Liverpool Target Mad Greek Defender

Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers continue their summer of rebuilding with a bid for Greek international Kyriakos Papadopoulos. The Metro believes Anfield chiefs have offered Bundesliga club Schalke 04 £12m for the 21-year-old.

Unfortunately for Liverpool fans, the German club is likely to be unwilling to negotiate at that fee, with reports the Greek has a £19m release clause.

Worse still, Rodgers will have to move fast to sign the man he hopes will replace club veteran and icon Jamie Carragher in the back four, after reports linked Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and Spanish club Atlético Madrid to the versatile defender. And that may not be all. In May, the Liverpool Echo linked Manchester City and Chelsea with the player as well.

Both Bayern and Atlético (and City and Chelsea as well) have the finances needed to match that release clause and all four clubs can offer the player Champions League football, which could help convince Papadopoulos to leave the Royal Blues. The one good news for Rodgers is the defender is understood to prefer a move to the Premier League.

The Greek is contracted to the Veltins-Arena till 2016.

Rodgers has already signed one centre-back in Ivory Coast's Kolo Toure. However, the former Arsenal man, who joins from Manchester City on a free, is 32 years old and cannot be considered a long-term option, which Papadopoulos definitely is.

The Reds' fans should be a little concerned though. For all his talent, Papadopoulos has a growing reputation for a fiery temper. The story of an argument with national team boss Fernando Santos' over his exclusion from the opening game of the country's Euro 2012 campaign is now the stuff of legends.

Philipp Selldorf, a correspondent with Süddeutsche Zeitung, a Munich newspaper, was quoted in a Guardian blog as saying, "Papa was only 18 when he came to Schalke. The supporters love Papa because of his passion. They can see he is always fighting. They admire his bravery but also worry that he might be a little mad. This is something the management also worry about - if Schalke are losing at half-time they find it hard to get through to Papa in the dressing room."

Liverpool Face Serie A Fight Over Midfield Target

Liverpool is in danger of missing out of transfer target Christian Eriksen as AC Milan is trying to hijack the deal.

According to talkSPORT, Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers is keen on the Denmark international and was contemplating a move for him this summer.

The report says Liverpool will have to act fast as AC Milan have shown serious interest in the Ajax starlet, who look set to leave Holland this summer.

Eriksen is approaching the final year of his contract at Ajax and has yet to come to terms with a new one, but has been open about admitting he will listen to offers from abroad.

Liverpool was encouraged last week when Eriksen reportedly turned down an offer to join Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, which intensified speculation that he would be moving to Anfield.

However, this latest report claims Milan’s interest is strong and they have the advantage of being able to offer the 21-year-old Champions League football, while Liverpool are not in Europe this term.

Barcelona Ready To Move For Daniel Agger

Barcelona has reportedly identified Liverpool centre-back Daniel Agger as a key summer acquisition in the Primera Division champions' pursuit of defensive reinforcements.

The Catalan giants are keen to recruit at least one more centre-back before the transfer deadline and, according to El Mundo Deportivo, have placed Agger at the summit of their list of targets.

Eric Abidal's departure and the advancing years of Carles Puyol have led Barcelona to enter the market for a central defender, with Thiago Silva of Paris Saint-Germain the club's initial top choice.

Thiago has, however, maintained his intention to remain at the Parc des Princes, and now Barcelona will reportedly ramp up their bid to bring Agger from Anfield to the Camp Nou.

Agger improved his reputation as a ball-playing centre-back under Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers last season, enjoying arguably his most impressive season during six years on Merseyside.

Liverpool, then, would be loath to allow Agger to leave the club even after Rodgers signed Kolo Toure from Manchester City to provide him with a greater breadth of options at the back.

Agger has made 209 appearances for Liverpool since signing for the Reds from Brondby for a fee of £6 million during the summer transfer window of 2005.

Napoli Turn Their Attentions To Liverpool Goalkeeper

Napoli has turned their attentions to Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina after continued holdups in their attempt to sign QPR’s Julio Cesar.

The Partenopei are keen to improve between the posts this summer and have already wrapped up the signing of highly rated Brazilian shot stopper Rafael from Santos.

With Morgan De Sanctis also reportedly headed for the exit, the Azzurri were said to be close to wrapping up the signing of Julio Cesar from QPR.

Radio Kiss Kiss report that the Brazilian number one is not keen to lower his wages to join Napoli, meaning that the Partenopei have turned their attention to Liverpool’s Pepe Reina as an alternative.

Reina has the same agent as coach Rafa Benitez and new signing Jose Callejon which could facilitate a move to Aurelio De Laurentiis’ club.

