Real Madrid To Make Suarez Their Marquee Signing

With all the strikers on the move across Europe this summer, the Uruguayan duo of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani have been the most talked about. Permutations of their final destinations have been run and painfully dissected, and each player's fate seems to ride on where his compatriot doesn't end up on September 1.

Naturally, Real Madrid is one of many clubs in the mix, in part because Galácticos and in part because of rumours surrounding the potential departure of their own strikers (Gonzalo Higuain to Arsenal, Cristiano Ronaldo back to Manchester United). Madrid are unlikely to want or need both Suarez and Cavani, and the Times are now reporting — behind their paywall, folks — that they've stopped their pursuit of Cavani and are instead looking to recruit Suarez as their "marquee" signing for the summer.

It's a bit of an abrupt 180° turn for Madrid, who up until this point has rebuffed Suarez's longing advances with a stony wall of silence and disinterest. It's been a month since Liverpool's chatty star striker provided some ill-advised answers to very pointed questions about a potential future with Real Madrid, and since Liverpool put a muzzle on the Uruguayan, his one-sided courtship of Los Blancos has cooled off as much as it possibly can during a drama-laden transfer window.

Through all of Suarez's poorly translated interviews with Uruguayan radio, Real Madrid never made an inquiry regarding the player's services. They were, of course, without a manager, but now that Carlo Ancelotti has arrived the club is expected to put together a formal offer for Suarez in the next few weeks. It's probably a bit optimistic to assume the offer will match Liverpool's £50 million valuation of the striker, but if they did it would be a hard offer to pass up.

With all the potential doom and gloom at the thought of Real Madrid finally taking a legitimate interest in Suarez, a small pick-me-up may be in order. If the Suarez-to-Arsenal rumour brought you a few moments of mirth, its sequel is even more ridiculous. In the future universe where Cavani ends up at Real Madrid instead of Suarez, Suarez is rumoured to be heading to one of Cavani's other potential destinations: Chelsea.

This future universe makes sense insofar as it probably would require a rift in the space-time continuum for Chelsea to make a legitimate move for a player who bit one of their own and who will miss the first six matches of the season from the resulting bite-based ban, and for Liverpool to accept the £34 million bid Chelsea are offering.

Liverpool Close In On Young Star After Missing Out On Top Target

Liverpool is ready to move for Ajax’s Christian Eriksen after losing out on top target Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The Reds thought they were close to a deal for Mkhitaryan, but last night he agreed a £21.5million move to Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has now earmarked Danish international Eriksen, with a move for the 21-year-old expected next week.

Rodgers will be disappointed to miss out on Shakhtar Donetsk’s playmaker Mkhitaryan, with the Armenian identified as their number one summer priority.

Shakhtar Chief Gives Liverpool Glimmer Of Mkhitaryan Hope

Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin has denied reports that Borussia Dortmund have agreed a deal to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan, although he said a deal may be close.

It had been claimed that Mkhitaryan had agreed a €25 million move to Dortmund, with Liverpool thought to have given up hope of landing the Armenia international.

However, Palkin had said in recent days that Shakhtar would not accept anything less than €30 million, and it appears that, while talks are ongoing, their stance has not changed.

Asked about Mkhitaryan, football.ua quoted Palkin as saying: "I have not talked to him.

Borussia have offered us €25 million - to us, this is not enough, but we are talking to the German club. There is a real possibility that we will come to an agreement in the near future."

Palkin said he was unsure whether the 24-year-old had already agreed terms with the Champions League finalists.

"Such questions should be directed to the player and his representatives," he said.

Allen Wants Fresh Start At Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is hoping for a "fresh start" at the club after recovering from a shoulder injury that disrupted his debut season at Anfield.

The Wales international moved to Merseyside from Swansea City last season but missed the end of 2012-13 after undergoing surgery in March.

However, the 23-year-old has now returned to full fitness and says that he cannot wait for the start of the new season.

"It's brilliant to be back. Obviously we all enjoy our break and our holidays but, at the same time, we can't wait to get back in and get started," he told the club's official website.

"Having missed the end of last season, I personally couldn't wait to get back in. Hopefully I can put the injury behind me once and for all.

"I think, for anyone, your first year at a new club can be tough in some ways but I feel settled here now and I'm looking forward to a fresh start with the coming season. Hopefully I can put in some good performances.

"I think last season I may have put myself under too much pressure. So it's a case of just giving my best every day in training and in every match. That's all I can do, really."

The Reds have been busy in the transfer market this summer, bringing in Iago Aspas, Kolo Toure, Luis Alberto and Simon Mignolet and Allen reports that the news faces are looking good.

