Wag Watch - Sylvie van der Vaart

The very sexy Sylvie van der Vaart is hot property in her native Holland, as a television presenter and model she has earned the title of 'the Dutch Cheryl Cole', she is of course married to former Tottenham and Holland midfielder Rafael van der Vaart... Oh well, some guys have all the Luck.

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Blues Stopper To LFC

Birmingham chief Peter Pannu admits the club's dire finances will force more sales next month - with Jack Butland leading the exodus.

Liverpool want the England keeper, 19, for £6million and the skint ­Championship club desperately needs the cash.

Blues owner Carson Yeung's assets have been frozen pending a money-laundering case in Hong Kong.

The club is up for sale and takeover talks are dragging on with Gianni Paladini and a Far East consortium.

But Pannu warned fans that more sales are inevitable in January to avoid City going into administration.

He is anxious to shift players from the wage bill - especially Nikola Zigic who collects over £50,000 a week at St Andrew's.

The giant striker, 32, is still proving hard to move on, but Butland is in demand.

Mirror Sport revealed in August that Birmingham had rejected a £6m Southampton offer for the shot-stopper, but City would happily accept that fee now.

Blues' acting-chairman Pannu explained: "I can't let this club run into the ground. The principle is to keep the club going.

"My top priority is to make sure this club stays afloat.

"If I do annoy the supporters and I do dispose of players, it will be to keep the club afloat. I just need to do what I have to do.

"There are players who are earning a lot of money here, at least five players I'd hope weren't earning that much.

"I rejected a £6m bid in the summer for our keeper Jack Butland from ­Southampton, but I might not be able to reject it if I get something similar now."

Source http://www.mirror.co.uk 

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Rivals Battle For Mirin

Liverpool are ready to go head-to-head with Newcastle for highly-rated Valenciennes central defender Nicolas Isimat Mirin, according to reports.

The 21-year-old defender is one of a number of blossoming talents in the French league, and both the Reds and Magpies have him on their list of targets for the January transfer window.

Indeed, Liverpool are reportedly the front-runners, having been scouting Mirin all season, while Newcastle chief scout Graham Carr is also urging his club to make a bid.

The two clubs are now set to battle it out in the new year, with Valenciennes ready to do business for around £4million.

Ligue 1 outfits Lyon and PSG have also expressed an interest, but Mirin is said to favour a switch abroad, despite making just 31 first-team appearances.

According to French radio station RMC, Valenciennes would ideally opt to do business with a club that would allow Mirin to remain with them on loan until the end of the season.

Source http://metro.co.uk

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QPR vs LFC - Opta Stats

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LFC Step Up Interest In Holtby

Schalke midfielder Lewis Holtby will not sign a new contract with the Bundesliga club - paving the way for a summer move to Liverpool, according to Goal.com.

The 22-year-old has failed to reach an agreement after several months of negotiations over a new contract at the Veltins Arena.

Liverpool have been monitoring the player's situation and are one of several Premier League clubs understood to be interested in the player.

Brendan Rodgers may now step up his interest with Holtby free to negotiate with foreign clubs come January.

Holtby, a boyhood Everton fan, has reportedly demanded almost £5million a year to stay at Schalke - although his agent Markus Noack claims that figure has been 'plucked out of the air'.

An announcement on his future will be made later today, while Holtby has previously stated his desire to play in the Premier League, although he has criticised the absence of a winter break.

"The break in the Bundesliga gives everyone the chance to have a rest.

"We also get the chance to go back and spend time with our families over Christmas, which is important.

"I know how ­important football is to English fans over the Christmas break, but it must take its toll on the players.

"For the rest of us it doesn't make too much sense ­because when players are tired and playing so ­regularly you do pick up little niggles and ­injuries."

Source http://www.mirror.co.uk

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Bastos On Reds Radar

Sky Sports understands a number of Premier League sides are weighing up moves for Lyon ace Michel Bastos when the transfer window reopens next month.

The Brazil international has enjoyed a fine season to date with Lyon and has been instrumental in their title bid this term, with Lyon currently joint-top of Ligue 1 alongside Paris St Germain.

However, Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas revealed earlier this week he would consider selling Bastos for the right price in January in a bid to reduce the wage bill at Stade Gerland.

The news has alerted a host of Premier League sides to Bastos' possible availability in the New Year with the 29-year-old an attractive proposition for his suitors as he can play on the left wing or at left-back.

The likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle have all held a long-term interest in Bastos and they are thought to be keeping tabs on his situation at Lyon.

Source http://www1.skysports.com

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LFC Hoping To Seal Triple Deal

Liverpool are set to add Jack Butland to deals for Daniel Sturridge and Thomas Ince, as manager Brendan Rodgers targets a triple swoop of English talents.