Reina has been at Liverpool since 2005 after signing from Spanish outfit Villarreal. He has since gone on to make 394 appearances for the Merseyside club.

Liverpool Defender Open To Loan Move

Liverpool youngster Andre Wisdom has admitted he is prepared to go out on loan if he cannot get first team opportunities at Anfield next season.

Along with Raheem Sterling and Suso, Wisdom was part of a trio of young talents fast tracked into the Liverpool first team by Brendan Rodgers last season, all of whom impressed with the 20-year-old full back making 19 appearances for the first team.

But with Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique ahead of him again in the pecking order and the return of long-term absentee Martin Kelly imminent, first team chances may prove harder to come by for the England Under-21 international.

"The manager has told me to consider it and keep it in mind," Wisdom told Liverpool's official website.

"With us not being in the Europa League, the opportunity of playing every week is going to slim down a bit. Going on loan is an option. I am open to any idea that is positive."

"Last year I made my debut in the Europa League and then in the Premier League. Being in the first team means things have changed massively for me. The competition is a lot harder, the demands are a lot greater. But it is good and I'm enjoying it."

Wisdom signed a new long term contract at Anfield in January of this year suggesting the versatile defender remains firmly in Rodgers' long term vision at the club.

The Leeds-born full back has been linked with a loan move to Fulham in recent weeks, where the youngster could certainly prove to be a helpful addition to Martin Jol's side.

As well as the return of Kelly, who was ruled out in September last year after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, Rodgers is expected to make more additions to his defensive options following the retirement of Jamie Carragher and with the future of Sebastien Coates and Martin Skrtel uncertain.

The club remains linked with Sporting Lisbon starlet Tiago Ilori, while some reports suggest the club is still pursuing the possibility of bringing Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos to Anfield.

Liverpool Miss Out On Atsu

Liverpool has missed out on Christian Atsu after negotiations with Porto broke down, according to reports.

TalkSPORT cite reports in Portuguese newspaper O Jogo when claiming that Brendan Rodgers has been left frustrated in pursuit of the player, after an initial £3.4million bid was rejected for the 21-year-old.

The Reds have held an interest in the 16-cap Ghanaian international for several months, the radio station claims, and were hoping to bring the player to Anfield this summer.

However, the Liverpool boss will now have to look elsewhere, with the report claiming the Merseyside giants are unwilling to increase their offer for the former Rio Ave loanee.

Rodgers has already added attacking talent to the Reds’ squad this summer, with Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas moving to the Premier League from Spain.

Kolo Toure and Simon Mignolet have also been dragged in to improve the Liverpool defence, as the former Swans chief looks to make his mark on the side.

Atsu is not a player who will be joining the influx of new talent though, and may well stay at the Estadio do Dragao this summer.

Alvaro Morata Set For Real Madrid Stay

Liverpool transfer target Alvaro Morata looks set to stay at Real Madrid this summer after declaring he wants to stay at the Bernabeu.

Speaking at a Real Madrid press conference this week, Morata confirmed his intentions to stay in Spain to fight for a place in the first team next season.

Morata has been sparingly used by Madrid in the past couple of seasons following the excellent form of first-team regulars Karim Benzema, Jose Callejon and Gonzalo Higuain.

But with transfer speculation strife regarding the future of Higuain, and a potential transfer to Arsenal, Morata could next season be given more first-team opportunities. Jose Callejon has also left the club, joining Serie A outfit Napoli in recent weeks, lightening the number of strikers further.

Morata featured only 15 times last season under Jose Mourinho, but the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti could mean a change in the squad dynamics next season. And Morata, in the press conference, revealed that he is ready to start the new season playing under Ancelotti.

Speaking to El Mundo Deportivo, Morata said: "I'm training well. Here we train every day as if it was your last. I want to stay at Real Madrid and the coach and club both want me to stay too. I have not had to reject any potential offers because I haven't made any. I am focused on training and working with Real Madrid, and looking forward to the first game."

Morata's defiance here looks set to rule out any potential move to Liverpool, who was keen on adding to Spanish signings Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto.

Liverpool Trumped By Sevilla In Gameiro Chase

Liverpool is set to miss out on PSG striker Kevin Gameiro with Sevilla using the cash from Alvaro Negredo's move to Manchester City to bring the striker to Spain.

Reports in Spain suggest that Liverpool had agreed a deal with PSG to take the French international to Anfield.

But with Sevilla now looking for a replacement for Negredo, and with £20m in their pocket, the Andalusians are now in a position to gazump Liverpool's bid.

Sevilla are reportedly aware of the difficulty of becoming involved in negotiations at this late stage but remain optimistic that a deal can be arrived at that would see Gameiro heading for Spain rather than England.