"They've settled in really well," he added. "With new signings you sometimes worry that it might take them a little time to adapt but they've settled straight in and they've got into the swing of things straight away, which is a really, really positive sign."

Mignolet Relishes Chance To Duel With Reina

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has told ESPN that he is relishing the prospect of fighting Pepe Reina for the No. 1 spot at Anfield.

Belgium international Mignolet, 25, joined the Reds late last month from Sunderland, signing a five-year deal.

His arrival has added to speculation that Reina could be on his way out of the club, with Barcelona regularly linked, but Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has insisted that he has no intention of selling the Spaniard.

Mignolet, who has to compete with Atletico Madrid loanee Thibaut Courtois at international level, says it would be a positive if Reina does stay as he believes having to compete can only bring out the best in both players.

"That's always what has happened when there's competition," he told ESPN FC. "I've had competition in Sunderland and in Belgium with the national team.

"It's not only Pepe - there's a lot of good goalies at Liverpool, like Brad Jones for example - and it's not only the position of the goalie where there is competition. It's every single position on the field.

"There are only 11 players who can play and it is something that is normal with being a football player. You have to deal with that. Competition can only make you as an individual better and let you perform better. It can only be a positive thing."

Mignolet has been impressed by the plans Rodgers and goalkeeper coach John Achterberg have in taking the club forwards.

"From the talks I had with him [Rodgers] and the goalie coach I felt they were very ambitious and the club wants to get forward," he said. "The signings they'd already done before July showed they really wanted to get going. They want to push on again in the Premier League. It was obvious that they are an ambitious club and a big club."

Even so, he is still adapting to life at Anfield and said he is finding it "hard to understand" Liverpool's magnitude.

"I know how big a club this is but I think I'm only going to feel it once the games get going," he added. "The first few training sessions went okay. I'm very happy to be here and train."

Sturridge Progressing Really Well

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is on course to recover from an ankle injury in time for the start of the season, the club has confirmed.

Sturridge is not yet ready to resume training, having limped off with the problem during England's 1-1 friendly draw against Republic of Ireland at Wembley on May 29.

Initial fears that the 23-year-old would be sidelined for around four months were eased after an assessment by the club's medical staff, and Glen Driscoll, the club's head of performance, is confident that the forward will be fit for the new campaign.

Driscoll told Liverpool's website: "Daniel Sturridge is the only player not training at the moment, but he's progressing really well and he's still on target to make the start of the season."

Captain Steven Gerrard, meanwhile, is about to resume full training, having missed the final two games of last season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Gerrard resumed light work in June, and is almost ready to step up his recovery.

Driscoll said: "Steven Gerrard is still being modified, but he's about to enter all-out training."

Defender Martin Kelly (cruciate knee ligament), winger Raheem Sterling (thigh) and midfielder Joe Allen (shoulder) are all back in training after injury absences.

Kelly Happy To Play Centre-Back For Liverpool

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly says he would be delighted to play centre-back if asked by manager Brendan Rodgers.

The 23-year-old has mostly featured at right-back for the Merseyside club since making his debut in a UEFA Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven in December 2008.

But, having noticeably bulked up during his time out with a cruciate knee ligament injury, the defender has underlined his desire to take on a central role.

"It’s always ideal being able to play in two positions," he told The Liverpool Echo. "I love playing right-back but if it came to it I could definitely be a centre-back.

"I feel like I’ve got all the attributes. All the positional sense was drummed into me when I played there when I was a kid.

"The last time I played in the middle was for England Under-21s but that’s not the same as playing there at club level where it’s much faster. Before that it was just with the academy.

"It would take time for me to become a Premier League centre-back but I can learn from the experienced defenders we’ve got here."

Kelly went on thank his team-mates for their support during his nine-month lay-off, which began when he ruptured the knee ligament during a clash with Manchester United at Anfield.

"Even when I was out, all the lads made sure I still felt part of the team," he continued.

"I came in to do my work at the same time as them so I was with them before they went out to train. I was still involved in all the meetings and that was good mentally for me.

"It was great to have Lucas around to talk to. When I’d say my tendon was aching he would reassure me that was normal.

"He was a big support but his rehab was different to mine. His cruciate was done by a tackle, mine was done by being off balance. He was back within six months but my rehab took longer because I’m a different type of player to Lucas.

"The surgeons made it clear that I could only go back into training when I felt like I not only had the strength but also the balance work to go with it otherwise I could go over on it again.

"I’m the type of person who takes that bit longer to heal. I did a lot of work in the gym on my strength, core and balance.

