Strange Milner claim & centre-back linked with Reds – Monday’s Liverpool FC News Roundup

We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Monday, as Champions League final week finally gets underway.

Today’s Main Headlines

Milner Linked With PSG

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, April 30, 2019: Liverpool's James Milner during a training session at Melwood Training Ground ahead of the UEFA Champions League Semi-Final 1st Leg match between FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC. (Pic by Laura Malkin/Propaganda)

James Milner could be the subject of a summer bid from Paris Saint-Germain, according to French paper La Parisien.

There is one major stumbling block, however, with the report incorrectly saying that the veteran is available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Contrary to a number of rumours, Milner’s current deal at Liverpool expires next summer, though, meaning a fee would be required to sign him.

It is a surprise story and one that is hard to take to see developing. Must be nice for Milner to be getting such recognition at this stage of his career, though.


Reds to Make Llorente Bid?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 6, 2016: Liverpool's new Director of Football Michael Edwards watches from the Director's Box as Liverpool take on Watford during the FA Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

No, not that Llorente!

According to AS, via Sport Witness, Liverpool are weighing up a move for Diego Llorente.

The Athletic Bilbao centre-back has been linked with the Reds in the past and would enhance Jurgen Klopp‘s defensive options ahead of next season.

Llorente’s agent has reportedly spoken to Liverpool about a potential summer transfer, with Everton and Newcastle also thought to be in the mix.

Klopp seems relatively content with his centre-back choices at the moment, although an addition might be needed should Dejan Lovren seek a move away this summer.

Lovren’s fitness issues are becoming particularly problematic and Joe Gomez could be required to deputise at right-back if nobody comes in there.


Liverpool to Miss Out on Havertz?

Kai Havertz (Deutschland Germany) (Image: Marc Schueler/Imago/PA Images)

Kai Havertz is one of the most exciting young footballers in Europe, having starred for Bayer Leverkusen this season.

Perhaps an obvious link due to being German, Liverpool have been linked with the 19-year-old – who scored 20 goals in 42 appearances from midfield in 2018/19.

The rumour has had cold water poured on it by Leverkusen sporting director Reiner Calmund, however, who believes the youngster will end up at Bayern Munich eventually.

“Kai Havertz will go to Bayern next year, not this year,” Calmund told Bild.

“He will not move [this summer]. Leverkusen want to enjoy him a bit longer but he’ll move on. Hopefully, he stays in Germany, and the club that can do that is Bayern.”


Reds “Not Planning” Depay Move

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 18, 2017: Olympique Lyonnais' Memphis Depay during a training session at Goodison Park ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group E match against Everton. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Memphis Depay is not on Liverpool’s radar this summer, according to Sky Sports.

Various sources had claimed the Reds are interested in acquiring the services of the former Man United man, following an impressive run of form for Lyon.

Those reports have been shot down, though, with this latest story stating that Liverpool “will not be pursuing a deal” for the Dutchman.

Sky Sports aren’t always the most reputable source, but it does sound like a move that won’t be happening – especially after he posted a photo on his Instagram over the weekend wearing a retro Man United shirt!


Benteke Hails Unrivalled Klopp

LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 6, 2016: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp celebrates his side's injury time 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace with match-winning goal-scorer Christian Benteke during the Premier League match at Selhurst Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Christian Benteke’s Liverpool career was one to forget, with just 10 goals in 42 appearances in 2015/16.

The Belgian never seemed like a Klopp-quality player, with his one-dimensional style in complete contrast to current first-choice striker Roberto Firmino.

In an interview with HLN, Benteke clearly has no hard feelings towards his former manager, though, saying he is the best he has worked under:

“Klopp is still the best manager I worked with, although I didn’t play a lot.

“He wanted fast players up front. I understood his decision.”


Kane Shouldn’t Start, says Hoddle

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - Wednesday, July 11, 2018: England's captain Harry Kane walks off dejected after the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Semi-Final match between Croatia and England at the Luzhniki Stadium. Croatia won 2-1 after extra-time. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Harry Kane looks set to be fit for the Champions League final, having recovered from an ankle injury suffered in the quarter-final first leg against Man City in April.

There are question marks surrounding exactly how fresh the England striker will be, however, especially with the likes of Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura flourishing without him.

Speaking to football.london, Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle believes Kane should be left out of the starting lineup on Saturday night:

“I’m hoping that Harry Kane is on the bench. I’d put him on the bench because I think the tempo of the game will be very, very quick at the beginning.

“He’s not going to be 100 per cent fit and that ankle will still have to be strengthened if nothing else. Long-term there’s another scenario he’s got to protect it for.

“I would say every player on that pitch, whatever the scoreline, whether he’s coming on to score a goal or work defensively in the last half hour it’s a boost.”

Five days to go.

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