Ince Unlikely To Join LFC

Blackpool winger Tom Ince is unlikely to join Liverpool before the transfer window closes, says Reds manager Brendan Rodgers.

The former Liverpool schoolboy, 21, has been linked with a return to Anfield.

But after completing an £8.5m move for Inter Milan's Philippe Coutinho, Rodgers admitted that could be it.

"Ince was one where we could have made a deal but it looks like it's a bit complicated," he said. "I don't think there will be any more coming in now."

Speaking after the 2-2 draw at Arsenal, Rodgers added: "It will be difficult [to sign Ince]. It is also about affordability as well.

"If Tom stays at Blackpool it doesn't mean he will never come to Liverpool but in this window it looks like it will be a difficult one."

Reading manager Brian McDermott, whose Royals have made an offer for Ince, was even more emphatic about the England Under-21s player's immediate future when questioned on Tuesday.

"We might have one more possible deal tomorrow but it won't be Thomas Ince," he said. "I think he will be staying at Blackpool."

Liverpool boss Rodgers emphasised how pleased he was to have secured the services of 20-year-old Brazil international Coutinho just hours before transfer deadline day.

"We've had a great window by bringing in Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge.

"We're delighted to have got Coutinho. I love players who can make a difference at the top end of the field and he can. I have known him since he was 15 coming through in Brazil.

"He is a wonderful talent and a great technician with pace and power. He is flexible and in midfield he can play in that central zone or off the sides.

"The owners have been brilliant and very supportive. Daniel Sturridge has been absolutely fantastic for us since coming in and with Coutinho arriving we have another young player who has also got great experience.

"It is a real coup for us because Inter Milan did not want to sell him but he wanted to come here."

Source http://www.bbc.co.uk

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LFC Are First Option For Modibo Diakite

Liverpool are the favoured option for Lazio defender Modibo Diakite as he considers a move away from Italy.

The French centre-back has been at Lazio since 2006 but is out of contract in the summer and considering his options.

The 25-year-old's agent Ulisse Savini claims Liverpool is the most likely destination for his client but admits there is no rush to do a deal.

"Liverpool is our first option for June," Savini told tuttomercatoweb.com.

"It's in issue in progress and we have to talk yet.

"Everyone knows that the contract is expiring. Also, Lazio know there is no hurry.

"We'll see in the coming days. However, it would be hard to say no to Liverpool."

Source http://www.skysports.com

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Ticket Prices Protest Tonight

The Liverpool supporters group Spirit of Shankly have organised a protest against the price of Premier League tickets for tonight’s game away to Arsenal. The protest will consist of a banner and the distribution of leaflets.

The leaflets highlight that massive inflation in ticket prices in the past 24 years, with the price of a top flight match ticket rising by 716%. The banner shows a Liverpool fan with empty pockets alongside the slogan "Working class game, Business class prices. A.M.F." A.M.F. is an acronym often used by football fans in several countries, meaning "Against Modern Football".

Arsenal fans have, in general, given their support to the idea with many supporters groups publicly encouraging Arsenal fans at the game to take and distribute the Liverpool fans’ leaflets if they can.

At a recent Premier League game at The Emirates Manchester City fans protested the high price of tickets for the game with a banner. However, the banner was quickly removed by Arsenal security staff. The protest followed Manchester City returning 912 unsold tickets, with City fans refusing to pay £62 (€72) for a ticket.

#footballwithoutfansisnothing

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LFC Sign Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool Football Club are delighted to confirm the signing of Inter Milan midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

The 20-year-old becomes the Reds' second signing of the January transfer window after penning a long-term contract with the club and follows the arrival of Daniel Sturridge.

Afterwards, he explained to Liverpoolfc.com why he's delighted to have secured a switch to Anfield.

Coutinho said: "I'm feeling very happy, it's a very important step in my career and I'm expecting to come here and play good football to give my contribution on the pitch.

"Liverpool is a great club with great players. We've always heard about Liverpool's history in Brazil. They are the club that have been interested in me and that have showed this interest so I know they believe in me and my football."

Coutinho, who has one cap for Brazil, began his career at Vasco da Gama before moving to Inter Milan in 2010.

