We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Tuesday, as the Reds prepare for their League Cup fourth round clash with Arsenal.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Kelleher to start vs. Arsenal
The youngster gets the nod over Adrian.
- Shaqiri ruled out for a further month
Salah fit to face Arsenal, though.
- Liverpool lineup vs. Arsenal will have “quality and identity”
Lijnders spoke brilliantly in his press conference.
- VAR rule change considered
Milner criticises technology’s biggest problem.
- Torres’ emotional interview on Anfield, title talk & more
The Spaniard will play for LFC Legends next year.
New Balance Continue to Fight Court Verdict
Last week, Liverpool beat New Balance in a legal battle at the High Court, allowing them to push on and seal a new kit deal with Nike.
There is a twist to the saga, however, with the news that the Reds’ current manufacturers “applied for permission to appeal immediately after the judgement was handed down,” but were refused that option by the Judge, according to the Liverpool Echo.
They were subsequently told to write to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal, which they have since done, meaning “the decision rests with the Court whether a full appeal hearing will go ahead.”
Liverpool’s current deal with New Balance expires at the end of the season, following seven years with them as their kit sponsor.
Zakaria on Reds’ Radar
Liverpool continue to run the rule over potential additions to the squad for next season and beyond—and one of those is Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria.
Sky Germany report that both the Reds and Arsenal have been in talks with the player’s representatives, while Bundesliga duo Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also credited with an interest.
The 22-year-old Swiss international has played every minute of every league, cup and European game for his team this season.
With two goals to his name so far, he has helped his side to the top of the table.
Emery to Make Decision on Xhaka
Football without Arsenal would be nothing, as last weekend showed!
Granit Xhaka berated his own fans as he left the field in their 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace, leading to serious doubts surrounding his involvement against Liverpool in midweek.
According to the Evening Standard, Unai Emery is weighing up whether or not to start his captain at Anfield, admitting that the Swiss is “devastated, sad and very down”.
Away from the drama surrounding Xhaka, youngster Reiss Nelson is the Gunners’ only absentee, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing result against Palace.
A weakened team was fielded in the third round win over Nottingham Forest, but Emery may feel the need to play a stronger lineup this time around.
His job may be partly resting on the outcome at Anfield.
Keita Lauds Klopp’s Communication Skills
Naby Keita will likely start against Arsenal on Wednesday night, as he looks to continue his promising recent form.
The Guinean has opened up about Jurgen Klopp‘s man-management skills, hailing the way in which he communicates with his players.
“I don’t think he has any particular favourites or he has picked anyone out for a special mention, he communicates very freely and openly with all the players,” Keita told Sky Sports News.
“He likes to laugh and joke around, he has a very light relationship with all the players.”
When asked whether Sadio Mane is Klopp’s favourite player, Keita joked, “if I can get to the level of Mo and Sadio maybe I will be his favourite one day.”
Liverpool fans are still waiting to see the 24-year-old hit top gear for the Reds, but he has the talent to be a future superstar.
Karius Happy to Stay at Besiktas
Reports on Monday suggested Loris Karius could return to Liverpool in January, with new Besiktas president Ahmet Nur Cebi willing to let him leave.
The German is currently on a two-year loan deal at the Turkish club, where his performances have blown hot and cold.
Speaking to Sabah via Sport Witness, Karius has provided an update on his future, suggesting that he is happy to stay put:
“I don’t know what will happen next season. If I want to continue at this club, and if Besiktas want me to stay, then I’ll stay.
“But there’s no point in talking about this at this stage of the season. We’ll have a lot of time to discuss these matters. We’ll see what happens.”
Returning to Liverpool is unlikely to be a positive move for Karius, so remaining a Besiktas player until the end of the season would suit him best.
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