Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Klopp distances itself from League title

Manchester City, preseason title favorites, remain on top of that list, while Liverpool, who didn’t even finish high enough last season to reach the Europa League, are now second.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is discouraging people from betting on his team to win it all.



“I don’t understand the numbers,” Klopp told Sky Sports.

“I know where I come from, you keep your money, you don’t do something like this!

“It is not important for me but it is better to have an optimistic mood around.

“At this moment, Liverpool feels good. We had this very important game against Hull and we did it in a really impressive way.”

“It’s nice to see [the table] but the one problem is the number, it is six games now so it’s at an early stage which is the only problem. I’m happy about this but I know there is a long way to go.”

“Everybody asks which is the best league and I have no idea, but that seven or eight teams think they should be top of the table or top of the league, that’s quite interesting and we all have to cope with it,” he added.

“It’s good for everybody that watches it and we have to deal with the pressure.”

Liverpool have made their back into the top four currently, and they do look like a club that will competing in Europe next year. Jurgen Klopp has proven to be a perfect fit and it looks like he’s proverbially on to something at Anfield right now.

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Sunday, April 17, 2016

Klopp wants players with Mettle

Jurgen Klopp’s so adamant that Liverpool’s squad will be tightly knit and working towards a common cause, he’s claimed that he wouldn’t sign a player whose character didn’t suit – although he did it entirely more bluntly!



Klopp, as reported by the Red Bulletin, promised Reds that, “I would never sign an a****** just because he’s great at football.

“Anyone can have a good day. But you have to be able to perform on a bad day. That’s what you live for as a sportsman. You have to put up a fight.”

Liverpool currently have a squad filled with young talent, and Klopp will hone their attitudes as much as their ability.

We need to instil a never-say-die attitude; a hunger and a belief. The kind which was evident on Thursday night, when Liverpool fought back to down Borussia Dortmund at Anfield.

The victory earned us a spot in the Europa League semi-finals, and Friday saw us draw Spanish outfit Villarreal – currently fourth in La Liga thanks to their outstanding defensive record.

Still, Dortmund hadn’t lost a game in 2016 until earlier this week, and if Klopp can summon the kind of second-half performance he managed to against the Germans, the competition is ours for the taking.

For Full Story...

Friday, August 22, 2014

Liverpool to consider Eto'o if Striker deal collapse





Samuel Eto'o was undergoing a medical with Liverpool on Friday afternoon ahead of signing a one-year deal

The 33-year-old was subjected to late interest from Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton, but Roberto Martinez could not do enough to keep Eto'o away from Anfield's clutches. Everton reportedly offered Eto'o a two-year deal, but the lure of Champions League football with Brendan Rodgers's men was too tempting to turn down.

Eto'o reportedly underwent a medical with Liverpool representatives outside of the United Kingdom and is expected to complete his move before the Reds take on Manchester City on Monday night. It is likely that he won't be registered in time to play against Manuel Pellegrini's side.

The Cameroon veteran will join on a free transfer after Jose Mourinho decided against offering him the chance to stay at Chelsea for a second season. Eto'o scored 12 goals for Chelsea after signing from Anzhi Makhachkala last summer but his relationship with Mourinho broke down after the manager joked about his age.

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Super mario signing imminent





MARIO BALOTELLI has touched down in the UK ahead of his £16million move to Liverpool.

Balotelli flew into Liverpool this afternoon on board a private jet.

The former Manchester City man jetted into Merseyside from Brescia airport.

Balotelli will now undergo a medical with Liverpool and discuss personal terms over a £16m switch.

The 24-year-old will reportedly pen a contract worth £120,000-a-week at Anfield.

Balotelli will not be signed in time to face Manchester City on Monday (8pm), but the deal is likely to go through by the weekend.

Kop boss Brendan Rodgers refused to discuss Balotelli at his press conference.

He said: "I can categorically tell you that I can't speak about it or anything until the player's signed.

"If we sign anyone I will speak at length about them but until then I can't say anything."

For Full Story...

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Liverpool start PL with a win





Striker Daniel Sturridge shouldered the responsibility as Liverpool's new main man up front with a late winner in a 2-1 defeat of a Southampton side who suggested there is still life after their summer exodus.