Gameiro moved to PSG in an 11m euro move in 2011 after scoring 50 goals in 108 games at Lorient.

But the 26-year-old struggled for playing time last season behind the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ezequiele Lavezzi at Parc de Princes.

And Gameiro appears to have fallen further down the pecking order with the £55m arrival of Edinson Cavani.

At the end of last season Gameiro spoke of his willingness to move on from PSG in order to secure playing time saying: "I want to play football every time, I am no different to any player.

"It is difficult to sit on the bench but all big clubs in Europe have the same problems, you can't play every game.

"I always wanted to play abroad. At the end of the season we can decide about my future."

Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund were previously also credited with an interest in the player.

Warrior To Sposnor Grass Roots Football

A new title sponsorship of the Keele International Cup has been secured as Warrior Sports has announced that it will become the title sponsor for 2013, replacing previous main sponsor - Umbro.

Held at Keele University in Staffordshire, over 300 amateur and professional teams from 20 different countries will gather to compete throughout July and August in Britain’s biggest tournament. Teams from nations as far as Nigeria, Columbia and the USA will take part in the event which supports the development of youth, amateur and professional footballers by providing the venue to meet and compete.

Richard Wright, general manager of Warrior Football, says the sponsorship will help the brand further engage with players at a grassroots level.

“We are committed to strengthening our presence in the global football market by aligning ourselves with the best international football clubs, players and tournaments,” he said. “This opportunity to build a grassroots sponsorship program that we can activate throughout our international network will be instrumental in taking the Warrior brand to more football players of all ages.”

David Shepherd, managing director of Euroworld Sports Ltd, the organization behind the Keele Cup says the partnership is a winning fit.

“We have been impressed by Warrior’s international plans to build their football business through club and player endorsements. It’s important for us to work with a sponsor who has an international network that we can become part of. Our new partnership with Warrior will provide us the opportunity for a larger international football community to participate in the tournament each year.”

Ayre Hails Infectious Rodgers At Liverpool

Managing director Ian Ayre has admitted it took Brendan Rodgers the best part of a season to get used to Liverpool - but is confident his "infectious" enthusiasm equips him to succeed at Anfield now.

Rodgers joined Liverpool from Swansea last summer after two years at the Welsh club, who he led to promotion and then an 11th-place finish in the Premier League.

But he made a slow start at Liverpool, only taking two points from his first five games and being 12th in the table after 17 matches before improved form took the Reds into the top seven.

And Ayre told the Liverpool Echo: "I think it took him most of last year to understand the size of Liverpool Football Club and he said some of this himself in the final couple of months of last season.

"I think coming from Swansea as an ambitious, young, successful manager and stepping into the Liverpool club was overwhelming in terms of size - certainly not in terms of his ability - and I think he felt that as he went through the season he got more and more used to that."

Liverpool took 36 points from the second half of last season and Ayre believes it shows Rodgers is getting the rewards he deserves.

"He had a fantastic second half of the season," Ayre added. "Brendan is a fantastic person to work with. He's quite infectious, a great person to spend time with and he's very personable with the players.

"He never stops working, is always on the phone, very collaborative and we work great as a team here so we're very optimistic about this year.

"We've made some good investments in the transfer window and we will continue to look at that until the end of August."

Liverpool Ready To Snap Up Kevin Gameiro

Liverpool has set their sights on bringing Paris Saint-Germain star Kevin Gameiro to Anfield.

Having missed out on signing Gameiro, who's faded from the picture in Paris since the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, in January the club are now ready to renew their interest.

According to Andalusian newspaper Eldesmarque, the Reds are ready to go head-to-head with Sevilla to land the 26-year-old.

Gameiro has fallen further down the pecking order at the Paris based club since the arrival of Edinson Cavani, who signed for the club on a five-year-deal.

The Spanish had hoped to tie up a deal for the former Strasbourg hitman in the coming weeks, but now face being outbid by the Premier League outfit.

It'll be important for Sevilla to fill the gaping hole left by Manchester City bound Alvaro Negredo, who looks set to sign for The Citizens.

Liverpool Set To Offer £6million For Morata

Liverpool is hoping to continue their Spanish recruitment drive with a deal for Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has already raided La Liga for Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto this summer, and talented forward Morata is his next target.

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool has approached Madrid to discuss a deal for the 20-year-old, who is highly rated in his homeland.

Liverpool believe they can land the striker for around £6million and are encouraged by his previous comments in which he admitted he would be interested in playing in England.

Morata is expected to decide on his future in the coming days, having met with new Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti for the first time this week.

It was hoped that Ancelotti would be open to giving Morata regular match time next season, but he failed to offer assurances over the future and the player is open to leaving.

