GERRARD: RAFA WILL IMPROVE

Who? - Rafa Benitez
Where is he? - Liverpool
What is he linked with? - Players
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard expects manager Rafael Benitez to strengthen his squad following their failure to reach the Champions League Final. The Reds lost a thrilling semi-final second leg 3-2 to Chelsea on Wednesday evening to exit the competition by a 4-3 aggregate scoreline. With Europe went the club's last remaining chance of silverware this season and a disappointed Gerrard believes Benitez will once again look to strengthen his squad during the summer months. "There is no point in looking back or thinking of what might have been," he told the club's official website. "We have to look forward because we have to go into next season looking to improve again. Hopefully, we will go into next season with a stronger squad because that could make a big difference, particularly when we're playing in games like last night's. And if we can bottle the disappointment we're feeling right now it could be a big motivation for us."

ADEBAYOR NOT SEEKING EXIT

Who? - Emmanuel Adebayor
Where is he? - Arsenal
What is he linked with - Staying
Striker Emmanuel Adebayor is happy at Arsenal and not seeking a summer transfer, according to his agent. The Togo international took his tally to six in the last four games with a hat-trick in Monday's 6-2 demolition of hapless Derby County. But despite a second season without any silverware, the 24-year-old marksman is not looking to leave the Emirates Stadium. Adebayor, who has scored 30 times in all competitions this season, has been mentioned as a possible target for AC Milan and Real Madrid. "Obviously, it is logical that Emmanuel is demanded," said agent Stephane Courbis. "I have to meet his club when the season ends to speak about his future. Today he is happy at Arsenal - he showed it on Monday - but you know football, everything goes very quickly. However, we will not talk before the season ends as Arsenal are focused on trying to finish second."

DAVIES UNDERSTANDS BARRY AMBITION

Who? - Gareth Barry
Where is he? - Aston Villa
What is he linked with - The exit door
Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies says he would understand if Gareth Barry chooses to leave the club in the summer. The talented midfielder is being linked with a move to one of the Big Four in an attempt to advance his career and cement his place in Fabio Capello's England set-up. Said Davies: "I was captain of West Brom last season and chose to move on to progress my career. I obviously want him to stay. He's a terrific example on the pitch to all our players. But if Gareth decided he wanted to play in the Champions League next season, I wouldn't hold it against him. After what I've done, I'd be a hypocrite to say otherwise."

ISAKSSON LOOKS TO EXIT

Who? - Andreas Isaksson
Where is he? - Manchester City
What is he linked with - The exit door
Unhappy Manchester City goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson is looking to leave in the summer after revealing his frustration at a lack of first-team opportunities. The Sweden international has started just 16 Premier League games in almost two full season and Eastlands and has been unable to dislodge Joe Hart as number one during the current campaign. The 27-year-old has been troubled by injury since joining City from Rennes in July 2006, but fears for his starting place with Sweden for this summer's European Championship. "It feels like I'm done here now," Isaksson told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. "I can't risk staying one more season with the same situation I've had this year, so a move is necessary for me." Isaksson has also admitted he has questioned his own ability after being told by City manager Sven Goran Eriksson that he would not be his first-choice keeper for a second successive season. "Of course it's tough when you get that message, but I have been professional the whole time," he continued. "Of course there are question marks when you don't play. I can't deny that."

ERIKSSON LINKED TO BENFICA

Who? - Sven Goran Eriksson
Where is he? - Manchester City
Who is he linked with - Benfica
Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson may be managing Benfica next season, according to his agent Athole Still. The Swede's future at Eastlands is in doubt after reports earlier in the week suggested that Citizens owner Thaksin Shinawatra is looking to let him go after just one season in charge. This has led to rumours arising in Portugal linking Sven with Benfica, and Still is doing little to play them down. "The door is not closed for Benfica," he said. "The question of money is important. He is unlikely to continue, but it is still not 100 per cent certain that he will leave Manchester City. He may have been contacted indirectly. If any club wish to talk with Eriksson, they must call me. They have my number."

SMITH RUMOURS DISMISSED

Who? - Alan Smith
Where is he? - Newcastle United
Who is he linked with - Rangers
The agent of Alan Smith has dismissed reports linking his player with a move to Rangers. The versitile forward joined Newcastle United from Manchester United last summer but has struggled to impress at St James' Park. Smith was seen at last weekend's Old Firm derby, but Alex Black has said this does not mean he is moving on. "Alan has no intention of leaving Newcastle, he is happy at the club," Black told Sky Sports. "All this Rangers talk has come about because he was at a couple of their games. It was just a coincidence as Alan got tickets for the Old Firm game and he went with a few friends to experience a Rangers v Celtic game as he is a football fan. Alan is not thinking about anything else but coming back fresh for next season and helping Newcastle to success."

MCGEADY A HAPPY BHOY

Who? - Aiden McGeady
Where is he? - Celtic
Who is he linked with - Newcastle, Sunderland
The agent of Celtic star Aiden McGeady has dismissed talk linking the player with an exit from Celtic Park. The 22-year-old midfielder is a rumoured target of Sunderland and Newcastle, but David Holbrook has insisted that's just idle gossip. "As far as I am concerned the speculation about Aiden is just paper talk," he explained. "I haven't spoken to any club regarding Aiden and he is happy at Celtic. He has enjoyed a fantastic season and he is focusing on the last few games of the season as he aims to try and help them retain the SPL title."