Premier League: Liverpool 3-0 Wigan

Luis Suarez took his season haul to 13 with a brace as Liverpool recorded an emphatic 3-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in the Barclays Premier League at Anfield.

After an even first half which the Reds edged in chances created, Suarez hit the target just two minutes into the second period and added another within ten minutes before Jose Enrique completed the rout.

Pre-match, the Reds were boosted by the return of goalkeeper Pepe Reina between the posts, while Enrique was rewarded with another opportunity to impress following his positive performance in the draw at Chelsea.

A 2-1 victory here had proved a pivotal success in Wigan's battle for survival last season, but the Latics had no answer to a blistering 20-minute assault from the home side in the second half this time around.

Attacking towards The Kop in the first half, it was Enrique who struck the first shot in anger after retrieving possession in Wigan territory. The attempt was always wide of Ali Al Habsi's goal, though.

An exquisite piece of individual play followed, with Suso making the most of the freedom being offered by a central berth behind Suarez. The Spaniard rolled his man and glided past two more but was blocked when trying to unleash from the edge of the area.

Full report: Official LFC

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Liverpool complete transfer deadline day clear-out

Liverpool concluded a productive transfer window with a late surprise when they accepted Chelsea's £12million offer for the Portugal midfielder Raul Meireles.

The Anfield club delivered on all of their targets for deadline day, shifting Joe Cole, Christian Poulsen, David Ngog and Philipp Degen and re-signing Craig Bellamy after the Wales international was granted a free transfer by Manchester City. While Meireles never fell into the unwanted category under Kenny Dalglish, and Liverpool had been reluctant to trade with Chelsea, they were open to offers that would allow them to recoup the £11.8million paid to Porto for the 28-year-old.

Ultimately, the only bid that came close to Liverpool's valuation was Chelsea's second offer for Meireles. Liverpool had rejected a deal of £7million plus Yossi Benayoun last week and made it clear to the midfielder that he would have to submit a transfer request if he wished to be reunited with André Villas-Boas, who managed him for three weeks at Porto last summer.

Meireles submitted a request as the 11pm deadline approached after Chelsea, thwarted in their pursuits of Luka Modric and Alvaro Pereira, agreed to meet Liverpool's valuation. He has signed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge, having been due an improved contract at Liverpool.

Liverpool's business also involved looking ahead to next summer. They agreed to pay 60% of Cole's wages during his season at Lille in an attempt to obtain first refusal on the Belgium international, Eden Hazard, should the French club elect to sell their coveted midfielder. That request was rejected by Lille, although Liverpool retain hope that their £3million costs for Cole over the next 12 months will deliver an advantage in any future talks for Hazard.

Cole agreed to join the French club despite late interest from Aston Villa, having made only nine starts in the Premier League last season. Fenway Sports Group, which inherited the 29-year-old's £100,000-a-week contract, was keen to offload the midfielder but struggled to find a suitor. Through the director of football Damien Comolli, Liverpool had used Lille's interest in Cole as a means to try to steal a march on their rivals for Hazard.

Liverpool inquired about Lille's attacking midfielder earlier in the summer and, along with Arsenal and several European clubs, were informed that the 20-year-old was not for sale. But Lille's stance on Hazard may change at the end of this season, prompting Liverpool to offer generous loan terms on Cole.

Lille can offer Cole Champions League football this season and are believed to be relaxed about the England international commuting to and from London. His exit was part of a successful clear-out of expensive transfer mistakes by Liverpool, who have also offloaded Milan Jovanovic to Anderlecht, Alberto Aquilani, on loan to Milan, and Poulsen to Evian. The Denmark international, who cost an initial £4.5million from Juventus last summer, made only 21 appearances for Liverpool and has joined the French club on a permanent transfer.

Bellamy has signed a two-year contract with Liverpool, having negotiated his release from City. The 32-year-old, who played for Liverpool for one season under Rafael Benítez in 2006-07, had two years left on a £95,000-a-week contract and his refusal to accept reduced terms had deterred several Premier League clubs this summer, plus Celtic, another of his former employers.

Liverpool, however, have offered similar personal terms after he successfully completed a medical on Merseyside last night.

