Warrior Launch New Liverpool Away Kit

Warrior has officially launched the new 2013/14 Liverpool FC away kit. Channeling direction from breakthrough patterns and graphics featured throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Warrior’s core inspiration behind the new design stems from the Club’s white and red 1981 League Cup-winning kit.

Head of Warrior Football Richard Wright says the brand worked closely with Liverpool FC throughout the design process.

“We believe we have produced an away kit which stays true to the Club’s heritage but has a fresh look and feel. It has been particularly helpful having LFC involved in the process, emphasizing the relevance of past kits which has helped us to design a strip fans will identify with.”

Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool FC manager, agrees.

“A football strip fuses a team together; it is a Club’s uniform for players and fans. The fact that glimpses of the Club’s history appear in this kit is a really nice touch from Warrior,” said Rodgers.

Primarily white and black with elements of red, the overall kit carries a strong traditional look. The graduation of colour from the shirt down into the shorts and socks sparks strong interactivity between the three components.

Beyond the traditional colour scheme, the neckline has been reworked to give the shirt a modern edge, while an eye-catching diamond print draws attention to its bottom half. Originally featured as part of the 1989/91 away version, the dynamic pattern is a refreshed interpretation of the detailed graphic.

“I like that this strip is different, the pattern and colours are fresh. It looks and feels great on and I can’t wait to wear it next season,” said Liverpool FC forward Daniel Sturridge.

In line with the new home kit, contrast detailing features on each sleeve. A fully embroidered Liver Bird crest sits on the shirt’s front, while two commemorative Eternal Flames and a 96 logo are prominently positioned on the back of the neck.

Designed using War-Tech, Warrior’s groundbreaking apparel technology system, the away kit is powered by breathable, moisture-wicking War-Tech fabric. Four-way stretch mesh paneling under the arms and across the back of the shirt facilitates optimum ventilation while allowing for added comfort and temperature control in core heat areas.

Liverpool Readying Shock Move For Tevez

Liverpool is making contingency plans in case star striker Luis Suarez decides to leave this summer and Carlos Tevez is top of their wish list, according to reports.

Suarez hinted last week that he was considering his future at Anfield following another controversial season at the Reds and being the clubs leading goalscorer they would want to replace him with a big name should he leave.

According to Goal.com Liverpool have been long term admirers of Tevez and have failed with two loan bids in recent seasons and now ready to make a bid for the Argentinian.

Reports in Italy have suggested that Juventus are in pole position to land the former West Ham forward having already agreed personal terms, while the player has opened the door for a lucrative move to big-spending Ligue 1 sides Paris Saint-Germain or Monaco.

It is reported that Liverpool would not be able to match Tevez's salary but would be willing to offer him a long-term contract worth more than £100,000-a-week to lure him to Anfield.

Liverpool And Tottenham Fight For Belgian Winger

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are set to lock horns once again as they battle for the signature of FC Twente winger Nacer Chadli, reports talkSPORT.

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the Eredivisie this summer, as a host of top European clubs prepare bids for his signature.

Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Shakhtar Donetsk are all believed to be consider offers for the Belgium international - who scored 12 league goals for Twente in 2012/13 - with the opportunity to play Champions League football high on the player's agenda.

However, according to Chadli's agent, Daniel Evrard, he is willing to snub their advances in favour of a switch to the Premier League, despite the fact neither Liverpool nor Spurs will be involved in Europe's elite club competition next season.

"Nacer wants to play in the Champions League, but he is also attracted by English football. We expect something from this angle," Evrard told De Telegraaf.

Andre Villas-Boas will be hoping to get one over Brendan Rodgers again, just like he did when securing the services of Clint Dempsey and Gylfi Sigurdsson last summer.

Both players were on the radars of Tottenham and Liverpool, and both came to the same decision that White Hart Lane instead of Anfield would be better for their long-term futures.

Spurs also have a Belgian contingent of Mousa Dembele and Jan Vertonghen to call upon to help convince Chadli to choose north London over Merseyside.

Bayern Ready To Offer Robben For Suarez

It is well known that Bayern Munich are interested in signing Liverpool forward Luis Suarez this summer and are set to offer Arjen Robben as part of the deal.

The Sun say that the fact that new Bayern boss Pepe Guardiola and Suarez share the same agent could have a bearing on the move an he would be willing to let Arjen Robben move to Anfield to seal the deal.

Liverpool is said hoping to keep hold of the Uruguayan but revealed last week that he was considering his Premier League future.

Suarez, who was banned for 10 games for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, hinted he might leave when he said, “I have a contract with Liverpool but it’d be hard to say no to Real Madrid.”