With last season's 31-goal star Luis Suarez having departed to Barcelona for 75 million pounds there is a shortfall to be accounted for - but Sturridge and the Reds' other scorer Raheem Sterling showed they are up for the challenge.

Such was Suarez's brilliance it is almost forgotten Sturridge was the Barclays Premier League's second highest scorer with 24 last season - but without his world-class partner beside him there is a greater burden on him to deliver.

With the England striker having a relatively quiet 80 minutes it seemed Saints would leave Anfield with at least a point after Nathaniel Clyne's second-half equaliser, only for the 24-year-old to pounce on his first clear-cut chance.

There had been significant change for both sides over the summer. Liverpool spent upwards of 100 million pounds on eight new signings, while their opponents were still in debit having seen a raft of departures - three players to Anfield and manager Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham.

Only five of Saints' starting line-up started their final match of last season, with four players making their debuts and new 12 million pounds striker Shane Long on the bench.

The most significant absentee, however, was Suarez. However, a year ago Liverpool began the season without the suspended Uruguayan and took 10 points from their first four matches.

While a suitable replacement up front still remains a target for Brendan Rodgers, arguably his most important summer signing was that of Dejan Lovren - who made his debut against the club he left acrimoniously, albeit for 20 million pounds.

Liverpool are still looking for a leader in defence to fill the void left by Jamie Carragher's retirement the year before last and the manager's hope is the Croatian fits the bill as it was an area of weakness which cost them valuable points in their surprise title challenge last season.

The centre-back, incessantly booed by the visiting fans, certainly added more of a presence alongside Martin Skrtel and won headers in situations which have often caused problems in the past.

It was not all plain sailing at the back in the first half with goalkeeper Simon Mignolet getting in a tangle with Graziano Pelle at Southampton's first corner and almost presenting the visitors with an easy chance.

But Liverpool's strength remains in the final third of the field and after scoring 101 goals last season, Sterling opened their account in an incisive attack which split Southampton wide open.

Midfielder Jordan Henderson won the ball in a tackle with Morgan Schneiderlin 10 yards inside his own half and produced a great through-ball for Sterling, who rushed through and shot past Fraser Forster, making his debut following a 10 million pounds move from Celtic.

Forster got closer to Sterling's snap-shot on the stroke of half-time and parried - but it was his Liverpool counterpart who produced the better saves of the first half as he clawed away a James Ward-Prowse inswinging free-kick and tipped over a Schneiderlin effort.

However, 10 minutes after the break he could do nothing with Clyne's powerful drive after the Saints full-back continued his run off the right flank to collect a Dusan Tadic backheel which beat Lovren.

Mignolet kept out Davis minutes later with a low save after the midfielder found himself unmarked free 12 yards out as Southampton stepped up the pressure, while another surging Clyne run was halted only by a desperate Glen Johnson tackle.

England striker Rickie Lambert, another Liverpool acquisition from Southampton, came off the bench and had a chance to score with his second touch before Sturridge grabbed the winner with 10 minutes remaining.

Henderson's cross was half-cleared by Victor Wanyama and Sterling nodded it back into the danger area, where his England team-mate poked home from close range.

But Liverpool were ultimately indebted to Mignolet, who in the opening game 12 months ago saved a last-minute penalty to secure victory.

This time he brilliantly tipped Schneiderlin's shot onto the bar in the 88th minute - and watched relieved as Long headed the rebound wide from six yards out.

For Full Story...

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Striker snubs new deal





Liverpool have been boosted in their chase for Ezequiel Lavezzi after the Argentine snubbed Paris Saint-Germain’s latest contract offer, Express reports.

The Reds are heavily linked with a move for the Argentina international and can finally land their man after Lavezzi rejected new terms from the Ligue-1 champions.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has been in the market for a striker ever since the £75million departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona, and could end his search with a move for Lavezzi.

The former Napoli man has found it difficult to nail down a first team place in PSG’s very talented attack, which could force him to look elsewhere for regular playing time.

Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal were keeping track of the 29-year-old, but Liverpool are still the front-runners for his signature this summer.

Lavezzi scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists last season, before being picked in Argentina’s 23-man World Cup squad which went all the way to the final.

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Moreno move confirmed





Alberto Moreno has been snapped in Liverpool colours for the first time as his move from Sevilla nears completion.

