Video Highlights: Toronto FC 1-1 Liverpool FC

Brendan Rodgers began his reign as Liverpool manager with a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC in their friendly at the Rogers Centre in Canada.

The Reds recovered from a goal behind to claim a draw with the Major League Soccer side, who took the lead through Quincy Amarikwa but were pegged back by Adam Morgan.

Rodgers took the opportunity to give 23 players a taste of the action during his first match as Liverpool boss, which also served as the opening fixture of the team's tour of North America and Canada.

There was an early chance for the Reds when Dani Pacheco was found free on the left edge of the area by Nathan Eccleston after 2 minutes, but the Spanish forward's cross was cleared.

The hosts, who are midway through their MLS season, had seen little of the ball during the opening seven minutes but created the first genuine opportunity of the match with their maiden attack.

Full report: Liverpool FC Official

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Liverpool await Europa draw

Liverpool will today discover their opponents for the Europa League third qualifying round.

The draw takes place in Nyon at 12.30pm GMT so stay logged on to Liverpoolfc.com to see who Brendan Rodgers and his squad will face.

The Reds are seeded in pot two and could face the following teams:

NK Osijek (CRO) or Kalmar FF (SWE); FC Arsenal Kyiv (UKR), FC Spartak Trnava (SVK) or Sligo Rovers FC (IRL); FK Renova (MKD) or FC Gomel (BLR); Dundee United FC (SCO); Maccabi Netanya FC (ISR) or KuPS Kuopio (FIN).

The two legged matches will be played on August 2 and August 9.

Source: Liverpool FC Official

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Liverpool gave no assurance on whether Andy Carroll stay or go?

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has claimed the club will not allow striker Andy Carroll to leave on a loan deal.

However, Rodgers did admit offers will be considered if they are "worthwhile for the club and the team as a whole".

The ex-Swansea boss said: "To consider a loan period for someone the club spent £35million on isn't something we're looking to do at this moment in time."

Newcastle are expected to make an improved offer for the 23-year-old, having had an initial bid turned down.

The Magpies sold Gateshead-born Carroll to Liverpool for £35million in January 2011 - the third-highest fee paid by a British club for a player.

However, the England international has struggled at Anfield since his move and only rediscovered some form towards the end of last season.

Rodgers also brought in striker Fabio Borini from Roma last week.

The Italian is still currently on holiday but is expected to join up with the rest of the Reds' squad on their pre-season tour in Boston on 23 July.

Rodgers told the official Liverpool website: "Andy will be the same as every other player - if there's ever an offer that comes in we'd look at it as a club and see if it's going to be worthwhile for the club and the team as a whole.

"The club invested £35million in him. People talk about whether he can fit into my style or not, but if you're a club and you spend £35million on a player you'd like to think he can fit into whatever style the team plays.

"He's a good player. He'll join the rest of the group next week and we'll take it from there."

Newcastle hierarchy are still keen admirers of Carroll, but initially only offered to pay part of Carroll's £80,000-a-week wages as part of a loan move.

The Magpies also wanted to pay £13million if he then signed a permanent deal, although the Reds are understood to want at least £20million.

Source: BBC Sport

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Dempsey not joining Liverpool, yet?

Fulham have dismissed reports linking Clint Dempsey with Liverpool by announcing they have yet to receive any offers and would not welcome interest in the American.

Dempsey has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage this summer after enjoying a superb campaign for Martin Jol's side last season.

It had looked as though Liverpool were closing in on Dempsey after a video posted on the official website of the Fenway Sports Group, who are the club's owners, indicated that a deal would be completed by the end of the week.

The mention of Dempsey was soon deleted and Fulham have now moved to clarify the situation by insisting that nobody has contacted them with an official approach.

"We have not received any bids for Clint Dempsey," a spokesperson said. "We would also discourage any bids."

Dempsey has previously stated that he would love to play UEFA Champions League football, having emerged as one of the Premier League's most consistent performers since arriving at Fulham from New England Revolution in 2007.

