Anelka may turn red

English FA Premiership: Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has backed the idea of a January move for Manchester City forward Nicolas Anelka.

The French striker was a big hit with the Anfield club during his spell on loan during 2002 and it was a huge surprise when he was not offered a permanent deal by then manager Gerard Houllier.

City manager Kevin Keegan stepped in to capture Anelka from Paris St Germain for £13 million but the relationship between the pair has been strained by a recent magazine article in which the six-goal front-man suggested he wanted a move to a 'bigger' club.

Liverpool, whose star forward Djibril Cisse will not play again this term either after breaking his leg at Blackburn, are in the market for a top-quality forward who is not cup-tied for Europe.

Anelka fits the bill perfectly and Gerrard would like to see the 25-year-old back in a red shirt.

"I remember a few years ago when we were going for the title, Everton came to Anfield and nearly turned us over," Gerrard said. "We were grateful to Nicolas Anelka that day. He was great for us when he was here."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is hoping a new deal can be agreed with Dietmar Hamann. The 31-year-old Germany midfielder's contract expires in the summer and he will be free to talk to other clubs from next month.

Benitez is anxious to retain the services of Hamann, who arrived from Newcastle in July 1999.

Benitez will make one enforced change for Portsmouth's visit tonight, with goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek returning as Chris Kirkland is suffering from a back problem.

Czech striker Milan Baros is set to be recalled after being rested at the weekend in light of the heavy fixture programme.

Portsmouth's Nigel Quashie will again miss out with a groin injury but striker Lomana LuaLua should be fit despite coming off with cramp towards the end of Saturday's 1-1 draw at Newcastle.

Tonight'sFixtures

(7.45 unless stated)

FA CUP second round replays: Brentford v Hinckley Utd; Swansea v Stockport.

ENGLISH FA PREMIERSHIP: Liverpool v Portsmouth (8.0).