All the news and gossip relating to Liverpool FC in the past 24 hours.
Clint Dempsey will possibly become the subject of more interest from Brendan Rodgers as he has been omitted from Fulham’s opening game of the season after being reportedly ‘in the wrong frame of mind’ – and subsequently fined. The American was one of the league’s top scorers last season and is desperate for a move to Anfield. However Brendan Rodgers has admitted the transfer kitty at Anfield is not large and any potential move for Dempsey may rely on players leaving Anfield first, report The Independent. Fulham manager Martin Jol admitted Liverpool’s interest, but said that Dempsey ‘wants to join a Champions League club’ which would rule Liverpool out and Arsenal in.
Liverpool have got one man though today with the signing of Moroccan winger Oussama Assaidi from Heerenveen for £2.4million. The fast and tricky player can also operate through the middle and becomes Brendan Rodgers 3rd summer signing after Joe Allen and Fabio Borini.
ESPN report that Liverpool’s summer long pursuit of Uruguayan starlet Gaston Ramirez is coming to an end as the Bologna attacking midfielder now seems set for a shock move to Southampton. In a deal believed to be worth £11.8million The Saints appear to have stolen a march on Liverpool as well as Inter Milan and Spurs for his coveted signature by immediately meeting the Italian side’s valuation, although it is yet to go through.
Steven Gerrard has insisted he is not yet ready to drop into a deeper midfield role at the age of 32. He still feels going forward is his biggest asset and that this season will outshine the disappointment of last term where he spent large portions of the season injured. Off the back of an impressive Euro 2012, Stevie G is hoping to fire Liverpool to at least a top 4 finish this season.
Daniel Agger has not asked to leave Liverpool according to The Metro. Despite interest from Barcelona and Manchester City Brendan Rodgers has insisted the Danish centre half is more than happy to remain at Anfield for the foreseeable future. Some reports have indicated a move to Barcelona may be difficult to refuse for the bullish defender, but it is understood a move to Man City is absolutely out of the question as Liverpool do not intend strengthening a rival at their own expense.
The same story also picks up on the potential loan signings of Real Madrid’s Nuri Sahin and Barcelona’s Cristian Tello, with decisions from the pair expected at the weekend.
Despite the insistence from Rodgers that Agger will remain at Anfield, The Daily Mail reports he is gearing up to replace the Dane with either Steven Caulker or Michael Dawson of Spurs. Neither are expected to start the season as first choice centre backs with Andre Villas-Boas more keen on the pairing of Younes Kaboul and Jan Vertonghen and if Agger does depart, Rodgers would see either player as a perfect replacement. Caulker played on loan at Swansea under Rodgers last season.
What are your thoughts on everything and anything happening at Liverpool FC on the 17th August 2012?
image: © NathanF
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