Butland, who is also a target for Manchester City, Everton and Southampton, is believed to be in advanced talks with Liverpool over a contract, with just the fee left to be negotiated with his club Birmingham City.

Rodgers hopes to add the arrival of Butland to swoops for Sturridge and Ince, with the trio all believed to be days away from signing on the dotted line.

Long-term target Sturridge is the closest to putting pen-to-paper, with the England man just thrashing out final personal terms, after Liverpool verbally agreed a £12million fee with Chelsea for the young forward.

Blackpool winger Ince, who was sold by Liverpool for a nominal fee in August 2011, is desperate to complete a £4million return to Anfield, and although the transfer is not yet done, the main details have been thrashed out.

The three players are all expected to sign come January 1, when the transfer window opens, with Rodgers keen to move on to other options once they're all signed up.

PSG striker Kevin Gamiero is another option being chased, but Rodgers is yet to give the green light to tie up a transfer.

Source http://metro.co.uk

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Reds Walcott Plan

Liverpool have given up on trying to sign Theo Walcott in January - but will attempt to lure the Arsenal attacker to Anfield when he's a free agent next summer.

The Reds were prepared to table a bid of £8million for the 23-year-old England international, who has snubbed the Gunners' offer of a new five-year contract.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have also shown interest in securing Walcott's services.

However, Liverpool now believe that Walcott will stay put in January and see out the remaining months of his deal at the Emirates.

Arsene Wenger has made it clear that Arsenal won't look to cash in on the player next month and that suits Walcott, who will be able to weigh up a number of lucrative options after his contract has expired in June.

Competition for his signature will be tough with Juventus among a number of top European clubs who have been monitoring his situation.

The Reds' hopes of convincing him to move to Anfield as a free agent are buoyed by the fact that Walcott was a boyhood Liverpool fan. He also has the same agent as boss Brendan Rodgers.

However, Liverpool know that being able to offer Champions League football will also be an important factor in Walcott's decision.

The Reds currently stand seven points adrift of the top four but Rodgers is hoping that a double swoop for Tom Ince and Daniel Sturridge in January will provide the extra firepower needed to close that gap in the second half of the season.

As revealed in Tuesday's ECHO, the Ince deal is close to completion and Liverpool will pay Blackpool around £4million for the winger.

Sturridge is increasingly likely to join him at Anfield. The Reds are happy to meet Chelsea's £12million asking price but they have yet to agree terms with the striker.

Both transfers can't be completed until the transfer window reopens on January 1.

Source http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

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Argentinian Target Can Leave

Premier League clubs have been put on alert after Anderlecht told their Argentinian midfielder Lucas Biglia he can leave the club.

The 26-year-old has been closely tracked by both Liverpool and Arsenal over the last year, while there has been further interest from the likes of Real Madrid and AC Milan.

Biglia is valued at around £8.5m by his club and Anderlecht admit they would be willing to make a deal should a club bid the asking price.

Speaking to Italian press, general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck said: 'We have not formally received an offer for Lucas but we know that his agent is making moves in the transfer market.

'Biglia has two and a half years left on his contract and we would only consider letting him go if we receive an offer of €10.25m.He won't leave in January for a penny less.'

The former Independiente midfielder has been capped seven times by his country since moving to Belgium in 2006.

Source http://www.dailymail.co.uk

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Hillsborough Inquest Verdicts Quashed

Another landmark moment was reached today as the original inquest verdicts of the Hillsborough disaster were quashed at the High Court.

Following the release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report in September, Attorney General Dominic Grieve pledged that he would appeal against the 1990 verdicts of accidental death of the 96 supporters who lost their lives in 1989.

Hillsborough campaigners have fought that conclusion for more than two decades since, and secured a breakthrough in their battle with the release of the panel's report.

The investigation of thousands of previously unseen documents revealed serious emergency services and police misconduct and suggested that up to 41 people could have been saved with a sufficient response.

Grieve made good on his promise this morning, when the High Court accepted his application for the initial inquest results to be dismissed - with many family members of the 96 in attendance in London.

New inquests will now be arranged to deliver fresh verdicts on how the 96 died, and are expected to take place in Doncaster.

The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, acknowledged a 'profound, almost palpable belief that justice has not been done and that it cannot be done without and until the full truth is revealed'.

He added: "We must record our admiration and respect for their determined search for the truth about the circumstances of the disaster and why and how it had occurred, which - despite disappointments and setbacks - has continued for nearly a quarter of a century.

"Our earnest wish is the new inquest will not be delayed for a moment longer than necessary."

Ian Ayre, Managing Director of Liverpool Football Club, said: "On September 12, the world heard the real truth about what happened at Hillsborough which was a hugely significant and deeply emotional day for everyone.

