Liverpool FC: Latest Club News and Transfer Rumors

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(Bleacher Report) Liverpool were dealt a harsh blow when they failed to convert 24 shots on goal and a dominating 73 percent possession.

Jamie Carragher was caught off balance and out of position, which resulted in Jonathan Walters receiving a penalty that he converted. It could not have come at a worse time for the Reds, as they were dominating the game and had Stoke City on their back foot.

However, nothing proved that Liverpool were not going to get anything from the match more than when Jordan Henderson took three straight shots that got blocked back in his face. He then laid it off to Charlie Adam who suffered the same fate for two shots.

All Stewart Downing could do was shake his head as the frustration mounted for a team that is clearly lacking the cohesion that Steven Gerrard can provide in the center of midfield.

No matter what the Reds did they just could not get a shot to go right. The day ended in utter frustration as even Luis Suarez could not even convert a rebound from a wide on shot.

Hard luck was the result on Saturday and the Reds will hope for a better weekend when they host Tottenham at home next week.

With several hot stories around the wire the past few days and some continued transfer speculation still swirling about lets get up to date on the Reds.

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Joe Cole Makes a Splash on Loan Debut

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(Bleacher Report) Joe Cole arrived on Merseyside just over a year ago with high hopes, a big contract and tons of belief that he was going to help lead the Reds return to the promised land that they have been so long removed from.

However, that did not happen as Cole continued to fall off the wagon and was left to fill mostly a fringe role last season as the Reds chased fifth place but could not claim it at the death last year.

The new season had a different twist to it as new faces streamed into the Reds Melwood camp, and Joe Cole was allowed to take his leave on loan for the season to France.

Having never been based with a club outside of England a loan move to France made since for Cole much more than one in England. His injuries over time have caused him to lose a step or two and he looked no longer able to cope with the pace and physical nature of the English game.

The French league would allow him to rely more on his skill and finesse and that is exactly what he got to use when he set up Eden Hazard in Lille's most recent game of the weekend as he helped to keep the defending champions in the top four of Ligue 1.

Cole looked totally revitalized during the match, and it looks like both he and Liverpool made the right decision. It is uncertain if he will return to Liverpool at the end of his loan spell, I expect that if he continues the way he has started he will remain in France.
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Looks Like Stewart Downing Has Topped the Fans Charts for Best New Signing

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(Bleacher Report) An official poll on Liverpool FC's website has Stewart Downing as the fans top choice for best new signing so far. The former Aston Villa man has been impressive in his opening four games for the Reds.

His play on the wings has shown just how much the Reds needed a genuine wide attacking in recent seasons as they have seen their play be much more open than the narrow play attacking style seen in the later days of Rafael Benitez.

Downing came over in a hail of controversy as he England international was deemed over priced and over rated, but so far he has proved most of his critics wrong with his play and he is beginning to grow into the offense really well.

Just below Downing in the poll is fellow new comer Jose Enrique. The Spaniard who signed from Newcastle United the day before he made his opening day debut against Sunderland was met with a great reception.

Charlie Adam are distant at only 14 and three percent of the votes. The two have both had flashed of brilliance, but Liverpool need excellence day in a day out in order to keep pushing for a Champion's League place next season.
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Luis Suarez to Real Madrid is a Fools Rumor

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(Bleacher Report) Luis Suarez according to the Guardian a few days ago is the rumored target of a £35 million bid from Real Madrid expected to hit Liverpool FC's bank of the Mersey in January.

The Uruguayan has been a constant bother to any opposition and he is nothing short of tireless when it comes to chasing down every chance he has to be part of the game. His energy and desire are reminiscent of Dirk Kuyt when the Kop first fell in love with his never ending endurance.

Suarez appears one of those that would run himself into the ground for Liverpool FC and his captain Steven Gerrard has him picked as one of the future greats as he told his clubs official site in a sit down discussion of his teammate:

"He's got the appetite for the game to learn and get better.

"Hopefully he will go on here for a long time because he's certainly got a massive part to play at this club in the future - the history is there to be written."

"He's a very enthusiastic footballer and very intelligent. He's like a kid in the street and he can't wait to get out for training and games.

"Alongside Dirk of late, they've been like two Duracell bunnies. They just don't stop and for defenders that must be a nightmare, knowing when you control the ball those two will be chasing.