He has also spent time on loan in Spain at Espanyol.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre said: "We're always delighted when we get the players we go after.

"It has been a successful transfer window for us, coming off the back of acquiring Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea and now Philippe from Inter Milan.

"I think that bodes well for us for the rest of the season and the future."

Coutinho will be the fifth Brazilian to represent Liverpool after Fabio Aurelio, Diego Cavalieri, Doni and Lucas Leiva.

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Flick To Kick A Ballboy

Last week’s incident at the Liberty Stadium recreated in miniature plastic form.

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100 Players Who Shook The Kop - #7

100 Players Who Shook The Kop – the groundbreaking series that had every Liverpool fan talking back in 2006 – is set to return this summer, here's my top ten countdown.

#7 - Ron Yeats

Ron Yeats was the first Liverpool captain to lift the FA Cup – but his place in Anfield history goes way beyond that.

The Scot was the rock around which the legendary Bill Shankly built his first great side.

A colossus – that's how Shanks described his latest signing in the summer of 1961 before inviting journalists to take a walk around him.

Yeats was installed as captain within six months of his arrival from Dundee United, and it proved to be an inspired choice.

His debut season saw Liverpool win the Second Division Championship after eight years in the wilderness and, over the next decade, Yeats would help turn the Reds into one of the most feared sides in Europe.

A rugged and commanding presence, the original Big Ron once prompted Shanks to remark: "With him in defence we could play Arthur Askey in goal!"

Rowdy, as he was known on the Kop, captained Liverpool to their first league title in 17 years in 1963-64 – but that was just a taste of things to come for Yeats and co.

The following season was to prove one of the most momentous in Anfield history, and not just because it brought a first FA Cup.

In August 1964, Yeats – who worked in a slaughter house before turning pro - led his teammates on a journey into the unknown as the club played its first ever European match in Reykjavik.

From there, it was the skipper who famously guessed right as Liverpool eliminated Cologne on the toss of a coin in a replayed quarter-final.

The 1964-65 campaign also saw the club ditch its white shorts, and it was Yeats who Shanks chose to model his new all red kit. It was a move the great man thought would intimidate opponents – and if the sight of his centre-half was anything to go by, he was right.

The season culminated in that never-to-be-forgotten afternoon on 1 May, 1965, when the 6ft 2in defender proudly led his Liverpool teammates up the 39 steps at Wembley to collect the FA Cup.

Another title triumph was celebrated in 1966 but, as the decade drew to a close, the ageing Yeats had to admit his best days were behind him.

He eventually lost his place to Larry Lloyd, though continued to be a positive influence at the club. After a spell as an emergency left-back which took him up to 454 appearances, the now legendary Scotsman accepted an offer to become player/manager of Tranmere Rovers.

It seemed only natural that a living legend like Yeats would one day return to Anfield in some capacity, and he did just that in 1986 when appointed chief scout, a role he fulfilled with great success until well into the new millennium.

A footballing giant in size and stature, Ron Yeats can now enjoy his well deserved retirement and bask in the knowledge that, without him, Liverpool Football Club would not be the club we know today.

Other clubs:

Dundee Utd, Tranmere, Los Angeles Skyhawks, Santa Barbara Condors, Stalybridge Celtic (amateur), Barrow (amateur)

You can get involved now by casting your vote of what you consider to be the 10 greatest players in this club’s illustrious history. http://www.liverpoolfc.com/100pwstk

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Coutinho Completes Medical

Inter forward Philippe Coutinho has completed his medical at Liverpool and is expected to confirm the move within hours.

The Brazilian playmaker is set to sign for the Premier League in a deal worth around €12m, with Sky Sport Italia confirming that his medical examination has been a success.

The 20-year-old has struggled to make an impression at San Siro since his arrival from Vasco da Gama in 2010.

The Brazil international has made just 47 appearances for the club, scoring five goals.

Source http://www.football-italia.net

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100 Players Who Shook The Kop - #8

100 Players Who Shook The Kop – the groundbreaking series that had every Liverpool fan talking back in 2006 – is set to return this summer, here's my top ten countdown.

