We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Thursday, as the Reds continue to prepare for the weekend visit of Burnley.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Defensive options boost for Liverpool as Dejan Lovren returns to training
Should the Croatian replace in-form Joel Matip, if fit?
- Liverpool fans divided over whether Xherdan Shaqiri or Naby Keita should return against Burnley
Who would you go with?
- The Mandela Effect, Liverpool’s past and a Premier League still there to win
An excellent article by Andy Campbell.
- Journalist reveals Harry Wilson may not be in Liverpool’s plans for next season
Could the youngster be playing under a former Reds manager next season?
- Possibility beckons for Liverpool as surprise Champions League quarter-finalists line up
Man United knocked out PSG, but is that really a bad thing?
- Paul Glatzel & Bobby Duncan break 25-goal mark as Liverpool U18s waltz to FA Youth Cup semis
The young strike pairing are putting together a stunning season.
Yet Another Award For Van Dijk
Van Dijk is one of the most lauded players in the country at the moment, as he continues his remarkable level of consistency.
Awards seem to be coming the Dutchman’s way left, right and centre – he is also the odds-on favourite to win the PFA Player of the Year award – and he has now been named Liverpool’s Player of the Month for February.
The 27-year-old helped the Reds keep three clean sheets in four matches, as well as scoring twice in the 5-0 win over Watford.
He is untouchable currently.
Reds Interested in Brazilian
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQxh2iyuQy0
Liverpool are still keeping tabs on Brazilian teenager Reinier, according to Le10 Sport.
The Reds were linked with a move for the Flamengo U20 midfielder last April, but a deal never materialised.
This new report suggests they are willing to rival Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain for the 17-year-old’s signature, both of whom have a strong Brazilian contingent in their squads, like Liverpool.
Reinier has earned three caps for Brazil’s U17s and is seen as a player of huge promise – don’t read too much into it for the time being, though.
Llorente Deal Back On?
Gipuzkoa report that Liverpool have been scouting Real Sociedad centre-back Diego Llorente.
The 25-year-old was linked with the Reds back in November, with Cadena Ser claiming a January move was possible at the time.
A move never came to fruition, however, and any talk has cooled until this point.
Llorente has a £28million release clause in his contract – could Jurgen Klopp be tempted to bring him in as an upgrade on Matip and Dejan Lovren this summer?
The Sociedad man has won two caps for Spain.
Kelleher Retains Ireland Place
Caoimhin Kelleher has kept his place in the Republic of Ireland’s provisional 38-man squad for their upcoming European Championship qualifiers away to Gibraltar (March 23) and at home to Georgia (March 26).
There is every chance that he will end up representing the U21s instead, though, considering five ‘keepers have been named by Mick McCarthy.
The Irish youngsters host Luxembourg U21s, also on March 24, but he could then be made available for the Georgia match.
Kelleher is one of the most exciting young players at Liverpool, with his performances for the Reds’ U23s often earning rave reviews this season.
He made two top class saves in the mini-derby against Everton on Monday, but was powerless to do anything about the Blues running out 2-0 winners at Anfield.
Lewtas Hails Unselfish Reds
Liverpool U18s cruised into the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday night, following a 5-1 thrashing of Bury at Gigg Lane.
Bobby Duncan rounded off the scoring on the night, with two-goal hero Paul Glatzel putting it on a plate for his teammate, rather than go for a hat-trick himself.
Speaking to LiverpoolFC.com after the game, manager Barry Lewtas said it was a moment that sums up the selfless nature of his team:
“That’s probably the most pleasing part of the night and it kind of sums up what we are about.
“Paul is through on goal, one-v-one with the goalkeeper on a hat-trick and he squares it to Bobby to score. That epitomises some of the stuff we have been talking about with the boys internally about playing for the team.
“That was really evident out there and I’m really proud of that moment. I thought Paul was first class.”
The young Reds will now host Watford in the semis on Saturday, March 23.
Crouch Cheering On Liverpool
Peter Crouch will return to Anfield with Burnley on Sunday lunchtime, having joined the Clarets in the January transfer window.
While the former Liverpool striker is fully behind the Reds in the title race, he has no issue with burying an opportunity this weekend.
“Obviously I’d like to see them win the league but I’d like us to go there and get the three points,” Crouch told the Liverpool Echo.
“I’ve only got happy memories from my time there and I always love going back. If the chance comes, it’s not a problem.
“I’d be sticking it away without any trouble.”
Message to Munich-Bound Reds Supporters
Liverpool take on Bayern Munich in their crucial Champions League last-16 second leg meeting next Wednesday, which promises to be a cracker.
Thousands of Reds supporters will be descending on Munich in the hours and days leading up to the game, with their safety of the utmost importance.
Merseyside Police have provided the following information for fans going to the city, with more to come in due course:
Bayern v LFC. Please see att info from the Munich Police. Merseyside Police will be deployed in Munich recognisable by our blue policing bibs. Finally I have a meeting with the Munich Police on Tues evening and will post and further updates. @LFC @TonyBarrett @spiritofshankly pic.twitter.com/lwJHHN8tV9
— MerPol Liverpool FC (@MerPolLFC) March 7, 2019
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