Liverpool Look To Ivan Rakitic

Liverpool is ready to make a move for Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic after he hinted that he wants to leave the club.

The 25 year old arrived at Sevilla in 2011 from Schalke but having finished ninth in La Liga he has admitted that he is unsure on the direction of the club and the Daily Star say he could be on his way to Anfield.

"I have a two-year contract and I'm very satisfied and happy at the club, although it's true that the situation in general is not attractive," he told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti.

"The club has asked me to stay on, they said they wanted to build a new team around me.

"I told them that I want to see what they have done in terms of signings.

"We must build a team which will be better than this season. We will see what happens in the summer."

Brendan Rodgers has had Rakitic watched and could be poised to make a £12m bid.

Rafa Eyeing Swoop For Pepe Reina

Italian sports magazine, Tuttonapoli, are reporting today that former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is considering a bid to snatch Pepe Reina from the Reds this summer.

Benitez has signed a two-year deal to take over at the Serie A club, following his stint as interim manager at Chelsea.

The Italian media report that Benitez is keen on bringing Reina in to replace Napoli’s current first choice goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis.

Reina has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, more heavily with Barcelona.

But last week the Spanish international said there was no truth in speculation linking him with a move to the Nou Camp.

He said to euopapress.es, “I have a contract with Liverpool and in any case I just want to expand it. My future is at Liverpool. With Barcelona’s nothing there.

“I’m happy there [Liverpool], and my wife and my children. I do not know if my agent knows something, but I did not.”

Benitez, meanwhile, has also been linked with moves to sign Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Lucas since his arrival at the Partenopei.

Norwich Make Shelvey Enquiry

Norwich has made an enquiry for Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.

The England U21 international has shown glimpses of his potential at Anfield since joining from Charlton for £1.7m in 2010 but has failed to command a regular starting berth.

Shelvey only started 18 matches last season, and just nine in the Premier League, making a further 15 substitute appearances as he scored five goals.

The club will expect any bidding to start around £5m rising to £8m for the 21-year-old.

Liverpool are also are keen on Valencia teenage midfielder Pedro Chirivella, 16.

Manchester City has also shown interest in the Spain U17 international.

Carroll To Be Offered £100k Per Week

West Ham are set to offer Andy Carroll £100k a week on a six year deal, according to The Daily Mail.

Carroll was on loan at the Hammers this season scoring seven times and Sam Allardyce has constantly expressed his desire to sign the striker on a permanent deal.

The salary for Carroll is understood to be supplemented by a pay off from Liverpool as part of the £15.5m transfer fee.

The Reds paid Newcastle £35m themselves for the 24-year-old in 2011, but he has never quite hit top form at the Anfield club, where he has scored 11 goals in 58 appearances.

The 6ft 3in striker has also made nine England appearances and recently forced his way into Roy Hodgson's squad for friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil before withdrawing due to a heel injury.

Hammers manager Sam Allardyce wants an answer from the striker regarding the deal this week before Carroll returns from his holiday.

Croatia International Plays Down Liverpool Link

Lyon defender Dejan Lovren has turned down recent speculation linking him with a move to Premier League club Liverpool.

The 23-year-old defender has established himself in the Lyon side since his £6m move from Dinamo Zagreb in 2010. The Croatia international has since gone on to make 73 appearances in the Lyon first team, scoring two goals.

And it is this form that has ensured the defender has attracted interest from a range of clubs including Liverpool, Chelsea, Roma and Valencia - all of whom are rumoured to be interested in gaining the services of the defender.

Lyon could cash in on the defender, who still has two years remaining on his contract that runs out in the summer of 2016.

Speaking to Croatian website Tportal.hr, Lovren was adamant that he is not looking for a move away from the Stade De Gerland, despite interest in his services.

"Each player wants to join a big club," the Croatian said. "I am under contract until 2016, but anything can happen. Having said that, I am in no rush to leave Lyon."

These words come as a surprise after Lovren had laid bare some of his frustrations with Lyon over a variety of issues in an interview with Sportske Novostsi in April.

In the interview, Lovren revealed he stated he had lost interest in training and was looking for a move away from France. But it looks like the defender has since completed a dramatic U-turn on his playing preference.

Sturridge Set For Season Opener

Liverpool is hopeful that striker Daniel Sturridge will be fit for the start of the Premier League season.

Sturridge suffered an ankle injury while on duty with England in their draw with the Republic of Ireland last Wednesday and it was feared that he could be out for up to four months.

