Liverpool Prepare £7m Bid For Celtic Midfielder

Liverpool are the latest club to be linked with a move for Celtic midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung who is said to be attracting interest from a number of European clubs this summer.

The Sun believes that Liverpool will make an offer of £7million as they hope to steal a march on the likes of Queens Park Rangers and Deportivo La Coruna who are both believed to be interested.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to add some new faces to the squad before they depart on their tour of North America and has recently revealed that he is hoping for at least two new signings.

There is a feeling that Rodgers wants to implement the same style of passing football that he employed at Swansea and is determined to bring in players that can fulfil his philosophy.

Ki, 23, has been with Celtic since 2009 and has made a regular starter in the last two seasons after making the move from FC Seoul for just £2.1million.

Last season he scored six goals in 30 league appearances as Celtic won the title, while he has vast experience for South Korea where he already has 45 caps to his name, despite his relative young age.

Liverpool will certainly face competition for the midfielder, as QPR owner Tony Fernandes recently admitted that he was a player that the club were closely monitoring.

“Ki is a very good player and we are very aware of him," he told The Sun. “He is a player we will be watching and also monitoring closely.”

Liverpool Have Contacted Dortmund Over Blaszczykowski's Availability

Liverpool has contacted Borussia Dortmund over the availability of Jakub Blaszczykowski, the midfielder's representative has confirmed.

The 26-year-old, who featured for Poland at Euro 2012 last month, netted six times during Dortmund's title-winning Bundesliga campaign last season.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admitted on Monday that the club were close to completing a signing and hinted that a deal for a "real exciting" unnamed player could be announced later this week, with Joe Allen, Fabio Borini and Daniel Sturridge all targets.

Jerzy Brzeczek, the uncle and representative of Blaszczykowski, confirmed that the Reds are among the sides interested in the midfielder along with Inter, Lazio and two Russian clubs.

"Jakub has a contract with Borussia and is happy at the club, so he will not make any rash decisions. All important discussions regarding his future we conduct with Borussia," a statement read on Kubablaszczykowski.pl.

Blaszczykowski's current contract with Dortmund runs until the summer of 2013, and he is believed to be keen to extend his stay at the Bundesliga champions.

However, the winger is adamant that he has not made a decision about his future just yet.

He revealed: "It's not true that I have already signed a contract. My current deal with Dortmund still runs [for another season] and I'm focusing on BVB. There's no reason to talk about a contract at this point.”

Borini Considering Reds Move

Roma striker Fabio Borini is 'seriously considering' the opportunity to join Liverpool this summer, according to his agent.

The Serie A club's sporting director Walter Sabatini confirmed earlier on Tuesday that the Anfield outfit had expressed an interest in signing the 21-year-old.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers knows Borini well, having worked with him during their time together at Chelsea and again during a loan spell with Swansea.

Borini netted nine goals in 24 appearances in the league for Roma last season and earned a place in Italy's Euro 2012 squad, although he did not feature during their run to the final.

Agent Marco De Marchi plans to hold further discussions with his client in the coming days as they evaluate the possibility of a switch to the Premier League.

De Marchi told Radio Radio: "Roma has informed us of Liverpool's interest in the boy. Now it's up to Fabio to have his say."

And he added on IlSussidiario.net: "We were alerted by Roma of the existence of this deal. I cannot honestly tell you the details but, as Sabatini has already said, we're now seriously considering it.

"Would the player want to go to Liverpool? Honestly, I don't want to commit myself as there will be more news in the coming days. Wait for that."

Liverpool Linked With Burak Yilmaz

The Burak Yilmaz transfer saga took a further twist today when a Lokomotiv Moscow official told Turkish media agency, Cihan, that the club would not make an official statement regarding the speculated transfer.

The Lokomotiv Moscow press office, were quoted by Cihan as saying, "We will not comment on these rumours, the club has made no official statement.

"There will be no development till after the team return from training in Slovenia."

Trabzonspor in stark contrast have not only confirmed an offer from the Russian Premier League outfit but also released a statement to the, Public Disclosure Forum (KAP) regarding ongoing negotiations between Yilmaz and Lokomotiv.

The uncertainty has opened doors once again to clubs who had been previously expressed interest in the Turkish international striker.

Liverpool are reported to be monitoring the situation closely.

The Reds pursuit of a proven goalscorer this summer reached new impetus following the latest reports that Andy Carroll could be on his way out.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was quoted in The Telegraph, as saying, “Time will tell for him and all the players whether they are in my plans, but my job is to assess that.

