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29 Jun 2015 21:00:00 The Reds are on the verge of landing the Real Salt Lake 17-year-old attacker, who is considered one of the hottest young prospects in the American game EXCLUSIVE By Ives Galarcep Liverpool are expected to sign US Under-18 striker Brooks Lennon this week, Goal understands. Lennon, who has been linked with the Reds for a number of months, is in the final stages of completing a deal to move to Anfield. The 17-year-old Real Salt Lake academy product is set to receive his Irish citizenship, which would make him eligible to play in the Premier League. Lennon spent time with Liverpool's youth team in January 2014, impressing coaches with his performances. He subsequently did enough to earn a contract offer that will make him the latest American youngster to move overseas. Liverpool have signed prospects from the US before, with the likes of Villyan Bijev and Marc Pelosi moving to Merseyside in recent years but failing to make an appearance for the first-team. Lennon, who will likely begin his Reds career with the Under-21 or Under-18 side, will be hoping to buck that trend as he prepares to sign for the 18-time league champions http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2015/06/29/13161622/-

Lucas Biglia has been caught up in the summer rumour mill, with various Italian sources assuring that Real Madrid are highly interested in the Argentine to reinforce their midfield. 'Radiosei' has quoted FIFA agent Alessio Scalera as saying, "A week ago, an offer arrived from Real Madrid at Lazio's offices for 22 million plus a bonus if he helped them win la Liga or the Champions League." Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that he has sold his image rights to Singaporean tycoon Peter Lim, who is Valencia's majority shareholder.In a message published on his website, the Real Madrid star called the deal "a strategic move" to keep expanding his presence, particularly in the Asian market. "I am very excited to announce my latest deal with Mint Media, owned by my good friend, businessman Peter Lim from Singapore, to acquire my image rights", Ronaldo said. Juan De Dios Carrasco, the agent of Barcelona defender Martín Montoya, has confirmed that an agreement has been reached with Inter Milan to loan out the player for two seasons, and they are waiting for Barcelona to "sign off" on the deal. Arda Turan's agent, Ahmet Bulut, has told 'NTV Spor' that the next chapter in the Turkish player's future will be finalised in the coming days, admitting that his decision to leave has come as a bolt out of the blue for Atlético. "We will not make a formal announcement until he signs. Arda will decide where he wants to play next season in the next four days", Bulut said. "Our decision to leave Atlético was a big shock to them, they didn't want Arda to go", he added.

Liverpool end interest in Bacca with Sevilla striker heading for Milan 19:11, 28 June 2015By James PearceBenteke still No 1 target for Reds after considering move for Colombian Liverpool have decided not to pursue a deal for Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca. The Reds had registered their interest in the Colombian frontman and were considering whether to trigger his 30million euros (£21.3million) release clause. However, with Bacca keen to get his future resolved, Anfield officials have opted against meeting the asking price and have left the way clear for AC Milan to sign him. Bacca’s scoring record in Spain was impressive – with 49 goals in the past two seasons – but Liverpool had concerns over the size of the fee for a striker who turns 29 in September. “I can confirm that Milan and the player have reached an agreement,” said Bacca’s agent Sergio Barila. “Carlos has chosen the best for his future, it is normal to be happy.” Benteke remains top of Anfield wish listHaving successfully wrapped up deals for Hoffenheim attacker Roberto Firmino and Southampton full-back Nathaniel Clyne last week, the Reds are prepared to bide their time as Brendan Rodgers looks to add another top class marksman to his ranks. Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke remains their No 1 target but Liverpool aren’t willing to pay the £32.5million asking price. The Reds retain hope that a compromise can be reached for the big Belgium international, who has two years remaining on his current contract and has made it clear he won’t pen a new deal with the Midlands outfit. Villa’s refusal to budge over the fee led to Liverpool exploring other striking options. Bacca is no longer on that shortlist but Zenit St Petersburg’s Salomon Rondon remains a possibility if it becomes clear that the Reds can’t land Benteke at the right price. http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/liverpool-end-interest-bacca-sevilla-9543325