Madrid would prefer to include Morata in a possible deal for Luis Suarez, but such a swap is not currently on the table.

Morata has a contract with Madrid until 2015.

Disagreement Over Suarez Clause

Liverpool and Luis Suarez's agent are in disagreement over a reported £40 million clause in the striker's contract, according to the Times.

Suarez signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool last summer, and the Times reports that there is confusion regarding a clause inserted in that deal.

The newspaper claims Liverpool interpret the stipulation as that they "must consider" offers of £40m or more, whereas Suarez's agent, Pere Guardiola, believes such an offer "would effectively trigger his release".

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre recently confirmed to Bloomberg that Arsenal has made an offer for the Uruguay international, with a second bid from the Gunners said to be in the region of £35m.

Real Madrid has also been strongly linked with an interest in the forward, although it is claimed the Liga club have yet to table a bid.

Chelsea Facing Showdown With Arsenal For Suarez

Arsenal and Chelsea's battle to try and lure Luis Suarez away from Liverpool intensified as players from both teams pleaded their case from him to join them.

Gunners’ striker Olivier Giroud has revealed he would welcome the competition for a starting berth if he was to head to north London, and would relish the chance of joining him up-front.

He told L'Equipe: "Luis Suarez is someone with whom I could have a good feeling with on the pitch, so I am for his arrival. I'm not afraid of competition.

"With Arsenal we want to qualify for the Champions League."

Arsenal is seen as a front-runner to snap up the Uruguayan international, having already placed a bid and being able to offer Champions League football this term.

But their not alone in their ambitions for Suarez, and Chelsea have also been linked with the formidable forward.

And Blues centre-back Branislav Ivanovic, who was bitten by Suarez during a game, has also revealed his feeling on the recent rumours.

Liverpool To Miss Out On Bayern Starlet

Liverpool has not made a bid for Bayern Munich player Xherdan Shaqiri.

The German clubs chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said that the club has not received an offer for the player.

“Nobody has called about Shaqiri,” he was reported as saying in The Express.

Rumours have been swirling about the player, who only joined Bayern last year from FC Basel, due to the fact that he had not experienced much game time due to the competition for places.

Competition that is not going to get any easier, due to the fact that they have since added Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara to their squad.

However, the Champions League winners do not want to let the 21-year-old go, and still think he can develop and play a part in any future success.

“Right now there are no plans (to sell), the coach is completely satisfied with him,” continued Rummenigge.

Liverpool turned their radar towards the Swiss international after they lost out on Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Borussia Dortmund last week.

And while Bayern may be interested in a loan deal, Liverpool is unlikely to want to bring in the player on a temporary basis.

The Reds were prepared to offer around £20m to lure the youngster to Merseyside, but that deal appears to be dead before it even came to life.

Shaqiri only started 13 times in the Bundesliga last season, and came off the bench a further 13 times. He managed four goals and five assists in the league.

Lucas Digne To Snub Liverpool For PSG

Lille full back Lucas Digne looks set to join French Champions Paris Saint Germain despite interest from a number of Premier League clubs including Liverpool.

According to talkSPORT, the defender looks poised on signing for the Parisian club for a reported £12 million.

Apparently, the player is due in Paris this week to complete a medical at club.

Liverpool had been interested in bringing the under-20 international to Anfield but the possible move has broken down since the player has opted to stay in France.

Brendan Rodgers was looking to sign Digne as a possible long-term replacement for current full back Jose Enrique.

The defender is already fairly experienced despite only being 19 years old. The youngster has already made 40 appearances in Ligue 1 for Lille.

Despite renewing his contract at Lille until 2016, it seems as though the player is set to depart after only playing two whole seasons with the senior squad.

If Digne signs at PSG he will follow Edison Cavani who also chooses to sign for the French club over the Premier League.

Feyenoord Want Liverpool Winger

Feyenoord manager Ronald Koeman has conceded that he would like to sign Liverpool winger Oussama Assaidi this summer.

The 24-year-old joined the Reds from Heerenveen last year, but he struggled to make an impact at Anfield and made just 12 appearances in all competitions.

Following reports that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers would be prepared to sell the Moroccan, Koeman has admitted that the winger would be welcome at De Kuip.

"I hope that [the deal] comes around soon. Assaidi is a player who can play in different positions - we just have to wait and see whether this is feasible," he is quoted as saying by AD.

FC Twente is also thought to be monitoring Assaidi's situation.

Liverpool Striker Set For Anfield Exit

Liverpool forward Dani Pacheco is set to leave Anfield after revealing he will not be travelling with Brendan Rodgers' squad for the club's pre-season tour of Asia and Australia.