The left-back has arrived at the Anfield club’s Melwood training ground to undergo a medical ahead of his £12million switch and was seen posing with a Liverpool scarf.

Moreno missed Sevilla’s defeat to Real Madrid in the Super Cup, after the Europa League holders accepted Liverpool’s offer, and was highly emotional as he said goodbye to both teammates and supporters at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night.

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Thursday, August 7, 2014

Liverpool enquire about another South American





Arsenal and Liverpool have both been linked with mega-moves for Edinson Cavani of PSG.

The Liverpool Echo quoted the striker's agent Claudi Anelluci as stating: "“There has been much interest in the player during the last six months.

"I can confirm that Cavani heard proposals from Liverpool and Arsenal. Already said he would love to play in England, but has not yet made a final decision.

“He is not interested in money and fame; he just wants to be happy playing football."

Cavani has been playing out on the right for PSG to accommodate Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and while he still managed to net 16 goals in 25 starts, but endured a dismal World Cup.

So which Premier League side out of Arsenal and Liverpool, would be the best fit for Cavani?

For Full Story...

Liverpool in talks for South American





LIVERPOOL have opened talks with Monaco over a stunning move for striker Radamel Falcao.

Sources in Italy claim the Reds are set to rival Manchester City and Real Madrid for the Colombian star.

According to Italian journalist Mina Rzouki, Liverpool are 'leading the race' to land Falcao.

Brendan Rodgers has spent nearly £100million on new signings this summer, with £75m Luis Suarez heading to Barcelona.

But having spent just £4m on a direct replacement in striker Rickie Lambert, Liverpool look light on firepower.

Italian sports paper Gazzetta dello Sport claim Falcao is available on loan with a view to a permanent transfer.

Gazetta dello Sport linked Manchester City with a move for Falcao yesterday, with Stevan Jovetic going the other way.

But fresh reports believe Liverpool could trump City and long-term admirers for the 28-year-old.

A switch to Anfield appears high unlikely for Falcao though, who missed the World Cup through injury.

For Full Story...

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Liverpool complete loan deal for Manquillo





The Atletico Madrid defender, 20, has joined on an extended two-year loan deal but the Reds have the option to sign him for £5m at the end of his first year in England.

Manquillo found himself stuck behind Juanfran as Atletico beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the La Liga title last term.

But he has now set his sights on dislodging Johnson as Brendan Rodgers' first-choice right back

Manquillo said: "I'm coming here to earn my place in the side, and above all, like any footballer to keep on improving as much as I can in training and compete to the very best of my ability. The immediate objective is to do the best I possibly can here."

Johnson has just one year left on his contract and is facing an uncertain future at Anfield, and Manquillo is keen to apply even more pressure on him.

Arsenal were also interested in the youngster - who has left his boyhood heroes in search of regular first-team action.

Even after his two-year stint on Merseyside, Manquillo has two years remaining on his contract at the Vicente Calderon.

But he insists he sees his move to Liverpool as a long-term switch and wants to follow in the footsteps of fellow Spaniards Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Pepe Reina at Anfield.

Manquillo said: "I've come here to try and secure a place for myself in the side and, if possible, stay here for many more years in the future."

Manquillo walked out on Real Madrid on the same day they released his twin brother in 2007 and signed for Atletico the following day.

He only made three La Liga starts last season as Diego Simeone's unfancied side stunned Barca and Real. And after looking on in frustration, believes Liverpool can pull off a similarly stunning campaign.

Manquillo said: "We managed to achieve things that from the outset appeared almost impossible, so let's hope that I find something similar here; a team that has the highest aspirations and can win as much as possible.

"It really was a great group of players at Atletico Madrid. From a personal point of view it was a disappointing year for me.

"I was unlucky with injury, but for the group as a whole it was a brilliant year."

Manquillo is Rodgers' seventh summer signing and he also wants Seville left-back Alberto Moreno and another striker.

For Full Story...

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Rodgers should be looking at this PL striker for goals





After defeat to Manchester United in the champions cup, most Liverpool fans are wondering where would the goals come from after the departure of Suarez.

If at all a situation comes where Sturridge is injured or not at his best then is there anyone who can produce that moment of magic like Suaraz did on so many occasions last season.

