Transfer Rumours: What the press have been up to?

It’s barely January 2012 yet. But it’s almost there, just about six weeks away until the transfer window reopens. Let’s us recapped this week news headlines on who’s in and who’ out of Anfield in January.

Liverpool wants Barcelona’s midfielder - Liverpool have made an enquiry about Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita. The Mali midfielder, 31, is out of contract in the summer and is also wanted by Anzhi Makhachkala. Liverpool have signed USA Under 17 captain Marc Pelosi from California-based side De Anza Force. (Mail Online)

Liverpool to wrestle with Juventus for Portugal defender - Liverpool are set to go up against Juventus in the battle to sign Portuguese international centre-back Bruno Alves, playing with Zenit Saint-Petersbourg. It has been reported that the 29 year old was Juventus bound, however it now appears, according to reports in Italy, that Juventus face strong opposition from Liverpool who are looking to add Alves experience to their defence. (FootyLatest.com)

Lucas invites his pal to join him at Anfield - Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has "invited" Polonia Warsaw playmaker Bruno Coutinho to join him at Anfield. (Crunch Sports)

Liverpool to swoop for Villa - Liverpool and Chelsea are both pursuing Barcelona striker David Villa, it has been sensationally claimed. The Spaniard has netted seven times in in 17 appearances for Barca this term and has frequently been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp. (Give Me Football)

Liverpool full-back on Real Madrid’s radar - Real Madrid are reportedly considering a shock loan offer for Liverpool defender Glen Johnson when the transfer window reopens in January. Real manager Jose Mourinho is thought to be in the market for a new full-back to provide competition for Alvaro Arbeloa and according to the People, has identified Johnson as a potential recruit. (Sportsvibe)

Liverpool making a shock move on City striker - Manchester City's controversial striker Carlos Tevez has emerged as a shock target for Liverpool who are hoping to land the player on a short term loan deal. (Caught Offside)

Bayern Munich monitoring Lucas Leiva - Bayern Munich are interested in Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva. TMW says Lucas’ form for Kenny Dalglish’s team hasn’t gone unnoticed by Bayern chiefs, who have been active in the English transfer market this year. (TotalFootballMadness)

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

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Racism row: Suarez is innocent until proven guilty

Luis Suarez wants an apology from Patrice Evra if he’s cleared of racially abusing the Manchester United defender.

The Liverpool striker has spoken out for the first time about the serious allegations made by Evra and is adamant the claims are untrue.

The Football Association launched an investigation following the 1-1 draw between the sides last month and met with Suarez at Melwood last week.

Both clubs are awaiting the FA’s findings but the Reds’ top scorer, who has the full backing of boss Kenny Dalglish, insists his conscience is clear.

Speaking to reporters following his arrival back home in Uruguay ahead of Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Chile.

   “There are things that happen in football, things of the moment, which leave one feeling bad.

“Now it is necessary to hope that this topic is decided and then the Manchester player and I are going to have to clear things up.

“Depending on which way the judgement goes, one of us will have to apologise.

“The English federation is going to have to clarify it with him because there is no proof at all that I have said something racist to him.
"And I did not say it to him.

“There were two parts of the argument, one in Spanish and the other one in English.

"I did not insult him, it was just my way of expressing myself.

“I called him something that his own companions of Manchester say to him.

“Moreover, even they themselves were surprised by his reaction.”

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

Source: Liverpool Echo

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Rumour Mill: Liverpool making a shock move on City striker

This can’t be serious??? The newspapers headlines aren’t something to be make believe 100% these days – there are more misses than hits as usual. Manchester City's controversial striker Carlos Tevez has emerged as a shock target for Liverpool who are hoping to land the player on a short term loan deal.

This would be something of a surprise but perhaps there is a possibility that Liverpool are interested in snapping up the Argentine but one would imagine that such a move could be as much of a headache as a boost to their firepower.

