We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Tuesday, as the Reds prepare for Monday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
Main Headlines
- The positives, the concerns and the future of Gomez as Liverpool’s centre-back
- How Wijnaldum’s flexibility could give Liverpool another edge this season
- Liverpool’s loaned youngsters experience mixed League Cup fortunes
- U23s’ clash with Tottenham provides fans with bargain trip to Anfield
Torino Keen On Grujic
Marko Grujic has been linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer, with opportunities likely to be few for him this season.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Torino are interested in signing the Serbian midfielder on loan for the season, with a bid tabled on Tuesday.
However, Goal’s Neil Jones updates that the bid has been rebuffed by Liverpool as the Italian side wanted a €10 million agreement to purchase the player next summer.
Liverpool are said to want closer to €20 million for the player if he leaves permanently.
The Serie A transfer deadline is on Friday (August 17) so there is little time to get a deal completed.
Mignolet’s Move To Napoli In Doubt
Simon Mignolet has been tipped to move to Napoili before the Italian window shuts, but it is a transfer that appears to have hit the skids a little, according to Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur.
Napoli are looking for a short-term replacement for injured goalkeeper Alex Meret.
???Last push for Standard goalkeeper Memo Ochoa (on loan with option)
???????? Simon Mignolet set for Napoli switch
? Mignolet’s agent: “We are waiting for a concrete offer.”#lfc pic.twitter.com/A4GYRKQ9Wy
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) August 15, 2018
He took to Twitter on Wednesday to say Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is “the cheaper option” and that Mignolet’s agent, Nico Vaesen, is “still waiting for a concrete offer” from the Serie A giants.
Vasen also states that, “Liverpool want to keep him, but he wants to and must play”.
This one could go right to the wire. Again, there’s only two days for a move to Italy to materialise.
UDPATE: Napoli have signed Arsenal‘s David Ospina on loan, seemingly putting an end to Mignolet’s potential of a move there.
August 31 Transfer Deadline To Return?
Speaking of transfer deadlines, the Premier League deadline was moved forward 22 days this summer, with English clubs only able to sign players until August 9.
The decision divided opinion and Mirror Sport claim there are now efforts being made to have the deadline return to its former August 31 cut-off.
The report states that, “Premier League chiefs will discuss the window at their next meeting next month but it would take a club to propose a change back to the old system.”
Fourteen clubs would then be required to vote in favour of going back to the former system for the decision to be granted.
The new date was brought in so that English clubs could concentrate more on on-pitch commitments once the season was underway.
Kirkland Delighted To Be Back
Chris Kirkland was announced as LFC Women’s new goalkeeping coach last month, returning to Anfield after spending five years there as player between 2001 and 2006.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Kirkland says it is great to be back at his former club and has praised the spirit within the group:
“I’ve loved it. I was waiting for something like this. I had a few opportunities and a few offers.
“But I’ve been involved with Liverpool for years now; I supported them when I was a kid, I was lucky enough to play for them, and I go and watch all the games at home.
“So when Neil rang me to come in with him, it was easy to make my mind up. He has been great and the team are fantastic.
“It’s obviously different to the men’s game but they have been brilliant – they want to learn and they listen to you. We’ve got great team spirit.
“I’m really enjoying it.”
Liverpool Women kick off their new season against Man United Women in the Cup this weekend.
Attacking The Road End
It has long been believed that opposition sides have more chance of getting a positive result at Anfield if they make Liverpool attack the Kop End in the first half.
It is seen as a way of negating the famous home atmosphere and having one of world football’s most famous stands roaring their team on late in the day.
The Liverpool Echo‘s Ian Doyle says this is a myth, though, with the Reds now undefeated in almost four years attacking the Kop in the opening 45 minutes, since losing 3-0 to Real Madrid in the 2014/15 Champions League group stage.
West Ham were the latest to try and gain a supposed psychological edge on Sunday afternoon – it didn’t pan out too well for them.
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