"Then I stepped things up gradually by doing a few sessions with the Under-18s and then the Under-21s before training with the lads at Melwood."

Kelly has made 54 appearances for Liverpool in total and has one senior England cap.

Liverpool Boss Integral For Shelvey’s Move To Swansea

Jonjo Shelvey has revealed that Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers convinced him to join Swansea City.

Shelvey completed a £6 million move to Swansea recently after being told that he was not guaranteed first team football at the Reds by Rodgers.

The 21 year old has said that he is looking to use the move as a catalyst in his career and believes it is key that he has joined a club which plays in the same style that he does.

"Leaving Liverpool was a very hard decision," Shelvey was quoted on Sky Sports.

"But coming to Swansea, who play similar football which Brendan and managers before him installed, is an attraction.

"Brendan said he wouldn't let me go to a club that wasn't right for me. He said Swansea is perfect for the way I play.

"He couldn't guarantee me the first-team football at Liverpool, and he said if could get game time at Swansea then I should go.

"I need to come and play football and get myself to the status that I once had."

Shelvey struggled to hold down a position in Liverpool’s first team last season and often found himself on the bench, but did start the majority of their games in the Europa League, scoring on many occasions before a last 16 exit.

Krisztian Adorjan Set For Groningen Trial

Liverpool's academy has earned a solid reputation over the past few seasons, with Rodolfo Borrell and Frank McParland building on the foundations laid by Rafa Benitez.

Raheem Sterling, Suso, and Andre Wisdom all featured heavily in the first team last season after coming through as youngsters, as have Martin Kelly, Jon Flanagan, and Jack Robinson.

Another name that's been in the mix recently is Hungarian youngster Krisztian Adorjan, who's played in an attacking midfield and forward role during his time at the lower levels.

His named popped up again today, only now it's not a future at Liverpool that's been tabled for discussion, as he's linked with either a permanent or loan move to Dutch side FC Groningen.

Adorjan's spent much of last season on the cusp of breaking through; he was included in the Europa League squad but never made an appearance, and couldn't find a way into the early season squads for domestic cup competition.

I think there's promise and potential here, and I'd be slightly disappointed if this proves to be a permanent deal.

A loan to the Netherlands to get first-team action on a more consistent basis would be perfect, and might allow for him to start to separate himself from the glut of talented young midfielders and forwards throughout Liverpool's ranks.

Rodgers To Add Attacker & Defender

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has praised the recent work done by the club in recruiting players but revealed he is hopeful of adding a couple more before the new season gets underway.

So far this summer the Reds have welcomed goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, experienced centre-back Kolo Toure and Spanish attacking duo Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto to Anfield.

All four were secured in time to report for pre-season training with the rest of the squad, excluding those involved in either the Confederations Cup or U20 World Cup, yesterday.

Speaking about the business done to date, Rodgers told Liverpoolfc.com: "It's great - it's a big thing to the club because we looked at last summer and there were lots of things that were difficult for us.

"That meant that the opening period of the season was difficult.

"From that we've got all our people involved, our recruitment team in - and they got to work as soon as they came in.

"We brought great signings in January and that's really helped us. Obviously the plan was to get our signings in as soon as we possibly could - and we still hope to make a few more.

"I'm very happy with the four players I've brought in, and they'll add to the group."

As well as identifying the need for another attacker and 'probably another defender', Rodgers admitted he would potentially need to look at further players if members of the existing squad depart.

"I still think another attacking, creative player, and depending on what goes out of the club - because naturally there might be one or two players who need to go out and play more - then we'll need to fill those areas that have been vacated," continued the 40-year-old.

"Certainly another attacking player will really benefit us, and probably another defender. We'll see how it develops over the course of the next few months."

The 'creative' recruit to which Rodgers refers could well be Armenian star Henrikh Mkhitaryan with a number of sources suggesting Liverpool are close to tying up a £20million deal for the Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker.

Elsewhere star striker Luis Suarez has been heavily connected with a move away while doubts persist over the futures of Pepe Reina, Martin Skrtel and Sebastian Coates amongst others.

Gerrard Challenges Young Guns

Steven Gerrard has challenged Liverpool's rising stars to shake off their promising youngsters tag and compete for a regular first-team place.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers gave opportunities to seven academy graduates last season and Gerrard believes it is time for them to take more responsibility.

The England and Liverpool captain said: "You only get described as a young lad for a certain amount of time and then it's time to become a man and perform on a consistent basis.

"There is great talent at the club at a young age; the manager has been trying to get a young group of players together that can perform well for him.

"It's a big season for a lot of players - you look at (Raheem) Sterling and (Jordan) Henderson.

