THURSDAY 12
	Huang gives bid assessment Kenny Huang has given an assessment of the chance he has to gain control of the club and outlined the probable timescale involved. His bets are hedged at "about 50%" with October as the most likely point by which he expects to have ousted George Gillett and Tom Hicks. As revealed earlier this morning a club board meeting set for Thursday was cancelled after bids invited by chairman Martin Broughton failed to materialise. (Shankly Gates)  Poulsen: I have plenty to prove New Liverpool midfielder Christian Poulsen says he has plenty to prove after his move from Juventus despite being an experienced international. "With this move here I have a lot to prove," said the veteran of two World Cups, who has signed a three-year contract after joining for an initial fee of £4.5million with another £1million payable on certain conditions. "If you come to a club like Liverpool, you have to deliver." (TEAMtalk)   Boro deny Jones deal Middlesbrough insist no agreement has been struck to take goalkeeper Brad Jones to Liverpool. It was suggested on Thursday that the Australia international was on his way to Anfield in a £2.5million deal. However, Boro claim such reports are wide of the mark, with the 28-year-old still part of the fold at the Riverside Stadium. "Boro have this afternoon confirmed that they have not reached an agreement with any club for the sale of goalkeeper Brad Jones," read a statement released on the club's official website. While keen to stress that Jones is going nowhere for now, Boro have refused to rule out the prospect of a deal being done before the summer transfer window closes. Manager Gordon Strachan admits he is in the dark as how the situation may develop over the next few days, but claims he would have no qualms in sticking with Jason Steele between the posts should his keeping options be depleted. "I've no idea, we'll pick a squad tomorrow of available people," he said on his plans for Saturday's trip to Leicester City. "The big bonus is Jason Steele did terrifically well at Chesterfield." (Sky Sports) Gera plays down Liverpool link Zoltan Gera hailed Steven Gerrard as one of the best midfielders in the world but says he is not about to join the England ace at Liverpool. New Reds boss Roy Hodgson is reported to be ready to raid his old club for the attack-minded midfielder, who helped Fulham reach the final of the Europa League last season. Gera enjoyed his involvement in the friendly against England at Wembley last night, where the Hungarians took a shock lead before eventually being undone by Gerrard's quickfire second-half brace. However, the 31-year-old - also said to be interesting Werder Bremen - insists his mind is focused on continuing the Cottagers' success under new boss Mark Hughes rather than any talk of a move to Anfield. "The England team is full of top players. Against us, they played under pressure because the supporters were not happy," he said. "But they showed character, because they were 1-0 down and then changed the game. "I love Steven Gerrard as a player - he is a great captain for England and scored two goals, he is one of the best midfielders in the world." However, when asked about the rumours of a switch to Liverpool, Gera insisted: "I do not know anything about this. "I was happy at Fulham with Roy, but he has moved on to Liverpool and I am still at Fulham. "Mark Hughes is a very good manager, we have had some great training sessions. "He wants a different Fulham, and I think the team will be capable of these new things." (TEAMtalk) Aurelio eager to face Arsenal Fabio Aurelio is looking forward to facing Arsenal on Sunday. It's a difficult opening game of the season for Liverpool, but it's one Aurelio is looking forward to as it's a chance for Roy Hodgson's Reds to lay down a marker for the rest of the campaign. "It's a great game to begin with. We have had some very interesting games against Arsenal in the past and everyone is really looking forward to it," said the Brazilian. "We have a new manager and a new way of working so we will see how things go. "It's a new season for Liverpool. We didn't finish last year so well, so we are all excited about getting the club off to a good start. "We are quite confident we can do that. It's a very important match because it is against a top side and it would be good to win against such a big rival. If we do, it will be great but we know it is just three points for a win and won't get carried away." (LFC Online) England call for Jonjo and Sterling Jonjo Shelvey and Raheem Sterling are amongst 11 Liverpool youngsters that have been called up for England duty. The former Charlton midfielder is set to feature in the U19s friendly with Slovakia on September 22, with Academy starlets Michael Ngoo and Andre Wisdom also named in the squad. Jack Robinson, Tom Ince and Conor Coady are on standby. Sterling, who featured in the first-team's pre-season defeat to Borussia Moenchengladbach recently, joins Matty Regan in the U17 squad for a friendly tournament involving Turkey, Australia and Portugal. Adam Morgan, Tyrell Belford and Jordan Lussey are also on standby for the