All Liverpool fans are of the opinion that the club should buy a top notch striker. Christian Benteke is one of the strikers which Rodgers should be looking at. He is someone who brendan likes and has already heaped a lot of praise previously.

At 23, he fits the liverpool transfer policy as well. In my opinion he is Premier League proven and worth giving it a shot.

For Full Story...

Rodgers optimistic despite defeat





Despite dropping the final of the International Champions Cup on Monday night, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said he was happy with how the preseason tournament prepared his side for the Premier League.

Manchester United prevailed in the end but struggled to contain Raheem Sterling in the first half. The 19-year-old winger beat Phil Jones and drew a penalty that Steven Gerrard slotted home for a 1-0 lead, and Rodgers thought Liverpool deserved another penalty when Ander Herrera pulled down Sterling in the box, only for top American referee Mark Geiger to wave play on.

"I thought it was a really good game and both teams have had a very good workout out here," Rodgers said in his post-match news conference.

"I thought we were well worth the lead and had a couple more chances to increase that and it looked like maybe we should have had another penalty."

United took the lead with two quick strikes after the break and closed out the 3-1 win with a late Jesse Lingard strike, but Rodgers chose to concentrate on the positives.

"We conceded a disappointing equaliser and then very quickly conceded another one so the game started to get stretched a bit, but overall I'm delighted with the whole tournament and what it's done for us," he said.

"We have worked very hard and we will leave here with plenty of positives and look forward to the new season."

Rodgers also raved about Sterling's performance over the course of 90 minutes.

"I thought he was outstanding and was a real threat," the manager said. "Raheem is tactically aware for such a young player and is so exciting to watch. When he runs at defenders he creates many opportunities.

"At 19 years of age he is a real talent and is getting better all the time."

Liverpool's 16-day tour of America came with a cost, as Adam Lallana, Jon Flanagan, Daniel Agger, Fabio Borini and Daniel Sturridge all suffered injuries and returned home. But Rodgers said most of them should be ready to face Southampton when the Premier League kicks off on Aug. 16.

"The condition of the players that we have at the moment is very good," Rodgers said. "We've obviously got a few missing but certainly by Southampton we will be ready and we are looking forward to it."

For Full Story...

Liverpool to offer new deal to midfielder





Liverpool will offer Philippe Coutinho a new contract within weeks, manager Brendan Rodgers says.

Coutinho, 22, has become a key player for the Reds since his eight million pounds move from Inter Milan in January 2013.

The Brazilian playmaker started 28 Premier League matches last season as Liverpool finished runners-up to Manchester City.

And Rodgers is keen to secure Coutinho's long-term future to aid the attacking threat of a side who scored 101 league goals during the 2013/14 campaign.

Liverpool's manager told British newspapers: "A new contract for Philippe is something we will look to do over the summer.

"It's all in hand. He's a valuable player and a great asset to the club. He's come in here and shown his quality, and really developed as a young player.

"Now he's moving into the best years of his life as a footballer. He's 22 and hopefully by the time the next World Cup comes around he will be an important part of the Brazil team, I'm sure his best years will be at Liverpool."

Coutinho was left out of Brazil's squad for the recent World Cup in his homeland, which allowed him a summer off as he avoided the humiliation of their 7-1 semifinal defeat against Germany.

Rodgers said: "He came back to preseason with a great level of fitness -- right on the limit of his weight.

"He's in great condition, clearly worked hard in the off season and since he's come back we've seen in the games how strong and aggressive he is."

Coutinho's contribution to Liverpool's runners-up spot last season was more as a creative player than as a goalscorer.

He scored five times in the league for the Reds during the campaign, but Rodgers believes that goal ratio will get better.

The manager said: "He's a player I don't want to put too much pressure on with goals.

"When you have that quality and technique, you'll hope to score more goals -- and I'm sure that's something he will improve on this season."

For Full Story...

Saturday, August 2, 2014

German star to force move to Liverpool





The Metro has suggested that Borussia Dortmund’s star winger Marco Reus could be leaving the club, with his agent hinting at the possibility of a move abroad.

One club which has come to the forefront of rumours regarding Reus’ future are Liverpool, who are looking to fill the gap left by Luis Suárez after selling the Uruguayan earlier in this summer’s window, and this news from Germany could spark a bid from The Reds.