He is now 29 and has just one year remaining on his current contract, but Jol has made it clear that the versatile attacker remains an important part of his plans and hopes a new deal can be agree.

Source: Sky Sport

However, Brendan Rodgers revealed yesterday that Liverpool have made enquiries about Fulham striker Clint Dempsey.

In an interview with Liverpoolfc.com at the team hotel in Boston, the manager moved to clarify the club's position on the USA international, who scored 23 goals for Fulham last season.

"Clint is a player we've enquired about, it is as simple as that," said Rodgers.

"Ian Ayre, our managing director, has spoken with the club to see what the position is. That is where we're at.

"He's a very talented player but we don't like to talk about other clubs' players."

Source: Liverpool FC Official

Fulham are trying to keep hold of its player but it’s only a matter of time until Liverpool FC could offer the right amount of money for their midfielder.

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Video: What can Liverpool supporters expect from Fabio Borini?

This are what we could be expecting from Fabio Borini week in, week out in a Liverpool shirt.

Welcome to Anfield, Fabio!

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Rumour Mill: Liverpool eye Arsenal winger

The summer Anfield clearance has begun! With the latest signing of Fabio Borini and the departure of Maxi Rodriguez, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has started to reshuffles his playing squad.

Andy Carroll has been subject to many speculation after Rodgers has admitted that the England international striker could leave on a season-long loan with a permanent deal at the end of 12-months. Although Liverpool has rejected Newcastle bid earlier for Carroll. AC Milan and West Ham United are still interested on signing the big striker on a season-long loan deal.

News on Zlatan Ibrahimovic almost completing his move to Paris St. Germain from AC Milan has boosted the chance of Carroll moving in the opposition direction.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are ready to rival Chelsea in the hunt for Arsenal winger Theo Walcott.

Walcott has just a year to run on his contract with the Gunners and could follow Robin van Persie's lead by seeking a move away from the Emirates Stadium if the club does not boost his wages to £100,000 per week.

Rodgers will be pondering a £15million move and could use money from any sale of Andy Carroll to pay for the deal.

As a pacy winger with an eye for goal, Walcott would fit seamlessly into Rodgers' preferred playing style.

Target-man Carroll, however, may find opportunities under Rodgers more limited.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is desperate to keep Walcott, especially with Robin van Persie refusing to sign a new deal but some members of Emirates board would be prepared to cash in now.

Will Theo Walcott move to Anfield?

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Liverpool: Carroll out, Borini in?

Andy Carroll’s days at Anfield are numbered. According to reports, Italian giant AC Milan are interested to take Liverpool’s England international striker to San Siro on a loan deal. However, Carroll remained unfazed by the interest as he relaxed by the pool enjoying his extended holidays following England’s quarter-final in Euro 2012.

West Ham are set to launch an ambitious bid for England striker Andy Carroll.

Sam Allardyce wants to make a marquee signing ahead of his club’s return to the Barclays Premier League and West Ham’s owners are prepared to break their budget for the Liverpool No 9.

West Ham are proposing an initial loan with a view to buying Carroll for around £15million. That would represent a huge loss for Liverpool, who signed the forward for £35m in January 2011.

But Carroll is facing an uncertain future at Anfield after Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers refused to  dismiss the idea he could leave on loan.

Significantly, Rodgers would not give any assurances about Carroll’s future when presented with the opportunity on Monday and a switch to Upton Park could prove enticing.

Allardyce’s style of play would suit Carroll, while he would also link up with close friend and former Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan.

Rodgers is expected to make Fabio Borini his first signing in a £10m deal after Roma confirmed Liverpool’s interest. The new Kop boss is just as keen on tying down Luis Suarez, whose deal runs to June 2016.

Roma striker Borini is 'seriously considering' the opportunity to join Liverpool this summer, according to his agent.

The Serie A club's sporting director Walter Sabatini confirmed earlier on Tuesday that the Anfield outfit had expressed an interest in signing the 21-year-old.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers knows Borini well, having worked with him during their time together at Chelsea and again during a loan spell with Swansea.