“Like every player, there are certain styles and systems they will be playing in which will allow them to flourish.”

The Premiership club only scored 47 times in the Premier League last season, the lowest scoring team in the top-eight. €41 million signing, Andy Caroll only scored four goals in the league campaign.

Yilmaz has been in prolific form for Trabzonspor over the past two seasons. He guided the Black Sea club to pole position in the 2010-11 season scoring 19 times, only to lose out on winning the championship to Fenerbahce on goal difference.

The 26-year-old Turkish international netted 35 times in 41 games last season and his modest €5 million release clause has attracted the attention of major clubs across Europe.

Yilmaz broke the clubs all time scoring record in the league last season, scoring 51% of Trabzonspor's 65 goals.

In an interview on TRT's football program, Stadyum earlier this year, Yilmaz stated, "If I was to move abroad I would want it to be to a big club, I would consider moving to England."

Hammers Keen On Carroll

Sky Sports sources understand that West Ham United are interested in signing striker Andy Carroll on loan from Liverpool.

Brendan Rodgers earlier this week refused to rule out the possibility of Carroll leaving Anfield on a temporary deal, following speculation linking him with a move to AC Milan.

Rodgers insisted that he had yet to hear from the Italian club, but it is now understood that the Hammers have identified Carroll as a transfer target.

Sam Allardyce is keen to bolster his squad ahead of the new Premier League season and could now be set to hold talks with the Reds about Carroll.

The 23-year-old centre-forward has struggled to make an impact on Merseyside since securing a £35million switch from Newcastle 18 months ago.

He began to find some form towards the end of last season and his performances were rewarded with a call-up to the England squad for Euro 2012, where he scored the opening goal against Sweden with a powerful header.

Rodgers has made it clear that he regards Carroll as a fine player, but the Northern Irishman is keen to get Liverpool playing in a certain style after replacing Kenny Dalglish at the helm earlier this summer.

Aquilani Staying With Reds

Alberto Aquilani's agent insists that the midfielder will be part of the Liverpool first-team squad for next season.

The 28-year-old Italian midfielder signed for the Reds from his hometown club Roma before the 2009-10 season, but struggled with injury and form in his first season at the club.

Aquilani, who has a contract at Liverpool until 2014, spent the previous two seasons at Juventus and then AC Milan, but failed to secure a permanent move to either club.

Speaking to calciomercato.com, the player's agent Franco Zavaglia said: "He'll play for Liverpool.

"There is little to say about leaving AC Milan, the season is over and he'll put that behind him.

"Alberto is back in England and is still a Liverpool player. He will play there next season."

Agent - Skrtel Staying Put

Martin Skrtel's agent admits it would be 'almost impossible' for Napoli to persuade Liverpool to part with his client.

The Reds centre-half has been strongly linked with a move to Italy this summer, with changes expected at Anfield in the wake of Brendan Rodgers' arrival as boss.

Rodgers has, however, been impressed by Skrtel's attitude since inheriting the managerial reins from Kenny Dalglish and is looking forward to working with the Slovakia international.

Skrtel still has two years left to run on his Liverpool contract and has already announced this summer that he intends to remain on Merseyside.

That has done little to curb the speculation, with Manchester City also said to be keen on doing a deal, but the 27-year-old's representative does not envisage a transfer being put in place.

"It is difficult, almost impossible, for Napoli to take Skrtel," Karol Csonto told Radio Crc.

"He has another two years on his contract with Liverpool.

"Martin is a top player and it is obvious that many clubs are looking at him, but for now Skrtel remains a Liverpool player."

Shelvey Signs New Reds Deal

Jonjo Shelvey has signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool and is now looking to earn a regular role under Brendan Rodgers.

The 20-year-old linked up with the Reds in 2010 after bursting onto the Football League scene at Charlton Athletic.

He has been eased into the first-team set-up at Anfield, with a loan spell at Blackpool last season allowing him to get important minutes under his belt at a competitive level.

His time with the Seasiders, and a productive end to the season on Merseyside, has convinced new boss Rodgers that Shelvey has an important part to play in Liverpool's future.

The promising midfielder is delighted to have agreed fresh terms and admits his target now is to become a mainstay in the Reds' starting XI.

He told the club's official website: "I am really happy. Last season I was itching to try and push for a new contract. Now it's happened and I am ready to kick on again now.

