LFC Admit Suarez Sale But Only At £50million

Liverpool admitted for the first time they will sell Luis Suarez, after the player told them he wants to talk to Arsenal.

However, Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers has put a £50million price on the head of his Uruguay striker.

Arsenal triggered a clause in Suarez’s contract with a stunning £40,000,0001 bid this week, although Liverpool rejected the offer and their American owner John W Henry tweeted: ‘I don’t know what they are smoking at the Emirates.’

But the first signs Arsenal’s strategy is working came when Suarez was told he can to speak to the Gunners as Liverpool finally admitted they are prepared to sell him.

Arsenal are ready to raise their bid slightly plus add-ons and bonuses but they are unlikely to go to £50m.

Suarez played in Liverpool’s pre-season friendly in Australia yesterday, but showed no emotion as he was congratulated after setting up Liverpool’s second goal.

The decisive factor will be Suarez’s next move - and he meets Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers today Down Under.

Liverpool are adamant the £40m clause does not mean they have to sell but Suarez’s camp see it as a get-out.

Arsenal’s biggest concern is Real Madrid making a late bid, and they are set to receive a £30million boost to their transfer kitty after agreeing to sell Gonzalo Higuain to Napoli for £30m.

Arsenal will put a five year, £150,000-a-week contract on the table to tempt Suarez.

Source  http://www.mirror.co.uk

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Clubs Chase Bernard

Liverpool and Tottenham are locked in a £20million battle with at least three other clubs for flying Brazil winger Bernard.

Sportsmail can reveal that a scramble for Bernard's signature is about to be sparked after it emerged he is ready to quit Atletico Mineiro after next Wednesday's Copa Libertadores final second leg.

Liverpool and Tottenham have both made enquiries and are now primed to lock horns with Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and Borussia Dortmund for a 20-year old who broke into the Brazil senior side last season.

The pacey wide player, who primarily operates on the left, will not come cheap, after Porto had a £15.5million bid rejected by Mineiro president Alexandre Kalil, who set the asking price at just over £20million but is expected to accept around £18million.

Like Tottenham, Liverpool are concerned their absence from next season's Champions' League may put them at a disadvantage, but that did not deter manager Brendan Rodgers from urging club bosses to pitch for his services.

Bernard's four-goal tally in the Copa Libertadores puts him just two behind the tournament's top scorers and underlines why his combination of pace and finishing has made him a prime target for some of Europe's top clubs.

Hinting that he is ready to call time on his Mineiro career after Wednesday's return meeting with Paraguay's Olimpia, he said: "Regardless of whether it is my last game, it will be one of the most important titles of my career. Libertadores is very important for the club and for the players.

"I will do my best to make the fans happy, because moments like this may not happen again."

Either way, the five-foot five-and-a-half-inch attacker is set to bow out afterwards and head for Europe, with Liverpool and Tottenham hoping he chooses the Barclays Premier League ahead of a Champions' League campaign with one of their continental rivals.

Source http://www.dailymail.co.uk

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Target Eyes LFC Move

Christian Eriksen's stock has always been valued by clubs outside of Holland, but the Liverpool target has now had to politely refuse an offer to move to Bayer Leverkusen, according to Dutch daily De Telegraaf.

Amid talk over Liverpool's increasing interest, Leverkusen were thought to be preparing a substantial bid for the Dane, whose contract at Ajax expires last summer.

However, yesterday's revelation that Eriksen woluld be prepared to sign an Ajax extension rather than move on a free transfer has culminated in a rejection of Leverkusen's advances.

While a move to Liverpool is believed to be the player's preference, with their being plenty of time left in the transfer window, Leverkusen may feel disappointed they did not fit the midfielder's 'big club' desire.

Source http://www.insidefutbol.com

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LFC £22million Double Deal

Liverpool want to clinch a £22million double deal for Ajax stars Christian Eriksen and Toby Alderweireld while Chelsea's Ryan Bertrand is also on their radar.

Attacking midfielder Eriksen, 21 and Belgium international defender Alderweireld, 24, both only have one year remaining on their Ajax contracts and are expected to leave the Dutch club.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has turned to £15m-rated Eriksen. Dortmund had also been chasing Eriksen, but Liverpool now only expect to face competition from Roma.