Borini netted nine goals in 24 appearances in the league for Roma last season and earned a place in Italy's Euro 2012 squad, although he did not feature during their run to the final.

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New Warrior Third Kit Breaks New Ground for Liverpool FC

Statement-making kit features tribal inspired visuals and daring colour scheme.

[HONG KONG, 05 JULY 2012] Delivering a bold design statement to the football world, Warrior has unleashed the new 2012/13 Liverpool FC third kit.

With a striking graphic print set over a daring colour palette of nightshade, orange and white, the new kit will be worn by Liverpool FC during their upcoming UEFA Europa League campaign and selected Barclays Premier League games.

Head of Warrior Football Richard Wright comments: “Our intention with the new third kit was to create something that broke new ground for Liverpool FC. Warrior has delivered a fearless design concept that steers clear of what’s been done before.”

Inspiration behind the kit’s dominant nightshade colour stems from popular past goalkeeper kits worn by David James during the 1994/95 and 1995/96 seasons, and Pepe Reina in 2010/11.

Ancient tribal warrior markings have been set along the outer sides of the sleeves and side panels – a design first for the Club. Beyond the third kit, this tribal graphic features heavily throughout the 2012/13 Liverpool FC range of apparel and accessories.

In line with Liverpool FC’s new home and away versions, the third kit features a fully embroidered amber yellow Liver Bird emblem as the Club’s crest. In recognition of the tragic events at Hillsborough in 1989 and Heysel in 1985, two commemorative Eternal Flames sit alongside a 96 logo, embroidered on the nape of the shirt’s neck.

Unique to Warrior’s third design, the kit has been constructed with body mapped mesh to help players stay cool under pressure. Powered by War-Tech, Warrior’s revolutionary apparel system, the kit will keep external elements out while letting sweat and moisture escape to help players stay dry and comfortable.

The main body of the third shirt is underpinned with durable water resistant technology, adding a layer of protection by rejecting external moisture while staying dry. In addition, polyester mesh fabric under the arms enables a full-range of movement and increased air flow to help regulate temperature in key heat areas during games.

Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard said: “The new third kit is completely different from anything we’ve had at LFC during my time at the Club; it’s part of a new era and is a great design. The players love it.”

Brendan Rodgers, the recently-appointed Manager of Liverpool FC, said: “The strip offers the supporters something new, fresh and exciting to wear. I know the players are looking forward to wearing it and performing with pride and distinction in it.”

In Hong Kong, the kit will be available to purchase online at www.warriorfootball.com and in retail locations from August.

It’s true after all as the photo captured in the wild seen from here: http://bit.ly/Mg7E0n

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Tottenham winning the race to sign Liverpool transfer target

Sky sources understand Tottenham are confident of signing Swansea and Liverpool target Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Sigurdsson spent the latter half of last season on loan with the Swans from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim and appeared set to complete a permanent deal this summer.

But the situation was complicated when Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers took over at Anfield last month, sparking interest from the Reds.

Spurs could now snatch the youngster from under the noses of their Premier League rivals.

German newspaper Bild claims the managerless North Londoners have lined up an £8million deal for the 22-year-old Iceland international.

The former Reading midfielder scored seven goals in 19 games for Swansea last term and was named the Premier League player of the month for March.

Hoffenheim have given Sigurdsson until Saturday to secure a move to England having allowed him extended leave after they returned to pre-season training just over a week ago.

Swansea thought they had secured the player on a permanent basis after agreeing a club-record £6.8million fee soon after the end of the season but before Sigurdsson could complete a medical their manager was lured to Liverpool.

Rodgers admitted he would be interested in signing the midfielder for the Reds but stressed the player had to first speak to new Swansea boss Michael Laudrup.

When the prospect of him moving to the Liberty Stadium having diminished it seemed Anfield would be his next stopping place but now it could be White Hart Lane.

Last week Hoffenheim coach Markus Babbel, himself a former Liverpool player, said of Sigurdsson's planned move: "If, by the deadline on June 30, he has done nothing then he will return to his pre-season with us.

