Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 0 Stoke City

Striker Daniel Sturridge got Liverpool's season off to a winning start but it was new goalkeeper Simon Mignolet who was the hero with a late penalty save.

The hosts had dominated throughout but had only the one goal to show for their efforts when Daniel Agger handled former Reds midfielder Charlie Adam's free-kick three minutes from time.

Jonathan Walters fired low to Mignolet's right but the Belgium international reached that and substitute Kenwyne Jones' follow-up to get his Liverpool career off to the best possible start following a £9million move from Sunderland.

Sturridge had only trained for two weeks having been sidelined by an ankle injury sustained at the end of last season on England duty, but if he felt rusty he did not show it.

He had already had the ball in the net once, heading in Steven Gerrard's free-kick only to be denied by an offside flag, before he eventually broke the deadlock in the 37th minute.

With most of the focus over the summer being on the future of Liverpool's other striker Luis Suarez, Sturridge completed his rehabilitation in virtual anonymity.

He is not one for creating headlines but knows where to make an impact when it matters and he ultimately settled the contest, although the game should have been put well beyond Stoke with the number of chances created.

Liverpool need someone other than Suarez, last season's 30-goal striker, to rely on if they are to seriously mount a challenge for the top four and Sturridge looks like he is ready to shoulder that responsibility.

His 12th goal in 17 appearances since joining from Chelsea for £12million in January is an impressive strike rate but he will need to maintain that over the course of a whole season.

First of all, however, he needs to do it over the first six games - the duration of the remainder of Suarez's ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in April.

Despite a summer of turmoil surrounding the Uruguay international there appears to be a sense his protestations about wanting to leave for a Champions League club - which resulted in him being forced to train on his own for a week - may have diminished.

Having been restored to training with his first-team colleagues on Friday, Rodgers said the 26-year-old was "back, smiling and happy" and there was definitely evidence of a broad grin as he walked around the perimeter of the pitch pre-match to a ripple of applause.

For all the problems Suarez has caused the club there is no doubt they will need his mercurial talents.

While they dominated a Stoke side trying to play more football under new manager Mark Hughes they lacked a cutting edge for long periods.

In fact, they could have been in trouble after just eight minutes when Mignolet, on his competitive Anfield debut, flapped at a cross with only the crossbar sparing his blushes by keeping out Robert Huth's volley.

But the tide quickly turned and Sturridge's disallowed goal was followed by Kolo Toure, another new signing, heading Gerrard's corner against the woodwork.

Sturridge blazed the rebound over from close range and then saw a cross-shot hacked clear by Erik Pieters after Philippe Coutinho had threaded through a pass which allowed him to go around Asmir Begovic.

Coutinho's vision to pick out opponents saw him set up Iago Aspas to shoot at the goalkeeper, who then blocked Jose Enrique's shot after a swift interchange between himself and Aspas.

The 21-year-old Brazilian seems certain to be Liverpool's creator-in-chief this season and he was at it again, putting Jordan Henderson through only for Begovic to get out quickly to block.

But just when it seemed Liverpool would go in frustrated, Sturridge cushioned an Aspas pass before drilling a low shot through the legs of Huth to finally beat Begovic.

One goal has never been a comfortable margin for Liverpool in recent seasons and they needed Mignolet to save well from Walters and Lucas Leiva to clear Ryan Shawcross' effort off the line to hold the half-time lead.

Further chances came after the break with Coutinho curling a shot past the far post, Sturridge denied at the near post by Begovic, Aspas heading wide from a corner and Henderson striking the upright.

Late on the excellent Begovic had to be at full stretch to tip over Gerrard's dipping free-kick and scrambled well to keep out Glen Johnson's close-range shot.

Adam almost embarrassed Mignolet with a shot from the halfway line before the goalkeeper came to Liverpool's rescue late on with his spot-kick save.

Rodgers Delighted With Opening Day Win

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said he is delighted with his team’s performance after beating Stoke 1-0 in the first game of the new Premier League season.

With the added pressure of being the first team to host a Premier League match in the 2013/14 season, as well as the first televised Premier League game on BT Sport, the Reds brushed aside Stoke thanks to a first half winner from Daniel Sturridge.

It was new signing Simon Mignolet who saved the day, though, keeping out a Jonathan Walters penalty and Kenwyne Jones rebound.

Sturridge actually managed to find the net twice, having an early goal chalked off for offside, with both sides striking the bar in the opening half hour – Robert Huth for Stoke and Kolo Toure on debut at the other end.

Speaking after the match, Rodgers was pleased that the team’s hard work during pre-season paid off with an opening day win.

"Top of the league, here we go,” said Rodgers.

