Liverpool

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  1. Gossip: Liverpool set to make fresh Isak bidpublished at 07:18 22 August

    Gossip graphic

    Newcastle United are preparing for Liverpool to return with a new bid of between £120-130m for 25-year-old Sweden forward Alexander Isak. (Teamtalk), external

    Hull City are keen to sign Liverpool forward Lewis Koumas on loan, with Sheffield United and Wrexham also believed to be interested in the 19-year-old. (The 72), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  2. Slot on Frimpong injury, Gravenberch and Newcastlepublished at 16:49 21 August

    Nicola Pearson
    BBC Sport journalist

    Media caption,

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Newcastle United at St James' Park.

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • Slot confirmed Jeremie Frimpong, who was substituted in the opening match of the season, will be out until after the international break after "medical staff felt he had hamstring issue during the game" and that was the reason for him being taken off. Meanwhile, Conor Bradley trained for the first time on Thursday but remains unavailable.

    • On if he is concerned about right-back injuries: "These things happen. At the moment we only have two injuries but unfortunately, it is two in the same position. The good thing is we have other players that can play there. Wataru Endo played there. Dominik Szoboszlai, Joe Gomez is definitely one of them but for him to already play 20 minutes - that is already quite a lot."

    • Slot would not be drawn into questions around reported transfer targets Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi, responding: "What I can tell you is not a lot. And if someone else is going to ask that question, it is going to be the same answer. As I have said so many times and it has been shown, I could even impact the game on Friday with the players we had on the bench. It would be much nicer to talk about the players that we have."

    • On the impact the returning Ryan Gravenberch could have: "I think he can make a lot [of difference]. At least, if he is the same player he was as last season. If you look back at last season, for him not being there and us playing with very good players but very attack-minded players - that hurt us [against Bournemouth]. If he brings his normal level that will help us having him again."

    • The Reds boss is not expecting a busy 10 days for the club in the transfer market before the window closes: "Then [that would mean] I would be unhappy with the squad we have and I am very, very happy with the squad we have. Two per position is ideal but I prefer less than more because you have to disappoint so many players every single time."

    • Slot does not feel Newcastle are "a club with troubles", despite issues around Isak: "It's mainly difficult [facing them] because of the players they have there, not only because of the fans. The atmosphere is great like it is at Anfield so we are used to a certain environment, but St James' Park if I remember last season when it was an evening game - the atmosphere was amazing. But why is the atmosphere amazing? Because the players can perform."

    • He added: "The main thing we have to be ready for is their midfield, their last line, their front three. I assume Isak is not playing from what I read in the media but they still have Anthony Gordon as a nine, Anthony Elanga as a right-winger and Harvey Barnes from the left, and that is without Jacob Murphy playing."

    Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

  3. Gravenberch 'will make huge difference' to Liverpool's midfieldpublished at 08:55 21 August

    Ryan Gravenberch pointing and shouting to team-matesImage source, Getty Images
    Phil McNulty banner

    The main flaw we have seen in Liverpool's performances in the Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace and win at home to Bournemouth is that they seem a lot more open than they were last season. They can be got at, which was rarely the case under Arne Slot in his opening campaign as manager.

    Much of this can be put down to the absence of Ryan Gravenberch, who was outstanding as a stabilising influence in midfield last season. They also need to adjust to two attacking full-backs in Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, who have left them vulnerable on the flanks.

    It will be interesting to see how and when Andy Robertson and Conor Bradley are utilised in the weeks ahead.

    Arne Slot needs to get that midfield balance right while accommodating Florian Wirtz in the number 10 position, but Gravenberch will make a huge difference.

    The Reds boss will know all of this and I'm sure he will strike a successful balance.

  4. 'I'd be flabbergasted if Liverpool don't make Isak approach next week'published at 08:02 21 August

    Alexander Isak scores against LiverpoolImage source, Getty Images

    BBC Senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel says he "can't see any other outcome" other than Liverpool making a fresh approach for Alexander Isak next week, but only after the Reds play Newcastle at St James' Park on Monday.

    The trading of statements between club and player on Tuesday evening has intensified speculation over the Sweden striker's future.

    "Nothing can happen before the game," Mokbel told the Football Daily podcast.

    "But, I'd be flabbergasted if Liverpool don't make some sort of approach next week for Alexander Isak.