"We have agreed this with him."

Sigurdsson is contracted to Hoffenheim for another two years but despite impressing in his first campaign in 2010/11 he dropped down the pecking order last season, forcing his loan to Swansea.

Source: SkySports

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Cardiff wants Reds striker

As reported in yesterday’s Echo, the 32-year old Wales international, Craig Bellamy is being again linked with a return to his home-town club where he spent a season on loan back in 2010 when at Manchester City. Cardiff are considering a bid for the Liverpool striker, who spent the 2010-2011 season on loan with the Bluebirds.

Bellamy, began his career with Norwich City and established professionals Mackay and Roberts were among his Carrow Road team-mates.

Cardiff are understood to be working out the finances to re-sign Bellamy, who was captain during his season long loan spell.

Bellamy re-joined Liverpool on a two-year deal from Manchester City in August 2011.

The Championship club hope to discuss a proposed deal with Liverpool before any talks take place with the former Wales captain.

A loan move back to Cardiff could be an option, but appears unlikely.

But with former Swansea City boss Brendan Rodgers in charge at Anfield now, Bellamy is set for talks to determine just what his role on Merseyside might be next campaign.

The striker was dissatisfied under former Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish. He made 37 appearances for the Reds, but only 12 Premier League starts.

As Rodgers looks to improve on Liverpool’s eighth place finish last term what role Bellamy might have in his plans remains unclear.

The Welsh club's Malaysian owners recently announced a £100million investment plan as Cardiff, who have suffered three successive play-off disappointments, bid for Premier League promotion.

Cardiff’s rumour may appear to be true and will bid in the region of £2million for Bellamy when the players are back from their summer holidays.

Will Bellamy leave Anfield for Cardiff City?

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Photo: Liverpool 2012/2013 third jersey spotted in the wild

Finally something looks legitimate seen captured on photo above. The first row shirt seen on the left in the photo could be the new third kit for Liverpool FC.

The photo below is someone’s idea of a joke!

Source: Caught Offside

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Transfer deadline slapped on Icelandic midfielder move to Liverpool

Gylfi Sigurdsson has been  given until the end of the  month to seal his move to  Liverpool.

New Anfield manager Brendan Rodgers is  keen to snap up Sigurdsson after the midfielder impressed during a spell on loan under him at  Swansea City from Hoffenheim during the  second half  of last season.

The  22-year-old  was poised  to complete a club record £6.8million move to the Swans last month until Rodgers’ departure put a block on  the deal.

Rodgers has expressed his interest in taking  Sigurdsson to Liverpool but stressed the player  had to first speak to Swansea, who appointed  Michael Laudrup as their new boss on Friday.

That, though, is expected to be a formality,  although Liverpool will have to pay nearer  £8.5million  for Sigurdsson’s services after Swansea negotiated a discount as  part of their initial loan deal  for the player.

The Iceland international  was scheduled to begin  pre-season training with  Hoffenheim yesterday, but  the Bundesliga side have  granted extended leave in  order for him to complete a  move to England.

The pundit has tipped Sigurdsson to join Rodgers at Liverpool rather than complete his proposed permanent move to Swansea.

The Welsh club earned £45.9million from television and prize money during their first season in the Premier League, finishing 11th in the table, and so have funds to strengthen the squad.

Sigurdsson said in April he would be happy to stay at the Liberty Stadium beyond the end of the season.

But Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins had also admitted the Welsh club would struggle to keep hold of the midfielder.

Will he choose Liverpool over Swansea?

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Liverpool could sign this player for £10M now

The papers has been going rounds and more speculation on the Premier League champions, Manchester City’s winger Adam Johnson’s footballing future at the Etihad Stadium. It’s difficult to know exactly who’s to believe in.

According to some sources he’s perfectly content at the Etihad stadium, whilst according to others he’s itching for a move. One paper will say that Roberto Mancini is prepared to sell the 24-year-old, whilst another will claim that Manchester City view him as a keeper.

