Kenny Dalglish has hailed Steven Gerrard's 'fantastic' progress as he looks to return to competitive action in the Barclays Premier League curtain-raiser against Sunderland.

The captain has not featured for the Reds since the 3-1 win over Manchester United on March 6 but remains on course in his recovery after successfully undergoing an operation on his groin.

Dalglish said: "We start back Monday so we'll see how everybody is then. Everything that has been done has been very positive for Steven so we are just hoping for the best for him. He deserves a bit of luck on the injury front. We won't put him under any undue pressure. All we'll say everything has been fantastic so far."

Liverpool made early inroads in the transfer market when they swooped for England U21 star Jordan Henderson.

The Reds have continued to be linked with a host of names ever since - but Dalglish has refused to comment on individuals.

"I wouldn't mention anyone as a target for us," he said. "We are obviously trying to bring people in and people are trying to take players from us. We are not going to speculate and be disrespectful and talk about other people at other clubs. Every manager I've seen interviewed on television has said exactly the same thing. That's the way it should be."

The boss also gave his views on the topic of a potential new stadium.

He said: "We are going to win either way. They have decided we need a bigger attendance and to make that worthwhile we've got to get results on the pitch. The nostalgic one would be to stay at Anfield and extend it. The other option is to build a new one. If it's possible I'd slightly favour Anfield because of the tradition that is there.

"If they can redevelop and it extend it then I would have no problem staying whatsoever. I'm sure John (Henry) and Tom (Werner) are having a good look at the stadium situation and will decide what they think is best. I would think they will take the fans opinion into consideration. They've certainly listened to them so far."