    "In my mind there was no way Liverpool didn't know he would release that statement. So, after he did that I can't see any other outcome but Liverpool making another offer or some sort of approach for him next week.

    "Whether that's successful or not will depend on the level of money they're prepared to put into the pot. If Liverpool have to continue to up their offer, then there's only a certain amount of money to go round.

    "The more they put into the transfer fee, the less you'd imagine they'd be able to pay Isak at Anfield. There's certainly a catch 22 situation there.

    "I can't imagine a situation where he sits out an entire season. It sounds absolutely ludicrous to me for someone in the prime of their career to throw away a season because he didn't get his dream move."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

  5. Gossip: Tottenham push to sign Reds target Collinspublished at 07:45 21 August

    Gossip graphic

    Tottenham are stepping up their efforts to sign Brentford and Ireland defender Nathan Collins, 24, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool. (Caught Offside), external

    RB Leipzig have agreed personal terms with Liverpool and England Under-21 midfielder Harvey Elliott, 22, as Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons, 22, looks close to completing a move to Chelsea. (Florian Plettenberg), external

    Marseille are interested in signing 29-year-old Greece left-back Kostas Tsimikas, who is expected to leave Liverpool this summer. (Footmercato - in French), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  6. Will Kerkez need time like Robertson?published at 17:43 20 August

    Mike Hughes
    BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

    Antoine Semenyo and Milos Kerkez of Liverpool battle for possession Image source, Getty Images

    How have we managed without Premier League football?

    Not just for the passion, the thrills and excitement attached to the competition, but also for the endless opportunities it gives us all to analyse and critique the various matches we all watch.

    Liverpool's rollercoaster victory over Bournemouth has predictably been pored over with a fine tooth comb and, despite a winning start to their campaign, some notable and respected judges seem to have reacted in an overly negative fashion.

    Of course it is worrying to see the champions fritter away such a healthy advantage in a manner that is so defensively damaging, but it is also worth bearing in mind that several players were making league debuts and Ryan Gravenberch was absent.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are one of the finest full-back pairings in Liverpool history, and without doubt their most potent. With Alexander-Arnold gone, their days as a double act are over. Robertson, though, still has an awful lot of football left in him this season in a red shirt - and maybe even beyond that.

    Nevertheless, the amount of money invested in Milos Kerkez underlines the fact the Hungarian is the future in that position under Arne Slot. For those people who were perhaps justifiably underwhelmed by his display against Bournemouth, it is worth remembering Robertson was banished from the first-team squad for a lengthy period after making his debut under Jurgen Klopp.

    Like Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong was also substituted on the hour mark on Friday. The Netherlands international is perhaps better suited to playing as a wing-back or a winger than as a full-back in a flat back four.

    He is a fabulous athlete who is outrageously quick - clocking 33.4mph during Friday's match at Anfield.

    Conor Bradley is a much more orthodox right-back and brings a different skillset to the position. It is going to take time for Frimpong to adjust to his new surroundings and to build on-field relationships with his Liverpool team-mates.

    His willingness to engage in one-to-one combat with his opposing winger has left him in a few awkward situations, but his pedigree indicates he has the requirements to be a success at Anfield. The fact he could cover for Mohamed Salah during the Africa Cup of Nations could prove to be another massive plus.

    Slot revealed a hamstring issue was the reason behind his substitution against Bournemouth so it remains to be seen who will be operating at right-back for their next game at Newcastle United.

    That is a Monday night match that has the potential to hit the footballing heights and we can only begin to imagine the sort conversations taking place in the directors' lounge before the game.

    Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Liverpool match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside

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  7. 'Move on' and 'not as keen' - fan views on Isak sagapublished at 10:53 20 August

    Your Liverpool opinions banner
    Alexander Isak of Newcastle United scores while under pressure from Liverpool's Virgil van DijkImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your views on whether Alexander Isak will join Liverpool after the Newcastle striker and his club exchanged words regarding his future.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Dave: At the start of the transfer window, I would have seen Isak as a priority signing. With the arrival of Ekitike and Wirtz, and especially with how Isak has portrayed himself in the last month, I am nowhere near as keen. I actually think a centre-back signing is more important now anyway.