More intriguing stories from the daily paper suggested Manchester City would entertain bids of around £10million for Johnson’s services. Of course, it’s difficult to know exactly how true this is. Manchester City spent £8million bringing Johnson in from Middlesbrough and he’s improved in quality significantly in the proceeding years. Given his status as a young British talent (and given that Liverpool spent approximately £20million on Jordan Henderson last summer) that price tag seems rather low.

While my poll on “First summer signing for LFC?” has been up and running with Johnson leading the vote counts, it’s hard not for Liverpool new manager Brendan Rodgers to take a look at the City’s winger.

Perhaps, moneybags Manchester City are merely exercising their more generous side. He’s a player who hasn’t got a fair run of games in the first team and they may well be prepared to accept bids below his worth in order to give him the exit route he deserves. He’s a good player but he’s perhaps not as fully formed as a number of others in City’s roster so it’s fair to say he’ll always be a part of the squad’s second string.

Last summer Liverpool gambled on Stewart Downing. I think it’s fair to say that that experiment was a failure. No League goals, after 72 shots is an absolutely dreadful return. The Reds need a player like Johnson to run the wings. A player who offers results, not just potential. If the club are ever to drag themselves back up to the Premier League, Johnson is exactly the kind of player they should be looking at.

So if there’s any truth to the claims that he currently has a £10million price-tag, I think Liverpool should snap him up now.

Source: This Is Futbol

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Rumour Mill: Liverpool set to bid £8M for Tottenham centre back

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers wants Tottenham Hotspur and England Under-21 defender Steven Caulker to be his first signing at Anfield.

The former Swansea manager is determined to be reunited with the 20-year-old, who spent the duration of last season on loan at the Liberty Stadium.

Before joining Liverpool, Rogers expressed a desire to keep the highly-rated centre-half in South Wales for another season but now wants Caulker to join him on Merseyside.

Spurs remain interested in loaning out the England Under-21 international for another season to continue his development but have made it clear that Caulker, who is under contract in North London until July 2014, is not for sale.

Rodgers, however, is set to test Spurs resolve and is preparing an opening bid thought to be in the region of £8 million for the defender, who made 26 Premier League appearances last season for the Swans.

Rodgers believes Caulker is good enough to challenge for a first team spot at Anfield and this could tempt the youngster to push for a move. Spurs already have French international defender Younes Kaboul on their books and are close to finalising a deal to bring Ajax captain Jan Vertonghen to White Hart Lane.

Rodgers, privately feels the 6 foot 3 inch star will be an England regular within a year and is willing to increase his offer for the youngster should Spurs rebuff Liverpool’s opening bid.

Source: Caught Offside

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Transfer Watch: Who will Liverpool sign first?

Who will become Brendan Rodgers’ first signing as a Liverpool manager? Let’s go through the list reported in the press.

Clint Dempsey

The Anfield club's co-owner Tom Werner admitted: 'We never talk publicly about our transfer targets, however, any team would be lucky to have Clint Dempsey playing on their squad.'

At the moment Rodgers is also said to be actively pursuing Clint Dempsey, whom he feels will fit into the system of play that the new head honcho prefers. By agreeing to coach Liverpool, Rodgers will carry the aspirations, dreams and desires of hundreds of millions of Liverpool fans worldwide.

Adam Johnson

Talks are set to move forward in the coming days and the Kop outfit are hoping the Blues will do quick business on the England star who narrowly missed out on Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad.

Brendan Rodgers knows he also faces stiff competition from both Sunderland and Newcastle for Johnson, but the Merseysiders are understood to be willing to match his City wages.

Former Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish set the wheels in the motion last season and Liverpool scouts have been tracking the tricky 24-year-old ever since.

Rodgers is also a huge admirer of the player and has been told the funds are there to push through a big deal.

Johnson is now looking for more first-team opportunities to further his England claims and Liverpool are confident they can provide them.