“Delighted, delighted for the players, the work they put in over the course of the pre-season and the focus and concentration and everything that was thrown at them and at the club, to come out and play like that, create as many chances and to get the win was delighted.”

Rodgers praised goalkeeper Mignolet for a match-winning performance.

“He made three terrific saves in the game.

“He had done his homework, he knows where all the penalty takes were going and he made a good first save and then, obviously, second action to get up and make the double save was impressive.”

Liverpool now travel to Aston Villa next weekend hoping to start the season off in impressive style with back-to-back wins.

Liverpool To Offer Willian Bumper Deal

Liverpool is ready to offer Willian £110,000-a-week to move to Anfield this summer as Brendan Rodgers closes in on the Anzhi star.

The Reds have been in the market for a marquee signing during the transfer window, and have now firmly set their sights on landing highly-rated Willian.

The 25-year-old has been made available for transfer by Russian club Anzhi, who are trying to lower their wage bill, and Liverpool opened talks on Thursday.

Willian has already confirmed his interest in making the move, and Liverpool are ready to offer the player £110,000-a-week to make sure it happens.

It’s a rise to his current £90,000-a-week terms, and should quicken up the transfer once a fee is agreed for his services.

Anzhi are known to want up to £30million for the player, and while Liverpool is prepared to spend big, they have open negotiations at around £25million.

Willian only moved to Anzhi in January, after he snubbed interest from Chelsea and Tottenham to join the big spending outfit.

Liverpool Plot Leandro Damiao Transfer Move

Liverpool is preparing to turn their attention to Brazil striker Leandro Damiao, writes Dean Jones of the Sunday People.

There are still fears on Merseyside that a new bid close to £50million could see Arsenal sign Luis Suarez.

And with Tottenham and Manchester United now trying to hijack Liverpool’s move for top target Willian, the Anfield giants want to ensure they are not left short of attacking options.

Brendan Rodgers has large funds available for a marquee signing before the transfer window closes.

The club has already missed out on Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who chose Borussia Dortmund, and Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa – and the Reds are concerned the same thing could yet happen with Anzhi Makhachkala’s exciting ­attacker Willian, 25.

Liverpool has back-up options in place as potential major signings though.

And Sunday People Sport understands Brazilian forward Damiao, 24, is on that list.

The Internacional striker has long been pursued by Tottenham, but they found it difficult to negotiate a deal.

Damiao still wants a move to Europe though, and manager Rodgers believes he has the quality that can take the Reds’ forward line to the next level.

Star man Suarez has apologized to team-mates at Liverpool and is back in first team training.

But even if he stays, Liverpool realizes they must help him on the goal front if the side are to push for a top-four place.

Liverpool Ponder Transfer Swoop For Richairo Zivkovic

Liverpool is keen to sign teenage wonder-boy ­Richairo Zivkovic.

The 16-year-old is currently in Holland with FC Groningen - first European club of the Anfield giants' Luis Suarez - and has been dubbed the new Arjen Robben.

The winger is a regular goal-scorer and broke Robben’s record as the youngest player to score for the club.

Groningen director Hans Nijland said: “All the top clubs in Holland want him but Liverpool is here every week too.

"They are watching him closely and very keen.”

Stoke Join Liverpool In Pursuit Of Winger

Queens Park Rangers winger Junior Hoilett is the subject of interest from Transfer Taverns dark horses Liverpool and Stoke City this summer, according to Sky Sports.

The Canadian wide man has started the season impressively in the Championship with Rangers and a loan move back to the big time could be in order to relieve more wages from the extravagant Hoops' bill.

Liverpool have been long term admirers of the former Blackburn player and having sold Stewart Downing to West Ham, Brendan Rodgers could make a loan move in the coming days.

However Stoke boss Mark Hughes has publicly confirmed his interest in the player who he managed at Loftus Road during his unsuccessful spell there.

Stoke have been tipped to struggle this season after ending last term miserably, but Hughes believes adding players such as Hoilett to his team will massively improve his chances.

The Potters will face an uphill battle though if Liverpool makes their move for the 23 year old soon.

"Junior is a very good player and somebody I have worked with before," Hughes told The Sentinel.

"He's obviously started the season off well, but I'm not sure if he's available. If we are able to bring in players of that quality, we will try and do that. But we have got to be patient.

"Ideally, you want your targets in through the door a couple of weeks before the season starts, but that hasn't been possible for whatever reason and there is enough time to get players in."

Toure Planning Long-Term Stay

Kolo Toure is hoping to spend 'a few years' at Liverpool after linking up with the Reds as a free agent this summer.