    Andy: Surely it's now 'when' not 'if', but then again we're waiting for Newcastle to sign at least one striker. We'll soon see, but it's been messy at best. With Isak though LFC will be expected to win the lot. It ramps expectation to new heights not experienced since the 80s.

    Ashley: Personally I feel Newcastle are running out of time as Isak has made it clear he wants Liverpool and won't play for them again. It's only because they have wealthy backers they haven't let him go yet. £120m will allow them to throw big money at another decent striker or strikers.

    Stephen: Leave him there. He's a troublemaker.

    Tom: I don't want him now. To show that attitude to your club is frankly not the behaviour of a player Liverpool should have. He will only do it to us in three years when Madrid come in for him. Ekitike has shown his worth already - why discard him to the bench or the wing?

    Mark: It's dragging on too long. It's best for everyone now that Isak gets his move. I can't see any good coming from him remaining at Newcastle.

    Fraser: It's pretty clear - Isak wants to join us but Newcastle have let him down. I hope we get him (and there's still a chance we will this window) but even if we don't, I'll be very happy with Hugo Ekitike up front. He's already becoming a fan favourite. We do, however, need another forward or two as we are looking a little light up front. I'm sure we'll get something done. As this window has shown, we actually have a good recruitment team. Newcastle's recruitment team is practically non-existent.

    Phil: Can't trust him, what happens when he nears the end of a contract at Liverpool? Move on and get a defender, he's not for sale.

  8. Why haven't Liverpool made another bid for Isak?published at 08:52 20 August

    Ciaran Kelly
    Football reporter

    Alexander Isak scores for Newcastle against Liverpool at Wembley as Virgil van Dijk stands head in handsImage source, Getty Images

    To explain this we need to look at Newcastle's transfers so far.

    After a frustrating summer window, their business has started to pick up.

    They signed midfielder Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa for £40m on Sunday, after securing AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw for a reported £34.6m earlier in the week.

    This added to July's £55m signing of Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga and the loan signing of England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale early in August.

    But there is one glaring omission.

    None of these are strikers - and they really needed one before Alexander Isak's future was thrown into question after the departure of Callum Wilson.

    Sources have told BBC Sport one reason there hasn't yet been a follow-up bid is that any move would be reliant on Newcastle getting two strikers through the door.

    Newcastle have maintained publicly that Isak isn't for sale, but Liverpool know they are looking for two strikers for a reason.

    When - or perhaps if - Newcastle get those two signings in, Liverpool are expected to ramp up their interest with another bid.

    Sources say the next offer will be a minimum £120m. At the moment, though, it's a waiting game.

    Read more on the saga here

  9. Isak's future - what happens now?published at 08:10 20 August

    Liverpool have your say banner

    Alexander Isak and Newcastle United have exchanged words regarding the striker's future. You can read them all below.

    So what do you think will happen now? Will he join Liverpool or stay put?

    Get in touch with your views here

  10. Isak and Newcastle exchange wordspublished at 08:08 20 August

    Alexander Isak

Image source, Getty Images

    Alexander Isak has spoken publicly for the first time since his future became the biggest talking point this summer.

    Liverpool had a £110m bid rejected for the forward, who is currently not training with the first-team at Newcastle.

    Isak says Newcastle United have "broken" promises and that "trust is lost" whilst the club say "no commitment has ever been made" that he could leave this summer.

    In a statement on Instagram Isak wrote: "I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.

    "The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.

    "When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now - and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself."

    In a later statement Newcastle said: "We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.

    "We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views.

    "As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired. We do not foresee those conditions being met."

  11. 'I will never forget it and never take it for granted'published at 08:05 20 August

    Media caption,

    Mohammed Salah says he is "so happy" after becoming the first player to win the Professional Footballers' Association men's Player of the Year award on three occasions.

    "This is something that has never happened before in the Premier League," he said.

    "I will never forget it and it never happened before. I am so happy.

    "We had a great season and also myself I had a great season - my best season for the club and in my career.

    "Hopefully it will continue this year. I found always the way to stay hungry and want more."

  12. Should Liverpool buy a defensive midfielder?published at 14:56 19 August

    Ryan Gravenberch battles for possession against Athletic BilbaoImage source, Getty Images
    Q&A with Phil McNulty banner

    Chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on all things Premier League.

