "not chasing anybody" in the January transfer window, in an attempt to quash endless rumours surrounding the Merseyside club.

Dalglish has been bemused by recent reports linking £35 million striker Andy Carroll, bought only a year ago, with a cut-price move back to Newcastle. The Reds have also been linked to a £27 million enquiry for Eden Hazard.

Liverpool have been left somewhat short in the striking department by the eight-game suspension handed out to Luis Suarez by the FA, although they have won three of four games in his absence. Dalglish insists he has the money to spend if he wishes, but the Scot is adamant a Liverpool signing in January is unlikely.

"We've got an option to be active if we want to be active, but we said at the outset that we'd be quiet," Dalglish said on the club's official website. "It's work in progress for us. We'll just keep doing what we're doing, and the boys will keep working as hard as they can, and we'll see where we go.

"If we needed somebody to bolster up, we could do it - but I said right at the outset, we don't. We're not really chasing after anybody that we want to bring in in January. We've been happy with what they (the players) have done since August.

"I don't think it is unusual when we said at the start we would not be very busy. I think it's unusual when people try to invent things, get it horribly wrong and then ask us to justify it.

"We said right at the outset, if anything there will be very little [transfer activity]. It's a wee bit disrespectful to us after trying to be honest and saying there might not be much, that we get accused of not being active."

Thursday saw Liverpool hand a new contract to captain Steven Gerrard, which comes with the option of the player taking an ambassadorial role at the end of his career. Former Red John Aldridge described Gerrard as the best player to have ever played for the Reds, something Dalglish - widely regarded as Liverpool's best - did not disagree with.

"Everyone knows the service Steven has given the football club and all the success he's brought to the football club. For him to be extending his contract and look to work for us beyond when he finishes playing, it's a great lift and great news for everyone.

"It doesn't happen very often but it depends on the people. If people are happy with where they're working, happy with the people they're working for, then why would you move?

"Hopefully the timing of when he stops playing is still a few years away.

"We'll have the same conversations with Carra (Jamie Carragher) as well, to try and keep him at the football club for as long as we can, and involved with the football club. We'll have a conversation with Carra to see what his plans and ambitions are and to see what he'd like to do.

"It's hugely important for us to keep people who've been great servants like those two have been. If they want to be here, we should do what we can to accommodate them."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.