"It's fantastic to have him and hopefully he can continue his form until the end of the season. If he does, it will give us a much better chance of getting some silverware."

Although it is Energizer bunnies, Ill let the Reds captain off for the moment, Suarez is certainly of that category. He is as frustrated to miss a goal chance in the first minute as he is the ninetieth and it is that kind of attitude that can turn this club around in the right direction.

I can not see the owners allowing their best asset for future growth and success be prized away after only a year. It would be suicide for the owners as it would cripple their fan support as well as cup their goal scoring chances more than in half as Suarez is a good at creating chances as he is taking them.

Luis Suarez looks to be a Red for many years to come and Real Madrid will have to do their striker poaching somewhere else for the time being.
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Liverpool vs. Stoke: How Reds Can Defeat Stoke Thanks to Rory Delap Injury

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(Bleacher Report) Rory Delap has been a thorn in the side of multiple EPL clubs over the past seasons. It is well documented how much Arsene Wenger despises the player's long throw ability.

However, Liverpool have the fortunate advantage of making a trip to the Britannia Stadium this weekend without having to come up against the Potters' not-so-secret weapon.

The signing of Peter Crouch on deadline day is yet another move that looks to highlight the skill set provided by Rory Delap and also Jermaine Pennant.

Pairing up the towering Crouch with Kenwyne Jones, who is also a big physical striker up front, gives Tony Pulis' side a pair of targets that both Delap and Pennant can aim for all game long.

But that strategy will have to be adjusted on Saturday. Without Delap in the picture the Reds will be able to work on shutting down the only over main weapon of supply in Pennant.

Jamie Carragher should be able to advise his fellow defenders well with respect to helping them snuff out Pennant as he and several of the remaining Reds from Rafael Benitez's days remember playing and training alongside the Stoke winger in his Liverpool days.

If Pennant is closed down from the picture by at least 50 percent that takes out a huge amount of chances created by both himself and all of Delap's.

The inability to turn long throws into practically corners or free kicks against the Reds will be a blow to the attacking ideology that has ruled at the Britannia for the last several season.

It is without a doubt that I can say Stoke City are stronger now this season than they have been in the past. They have added some creativity with Wilson Palacios in the midfield and increased their attacking ability with the additions of both Crouch and Cameron Jerome.

Given that Stoke will be formidable none the less, but their system will still need to be retooled, and the new signings might not have developed their on-field relationships with the new teammates just yet.

Liverpool will be looking to exploit this by doing one of two things with their lineup.

One option has them line up in a 4-1-2-3 and using Lucas and the holding link between an all out assault led by Stewart Downing, Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy.

The second option calls to stack the midfield with a 4-5-1 which is the most likely that could see this possible lineup:

Pepe Reina; John Flanagan, Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger, Jose Enrique; Lucas Leiva, Jay Spearing; Dirk Kuyt, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing; Luis Suarez.

Part of me says that both Craig Bellamy and Sebastian Coates will have some part to play before the day is done.

The Reds have one of the best chances of any team to go into the Britannia and take away a victory over a team that is tough as they come at home.

Without one of their main attacking weapons and several new faces most likely to debut this weekend, Stoke City are more vulnerable than they have been so far this season.

Liverpool have the players and the ability to get the job done this weekend, and I see them taking a 2-1 victory in a hard but good match against a physically tough opponent.
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English Premier League: Week 4 Match Previews and Predictions

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(Bleacher Report) After a two-week absence, the EPL returns to action following an exciting opening month of August and an even more exciting close to the transfer window.

Many changes were made through signings and transfers in the last few days of the summer window. The balance of power could very well be shifting in the coming months, especially concerning lower level clubs like Queens Park Rangers.

Some moves were expected and some were last-minute shockers. In the end, all it does is make us look forward to multiple new debuts this weekend with even more anticipation.

For a full review of the August team of the month from Bleacher Report and additional monthly awards you can click here, otherwise let's get rolling on the matches coming up starting on Saturday......Click to View the Match Previews.

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David N'Gog States That His Time at Liverpool Made Him Stronger

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(Bleacher Report) Recent Liverpool turned Bolton Wanderer striker David N'Gog has thrown his former club a thank you saying that his days at the club made him stronger.

The Rafael Benitez signing was a prime candidate to take up the front man spot under his former boss, but he was seen as surplus to Kenny Dalglish and the clubs new owners.