    David asked: Should Liverpool buy a defensive midfielder? We can look soft in the centre of the team and I worry we will struggle in the biggest games domestically and abroad.

    Phil answered: No. I wouldn't buy another defensive midfield player as I think Liverpool have the resources in there to cover that off, especially when Ryan Gravenberch is back from suspension.

    I would prioritise another central defender, perhaps also another left-sided attacking player, although I still have a hunch we will see Alexander Isak at Liverpool before the transfer window closed.

    John asked: How important is it that Liverpool sign another centre-back who can step in for Virgil van Dijk over a long campaign?

    Phil answered: Very important, with Jarell Quansah sold and Joe Gomez, unfortunately, too often injured. There is also a question mark over Ibrahima Konate's future as he is yet to sign a new contract.

    An injury to Van Dijk would be seriously damaging, so I'm sure this is something Liverpool are looking at, with talks having already been held about a deal for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

    I expect Liverpool to sign a central defender before the window closes.

    Read more of the Q&A with Phil here

  13. Liverpool will need to plug the gaps to retain titlepublished at 12:37 19 August

    Jordan Chamberlain
    Fan writer

    Liverpool fan's voice banner
    Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk for LiverpoolImage source, Getty Images

    Liverpool will score lots and lots of goals this season. Some of the attacking link-up play was extraordinary during the 4-2 win over Bournemouth.

    But whether we can retain the title or not will depend on if we can plug the gaps in the middle when we lose the ball.

    Both Bournemouth's goals came from counter-attacks. There were no defensive midfielders in both situations to stop the fast break and Antoine Semenyo finished with aplomb on both occasions.

    Liverpool were without Ryan Gravenberch, who is the most defensive of Arne Slot's midfielders, but it feels like more of a tactical issue than a personnel one.

    At 2-1 up, Liverpool flooded bodies into Bournemouth's box. The full-backs were in the opposition penalty area and the midfielders were in attack mode, too. One transition and it was 2-2.

    Thankfully, the power of Anfield and the relentlessness of Liverpool's attack meant we scored two more goals, but it should have been a much more professional job.

    In all likelihood, Liverpool will spend huge money on Alexander Isak before the window closes, strengthening an already jaw-dropping attack. Marc Guehi is expected at centre-back, too.

    If it were me, I would try to beat Manchester United to Brighton's ball-winning machine Carlos Baleba. He has the tenacity and defensive characteristics required for the double pivot.

    Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop, external

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  14. Liverpool look weak against counter-attackspublished at 11:27 19 August

    Umir Irfan
    Football tactics correspondent

    Arne Slot and Virgil Van DijkImage source, Getty Images

    Arne Slot's Liverpool have brought in attacking reinforcements but the balance of their side looks off. Against Bournemouth, they were bright going forward but looked susceptible to conceding on the break.

    Last season, Liverpool only conceded two goals from fast breaks all season. In the first game of this season, they equalled that number.

    So what has changed for Liverpool?

    The personnel informs how tactics are executed and Slot pointed towards sloppy passing in midfield as a reason Liverpool were so exposed. These misplaced passes gave the opposition time and space against a disorganised defensive shape while attacking the centre of the pitch.

    This is more dangerous than losing the ball in the wide areas as attackers are closer to goal, in better shooting positions.

    Although Slot focuses mainly on the sloppy passing and dispossessions in midfield, it is objectively true that Liverpool committed many bodies to their attack. At times, there were seven or eight players in and around Bournemouth's box, leaving Liverpool with very few players back to defend.

    For Antoine Semenyo's second goal, both Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson were attacking in the opposition's box so were unable to get back to defend the counter-attack when the ball was lost.

    Yes, decision-making and passing quality needs to be better but Slot may need to tweak the positions of the full-backs or central midfielders when Liverpool are attacking for additional protection against dangerous counter-attacking sides.

    Graphic showing how Salah’s misplaced pass arrived at Semenyo (highlighted in red) before Bournemouth’s counter-attacking goalImage source, Premier League
    Image caption,

    Salah's misplaced pass arrived at Semenyo (highlighted in red) before Bournemouth's counter-attacking goal. Note Liverpool's fullbacks in very attacking positions.