Initial assessments suggested the striker had suffered ligament damage, but Liverpool confirmed that after seeing a specialist it was confirmed that Sturridge had suffered a “high ankle sprain”

The club is now confident that the former Chelsea man will be fit for the start of the new campaign. “Liverpool hopes to have Daniel Sturridge available for the beginning of the 2013-14 campaign,” a club statement said.

Sturridge scored 11 goals in 16 appearances for the Reds since signing for the club from Chelsea in January.

And with Luis Suarez likely to leave the club in the Summer, or at least miss the first six games of the season due to his ban for biting, the news on Sturridge will be welcomed by manager Brendan Rodgers.

Skrtel Desperate To Regain Reds First Team Place

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has said that he needs to improve quickly if he wants to force his way back into the first eleven.

Skrtel lost his place in the Reds team after the defeat to Manchester United in January just making one appearance.

Manager Brendan Rodgers insists he has no intention of selling the 28-year-old but Skrtel admitted recently that he would consider any offers that came his way this summer.

With Kolo Toure to sign for the club on July 1 and the club targeting further defensive reinforcements, the former Zenit St Petersburg man could find his chances further reduced next season.

He has won praise from Rodgers for his continued professionalism and work ethic throughout the time he has found himself relegated to the bench.

“It wasn’t my best season and I know I made a few mistakes,” Skrtel admitted to the Daily Post.

“It could’ve been better and I will do my best to improve and be better in the future.

“I can always learn something new. I will try to improve my positional play and my game with the ball. Every single day I can improve something and that is what I will try to do.”

Skrtel lost his place to Jamie Carragher in the New Year but has thanked the 34-year-old for helping him to develop his career at Liverpool.

“I have to say he helped me a lot in my career at Liverpool,” he said.

“It was of benefit for me to train with players like him and Sami Hyypia - it was great for me.

“It was his decision to retire and we have to accept it and just wish him luck in his next career.”

Liverpool Rubbish Gerrard Injury Setback

Liverpool Football Club has moved quickly to rubbish rumours that Steven Gerrard has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation following shoulder surgery.

The Reds skipper missed the final games of the Premier League season last month to undergo the surgery in order to be fit in time for the new campaign in August.

There had been speculation on Wednesday suggesting Gerrard could miss the start of the 2013/14 season.

But Liverpool said in a statement:

A newspaper report published on Wednesday suggested the 33-year-old has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation – but the club can report that Gerrard’s recovery remains fully on track.

As stated originally, the club’s medical team is confident that the midfielder is on schedule for his comeback and expects Gerrard to be fit and ready for pre-season training.

Gerrard appeared at Anfield with his arm in a sling a few days after the operation when Liverpool finished the season with a 1-0 victory over QPR.

Gerrard was also sidelined for the England national team’s recent friendlies at home to the Republic of Ireland and against Brazil in Rio.

Liverpool Prepare To Launch £20m Bid For Mkhitaryan

Liverpool is ready to launch an ambitious bid to land Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Armenia international has a burgeoning reputation and Liverpool, who have scouted the midfielder on several occasions, would have to pay more than £20million to stand any chance of signing him.

Such a price tag, though, would not deter Liverpool from moving for Mkhitaryan and he, along with Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos, is one of the club’s prime targets for the summer window. Liverpool is also tracking Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke.

The decision to move for the skillful Mkhitaryan has not been triggered by Luis Suarez’s declaration that he is determined to leave Anfield. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are leading the chase for the Uruguyan, who has still not told Liverpool directly he wants a transfer.

Liverpool intend to bolster their forward line and the 24-year-old is viewed as a player who could significantly enhance their bid to get back in the top four – he scored more than 20 goals for Shakthar last season.

A significant proportion of the fee that Liverpool would be required to pay for Mkhitaryan could be recouped before the end of the week, as Andy Carroll edges closer to a move to West Ham United.

The England international has been considering his options since the clubs agreed a £15million deal and had not given up the idea of reviving his Anfield career but that avenue is no longer feasible and Carroll has accepted he must move on.

Liverpool Want Benteke As Suarez Replacement

Liverpool will consider bidding for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke should Luis Suarez force through his move to either Real Madrid or Atletico.

Benteke, 22, is set for further talks over his future once he returns from international duty with Belgium.

Atletico, Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund are also interested but Villa want him to sign a new deal.

The forward hit an impressive 19 goals in 34 top flight games this term and added four assists.

He was the stand-out performer in a mediocre Villa side and without him the Midlands outfit might not have been able to avoid relegation.

At times he single-handedly hauled them through games and grabbed countless valuable goals.

A brace against Liverpool, a hat-trick against Sunderland and the winner against relegation rivals QPR were some of the most crucial.