Meanwhile, Liverpool will speak to Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Emre Can before deciding whether they will have any involvement in the club’s pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia. All three players’ international commitments came to a surprise end over the weekend with Brazil knocked out of the Copa America in the quarter-finals by Paraguay and Germany Under-21s thrashed 5-0 by Portugal in the semi-finals of the European Championships. If Brazil had reached the final, Firmino and Coutinho would have missed the entire tour. However, their early exit means they could still have a part to play. Like Can, they will now start a three-week break and that means they would return for pre-season around July 19. By then Liverpool will be in Australia having already played in Bangkok and Brisbane. The final two tour matches are in Adelaide (July 20) and Kuala Lumpur (July 24). Rodgers must decide whether to fly them around the world for such a limited period or allow them to train at Melwood prior to the squad’s return to the UK. Tiago Ilori is now the only remaining Liverpool player on international duty. Portugal Under-21s face Sweden in Tuesday’s final. http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/liverpool-end-interest-bacca-sevilla-9543325

or ENOC.com

Liverpool striker Sturridge staying in Boston to continue his rehab after surgery 16:15, 28 June 2015By James Pearce Liverpool FC striker benefiting from expertise of Red Sox staffLiverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is being treated by medical staff at the Boston Red Sox as he continues his rehabilitation following hip surgery. The England international was in Jamaica last weekend to attend an event for his charitable foundation but has since returned to America and is based in Massachusetts. Reds owners Fenway Sports Group, who also own the Red Sox, have taken a hands on interest in Sturridge’s fitness as they look to find a solution to his worrying succession of muscle injuries. Sturridge, who penned a lucrative new deal worth around £140,000 per week last October, was limited to just seven league starts last season. He initially flew to the States back in early May to work with physiotherapists and fitness coaches at the Boston Red Sox baseball team. After a week of assessments, the decision was taken for him to be operated on by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Bryan T Kelly in New York. The surgery was hailed as a success but Sturridge was told he would be sidelined for a further four months and isn’t expected to play again until September. Most of his rehab has taken place in America and he has previously spoken about his gratitude for what Liverpool’s owners have done for him. “I like America, the way of thinking is different,” he said. “When you’re injured it’s important to have a different mentality. You have to channel yourself that you’re not a football player, that you could be a boxer or a tennis player or whatever it may be. “You have to have a single-minded mentality to get back in the best shape possible. When you’re injured it’s important to have that type of mentality. That’s why, being out here, I’m single-minded, zoning in on what I have to do and it’s great to be here. “The physios at Liverpool are top class, but it’s a change of environment that worked before and I wanted to do it again. “The Boston physio is unbelievable. He’s a great guy and the treatments that he does and the techniques that he uses are amazing. “I’m grateful to be able to work with him because he is an amazing physio. And the fitness coaches here are really good too. So I’m looking forward to getting myself in the best shape possible to aim to return to health and to perform extremely well next season. “The owners have done everything for me. I’ve nothing but gratitude towards them. They’ve moved heaven and earth for me to be comfortable. So I cannot thank them enough for what they’ve done for me. I’m very grateful. “It’s humbling. They have gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable and to get me whatever I need. I can never thank them enough. Hopefully I’ll be able to repay with them goals.” During a stroll around Boston on Friday, Sturridge posted on social media: “Boston is too sexy right now. Charles river and sparkling water is my afternoon.” He later delighted American Reds by walking into the Phoenix Landing bar – the headquarters for Liverpool FC supporters in Boston. Sturridge posed for photos and signed autographs. http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-striker-sturridge-staying-boston-9542280