The Spaniard, who featured in Liverpool's 4-0 friendly win against Preston on Saturday, has struggled to establish himself on Merseyside since joining from Barcelona in 2007.

The 22-year-old was snapped up by former Anfield boss Rafa Benitez and tipped for big things after a string of dazzling performances for the club's reserve side.

However, the striker has managed just 17 senior appearances for the Merseysiders and has been sent out on loan four times in the last three seasons.

Reds boss Rodgers named Pacheco in his 28-man squad for forthcoming matches in Indonesia, Australia and Thailand but the player himself says he will be staying behind to sort out his future.

He tweeted: "Finally not travelling to Asia. Will talk about my future this season in next couple of days. Thank you. YNWA."

Stewart Downing Rules Out Move From Liverpool

Stewart Downing has ruled out a move away from Liverpool after speculation linking him with summer switch.

The 28-year-old was told by Brendan Rodgers that he could leave the club at the start of last season but he managed to force his way back into the manager's plans.

"I'm here to stay. I'm enjoying it, especially last season when I got a good run in the team. Hopefully that will continue, and I need to work hard," he told the Liverpool website.

"I want it to continue. It's why I came here, to play in a successful team."

Downing also spoke on his chances of playing in the World Cup next summer in Brazil should England qualify.

The winger has not featured in any of Roy Hodgson's recent teams but he remains hopeful that he can force his way back into the national side.

"It's been difficult as I've not played for England over the last year or so, but I'd love to play at the World Cup," he added.

"It's a year away and I've got a full season to get in the manager's thoughts. I'll just take every game as it comes and see what happens at the end of the year."

Liverpool begin their Premier League campaign at home to Stoke City on August 17.

Liverpool Jet Into Jakarta To Begin 2013 Summer Tour

Liverpool Football Club has kicked off their 2013 summer tour of Asia and Australia after touching down in Indonesia on Wednesday morning.

The Reds arrived at Jakarta airport after a long-haul flight which departed John Lennon airport shortly after 2.30pm BST on Tuesday afternoon - and they did so in style as Garuda Indonesia supplied an aircraft branded with the LFC logo and the words 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.

The journey included a brief stop in Abu Dhabi, during which those on the aircraft were allowed to enter the terminal to stretch their legs - but Fabio Borini was the only player to take advantage of the opportunity, with many of the squad preferring to grab as much sleep as possible ahead of the 12-day tour, which will also take in Australia and Thailand.

Joining the likes of Brendan Rodgers, Steven Gerrard, Philippe Coutinho and summer signings Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas, Simon Mignolet and Kolo Toure were a number of staff from the club's community department, who will take part in coaching activities with local youngsters throughout the course of the trip.

Also on board was Liverpool's official mascot, Mighty Red, and club ambassadors Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler.

Upon touching down in Jakarta a little before 2pm local time, the travelling party were given a fanatical welcome by hundreds of Indonesian Kopites eager to give their heroes a welcome to remember upon LFC's first ever visit to the country.

After arriving at the team hotel in Jakarta, the players enjoyed a bite to eat and a quick rest. They'll later head out on a stroll to stretch the limbs.

Liverpool will take on an Indonesian XI this Saturday at the Gelora Bung Karno National Stadium. They'll then depart for Australia to face Melbourne Victory on July 24 before wrapping up the trip in Bangkok against the Thailand national team on July 28.

Liverpool Have Agreed A Deal To Sign Pedro Chirivella

Liverpool has snapped up Valencia youngster Pedro Chirivella on a four-year deal, writes The Sunday People's.

The 17-year-old midfield sensation is one of the rising stars of Spanish football.

Valencia is demanding around £3.5million for the player with The Merseyside club offering around £2m less. If no deal can be reached, then a tribunal will set the final fee.

Chirivella was on the verge of joining Barcelona in 2001 after Valencia accepted a bid for him, but the player himself turned down the chance to join the Catalan giants.

The Reds also tried to sign another Spanish youngster, 16-year-old Mario Rodriguez from Real Madrid, but he turned down their offer and agreed a four-year deal at the Bernabeu.

Liverpool Eye Move For Xherdan Shaqiri

Liverpool is ready to approach Bayern Munich to discuss a deal for winger Xherdan Shaqiri.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has turned his attention to 21-year-old Shaqiri, after losing out on Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Borussia Dortmund last week.

And after insisting that he remains active in the transfer market for new players, Rodgers is hopeful he will be able to land Shaqiri for a bargain price.

The Switzerland international moved to Bayern from FC Basel last summer, but has failed to establish himself as a regular, and faces an uncertain future under new manager Pep Guardiola.