The Denmark international has been one of Europe's outstanding young talents in recent seasons. Two summers ago he was on the brink of joining Manchester City but a misunderstanding over a ­proposed meeting with then manager Roberto Mancini scuppered the deal.

Ajax coach Frank de Boer said: "I would want nothing more than having Christian with us for a few more years.

"But we realise that the interest in this kind of player is huge. And I can also understand that he wants to make another step in his career. I can't stop him."

Despite the fact Liverpool cannot offer Eriksen Champions League ­football, it is understood he is interested in moving to Anfield.

De Boer added: "If ­Liverpool go back to really good possession play, it can be a success for Christian. But it does mean that their entire way of playing has to change. It is up to Christian what he wants. If he feels good going to ­Liverpool anyway, then it is up to him."

Alderweireld has turned down the chance to discuss personal terms with Norwich after the Dutch giants agreed a £7m deal for the centre-back with the Carrow Road club.

He explained why he would not be rushed into a move to Norwich - leaving the door open for Liverpool.

"I am keeping all my ­options open," said ­Alderweireld. "I am not rushing out the door. The whole picture of my next club has to be perfect. With every offer I am ­receiving this summer, I look at the pros and cons. The total package of my next club has to be right for me."

Liverpool have also made an enquiry about left-back Bertrand as Rodgers attempts to build a squad capable of challenging for the top four.

Rodgers knows Bertrand well, ­having worked with him during his time at Chelsea and taken him on loan as his first signing at Reading.

Source http://www.mirror.co.uk

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LFC Making £21m Move

Liverpool are believed to be eyeing a £21m move for Atletico Mineiro midfielder Bernard, although they aren't the only interested club.

The 20-year-old Brazilian has also attracted the attention of Premier League rivals Tottenham and the Ukraine champions Shakhtar Donetsk according to Tutto Mercato Web.

The youngster was recently elevated to Luiz Felipe Scolari's Brazil squad after catching the eye for Mineiro and he played a key role in the team's success in the FIFA Confederations Cup as they beat world champions Spain in the final.

Bernard would offer Rodgers plenty of versatility as he can play either in the hole behind the striker or out wide on the left hand side.

Another midfielder thought to be on the manager's radar is former favourite Xabi Alonso, with speculation suggesting preliminary talks are taking place with the Real Madrid man's representative about a possible £7m move back to Anfield.

Source http://www.clubcall.com

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Yilmaz On Reds Radar

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Galatasaray striker Burak Yilmaz, Sky Sports understands.

Yilmaz is regarded as one the best strikers in Europe after impressing for Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League last season and the Turkish international is thought to be on Rodgers' radar.

The 27-year-old scored 32 goals in 39 appearances for Galatasaray last season after arriving from Trabzonspor.

Galatasaray president Unal Aysal recently admitted they would be prepared to sell Yilmaz for the right price this summer.

"We have set a price for Burak Yilmaz. We will only consider an offer which is in the best interests of the club and player," admitted Aysal.

"If Burak wants to leave and our transfer demands are matched, we could accept a deal."

Source http://www.skysports.com

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RIP Dave Hickson

Everton FC have confirmed on their website that legendary centre-forward Dave Hickson has passed away aged 83.

Hickson, was an iconic figure at Goodison Park but was also one of the few players to also turn out for both Liverpool and Tranmere Rovers.

Hickson, who was born in Salford but raised in Ellesmere Port, was the childhood hero of current Blues chairman Bill Kenwright and one of only eight players in Everton's history to have scored over 100 goals for the club.

It was with the Blues where Hickson began his professional career, scoring 71 goals in 151 games between 1951 and 1955.

Spells at Aston Villa and Huddersfield followed before he returned to Goodison Park in 1957. However, Hickson opted to make the move across Stanley Park in November 1959.

Nicknamed the 'Cannonball Kid', he fired 38 goals in 67 games for Liverpool during his two-year spell at the club, including a brace on his debut in a 2-1 Anfield win against Aston Villa.

He left the Reds in 1961 to join Cambridge before later representing Bury and Tranmere.