His £4 million move to Bolton signifies what most people already understood, that he needed a change of pace and scenery.

Comments quoted by both Givemefootball.com and Tribalfootball.com have stated the players appreciation for his time on Merseyside and has him claiming Fernando Torres as his inspiration:

"When you are at a club like Liverpool you have to accept it (being behind Torres),'' said Ngog.

"That made me stronger as well because you want to be close to the best and Fernando is one of the best.

"He is one of the best strikers in the world and when he was at Liverpool he was consistent in scoring a lot of goals.

"You learn about a lot from a player like this. It was a good experience and I will try to produce here and show what I am capable of.''

However, while I believe his move to play under Owen Coyle is a great one for all parties included, the part of Torres that Reds fans hope he is talking about it the defense frightening clinical finishing that Torres displayed in the height of his Reds days and not the side that saw him alienate the majority of his adoring fans on Merseyside.

N'Gog provided the Reds with great service in his time scoring 19 goals in 94 appearances, but he number of simply chances that he missed during his time could easily have tripled his goal haul.

Given what his new manager Coyle has done for both Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge on loan should give N'Gog huge hopes for the amount of development he can achieve at the Reebok.
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Stewart Downing Claims Reds Have Huge Chance at Finishing in Top Four

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(Bleacher Report) Liverpool new boy Stewart Downing has been quoted recently by the Daily Mirror as having tipped his new club for a strong top four push as the Reds aim to return to UEFA Champions League football next season.

The £20 million wide man has so far enjoyed a great start with the club as they sit in third place on seven points after the first month of action in the Barclays Premier League.

His comments as follows show his faith in his new club and the way his manager has them performing:

“If we keep playing the way we are at Liverpool, we’ve got a hell of a chance of being in the top bracket. We have started the season very well but we’ve got a tough run of games coming up, starting with a trip to Stoke this Saturday."

“It’s also been a good start for me with club and country. It was nice to play against Wales and the main thing is we’ve got another win under our belts.”

With a great run of form currently keeping his spirits high, he will be important to the Reds if they hope to take a victory home from the Britannia Stadium against Stoke City this Saturday.

Stoke have recently spent big on Peter Crouch and will be hoping to use their now infamous over the top attack thanks to Rory Delap and Jermaine Pennant feeding the ball into their large target men in both Crouch and Kenwyne Jones.

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Danish and Ajax Sensation Christian Eriksen Could See Red in His Future

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(Bleacher Report) Christian Eriksen has been a reported Liverpool target since early in in the summer window. The 19 year old Denmark international has been quoted by Givemefootball.com has not likely to leave Ajax Amsterdam for another several seasons.

"With my style of play, there is no doubt that Spain would be ideal for me."

"But I'm still not transferring. My priority is to play football and at Ajax I play in the championship and I will play in the Champions League.

"It may take two or three years before I move to Spain. I'm in no hurry to go until I'm ready to go."

However, despite being aware of interest from Liverpool and also Manchester City the player seems more likely to head for Spain from his comments.

Over the next several seasons if he continues to progress as he has since joining Ajax in 2009, where he has made 70 appearances scoring 10 goals, he is likely to attract heavy interest and large transfer fees for his services.

With that in perspective it means his move away from the Dutch capital is only a matter of time and his destination is totally up in the air.
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Liverpool in Hunt for Another Lucas

(Bleacher Report) The Reds are believed to be in a negotiating battle with Inter Milan over the prospect of acquiring the services of Sao Paulo Football Club's 19 year old midfielder Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva.

Talksport has issued reports that their is discussion over a £15 million fee on the table from either Liverpool, Inter Milan or even Tottenham.

Lucas, as he is known, has already broken into the first team for the club and could be a hard player to pry free as he looks to be a integral part of the clubs plans for the future.

So far he has already totaled 44 games and scored 11 goals for the Brazilian club and is expected to do more during the season.

All three of the clubs mentioned have the possible cash for the bid if it is agreed for any of them. However, Inter Milan look the most poised for the move though.

Liverpool already spent large on their midfield this summer and Tottenham look to have the funds from their sales on the last day, but I do not believe the current position will help them sell the club to a prospect that will certainly have his eyes on European competition.