Shaqiri is expected to meet with Guardiola next week to discuss his future, but it is expected that he will ask for a move away.

Liverpool believes they are in pole position to do business, and would be able to offer the player regular match time in Rodgers’ exciting new-look side.

Bayern is unlikely to part with Shaqiri without a fight, despite splashing out £30million on Mario Gotze this summer, but would be interested in loaning him out.

However, Liverpool is only keen on a cash deal, and will now approach Bayern to talk terms.

Shaqiri, a fast, versatile and skilful left-footed winger, can also play behind a striker or at left-back, and would represent a key coup for Liverpool.

It’s thought that Rodgers would be willing to pay up to £20million to get his man.

Liverpool Ponder Move For Ryan Bertrand

Liverpool wants to convince defender Ryan Bertrand to swap Chelsea for Anfield, as Brendan Rodgers looks to further strengthen his squad.

According to the Mirror, Rodgers sees Bertrand as the perfect addition as he tries to get Liverpool challenging for a place in the Premier League’s top four once again.

The report does not say whether the Stamford Bridge club is open to letting the 23-year-old leave, though it does claim the Blues could use him as bait in a pursuit of Luis Suarez.

It would be a surprise to many if Chelsea were to allow Bertrand to join Liverpool, as he has looked the natural successor to Ashley Cole in the left-back position.

However, Cole is still going strong and first team opportunities are limited for Bertrand, so he may believe it is in his best interest to look for more regular playing time elsewhere.

The report also claims Rodgers has been an admirer of the England international for some time and has worked with him before when he was a youth coach at Chelsea.

The previous working relationship could have some influence in what sounds a difficult sell for Liverpool; Bertrand would be giving up Champions League football and a likely title challenge if he were to move to Anfield.

Real Madrid To Offer Higuain Plus Cash For Suarez

Whether or not Luis Suarez stays at Liverpool, it's clear that this has become one of the most annoying games of Breaking Point in recent memory. Arsenal appear to be one of the guilty parties, with incrementally increasing bids that'll never actually accomplish anything, and Real Madrid, whose interest has been rumored heavily but never confirmed, has been lingering long enough to get some serious side-eye as well. But while we all know that Arsenal's all talk, Madrid are considered to be a realistic destination, and rumors today have the La Liga runners-up set to table a cash plus player bid for Suarez, with Gonzalo Higuain the player in question.

As with so much of this saga, there's nothing concrete to talk about other than people talking, so it's impossible to sift through what's real and what's fabricated. To this point the main outlets that have discussed/predicted the offer are Sky Italia and your aunt's friend's son, neither of whom has the greatest track record when projecting where players will be headed during the transfer market. Especially if your aunt's friend's son is Artur Petrosyan.

But it's an interesting point of discussion and a slightly less annoying (if that exists) twist on a deal that seems never-ending, would cash and Higuain be acceptable? And would the price tag be more important than the player? Right now the figure thrown around is anywhere from €7m to €15m, which, assuming the valuation of Suarez is still €45m, would place Higuain in the range of €30m. That's consistent with previous discussions about the player's value, and would seem to be a decent-enough conclusion to the conversation about the future of Luis Suarez.

Bayern To Launch Suarez Bid

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola is set to continue his summer spending spree – by making a concrete bid for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

The wantaway Uruguayan has repeatedly aired his desire to leave Anfield this summer and has been linked with a number of top clubs.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all monitoring developments, but Guardiola believes he has a genuine chance of landing the star.

The Bayern manager’s brother, Pere, is Suarez’s agent and SportsDirect News has learned Pep is set to use his family connections to launch a major offer for the 26-year-old.

Liverpool value Suarez at around £40 million, and are likely to dismiss any offers below their asking price.

That leaves only a small number of clubs in the race, with Bayern heading the queue.

Guardiola has been handed a blank cheque to build the squad he requires, and he has already splashed out on midfield pair Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara.

But he also wants to sign a striker, and Suarez heads his shortlist – though he is also said to hold an interest in Manchester United star Wayne Rooney.

Liverpool Confirm Arsenal’s Bid For Luis Suarez

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has confirmed the club has received an offer for Luis Suarez from Arsenal, but insists the Reds remain determined to persuade the unsettled striker his future lies at Anfield.

Suarez has made it clear he wants to move away from Merseyside this summer, going on record during several interviews in his homeland to state his desire to play Champions League football.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid have all been linked with a move for the 26-year-old, with the Gunners widely reported to have lodged a £30million bid last week.

Ayre has now confirmed the Londoners made an official offer but has brushed off any suggestion that the Reds are ready to do business.