#8 - Alan Hansen

Cool on the ball, calm under pressure and an integral part of the meanest defence in Liverpool history, Alan Hansen in a red shirt was class personified.

Rated by many as the club's finest ever centre-half, the elegant Scot boasts one of the most impressive medal collections in football. 

Hansen helped bring eight league titles and three European Cups to Anfield during his 13 years on Merseyside. Oh, and in 1986 he captained the Reds to their first ever double.

Signed from Partick Thistle for £100,000 on the recommendation of legendary Celtic boss Jock Stein, Hansen arrived on Merseyside as a shy, skinny kid.

He made his debut in a 1-0 home win over Derby County in September 1977 and played in the following year's European Cup final triumph over FC Bruges at Wembley.

It was not until the magnificent 1978-79 season, however, that 'Jocky' finally ousted the legendary Emlyn Hughes from the team and made one of the two centre-half berths his own. This was the campaign in which Liverpool conceded a miserly 16 league goals.

Relying on brain rather than brawn, very few centre-forwards ruffled Hansen. A crisp tackler, his reading of the game was exceptional and he's widely regarded as one of the most skilful centre-halves in British football history.

The number six oozed elegance and his graceful style was tailor-made for Liverpool's penchant for patiently building from the back – a tactic that brought huge success at home and abroad.

Hansen's aptitude was underlined by his multi-sport prowess which also prompted international recognition at basketball, volleyball, squash and golf.

The defender was at his most majestic when striding forward with the ball at his feet, turning defence into attack in the blink of an eye. This skill was never better illustrated than on an unforgettable afternoon at Goodison in November 1982, when he set up Ian Rush for the first of his four goals in a much-celebrated 5-0 romp.

Whoever his defensive partner was, and there were a few during his Anfield career, Hansen never seemed phased. Like a fine wine, he seemed to get better with age and when new player/boss Kenny Dalglish decided to relieve Phil Neal of the captaincy in 1985, the centre-back was a natural successor.

He reveled in his new-found responsibility and led by example as the Reds clinched a coveted league and FA Cup double at the end of his first season in possession of the armband.

Astonishingly, despite winning 26 caps for Scotland, Hansen was snubbed by his country for the 1986 World Cup – a gross error of misjudgment that baffled everyone at Anfield.

But his legendary status increased as he skippered the club to a further two championships before a serious knee injury curtailed his career.

It's often said that you don't know what you've got until it's gone, and it was no coincidence that Liverpool were to endure almost a decade of defensive frailty following his retirement.

Once touted as a future manager, Hansen has since carved out a successful career in the media, notably as a pundit on Match of the Day. He remains a highly respected figure, not just among Liverpudlians but within the game in general.

Other clubs:

Partick Thistle

You can get involved now by casting your vote of what you consider to be the 10 greatest players in this club’s illustrious history. http://www.liverpoolfc.com/100pwstk

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Bad Kits

A look at some of the football kits that should not have made it out of the design office.

Recreativo De Huelva’s Minnie Mouse polka dot beauty.

The Colorado Caribous strip from the 1978 NASL season, with its tassels.

 Shimizu S-Pulse’s 2001 orange away kit, with its globe design.

Hull City are known as "The Tigers" but this is taking it too far.

Everton call themselves “The Peoples Club”… more like “The Village Peoples Club” with this pink number.

 Athletic Bilbao and their tomato ketchup splattered kit was a definite no no.

Man Utd ended up ditching this splendid grey away kit because the players complained they couldn’t see each other… with Gary Neville it the team surly that was a bonus.

Umbro loved their grey kits in the mid-nighties, they added a touch of orange to this kit to improve Chelsea’s visibility.

Arsenal’s gold and black kit was probably one of the worst of the Premier League era.

These Celtic and Dundee United kits aren’t Scotland’s finest.

Jorge Campos was no stranger no colourful bad kits, they became his trademark.

David Seaman’s take on the Campos style kit… Shocker.

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100 Players Who Shook The Kop - #9

100 Players Who Shook The Kop – the groundbreaking series that had every Liverpool fan talking back in 2006 – is set to return this summer, here's my top ten countdown.