The Anfield club also completed the signing of the United States under-18 striker Villyan Bijev from California Odyssey after the teenager impressed on trial at the academy. Bijev does not have a work permit and so has joined the German side Fortuna Dusseldorf on loan with immediate effect. They also cancelled Degen's contract by mutual consent and sold Ngog to Bolton for a fee of around £4million.

Liverpool – The complete summer 2011 transfer lists:

IN

Stewart Downing (Liverpool, £20m)

Jordan Henderson (Sunderland, £16m)

Charlie Adam (£9m)

Jose Enrique (Newcastle, £6m)

Alexander Doni (Roma, free)

Sebastian Coates (Nacional, undisclosed)

Craig Bellamy (Manchester City, free)

Villyan Bijev (California Odyssey, undisclosed)

Total summer spending: £51 million + undisclosed fees *

 

OUT

Joe Cole (Lille, loan)

Christian Poulsen (Evian, undisclosed)

Alberto Aquilani (AC Milan, loan)

Paul Konchesky (Leicester, £1.5m)

Emiliano Insua (Sporting Lisbon, undisclosed)

Daniel Ayala (Norwich, undisclosed)

Milan Jovanovic (Anderlecht, free)

Sotirios Kyrgiakos (Wolfsburg, free)

Tom Ince (Blackpool, free)

Stephen Darby (Rochdale, loan)

Daniel Pacheco (Atletico Madrid, loan)

David Ngog (Bolton, £4m)

Raul Meireles (Chelsea, £12m)

Villyan Bijev (Fortuna Dusseldorf, loan)

Philipp Degen (released)

Nabil El-Zhar (Levante, free)

Chris Mavinga (Rennes, £1m)

Gerardo Bruna (Blackpool, free)

Total summer recouped: £18.5 million + undisclosed fees *

* Transfer fees are just speculation figures gathered in the press, actual amount may not be accurate as displayed

Source: Guardian

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Jose Enrique - Is he the answer to our left-back crisis ?

Liverpool FC have never replaced John Arne Riise who established himself as a solid left-back who would score the occasional scorcher.

Riise has been the only left-back that has cemented his place in the hearts of every Liverpool fan in the recent past. What Riise possessed very few left-back in world football possessed. He had sheer pace, a deadly left foot, strong defensive attributes, was good in the air and could dribble. Alan Kennedy is another one that springs to the mind as we talk of legendary left-backs at Anfield.

Since Kennedy retired and Riise left, Liverpool have suffered a major crisis with respect to that position.

Many players have been bought, utilised in that position but have failed to stabilize the shift. This has been primarily down to the rotation policy, change of managers and failure of the player to settle into a position.

Liverpool, for the past seasons, have looked like a predictable side because  of their one-directional football.

There is barely any attacking done from the left flank largely due to an ineffective left-back. Fabio Aurelio performs well sporadically but is constantly plagued with injuries. Emiliano Insua is just not good enough .Jack Robinson lacks the necessary experience . England's first-choice Right back Glen Johnson was played out-of-position last season and although he did play admirably , his best attributes are not fully utilised playing left-back.

And so began a hunt across Europe to fill a massive void in the Liverpool defence.

Jose Enrique was putting in eye-catching performances for Newcastle United which caught the eye of several European clubs . Barcelona were also rumoured to be interested in his services. Such was the level of his performances.

Arsenal and Liverpool were in the forefront to sign him. With the departure of Gael Clichy to Manchester City , Arsenal were willing to do quick business with Newcastle United and replace Clichy.

Liverpool had scouted Enrique for the past two seasons but were unconvinced by the player. However, towards the end of the season , Phil Thompson revealed that a deal was agreed in principle to bring Enrique to Anfield.

The rumours began turning into reality. As Jose Enrique refused to sign a new contract amidst news that he was about to quit the club. Newcastle Manager Alan Pardew also stated vociferously that Enrique did not wish to sign a new contract .  It was evident that Enrique was seeking a move away from St. James' park.
Various reports in the media suggested that Liverpool was his only destination yet Kenny Dalglish was reluctant to sign him because of his suspect defensive positioning. Once Liverpool's interest was firmly established it was a matter of time before Jose Enrique became our new left-back as concrete interest from other clubs faded.

Laying to rest all the mounting speculation, it was announced on Liverpool's website that a deal was indeed struck between Newcastle and Liverpool for the transfer of Jose Enrique.