competition that runs from August 5-29. (LFC Official Website) Liverpool tell Spanish clubs to forget Dani Pacheco Liverpool have informed all interested Spanish Liga clubs that Dani Pacheco is not for sale. Pacheco has touted himself to Real Sociedad and Malaga in recent weeks. But El Mundo Deportivo says Liverpool have told intermediaries to inform the likes of Malaga, Real Mallorca, Espanyol and Levante that Pacheco is not for sale. (tribalfootball.com) Mixed night for international Reds A sensational brace from Steven Gerrard helped England to a 2-1 friendly win over Hungary on Wednesday night. The skipper leathered into the top corner from 20 yards to level the scores on 69 minutes. Four minutes later he trumped that by evading three defenders with a series of intricate touches before poking brilliantly past the visiting goalkeeper. Gerrard, who was named man of the match at Wembley, was replaced by Jack Wilshere on 82 minutes. Glen Johnson played the full 90. Elsewhere, Daniel Agger helped Denmark to a 2-2 draw against Germany in Copenhagen while Anfield teammate Martin Skrtel was also involved in a stalemate as Slovakia drew 1-1 with Croatia. Milan Jovanovic went head-to-head with Sotirios Kyrgiakos in Belgrade as Serbia took on Greece in a friendly clash - but it was the latter who emerged victorious in a 1-0 triumph. Javier Mascherano helped Argentina to a 1-0 success against Ireland in Dublin, with Emiliano Insua featuring as a second-half substitute. Meanwhile, Krisztian Nemeth was on target and Peter Gulacsi kept goal as Hungary U21s defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in UEFA European U21 Championship qualifying. David Ngog captained France U21s, but the Reds striker was left frustrated by a 1-0 reversal against Belgium in Vannes. (LFC Official Website) Christian Poulsen joins Liverpool from Juventus Liverpool have signed Denmark international Christian Poulsen on a three-year contract from Italian club Juventus for an initial fee of £4.5m. The defensive midfielder, 30, has been earmarked by manager Roy Hodgson as a potential replacement for Javier Mascherano, who wants to leave Anfield. Poulsen joins new signings Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Jonjo Shelvey and Danny Wilson at the club this summer. (BBC Sport Online)  Masch wants change of scene Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano insists he has no problem with the club but just fancies a change of lifestyle. The 26-year-old has made no secret of his wish to leave Anfield, with Inter Milan and Barcelona reportedly interested in acquiring his services. But Mascherano revealed he has no issue with the Merseyside club - he just wants a new challenge. Speaking after Argentina's 1-0 win over Republic of Ireland, he told Sky Sports: "The only thing I want to say is I don't have nothing against the Liverpool supporters, the Liverpool people. "My problem is not to play for Liverpool. I'm very proud to play for Liverpool. It's another thing. "I said to him (new Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson) that maybe for my life I prefer to change the country, not to change the club - that is the fact. "Sometimes you can see all the things that the papers or the press say, but at the end the only thing I can say is thank you to everyone in Liverpool because they supported me all the time, from the beginning until now." (TEAMtalk) Carragher: No need for Liverpool contract talks Jamie Carragher says he's ready to sign a new contract with Liverpool. Towards the end of last season it had been suggested the former England international would consider leaving the only professional club he has played for if an adequate deal was not forthcoming. However, Carragher dismissed that suggestion some time ago and has spoken about how keen he is to see out the remainder of his lengthy career with the Reds. "I'm sure I'll be signing a contract and looking forward to finishing my career at Liverpool," he said. "I laugh when people say I've been in 'talks'. There'll be no talks, as it will probably be sorted in 20 minutes. "The club have mentioned that the most important thing was to sort the ins and outs before the end of the transfer window. "Then, if they want to speak to me, that's great. That's probably when we'll sit down and sort it out. "I am desperate to finish my career at the club and I'm sure that will be the case." (tribalfootball.com)
	WEDNESDAY 11
