Football FanCast guest columnist Dan Walker bemoans the Olympic call up of Javier Mascherano and feels it is a massive blow for Rafa Benitez.

Rafa Benitez can be called many things in this world but ‘lucky' is certainly not one of them. Never has a manager had to endure so many knocks and setbacks than the Spaniard has in the last few years and it's clear after today's announcement that they have no intention of stopping.

Football FanCast guest columnist Ged Mathews looks at the latest transfer rumour circulating Liverpool and feels that Keane would be a welcome addition.

If there is one thing that is clearly evident about Rafa Benitez in the past few weeks is that he intends to be bullish in the transfer market. Whether it is boardroom pressure or the need to deliver, the Spaniard has adopted a different approach to the market and rather than build for the future, is very much moving in for the finished article.

Football FanCast guest columnist Kevin Jackson wonders if Liverpool's failing to land a title had little to do with ability, but more to do with mentality.

Rafael Benitez has come out this morning in and claimed that a Premier League title would rank as the greatest achievement of his management career. That is quite something, considering what the Spaniard has already achieved with La Liga titles and of course the Champions League, but is Rafa going to be any closer to achieving his dream come May?

Football FanCast guest columnist Sal Mendes wonders if Liverpool should turn their attentions elsewhere.

If there is one thing that has surprised me more than anything in the last few weeks is that Gareth Barry is still not yet a Liverpool player. Such has been the speculation, the hype and every man and his dog, from ex pros, coaches and even the player himself, who feel that a move to the club would be in his best interests.

Football FanCast columnist Sunit Thakurta looks at Liverpool's reported interest in the Spanish duo Villa and Silva and wonders if they are the missing pieces to Rafa's title chasing jigsaw.

The ongoing European Championships have unleashed a new generation of young talents that are making top European clubs scramble to secure their services. Almost all the top stars are being linked to the Premiership, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal leading the way in a bid to secure their talents.

Football FanCast guest columnist Ged Toner cannot understand the media agenda that is trying to wedge a gap between the Liverpool board and Rafa Benitez.

Rafa Benitez must wake up every morning and wonder what he has ever done to upset the English media. The relentless way in which some journalists are trying to drive a wedge between the Spaniard and the Anfield board is absolutely scandalous and it's clear that they don't intend to rest.

Football FanCast columnist Jerome Johnstone is in no doubt that Liverpool need to sign a winger this summer and has compiled his short list.

If there is one thing that has become abundantly clear about Liverpool in the past few years is that we have continually lacked natural width.
It has certainly not been the want of trying and over the years we have seen many attempts to fill the void, but to no avail and we are constantly left to make do with makeshift alternatives like Stevie G or in recent months Dirk Kuyt. It has been holding us back that is without question and it is high time that Liverpool sorted out if we want to move on to the desired level.

Football FanCast columnist Freddie Myers mulls over the daily rumours and rumblings