Gylfi Sigurdsson

Iceland midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson admits he would be interested in a move to Liverpool to be reunited with former manager Brendan Rodgers after claiming his record-breaking move to Swansea is off.

Last week the Swans agreed a £6.8million transfer - almost doubling their record fee - to sign the player from Hoffenheim permanently after his successful four-month loan spell subject to a medical.

However, Rodgers' departure to Anfield cast doubt on the deal and Sigurdsson now does not think he will complete it - despite being keen to remain in the Premier League.

Mohamed Diame

Mohamed Diame’s move to Liverpool is back on, after it emerged that new Reds manager Brendan Rodgers is a fan of the former Wigan midfielder.

The Senegalese international was initially sounded out by former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish about a move to Anfield, before the Scot lost his job.

The 24-year-old – available on a Bosman after his contract with the Latics ran out – said he had hoped to move to Liverpool but was looking at other options, but it has now emerged that Rodgers would be keen on signing him.

First summer signing for LFC?

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Steve Clarke leaves Liverpool and is in contention to become WBA new manager

The League Managers' Association has announced that Steve Clarke has left Liverpool, clearing the way for Brendan Rodgers to bring in his own assistant.

Clarke was taken to Anfield in January 2011 by former Reds boss Kenny Dalglish.

Having forged a reputation as one of the finest coaches in the business during spells at Newcastle, Chelsea and West Ham, the Scot was offered the opportunity to work alongside Dalglish as he attempted to bring the good times back to Merseyside.

Liverpool disappointed, though, in 2011/12, with a Carling Cup success not enough to paper over the Premier League cracks.

Dalglish was relieved of his duties by the Reds board as a result, leaving Clarke facing up to an uncertain future.

Liverpool moved quickly to fill their managerial void with the appointment of Rodgers, and he will be allowed to bring in his own backroom team.

That means Clarke's services are no longer required and he has officially vacated his post.

Rodgers has yet to name a number two but Liverpool and the 39-year-old's former club Swansea have agreed a compensation package which sees three of his trusted staff move to Anfield, including his Liberty Stadium assistant Colin Pascoe.

Performance analyst Chris Davies and head of sports science and medicine Glen Driscoll have also linked up with the Reds.

West Bromwich Albion have moved quickly to sound out Clarke after he left Anfield and sources close to the club believe he could even be appointed by the weekend.

Former Schalke boss Ralf Rangnick had looked set to take charge at the Hawthorns, but he appears to have now dropped out of the running to succeed Hodgson.

Clarke has gained plenty of experience working as number two at Chelsea, West Ham and most recently at Liverpool under Kenny Dalglish.

But the 48 year-old is believed to be keen to step in to a managerial role and Albion fit the bill.

Clarke will have a hard act to follow in Hodgson, who guided West Brom to a top-10 finish in the Barclays Premier League last season.

Source: Sky Sports, Telegraph Sport

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Transfer Watch: Liverpool to re-ignites Fernando interest and other possible transfers

Liverpool has been alerted by the news report coming out from the Real Madrid camp on the availability of Argentine defensive midfielder, Fernando Gago.

Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho has instructed the club that he intends to get rid of Kaka, Fernando Gago, Hamit Altintop and Ricardo Carvalho in the off-season. According to Mundo Deportivo, Gago will follow Kaka, Altintop and Carvalho through the Bernabeu exit if Mourinho gets his way in the summer.

Gago is not part of Mourinho's plans and the midfielder spent the season on loan at Roma. He was expected to seal a permanent move to the Serie A outfit last month but the Italians refused to meet the €7million asking price set by Madrid by the June 1 deadline. Gago has one year left on his contract and may now be forced to run out his contract next season if no other interested buyers come in.

Liverpool new manager, Brendan Rodgers are looked set to recruit more players to mount a serious Premier League challenge this August. There are a few key areas in the Reds team need to be covered and Lucas Leiva’s position are the most crucial as the Reds struggles to fill the defensive midfield role last season when the Brazilian midfielder sat out through injury.

Fernando Gago transfer probability – 3/5 and worth £5.7million, aged 26, will fits into FSG’s plan.