Earlier this week, Reus rejected a contract extension which he was offered due to a £27 million release clause on his current deal that will be activated after this season. Dortmund are hoping to keep hold of the talented 25 year-old, or at least be able to request a higher fee for selling him, after getting burned in a similar situation with Mario Götze’s move to Bayern Munich last year.

Reus’ contract rejection, and those subsequent comments from agent Dirk Hebel, mean that Dortmund are more likely to cash-in on the forward now, and Liverpool have money to spend from the £75 million sale of Suárez to Barcelona.

However, the likelihood of Reus going to Liverpool is slim. Having acquired Adam Lallana and Lazar Marković within the past month, and with starlet Raheem Sterling already a regular, Reus joining would be a bad move for the player, even if his transfer would be a sign of intent for the club’s upcoming campaign.

With Reus’ pedigree, there must certainly be a plethora of clubs keeping an eye on his situation, including Bayern, who are always intent on improving their squad. Bayern are a smart club when it comes to transfer dealing, as Götze’s move showed, and would not be scared to bide their time and wait until Reus is available for a lower price next summer.

In addition, Reus would surely only want to move to a side which he would see as a step-up and, as good as Liverpool were last season, Dortmund have seen more success in recent years. The other European teams which have outperformed Dortmund over the last few seasons have mainly been Bayern, Barça and Real Madrid, and the latter two have brought-in at least two big-name signings already this summer, covering Reus’ position in doing so.

The defining factor which will probably dictate where the winger ends-up is how he recovers from the injury which kept him out of the World Cup in Brazil. Expected to now miss the opening of the season, when he returns, he may not be at a level at which he previously performed, and that would put clubs off paying more than £27 million for him before the transfer window closes.

While it’s not uncommon for players to transfer whilst suffering from injuries, it is a risky move, and if Bayern are the only viable option to sign Reus, it’s not going to happen.

It feels almost inevitable that Reus will join Bayern from Dortmund, at least in comparison to the chance that Liverpool have to bring him in, but it won’t be this year.

Wait until next summer, see if that injury affects this coming season’s performances, and pay a considerable amount less than signing him crocked now.

For Full Story...

Are liverpool interested in this Striker?





Brendan Rodgers has heaped praise on former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli as the Liverpool manager continues to search for Luis Suarez's replacement.

Rodgers is in the market for a new striker after a proposed move for Queens Park Rangers forward Loic Remy fell through due to a failed medical. Ahead of his side's friendly with AC Milan in North Carolina, Rodgers said Balotelli, who was linked with a summer move to Arsenal, has all the qualities required to be a leading striker.

"Balotelli is a big talent," Rodgers said. "I saw that in this time at Inter Milan as a young player and obviously going to Manchester City when we had a real close eye on him there.

"He's got all the qualities. He's 6ft 3ins, he's quick, his touch is terrific and he can score goals. He went back to Italy to play and he's still so young.

"If his focus is right, his concentration is right and he leads the lifestyle of a top player then he can play for any team in the world."

With last season's Premier League top scorer Suarez having departed for Barcelona in a 75-million-pound deal earlier this summer, Rodgers' options up front are considerably lighter.

He has made six signings so far this summer, bringing in strikers Rickie Lambert and Divock Origi, midfielders Adam Lallana and Emre Can, winger Lazar Markovic and centre-back Dejan Lovren. Lallana will miss the first few weeks of the season with a knee injury, though, while Origi has been loaned back to Lille for the coming campaign as part of the deal that brought him to Anfield.

While the depth of his squad has improved significantly, Rodgers is still short of a marquee signing to take over the departed Uruguayan's mantle. The club are expected to tie down deals for Spanish full-backs Alberto Moreno and Javi Manquillo, but Rodgers is still searching for another striker as he prepares for the club's return to the Champions League.

"We won't have too much business to be done but we still have a few areas we want to strengthen," Rodgers said. "It's just purely on the back of us having a really thin squad last season, we were very short and it was incredible what we achieved last year.

For Full Story...

Friday, August 1, 2014

Are arsenal interested in this Ex-Red?





Arsenal Interested In Alvaro Arbeloa to fill in the void left by Bacary Sagna.

