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.