"Today, the High Court has quashed the original inquest verdicts which is another positive step forward for the families and survivors in their search for justice. 

"Everyone at Liverpool Football Club remains committed to supporting the fight for justice and we hope that every person affected by this can take some comfort from today's announcement."

Further good news followed for the families with the Home Secretary's announcement that a new inquiry has been ordered into various bodies who were accountable for the tragedy 23 years ago.

Led by Jon Stoddart, former Durham Chief Constable, the investigation has been launched with a view to 'ensure nobody with responsibility for fan safety at Hillsborough will escape scrutiny'.

Swifter results and sharing of information will also be achieved with the formation of a Liaison Board - which will bring together each of the separate ongoing investigations into Hillsborough.

Theresa May said: "The findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel were truly shocking, but while the families have now been given the truth, they have not yet received justice.

"Jon Stoddart is a skilled and dedicated investigator who will bring a huge amount of policing experience to this demanding job.

"I am giving the IPCC new powers to investigate police misconduct, but this investigation will ensure nobody with responsibility for fan safety at Hillsborough will escape scrutiny.

"I am determined to see a swift and thorough response to the findings of the Hillsborough Panel to deliver justice for the 96 football fans who died and the families who have fought so hard on their behalf."

This week also saw the release of 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother', the Justice Collective charity single which is attempting to raise money on behalf of the fight for justice.

Physical copies are available at all good music retailers and a digital version can be downloaded via iTunes, HMV, 7 Digital and Amazon.

The single will soon be available to buy from Liverpool FC official club stores. The club is not a chart-registered company and so sales of the song have been prioritised to other outlets for the time being, in order for the single to stand a better chance of reaching number one in the Christmas charts.

You can also purchase the track by texting the word 'Justice' to 80010 from your mobile phone in the UK (£1 + standard network rate). From the Republic of Ireland text 'Justice' to 53600 if you would like to order a copy (€1.50 + standard network rate).

Please note that due to the very high demand, texts to download may suffer a delay of a few hours.

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LFC Spark Scramble For De Vrij

Liverpool look set to make a move for highly-rated defender Stefan De Vrij.

De Vrij, who is currently at Feyenoord, has attracted interest from a host of Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United.

The Dutchman turned down a move last summer to England, as he committed his future to Feyenoord.

This arguably paid off as he was made captain, taking over from Ron Vlaar, who signed for Aston Villa.

But Feyenoord are ready to cash in and Liverpool are making the most headway in terms of trying to grab his signature.

It is believed that a fee of £8m will be enough for Liverpool to land their man.

De Vrij could be just the man they are looking for as the Dutch outfit have kept four clean sheets from their first nine Eredivisie fixtures.

Source http://www.express.co.uk

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Reds Chasing Callejon

Tottenham and Liverpool are weighing up a summer move for Real Madrid forward Jose Callejon, according to reports in Italy.

The 25-year-old has failed to establish himself as a regular at the Bernabeu under Jose Mourinho and is reportedly ready to consider a move away from the club if the situation does not change before the end of the season.

And Italian newspaper Tuttosport claim that Tottenham, Liverpool and Udinese are leading the chase for the forward.

But they will have to pay £16.3m to meet Callejon's buy-out clause and prise him away from Real, who are said to still value him highly.

Source http://www.talksport.co.uk

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Sturridge To LFC

Chelsea will sell their forward Daniel Sturridge to Liverpool at the beginning of the January transfer window as Rafael Benítez looks to reshape and strengthen his squad.

The Chelsea interim manager will discuss transfer targets with the owner, Roman Abramovich, and the technical director, Michael Emenalo, once the side have returned from Wednesday night's Capital One Cup quarter-final against Leeds United.

Sturridge, 23, has started only one Premier League game this season and is expected to cost Liverpool £12m after narrowly missing out on a switch to Anfield last summer.

Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager, hopes the former Manchester City striker will ease the attacking burden on Luis Suarez.

Source http://www.guardian.co.uk

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Hillsborough Justice Collective Overtakes James Arthur

The Hillsborough Justice Collective’s tribute single today overtook James Arthur’s Impossible in what has become the tightest-ever battle for the official Christmas number one.

The charity single, He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother, took a marginal lead based on the first three days of sales data.

According to the Official Charts Company sales data Impossible had been just over 3,000 sales ahead of He Ain't Heavy  (based on sales to midnight on Monday).

But this morning the positions have flipped with The Justice Collective’s track taking a 3,400 sales lead (based on sales up until midnight last night).

He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother has sold some 109,700 copies so far this week versus Impossible’s sales of 106,300.