La Liga files lawsuit against FIFA over 2022 World Cup dates Javier Tebas: "If we play in winter we will lose €65 million". "It is in defence of the clubs". The Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A support the move but have not put their signatures to it. Joaquín Maroto 28 de junio de 2015 10:16 The Spanish Football League (LFP) has filed a lawsuit against FIFA to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in order to try and change the dates of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Javier Tebas, the LFP president, says he has done it “in defence of the interests of the clubs, which are contributing to the international teams”. “In moving the World Cup to the winter we will lose €65 million,” according to three independent expert reports the LFP has submitted to the CAS. Last December, in a joint decision, the European Club Association (ECA) and the Association of European Football Leagues (EPFL) proposed a World Cup between May 5 and June 4, the dates that would interfere least with the European football calendar. However, that would fall just after Ramadan in 2022 and would coincide with the Arab festival Eid Al-Fitr. In March, FIFA announced that the World Cup in 2022 will be held between November 20 and December 18 to “avoid high temperatures in the country during the spring and summer”. That decision “changes the schedule of the European leagues and also in continental competitions,” and for this La Liga has submitted an application with the CAS. The complaint was filed by the LFP but it was not joined by the signatures of Europe’s other major football leagues. The Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A have all supported the initiative of Tebas “but only morally, certainly they have not dared to sign the agreements. There is still much fear of FIFA,” said the LFP president, who justified his move by saying: “using legal channels where there is a difference of opinion is what civilised people do. Nobody should be afraid to resort to a lawsuit claiming their legitimate rights, but there are still those who are afraid.” The moral support towards the LFP is reflected in the statement of Frédéric Thiriez, president of the French Football League (LPF): “The LPF is ready to support all the legal procedures that can be performed by the leagues against FIFA. We must defend the interests of all clubs and not just those who see players go to play for national teams.” Many others in Europe think link him but only Tebas and Spain have taken the next step. UEFA, meanwhile, has yet to come out in defence of the European leagues. Despite the public confrontations between Platini, UEFA president, and Blatter, the Frenchman is not in favour of going back. “The change is in the interests of the players and the fans.” FIFA has responded to the demands of the LFP. Blatter showed his support for the economic compensations for clubs after the FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke fanned the flames by stating that “there will be no more compensation for the change. Why are we talking about compensation? Has it happened before? Why should we apologise to the club? We had an agreement with them, they receive part of the profits. It was 40 million dollars (€32.5 million) in 2010 and 70 million dollars (€61.6 million) in 2014.” But Blatter said after that “change will produce economic imbalanaces and there should be compensation for the clubs for that.” One day after announcing the winter dates for the 2022 World Cup, FIFA tripled the amounts clubs received from Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, allocating 209 million dollars (nearly €200 million) between clubs in the ECA to each of the next two tournaments. That figure is three times the €70 million that was handed out from Brazil 2014. Blatter gave in because European clubs accounted for around 80 per cent of the players who played in Brazil 2014 and in 2022 in Qatar the figure is not expected to be less. http://as.com/diarioas/2015/06/28/english/1435479105_899024.html

Steven Gerrard arrives Stateside with wife Alex as ex-Liverpool captain prepares for LA Galaxy debut http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3141919/Steven-Gerrard-arrives-Stateside-wife-Alex-ex-Liverpool-captain-prepares-LA-Galaxy-debut.html#ixzz3eLujwAiy

probably won't change till the new LFC financial year starts 1st July, new contracts kick in and old contracts expire

Santorini, Valencia, Ibiza, Formentera

Liverpool target Ludwig Augustinsson transfer as Reds open talks with Sweden Under-21 left-back 22:30, 27 June 2015By Dean Jones The highly-rated defender, 21, hit the headlines earlier this month when he branded Gareth Southgate’s England Under-21 side ‘overrated’Liverpool are in talks to sign out-spoken Sweden Under-21 defender Ludwig Augustinsson. He hit the headlines earlier this month when he branded Gareth Southgate’s Under-21 side ‘overrated’. Now it appears the 21-year-old could be joining up with young England star Danny Ings as Liverpool have begun talks to land the highly-rated left-back. Full international Augustinsson only joined his current club FC Copenhagen in January. It's also reported that Liverpool have tabled a second offer for Real Madrid’s out-of-favour defensive midfielder Asier Illarramendi. Reds boss Brendan Rodgers saw a £10.6million bid for the 25-year-old knocked back but sources close to Real say the club have now received an offer of £15m plus add-ons. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-target-ludwig-augustinsson-transfer-5961065

Liverpool XI Friendly AnnouncedMorecambe announce that a Liverpool XI will be the opponents in what will be the final pre-season friendly at the Globe this summer THE Shrimps have tonight announced a prestigious pre season friendly with a Liverpool XI. The game will be the club's final home friendly before the season starts and will be on Saturday, August 1st at 3pm. Liverpool will be playing in Finland on the same day as part of their pre season preparations but the Shrimps hope that some well known faces will be available for the trip to Morecambe. General Manager, Mark Dixon, said: "It is a great coup to play a Liverpool XI at any time. "We will be watching closely to see who from the Liverpool squad doesn't make the trip to Finland for their other friendly on the same day." Further details on ticketing will be announced on the official club website. http://www.morecambefc.com/news/article/liverpool-xi-friendly-announced-2510061.aspx#l1Q7xCEh467S2dAl.99