"Of course it's a big season for every player we've got, but I think the supporters will be looking for the young lads to step up now, try to push people out of the way and become regulars in the team.

"I'm certainly looking forward to seeing what happens with those young players."

Gerrard hailed Rodgers for the way he integrated members of the club's academy into the first-team set-up.

"The manager is fantastic with the way he does it; he invites a lot of young players down to train with the team all the time," he said.

"It's great experience to come down and play with the first team.

"When they come down permanently, they have sampled it and they know what they're in for.

"I'm excited because if the young lads show the manager that they are good enough, he's certainly shown to everyone that he's not scared of playing them. It's going to be exciting."

Liverpool Continue Toby Alderweireld Pursuit

Liverpool is in pole position to land Belgian international defender Toby Alderweireld, according to reports.

The Daily Star claims Ajax have brought forward plans to sign a replacement for the versatile 24-year-old, who can play at either right back, centre back or in centre midfielder.

Frank De Boer’s side have been given permission to speak to Mike van der Hoorn, and the FC Utrecht starlet is being touted as the ideal replacement for Alderweireld, who made his debut for the Godenzonen in 2008.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers does face competition for the signature however, with the report claiming Bayer Leverkusen are also interested in signing the £8million-rated Eredivisie star.

If the Reds do win the race for the player, then it would be their second centre back signing of the summer, after Kolo Toure moved to Anfield on a free transfer last month.

Rodgers is rebuilding the Liverpool defence following Jamie Carragher’s retirement, whilst Sebastian Coates is yet to find his best form on Merseyside. Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel are the other options available.

Liverpool And Arsenal Offered France Striker

Queens Park Rangers have offered front man Loic Remy to the likes of Newcastle United, Arsenal and Liverpool as the Championship outfit look to get the high-earning Frenchman off their wage bill next season, says the Daily Star.

The highly rated France international has only been at Loftus Road since the turn of the year, when the 26-year-old arrived in west London from Ligue 1 giants Olympique de Marseille on a four-and-a-half-year contract worth a club-record fee of £8 million.

However, despite the striker managing to hit the back of the net on six occasions in his 14 Premier League appearances for Harry Redknapp’s struggling outfit, his goals were still not enough to prevent the club from being relegated to the Championship.

And QPR are said to be desperate to offload Remy now that the summer transfer window has finally reopened for business once again, with the player available for as little as £6.8m, which is the value of the release clause in his current contract in the capital.

Chelsea On Verge Of Brokering Deal For Suarez

Chelsea is reportedly on the cusp of a sensational swoop for Liverpool forward Luis Suarez.

The 26-year-old had been tipped to join Arsenal earlier this week by bookmakers, who priced him at 5/2 to join Arsene Wenger's side.

Suarez's future has been the subject of unrelenting speculation, with the Uruguayan talking up a move to Real Madrid after hitting out at the English press for what he perceived to be unfair treatment of him.

But the Blues it seems are the frontrunners to capture his signature this summer.

Spanish paper AS claims Suarez could move to Stamford Bridge for a fee of £34m.

They also note that he could be in line for a sizeable pay packet, with the Blues ready to offer him a salary of £4.7m a season.

The news could be a source of welcome relief for Jose Mourinho, who appears destined to miss out on Edinson Cavani.

The Napoli hit man is thought to be in discussions with Laurent Blanc over a move to PSG.

Suarez In Shock Arsenal Link

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been subject of some surprise backing to join Arsenal this summer, with various bookmakers reporting significant stakes.

Sky Bet are refraining from making the Gunners favourites to sign the striker as they attempt to make sense of the industry-wide run of bets, which prompted one major bookmaker to suspend betting on Wednesday evening.

The Reds star is 3/1 to remain at Anfield this summer after declaring his interest in leaving the Premier League, with Real Madrid the favourites to sign the Uruguay international, who has stated his desire to join the Spanish giants.

However, the Bernabeu-based outfit has drifted out from odds-on to 6/4 with Arsenal being backed in from 20/1 to 7/4.

The development comes out of the blue with the Gunners expected to complete the signing of Gonzalo Higuain in the next few days, while it seems unlikely that Liverpool would sell to fellow Premier League club, especially considering Suarez's reasons for wanting to leave.

Sky Bet Football Trader Chris Spicer said: "We initially actually saw very little money for Suarez to join Arsenal and did not even consider them in the betting until requested on Wednesday evening.

"However, some significant stakes have been seen across the industry, reportedly starting with some big bets from Spain, prompting us to move in line with other bookmakers.

"The bets have now started to come in but we are refraining from making Arsenal favourites though as it simply makes no sense given Suarez's desire to leave England, while we recently suspended betting on Higuain arriving at the Emirates."