‘I’ve heard him say it would be great to have an opportunity to play for Arsenal and likewise Real Madrid. But he certainly hasn’t called me up and said he wants to leave,’ Ayre told Bloomberg.

‘We had an offer which is fairly public from Arsenal. We said no to that offer, and as far as we’re concerned he turns up for training when he’s due back. And we’ll move forward on that basis.

‘We get offers for lots of our players at different times. Unless we get to a situation where that player absolutely doesn’t want to be here and we don’t want him to be here then that’s a different kettle of fish.

‘Right now we’d love to see Luis put on a Liverpool shirt for this season and beyond and we hope that once he gets back things will settle down.

‘This is an ambitious young player, he’s talked in the media about wanting to play in the Champions League and all these things. It’s our job to convince Luis that this is the right place to achieve those things.’

Gerrard Extension Confirmed

Liverpool has confirmed that captain Steven Gerrard has signed an extension to his contract which will keep him at Anfield for the next two seasons at least.

The 33-year-old England midfielder has spent his whole career at Liverpool and has clocked up 630 appearances for the club so far, scoring 159 goals.

He signed his new deal at Melwood on Monday morning and is delighted that it has been sorted out before the start of the 2013/14 campaign.

"I think everyone knows what it means to me," said Gerrard.

"It lets me know the club thinks an awful lot of me and want me here. There was a year left (on my contract), which was quite unusual, I think it was the first time I've got that far down into a contract.

"I'm glad it's all done and it's happened at the right time, before the season, so I can just focus on playing as well as I can."

Managing director Ian Ayre added: "It's fantastic for everyone; the club, Steven, and the fans.

"He is, and always has been, such a big part of Liverpool Football Club. Particularly in this day and age, it's rather unique to find a local player who has given his whole career to his club.

"We're pleased today to add an extension to his existing agreement and that keeps him here until the end of his career.

"We've said that what we'll do in two years' time is review it again and see how happy Steven is. We seem to always be happy with him, so hopefully we'll just continue in that vein."

Gerrard made his debut for Liverpool in 1998 and has won the Champions League, UEFA Cup, FA Cup twice and League Cup three times during his time at the club.

Hugely popular with the club's fans, he said: "I hope they're really happy (about his extension).

"The relationship is mutual. They have respect for me and they know how much I love them, so it's a two-way thing.

"People talk about my loyalty to the football club, because I've been here all the way through, but the club have been very loyal to me throughout my career and always rewarded me at the right times with deals.

"They've always told me what they think about me and that's very important as a footballer, to know that you're loved."

Gerrard Deal Delights Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has spoken of his delight after club "icon" Steven Gerrard signed a new two-year contract extension.

Gerrard has spent the whole of his career at Anfield and remains a key part of Rodgers' plans as he prepares for the new season.

"I'm absolutely delighted, as you can imagine," said Rodgers.

"I've talked throughout pre-season about wanting to bring other players into the group, but this was one of the - if not the - most important signings for us.

"He's an icon here at the football club - a real iconic figure for players and supporters.

"I think he's still got a good few years left yet. His level of performance last year was outstanding.

"He's been a great support for me coming into such a club, a brilliant captain, he's got great values and the leadership he provides is second to none.

"Now he can really concentrate on his football and hopefully stay at the level he's been at."

Rodgers admitted he enjoys a strong working relationship with England international Gerrard, who has scored 159 goals in 630 appearances for Liverpool.

"I respect his loyalty and he respects that I am the manager of the football club and make football decisions, but will talk with him," added Rodgers.

"I always work closely with players. We have a good relationship and the door is always open for Steven as the club captain.

"He's the current England captain and one of the best players to ever have graced the Premier League.

"To retain the humility that he has and still have the eagerness to want to improve and be better, he is a real shining light and example for many players."

Philippe Coutinho Inspires Reds To Preston Rout

Philippe Coutinho has been Liverpool FC's top shirt-shifter this summer – shirts with his name on the back outselling even skipper Steven Gerrard.

A few more will fly off the shelves this week after the cultured Brazilian got Liverpool's pre-season program off to a winning start at Deepdale on Saturday.

Coutinho, who ended last season so impressively following his £8.5m switch from Inter, picked up where he left off.

Tripped by ex-Red John Welsh after 12 minutes he picked himself up to slide the penalty comfortably to Declan Rudd's left.

Jordan Ibe, another to end last season on a high, was still on a roll when he dipped his shoulder and flashed a 20-yard shot past Rudd after 36 minutes.

And second half goals for Raheem Sterling – assisted by Aspas – and then a beauty bent in from 20 yards by the Reds new Spanish striker, earned a comfortable victory.