Juventus have sold Arturo Vidal to Arsenal for a fee in the region of €30m La Stampa Carlos Bacca and AC Milan are closer: Adriano Galliani is squeezing time to try to close the deal as quickly as possible. Whereas the Seville calls for the minimum fee release clause of 30 million, the main problem is to convince the player. Well, in these hours the a.d. found an agreement in principle with the entourage of Colombian striker. Gazzetta

Snorky_JFT96 ‏@Kev_Shim 20h Out with 'a' person who said Rodgers has been sacked and will be announced on 1st July and we have Klopp. Take it as you will.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh3-pHOpc10

Abu Dhabi: Former Liverpool and Ajax forward Ryan Babel’s agent Winnie Haatrecht has revealed that the former is set to make his move to the Arabian Gulf League Champions Al Ain on a two-year-deal. For many, 'less is more', and that certainly appears to be the case for Arda Turan. He did not use those exact words, but the Turk has explained his reasons for wanting to leave Atlético de Madrid: the money on offer at other clubs and the physical demands of Simeone's playing style. Barcelona right back Martín Montoya is close to being an Inter player next season. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian club will pay one million euros for a one season loan. The two clubs are still haggling over the possibility of a purchase option, which could be around seven million euros, and the price of a recovery fee if Barça decide to bring him back. Notwithstanding the on-going conversations a deal is apparently close. Franck Ribery's career is in danger and the Bayern Munich player could even be forced into early retirement. The physical condition of the French international, according to L'Equipe, has prompted him to think about putting an end to his 14 years as a professional. The 32-year-old has struggled to recover from an ankle injury.

Chris Morgan ‏@ChrisMorgan10 4 hrs Final goodbyes to the top man at Melwood today..#SG

LA Galaxy to introduce former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard to fans on Independence Day at StubHub Center Posted on June 25, 2015by Nick GreenWonder Stevie: Galaxy designated player Steven Gerrard will be introduced to Southern California soccer fans next month (Associated Press Photo). A soccer player who needs no introduction will be introduced to LA Galaxy fans at halftime of the Toronto FC MLS game July 4 in Carson: Steven Gerrard. However, fans with deep pockets can see Gerrard train with the Galaxy the day before — for $500: Details here. Gerrard’s first official Galaxy training session is the following Tuesday, with a press conference to follow ahead of his expected July 11 debut against Club America at StubHub Center. The Galaxy announced Thursday that the Aug. 23 Galaxy game against Frank Lampard and NYCFC will move from ESPN2 to ESPN with the kickoff time being moved forward two hours to noon. From the Galaxy press release: The match will mark the first time in history that the LA Galaxy will face 2015 expansion side New York City FC, who joined Major League Soccer this season. In addition to 2014 MLS MVP Robbie Keane, USMNT’s Gyasi Zardes, Omar Gonzalez & Mix Diskerud and Spain’s all-time leading scorer David Villa, the match is set to see English legends Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard square off against each other following their summer arrivals. Tickets for the game are still available starting at $28. http://www.insidesocal.com/soccer/2015/06/25/la-galaxy-to-introduce-former-liverpool-star-steven-gerrard-to-fans-on-independence-day-at-stubhub-center/

José Irribaren, representative of Nico Gaitán, confirms the existence of negotiations with Manchester United with sight to the transfer of the Argentinian to Old Trafford.

The FA: Liverpool signing Firmino will get work permit 19:43, 25 June 2015By Andy KellyRed tape will present 'no problem' to Brazilian starting Anfield career Liverpool signing Roberto Firmino will be granted a work permit, the FA has told the ECHO.It now leaves the normal club medical as the only barrier between the Brazilian midfielder and his arrival at Anfield. The 23-year-old will become the club’s second most expensive signing ever in a deal from Hoffenheim which could be worth up to £28m. The ECHO reported yesterday that new FA regulations brought in from May 1 mean that Firmino is required to have played in 30% of Brazil’s competitive internationals over the last 24 months to be granted an automatic permit. Since he did not feature in the Brazilian Confederations Cup side of June 2013 or the World Cup side of June 2014, meeting that criteria seemed in doubt with just his three Copa America appearances this month to fall back on so far. However an FA spokesman explained: “Liverpool will not apply for the work permit until after the transfer window officially opens on July 1. Confederation Cup wouldn’t count in the previous 24 months if the application is for after July 1 as that tournament finished on 30 June 2013. “He’s going to get in, there’s no concern here. Quality players will get in, the regulations are there to tackle average players. It is an independent panel according to the Home Office rules albeit run through the FA but there are not expected to be any problems.” With Confederations Cup out of the equation, Firmino has played three out of Brazil’s last 10 internationals, hitting the 30% target, and that figure is likely to increase if Brazil continue to progress in the current Copa America. Firmino and Liverpool team-mate Philippe Coutinho are likely to be involved in Brazil’s quarter final tie with Paraguay at 10.30pm UK time on Saturday night. http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/fa-liverpool-signing-firmino-work-9529218

