FOOTBALL: Steven Gerrard commits to Liverpool

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has committed his future to Liverpool after being impressed with manager Roy Hodgson's plans. After completing the signing of Joe Cole on a free yesterday, Steven Gerrard has been impressed with Hodgson intent as Liverpool manager.

Steve Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo, "I made it clear that I simply needed to concentrate on the World Cup and then have a decent holiday with my family,"

"I wanted the chance to meet Roy Hodgson privately and having done so, I'm very impressed with his plans for the future.

I've only returned to training today at Melwood with some of the other World Cup players, but I can't wait for the new season to start."

FOOTBALL: Joe Cole signs for Liverpool

As we reported here on UK Soccer earlier, Joe Cole has now officially signed for Liverpool, Roy Hodgson has got his man. Beating of competition from Tottenham and Arsenal, Joe Cole has opted to join the mersey-siders signing a £90,000 a week contract and Cole will fly out to Switzerland to join up with his new team-mates.

The arrival of Joe Cole with signal Hodgson intent as Liverpool manager and this transfer could help persuade Fernando Torres and club captain Steven Gerrard to remain at Anfield. Both players have stated that would like to see Liverpool sign Champions League standard players before deciding on their future and Joe Cole is certainly that.