#9 - Roger Hunt

The only player to have an honorary knighthood bestowed upon him by the Anfield faithful, Roger Hunt is one of the most popular figures ever to pull on the red jersey.

Quite why he wasn't made a 'Sir' by the Queen is still hard to fathom, especially as he was the only Red in the starting line-up when England won the World Cup in 1966.

The exploits of hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst mean he's sadly overlooked when a dewy-eyed nation reminisces about '66, and it's easy to forget he was regarded as one of Alf Ramsey's key men going into the tournament.

It was for his achievements at club level, however, for which Hunt will always be remembered on Merseyside.

Until Ian Rush came along he was the club's all-time record goalscorer, and to this day no-one has scored more for the Reds in the league. 

Without his many net-busters, Liverpool may never have escaped the depression of life in Division Two and regained their mantle as the country's top team.

Spotted by ex-Red Bill Jones as a 21-year-old plying his trade for a local amateur team, Hunt was signed by Phil Taylor and scored on his debut at home to Scunthorpe. Who was to know the strike would open the floodgates – and that they'd remain ajar throughout the entire Swinging Sixties?

Although new boss Bill Shankly embarked on a mass clear-out of playing personnel upon succeeding Taylor in the Anfield hot-seat, young Hunt's position was never in jeopardy. 

Shanks was a big admirer and immediately entrusted the 'Blonde Bomber' with the responsibility of spearheading Liverpool's charge back to the top-flight.

In 1961-62 he did just that, plundering a remarkable 41 goals from 41 games as the Reds went up as runaway champions. His partnership with Ian St John has since passed into football folklore and together they went on to terrorise First Division defences. 

Hunt top-scored when the title came Liverpool's way in 1963-64 and again two seasons later. And it was he who opened the scoring when the Reds finally ended their extensive wait for an FA Cup in 1965.

Despite his deadly finishing instincts, the Cheshire-born forward was also known for his workrate. Fast and strong, he would run himself into the ground for the Liverpool cause and was a handful for even the most accomplished of defenders. 

In January 1968 he overtook the great Gordon Hodgson as the club's all-time leading goalscorer with a typical poacher's strike at Stamford Bridge but the end was nigh for the Kop favourite.

As Shanks started the construction of his second great side, an ageing Hunt was one of the first casualties and he bade the Reds a fond farewell the following season.

Three years later, the 5ft 9in striker stepped onto the Anfield turf for one final time for a well-deserved testimonial. The gates were locked hours before kick-off as fans clamoured to pay their respects. An astonishing gate of 56,000 was recorded, with many thousands more reported to be locked outside.

If anyone had ever doubted his popularity among Liverpudlians, they had no ground for argument after this amazing show of support.

Belated recognition of the vital role he played in England's finest hour finally arrived at the turn of the century when he received an MBE but it went almost unnoticed by Kopites - because they had honoured him when it mattered.

Despite what biased members of the southern-based media may have thought, to quote a line from the famous Kop chant of his time - 'Sir Roger Hunt - was wonderful!'

Other clubs:

Stockton Heath, Bury, Stockton Heath (2), Devizes Town, Stockton Heath (3), Bolton, Hellenic FC

You can get involved now by casting your vote of what you consider to be the 10 greatest players in this club’s illustrious history. http://www.liverpoolfc.com/100pwstk

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RIP Catweazle

This week European football lost one of its most passionate fans. Olly Olschewski, as he was his real name, died at the age of 69 years. Known affectionately by his fellow Schalke fans as "Catweazle" because of his long hair and his shaggy beard.  

Catweazle was a permanent fixture in Block 5 of the old Parkstadion, one hand on the mast, the other drumming as thousands of hands clapped before unleashing deafening cry of "SCHALKE".

For almost three decades his drum endured, in March 2009 he auctioned his famous drum raising money for charity.

So the Schalke drum beats no more… respects from Liverpool.

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100 Players Who Shook The Kop - #10

100 Players Who Shook The Kop – the groundbreaking series that had every Liverpool fan talking back in 2006 – is set to return this summer, here's my top ten countdown.

#10 - Elisha Scott

The legend of Elisha Scott will live forever in Liverpool folklore.