Following his release by Manchester City, Brendan Rodgers moved quickly to secure the experienced defender's services on a two-year contract.

At 32 years of age, Toure hopes he will remain on Merseyside past the end of that initial agreement.

He feels he still has plenty to offer and is delighted to have been given the opportunity to continue a distinguished career - which has seen him claim Premier League titles at Arsenal and City while earning over 100 caps for the Ivory Coast - at one of English football's grandest clubs.

Toure told the Daily Mail: "I'm very lucky to be at Liverpool. It's great to have the chance again to show what I'm capable of.

"I'm hoping it can be my second Arsenal: red colour, great style of football, great mentality.

"I've spoken to Jamie Carragher for advice. It's impossible to replace him so I have to find my own way."

He added: "I'd like to be here for a few years.

"I've been working really hard on my mobility because I've lost it a bit in the last four years. But I have had a great pre-season."

Rodgers Satisfied By Suarez Resolution

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers refused to discuss Luis Suarez's future after the victory over Stoke but did say he was happy with the way the situation had been "resolved".

The Uruguayan was in the stands with his family as a Daniel Sturridge goal and a late penalty save by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet gave Liverpool a winning start to the season at Anfield.

Suarez had earlier appeared on the pitch to wave to fans while wearing a Liverpool tracksuit.

"He is a part of our team, part of our club," Rodgers said.

"But I won't be saying anything on Luis Suarez, purely out of respect to the players that are here working hard. The only thing I will say is that I am very satisfied with the way everything has been resolved. We as a club are looking to the future and moving forward."

Suarez appeared at Anfield having brokered a truce with Liverpool by pledging to commit himself to the cause for as long as he remains at the club.

It is understood that he stopped short of offering either Rodgers or his team-mates a full apology but the Uruguayan's meeting with Rodgers did take the heat out of the situation and saw him invited back to train with the first-team squad.

The Suarez situation has overshadowed Liverpool's preparations for the new season, with the striker accusing the club of reneging on a verbal promise to sell him this summer in a newspaper interview.

Rodgers said he had been delighted with the way his players had put the issue to one side against Stoke.

"So much was written about us this summer but the players have shown a focus on getting results. That was a terrific result for us," he added.

Despite this uneasy peace, Suarez could still leave Anfield before the transfer window closes, with Arsenal, who have two bids rejected for him, still interested. The striker remains banned for a further six matches for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic last season.

2013-14 NextGen Series Cancelled

Funding problems have forced organizers of the NextGen Series to suspend the competition for a year.

The continental tournament, which features Under-20 teams from across Europe, has helped a number of players progress to senior teams, including Celtic's Tony Watt and Gary Gardner from Aston Villa.

Villa, Chelsea and Arsenal reached the semi-finals last season and it was the Villans who went on to claim the tournament in the finals, which were staged at Lake Como in Italy.

But with no major sponsorship on board for the 2013-14 season, and with potential competition coming from a UEFA-organized competition in the future, organizers have been forced to place it on a one-year hiatus.

Mark Warburton and Justin Andrews, co-founders of the NextGen Series, said: "The level of support we have received from the football industry, media and fans has been magnificent and for that we are truly grateful.

"It is hugely disappointing that an event of this nature, designed to assist with the development of Europe's elite players, should have to take such action but we hope to be back next season with an even better tournament."

Match Preview: LiverpooL vs Stoke City

The 2013/14 Premier League season opens at Anfield, with Liverpool hoping to avoid any distractions against Stoke City.

The red half of Merseyside has seen its summer dominated by the future of Luis Suarez, with the Uruguayan striker having spent much of the transfer window pushing for a move away from the club - only to then suggest on the eve of the new season that he is willing to stay put.

Brendan Rodgers has, understandably, expressed a desire to turn attention away from the Suarez saga - the forward is still serving a domestic suspension for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic - and focus on the start of a campaign he hopes will see Liverpool position themselves back in the race for a top-four finish and a return to UEFA Champions League competition.

Fresh faces have been drafted in to try and aid the Reds in their quest and, on the back of a positive pre-season, they must now start providing a return on the considerable investment made in them.

The biggest change at Stoke heading into the new season has come in the dugout, with Mark Hughes having succeeded Tony Pulis - the man who has cemented the Potters as a Premier League outfit.

Hughes has plenty of prior experience of top-flight management, but needs to prove that an ill-fated spell in charge of Queens Park Rangers was a merely a blot on an otherwise impressive copy book.

He is unlikely to tinker too much with the philosophies that served Stoke well under Pulis, but will be aware of the need to find an added goal threat from somewhere - with only rock-bottom QPR having found the target on fewer occasions that the Potters last term.

