The former Anfield boss reckons that title is all in Manchester United's hands now.

Newcastle, also at one time managed by Dalglish, will be trying to end Liverpool's dreams as well as boosting their own hopes of avoiding relegation when the club's meet in a vital match at Anfield tomorrow.

By then United could be six points clear of second-placed Liverpool if they can beat Middlesbrough at lunchtime today in another match that has great importance to the top and bottom of the division.

And Dalglish echoed the feelings of every Liverpool fan by saying: "All of a sudden you become a fan of whoever Manchester United are playing."

With Anfield fans, that is always the case, but Dalglish knows the greater importance of seeing United lose now.

"Unfortunately we're dependant on someone doing us a favour," said Dalglish, who was in charge when the Reds last won the league in 1990.

And he said: "If United rest a few players, as Fergie has suggested, ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg next week against Arsenal, that gives Middlesbrough a wee bit more encouragement.

"If Middlesbrough get a good result then it's going to beneficial to Liverpool, but only if they win tomorrow against Newcastle."

Boss Rafael Benitez will have skipper Steven Gerrard back tomorrow following a groin problem, and has had his preparation disrupted by speculation about the future of Javier Mascherano.

And Benitez has amazingly revealed that the Argentina captain has turned down an approach from an un-named club for his services.

Mascherano is only 15 months into a four-year contract, but manager Benitez yesterday held talks with him following the midfielder's own claims that he was unsure about his future on Merseyside.

Benitez refused to name the club concerned, but it is believed the approach did not come from either Italy or Spain.

However, Benitez has been quick to defuse the situation, saying: "Javier is happy here, with the fans, the club and the manager. I have had a very positive conversation with him.

"He has already said no to one club, a good side. He wants to stay but he cannot stop big clubs asking about him.

"If you are a top class player, people are always asking about you.

"He has tried to be polite and correct. Now I have had a conversation with him and it was very clear he wants to continue to play for us, I do not see this as a big problem.

"The conversation with him was very honest and he was very clear about things.

"These things happen always in football, clubs all around the world will work like this. It is just part of the situation that exists at the top level.

"Clearly we do not want to lose key players. Players like Mascherano and Xabi Alonso have long contracts so we are in a strong position, while we are very close now to sorting out Daniel Agger's position here.

"He wants to stay and maybe we will soon have a solution to the problem. Danny is a player with a big future here."

Liverpool expect to announce soon that Agger has ended months of uncertainty about his future by agreeing a new deal.