The Official Charts Company’s managing director Martin Talbot said: “This really is the closest number one battle we can remember – even closer than the legendary 2009 battle between Rage Against The Machine and Joe McElderry. The poll concludes at midnight on Saturday night, so there is a long way to go yet – but this one looks like going down to the wire."

The Justice Collective’s project manager Pete Byrne said: “It’s very, very close. There are just 3,400 sales in it. We’re absolutely ecstatic at the response from around the country. In Merseyside it’s been fantastic. But it’s also had a huge reaction farther afield. Now we need to keep up the pressure.

“Everyone needs to keep buying the single. We’re so close now – we just need to make sure that we keep up those sales throughout the week.”

The Justice Collective’s track features an all-star cast including Sir Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Melanie C, Holly Johnson, Ian Prowse, Mike McCartney, Shane MacGowan, The Farm, Gerry Marsden, the RLPO, Kenny Dalglish and John Bishop.

Comedian Bishop said: “We all need to buy the single and keep buying it. Buy ten copies if you can. I know what I’m getting everyone in my family this Christmas. It’s a great song for a great cause. Now we all need to get behind it.”

HMV said if demand continues at this rate the single could generate up to a quarter of a million sales by the end of the week to top the festive charts.

Gennaro Castaldo, from HMV in Liverpool One, said: “The race remains a close one. But with just a few days to go the momentum now appears to be firmly with The Justice Collective.

“Not surprisingly we're seeing particularly phenomenal demand in Liverpool and the North West. But sales are pretty good elsewhere, which show that the campaign is connecting with people around the rest of the country too.”

Source http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

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Turkish Trio Impress Scouts

Liverpool scouts present at the Intercontinental derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe were impressed by Selcuk Inan, Burak Yilmaz and Semih Kaya according to Turkish newspaper, Milliyet.

The Reds were reported to be scouting Yilmaz in the derby however, have also added Inan and Semih Kaya to their shortlist.

Yilmaz has been linked with Liverpool since the summer transfer window.

The Galatasaray striker has already scored 15 goals already this season, including six Champions League goals in five starts making him the most prolific striker in the European footballing competition.

The 27-year-old striker scored six goals in 501 minutes of Champions League football averaging a goal every 83 minutes making him the most prolific striker in the group stages.

Selcuk is a Turkish international midfield playmaker, renowned for his passing range, technical ability and being a set-piece specialist.

The 27-year-old midfielder contributed to the Istanbul giant's dominance last season with 16 assists and 13 goals in 40 matches. Selcuk is the league's reigning Assist King and the 2011-12 Galatasaray Goal King.

Semih is regarded as one of the brightest talents in Turkish football. The Turkish international defender had a brilliant breakthrough season at Galatasaray in 2011-12, relatively unknown until last year he's now a household name.

The 21-year-old center back already has a Turkish Super League title to his name, has Champions League experience and is a national team regular.

Liverpool have strengthened ties with Turkey recently, completing Turkish reality series, Soccer Prince, as well as partnerships with Turkish Tourism, Misli.com and Ramsey.

Source http://www.turkish-football.com

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LFC Join Race For French Star

Liverpool are among clubs monitoring French centre-back Nicolas Isimat Mirin.

The 21-year-old graduate of the Clairefontaine academy has established himself as a regular in the Valenciennes side but is out of contract in 18 months.

Liverpool have been keen on Feyenoord's Stefan de Vrij, 20, but he could prove too expensive.

Manager Brendan Rodgers may need to sell to finance further deals after earmarking most of his budget on strikers Daniel Sturridge and Tom Ince.

Mirin has earned three caps for Les Bleus U21 team.

Source http://www.dailymail.co.uk

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Reds In For Valencia Winger

Reports in Spain have linked Liverpool with a January move for Sofiane Feghouli as Brendan Rodgers looks to give his squad a much-needed boost after a poor start to their campaign.

The Algerian wideman plays predominantly on the right, and would provide some depth to an already thin-looking squad. The arrival of Feghouli would give Rodgers another much-needed wide option after he was forced to play Jonjo Shelvey there in Saturday's defeat to Aston Villa.

According to SuperDeporte , Liverpool have made contact with the player's representatives - just at a time when Valencia were frantically trying to extend the winger's contract.

His current deal runs out in the summer of 2014, so a January transfer may be the best option for the Mestalla outfit if Feghouli decides to play hardball over an extension.

Despite an improvement in their financial position, the Che are still mired in a debt crisis with work on their new stadium suspended and poor on-field performances meaning they are likely to miss out on Champions League football - and its important revenue streams - for next season.

The Reds have been scouring Europe for reinforcements, and their interest in Feghouli has piqued just as the agent of Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez ruled out the chances of the Chilean moving to Anfield.

MirrorFootball's Spanish correspondent David Cartlidge feels that Feghouli could be a great hit on Merseyside:

"Liverpool would get a player who is hard working, direct, skilful and has a lot of potential. He can replicate Kuyt's success at the club.