"It's lovely to know I am in the plans for the future. At the moment, it's just about getting things right each day and proving myself to the gaffer here. The gaffer and his way of playing will suit me down to the ground and hopefully I can be in his plans."

He added: "I think going away to Blackpool helped me a lot. It gave me some experience, I scored some goals and I came back a better player. Kenny (Dalglish) gave me a chance towards the latter stages of the season and I thought I showed what I can do.

"Tactically I have become a lot better and technically too. When you're working with people like Steven Gerrard, you're learning things day in, day out and it's an honour."

While delighted with the progress he has made so far, Shelvey admits he still has plenty of room for improvement and a number of goals to aim at.

He said: "There are still things in my game I want to work on and I'm going to keep doing that. On the physical side of my game, I'm going to be in the gym every day - and I've got to speak to the gaffer to see what else I can work on.

"I want to get into the first team and be in the starting XI on a permanent basis. That's going to be hard, but it's something I've got to work towards."

Rodgers On Suarez Contract Talks

Brendan Rodgers is hopeful Luis Suarez will sign a new contract at Liverpool as he revealed that talks had taken place.

The boss has also had dialogue with Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel and has stressed their importance to Liverpool over the coming seasons.

On Suarez, Rodgers said: "I have had a good conversation with Luis over the phone.

"From the outset, he has seemed a really good guy. He loves the city and the passion.

"We have exchanged lots of texts. He sent me a text on the first morning, wishing me good luck.

"He has really bought into what we are trying to do.

"He was really excited about how we played at Swansea last year. He is really keen and looking forward to playing in a similar sort of model.

"There has been good dialogue (on a contract). I would hope going forward that we can close that out."

While Suarez top scored for Liverpool with 17 strikes last season, Skrtel was voted our Player of the Season.

Agger's form was also impressive as the Reds recorded the third best defensive record in the Barclays Premier League, and Rodgers is keen to secure the futures of both centre-backs.

Rodgers Rules Out Liverpool Going On A Summer Spending Spree

Brendan Rodgers has indicated Liverpool will not be greatly strengthening their squad this summer due to the club not having a "wheelbarrow load" of money. The new manager, however, claimed that there may be a new signing by the end of this week.

Rodgers, who lost Gylfi Sigurdsson to Tottenham despite managing the Icelander at his previous club, Swansea, said: "We don't have a wheelbarrow load of money, there is not the money flying about people think there is. There certainly won't be as many [signings] as is being labelled out there. There have been a whole raft of players being linked and only a few are real targets for us.

"The reality is we have only made three or four inquiries about players and hopefully can close out one deal this week which will be a real exciting one for the club, one the supporters will absolutely love. We want to work with the great players we have here and make three or four tweaks in relation to the squad that can help the group. We want to be competitive in every game and challenging at the top end."

Sigurdsson opted for Spurs after failing to agree a deal with Liverpool. Rodgers would not offer him better terms at Anfield than those the midfielder agreed when he initially accepted a move to Swansea before the Northern Irishman departed for Merseyside.

"I don't just want to identify a player and then let them come in at whatever cost," Rodgers added. "One of the things which distorts the reality of football is money. I don't see the sense of a player coming in if we have to pay over the odds for him. There are many good players out there but not many who have the courage and bravery to play the way we want to.

"This is a club which is a way of life, it is not just a club where you turn up for two hours training and then go away. You have to be prepared to come into the culture and philosophy of the club and if you don't then it's not a problem, but this is not the right fit for you. I want players that are hungry to succeed and want to match the ambitions of how we want to move forward, and the reality of that is there are very few players who can match that."

Liverpool Make Second Enquiry About Fulham Midfielder

Liverpool is believed to have approached Fulham about the possibility of signing goal-scoring midfielder Clint Dempsey before the start of the new season.

Dempsey was the top scoring midfielder in the Premier League last season as he scored 23 goals in total and it seems he has suitably impressed new Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.

The Daily Mirror yesterday reported that Rodgers had made a second enquiry about the availability of the 29-year-old who has just one year remaining on his current deal.

Fulham will certainly want to try and convince Dempsey to sign a new contract but should he indicate that he is ready to move on then they may prefer to sell this summer, rather than risk losing him on a free.

The paper suggests that Fulham will be asking for as much as £10million, but they believe that Liverpool will try to land the United States international for around £6m.