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is rated at about 80 per cent fit, but appears to have shown enough to warrant inclusion in Brendan Rodgers' starting XI.

Centre-backs Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel (both knee injuries) are expected to be available, although the latter is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench.

Summer signings Simon Mignolet and Kolo Toure are set to make their competitive debuts, while fellow new arrivals Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto are also in the squad, but Luis Suarez is suspended for a further six matches.

Midfielder Brek Shea misses Stoke's season opener with a knee injury suffered during a friendly run-out in the United States last month.

Another midfielder, Jamie Ness, is also ruled out of Hughes' first competitive game at the helm after his involvement in pre-season was curtailed by injury.

Summer signings Erik Pieters and Marc Muniesa, both defenders, are in contention for debuts while Asmir Begovic looks set to remain first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Thomas Sorensen and Jack Butland.

Luis Suárez Apologises To Liverpool

Luis Suárez returned from the cold at Liverpool on Friday when he trained with the senior squad for the first time since accusing the club and manager Brendan Rodgers of breaking promises over his future.

Rodgers ordered the Uruguay international to train away from the senior squad after his interview in the Guardian last Tuesday, when he stated his desire to join Arsenal and criticized Liverpool's stance over a £40m clause in his contract.

The Liverpool manager insisted that situation would not change until Suárez apologized for his "total disrespect of the club" but it is understood the 26-year-old took that step with his team-mates on his return from Uruguay's friendly in Japan.

The Liverpool striker is also due to hold talks with Rodgers on Friday. While that relationship has been strained, and Suárez denied midweek reports in Uruguay that he had decided to remain at Anfield, he has been given little alternative but to accept his immediate future lies at Liverpool by the club's refusal to sell.

Liverpool has consistently stated their prized asset is not for sale and the principal owner John W Henry reinforced that position last week when he announced no offer from Arsenal, or a European club, would prise Suárez away so late in the transfer window.

Reds Agree Cissokho Loan

Liverpool has agreed a deal to sign Aly Cissokho on loan from Valencia.

However, the 25-year-old left-back, who has one France cap, will not be available for the opening match of the season against Stoke on Saturday.

He is expected on Merseyside next week to finalize a move which could become permanent next summer.

Manager Brendan Rodgers had wanted to sign another left-back, Guilherme Siqueira from Spanish club Granada, but the clubs failed to agree a fee.

Liverpool is keen to bring in one more attacking player before the transfer window closes and have made an enquiry for Anzhi Makhachkala forward Willian.

At this stage, the Anfield club is one of a number of options for the former Shakhtar Donetsk player, who came close to joining Tottenham in 2012.

Liverpool has yet to make a formal offer but the fee would be a minimum of £25m. The Anfield hierarchy is, however, confident they can complete the deal.

Willian has become available after Anzhi made several high-earners available for transfer as they attempt to cut costs dramatically.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to add to his attacking options after missing out on Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who joined Borussia Dortmund from Shakhtar Donetsk, and Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa after the Brazilian signed a new three-year contract with the Spanish side.

Liverpool Put Off By Siqueira's £12m Price Tag

Talks have stalled between Liverpool and Granada for left-back Guilherme Siqueira, according to reports in England.

According to The Liverpool Echo, the Reds have reached an impasse over Siqueira's £12m price tag, which is much more than the £5.5m they were willing to pay.

Granada has upped the price due to claims that Real Madrid are interested in the Brazilian full-back, with Siqueira recently declaring his desire to play for Los Blancos.

If a compromise cannot be reached, then Brendan Rodgers is prepared to go back in for Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho.

The Frenchman is reported by local Valencia media to have already agreed terms with Liverpool, with just the terms of a loan agreement to be sorted.

Negotiations had broken down over the deal, with Valencia insisting on permanent transfer while Liverpool is only prepared to take Cissokho on loan.

Liverpool In Willian Talks

Sky sources report that Liverpool has opened talks with Anzhi Makhachkala over the possible signing of Brazilian playmaker Willian.

The highly-rated 25-year-old only moved to Anzhi from Shakhtar Donetsk in January but the Russian side is now looking to offload their star players, because billionaire owner Suleiman Kerimov is scaling back his financial commitment to the club.

And Liverpool are eager to strengthen their attacking options, having failed to land Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who joined Borussia Dortmund from Shakhtar, and Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa.

Willian recently told ESPN Brazil: "He (Kerimov) made it clear that, if good bids arrive, he would certainly help us go.

"Now I'm waiting for a new bid to arrive in the next days from a few clubs, like Liverpool.

"If it's really Liverpool, then it is surely a great club. I'm hopeful and very calm, just waiting for the best."