Deals For Williams & Sakho Unlikely

Despite continued speculation linking the Reds with Swansea's Ashley Williams, in particular, well placed sources suggest the club has moved onto other targets.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers and Welsh defender Ashley Williams have been strongly connected with an Anfield reunion for some time but it appears the likelihood is beginning to fade.

Rodgers, who was manager at Swansea before moving to Liverpool last summer, is believed to have turned his attention to other options after his former employers put a £10million price tag on the 28-year-old's head.

The usually reliable Liverpool ECHO claim Williams is one of two defenders, the other being Frenchman Mamadou Sakho, who the Merseysiders are currently not pursuing despite national media reporting otherwise.

The latest round of 'Williams to Liverpool' speculation followed the centre-back's defensive colleague, Ben Davis, claiming the Wales captain was worth every penny of such a fee.

"Last season I would say Ash was one of the best centre-halves in the Premier League, I cannot think of many who were better than him. The job he did was incredible," praised Davis in quotes published by Sky Sports.

"A price of £10million or more to sign him is completely justified. You see some of the money that gets spent in this league on players who are unproven in the Premier League. I think £10million is more than a fair price."

Williams is contracted to Swansea until the summer of 2015 and the club are understandably keen to retain a player who has been a key component in their two impressive Premier League campaigns.

Arsenal is also believed to hold a firm interest in a defender who has been at the Liberty Stadium since a bargain £400k move from Stockport County in 2008.

Williams, the 2009 Wales Footballer of the Year, led the Swans to League Cup glory last season and has amassed 41 international caps to date.

Although it appears neither Williams or Sakho will be arriving at Anfield, Liverpool are still almost certainly on the look out for new defenders following Jamie Carragher's retirement and persisting doubts over the suitability of Martin Skrtel and Sebastian Coates.

Rodgers has already secured the free transfer signing of experienced centre-back Kolo Toure from Manchester City and is believed to retain an interest in Greek international Kyriakos Papadopoulos, although negotiations are believed to have stalled at this time, and Tiago Llori of Sporting Lisbon.

Liverpool To Give Young Duo A Chance

Porto winger Christian Atsu is no longer on Liverpool's radar, as the club is now concentrating on their own youngsters.

Jordan Ibe and Raheem Sterling both received chances with the senior line-up in Brendan Rodgers' first season in charge at Merseyside, with plans to concentrate on developing talent.

Atsu was believed to be on Liverpool's radar after a successful season at Porto, as Rodgers focuses on building his attacking options this summer.

The Liverpool Echo claims that the Reds will look to their own youngsters to step up next season, after Sterling in particular had a very successful first senior campaign with the side.

The 18-year-old had his season ended prematurely in March by a thigh injury, but still notched up 36 appearances over the course of the campaign.

The teen is now fully recovered and raring to get back into action for the club who began pre-season training this week.

Sterling already has a senior England cap to his name, and after shunning interest from other clubs to sign a long-term deal with Liverpool last season, Rodgers is reportedly confident that he doesn't need to spend £3m on Atsu when he has the youngster to call upon.

Meanwhile, Ibe is not quite yet at the same stage as Sterling, having received just one chance with the senior side last season. But his form was impressive against QPR on the final day of the Reds' campaign. As a result, Rodgers is believed to see the winger as a more viable option than bringing in someone who would need time to settle in and learn the ropes of English football.

While Rodgers is hoping to keep Sterling and Ibe for first team opportunities, he is reportedly considering sending out Suso and Andre Wisdom on loan so the pair clock up more game time and develop their skills.

Jones Signs Liverpool Deal

Highly-rated Liverpool starlet Lloyd Jones has signed his first professional contract at Anfield.

The towering central defender, who joined the club from Plymouth in 2011, is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects at Liverpool.

The 17-year-old was a regular in the NextGen team and the Under 21s last season and he was also named on the bench for a Premier League game against Fulham at the back end of last season.

Jones is tipped to become a regular in Brendan Rodgers' side in the next few seasons and the club has moved to secure him on a professional deal.

Wales youth international was delighted to sign the new deal writing on Twitter: "Great feeling to sign a Professional contract with Liverpool."

Swansea Wrap Up Shelvey Deal

Swansea City has completed the signing of midfielder Jonjo Shelvey from Liverpool for a fee of £5m.

The 21-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year contract at the Liberty Stadium after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

The England international - he has won one cap as a substitute in the 5-0 win over San Marino at Wembley last October - had also attracted the interest of Premier League newcomers Crystal Palace, but their bid was reportedly less than Swansea's.

