Liverpool news LIVE: No Klopp ‘Christmas presents, one in two out as deal nears

Mohamed Salah, Jurgen Klopp Liverpool TEAMtalk

Keep up to date with all the latest news, transfer gossip, reaction and pundit views about Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side with our blog…

 

4.30pm: KLOPP NOT IN A GIVING MOOD

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists he will not be handing out Premier League appearances “like Christmas presents” despite the title having been secured.

In their last two matches Harvey Elliott, Neco Williams and Curtis Jones have all been included in the matchday squad. Elliott and Williams (twice) have come off the bench, but the Reds boss said it was not a charitable decision.

“I don’t think these kind of questions will be asked to Frank Lampard and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer,” said Klopp. That was regarding the subject of the youngsters’ playing time.

“‘We are champions now and we should now bring the young boys in, give them a chance, let’s have a look’.

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1.30pm: TWO OUT, ONE IN AS THIAGO DEAL NEARS?

Wijnaldum.Mane_.Liverpool.TEAMtalk

Liverpool are reportedly close to signing Thiago Alcantara but his arrival at Anfield could reportedly mean exits for two top stars.

Jurgen Klopp has constantly rotated his midfield this season – the one area of his team he has chosen to do so.

Despite that fact, he went with his top trio of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Gini Wijnaldum for the drubbing at Man City.

That result appears to have alerted the Reds boss of the need to bring in more ball-playing, creative midfielder. But it could also mean the end of the line for two Liverpool stars.

Read more…

 

11.27am: NEVILLE SLAMS ROBERTSON

Andy Robertson Liverpool TEAMtalk

Gary Neville was quick to point out Andy Robertson’s poor performance in Thursday’s defeat to City.

The left-back was largely at fault for Phil Foden’s goal which put the hosts 3-0 up.

And Neville, while on commentary of the match, spoke out about the Scotsman’s unusually poor defending.

Read more…

10.15am: PAPER TALK – REDS CLOSE TO BAYERN DEAL

Friday’s Paper Talk claims Liverpool are close to sealing a deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

Reports last month claimed the Spaniard had walked away from a new contract with the German champions.

Indeed, that decision came late on in negotiations, with the key sticking points resolved.

And further reports claim Liverpool are keen, with Sport saying the Reds are in advanced talks with Thiago.

Read more…

9.30am: STRIKER ADVICE

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Arsenal TEAMtalk

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock says Jurgen Klopp should consider a reunion with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The pair worked together at Borussia Dortmund, with the striker now at Arsenal.

Indeed, Aubameyang has an impeccable goalscoring record with the Gunners and Liverpool have been touted with finding cover for their famed front three.

Warnock believes Klopp should be seriously thinking about a move, with Aubameyang at a career crossroads.

Read more…

8.55am: ROY KEANE DEFENCE

Roy Keane TEAMtalk

We’re accustomed to seeing Roy Keane rant about teams while on punditry duty, but not on Thursday night.

The Manchester United legend defended Liverpool after their thumping to City, given the Reds had wrapped up the title a week earlier.

Indeed, Keane recalled his previous experiences of winning the Premier League early with United sides of old.

Read more…

8.30am: KLOPP’S FRUSTRATIONS AFTER CITY DEFEAT

Jurgen Klopp Liverpool Man City TEAMtalk

We start by looking back at Liverpool’s heavy defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night.

Liverpool had chances early on – Mohamed Salah hitting the post, but the first goal swung the game in City’s favour.

Joe Gomez fouled Raheem Sterling in the box and, from the resultant penalty, it was all pressure from the hosts – read our match report HERE.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp appeared visibly frustrated speaking to Sky Sports after the match.

Read his comments here…