Liverpool may face competition for the signature of Willian, who has come close to joining Tottenham and Manchester City in the past.

But the Reds now seem to have the inside track on signing the former Corinthians man, who would be likely to cost in the region of £30m.

Skrtel Ready To Fight For Place At Liverpool

Martin Skrtel believes the competition for places in the Liverpool defence will see him improve, after reports linked him with a move away from the club as he was surplus to requirements.

Skrtel started 23 games for the Reds last term, but made he majority of those appearances in the first half of the season after falling out of favour with Brendan Rodgers.

With the retirement of Jamie Carragher, the Liverpool boss shrewdly brought in Kolo Toure on a free from Manchester City and the Slovakian international has welcomed the Ivorian and says that the competition will be a huge benefit to the club.

"I think it's always good when there is competition for places and it's very important for your performance," he told the club's official website. "The manager will decide who is in the best form and start that player.

"I'll do my best and all I can to make sure that I'm the one he's going to be starting with.

"Kolo is a great player. He's a very experienced player and he has been playing in the Premier League for a while. He came in to play the same position as me, so we'll see who is going to start.

"Of course I will try to improve this season because I missed the second part of last season. I tried to do my best in the pre-season and show the manager I am able to play, so we'll see how it goes this season.

"I'm ready. I was ready before and I'll always be ready. Then it's up to the manager who is going to start. I will try and I will give my all to get into the team."

Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez had been linked with a move for Skrtel on both a permanent and loan basis after securing the signing of Pepe Reina but it now seems as though he is set to stay at Anfield and compete for his place.

Manchester City Chase Reds Defender

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is being linked with a shock move to Manchester City.

The Daily Star claims the Citizens are ready to make their own advances for the player, after Barcelona tabled a £15million bid last week.

New Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has also tried to bring Pepe to the Etihad Stadium, but had a £20million offer rejected by Madrid.

The paper claims last season’s Premier League runners-up are ready to abandon their pursuit of the Portuguese international however, and turn their attentions to the Dane.

Manchester City isn’t flush with players in the centre back position, and will be without Matija Nastasic for the start of the campaign after he got injured during pre-season.

However, Liverpool has even fewer options, after Jamie Carragher called time on his career this summer.

Kolo Toure has replaced the Reds legend, but the Ivorian veteran is likely to play back-up behind Agger and Martin Skrtel at Anfield this term.

Brendan Rodgers will be desperate to keep the aforementioned duo on Merseyside over the coming fortnight, and the Liverpool boss would also be wise to avoid selling to a domestic rival on the eve of the new season.

Whether the lure of Champions League football proves too much for Agger, only time will tell, but the Reds will be eager to avoid a saga similar to the one currently surrounding Luis Suarez.

Downing Disappointe By Liverpool Exit

New West Ham signing Stewart Downing admits he was disappointed to hear Liverpool had accepted an offer for him after manager Brendan Rodgers gave him assurances about his future at Anfield.

The winger endured a difficult two years on Merseyside after making a £20 million move from Aston Villa in 2011 and was never able to recapture the form that prompted the Reds to pay such a hefty price tag.

But the England international had featured regularly in pre-season and was surprised to find out the club had accepted a £6m offer from the Hammers so readily, particularly after Rodgers insisted he was in his plans.

“I spoke to the manager and he said he wanted me to stay. So I’m disappointed that one minute I was staying and the next minute I’m gone," he told reporters.

“It was a surprise because it happened so quick. One minute I was in the starting XI for Liverpool, and the next I was on my way to London.

“I was playing in the team and playing regularly and that’s why I was surprised to be told that a fee had been accepted. It is normally when you are not playing, or you are not in the squad is why you leave.”

Downing will join up with former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, who also left the Anfield club for east London earlier this summer in a deal worth £15m.

Liverpool Lodge £8million Offer For Sakho

Liverpool has made an £8million bid for PSG defender Mamadou Sakho as Brendan Rodgers looks to continue his summer spending.

The Reds have already made moves to bring in Simon Mignolet, Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto and Kolo Toure to Anfield during the transfer window, but Rodgers is not stopping there.

A new centre back is a main priority, and the Reds have now lodged an offer to try and bring in 23-year-old France international Sakho.

The defender has been told he is free to leave PSG this summer, after they signed Marquinhos from Roma, and Liverpool have moved in.

According to reports in France, their opening bid for Sakho is around £8million, and PSG are currently deciding whether to accept or reject it.

Liverpool’s move comes after they failed to sign Schalke ace Kyriakos Papadopoulos, who has been a long-term target.

The Greece international is valued at around £18million, and Rodgers has been unwilling to match that amount.