"A deal could happen due to Valencia's need to sell, and Feghouli's unresolved contract situation. Also, Valencia have already identified replacements."

Source http://www.mirror.co.uk

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Competition For Van Wolfswinkel

Liverpool and Tottenham will have to move fast if they want to sign Dutch star Ricky van Wolfswinkel after Fiorentina emerged as the strong favourites to sign the Sporting Lisbon striker.

Van Wolfswinkel is rated one of the hottest strikers in Europe and has been earning rave reviews in the Portuguese League.

The 23-year-old forward has scored 34 goals in just 66 matches following his arrival from Utrecht back in 2011.

Both Brendan Rodgers and Andre Villas-Boas have been strongly linked with a move for the talented forward as they look to bring in another striker in the January transfer window.

But they face a major battle to clinch his signature as reports in Italy claim Fiorentina are preparing a £10m bid for Van Wolfswinkel and are hoping to open talks with the player when the window re-opens next month.

Source http://www.talksport.co.uk 

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Gomis Decision Next Month

Chelsea and Liverpool are ready to fight it out for the signature of Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis in the January transfer window, according to reports in France.

Canal Plus claim that both clubs sent scouts to watch the 27-year-old France international in Sunday night's clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Reports suggest that the Blues are already in negotiations with Lyon over Gomis, who has been likened to Didier Drogba in style.

Gomis has scored 10 goals in 17 games this season to help the club keep up their challenge at the top of Ligue 1.

Lyon are in financial trouble and sold France No 1 Hugo Lloris to Tottenham in the summer to ease the strain.

Chelsea are known to be in the market for a striker with Fernando Torres under no real pressure for a starting place.

The only other striker in Chelsea's squad, Daniel Sturridge, is expected to leave the club during the next transfer window with Anfield his most likely destination.

But should Liverpool not agree a deal with Chelsea for the young England forward they are likely to ramp up their interest in Gomis.

Source http://www.dailymail.co.uk

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Llorente Linked With LFC

Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has opened the door to a move to England, alerting Liverpool to his possible availability.

The 27-year-old, who is an established member of the Spanish squad, is out of contract next summer and could then move for nothing so there are a host of clubs thinking about making a move with Liverpool said to be very keen.

Bilbao do not want him to leave so they maybe prepared to sell him in the new year rather than see him walk away for nothing but the Reds are only one of many interested parties.

Under the Bosman ruling, Llorente will be allowed to talk to clubs in January and sign a pre-contract agreement ahead of a move next summer and there will be no shortage of interest.

As well as Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, Spurs and Chelsea have also been linked, while Serie A champions Juventus are poised to offer Llorente terms.

Source http://www.clubcall.com

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Sturridge And Ince Edge Closer To LFC

Liverpool will unveil a new £18million strike force in January after taking significant steps to securing deals for Daniel Sturridge and Thomas Ince.

It has been Brendan Rodgers wish for Liverpool to get their business in the New Year done early and they now are on the brink of landing their two prime targets.

Chelsea forward Sturridge is expected to cost Liverpool in the region of £12million, while they will have to pay Blackpool in the region of £6million to take Ince back to Anfield 18 months after letting him leave for £250,000.

Sturridge, who is currently in Japan with Chelsea at the Club World Cup, almost joined Liverpool in August but did not want to move on an initial loan deal. Rodgers, though, has remained an admirer and his transfer will be completed when the window opens.

Ince, meanwhile, will also be brought in to ease the burden on leading scorer Luis Suarez. He left Anfield in August 2011 and has since made eye-catching progress at Bloomfield Road, winning five England Under 21 caps this season.

Rodgers said last month he was looking for players "who would really help take the club forward" and both 20-year-old Ince and Sturridge, 23, fit the criteria of players who Liverpool look to buy. Rodgers remains keen on Arsenal's Theo Walcott but he would be a signing for next summer.

Source http://www.dailymail.co.uk

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Reds Target Barcelona Winger

Liverpool have made a move to sign Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez.

Barca coach Tito Vilanova does not want to part with the Chilean star in the January window, but the Reds have refused to give up.

Boss Brendan Rodgers has been checking on Sanchez's form and situation, as it is believed Barca may be willing to sell in the summer.

Liverpool have asked to be kept in the loop.

Having initially made an enquiry about a loan with a view to a permanent move in the summer, they now have hopes of sealing a straight-cash deal.

Source http://www.mirror.co.uk

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Eriksen LFC Link

Ajax star Christian Eriksen has opened the door for a move to Tottenham or Liverpool after admitting his future could be in England.

The 20-year-old Denmark sensation has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, but has always brushed it off, insisting Spain or Italy are more likely destinations.