Shelvey, whose fee also includes a number of potential add-ons, started his career with Charlton before moving to Liverpool for £1.7m in May 2010.

He made 69 appearances for the Reds and scored seven goals, but was deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield by boss Brendan Rodgers as he rebuilds his squad for the new season.

After completing the move, Shelvey wrote on Twitter: "Just wanna say thank you to every one of the Liverpool fans for there support! They were first class. And will be truly missed.

"Will miss the city very much. And the club! Owe a lot to everyone there! Thank you. Time to start a new chapter in life in Wales. Thank you."

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has spoken of the need to increase the quota of homegrown players at the Liberty Stadium and Shelvey fits the bill.

"We have got to make sure that the make-up of our squad is right," said Jenkins.

"And obviously part of that is making sure that we have so many British players in there. We have got to do that - there is no choice because they are the rules."

No More Offers For Mkhitaryan

Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin claims there have been no new offers for Liverpool target Henrikh Mkhitaryan and there is no release clause in his contract.

Liverpool has been strongly linked with a move for Mkhitaryan with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers thought to have made him one of his top summer transfer targets.

Reports have suggested Liverpool is closing in on a deal for the attacking midfielder, but Shakhar insist the only bid they have had for Mkhitaryan has been from Borussia Dortmund which they rejected.

It has been suggested Mkhitaryan has a release clause of €22million in his contract, but Palkin claims there is no such clause and it would cost €30million to buy himself out of his contract.

"There is nothing new about Mkhitaryan," Palkin told Football.ua. "I already have said that Borussia Dortmund offered €23 million for him; this was the sole offer. [But] our position is €30 million.

"Mkhitaryan's contract does not specify a compensation payment. Thirty million dollars need to be paid to sever the contract unilaterally.

"If we go with the civilized way and sell a player but he severs the contract, we specify a transfer value of €30million (£25million)."

Kolo Toure Officially Unveiled As Liverpool Player

Liverpool has wrapped up a deal for Kolo Toure at their training ground Melwood on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old Ivory Coast international represents the Reds' fourth summer acquisition having already signed Iago Aspas, Simon Mignolet and Luis Alberto.

The centre back signed a two-year contract at Melwood in the presence of the club's managing director Ian Ayre.

Speaking to the club's official website, Toure said: "This means a lot to me. 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 has been allocated the No.4 shirt for next season.

Hearts Can Keep Danny Wilson

Danny Wilson used a loophole in the football laws to controversially sign again for skint Hearts.

In a shock move, Hearts have dodged a signing embargo and used cash freed up by sacking John Sutton on Friday to fund a new deal for defender Wilson.

The former Liverpool and Rangers stopper had agreed a bumper three-year deal with the Jam Tarts before the club plunged into administration.

However, the permanent contract was not lodged with the football authorities before the club suffered an insolvency event.

At that stage, Wilson was told the deal he agreed with the capital club was non-binding and he would be a free agent again, when his original loan move from Liverpool to Hearts expired.

However, the newly-formed SPFL recently allowed Hearts to process the Wilson deal.

League chiefs claimed that, as long as Wilson signed the deal before midnight on 30 June, Hearts could register him as it was a continuation of a previous contract rather than a new agreement.

An SPFL statement said: “The SPFL Player Registration of Heart of Midlothian FC player Danny Wilson would, had he not agreed a contract extension, have terminated on 30 June.

The SPFL has now received documents extending the contract of the player.

“As a result, the player’s existing SPFL registration is automatically extended and is not affected by the embargo on new SPFL Player Registrations currently in place on Heart of Midlothian FC as a result of Heart of Midlothian plc (in administration) being in administration.”

Boss Gary Locke was thrilled to have kept a key player as he eyes the prospect of starting the season with a 15-point penalty and a squad made up of kids.

He said: “I’m really pleased. Danny was already due to be part of the team and the administration has made no difference to his status.”

It’s understood Wilson has taken a massive hit on his original deal, but could still earn around £1,500 a week at Gorgie.

Liverpool Slams Suarez-Real Speculation

Liverpool has slammed reports claiming star attacker Luis Suarez has been negotiating terms to switch to La Liga giant Real Madrid.

The controversial Uruguayan has been on national duty at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, and Spanish daily Marca took to publish Suarez had been in talks with Madrid behind the backs of the Anfield chiefs.

The Reds slammed the speculation, saying Suarez had not handed in a transfer request, has three years remaining on his contract and is not for sale.

However, Liverpool is reportedly concerned by the close links between the media organization and Real - and treated the claims seriously.