Liverpool is also in the market for another left-back, but has so far been unable to bring in anybody.

Liverpool Tipped To Sign City Winger

Liverpool is now favourites to sign Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair.

Bookmakers have slashed their odds on the former Swansea star moving to Anfield this summer, with the Reds moving ahead of West Brom in the betting market.

The Baggies were ahead of the pack in the race to sign the player, according to The Daily Express, with Steve Clarke ready to hold face-to-face talks with the 24-year-old.

However, a season-long loan move to the Hawthorns now looks in doubt, and the Reds are ‘fancied’ to bring the player to Merseyside, according to the paper.

Brendan Rodgers has worked with Sinclair in the past of course, with the pair instrumental in the Swans’ promotion to the top flight.

Now, the duo could be reunited at Liverpool, with BetVictor slashing their odds from 66/1 to 6/4 over a move to Anfield before the end of the transfer window.

His arrival would also come following Stewart Downing’s move away from the Reds, after the former £20million-man left for West Ham.

Sinclair has been surplus to requirements at Manchester City since moving to the Etihad Stadium last summer.

Former manager Roberto Mancini used the player sparingly at best, and Manuel Pellegrini has also utilized the speedster on few occasions during pre-season.

Were the former England U21 international to remain at Manchester City, then another season on the bench could be expected.

At Liverpool, the probability of featuring is now much greater.

Liverpool Join Tottenham In Chase For Willian

Liverpool is reported to be preparing to rival Tottenham in the battle to buy Anzhi Makhachkala winger Willian.

The Brazil international cost the Russian club £32million when he joined them from Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk in January.

However, he is now being made available at a bargain price after Anzhi decided to cut costs and end their free-spending ways.

Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas is a long-term admirer and tried to sign Willian when he was in charge at Chelsea as well as being linked with a move for him in January.

The South American could be enticed to White Hart Lane by the prospect of playing alongside countrymen Paulinho and Sandro but it is not clear whether any Tottenham interest is dependent on Gareth Bale staying at the club or joining Real Madrid.

Liverpool wants a marquee signing if Luis Suarez is sold to either Real Madrid or Arsenal – Willian would fit the bill but his wages could be too rich for both the Reds and Spurs.

Coentrao Move Could Block Liverpool In Siqueria Signing

Liverpool’s proposed move for Granada defender Guilherme Siqueira could be challenged by Spanish giants Real Madrid should Fabio Coentrao decided he wants to leave.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool has made an official bid for Siqueira worth £5million but Real Madrid have their eye on the left back should Coentrao decide to quit the Bernabeu.

The article reveals that Real boss Carlo Ancelotti admitted the Portuguese international was “thinking about leaving” but the defender is yet to comment himself on his future.

This could see a three way battle for Siqueira’s signature as the Daily Mail revealed Everton were also interested in the 27-year-old as a replacement for Leighton Baines if a big offer from Manchester United came in.

Siqueira has proved himself as a threat going forward as well as a promising defender, scoring 12 league goals in his past two seasons at Granada, including scoring twice at the Nou Camp in the 2011/12 season.

Downing Completes His Move To The Hammers

Liverpool has cashed in £6m for England winger Stewart Downing after paying £20m for him only two seasons ago.

The 29-year-old joins West Ham on a 4-year-deal and will rekindle with former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll.

The left winger, who began his career at Middlesbrough before joining Aston Villa failed to live up to expectations at Liverpool and was highly criticized by the high price-tag that Kenny Dalglish paid for him.

He made 65 appearances for The Reds with the most notable coming in the League Cup Final and was the first player in seven years to miss three consecutive penalties in the Premier League.

But for Downing, he is ready for a fresh start in London. He told West Ham's official website: "I'm very excited. It's a great opportunity for me being here, it's a great club and I'm really excited to get going.

"I'm ready and I'm fit for the first game against Cardiff City. I've played a decent few games for Liverpool in pre-season, so there will be no problems on that front.

"It's all happened quickly, but I'm really excited and hoping to play a part on Saturday."

Downing has featured for England 34 times but has fallen down the pecking order in Roy Hodgson’s selections. With his move to London searching for regular, first team football, he will be hoping he can be part of the England set-up in next year’s World Cup.

West Ham In For Sterling

Raheem Sterling is in for a possible shock move to West Ham before the transfer window closes it has been reported.

According to the Daily Star West Ham is likely to make a bid for the winger in an attempt to lure the youngster to Upton Park.

The article reveals that the bookmakers have drastically shortened the odds on the transfer and this has sparked speculation that the player is on his way out of Anfield.

Apparently, Skybet has made the England international just 4/5 to make the switch to the London club before the transfer deadline, according to the same article.