Having keenly watched the premiership for 10 years now, Jose Enrique does look the part. He is an ideal premiership left-back. Enrique possesses bundles of pace, trickery and is no mug defensively .

Jose Enrique started his career at lowly Spanish side Levante. Made the step-up by joining Valencia. Valencia wanted to give him first-team experience so they sent him out on-loan to Celta Vigo.

At Celta Vigo, Enrique found his feet again and made some superlative performances that season. This caught the eye of Villarreal who snapped him immediately for the 2006/2007 season. Instantly, he was a massive hit and a bigger move beckoned for the talented full-back. A move to Newcastle was next where he cemented his place as one of most talented full-backs in Europe.

Having watched Enrique at different clubs, he can adapt suitably to any side. He has great tactical awareness, is a solid tackler and a blistering athlete. Enrique also whips in quality balls that are tailor-made for strikers to head. Jose Enrique reminds me of a left-footed Sergio Ramos. Very rarely, does he have a bad game. Jose Enrique is an attacking full back who can defend .

His only flaw is lack of goals.

With an impressive Liverpool debut against Sunderland already under his belt, Liverpool have secured a quality signing.

Overall, he might just prove to be the bargain of the season at £6 MILLION.

Written by Mayank Adhye, who blogs at The Musical Escapade and also a Reds supporter.

Apology on the misleading name of Alan Hansen for Alan Kennedy.

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Liverpool confirmed Enrique deal

Liverpool FC confirmed today that they had agreed a fee with Newcastle United for the transfer of Jose Enrique.

The club have now been given permission to discuss personal terms with the player, who will travel to Liverpool to undergo a medical.

Enrique will become Dalglish's fifth signing of the summer and join Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Doni at Anfield.

He had just one year left on his contract at St James' Park and was disciplined by the club last month for criticising the club's transfer policy on his Twitter account.

A number of clubs had been linked, but Liverpool were always reportedly in pole position and now they have made their move.

It is understood that a fee of £6million has been agreed between the two clubs and Enrique will now travel to Merseyside for a medical.

Newcastle will now be left hunting for a new left-back although they have already expressed an interest in PSV Eindhoven's Erik Pieters.

Have you vote on this poll?

Source: Liverpool FC Official, Sky Sport

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Weekend Links: Joe Cole Mooting QPR Loan Switch, Video: Funny moments at Kenny Dalglish’s press conference and many more

Here are the latest stories from the papers and beyond...

Liverpool's new midfielder Stewart Downing determined to make a success of his move to Anfield (Telegraph)

Liverpool FC manager Kenny Dalglish backing Andy Carroll to make a big impression this season (Liverpool Echo)

The worst LFC transfer rumour of the summer? (Anfield Red)

Joe Cole Mooting QPR Loan Switch (Paisley Gates)

Rumour Mill: Liverpool gearing up for a defender swoop

Liverpool vs Valencia tickets still available (This Is Anfield)

Why Kenny Dalglish’s most important Liverpool FC signing of the summer will be the next one (Liverpool Echo)

Liverpool are building a better future - Mark Lawrenson (BBC Sport)

Video: Funny moments at Kenny Dalglish’s press conference

Playing Valencia (Empire of the Kop)

Luis Suarez Looking For EPL Title After Copa America Success (Liverpool Football Facts)

Liverpool confirm midfielder exit

Stories from the internet. Enjoy your weekends.

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Liverpool target prefers Arsenal move

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has admitted Jose Enrique is stalling over signing a new contract because he’s holding out for a switch to a Champions League-chasing club, such as Arsenal.

The Magpies have offered the Spaniard a record-breaking new deal to stay at the club.

But with the Gunners and Liverpool both in need of a new left-back, Alan Pardew fears the defender's head has already been turned.

The Reds were thought to be leading the race to sign Enrique earlier this summer - although Pardew's latest remarks suggest it is Arsenal, who need a replacement for Man City departee Gael Clichy, who Enrique wants to join.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

Liverpool will not be in the market for a left-back unless Emiliano Insua are up for sale. Many of you has seen Insua in action against Malaysia XI today, leave us your thought of Liverpool FC keeping Insua in the team roster for next season.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Source: Metro

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Liverpool in driving seat to sign the Spanish left-back

After losing out on Gael Clichy to Manchester City, with the latter opted for Champions league football. Liverpool FC renewed their interest in Jose Enrique from Newcastle United.

