Liverpool target prefer Champions League team

Kylian Mbappe has revealed he is more "obsessed" with winning the Champions League than the Ballon d'Or.

The 18-year-old forward helped steer Monaco to the Champions League semi-finals in the 2016/17 season, attracting attention from Manchester United, who qualified for next season's competition after winning the Europa League.

Liverpool have entered the race to sign him, according to national newspapers, while Arsenal are also reportedly interested in a move for the France international, but the club's failure to finish in the Premier League's top four could ultimately cost them in any transfer after Mbappe identified his main goal.

"[The Champions League] is a dream, a competition that everyone wants to win and that only a minority can win - the most important are the titles," Mbappe told Telefoot.

"That would be much more of an obsession for me than the Ballon d'Or, for example. I want to touch the stars and, when you dream, you do not dream of playing the middle of the table or maintaining it."

Mbappe could line up against Premier League defenders on Tuesday night when France take on England in a friendly at the Stade de France.

Despite earning just three caps for France so far, the teenager - who scored 24 goals for Monaco last season - is already setting sights on the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"[The World Cup] is the number one goal at international level," Mbappe added. "As I always say, dreams are good but it's up to me to work for them."

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Liverpool new signing fires Three Lions into Under-20 World Cup finals

Sheyi Ojo helped to create two goals as England reached the FIFA U20 World Cup final for the first time with a 3-1 victory over Italy on Thursday.

The Liverpool winger was brought on as a substitute nine minutes into the second half of the semi-final in South Korea, where Dominic Solanke – who has agreed terms to join the Reds on July 1 – struck the first and third for his country.


England trailed when Ojo entered the action and the 19-year-old had already hit a post before his cross forged a chance for Solanke to equalise from close range.

Another delivery from Ojo led to the second goal for the Young Lions, converted by Ademola Lookman, and Solanke sealed their comeback win in the 88th minute.

Reds midfielder Ovie Ejaria was an unused substitute.

England will now face Venezuela in the tournament’s final on Sunday, to be played at the Suwon World Cup Stadium.

Source: Liverpool FC Official

Video credits to PlayWire & Footytube.

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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.

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Liverpool end van Dijk chase

Liverpool Football Club would like to put on record our regret over recent media speculation regarding Southampton Football Club and player transfers between the two clubs.

We apologise to the owner, board of directors and fans of Southampton for any misunderstanding regarding Virgil van Dijk.

We respect Southampton's position and can confirm we have ended any interest in the player.

Source: Liverpool FC Official

Image credits to Getty.

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The Saints add more twist into Liverpool transfer target

Southampton have hiked up their asking price for Liverpool transfer target Virgil van Dijk to £75million, reports say.

That is after the Saints reacted furiously to Liverpool’s pursuit of their captain which lead to the club reporting the Reds to the Premier League.

Liverpool’s approach for Van Dijk is now being looked at by the Premier League, but there is no official investigation as of yet.

Van Dijk has made Liverpool his first-choice destination after rejecting interest from Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Liverpool are still confident they can seal the deal, but Southampton have informed them of a major change to Van Dijk’s price tag.

Southampton were initially asking for a fee between £50million and £60million, but now want a figure closer to £75million.

It is potentially a huge blow to Liverpool, but the Reds are hopeful Van Dijk’s influence can help turn back the tide in their favour.

Reports that Jurgen Klopp met personally with Van Dijk have angered Southampton and prompted them to contact the Premier League.

Van Dijk would be by far the most expensive defender in history should Liverpool pay £75million for his services.

The Netherlands international is Klopp’s No.1 target as he looks to sure up a consistently fragile defence.

The Liverpool Echo claim Southampton will make it as difficult as possible for Liverpool to sign their skipper.

Southampton want a bidding war and will encourage Chelsea, Arsenal and City to revive their interest.

Liverpool have a long history of raiding Southampton for their best players with Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne all former Saints.

Pictures credits to GETTY.

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Liverpool link with Sporting Lisbon winger

Liverpool are looking at alternative targets to Mohamed Salah.

Sky Sports claim their pursuit of Salah have hit the rocks (due to his £35million valuation), and Jurgen Klopp is exploring the possibility of bringing winger Gelson Martins to Anfield.

The Portugal international has been watched by Liverpool representatives and could be tempted by a Premier League switch.

Martins, 22, has a £46.5million release clause in his current contract - although it's claimed Sporting Lisbon will accept £40million.

The winger produced seven goals and 14 assists in all competitions last season.

That quality would likely see him fit in well under Reds manager Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool are in need of quality reinforcements this summer as they prepare for a campaign in the UEFA Champions League and look to sustain a title challenge in the Premier League throughout next season.

Martins has the pace and trickery you'd expect from a promising young winger, but it's clear he possesses real end product given his excellent assist record.

While his goal record isn't overly inspiring, it's equally worth noting he only started 25 matches in all competitions, so 13 strikes overall isn't a bad return.

He still needs to prove he can be a prolific goalscorer, but if brought in relatively cheaply he could be an astute buy.

Liverpool also have joined the race for out-of-favour Real Madrid forward James Rodriguez, according to reports in Spain.

A lack of game time has led to suggestions he will be playing his football elsewhere next term with Manchester United mooted as his next destination.

But Spanish publication Don Balon claim Liverpool are ready to battle their rivals for his signature.

Madrid chief Florentino Perez is refusing to lower his £52million valuation of the Colombian that has proved to be stumbling block in negotiations with United - but Liverpool are reportedly willing to meet his price tag.

Picture of Mo Salah credits to TWITTER @only1essam

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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.

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Liverpool in the hunt for £52million Colombian play maker

Liverpool have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign Real Madrid star James Rodriguez.

The Colombia international looks set to leave the Bernabeu after struggling for game time under Zinedine Zidane.

And Spanish outlet Don Balon say the Reds are now among the clubs interested in snapping him up.

Liverpool are willing to match his £52million price tag, while the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Bayern Munich are also keen.

However, the 25-year-old is said to favour a move to their fierce rivals United instead.

Rodriguez rose to prominence at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and enjoyed a fine first season in the Spanish capital thereafter, but he struggled during the 2015-16 campaign and hasn't reached the same heights this season, either.

Team-mate Isco has been the more consistent of the two during his limited appearances, however. He's consequently played more when injuries have opened up a spot in the starting XI.

The belief is Rodriguez could return to his best with consistent playing time, something he likely won't find in Madrid. Spending £65 million on the Colombian would be a risky move and uncharacteristic of the Reds, who have been more careful with their spending under manager Jurgen Klopp when compared to other top Premier League clubs.

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