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The Craig Bellamy Files: Liverpool Star's Most Famous and Infamous Moments

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(Bleacher Report) While Craig Bellamy has always been one to do the talking on the pitch with both his play and his mouth, at times, he will be hoping to leave behind the troubles that he had once before while at Liverpool.

He joined the club on the back of controversy, and left the club after only a season believed to be due to a separate interclub controversy.

Bellamy had some great moments his first go around with the club as well, with a fantastic UEFA Champions League goal and a total of eight other strikes for the club in 42 appearances.

The real question is if this time it will be all football and no controversy for the Welshman that has shown true skill year after year for whatever club he has represented.

In hopes that his continued travels on the road of right continue, here is a slideshow of some of Craig Bellamy's best and worst moments from his 2006-07 Liverpool career and his newly started 2011-13 return leg at Anfield......Click to Start Slideshow.

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Liverpool FC: Picking a First-Choice XI to Include Craig Bellamy

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(Bleacher Report) The return of Craig Bellamy to Liverpool once again has the selection issue for Kenny Dalglish continuing to grow ever more complex.

However, the Reds needed another player that could be used in both an attacking or wide role with only Stewart Downing and their single designated out and out winger.

Bellamy has played in a number of roles over the years, and with his skill and experience he will make a great addition for the club.

During his first time with the club Bellamy was deployed mainly as an attacking forward by Rafael Benitez but could be seen in multiple positions under Dalglish. The Scottish manager is sure to move the Welshman around in the lineup depending on his strategy from game to game.

All that having been said, here are five different lineups that could see Bellamy in the first-team XI......Click to Start Slideshow.

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Liverpool FC: 5 Bold Player Predictions for the Month of September

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(Bleacher Report) The Reds have enjoyed one of the best opening months to a season in years. Liverpool sit joint third in the league with seven points and a plus four goal differential keeping them above Chelsea.

Luis Suarez, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Martin Skrtel have all gotten off the mark in the League while Suarez, Maxi Rodriguez and Andy Carroll all scored as the Reds advanced to the next round of the Carling Cup.

With the transfer window complete and Craig Bellamy and Sebastian Coates the latest newcomers to the club, it continues to be a bright future with the Merseysider's ready to continue their fine form in the coming matches of September and beyond.

The lack of European football could start to have a positive effect his month as all the other top six clubs are set to open their UEFA campaigns.

It looks to be a great second month of the season for the Reds and here is a list of five bold predictions of what we could see our Reds achieve in September......Click to View Slideshow.

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English Premier League Club-by-Club Guide to Transfer Deadline Day Deals

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(Bleacher Report) The summer transfer window is officially over. This year proved to have one of the most exciting "finally days" in a long time as all the teams in the English Premier League were in the midst of chasing the sunset on new additions.

Some teams added major value to their club as they attempt to make up for injuries and horrid form to start the season. One club had a reunion with an old flame, while others hope to have found lasting new relationships.

Without a doubt the signings from the final day of the window are set to have great affect on the clubs that they have joined, and the balance of power in the middle of the table will be fluctuating quite a bit as some of the key signings could bring teams over their hump and start helping to get results.

As the month and window come to a close, let's take a look at all 20 of the English Premier League teams and break down their deadline day deals and transfers for the last transfer window of 2011......Click to View Slideshow.

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Jole Cole: 5 Reasons Liverpool Should Have Blocked His Move to Lille

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(Bleacher Report) Joe Cole is officially a Lille player for their already underway Ligue 1 Orange campaign in France.

The defending French champions will hope that Cole can bring back some magic from his younger days at Chelsea and West Ham before injuries caused his form and overall ability to suffer.

His time at Liverpool has been a mixed bag of form from a player past his prime in the physically toughest league in Europe as far as pace and overall demand go.

A loan to a league, such as the one in France, could benefit the player and give him perhaps the time he needs to improve his form and regain his confidence......Click to View Slideshow.

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EPL Transfer Deadline Day Deals: The One Deal Each Team Has to Make on Final Day

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(Bleacher Report) With less than 24 hours remaining, each club in the Barclay's Premier League will be looking to complete their final deals and set their team up as best as possible for the next four months before the January transfer window is open.

Arsenal have been scrambling all day to make sure that Arsene Wenger brings in at least enough to get the club to January in the top six.

The teams expecting to be in the relegation fight are also looking for their last chance to add depth before they see just how grueling the EPL season can be.