If the rumours do have any substance, a potential move would have a direct flow-on effect on Tottenham Hotspur and its electrifying winger Gareth Bale.

Real assistant Zinedine Zidane is a known admirer of the Welsh magician, but the Bernabeu club would obviously only chase one of Suarez or Bale.

Liverpool Target Put Up For Sale

Long running Liverpool target Henrikh Mkhitaryan has officially been transfer listed according to Shakhtar Chief Executive.

“Henrikh is an important player in our team,” chief executive Sergei Palkin said in an interview with Izvestia. “Shakhtar want to keep him, but we are willing to listen and consider all suggestions for a transfer.”

“We have already parted with Willian and Fernandinho, but the club will not just sell players. In the near future we will also gain quality, designed to replace the leading players, possibly including Henrikh.”

Premier League clubs Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool will all be put on alert after this recent occurrence, and a bid in excess of £15million should be enough to allow Shakhtar to part with one of their star players.

Liverpool Agree £25.7 Million Deal For Top Transfer Target

Liverpool has finally reached an agreement to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Shakhtar Donetsk, according to Russian newspaper Sport Express.

Armenian television program ‘Extra Time’ announced on Friday evening that Mkhitaryan had agreed terms with a foreign club over a transfer, and it would now appear that Liverpool have won the race to sign Ukraine’s top goalscorer this summer.

Mkhitaryan scored 25 goals for Shakhtar Donetsk last season from an attacking midfield position, and providing he can adapt well to the Barclays Premier League, he could be an immense signing for Brendan Rodgers’ team.

Sport Express state that the 24 year-old will fly to Merseyside in the coming days for a medical and to complete the necessary paperwork in order to finalize the deal.

With a reported fee of €30 million (approximately £25.7m), Mkhitaryan would be the second most expensive signing in Liverpool history, after the £35 million Andy Carroll cost when he signed from Newcastle United in January 2011.

With Carroll having moved to West Ham United this summer for a significant loss having failing to impress for the Reds, Liverpool will hope that their next big move in the transfer market is a more successful gambit.

Spurs To Hijack Liverpool's Henrikh Mkhitaryan Move

Liverpool fans in the Football Transfer Tavern had thought that the deal to bring Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Anfield was almost complete but today’s Mail Online reports that Premier League rivals Tottenham are ready to hijack the deal and sign the goalscoring midfielder this summer.

The Armenian international had already held positive talks with Brendan Rodgers and it was thought that a deal could have been agreed before the transfer window opens officially at the start of July but now it looks like Spurs could move for him instead with the prospect of European football likely to prove attractive.

Spurs are close to finalizing the £17 million agreement for Brazilian defensive midfielder Paulinho of Corinthians but once that deal is over the line the attentions with representatives at the club will turn to the £20 million rated 24-year-old midfielder.

Champions League finalist Borussia Dortmund are also thought to have made a bid for Mkhitaryan, who netted 25 times last season but a move to the Premier League is thought to be his desired preference this summer.

Liverpool Show Interest In Portuguese Winger

Liverpool scouts have set their sights on Sporting Lisbon starlet Bruma, according to reports.

The Liverpool Echo claims the 18-year-old Portugal youth international has caught the eye of the Reds hierarchy as they attempt to negotiate a deal for Tiago Ilori.

Both players are representing their country at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Portugal, helping Edgar Borges’ side to top spot in Group B and a place in the knockout rounds.

But, the news is not positive with regards to Bruma, with the paper claiming that Liverpool has ‘very little chance’ of bringing the talented teenager to the Premier League this summer.

Brendan Rodgers has already been a busy boss this summer, bringing Kolo Toure, Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto and Simon Mignolet to Anfield in a relatively short space of time.

Bruma would certainly fit the plans set in place by the Northern Irishman on Merseyside, with talented young players getting their chance to shine.

However, Liverpool may now have to look elsewhere if they want to strengthen their attack further in the coming months.

Liverpool Push For Verona's Jorginho

Liverpool has reportedly stepped up their attempts to sign Hellas Verona’s Italian-Brazilian starlet Jorginho.

The 21-year-old creative midfielder’s full name is Jorge Luiz Frello Filho, but he is known to supporters by his nickname.

Born and raised in Brazil, Jorginho grew up in the Verona youth academy and has opted to represent Italy at international level, receiving one cap so far for the Under-21 side.

Milan, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all sent scouts to view him at Verona, but Sky Sport Italia claim Liverpool are surging forward.

The Anfield side is proposing an offer worth £8m – approximately €10.5m.

Liverpool Interested In Grêmio's Matheus Biteco

Liverpool is set to make a move for highly-rated Grêmio midfielder Matheus Biteco for a potential fee of £5 million.