However, speaking to the Dutch media this week, Eriksen has now added England to that list, and also suggested he faces an unknown few months ahead over his future.

'I think that my future lies in England, Italy or Spain. These are the competitions that I like,' said Eriksen.

'I do not know what I will do in a few months' time yet, but I want to leave my mark before moving on.'

The comments will be music to the ears of the likes Manchester United and Manchester City, who have previously been known to hold an interest in Eriksen, while Tottenham and Liverpool have even been linked with bids in the last few months.

Eriksen is unlikely to come cheap though - Ajax have hinted that would like at least £20million for the pass-master, who is currently contracted to them until 2014.

Source http://metro.co.uk

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'Champions League? Why Not...'

Liverpool have a great chance to claim a Champions League berth this season, according to Phil Thompson.

The Reds recorded back-to-back victories for the first time this season as they came back to beat West Ham 3-2 on Sunday, making it just one defeat in 11 for Brendan Rodgers' side.

The fixture list now shows two consecutive home games for the Reds, with Aston Villa and Fulham travelling to Anfield before the busy Christmas period begins.

Asked whether his former team can reduce the four-point gap to fourth place and challenge for Champions League qualification in 2012-13, Thompson insisted it was a possibility.

"Absolutely, why not?" the man who lifted the 1981 European Cup for Liverpool and later became the club's assistant manager told Liverpoolfc.com.

"A few weeks ago you might have thought it was a bit too far away. Four points off fourth spot is a fantastic achievement.

"We've been chipping away so we're still in there and I think there is a great opportunity to get into a Champions League spot.

"I like to see a level of consistency. When you see results coming and you go on long unbeaten runs - and we're capable of doing that all the time, no matter where we are in the league - it normally starts with a few unsuspecting draws.

"Unbeaten in two, then unbeaten in three... Now we're on a run. That's what we're seeing with Brendan's sides. With three victories in a row, it's great.

"Let's not get carried away or look too far ahead - just the next game. It has put us in a great position."

Optimism perhaps reached a season high this weekend with the turnaround at Upton Park, and Thompson hopes the club can capitalise on recent form by strengthening the squad in January.

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The 58-year-old continued: "It was wonderful. I know Jonjo [Shelvey] is claiming the third one - which every striker should do.

"[James] Collins wouldn't have gone for the ball unless Jonjo was as determined as he was, so it was an own goal but he was forced into that.

"It's great that we've gone there and scored three goals - it has given everybody a boost. We need reinforcements without a doubt in January. I would like to see signings early.

"New faces always help the attitude in the camp, and if we can get somebody in early it will turn over some good results."

Plenty of discussion surrounding the Reds this season has centred on the young players being nurtured by Rodgers - and Thompson has been impressed with their progress.

"I've been very impressed with their attitude. The young lads bring energy and commitment and that's what we've seen from this team," he concluded.

"We've had some wonderful performances which have elevated Suso, Andre Wisdom and Raheem [Sterling]. Look at Luis Suarez when he played last week - attitude-wise he was fantastic.

"If you have young players along with them, you can only get bonuses. There have been plus points all along in the Europa League."

Source http://www.liverpoolfc.com

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Reds Lead Race For Ba

Liverpool are again being linked with a move for Newcastle striker Demba Ba, who will be sold in January, according to reports.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is not alone in his desire to sign the Senegal international as Arsenal are also very keen and, at a knockdown £7m due to a clause in his contract, there may be other interested parties.

Liverpool have also been linked with Marseille hitman Loic Remy, as well as Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, but Ba represents the best value for money, although his reported wage demands of £80,000 a week may pose a problem.

Source http://www.clubcall.com

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Battle For Markovic

Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez wants to make 18-year-old Serbian sensation Lazar Markovic his first January signing, according to the Daily Mail.

The Stamford Bridge manager has been impressed by Markovic, who scored his first goal for Serbia in a friendly against Chile last month. But the youngster is attracting interest from a number of clubs, including Liverpool.

The teenage midfielder is rated as one of the most talented players of his generation, and a bid in the region of £8m will likely be required to bring Partizan Belgrade to the negotiating table.

Markovic has established himself in the Partizan first-team this season, and already has six goals in 12 games for his club.

The report claims Liverpool, Arsenal and Inter Milan have all held talks with Partizan over Markovic, but the Serbian club are believed to be holding out for a fee closer to £14m with appearance fee add-ons.

But Markovic is thought to prefer a move to Chelsea. So Liverpool and Arsenal could be left to explore other targets, while Chelsea are expected to be extremely active in the New Year.

Source http://www.givemefootball.com

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Sanchez Scouted By LFC

Liverpool are set to launch a bid for Alexis Sanchez by scoping out the player on his home turf.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has sent scouts to Barcelona to check out the Chilean midfielder in action.