Manchester City definitely want to sell the 27-year-old and would presumably prefer a permanent exit but it seems the likes of Corinthians are not willing to stump up the asking price for the former West Ham and Manchester United man. Tevez would be looking to secure first team football as soon as possible as if he continues to be without regular football then he may well be in danger of freezing himself out of national team action.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has seen his side criticised in recent weeks for failing to find the target despite carving out numerous opportunities.

The Reds beat West Brom 2-0 at the weekend but it could have been more had the side taken their chances, while a 1-1 draw with Norwich at Anfield further highlighted Liverpool's lack of composure in front of goal plus the stalemate match with Swansea City last Saturday.

Dalglish managed to convince Mancini to part with striker Craig Bellamy over the summer and is reportedly contemplating bringing Tevez to Anfield.

Liverpool already have Bellamy, Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll available to play up front, but should the Reds be able to land Tevez on a short term loan deal then they would snap up the opportunity to have such a prolific striker at the club.

Whatever people may think of the Tevez as the man, Tevez as the player, he’s a very effective striking weapon. The Buenos Aires born striker has scored an impressive 53 goals from 80 City starts since his move to the club in July 2009.

What do you think of this move? Leave your comment on the box below.

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

Source: CaughtOffside

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Match Highlights: Liverpool 0-0 Swansea

Source: FootyTube

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Liverpool 0-0 Swansea City Match Report

Liverpool returned to Anfield for the visit of newly promoted Swansea City after their good away win at West Brom last weekend. Swansea have had a good start to the season after promotion, but have struggled away from home with only one point away from home. Liverpool have struggled to win matches at home this season, with three draws recorded so far this season. Liverpool have struggled against newly promoted sides in recent times , with Norwich getting a point just two weeks ago at Anfield, Liverpool would be hoping put this problem behind them with a home win and keep them in the chase for a Champions League place.

THE TEAM

Kenny kept the same team that won at the Hawthorns last week, which was no surprise to anyone, especially with Gerrard and Carragher still out injured . So Andy Carroll would start alongside Luis Suarez, which is what the Liverpool want to see mature. The unlucky Kuyt left on the bench once again.

THE MATCH

Liverpool started by putting Swansea under pressure early and they should have taken the lead in the 7^th minute when Downing produced a superb low cross which found the onrushing Andy Carroll only 6 yards out but the big striker smashed his effort off the crossbar, letting the visitors off the hook.

Suarez and Downing came close with efforts soon after as it looked like just being a matter of time before Liverpool would take the lead. But Liverpool were almost stunned on the half hour mark when Danny Graham hooked an effort on goal which Reina had to make a good stop from.

Back came Liverpool and Suarez was unlucky with a powerful left foot strike which saw Vorm make an excellent save from, turning the shot round the base of the post. Downing volleyed over the bar from the resulting corner.

The game became more stretched as the half wore on with Swansea starting to gain more confidence from surviving the difficult start to the match. Both teams went in at the half scoreless with Liverpool once again thinking about missed chances.

Dalglish brought on Dirk Kuyt for the second half, replacing Henderson, with the hope of breaking the deadlock. But Liverpool continued to toil for the opener and Reina almost got caught out when Graham closed him down when receiving an Enrique pass back, but the Spaniard just managed to clear to safety.

The second half was becoming very difficult for Liverpool to sustain any pressure as Swansea’s growing confidence was showing in their passing game as they continued to play their way out of trouble and almost scored when Dyer struck a low 20 yard effort at Reina, which the stopper spilled but he reacted quickly to block Graham’s follow up.

With time ticking away Dalglish brought on Bellamy for Carroll to ignite a bit of pace with Liverpool rarely threatening the Swansea goal in the second half. With time running out Liverpool finally pressured the visitors’ goal with Kuyt having an effort blocked and Agger heading onto the roof of the net.

But Swansea could have won it late on but Gower skied Graham’s knock down from close range. Liverpool responded and thought they had scored the winner in the last couple of minutes when Kuyt found the net from an Agger knock down, but the celebrations were short lived as offside was given. Then in stoppage time Vorm superbly tipped over a Glen Johnson volley, earning the visitors a point and leaving Liverpool once again frustrated at home.