  15. How Slot's 'fluid' attack could work with Ekitike and Isakpublished at 08:55 19 August

    Media caption,

    BBC Sport's tactics correspondent Umir Irfan says Arne Slot is "going for a more fluid approach" in Liverpool's forward line and Alexander Isak would fit in very well with Hugo Ekitike.

    Although it is unknown whether Isak will get his desired move, Irfan has been looking at the way the Reds may set up if they sign the Newcastle striker.

    "There are similarities between Ekitike and Isak, but Ekitike has a great tendency to drop deep and get involved," Irfan told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

    "From what we have seen so far in their build-up play, Milos Kerkez stays in the back three and Jeremie Frimpong pushes really high and wide. Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai then drop really deep and into the wide areas, and when they do that the left-winger comes inside.

    "That makes it really hard for opposition players.

    "I can imagine a scenario where Ekitike starts in the middle when Liverpool are building-up, before he pulls out wide, which leaves all of that space for Isak.

    "In more settled play, you would have Isak down the middle and Ekitike on the left.

    "They would be interchanging. When you have two really good players on the ball with experience of moving to the left flank, it will be really hard for teams to pick up."

    Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

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  16. Gossip: Palace want to retain Reds target Guehi for Conference League tiepublished at 06:59 19 August

    Gossip graphic

    Crystal Palace want to retain their England duo - defender Marc Guehi, 25, and 27-year-old playmaker Eberechi Eze - who are targets for Liverpool and Tottenham respectively - until after the start of their Conference League campaign, which begins on Thursday against Fredrikstad. (Mirror, external)

    Meanwhile, winger Federico Chiesa has told the Reds he wants to stay at Anfield. (Fabrizio Romano), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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  17. 'Chiesa's value to us is higher than any potential fee'published at 18:21 18 August

    Your Liverpool opinions banner
    Federico ChiesaImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your views on what Liverpool should do with Federico Chiesa. Should they cash-in or do they take a gamble that he stays fit and continues to shine in the moments that matter the most.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Lee: I think Chiesa deserves a chance to shine at Liverpool. He arrived injured and he's done well when he's come on. He seems happy here, even if he doesn't start. I think if he can get back to the form he's shown in the past, Liverpool will have an amazing player and someone who can change matches.

    Michael: Chiesa's goals to minute ratio is actually good. He gets a lot of shots off in equal measure. He deserves to get more game-time and has shown he can deliver when trusted. We are short of forwards with the sales of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, and unfortunately the passing of Diogo Jota. Keep him as a very good squad option.

    Hari: With the loss of Diogo, we also lost a player who could come on and grab the game by the scruff of the neck. These players are hard to find and Federico has proved this could be him, so give him some minutes and see what he can do.

    Rahul: The Chiesa scenario reminds me very much of Divock Origi. Even the most ardent of Liverpool fans will admit that Origi was quite an average striker but the fact that he scored the most crucial goals elevated him to cult hero status. Chiesa is a quality player who loves the club and who is equally loved by the fans. If he can stay fit, he is definitely worth keeping around, even if only as an impact sub.

    Tom: Keep him. His value to us is higher than any potential fee and we are short on those positions. If he finds any of his old form from before his injuries it will be a gamble that pays off many times over.

    Richard: Keep Chiesa because he can score and unite fans and players alike. Cult hero status is unmatched in today's world.

  18. Guehi and Glasner remain on good termspublished at 17:52 18 August

    Sami Mokbel
    Senior football correspondent

    Marc Guehi in Crystal Palace's away coloursImage source, Getty Images

    Footage of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi appearing to ignore his manager Oliver Glasner after Sunday's draw at Chelsea certainly got tongues wagging.

    Guehi is the subject of interest from Liverpool, who last week opened talks with Palace over a potential £35million deal to sign the England international.

    So the sight of Guehi refusing Glasner's approach on the pitch after the final whistle at Stamford Bridge, and the Austrian's apparent subsequent confusion, has resulted in speculation as to why, particularly given the Premier League champions' efforts to sign him.

    However, BBC Sport understands Guehi's reaction was merely a result of his disappointment at the goalless draw at Chelsea and the fact he wanted to keep any debriefs in the confines of the dressing room.

    Guehi and Glasner, who have kept close communication throughout the summer despite the prospect of the 25-year-old leaving Selhurst Park, remain on good terms.