Audi Cup 2017: Napoli, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Liverpool

SSC Napoli have been confirmed as the fourth team that will compete in the Audi Cup this summer, joining Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.

The tournament, which will be held at Allianz Arena on August 1 and 2, will see the Reds tackle hosts Bayern in their opening game.

Napoli will take on Atletico in the day’s earlier clash, with the winners of those matches meeting in the following evening’s final, while the losers will go head-to-head in the third/fourth-place play-off.

Advance sales for the pre-season showdown between four European heavyweights have already begun, and tickets are highly coveted. In 2015, Allianz Arena was sold out for the tournament, with 140,000 spectators attending across both days.

Tickets are available at www.audicup.com, with day tickets starting at 20 Euros.

The Audi Cup premiered in summer 2009 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Audi brand. Since then, the tournament has been held every two years. Bayern Munich have won it three times, while Barcelona were victorious in 2011.

Source: Liverpool FC Official

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Liverpool legend backs Klopp to sign Bundesliga star

Liverpool look set to bolster their attacking options this summer.

Liverpool have been linked with Sporting Lisbon's Gelson Martins and Roma wide man Mohamed Salah.

But Nicol's reckons Costa should be a top target.

"I'll take him at Liverpool absolutely," he told ESPN FC.

Jurgen Klopp's shown he can sort out young players so absolutely.

"The guy's got ability, no question. Considering the quality he's got and he's not quite matured yet, I'm sure most coaches think they can turn young players around.

"I think he would be a good signing for Liverpool."

European football expert Raphael Honigstein says the Bundesliga champions will be willing to let him leave the Allianz Arena.

Costa immediately impressed at Bayern Munich having switched from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2015, but has since struggled to nail down a regular starting place under Carlo Ancelotti.

The 26-year-old Brazil international scored seven goals and provided nine assists in all competitions over the past season.

With his speed and versatility, he would certainly fit the bill regarding Klopp's requirements.

German news outlet Bild have stated Liverpool are tracking the £35million-rated Costa, but they're not alone.

Juventus, Manchester City, Manchester United and, inevitably, Tottenham Hotspur are among those also being linked.

Image credits to Getty Images.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

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Liverpool move for versatile winger

Already moves have been made to sign a winger, with Roma's Mohamed Salah the priority.

But, for a variety of reasons, Jurgen Klopp couldn't quite bring a new wide midfielder to Anfield.

Now, as the summer transfer window prepares to swing open, the Reds boss isn't going to make the same mistake twice.

The Bayern Munich winger is keen to make a move this summer having struggled to earn a regular spot under Carlo Ancelotti.

And Bild claim several clubs have been sniffing around including Liverpool and Tottenham.

Juventus, Manchester City, and Manchester United are also mentioned.

However they are looking at alternatives and Costa appears to be one of those.

German publication Bild claim he is on Jurgen Klopp’s radar.

Klopp has already agreed the signing of Dominic Solanke, who will arrive on July 1, but he wants a forward who can go straight into the team.

And Salah and Costa fit the Klopp prototype of fluid players who can play anywhere in the front line.

Costa would cost around £35million - a similar fee to Salah - but Liverpool would face competition from a number of clubs.

The deal to take Salah from Roma is in the works with wages of £90,000 a week said to be agreed, but a an agreement with Roma still to be reached.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

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