The goals gave Liverpool The Shankly Shield – a prize to commemorate the 100th birthday later this year of the legendary Liverpool manager and Preston player.

New signings Simon Mignolet, Kolo Toure, Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas all enjoyed a run-out.

Toure played the first 45 minutes and Alberto and Aspas the second 45 in sweltering conditions – while keeper Mignolet managed 80 minutes before making way, to a rousing ovation from the visiting fans, for Danny Ward.

For a team only back in pre-season training for a fortnight, Liverpool's sharpness and precision was impressive.

They passed themselves into trouble from the back in the fourth minute, when Agger's sloppy pass went straight to Chris Humphrey whose cross was just a fraction too high for Joe Garner.

But otherwise Liverpool's control was almost absolute.

Liverpool should have had another penalty when Fabio Borini was pulled down by Paul Huntington but referee Neil Swarbrick wasn't so generous a second time.

And the Italian was handed an even better opportunity after 34 minutes when Jon Flanagan's pass played him clean through on goal but after carrying the ball to within 12 yards of Rudd, he sliced the ball hopelessly wide.

But Ibe's crisp shot gave a true reflection of the Reds dominance.

At half-time both sides made wholesale changes.

Liverpool switched all 10 outfield players, while Preston introduced eight fresh faces.

The second half was a little more competitive, but only a poor touch from Raheem Sterling after Glen Johnson's outstanding pass stopped the winger having a clear run on goal.

He only had to wait 60 seconds for another opportunity, this time Iago Aspas' deft touch sending Sterling clear from the halfway line.

The 18-year-old kept his composure, skirted wide of Stuckmann and slotted the third.

After an assist on his first Reds appearance, Aspas then opened his goalscoring account with a beauty.

The Spaniard turned on the edge of the penalty area and bent in an effort left-footed to seal victory.

Rodgers Hails Aspas After Debut Goal

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for the club’s new signings, particularly Iago Aspas, after their 4-0 friendly win over Preston.

The Reds handed debuts to Simon Mignolet, Kolo Toure, Luis Alberto and Aspas at Deepdale with the former Celta man scoring the club’s fourth goal late on.

Speaking after the game Rodgers said he felt the Spaniard would be a bit hit with the Anfield faithful and was delighted with his forward.

"Iago works hard; he's got a trick in and around the box and he excites supporters. He's a good guy and he works very hard for the supporters,” he told LFC TV.

"He drifts well in between the lines and always wants to receive the ball. But what I like is that he wants to score goals. He's looking to create and combine or go solo by himself and get a shot in. His goal was a terrific strike.

The Reds boss also took time out to praise Alberto, who came on at half-time, along with Aspas at Deepdale.

"In the second half I thought the two boys did really well. Alberto fits into the mould of what we're looking to do here,” he said.

“We want technically gifted players who work hard and some of his touches were fantastic. He's incisive with his passing. And so I'm very pleased with him.”

Goalkeeper Mignolet picked up a clean sheet on his first display for the club and was rarely troubled as the Premier League side cruised to victory.

"Mignolet was very confident and very composed. He had a great day today,” said Rodgers.

“Everything he did, he did it well. And he's already integrated really well and I thought he was solid.

"[Kolo] Toure is a very experienced professional. I was actually watching him on ESPN when he played for Arsenal at Anfield in the 2003-04 season. So he's been around for a long time and he's a wonderful player. He's got great experience and he defends really well.”

Mignolet Grateful For Liverpool Welcome

Simon Mignolet has thanked his new Liverpool team-mates for helping him settle in after arriving from Sunderland last month.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper moved to Anfield for a reported £9 million fee in June and put in a solid debut performance during a 4-0 pre-season friendly win over Preston on Saturday.

After the game, Mignolet was quick to heap praise on his new colleagues for the welcome he has received since moving to Merseyside.

"I'd like to thank all the lads in the dressing room and all the coaching staff for the way they have treated me and the way they have handled me since I arrived," he told LFC TV.

"It's gone pretty quick, but I've adapted really well. I've been made really welcome - from the very first day, actually.

"Now I have the tour to look forward to, which is going to be a big experience for me and I am very pleased to be taking part in it."

Mignolet was rarely tested by the League One outfit but was solid when called upon, and now the Belgium international is looking to build on his successful performance.

"I'm very pleased to be out there, to play my first game and then to end up with a great result and a clean sheet. That's obviously what you want," he added.

"We played in front of a full crowd. And that always makes it easier to play, especially if you play the way we did in the first half in front of the Kop and in front of our supporters.

"They support you throughout the whole game and it makes it easier for you to play on the pitch. I'm looking forward to the next time."