Earlier on, Arsenal are reportedly in the market for Clichy replacement and has targeted the Spaniard. But the latest news from the internet suggested that Arsene Wenger has prefer to sign a French player instead, according to Footybunker.com.

But when the Magpies slapped a massive £15million price tag on the Spanish defender, even though he has only a year left on his contract, Liverpool switched their sights to Clichy.

Dalglish thought he could get the Arsenal star for less than half the Enrique price, but Manchester City snapping up the Frenchman leaves the Reds still looking for a left-back.

Liverpool will now return to St James’ Park with an improved £8million bid for Enrique, as Dalglish looks to strengthen the left side of his defence.

Liverpool were forced to play England right-back Glen Johnson out of position for much of last season, after new signing Paul Konchesky flopped.

And with Fabio Aurelio again showing his frailty with yet more injuries, left-back is a top priority for the Merseyside club.

His contract situation means Newcastle will surely be forced to sell this summer, rather than risk losing out on a fee.

The Spaniard returned to training yesterday, and has set up talks with manager Alan Pardew for later in the week, but his refusal to sign a new deal that's been on the table for six months would seem to hint at his intentions.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Source: Mirror Football

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Liverpool target left-back wants Champions League action

Liverpool has been keeping tab on the contract negotiation of the Spanish left-back at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has confirmed defender Jose Enrique is hoping to join a Champions League side this summer.

Pardew recently admitted that Enrique, who has been a key player for Newcastle in recent times, was stalling over a new contract as he enters the final year of his current deal.

Enrique, 25, has stated that he is happy at St. James' Park but Pardew appears pessimistic about his chances of retaining the player.

"He has Champions League aspirations and he is waiting to see whether anyone who has qualified for that competition is willing to come in for him," Pardew said. "That is his right and there isn't much more we can do about it.

"We have tried as hard as we can, in the financial situation we are in, to keep him. We offered him an excellent deal, but he doesn't seem to be interested in signing it at the moment. It is frustrating - but that is the situation we are in.

"It is up to him, but he wants to see what else there is for him."

Bayern Munich and Liverpool are said to be interested.

Meanwhile, Pardew has moved to assure fans that they can expect more new faces to arrive at the club after the sale of Kevin Nolan to West Ham.

"We are looking to complete on a number of deals over the next month or so, and I am sure with the quality of signings I anticipate coming into the club, we should look forward to exciting times in the upcoming season as we look to establish the club as a genuine force in the top half of the Premier League," he said in a statement released to the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Source: ESPN

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Liverpool almost certain to land Newcastle full-back but also keeping tabs on Arsenal’s man

Liverpool's chances of signing Newcastle United full-back have been boosted after Alan Pardew made it known he would be interested in signing Paul Konchesky as a replacement.

Enrique is Liverpool's first choice to solve the club's problem left-back position in the summer and Newcastle's interest in Reds defender Konchesky raises the possibility of a player-plus-cash deal.

The two clubs are yet to open negotiations but Newcastle are privately resigned to losing the £8 million-rated man, who has just one year left on his contract and is also attracting interest from Arsenal and European giants AC Milan and Bayern Munich.

Reds manager Kenny Dalglish has also been keeping tabs on Arsenal full-back Gael Clichy, but Enrique has always been his top target following his consistent displays throughout this season. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Real Madrid are also interested in the Gunners full-back.

The two big spending clubs have placed Clichy on their list of summer targets but face strong competition from Liverpool, who have a long-standing interest in the Frenchman.

Negotiations stalled earlier in the year after Clichy's request for a hike on his £50,000-a-week wages was rebuffed by the club.

Manager Arsene Wenger fears the Gunners' longest-serving player will not extend his stay at Emirates Stadium and is becoming increasingly willing to listen to clubs who will match Arsenal's £5.5 million valuation rather than allow the France international to leave for free in a year's time.

Clichy, who turns 26 in July, is on the radar of a number of top clubs who are in the market for a proven performer at left-back.

However, director of football Damien Comolli was instrumental in bringing Clichy to London from Cannes in 2003 when he was working for Arsenal as their French scout.

City and Real are also in the market for a new left-back as they bid to beef up their squads in the summer.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, Goal.com

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