Liverpool Target Simon Mignolet

Liverpool want Simon Mignolet to replace Pepe Reina, should their Spanish goalkeeper depart this summer, and they face further uncertainty in attack with Daniel Sturridge likely to miss the start of next season with an ankle injury.

Reina had been expected to join Barcelona for about £10m until Víctor Valdés reconsidered his intention to leave the Spanish champions with 12 months remaining on his contract. Valdés's U-turn on Friday has thrown the Liverpool goalkeeper's immediate future into doubt, though not killed the deal entirely or the prospect of the 30-year-old moving elsewhere, and Brendan Rodgers is continuing with his search to sign a replacement before the new campaign.

Asmir Begovic of Stoke City has long been linked with a move to Anfield and is under consideration, as is Alex McCarthy at Reading, but it is Sunderland's leading keeper, Mignolet, whom Liverpool have identified as their first choice should Reina leave. The 25-year-old enjoyed an outstanding season at the Stadium of Light and was instrumental in keeping a struggling Sunderland team in the Premier League.

Sunderland would naturally fight to retain the Belgium international, who has swept the club's and supporters' player of the year awards, but Liverpool are hopeful he would be tempted by a move to Merseyside and that he would cost less than the £15m Stoke City want for Begovic.

Liverpool had expected a decision on Reina's future by the end of May and it was only the lure of a return to Barcelona that had swayed him towards a move. Reina is on a lucrative contract at Anfield, believed to be worth more than £100,000 a week, and the uncertainty over his next step is just one issue complicating Rodgers' transfer strategy for the summer.

Liverpool Submit €4.2m Bid For Sporting Lisbon Defender

Liverpool is hoping to confirm another signing in the coming days after submitting an offer for Sporting Lisbon's young central defender Tiago Ilori.

The Reds have been heavily linked with the 20 year old in recent weeks and it seems as though the club are determined to try and complete as much of their business as possible in the early weeks of the transfer window.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has already managed to bring one defender to the club as Kolo Toure will arrive from Manchester City on a free later this month, while a deal is in place to sign Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas.

Now Portuguese publication O Jogo reports that Liverpool has made an offer of €4.2m for the Sporting Lisbon defender, which could see another €800,000 arrive through a series of performance related bonuses.

The publication claims that the Lions are holding out for a bid in the region of €7m but that they are prepared to negotiate with the club because of the difficult financial situation they have found themselves in.

Sporting has historically struggled to hang on to their best players and with the club now suffering financially they may well be forced to accept a lower offer than the player would normally command.

They have already accepted an offer from Norwich for star striker Rickie van Wolfswinkel and it now seems they may lose one of their brightest young prospects in Ilori.

The centre back, who was born in London but raised in Portugal, was only brought into the first team in December last year but quickly demonstrated his ability and went on to play 10 league games as Sporting recovered from a dreadful start to the season to eventually finish in seventh.

Ilori has represented Portugal at Under-20 level and would most likely be viewed by Rodgers as a player that can not only develop into a top-class centre back, but would also quickly challenge the likes of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel for a regular place in the first team.

Liverpool will hope that they can tie up the deal within the coming days as there is bound to be plenty of interest from numerous clubs for the young defender.

United And Liverpool Face Summer Battle For League One Star

Manchester United and Liverpool will face a summer battle for Crewe Alexandra youngster Max Clayton.

The Express believes the 18-year-old forward has refused to extend his present contract, which expires next summer.

The League One side will likely be forced to sell him this summer if they cannot extend the player's contract.

Steve Davis' side will be due compensation in any case but any transfer fee is likely to be a larger amount.

"I will speak to Max's agent next week about his future, the signs haven't been good, but until I have that discussion it's difficult to know what will happen," Davis explained.

"There would be compensation if he was to leave at the end of his contract because he's below 24, but that's not big enough reward for the work we've put in with Max to make him what he is," he added.

Clayton has had a good season with Crewe, with four goals and two assists from 22 starts.

His overall performance helped the side finish in a comfortable mid-table position and he scored the second goal in the club's Johnstone's Paint Trophy triumph.

Crewe beat Southend United 2-0 at Wembley.

"He's a lad who wants to progress and does well, but he's not ready to go in my opinion and I've told him that.

He is not ready to go and play for anyone's first team, either in the Premier League or even in the Championship.

He's just coming to terms with this division," Davis explained, warning both his young star and potential suitors.

"He knows he's got a lot of improvements to make. He has to be patient. If he's here for an extra year and does well he will have a queue of clubs after him," he said.

Atletico Look To Hijack Suarez From Real's Grasp

Luis Suarez is destined for Madrid — but it could be Atletico rather than Real who sign him.