Sterling made an impressive 34 appearances for Liverpool last season and his form lead to the youngster earning a call up to the full England squad last October.

Sterling will be hoping to impress this season at either Liverpool or at West Ham if he makes the move in order to catch the attention of Roy Hodgson ahead of the World Cup next summer.

If Sterling makes the move to West Ham he will follow former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll who completed his move to Upton Park for £15 million earlier this summer.

Agent Hints Agger May Fancy Barca Switch

Liverpool could be set for another transfer saga as Daniel Agger's agent has hinted that he would like to move to Barcelona this summer if an agreement between the two clubs can be met.

Agger was the subject of a £15 million bid from the La Liga champions last week but the Reds rejected the offer and subsequently made the Dane the club's vice-captain behind Steven Gerrard.

But it appears that the offer may have caught the Kop favourites attention has his agent, Per Steffensen, told the Metro, “We are aware that Barcelona have made an offer for Daniel that Liverpool has rejected.

“Daniel has a contract with Liverpool for the next three years and it would be up to the clubs to agree a fee for his transfer in order for that to change.”

Brendan Rodgers would be incredibly frustrated to lose Agger this summer having lost Jamie Carragher to retirement this summer and Martin Skrtel appears to be close to joining Napoli.

It doesn’t end there either for the Northern Irishman who is battling to keep hold of star striker Luis Suarez who appears determined to leave Anfield this summer to rival Arsenal in a bid to play Champions League football.

Suarez Bans Questions Concerning His Future

Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez has asked for there to be a ban on questions regarding his future at Liverpool while on international duty this week, it has been reported.

According to the Daily Mail, Suarez does not want to have to answer any questions about his desire to quit the Merseyside club while away on international duty.

The striker has joined up for the national side ahead of Uruguay’s friendly against Japan on Wednesday night.

The same article further reveals that Suarez has apparently asked the Uruguayan FA and his international teammates not to question him on the ongoing situation.

Moreover, it is reported that Suarez’s agent is still hoping to talk with Liverpool officials at the end of the week in an attempt to get the striker out of the club.

The Daily Mail also expressed that Arsenal would probably make a third offer for the want away forward this week, though it is believed that it may not match the £50 million that Liverpool is demanding for the player.

Liverpool Set To Recruit Highly Rated Youth Coach

Crewe Alexandra academy coach Neil Critchley is set to become the new Liverpool Under-18 manager after being approached by the Premier League giants.

Critchley has been credited with the development of the likes of Nick Powell, Ashley Westwood and Luke Murphy, who have joined Manchester United, Aston Villa and Leeds United respectively in the last year.

Davis showed the true worth of the club's academy by fielding an entire XI made up of home-grown players for the final game of the 2012/13 season against Walsall, a youth system which was initially developed by director of football Dario Gradi.

And Davis, rather than be disappointed at losing Critchley, is delighted to have a member of his staff recognized by one of the biggest clubs in the world in Liverpool

"It looks like Neil is moving on to Liverpool under 18s, he told me he had been approached," Davis said. "I imagine he is considering a fantastic offer and opportunity to go to Liverpool.

"He will be a great loss to us because he is a great lad, and a great servant to the club. He has done a brilliant job with the young players who have come through. I've a lot of time and respect for Neil and we all wish him well.

"It is not a negative thing, it is a real positive that one of our bright young coaches is considered by Brendan Rodgers.

"You look at our record, what we have produced and what we have sold over the past year, three top players, and that is all down to the standard of the coaches.

"That's why we are the academy we are, we have a lot of fantastic coaches, a lot of ex-players. Neil has been very loyal and been developed himself. That doesn't go unnoticed, if a club is selling players for millions of pounds there is a reason for that. There is obviously some quality people involved in that process and Neil is one of them.

"For him to get noticed by one of the top clubs in the country is of great benefit to us, it shows where the academy is."

During the back end of Critchley's playing career he began taking his FA and UEFA A coaching badges, laying the foundations to be a success at his former club at Gresty Road.

Rodgers gave many youngsters their break through in the Liverpool first-team last season with Raheem Sterling, Andre Wisdom, Jordon Ibe and Suso among the players to benefit from the Northern Irishman's faith in Liverpool's youth system.

Skrtel Hoping For Swift Recovery

Liverpool's Martin Skrtel has confirmed that he has strained knee ligaments but hopes to be back in training this week.

Skrtel has not been released by the Reds to participate in Slovakia's international friendly against Romania on Wednesday because of the injury.

The centre-back explained: "The MRI scan confirmed that I have pulled ligaments in my left knee.

"It is nothing serious but when I want to put full weight on the knee or I kick the ball, it hurts a lot.