Though Liverpool are understood to be in the market for a forward, midfield is one department they need to strengthen especially as the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jonjo Shelvey need support in terms of supplying service to main talisman Luis Suarez.

Sanchez has become a bit part player at Camp Nou this season, with the majority of his La Liga appearances coming from the subs bench.

Spanish football site Mundo Deportivo understands that Barcelona may be reluctant to sell Sanchez.

But this isn't the first time Liverpool have attempted to do business with the Catalan giants. They tried to court highly-rated winger Cristian Tello before he ended up snubbing a move to Anfield.

Sanchez has scored only one this season for Barcelona and that was in the Champions League group stages during their 2-0 win away against Benfica.

Source  http://www.express.co.uk

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LFC Await Europa League Draw

Liverpool progressed to the Europa League last 32 on Thursday night - and despite being seeded they could be paired with a top European side when the draw takes place on December 20.

Here are the teams they could face: Atlético Madrid, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Stuttgart, Napoli, Basel, Inter Milan, Sparta Prague, Bayer Leverkusen, Levante, Zenit, BATE, Dynamo Kiev, Ajax.

Ties will take place on February 14 and 21.

Others notable teams still in the competition include Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle, Lyon, Lazio, Fenerbahce, Olympiacos and Benfica.

The draw for the last 16 also takes place on December 20.

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Reds Linked With Milan Midfielder

Liverpool and Arsenal could be among the clubs planning to swoop in on AC Milan midfielder Mathieu Flamini.

The French midfielder hinted that he is open to leaving the Rossoneri although he is likely to see out the rest of the season with the Italian giants.

Flamini has Premier League experience having spent four seasons at Arsenal and so would be an attractive option for a number of clubs.

His form at AC has nosedived and so would relish the chance to play top-flight football again.

In an interview with L'Equipe, Flamini said: "Right now I am at Milan and what counts is finishing the first half of the season in the best way possible. Marseille? For now I am here, then we'll see.

"In a career there can be difficult moments, but it's a marathon not a sprint and I have no intention of pulling back. I remain concentrated so I can prove the coach can count on me."

Flamini has been limited to just two starts for AC this season.

Source http://www.express.co.uk

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Llorente Won't Leave In January

Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa has reiterated the club's stance that they will not be selling Fernando Llorente in January.

The Spanish international has started just one game this season, after declaring in the summer he would not be signing a new deal.

Bilbao's fans have vented their frustration with the player, and this was followed up by Bielsa's decision to drop him.

Despite his reluctance to start with him, Bielsa insists that Llorente will be staying put until the summer. Llorente has already stated he will be leaving next summer when his contract expires.

"Llorente is an important player in this club and we need his presence this season," said Bielsa.

"The club have decided that he follows with us until June, and that is good for the squad."

Juventus, Arsenal and Liverpool are amongst a plethora of clubs being linked with Llorente.

Source http://www1.skysports.com

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Llorente Alerts LFC

Spain striker Fernando Llorente has confirmed he plans to leave Athletic Bilbao when his contract expires at the end of the season - with a host of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal, interested.

The 27-year-old turned down the offer of a new deal and said he wanted to move on over the summer, but the club refused to negotiate with potential suitors.

Llorente, who has spent a large chunk of the current Primera Division season on the substitutes' bench because of the issue, said: "Yes, I'm leaving on June 30 . I want to try other things."

Source http://www.express.co.uk

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Sturridge In Reds Talks

Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge wants to make a January exit from Stamford Bridge - with Liverpool his first-choice destination.

A number of clubs are understood to be interested in the striker but Liverpool and Chelsea have begun talks over a £15m deal and Sturridge has set his sights on a move to Anfield reports the Evening Standard.

The 23-year-old, who joined from Manchester City for £6.5m in 2009, has become increasingly frustrated over his lack of starts up front and hopes a deal with the Reds will be agreed.

There have been reports that Sturridge has demanded £80,000-a-week to join the Reds, as well as guarantees over a starting role, however the striker's representatives have denied this.

"Daniel Sturridge does not conduct his business in public," they said.

"He also does not make demands in any negotiation, with regards to salary or his playing position.

"Any contract between a club and a player has to be based on mutual agreement."

The former City trainee has scored 24 goals in 95 appearances for the Blues -  five more than rival Fernando Torres from 90 games - but has been mostly played out wide on the right flank.

His form has been good enough to earn four England caps and he also played up front for the Great Britain Olympic team in the summer.

Sturridge has started just two games for Chelsea this season due to a persistent hamstring injury but has conceded he will never be given a chance to be first-choice striker. Torres has been consistently picked ahead of him since joining for a British record £50m from Liverpool last year, even though he has failed to impress.