The Liverpool striker has resolved to leave England and knows Atletico Madrid is ready to use the money from the £50million sale of Radamel Falcao to Monaco to take him to La Liga.

Suarez is aware of Real’s interest and would prefer a move to the Bernabeu, though Real do not want to pay Liverpool’s £40m asking price. But Florentino Perez, who will be declared Real Madrid president for another four years, knows he must unveil a big signing this month.

Perez is facing criticism having seen Brazil star Neymar go to Barcelona and given the failure to win any trophies this season. He is also yet to land Carlo Ancelotti as his new coach, with Paris St-Germain refusing to release him from his contract.

Gareth Bale is also on Perez’s wish-list, though the president is expected to invest his energy in re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo on a longer contract this summer, which would diminish the chances of a £65m bid for the Tottenham player.

The ultimate destiny of Suarez will be tied up with the fate of compatriot Edinson Cavani, Manchester City’s No 1 target for the summer.

The Napoli striker — valued at £50m — is waiting for Real Madrid to make an offer before he will commit to City. If Real do firm up their interest in Cavani, Suarez would fall down Real’s list.

Cavani will make a decision next week. Chelsea also want Cavani but new Napoli manager Rafa Benitez will not sanction a player-exchange-plus-cash deal, with Cavani moving to Chelsea and Fernando Torres to Napoli.

Lloyd Jones Hoping To Break Into First-Team

Liverpool prospect Lloyd Jones is determined to work hard this summer in a bid to make his breakthrough into Brendan Rodgers' plans next season.

Highly-rated central defender Jones got a taste of the first-team this season when he was named in the squad for the trip to Fulham in May.

The 17-year-old, who has been likened to Anfield greats Alan Hansen and Ron Yeats, is highly-regarded within the corridors of power at Liverpool and he is tipped to establish himself in the first-team over the next couple of seasons.

Jones admits being involved in the first-team for the Fulham game has whetted his appetite to become a regular, but he admits he still has a long way to go before becoming the finished article.

"This season has gone really well for me and it has been a great learning curve for me," Jones told Sky Sports.

"It was a massive experience for me to be involved in the first-team and I really, really enjoyed it and I learnt a lot.

"It has definitely made me hungry to play for the first-team and hopefully I can do that in the future.

"I know I am a long way off from becoming the finished article.

"I am at the first stage of my career and I am determined to work hard to become the best I can."

Despite the season now being over Jones insists he is not resting on his laurels this summer and is working hard to improve his game.

"I am going to work hard this summer," added Jones. "I had some time off, but now I just want to get back into it.

"Hopefully I can impress in training when we go back and if I get the chance in a match then hopefully I can impress.

Seven Academy players all featured for the first-team this season and Jones admits it is encouraging for all young players at Liverpool to see Rodgers give youth as chance

"Yes, definitely it is encouraging for every young player that the manager will give young players a chance," continued Jones.

"It spurs you on when you see your mates go into the first team. You want it to be you and it spurs you on to get to first team a lot quicker."

Rodgers Could Face Striker Crisis

Liverpool is already facing a striker crisis at the start of next season as Daniel Sturridge is unlikely to recover from injury in time for the August kick-off.

Sturridge suffered serious ankle ligament damage in the international friendly with the Republic of Ireland last week, and the diagnosis is not promising.

The 23-year-old has undergone further tests since returning to Merseyside, and Liverpool now expect him to sit out pre-season training and be unavailable for the start of the Premier League campaign.

The worst case scenario is a four-month absence, keeping Sturridge out until late September or early October.

With Luis Suárez likely to have departed English football by the end of the transfer window, it leaves manager Brendan Rodgers with much to ponder over the next three months.

Even if the Uruguayan stays – which few at Anfield believe will happen – he still has six games of his 10-match suspension to serve.

Sturridge had eased the goalscoring burden on Suárez expertly since joining Liverpool from Chelsea for £12 million in January and with Rodgers desperate for a fast start to next season, his absence will be a major setback.

The Liverpool manager must feel his luck is out. He began his first season at Anfield bereft of strike power, but at least on this occasion he has time to bring in reinforcements. The consolation of Suárez’s exit would be a huge transfer kitty as Rodgers would be allowed to reinvest all the funds he generated through sales.

Liverpool also has Fabio Borini, who returned from injury at the start of last season, and of course Andy Carroll remains at Anfield for the time being.

The England striker, who is also injured, may see the issues surrounding Suárez and Sturridge as a fresh opportunity, although Liverpool would still rather he left for West Ham for the agreed fee of £15 million.