The Northern Ireland international is regarded by some as the greatest goalkeeper ever to guard the Anfield net after 21 years on Merseyside which saw him tot up nearly 500 appearances.

Born in Belfast, he followed in the footsteps of his older brother Billy, who was a stopper for Everton and Ireland.

Scott Jr signed for Linfield aged just 14 but was soon moved on to Broadway United where he learnt his trade until Billy recommended him to his peers at Goodison.

Fortunately for Liverpool, Everton deemed him too young, and when Billy then tipped off Anfield chairman John McKenna, the Reds did not hesitate in swooping for the 17-year old.

With the experienced Kenny Campbell still keeping goal, young Scott was considered one for the future. But it was not long before he made an impression.

The rookie got his debut against Newcastle United on the first day of 1913, keeping a clean sheet in the process.

In fact, so accomplished was his performance at St James' Park, it prompted the Magpies to offer £1,000 for the teenager there and then.

Scott was informed of the bid on the way back to Liverpool and, believing that Campbell would be difficult to dislodge, he thought it might be in his best interests to leave. Liverpool's secretary/manager Tom Watson, though, wisely refused and reassured the youngster that his future was at Anfield.

He was right. Towards the end of the 1914-15 season Scott enjoyed an extended run as Liverpool's first-choice keeper.

The advent of World War One interrupted his progress but as the 1920s dawned he quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest custodians around. One reporter wrote: "He has the eye of an eagle, the swift movement of a panther when flinging himself at a shot and the clutch of a vice when gripping the ball."

Scott won the first of his 27 international caps in 1920 and in 1921-22 missed just three games as the Reds won their first league title for 16 years. The following season he was an ever-present between the sticks as the Championship was retained.

The shot-stopper was by now a firm favourite of the Anfield crowd and the adulation he received was unprecedented. In 1924, after pulling off a stunning save at home to Blackburn Rovers, one fan even ran onto the pitch and kissed him.

Unfortunately, Liverpool failed to capitalise on their back-to-back title triumphs but Scott's popularity never once waned.

The unthinkable almost occurred in 1934 when Everton offered £250 for his services. He was coming to the end of his career and the Reds were ready to accept the offer until supporters flooded the local newspaper with letters of protest.

Despite the public outcry, it was clear Scott's Anfield career was reaching a conclusion.

On February 21, 1934, he played his 467th and final game for Liverpool after being offered a player/manager role at Belfast Celtic.

During the final home game of the season, Scott gave a speech in the directors' box which is said to have brought tears from even the most hardened of Kopites present.

He finally retired from the game at the age of 42 in 1936 and continued to manage the Belfast club until it folded in 1949.

Meanwhile, Scott's appearance record at Anfield stood until 1957 when it fell at the hands of Billy Liddell.

Two years later the great man passed away.

Previous Clubs:

Linfield, Broadway United, Belfast Celtic

You can get involved now by casting your vote of what you consider to be the 10 greatest players in this club’s illustrious history. http://www.liverpoolfc.com/100pwstk

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Past Panini’s #1

A look back at some stickers and trading cards from footballs forgotten past.

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LFC Close To Coutinho Deal

Inter Milan midfielder Philippe Coutinho could be a Liverpool player as early as Monday, according to reports in the Italian media, with Reds manager Brendan Rodgers confirming the club still has unfinished business in the January transfer window.

Coutinho, 20, has been a target for the Reds throughout the January transfer window and, despite insisting he is happy in the Serie A, looks likely to move to the Premier League in the next week.

Liverpool have had two bids for the Brazilian rejected and reports across Britain suggest the Anfield club have refused to go above their original £8m offer, while Southampton are believed to have met the Nerazzurri's €13 million (£10.2m) asking price for Coutinho.

But Sky Italia believe that Liverpool - the player's preferred destination should he move to England - have matched that sum in their final attempt to convince Inter to sell the former Vasco de Gama star.

Source http://www.espn.co.uk

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Rodgers Hoping One Or Two More

Brendan Rodgers hopes to bring in 'one or two' more players before the transfer window closes next Thursday.

The boss was quizzed on potential ins and outs at his pre-Oldham press conference on Friday afternoon.