Real Madrid have already seen lot of transfer activity this summer and news coming from Spain confirm that Los Blancos are on verge of signing Keylor Navas while Alvaro Arbeloa is attracting interest from Arsenal.

Alvaro Arbeloa is no longer a regular starter at Real Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti has shown more faith in Dani Carvajal. Arbeloa, 31, is concerned with his current situation at the club and he is also interested in a move to Arsenal.

Arsenal have already made the signing of Calum Chambers but Arsene Wenger wants more experienced player on the right side of the defence and Arbeloa is his preferred candidate. Spanish daily Marca have also confirmed the interest of Arsenal in Arbeloa today.

Marca report claims that: “Álvaro Arbeloa is thinking long and hard about his future, since another serious Premier League outfit have come knocking at his door: Arsenal. Following a season where he lost prominence in Real Madrid to Dani Carvajal, the defender is considering another spell in England having previously had a positive experience with Liverpool.”

However, despite this ongoing interest of Arsenal in Arbeloa, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is unlikely to grant the sale of one of his more dependable player. Arbeloa is a fan favorite at Santiago Bernebau and his sale will put Madrid into the transfer market again as Ancelotti will be forced to find the deputy for Dani Carvajal.

Arbeloa is a product of Real Madrid youth academy who returned to Spain after a successful stint with English Premier League club Liverpool. Arbeloa was a regular starter for Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho but lost his spot to Dani Carvajal last year.

For Full Story...

Liverpool close to strengthening defense





Liverpool hope to secure deals to bring Spanish full-backs Alberto Moreno and Javi Manquillo to Anfield.

Reds chief executive Ian Ayre has flown to Spain to tie up the signing of Atletico Madrid right-back Manquillo on loan with a view to a permanent transfer, sources have told ESPN FC.

There is also renewed hope at Anfield that a deal can be struck for Sevilla left-back Moreno, who has been one of manager Brendan Rodgers' main transfer targets this summer.

Liverpool had an offer of 16 million pounds for Moreno rejected in May, but have not abandoned hopes of signing him even while looking at potential alternatives.

Ben Davies was considered before he moved from Swansea to Tottenham, while Ryan Bertrand was another possibility -- although Chelsea's unwillingness to deal with potential Premier League title rivals cast doubt over a deal, and Bertrand has instead moved to Southampton on loan.

Rodgers is keen to sign a left-back despite the return to fitness of Jose Enrique, who missed the final six months of last season with a knee problem.

Enrique played through the early weeks of the campaign with the problem, but managed only 29 minutes of first-team football after Oct. 5 and none at all after Nov. 9.

Aly Cissokho failed to make the position his own during a season's loan from Valencia, and right-back Jon Flanagan moved across to become Enrique's regular stand-in over the second half of the campaign.

Moreno has played three times for Spain but just missed out on their final squad for the World Cup in Brazil.

The 22-year-old capped a successful domestic season by helping Sevilla win the Europa League as they beat Benfica on penalties in Turin in May.

Manquillo, who has represented Spain at Under-20 level, made three league appearances last season as Atletico Madrid won the Spanish title.

The 20-year-old, under contract with Atletico until 2018, is relatively inexperienced at senior level. Having joined their youth set-up from neighbours Real Madrid in 2007, he established himself as a regular in the B team, which plays in Spain's third tier.

Rodgers has made six signings so far this summer, bringing in striker Rickie Lambert, midfielder Adam Lallana and centre-back Dejan Lovren from Southampton, midfielder Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen, forward Divock Origi from Lille and winger Lazar Markovic from Benfica.

Lallana is out of action with a knee injury, while Origi has been loaned back to Lille for the coming season as part of the deal that brought him to Anfield.

Rodgers, having sold last season's 31-goal top scorer Luis Suarez to Barcelona for 75 million pounds, is still looking for a striker, with an 8.5 million-pound deal for QPR's Loic Remy falling through last weekend.

For Full Story...

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Liverpool in frame for two south Americans





PSG hint at Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi exits as Liverpool and Man Utd ready bids.

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN may have dropped a significant hint that Manchester United and Liverpool targets Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi will be leaving Parc des Princes this summer.

The club have released an advertising campaign for the launch of next season's third kit, and both Cavani and Lavezzi are nowhere to be seen.