Let’s look at other transfer target for Liverpool FC.

Many reports suggested that Rodgers are interested in his former Swansea City players, Joe Allen and Gylfi Sigurdsson. Are these the kind of players that can drive Liverpool back to Champions League football?

According to the BBC, Sigurdsson has verbally agreed to make his loan move to Swansea permanent, but since Rodger’s made his Liverpool switch, his future has become somewhat more uncertain. Rodgers has since admitted that “if he comes on the market I have to be interested. He knows that I rate his qualities and abilities.”

Rodgers’ interest in Joe Allen also has an air of authenticity. He was the mainstay at Swansea City and Rodgers’ is clearly a big fan. There’s every chance that he’ll look to bring him over to the Reds (if Swansea doesn’t placed a players protection clause when Liverpool signs Rodgers).

Another noticeable mentioned by the press was Fulham’s Clint Dempsey. Liverpool’s chairman Tom Werner has made his interest in the American star clear. He publicly told the press, “We never talk publicly about our transfer targets. However, any team would be lucky to have Clint Dempsey playing on their squad.”

All three are Internationals, can pass the ball around neatly and score goals. They’ve all got Premier League experience, are physical and have bucket loads of energy. In particular Clint Dempsey is the real deal and how Liverpool could use his goals moving forward.

Without Champions League football, Liverpool FC would never going to get Fernando Llorente, Kaka or Eden Hazard. As such the Reds need to start making sensible signings and rebuilding. These three players look like they’ve got the nous to get Liverpool competing again.

Source: LFC Stats

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Rumour Mill: Liverpool wants Manchester City midfielder as Kuyt replacement

Newly installed Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is wasting no time in his pursuit of new additions to his Anfield squad and having offloaded Dirk Kuyt to Fenerbahce, the former Swansea City manager will now look to move for Manchester City winger Adam Johnson.

Rodgers is believed to be preparing a significant bid, said to be in the region of £16million, for the 24-year-old England international and the Northern Irishman will hope that the promise of regular first team football will act as enough motivation for the former Middlesbrough man to push for an Etihad Stadium exit.

Johnson has struggled to make an impact at Manchester City and has consistently failed to secure a regular first team berth ever since his £7million move to the club. Last term the Sunderland born winger managed just 10 Premier League starts and as a result lost his spot in the England Euro 2012 squad.

Whilst Manchester City may well have won the Premier League and have Champions League football to look forward to Johnson may well feel that his career is stagnating at the club. The arrival of Samir Nasri last summer further stifled his progress and talk of further additions could well spell a death knell to his time at the big spending club.

Liverpool could well do with a more natural right wing option as Jordan Henderson has struggled to fill the role since his move to the club and with Kuyt having left there is indeed further need to consider addressing the problem area.

Source: Caught Offside

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Video: Brendan Rodgers the new LFC manager

Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and Liverpool Football Club announced that Brendan Rodgers has been appointed as the club's new manager, last Friday morning after signing a contract.

Rodgers, 39, is regarded as being at the forefront of a new generation of football coaches, an excellent tactician and motivator with a progressive philosophy. After an extensive two-week process where many highly-qualified candidates were carefully considered, Liverpool's ownership group identified Rodgers as the single outstanding candidate to implement their long-term vision.

 

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Liverpool wants Barcelona playmaker

Liverpool FC long-term transfer target and want-away Barcelona playmaker, Ibrahim Afellay could be donning the red shirt of Merseyside. But with the Catalan giants ready to accept offers in the region of £6 million, Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle have all been alerted to the availability of Barcelona playmaker.

The midfielder was signed by Barcelona from PSV Eindhoven for a cut-price £2.3 million after he entered the last year of his contract with the Dutch side, and despite showing immense promise initially, an injury hampered his progress at the Spanish giants. After returning from injury, it is thought that he would be available for as little as £6 million, which is considered a bargain for a player of such a high quality.

Barcelona have put the 26-year-old up for sale and believe his starting berth for Holland at the Euro's will be a perfect platform to boost his price.