Chelsea are growing impatient over Torres but are expected to try to sign another big-name forward such as Atletico Madrid's Radamel Falcao or Napoli's Edinson Cavani rather than give Sturridge a run in the side.

The club are prepared to let him go in January as his contract runs out in 2014 and with him not expected to agree a new one, it is the last window where they can command a large fee.

That will help them raise funds to buy a replacement, especially as it appears Romelu Lukaku will not be recalled from his season's loan at West Brom.

Lukaku, who started just four games for Chelsea last season after joining from Anderlecht for £18m, has scored five goals for Steve Clarke's side.

Chelsea have an option to take him back in January but coach Rafael Benitez said: "It's maybe best for him to stay there where he is playing games for now, as it will be better for his future development."

Benitez has been put in charge for the rest of the season and it was thought that would allow Roman Abramovich to make a move for Pep Guardiola in the summer.

However, L'Equipe reported today the former Barcelona boss, who is on a year's sabbatical, has opened talks with Paris St Germain as they are considering replacing boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard trained today, raising the prospect he could return against Nordsjaelland tomorrow for his first match since straining his calf during the defeat by Shakhtar Donetsk in October.

Source http://www.independent.co.uk

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Atletico Keen To Keep Adrian

Atletico Madrid are desperate to agree a new contract with Adrian to ward off interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool.

The winger has impressed at Atletico since joining the club from Deportivo in 2011 and has caught the eye of a number of Premier League sides.

And the Premier League clubs have been encouraged by the fact Adrian has a £14.4m buy-out clause in his contract.

Atletico are desperate to remove that clause, and are set to offer Adrian a new, extended deal on higher wages.

That could end hopes of the player moving to England, but Adrian has so far made no commitment that he will sign the new deal - although he has said in the past he is happy at the Spanish title contenders.

Source http://www.talksport.co.uk

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Grosskreutz Keen On PL Move

Borussia Dortmund attacker Kevin Grosskreutz has revealed he is still eager to make a "dream" move to the Premier League amidst rumoured interest from Liverpool.

The 24-year-old scored seven goals in 26 league starts last term as Jurgen Klopp's men lifted the Bundesliga title ahead of Bayern Munich.

But, having seen his first-team action restricted this term following the arrival of Marco Reus, Grosskreutz has conceded he is restless at the club.

He told Goal.com: "Of course I'm not happy. Whoever is happy if he doesn't play is in the wrong business. I'm totally unhappy. I want to play, that's all that counts for me."

Recent reports suggest that Liverpool could be set to offer Grosskreutz a January lifeline, but the midfielder remains relaxed about a move he admits he has been eyeing for some time.

"I have one-and-a-half year left. I'm taking it easy. We will see," he added.

"The dream was there three, four years ago - it was always my dream. But I do have a contract with Borussia Dortmund. Everything's possible in football but Dortmund is the first club to talk to."

Source http://www.goal.com

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Reds Monitor Ba Situation

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is still hoping to secure a new deal to keep Demba Ba at the club.

Talks with the striker, aimed at replacing a £7.5million release clause, have stalled in the last month, with Arsenal and Liverpool monitoring the situation.

After Ba took his season's tally to 10 with two goals in last night's 3-0 win over 10-man Wigan, Pardew said he is confident Ba will stay beyond next month's transfer window.

Pardew said: 'He loves it here, he understands it is a football city. We have tried to do a deal to take the clause out and we have not managed to do it yet so it is hanging over us and it makes it difficult for me, for Demba and the club in the next window.

'He is inspirational and has been brilliant for us. He has never looked me in the eye and said he wants to do anything other than stay. I hope he does.'

The victory ended Newcastle's run of four straight losses and Pardew added: 'It was a massive victory. Four defeats in this city is not easy.'

Ba's first - from the penalty spot on 13 minutes - also saw Maynor Figueroa sent off.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez was understandably frustrated at the decision but reacted calmly.

Source  http://www.dailymail.co.uk

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Reds Renew Milevskiy Interest

 Liverpool could revive their long-standing interest in Artem Milevskiy after Dynamo Kiev made the Ukraine forward available for transfer.

Milevskiy, who has spent his entire senior career in the Ukrainian capital, is out of contract next summer and Dynamo are looking to sell him in January to prevent him from leaving for nothing in June.

Capped 50 times, the 27-year-old will be available for a bargain fee of £1.6m when the window re-opens in January.

Liverpool have tracked the forward in the past and Brendan Rodgers, who is short of attacking options, could make a move next month.

But if he does he will have to beat competition from across Europe, with Lazio, Fiorentina and a string of Russian clubs monitoring the Ukrainian.

Source http://www.talksport.co.uk

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