The picture features an array of stars including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Yohan Cabaye, Thiago Silva and new £50m signing David Luiz but their coveted forwards don't appear.

Another significant absentee is Javier Pastore who has been linked with his own move away from the Parisian side.

Some will claim the World Cup stars were away on international duty for the pictures, but the inclusion of two Brazilian stars - who played in a third-place play-off - dispel any such argument.

It seems strange that their prized asset Cavani, who only signed one-year-ago for a club record fee of £50m is excluded from the launch.

The pair's absence has sent ripples throughout Europe, and signals that PSG are prepared to offload players to secure the signing of Angel Di Maria.

Laurent Blanc and his side are desperate to land the Argentine star, but face severe repercussions if they breach Financial Fair Play regulations again.

The club already received a £20m fine last year, and that promises to increase in severity if they violate Fifa's imposed rules for the second successive season.

An absence from a kit launch has already foretold a players club exit this summer.

Cesc Fabregas didn't feature in any of Barcelona's campaigns, and shortly made his £30m move to Chelsea.

The news boosts Liverpool's hopes of signing a striker capable of emulating Barcelona convert Luis Suarez.

Brendan Rodgers is acutely aware of his need to bolster Liverpool's attacking options, with Daniel Sturridge, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini as their only recognised strikers.

Furthermore the £75m cash injection generated by the sale of Suarez is proof that Liverpool have the financial ability to procure his services.


For Full Story...

Monday, July 28, 2014

Liverpool have agreed to the wage demands





It is rumoured that Liverpool have contacted Arturo Vidal's agent and The Reds are ready to meet his £120k/wk wage demand.

After agreeing to the wage demands of the chilean, it is understood that the club will table a bid soon.

Manchester United are also in contention to sign the world cup star. So it remains to be seen whether will Liverpool outbit their arch rivals for signature of Vidal.

For Full Story...

Rodgers will buy in January





Brendan Rodgers has said he "will not spend money for the sake of it" after seeing a deal for Loic Remy fall through just 48 hours after Adam Lallana was ruled out for up to six weeks.

Liverpool completed the signing of Dejan Lovren from Southampton ahead of their 1-0 friendly win over Olympiakos, as part of the club's preseason tour of the U.S., to take Rodgers' summer spending close to the 100 million pound mark.

But after missing out on QPR's Remy and seeing Lallana suffer an injury in training, Rodgers insisted he will not panic buy.

"There is money to spend, no question, but I won't spend it for the sake of it. It has to be the right type," he said. "If that means I have to wait until January then that's what I will do. The players at the moment are in great condition. They are working very well and very hard.

"I have seen the development in some of the young players but if the right ones become available we would like to do something because I still have a lot to do on that front -- but if they're not available, I will wait."

Of the Remy deal, Rodgers said: "It's very simple -- we've made a decision as a club not to go ahead with the deal. It's unfortunate for the player. We're disappointed for the player but there's nothing more to be said and we will move on and look at other targets."

Lallana, who damaged his collateral knee ligaments in training, does not need surgery and will remain in the United States in order to get to know his teammates.

Rodgers added: "Last year if someone like Adam had gone down it would have really hurt us. It's unfortunate for him but thankfully at this stage of the season, where he has got a good level of fitness, it means he can recover quicker.

"He won't be too far away after the start of the season, which is great news. This year is vital for us. You're going to pick up injuries and we need to have the players who can step in and that's what we are trying to build."

Raheem Sterling's fifth-minute goal was enough to see off Greek champions Olympiakos at Chicago Fire's Soldier Field stadium. Sterling tapped in after Daniel Sturridge's scuffed shot fell kindly for the England winger.

Rodgers said he was "delighted" with his new-look attack, particularly Sturridge, Sterling and the lively Lazar Markovic, as Liverpool continue with life after Luis Suarez, who left to join Barcelona for 75 million pounds.

"We will get sharper but at the minute we are building up the resistance," he said. "Our passing was crisp and precise and I was also pleased with how we defended. Overall I was delighted.

"Markovic looked exciting and Sterling was a joy to watch. I have seen a difference in Daniel and I think he's ready to be the main man. He has come back from the World Cup looking really sharp."

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