"I believe that I will resume training in the next few days."

When asked by the Slovakian media as to why he failed to report for international duty, Skrtel added: "We discussed the possibility of me at least going to watch the lads play.

"I was for this option, but Liverpool was against it. They didn't want me to give two days of possible treatment away like that."

Skrtel has been linked with a potential move away from Anfield but he insists is only focused on his fitness.

"Anything is possible," he explained. "There are alternatives, but the current priority for me is to be healthy again."

There has been a lot written about interest from Napoli but Skrtel denies that for the present, adding: "So far the manager of Napoli, Rafael Benitez, has not called me."

Match Report: Celtic 1 - 0 Liverpool

Despite conceding a huge amount of possession to their English rivals the Hoops, with five serious matches behind them thanks to Champions League qualifiers, succeeded where it mattered most - in front of goal

Amido Balde scored with their first chance of the game and while they spent a long time defending they did it effectively even though Liverpool created enough chances to have won the game themselves.

Brendan Rodgers' side had gone into the game on the back of six friendly victories, conceding just once against Valerenga on Wednesday, but they lacked a cutting edge.

The return of Daniel Sturridge, out with an injured ankle since May, for 45 minutes in the second half, could not have come soon enough with the Premier League season only a week away.

With last season's leading scorer Luis Suarez suspended for six matches even if he remains at the club - Arsenal are still keen despite owner John Henry adamant they will not sell to a rival - and summer signing Iago Aspas still looking lightweight up front there is a real need for someone of Sturridge's ability to provide the spearhead.

Stewart Downing, whose future is again in doubt after interest from West Ham, provided some positive moments but it may have come too late to save his Anfield future.

Philippe Coutinho produced some flashes of brilliance but also failed to threaten goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska, who was kept busy in the first half against a tide of attacking red shirts.

But the most significant impact was made by Balde, who gave young centre-back Andre Wisdom, deputizing for vice-captain Daniel Agger who was left on Merseyside, a tough time for over an hour before he was substituted having done the hard work.

In the 13th minute the Portuguese striker easily turned Wisdom after being put through by Anthony Stokes and drilled in a low shot which caught the underside of Simon Mignolet's body but bounced up and over the line.

Downing almost equalized immediately with a shot which was blocked while Coutinho latched onto Glen Johnson's through-ball only for Zaluska to save.

The goalkeeper was also required to palm Downing's shot around a post after the winger had cut in from the right and he also denied Johnson.

With Liverpool enjoying a vast amount of possession Celtic defended resolutely and sought to hit their opponents on the counter-attack but their only other chance came right at the end of the half, with Stokes' header from Emilio Izaguirre's cross failing to test Mignolet.

Sturridge was sent on for the second half in place of Aspas and within three minutes he did what the Spaniard had failed to do in 45 by producing a threat with an early shot.

Coutinho somehow managed to completely miss Downing's cross and shoot wide having created an opening for himself either side of Sturridge forcing a near-post save from substitute goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

Late on, Sturridge's lob from another inch-perfect Coutinho pass drifted wide of the far post and a fierce strike from the edge of the area rippled the side-netting.

The last thing Liverpool wanted with Stoke to face in next weekend's curtain-raiser was for doubts to creep in about their capabilities up front in the absence of Suarez, but Sturridge may yet provide the antidote if he can persuade Rodgers he is fit enough.

Wenger Intent On Pursuing Suarez

Arsene Wenger maintains Arsenal will continue their "amicable" pursuit of Luis Suarez despite Liverpool's insistence that the striker will not be sold this summer.

Liverpool owner John W Henry claimed recently that his side would not sanction the Uruguay international's move to the Emirates Stadium, regardless of the bid from the north London club.

Wenger, who said on Wednesday that a move for Suarez is on "standby", has reiterated that the club will be honourable in their bid for the 26-year-old but claims a change of heart from Liverpool could allow the deal to be completed.

“There is nothing to add to what I said already about the transfer of Suarez,” Wenger told the club's official website. “If it will be done, it will be done in a respectful and amicable way with Liverpool.

“I didn't read [Liverpool owner John W Henry’s] statements but we'll be faithful to the way we want to behave.

“To make a transfer happen, you need the agreement of three parties - the buyer, the seller and the player.

“We know what we want to do. The player, if I look at the statements [does] as well. Liverpool at the moment do not agree. If they change their minds or not, I don't know. We'll respect that.

“We are looking at possibilities to strengthen our squad. Suarez is one of the targets. If he's not for sale, he's not for sale. We have to accept that.

“Every club has its own way of dealing with things, we have our way and we respect all the other clubs.”