Trio get national call, City duo on title talk, Real rumour – Thursday’s Liverpool FC News Roundup

We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Thursday, following the Reds’ 5-0 mauling of Watford last night.

Mane on Back-Heel & Central Role

Sadio Mane was in electrifying form on Wednesday night, scoring twice, including one superb back-heeled strike that left Anfield in raptures.

The 26-year-old spoke to LiverpoolFC.com about the ingenious finish and the central striker’s role in which he thrived in on the night:

“Trent made a very good cross and I was in the box, I was a lucky boy and I scored. It’s one of [the most adventurous goals I’ve scored], yes!

“But the most important thing is the three points and we got it, so I’m happy.

“It was my first time since I came to Liverpool I played centrally. I always said I’m here for the team, so I try to play any position the coach asks me to play to help the team.”

Mane now has his record goal haul in the Premier League, taking his tally to the season to 14.

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Asensio Rumours ‘Return’

According to the less-than-reliable Don Balon, Liverpool are still eyeing up a €100million (£85.7million) bid for Marco Asensio at the end of the season.

The 23-year-old Real Madrid attacker was linked with a move to Anfield last summer, but it never materialised and never felt likely to.

Chelsea and Arsenal are also said to be interested in the Spanish forward, with Asensio not always a regular at Santiago Bernabeu this season.

While signing him would be hugely exciting, this is not a credible report and Don Balon are not to be trusted! Such links have always seemed more like ‘agent talk’ from the Spaniard’s camp.

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De Bruyne Shows Reds Respect

Liverpool’s title battle with Man City looks set to go right to the wire, with a thrilling final 10 matches this season ahead of us.

The Reds know that if they win every remaining game they will be crowned champions – something Kevin De Bruyne admits he would have to applaud.

“If we keep winning and they keep winning it goes to the wire, but if we win every game until the end of the season and it’s not enough you just have to congratulate Liverpool, as they will win with 99 points,” De Bruyne told the Manchester Evening News.

“There’s not a different atmosphere in the dressing room as we are probably on the same level as we were then – but last year we were 12 points ahead, and now we are one behind.

“That shows Liverpool are doing well.”

Once a Red, always a Red, right, Kev?

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Pep Expecting Slip-Ups

Man City kept up the pressure on Liverpool with a 1-0 win over West Ham on Wednesday, albeit not always convincing at the Etihad.

Pep Guardiola says he is expecting both sides to drop points between now and May, as the pressure intensifies.

“We know with 10 games (to go), three points (a win), many things are going to happen,” Guardiola told reporters.

“I think we are going to drop points, I think Liverpool are going to drop points. So we are going to see, until the end.”

City face a potential banana skin at Bournemouth on Saturday, where we’ll be hoping for Nathaniel Clyne, Dominic Solanke and Jordon Ibe to do us a favour!

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Brazilian Trio Receive Call-Up

Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino have all been called up to Brazil’s squad for their upcoming friendlies next month.

The South American giants take on Panama (March 23, in Portugal) and Czech Republic (March 26, in Prague), as another international break suddenly draws nearer.

Jurgen Klopp will be desperate that the trio come through the two games unscathed, at what will be a critical point in the domestic season.

Fabinho has adopted a right-back role for Brazil in the past but he has been named as a midfielder in the squad after such an impressive run of form for Liverpool.

Alisson and Firmino will hope to start ahead of City pair Ederson and Gabriel Jesus, respectively.

Mane has also been named in the Senegal squad to play Madagascar (March 23) and Mali (March 26), both to be played in Senegal.