Injunction issued claiming scheme infringes EU law Belgian court strikes blow against Financial Fair Play M. Fernandez 06/24/2015 A ruling from a Belgian court could halt the implementation of the second phase of UEFA's Financial Fair Play scheme. The Brussels Court of First Instance has accepted the case led by agent Daniel Striani and a group of Manchester City and PSG fans, who are being represented by Jean-Louis Dupont, the lawyer who secured the Bosman ruling. The current proceedings sought and have won a temporary injunction against the second phase of FFP, due to be rolled out on 1st July. Under the second phase of the programme, clubs would be penalised for incurring losses of more than 30 million euros a season, compared to 45m euros in the first stage. The blocking order backs the claimants' assertion that FFP is in infringement of the principles of "free competition, the free movement of capital, workers and services, and freedom of investment". It will be up to the European courts to clear up the issue, although for the time being UEFA has brushed off the latest development by claiming that the Brussels Court of First Instance does not have the competence to deal with the matter. Belgian court strikes blow against Financial Fair Play - MARCA.com (English version)

The Russian Federation is going to rescind the contract with the selector Fabio Capello, who in exchange will be compensated in around 20 million euros. In accordance with the local Press, Capello receives seven million euros yearly and has contract with Russia up to 2018, but the local Federation will not be satisfied by his work and it claims the ceasing of his bond.

Tiago Ilori off injured 28mins

Ronaldinho thinks Liverpool signing Firmino will give Reds one of Europe's 'most exciting midfields' 18:05, 24 June 2015By James Pearce'It gives them a great chance to qualify for the Champions League next season' Brazil legend Ronaldinho believes Liverpool new boy Roberto Firmino will form a deadly double act with fellow countryman Philippe Coutinho. The Reds have completed a £29milion deal with Hoffenheim for the attacking midfielder and the former Barcelona star is convinced that Firmino will torment Premier League defenders next season and help fire the club back into the top four. Ronaldinho says the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Danny Ings will relish playing alongside the gifted 23-year-old. “For Liverpool to have Coutinho and Firmino is a big achievement for them,” he said. “It is going to give them one of the most exciting midfields in Europe. “The creativity, intelligence, and goals they have between them can change Liverpool as a team. It is a big sign of intent. To have a midfield with those two gives them a big chance to qualify for the Champions League next season. “It is a dream for the Liverpool strikers to have that sort of service. If you can’t score goals in a team with Coutinho and Firmino in midfield then you wont score goals in any team. They will create so many chances.” http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ronaldinho-thinks-liverpool-signing-firmino-9521425

Liverpool chief jets in to secure £29m deal for Manchester United target Roberto Firmino LIVERPOOL are closing in on a £29m deal for Brazil international Roberto Firmino after Anfield chief executive Ian Ayre flew to South America to conclude negotiations. By Paul JoycePUBLISHED: 22:05, Tue, Jun 23, 2015 | UPDATED: 22:13, Tue, Jun 23, 2015 http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/586447/Liverpool-Transfer-News-29m-Bid-Roberto-Firmino-Manchester-United-Chelsea-Target Roberto Firmino set for Liverpool in a £28m move that would make the midfielder the second most expensive signing in their historyRoberto Firmino open to a move away from current club Hoffenheim during the summer transfer windowLiverpool are close to bringing the Brazilian to the Premier League in what is considered a real coup Firmino, 23, scored for Brazil during their 2-1 victory over Venezuela and has stepped in for NeymarCarlos Bacca and Salomon Rondon are also Liverpool targets as Brendan Rodgers looks to strengthen his sideBy Adam Smith For Mailonline and Dominic King for MailOnline Published: 20:02, 23 June 2015 | Updated: 22:27, 23 June 2015 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3136487/Roberto-Firmino-set-Liverpool-make-midfielder-second-expensive-signing-history.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490