SUMMARY

I can’t complain about the team as I was glad to see Kenny keep a settled team after the good win last week, although I do like to see Kuyt in the side. Anyway, this had to be a win for Liverpool and the result is a massive blow for us, with massive games coming up against Chelsea and Man City I felt we couldn’t afford more dropped points at home. To be fair to Swansea they deserved their point and made it difficult for us, but we should be winning these games especially at home. We didn’t really play well although it could have been oh so different if Carroll had scored early on. But we have to be able to grind out results even when we are off form, as all the successful teams seem to do. The pleasing thing was another clean sheet and we are keeping our unbeaten run going but overall great disappointment in another frustrating day.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

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Loan Watch: Shelvey hat-trick for Blackpool

Jonjo Shelvey netted a hat-trick as Blackpool thrashed Leeds United 5-0 at Elland Road on Wednesday night.

The on-loan midfielder took his tally to five goals in six league games as Ian Holloway's side responded in fine style to Saturday's defeat to Burnley.

His first goal was a twice-taken penalty, he then rounded the goalkeeper for the second and sealed the treble with a nice finish.

Source: Liverpool FC Official, YouTube

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Rumour Mill: Liverpool chasing Polish striker

According to Polish news source Gwizdek24.pl, Liverpool are one of those clubs monitoring Lewandowski and a potential €10 million January bid has been mooted.

The Poland international has been in fine form this season - netting eight times in 15 games - and has been attracting admiring glances from further afield. Lewandowski joined Dortmund in the summer of 2010 and is under contract until 2014.

Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish has grown increasingly concerned by his side’s lacked of cutting edge in front of goal recently and is pondering the possibility of adding some extra firepower in the January transfer window.

Should the young forward move to Anfield, he is expected to be used as cover for Luis Suarez, while providing more direct competition for Andy Carroll.

Liverpool will be in duel with Chelsea for the Polish international striker as the Blues are also keen on him as the the player's agent confirmed to the press on Tuesday.

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

Source: GiveMeFootball

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Preview: Liverpool v Swansea

Liverpool and Swansea will clash in the Barclay’s Premier League for the first time since 1990. The Reds will aim to extend a seven-game unbeaten run in all competitions when the newly promoted side come to L4.

It's the first meeting between the two teams since January 1990 when Liverpool ran out comprehensive 8-0 wins in an FA Cup third round replay at Anfield.

Liverpool FC v Swansea City

Venue: Anfield

Kick-off time: 3PM UK

Tickets availability: Check with LiveFootballTickets.com

 

Liverpool news

The Reds will be without skipper, Steven Gerrard through an ankle infection and vice-captain, Jamie Carragher still nursing a thigh strain. The squad looks healthy and Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will be utilising the players available to him against the newly promoted outfit.

Liverpool came out of The Hawthorns unscathed with a two-nil victory. A similar lineup will be used at Anfield this Saturday. Dirk Kuyt was the unused substitute last weekend and we could see a surprise change in the lineup with Jordan Henderson making way for the Dutchman’s return.

Probable lineup: Reina (c), Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Lucas, Adam, Downing, Kuyt, Carroll, Suarez

 

Swansea City news

The Swans emerged as winner in the last league match against 10-man Bolton. The game saw Joe Allen score his second goal in as many games after the midfielder had gone 37 games without finding the net prior to his strike at Wolves.

Summer signing Danny Graham had scored his fourth goal in as many games, his manager, Brendan Rodgers had nothing but praise after the frontman had come in for some criticism in the early part of the campaign.

Probable lineup: Vorm, Rangel, Monk (c), Williams, Taylor, Dyer, Grower, Britton, Allen, Sinclair, Graham

Match Result

Red's Fury™ Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Swansea

What’s your score prediction for tomorrow’s match at Anfield? Leave your comments at the box below.

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