Former target linked to replace Lovren & new Nike range leaked – Liverpool FC Roundup

Liverpool are linked with a new, although old, defensive target and some more Nike gear is doing the rounds on social media.

 

Reds to target Kelly after relegation

A year ago, Liverpool were linked with Lloyd Kelly as potential left-back cover.

He eventually moved to Bournemouth for £13m, didn’t much, then got relegated. Now the Reds may go back in for him, after he impressed late in the season when he finally got his chance.

The Express are suggesting that he’s an ideal option to cover two roles: left-back, plus Dejan Lovren‘s departure from central defence, the position he mostly featured in for the Cherries before they went down.

It would make sense that our interest remains, given his limited involvement and our limited options in those two positions, particularly if his fee is still roughly the same.

Additionally, there’s certainly plenty of precedence when it comes to signing relegated players: Andy Robertson, Gini Wijnaldum and Xherdan Shaqiri have all been signed after their teams went down, so Kelly could keep the trend going.

He is only an addition to a growing list though, which now includes Ozan Kabak, Aissa Mandi, Diego Carlos and others, as potential replacements for Lovren.

In youth signing circles, the Mail say the Reds and Arsenal are both tracking Portuguese 17-year-old Ricardo van der Laan, who plays for Belenenses.

 

Nike range images leaked

By now we’ve all seen the home kit on social media or leaked by a retailer accidentally.

But there’s a whole load more Nike gear on the way if the latest leaks are to be believed, from training gear to fashion wear.

Twitter account OFOBALL, who also leaked the kits which seem to be correct several weeks ago, have released at least nine sets of images containing tops, shorts and jackets with the Liver Bird and Swoosh combination.

https://twitter.com/OFOBALLnew/status/1288729611451473920

None appear to be definite match-day wear, but the range of gear the players have worn has expanded dramatically over the past couple of seasons under New Balance.

That would be a logical follow-on for the Nike deal, so these items could be for players in different situations or merely for fans.

 

More than on-pitch matters

Liverpool’s squad took a front seat not just during the season, but during the coronavirus lockdown, too. That hasn’t changed – the Reds are still doing their bit.

• Divock has explained the heartbreak he felt after experiencing racial abuse as a young footballer
• While Klopp and Robbo talk mental health matters and missing people who backed them to go all the way
• On lighter matters, the squad are off on holiday and showing off a few fantastic sights on social media

 

Quickfire LFC news

• The Reds have extended their collaboration with throw-in coach Thomas Gronnemark (TIA)

• Alphonso Davies has picked out Trent as one of his favourite full-backs to watch and learn from (90 mins)

• Young ‘keeper Kuba Ojrzynski has signed a pro deal with the Reds after arriving last year at the Academy (LFC)

• And Joe Gomez says time on the bench was tough, but helped him become the defender he is now (LFC)

 

Around the Prem

• Wolves are signing Braga striker Paulinho and selling Raul Jimenez to Man United. Guess they’ve given up again on ‘signing youth’ (Sport Witness)

• Aston Villa have a new sporting director, Johan Lange, who hopefully won’t do what Suso did and just buy all of Belgium (BBC Sport)

• The Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle is off and goodness, whoever could have seen that coming at all (Independent)

• And Man City have had a £41m bid accepted for Nathan Ake. Clearly they are resorting to the Liverpool approach of just buying relegated players, here (Sky)

 

Stupid negotiation of the day

In an age where clubs are being forced to be more fiscally responsible, it seems a little absurd that David Alaba’s agent is asking for €400,000 a week for his client to renew with Bayern Munich.

Perspective, timing, context? Not in football, apparently.

 

Tweet of the day

11 goals in 22 games. What an impressive start to his senior career!

?Gutted to have our promotion push come to an end last night. Regardless, I’m proud of what we’ve done and want to give huge thanks to everyone at @SwansOfficial for this crazy experience.
Huge love to the Jack army for bringing me in as one of their own ??… Family ?? pic.twitter.com/UBNlO3p395

— Rhian Brewster (@RhianBrewster9) July 30, 2020

 

Worth watching tonight

Fulham v Cardiff for a place in the Championship play-off final. 7:45pm KO.