Liverpool missed out on signing one goal-scoring midfielder in Gylfi Sigurdsson, who chose to join Tottenham, and will be hoping that they do not once again miss out to a fellow Premier League side.

Liverpool Alerted As Elia's Move To Werder Bremen Delayed

Eljero Elia's proposed transfer from Juventus to Werder Bremen has been put on hold as the Netherlands international has yet to reach an agreement with the Serie A champions over the termination of his current contract.

Liverpool were thought to interested in the former Hamburg man and may again look to make a move if Elia's proposed switch to the Weserstadion falls through.

The winger passed a medical at the Bundesliga side on Sunday and was expected to sign a four-year deal on Monday. However, the move has now been delayed following the dispute between Elia and Juve.

"The contract between Juventus and Elia has yet to be terminated. That's why he has not signed with us yet," Bremen director Klaus Allofs commented to Bild.

"It's about a few material things. There's nothing we can do about it to solve this. I don't know whether this is insurmountable."

The 25-year-old arrived at Werder Bremen's training camp in Norderney earlier on Monday, but won't be allowed to train until his Juve deal has been settled.

Milan Yet To Make Carroll Move

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers claims reports linking Andy Carroll with AC Milan are wide of the mark, with the Italian outfit having made no contact.

It has been claimed that the Serie A giants are keen to strike a loan deal for the England international after being impressed by his displays at Euro 2012.

Carroll has not enjoyed the best of times at Anfield since completing a £35million move from Newcastle United, but his performances towards the end of last season suggest he is close to recapturing his best form.

Rodgers considers the 23-year-old to be an important part of his plans heading forward and appreciates that transfer gossip will follow good players around.

He told Sky Sports News HD: "He's a good player, Andy. He will always be linked whether he was here or not.

"I have spoken to Andy on his holidays and he knows exactly where he stands. He's a very good young player and he will be linked with clubs like that because he's such a good player."

Asked if Milan had made an approach, Rodgers added: "I haven't heard anything from them at all."

Barcelona Starlet Tello Ends Liverpool Link

Barcelona youngster Cristian Tello has insisted his long-term future remains at Camp Nou, despite rumours linking him with a move away this summer.

Tello, 20, enjoyed a fine debut season for Barcelona, scoring seven times in 22 appearances and earning himself a place in Spain's Olympic squad for this summer's tournament.

The young forward had been linked with a £7 million move to Liverpool earlier in the summer, but has categorically stated that he intends to stay with the Blaugrana this summer.

"I still have a deal with Barca and I intend to spend many more years at this club," Tello said. "I am convinced that this is the right place for me and that I wouldn't be happy at another club."

Liverpool Fail In Real Madrid Bid

Liverpool are thought to have had a bid for Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero rejected, if reports in the The Daily Mail are to be believed.

Brendan Rodgers is looking to stamp his mark on his inherited Reds squad, and is eager to bring new players to Anfield this summer.

Granero is the latest homegrown player to emerge from the Real Madrid Castilla, and has been part of the Santiago Bernabeu first team for a number of years now.

Despite this, Jose Mourinho only selected the Spaniard sparingly in 2011-12, as the likes of Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso got the nod instead in the centre of the park for the Spanish champions.

That said, Madrid is keen to keep their youth product for the time being, and have rebuffed an approach from the Merseyside club.

Arsenal has also been linked with attempts to sign Granero in the past, but for the time being the playmaker’s future appears to be in the Spanish capital.

Rodgers To Test Aquilani's Toughness

Alberto Aquilani may yet have a future at Liverpool, if he can prove to Brendan Rodgers he has the necessary strength of character to succeed in the Premier League.

Rodgers is attempting to mould his squad for the new season, and he expects to announce his first signing by the end of this week. However, there is just as much intrigue in those exiting Anfield as there are those arriving.

Aquilani failed to impress during his first spell on Merseyside, struggling with both form and injury. A loan spell in Italy last season served a reminder of his qualities, but it appears Rodgers wants the midfielder to prove he can stand up to the 38-game Premier League campaign.

"I had a good chat with Alberto the other day, he's a good guy. It obviously hasn't worked out for him here yet but he's a player with the qualities, in terms of technical and tactical ability, to play," Rodgers said during Monday's press conference.

"What's going to be important is that the players have the steel and the mindset to play - that's something I'll find out from all the players during pre-season."

Rodgers also confirmed that talks with Craig Bellamy are heading in the right direction. The veteran forward was a key man for Liverpool last season and, despite niggling injury problems, the Liverpool boss wants him to stay.