He said: "We hope to do some business between now and the end of the month. The owners have been brilliant and supporting.

"We know we still need one or two additions more. The club is doing everything it possibly can to assist me in that. If we can, great. If not, we'll have to review it again in the summer.

"We've got a young player who'll go out on loan to get some experience but apart from that I don't expect people [to go]. One or two, maybe, to come in."

Asked if the real work would be done in the summer, Rodgers added: "The real plans are for now. Short term we want to improve and develop. You can see that, we brought in Daniel and he's been excellent so far.

"We got the recruitment team in, the lines are very clear, everyone has an understanding of where we're at and it's working how we envisaged it to work.

"There is a small group who communicate a lot and go through targets, and there is a small group who'll decide what players we're going to bring in. It's worked very, very well, and that relationship will only get better going forward.

"We acted quickly bringing Daniel Sturridge in and he's made a great impact, and proven that the owners were right to fund the money for him. £12 million for a player like Daniel Sturridge is a real bargain and I think he'll prove that over the next couple of seasons."

Rodgers was also questioned on whether he was a fan of the January transfer window.

He replied: "For me over the past couple of seasons it's worked well. In January I've been able to bring in four or five players I've wanted to fit into the model and from that moment we pushed on in the league.

"The first season at Swansea we brought in Fabio Borini, which gave us a massive boost. It gave us goals. Last January we brought in Gylfi Sigurdsson, who did a terrific job for us in that period of time.

"If it was open all year round, maybe some managers would prefer it. Goodness knows what that would bring if it was like this all the way through the season. At least you know [now] that there is a parameter which you have to work within.

"Maybe the only thing I'd say is that, once the transfer window shuts in August, teams in the Championship and lower down can still bring in a loan player to help them out.

"In the Premier League you can't do that, which can make it difficult for you.

"But in the main I'm happy enough with how it works."

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LFC In Coutinho Talks

Sky Sports understands that Liverpool are continuing talks with Inter Milan over Philippe Coutinho.

The Reds are understood to have already had one bid rejected by Inter, which was in the region of £6.75million.

Now the clubs are holding further discussions and the expectation is that a deal will be concluded shortly with Liverpool paying £8million.

The 20-year-old, who was linked with a move to Aston Villa earlier in the window, now looks close to becoming Liverpool's second signing this month.

Coutinho, who joined Inter from Vasco da Gama in 2010, spent last season on loan at Espanyol before returning to the San Siro in the summer.

He has featured five times for Inter so far this term.

Source http://www.skysports.com

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Nike Unleash New Mercurial Vapor IX

Since the launch of the Mercurial series ten years ago, it has always stood out. Bold, exciting and designed in such a way that it does not just attracts players but gets them noticed as well. The Mercurial Vapor IX is no different.

Other than being made from cyborg gecko skin and the new Mercurials are interesting for another reason: The boot is set to be launched in two colourways, Sunset for the younger players like Neymar, our own Raheem Sterling, El Shaarawy, Hazard, etc and Fireberry for the more established players like C. Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic, etc.

Nike making you work for your Purple these days.

The Nike Mercurial Vapor IX is the next generation in Nike’s speed boots and comes with a dimpled upper for enhanced touch. All Conditions Control technology and a stud configuration designed to support rapid acceleration.

Sunset

Fireberry

Here’s the Advert featuring Nike Mercurial posterboy himself, Cristiano Ronaldo…

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Muller Receives Messi’s Signed Shirt

Gerd Muller hailed Lionel Messi as 'an incredible player' after the Barcelona star broke his record for the most goals in a calendar year.

Muller grabbed 85 goals for Bayern Munich and West Germany in 1972 and the mark stood for 40 years until Messi netted his 85th and 86th goals in Barca’s 2-1 win at Real Betis in December to mark an amazing 2012 for the little Argentine.

Well Der Bomber has received a signed Barcelona shirt from the new record holder with a message of recognition which reads, Dear Gerd, “With my respect and admiration.”

Muller said, “I’m very pleased and proud to receive a jersey like this from the best player in the world.” Muller also said that he plans to loan the shirt to the Bayern Munich museum.

