Wednesday’s News Round-up

Here’s what’s been hitting the headlines in the world of Liverpool FC a week after the Champions League Final defeat…

Pre-season games confirmed

Liverpool today revealed that they will play in the Port of Rotterdam tournament as part of their pre-season preparations for the 2007/08 campaign this summer. They will take on Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua on August 3rd, before taking on Feyenoord, who host the tournament at their De Kuip stadium, two days later. The tournament is celebrating the Port of Rotterdam’s 75th anniversary and will see Dirk Kuyt (pictured) return to his former club.

[Updated Pre Season Schedule]

Parry cool on Simao speculation

Club Chief Executive has played down reports suggesting Liverpool are set to sign Benfica’s highly rated winger Simao Sabrosa, but did not rule out a move for him this summer.

“There are players we are interested in and Simao is one. But we have made no contact with Benfica. A swap with Cisse could be a possibility.”

Carson called up for U-21 duty

Liverpool keeper Scott Carson has been called up to the England Under-21 squad for the U-21 European Championships taking place in Holland this summer. Carson, who spent last season on loan at Charlton Atheltic and has been rumoured to be seeking a departure from Anfield, is Liverpool’s only representative in Stuart Pearce’s 23-man squad. The tournament gets underway on June 10th.

Fan threatens to sue UEFA over ticket shambles

An former Liverpool FC shareholder is threatening legal action over UEFA after being denied access to last Wednesday’s Champions League Final in Athens, despite possessing a legitimate ticket. Paul Gregory is looking to get the £2,370 he and two friends spent on flights reimbursed and claims he was ‘œtear-gassed, kicked and baton-charged by riot police outside the stadium for the hour leading up to kick-off and way beyond.’ If his case is successful, it could prompt further legal action from Reds fans who wrongly missed out on seeing the final defeat to AC Milan. [Read Article]

From everyone at This Is Anfield, Good Luck Paul.