There is not a lot of time left for all of our clubs, and with a look at what the next day could hold here is a list of the deals that each team needs to complete on deadline day......Click to View Slideshow.

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Liverpool to Continue Spending on Final Day for Spur's Kranjcar and Corluka

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(Bleacher Report) This morning Caughtoffside has reported that Liverpool are still in spending mode as they have been in contact with Tottenham Hotspur about both Niko Kranjcar and Vedran Corluka.

Both could be set for Anfield with a total combined fee of £15 million int he works. Liverpool's Damien Comolli was in part responsible for the additions of both players to Tottenham when he worked for the club previously before ever coming to Merseyside.

The two players are part of Spurs Croatian contingent that includes current Chelsea target Luka Modric. Corluka is a versatile player that Spurs have used all over the pitch, while Kranjcar has been displaced at times due to the presence of Modric and has never really shown his full potential at the London club.

Since joining the London club in 2008 Corluka has made 91 total appearances for the club scoring only one goal. Kranjcar joined in 2009 and has made 42 league appearances scoring 12 goals.

Liverpool were linked with Kranjcar several times during and after January's transfer window, but it is surprising to see his possible transfer come up again after the additions of Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson to the core of the Reds midfield.

Both players could make a contribution to the Reds campaign, but they would most likely be fringe players at best with Steven Gerrard set to return in September and the midfield already overstocked.

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Liverpool Deadline Day Transfer Rumours: Juan Manuel Vargas Could Be Last One In

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(Bleacher Report) Liverpool have reportedly been inquiring about the availability of Juan Manuel Vargas from Fiorentina. The Reds have had previous dealings with the Florence-based Serie A club, as Fiorentino looked to sign Alberto Aquilani on loan earlier in the summer window.

The deal for Aquilani grew cold as the Viola could not match the demands of Liverpool, and the move was called off, with Aquilani heading to AC Milan instead.

Now it would appear that Liverpool could be asking Fiorentina to offer better terms this time if it is true the Reds could make the signing of Vargas their last at the death of the transfer window.

A Peruvian international, Vargas has been with the Italian club since 2008, when he joined on a €12 million fee from Catania after failing to make the grade there.

He has made 80 league appearances for the Viola, scoring 12 goals in the Serie A since making the move. His versatility to play up and down the left side from left back to left wing could be one of the main reasons that he is being scouted by the Reds.
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Liverpool FC Transfer Rumours: Yossi Benayoun Will Not Be Returning to Anfield

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(Bleacher Report) Chelsea tried to complete a last minute player plus cash deal that would see Raul Meireles go to Stamford Bridge and see the Reds former sprightly attacking midfielder Yossi Benayoun come back to his Merseyside roots along with a £7 million purse.

However, Kenny Dalglish and Damien Camolli have seen off Andre Villa-Boas and his attempt to reclaim his former charge Meireles whom he sold to Liverpool at the beginning of last season while still managing FC Porto.

Meireles has emerged as a standout player for the Reds and is currently out with a collarbone issue. His substitute performance alongside Luis Suarez in the Arsenal game two weekends ago proved how valuable he can be to the club.

He also has proved that he can provide a spark when the club needs it most as he was the player who peaked just as Kenny Dalglish came back to the helm in January. The Portuguese player went on a run that saw him score five goals in six games including the single goal that lifted the Reds to a league double over Chelsea on the day of Fernando Torres' debut as a Blue.

There was simply no way that the Liverpool powers to be were letting go of one of their best assets.

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Liverpool Deadline Day Transfers: David N'Gog to Wrap Up Bolton Move

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(Bleacher Report) Bolton Wanderers have been chasing the signature of Liverpool's 22-year old French attacker David N'Gog for the last few months, and it looks like he is finally set to make the move in the next 24 hours.

As the deal has been left late, the Trotters are racing to get it done in time just as Liverpool is.

He is expected to command a fee of £4 million from the Reebok based team and Owen Coyle will be getting a great prospect with much room to grow. It was unfortunate for him that the Reds just did not have the room for him as he did not fit the talent level that is looking to be required to lay at Liverpool.

His sale could see a possible Reds move for an additional striker with only Dirk Kuyt the available attacking option up front off the bench.

Bolton's manager Owen Coyle is desperate to see additional players up front with only Ivan Klasnic and his Captain Kevin Davies left to truly call on.

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