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LFC Interested In Sneijder

Liverpool are interested in bringing Wesley Sneijder to Anfield - but only if the Inter Milan midfielder agrees to take a massive pay cut.

The Holland international will leave Italy during the current transfer window after being frozen out at Inter and he's stalling over an offer from Galatasaray as he favours a move to the Premier League.

The Reds have yet to make an official approach for Sneijder but the player's representatives are aware of the club's interest.

Boss Brendan Rodgers is a big admirer of the 28-year-old and believes he would be a world-class acquisition to his Liverpool squad.

However, one major stumbling block is Sneijder's salary. He earns an eye-watering 6.5million euros a year (£5.4million) after tax in Italy. In the UK that is the equivalent of a basic wage of £200,000 per week.

With Liverpool having slashed their inflated wage bill over the past year and offered more performance-related contracts there is no chance of them offering anywhere near that figure.

However, if Sneijder lowers his demands in a bid to realise his dream of playing in England then the Reds will look to hold talks.

Inter are desperate to get Sneijder off their wage bill and have agreed a 7.5million euros (£6.3million) transfer fee with Galatasaray.

The Turkish side are willing to pay him £100,000 per week after tax but he's dragging his heels over a move to Istanbul.

Galatasaray president Unal Aysal wants an answer by this weekend but Sneijder has made it clear he won't be rushed into making a decision on his future.

"I am considering my options," he said.

"It's not a question of money. I have time to decide what to do and where to go before January 31."

Sneijder, who was a World Cup finalist with Holland in 2010, started his career at Ajax before moving to Real Madrid for 27million euros in 2007.

Two years later he went to Inter for 15million euros and in his first season in Italy he helped Jose Mourinho's side win both Serie A and the Champions League.

However, he has been hampered by injuries over the past two seasons and fell out with the club's hierarchy earlier this term after rejecting their request to take a pay cut.

Sneijder, who is under contract with Inter until 2015, hasn't played since September and needs a fresh start in order to rekindle his international career.

Source http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

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The Shankly Collection – The Early Years

On the 2nd of September it will be 100 years since the birth of Bill Shankly, Here’s part 1 of our fantastic collection of Bill Shankly photos from down the years.

Bill Shankly was born in the small Ayrshire coal mining village of Glenbuck, close to the Ayrshire-Lanarkshire border.

Shankly's character such as his world-view as a socialist was born in the mining community with collectivism, with everyone working for each other and enjoying a share of the rewards.

The old Glenbuck Post Office.

Shankly's parents, John and Barbara, lived in one of the Auchenstilloch Cottages with their ten children; five boys and five girls. Bill was the ninth child and the youngest boy.

A young Bill with his wee pals.

All five Shankly brothers played professional football and Shankly claimed that "once, when we were all at our peaks, we could have beaten any five brothers in the world".

His brothers were Alec, known as "Sandy" by the family, who played for Ayr United and Clyde; Jimmy, who played for various clubs including Sheffield United and Southend United; John, who played for Portsmouth and Luton Town; and Bob, who played for Alloa Athletic and Falkirk. Bob became a successful manager, guiding Dundee to victory in the Scottish championship in 1962 and the semi-finals of the European Cup the following year. Their maternal uncles, Robert and William Blyth were also professional players and both became club directors at Portsmouth and Carlisle United respectively.

Shankly played for Scotland twelve times from 1938 to 1943 in five full and seven wartime internationals.

A proud Scot, "It's fantastic. You look at your dark blue shirt, the wee lion looks up at you and says 'Get out after those English bastards!” 

A young Bill playing for Preston North End.

Arsenal v Preston, Highbury, 1949. Shankly duels with Lishman.

Shankly had just reached his 26th birthday when the Second World War began and the war claimed the peak years of his playing career.

He joined the Royal Air Force and managed to play in numerous wartime league, cup and exhibition matches for Norwich City, Arsenal, Luton Town and Partick Thistle, depending on where he was stationed.

On 30 May 1942, he played a single game for Liverpool in a 4–1 win over Everton at Anfield.

Shankly at the end of his Preston North End career in 1948, one year before he took his first managerial job at Carlisle.

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