According to reports, not only will Afellay be available for purchase this summer, but he'll be available for a lot less than expected. This makes it crucial for the Reds to pursue him.

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 missed out on free transfer target

Following the sacking of Kenny Dalglish, the proposed transfer deal for Senegal midfielder, Mohamed Diame to Liverpool has collapsed.

The Senegal midfielder, 24, is a free agent after letting his contract at Wigan run down, and although he has offers on the table from Spain, France and Turkey, he admits feeling hurt after having a move to Anfield snatched away.

Diame has revealed he held discussions with Dalglish about a possible move to Anfield and that he was sad to see the deal fall through following the Scot's departure earlier this month.

   “I met before Kenny Dalglish and we talked about next season, but God decided to finish this situation,”

“It is true I was very sad in my head as I was thinking to go there, but that is OK as I think I have got other opportunities to go to another club.”

“I am free and not everybody is free in this moment like a midfield player like me and that is why I have got a lot of clubs interested in me,”

“I have to be composed and make a good decision for my future. I have got some offers from Spain, from France, from Turkey, but I really want to stay in the Premier League.” Diame told Sky Sports News.

However, there could be an outside chance of a deal being resurrected should Latics boss Roberto Martinez - who is expected to hold more talks with FSG having returned from holiday today - be appointed to succeed Dalglish.

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Van Gaal penned himself in for Liverpool’s manager role

Louis van Gaal has told Liverpool that he is looking for a management role, rather than a position as a director of football, as his next job.

Van Gaal has been strongly linked with the vacant management position at Anfield, although the club's owners are believed to have identified the experienced Dutchman as the ideal candidate to be the Reds' new director of football, rather than the straight replacement for recently sacked Kenny Dalglish.

Liverpool reportedly plan to appoint a younger man to be in charge of coaching and day-to-day affairs under the more senior director of football.

   “My fingers are itching. I’m full of fire and want to work with players.

“I get dozens of offers but I’m waiting for the best one.”

But Van Gaal, 60, is such a strong personality that the idea of taking the reins as team coach would appeal strongly.

One man who is unlikely to take over is ex-England boss Fabio Capello.

Reports this week suggested FSG had been in contact with the Italian but he is now not believed to be on the shortlist, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Wigan’s Roberto Martinez is expected to meet the owners for talks over the next 48 hours and remains among the favourites, along with ex-Chelsea boss Andre Villa-Boas.

Kuyt, currently on international duty preparing for Euro 2012, gave his backing to the former Ajax and Bayern Munich manager.

   “It is not usual for players to speak about candidates, but he is a Dutchman, has a great track record and has the experience that the club could put to good use,”

“At the moment, Liverpool have no coach or technical director.

“Each club benefits from structure. You look at the Dutch national team and see that consistency and clarity are important.” Dirk Kuyt told De Telegraaf.

Kuyt seemed destined to be leaving Anfield this summer after his starting opportunities were reduced significantly last season, but has hinted he may be open to staying with a new manager coming in to replace Kenny Dalglish.

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers, who publicly rejected the chance to hold talks with Liverpool last week, remains on the radar and would be approached again.

FSG have however distanced themselves from speculation linking them with a move for Didier Deschamps.

It has been reported that Marseille boss Deschamps spurned the Reds’ advances when he declared he intends to remain with the French club but FSG had no plans to speak to the Frenchman. The same applies to Harry Redknapp who has also been linked with the post.

Let’s look at the latest updates on the potential target list for Liverpool FC.

1. Michael Laudrup
2. Brendan Rodgers
3. Frank de Boer
4. Jurgen Klopp
5. Pep Guardiola
6. Roberto Martinez
7. Fabio Capello
8. Andre Villas-Boas
9. Didier Deschamps
10. Joachim Low
11. Paul Lambert
12. Rafael Benitez
13. Jose Mourinho
14. Alan Pardew
15. Guus Hiddink
16. Frank Rijkaard
17. Louis van Gaal

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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