Known for his fearless style of play, Hickson, who in his latter years worked on guided stadium tours around Goodison Park, famously remarked: "I would have died for Everton, I would have broke every other bone in my body for any other club."

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Shankly Novel Set For Liverpool Launch

A novel charting Bill Shankly’s career as Liverpool FC manager is to have its official launch in the city.

Red or Dead, written by award-winning Damned United author David Peace, will be released in August ahead of the 100th anniversary of Shankly’s birth.

Publishers Faber have announced the official launch event will be held at the Epstein Theatre on Hanover Street on August 14, the day the book hits the shelves.

Described as the story of “a man in two halves”, the book charts Shankly’s successes and explores the final years of his life, after his retirement from Anfield in 1974.

The launch event has been arranged by Faber and Liverpool’s Writing on the Wall literary festival.

It will feature a reading, book signing and conversation with Daily Mirror columnist Brian Reade.

Writing on the Wall organiser Mike Morris said: “This is a huge coup for one of the UK’s best and most dynamic writers to agree to launch his latest novel in Liverpool.

“David Peace and Bill Shankly is a fascinating combination of talent and this is guaranteed to be a special night for Liverpool’s literary crowd and LFC supporters.”

The novel is set to be the centrepiece of celebrations of Shankly’s life and work, leading up to the official centenary on September 2.

Other events planned include a memorial bike ride between key landmarks from his career, set to feature Reds legend Robbie Fowler.

The four-day bike ride has been organised by the club’s charity, the Liverpool FC Foundation and will take in Shankly’s home village of Glenbuck in Ayrshire and Preston North End’s Deepdale ground.

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Stand Against Modern Football - Saturday 6th July

BOSS Night and STAND AMF Fanzine team up to bring you STAND AGAINST MODERN FOOTBALL: A day and night of football, music and drink on Saturday 6th July in Liverpool. 

Taking place in The Black-E in Liverpool city centre Ale, Music, Football will kick off with a panel based discussion aiming to answer the question "What can we, as football supporters, do next to take back our game?". 

The panel includes: Amanda Jacks (Football Supporters Federation), Andy Walsh (FC United), Brian Reade (Daily Mirror), David Preece (Professional Footballer), Gary Hart (Parliamentary Outreach Officer), James Brown (sabotagetimes.com), James McKenna (Spirit of Shankly Liverpool Supporters Union), Kevin Rye (Supporters Direct), Marc Jones (AFC Wimbledon), Marc Quambasch (Kein Zwanni/Borussia Dortmund), Mark Howell (Chester FC), Nick Miller (football365.com), Tom Hocking (When Saturday Comes), Tony Evans (The Times) and representatives from Everton's Blue Union. 

This will be followed by live music from Mercury 13 and later an OFFICIAL HAPPY MONDAYS DJ SET from BEZ (The Happy Mondays) and VINCE VEGA (Happy Mondays Tour DJ) as well as music from The Beat Boutique DJ's. This is an event for supporters of all clubs to come together for the future of our game. It's been taken from us. Let’s take it back! Time to leave any rivalries at the door, have a good time and make a STAND! 

There will be tickets on the door but we are advising everyone to buy in advance from our shop page at Distant Echo. http://www.distantecho.co.uk/products/boss-night-and-stand-amf-fanzine-present-stand-against-modern-football Tickets purchased online right up until 2pm Saturday. There is an option to collect on the day or you can select postage up until 4pm Thursday. Doors 2pm. First debate 3pm. Will run until 11pm. The Black-E is in Chinatown, only a few minutes from Lime Street Station. 1 Great George St, Liverpool L1 5EW

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Kolo Relishing Fresh Challenge

Kolo Toure admits he's relishing the challenge after penning a two-year contract with Liverpool FC.

The 32-year-old centre-back completed his free transfer from Manchester City when he signed for the Reds at Melwood today.

"This means a lot to me," Toure said. "Firstly, I'm joining one of the best clubs in England.

"When I left City it was important for me to stay in England because it's the best league - and to join Liverpool is massive for me.

"I chose Liverpool because of the history and because of the spirit of the team and the people here."

Toure is Liverpool's fourth signing of the summer following Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas and Simon Mignolet.

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