"I had a good meeting with Craig last Monday. I've known Craig for a while and we had a good opening conversation. He's 33 this week, so he's pushing on a bit, but he looks after himself well.

"I'll speak with him over the summer and we'll go from there."

Olympic Call For Suarez

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been included in Uruguay's 2012 Olympic squad, along with club colleague Sebastian Coates.

A strong 18-man line-up also includes Napoli's in-demand forward Edinson Cavani, who continues to be linked with big-money moves to Europe's top clubs.

Suarez, Cavani and Arevalo Rios have been selected as over-age players.

Suarez's involvement at the London Games means he will miss part of Liverpool's pre-season preparations.

The Reds will, however, believe that his involvement in competitive football can only be beneficial to their 2012/13 plans.

Reigning Copa America champions Uruguay are considered to be among the favourites to claim a gold medal this summer.

They have been placed in Group A for the 2012 football tournament and will face the United Arab Emirates, Senegal and hosts Team GB.

Liverpool Reveal New Mascot

Liverpool will be hoping their new mascot 'Mighty Red' can give them a boost on the commercial front, but he won't be turning up to any matches just yet.

The club's American owners are trying to increase commercial revenue and see the new mascot as a good way to appeal to the younger Liverpool fans.

The reception the big red bird received from kids when he made his debut at a children's party on Sunday appeared to suggest Mighty Red is set to become a hit at Liverpool.

However, it seems it was a good decision not to allow him onto the touchline at Anfield just yet as he didn't go down too well with the older supporters, with some reacting negatively to the new member of Liverpool FC.

One fan told the Daily Mail: 'It looks ridiculous. We'll be a laughing stock if this thing appears on the touchline. It's just more Americanisation of the club.

'While it's fine for the kids - it will be good at children's parties - and is marginally better than the utterly dreadful Olympics mascots, just keep it away from Anfield.'

Although the fan did concede the new mascot was a hit with the kids.

The supporter added: 'I was there for the launch of Mighty Red and he went down brilliantly with the kids, who are the intended targets for this mascot.

'They ran like mad to get their goodie bags off him, they danced around him and queued up to have their pictures taken. They loved him!'

The mascot is based on the symbol that appears on the club's badge.

Rodgers Invited To Watch Spain Train

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has been invited to watch Spain train and discuss coaching methods with Vicente del Bosque, according to the Daily Mirror.

The 39-year-old, who was brought in at Anfield to replace Kenny Dalglish last month, was due to watch Spain's training camp before Euro 2012 in May but had to pull out because of his move to Liverpool.

But the offer of watching the European champions has been extended as Rodgers attempts to implement his methods at Liverpool ahead of the new season.

“It is obviously a ­difficult time to find a date at the moment, but Brendan has an open invitation to meet Del Bosque and watch Spain train," a source told the Mirror.

“I’m sure he will take up the offer at some point ­because Brendan loves to talk to people about the game, particularly very successful people.”

Cole Wants To Make Reds Impact

Joe Cole is determined to prove he can be a success at Liverpool and is delighted to be back with the Premier League club.

The midfielder joined Liverpool on a free transfer in 2010 from Chelsea, but he made just nine Premier League starts in his debut season before spending last term on loan in France with Lille.

With Brendan Rodgers having replaced Kenny Dalglish as manager, the 30-year-old has been given a second chance to make an impact at Anfield and it is an opportunity Cole is eager to grasp.

"I don't want to leave Liverpool one day having not been a success here or having left something here," Cole told the club's official website.

"I want to make an imprint at the club. I've been a success at West Ham, Chelsea and Lille - I don't want people to be able to say that I haven't here.

"I'd like to be given the opportunity to play, learn and improve, and join this great team. It's a great group and I would like to be involved in this team and really push on."

After failing to perform to his best under previous Reds bosses Roy Hodgson and Dalglish, the England international is looking forward to a fresh start under Rodgers.

He added: "It's a clean slate for everyone, so I'm delighted to be back.

"You have to remember, I've only been at Liverpool one season, really, but this is the third manager I've played for.

"It does feel different this time - it feels like it's ready to go.

"I came here for one reason - because I wanted to be a part of the resurgence of this club. It excited me coming here because I knew what a big club it was with a rich history and I wanted to be part of something. I still do.

"The fire still burns in me to be a part of it - I want to be part of this club moving in the right direction."