The Merseyside giants sent scouts to the Toulon U20 tournament earlier this month ahead of a possible swoop.

The club was reportedly impressed with the defensive midfielder and is considering a £5m bid for the Brazilian according to the Liverpool Echo.

Sambafoot revealed earlier this month that Liverpool sent scouts to the tournament and that defensive midfielder Matheus is one player being looked at as a possible signing.

Liverpool have a history with Matheus' parent club, Grêmio, having signed Lucas Leiva in 2007 and former Reds left-back Fabio Aurelio currently plies his trade at the Porto Alegre club.

Porto Alegre native Matheus has featured in Grêmio's Campeonato Gaucho campaign, making six appearances in midfield, three of them in the starting lineup.

The summer would be an ideal time for a swoop as Matheus turns 18 in June, paving the way for a move abroad as Brazil laws prevent the departure of footballers aged 17 and under from Brazil.

Liverpool are thought to be looking to bolster their defensive options this summer and with Lucas Leiva their only recognized defensive midfielder, Matheus could be a long-term solution.

Martin Skrtel Is At A Crossroad

A year can be a hell of a long time in football. Just ask Martin Skrtel. From mainstay to makeweight, and all in the space of 12 months. Skrtel’s Anfield future, like several others, is up for debate this summer.

The central defender is tied into a lucrative, long-term contract with the Reds, but the suggestions from inside the club are that reasonable offers will be considered. Napoli, managed by Rafael Benitez, has been linked.

It is all a far cry from this time last year. Then, Liverpool were having to convince Skrtel they could match his ambitions, as well as his financial demands. They, not the player, were the ones fighting. He was the one holding the cards.

Perhaps understandably. The Slovakian had, after all, just been named as the Reds’ Player of the Season. He was a constant, a reliable presence.

Manchester City was interested. They sniffed, they probed, they whispered in his agent’s ear, and they tested Liverpool’s resolve with a formal bid, understood to be around £12m.

Liverpool, swiftly, rejected it. Brendan Rodgers, newly appointed, was desperate to retain his key players. Skrtel, together with Luis Suarez and Daniel Agger, was certainly one. There was, generally, a sense of relief at Anfield when a new contract was agreed in August.

Maybe that took his eye off the ball. Because since then his stock has fallen. And fast.

Sluggishness in possession, a nervousness when faced with imposing, physical forwards, and, perhaps more alarmingly, an apparent lack of genuine leadership qualities, all contributed to his demotion from the Reds team back in January.

Skrtel – along with Sebastian Coates, another who is fighting for his Anfield future right now – was bullied by Oldham Athletic’s Matt Smith as Liverpool were dumped out of the FA Cup. A senior international defender given the runaround by a reserve League One striker. It proved a pivotal moment.

Three days later, Liverpool went to Arsenal. Jamie Carragher started, and Skrtel was benched. He has started just three games since.

And with Rodgers making no secret of his desire to bring in “at least two” central defenders this summer, the feeling is that, at 28, Skrtel’s number is up at Anfield.

Kolo Toure has been signed, and Rodgers was desperate to bring Kyriakos Papadopoulos, the highly-rated 21-year-old, too.

Liverpool’s refusal to compromise with Schalke over their asking price could offer Skrtel the chance of an Anfield revival.

Having been scared of losing him a year ago, Liverpool may now regret that they didn’t cash in on him when they had the chance. Because Manchester City is unlikely to come back for him now.

What a difference a year makes.

City Duo Applaud Toure Acquisition

Kolo Toure's level of experience and leadership makes his free transfer to Liverpool an 'astute' signing according to two of his former colleagues at Barclays Premier League rivals Manchester City.

The Ivorian defender plied his trade with City for four seasons, winning a championship medal and the FA Cup as well as sharing a dressing room with Gareth Barry and Joleon Lescott.

"Kolo will be a great signing. I think it's an astute signing by Brendan Rodgers because he has got so much experience," Barry told LFC TV.

"He will always give 100 per cent, he will never give up. Kolo will win over the fans straight away.

"Losing Jamie Carragher's experience from the dressing room will be a huge loss for Liverpool and the fans.

"But Kolo, with his experience and his work-rate, the way he goes about his training, will do a good job of replacing him."

That's an opinion shared by City teammate Lescott, who had the opportunity to watch Toure at close quarters during their time together in Manchester.

The England international explained: "He's energetic, he's full of life and he's always smiling every day in training.

"I know he's a good player - he's quick, he reads the game well and he's a leader. You can't replace Jamie Carragher but that will be as close as you're going to get."