	Super Stevie saves England A sensational brace from Steven Gerrard helped England to a 2-1 friendly win over Hungary on Wednesday night. The skipper leathered into the top corner from 20 yards to level the scores on 69 minutes. Four minutes later he trumped that by evading three defenders with a series of intricate touches before poking brilliantly past the visiting goalkeeper. Gerrard, who was named man of the match at Wembley, was replaced by Jack Wilshere on 82 minutes. Glen Johnson played the full 90. (LFC Official Website) Liverpool postpone meeting to discuss takeover with no serious bids on the table A Liverpool board meeting scheduled for Thursday to discuss offers for the club has been postponed, providing further evidence of the complications and uncertainty surrounding the club’s future. The Daily Telegraph can disclose that the decision to postpone was taken amid continuing doubts about the credibility of potential bidders and after the date had been publicised in the media. A well-placed source said it would have been “premature” to meet this week, indicating that the club were yet to receive any formal offers backed by proof of funds. (Telegraph.co.uk)   Hodgson set for Fiorentina raid Liverpool could swoop for Fiorentina's Mario Bolatti as a replacement for Javier Mascherano, according to the Argentine press. Bolatti, who played alongside Mascherano at the World Cup, only joined La Viola in January but reports in Argentine newspaper Ole claim Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is keen to bring him to Anfield. (Clubcall.com)   Baggies boss still pursuing Ngog West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo are still hopeful they can complete a deal for Liverpool striker David Ngog. Di Matteo has been pursuing the French player throughout the summer without success. But he is refusing to give up on landing Ngog in time for the new campaign and a clash with his former club Chelsea. Di Matteo said: "Ngog is a player we've been linked with and we are working on that one. We're trying. It's ongoing. "We are looking at a number of players we would like to sign." Di Matteo is aware of the need to bring in new firepower and Salzburg's Somen Tchoyi also remains on their radar. The Baggies still have fitness doubts over Pablo Ibanez for the opener at Stamford Bridge. Ibanez is suffering from a hamstring injury although scans have revealed no major damage. (TEAMtalk) Carra ready to fight for place Jamie Carragher is ready to fight tooth and nail to maintain his status in the heart of Liverpool's defence. The Reds stalwart has been an integral member of the Anfield backline but the 32-year-old suffered one of his poorest seasons on Merseyside last term. "You never know what might happen," said Carragher, who will be vying with Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Danny Wilson for a centre-back starting berth. "Last year after a few games, the whole world had written me off and said I was finished. "But in the second half of the season, along with Javier Mascherano and Pepe (Reina), I was probably one of the most consistent players and when you look at how the defence played, we managed to keep 18 clean sheets." (Sky Sports) Cash-rich Sharjah ruling family revealed to be behind Liverpool bid One of the proposed bids to buy Liverpool Football Club is backed by members of the ruling family in Sharjah, the third largest of the United Arab Emirates, according to sources close to the negotiations. A statement issued last week on behalf of the bid led by the Syrian businessman Yahya Kirdi said he represents "a select group of investors from the Middle East and Canada", who were in "advanced negotiations" to buy Liverpool from the current co-owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Those investors were not and have still not been named, nor presented officially to Martin Broughton, the Liverpool chairman conducting the sale of the club. However, it has now been claimed that the investors referred to include members of the al-Qasimi family, which has ruled Sharjah for centuries. While not the richest family among the UAE ruling elite, the al-Qasimis do have access to great wealth, in a kingdom rich in crude oil and natural gas. (The Guardian) New number for Pacheco Danny Pacheco has been given a new squad number. Although Pacheco wore his old squad number, 47, in the Europa League game against Rabotnicki he will wear the number 12 shirt for the rest of the season. (LFC Online) Kelly scores on debut Martin Kelly celebrated his England under 21's debut with a goal. Kelly was a half time subsitute in England Under 21's friendly with Uzbekistan last night. It was a good night for the Liverpool defender, as he capped his debut by scoring England's second goal in their 2-0 win by heading home a corner eleven minutes from the end. (LFC Online)
	TUESDAY 10
	Possible LFC bidders - latest A possible suitor for Liverpool Football Club insists he would pay no more than the club's true market value. Yahya Kirdi who is said to be heading a Canadian and Middle East backed bid for control has rejected claims he will offer a sum over the odds. A sum close to the minimum value George Gillett and Tom Hicks have placed on the club - £600 million - has been suggested but the Syrian born entrprenuer who was linked to a bid during the spring is distancing himself from these reports. Kenny Huang is thought to remain the front runner in the process though a spokesman says that a bid has yet to be formally tabled. There is also no comment being made on those behind Huang or a reported timescale of a deal being concluded. There had been suggestions that agreements would have to be in place by the end of August. (Shankly Gates)  Liverpool sale plot thickens after Kenny Huang lawsuit is revealed Potential Liverpool owner Kenny Huang was successfully sued for nearly $800,000 (£505,000) in damages by a former business partner after their relationship went sour. The adverse court finding emerged as Huang was preparing to present Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton with an offer for the club and proof of funds ahead of a board meeting on Thursday that may decide the fate of the club. Huang’s bid has been clouded in uncertainty since it was made public amid claims that it would be backed by investment from the China Investment Corporation, the Chinese state’s sovereign wealth arm. On Tuesday Huang’s associate on the bid, Marc Ganis, added to the confusion, telling sportingintelligence.com that they had not yet decided whether to make an offer for the club and that no investors, including CIC, had yet been identified. (Telegraph.co.uk)  Hodgson: Player fitness is key Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has pin-pointed the key to success this season - and it simply involves keeping his star players fit. Pivotal among them will be striker Fernando Torres, who in three seasons with the Reds has yet to get through an entire campaign injury-free. Last season was the Spain international's worst to date on Merseyside as he struggled with a groin problem before Christmas and then, afterwards, underwent two knee operations in four months, the second of which prematurely ended his domestic involvement. Other players missed sections of last season with captain Steven Gerrard, defenders Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio and the now-departed Yossi Benayoun affected. It is something Hodgson knows he has little control over but he hopes, with the medical staff having had an overhaul during the summer with a new head of sports science in Dr Peter Brukner, that overall fitness will generally improve and contribute to more success on the pitch. (Press Association Sport) Torres flags down police car after paparazzi pursuit Liverpool FC striker Fernando Torres flagged down a Merseyside Police car after being pursued by a press photographer, it emerged today. The Reds frontman started to become concerned after noticing the close attention of a man in a vehicle which appeared to be following him. The 26-year-old was at the wheel of an Aston Martin and had reached Beaconsfield Road in Calderstones when he spotted a passing police patrol. He pulled over and relayed his fears about being followed. The officer took down Torres' details and spoke to the photographer who also stopped at the scene. No formal action was taken. Police said the incident happened around a week ago and the pursuit is thought to have begun when Torres left training at Melwood. The ECHO can confirm that the Spaniard was not stopped for any criminal offence on his part, contrary to some other media reports. (Liverpool Daily Post) Gerrard: Cole is as good as Messi Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard claims Joe Cole is as good as - if not better than - Lionel Messi. The Reds star was seen as a key figure in persuading Cole to move to Anfield on a free transfer from Chelsea this summer. And Gerrard seems to have quite a high opinion of his new team-mate. Speaking to Match of the Day magazine, Gerrard said: "Messi can do some amazing things, but anything he can do Joe can do as well, if not better. "He used to shock us in training by doing footy tricks with a golf ball that most players can't even do with a football. "I really fancy Joe for the [player of the year] award this season." There were rumours about Gerrard's own future at the club this summer, but after meeting new manager Roy Hodgson, he committed himself to Liverpool. "It's a great club and after speaking with Roy Hodgson I'm really pleased to see his plans for the club," said Gerrard. "It's a new era now - we must forget about the horror of what happened last season and get this club back to where it belongs, which is the Champions League at the very least." (TEAMtalk) Gerrard keen to make amends Steven Gerrard insists there is no way he would end his England career on such a dismal note as the recent World Cup campaign. Three Lions players Paul Robinson and Wes Brown have controversially shunned call-ups from manager Fabio Capello for Wednesday's friendly against Hungary at Wembley, with both announcing their retirement from the international stage. But 28-year-old Liverpool midfielder Gerrard is adamant he would not turn down a chance to play for England, and that the recent disappointment in South Africa has made him even more determined to do well for his country. "I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion and decisions in life," Gerrard said in a press conference on Sky Sports News. "That's something that I can't control. "But I think if the manager picks you for England, for me, my opinion is you should come and play." (Sky Sports)  Agger: Poulsen would be great addition Daniel Agger today predicted Christian Poulsen’s rich footballing pedigree will ensure he becomes an instant Anfield hit. Talks are at an advanced stage to wrap up a deal for Poulsen and Agger has made no secret of the fact he will be delighted when his compatriot finally puts pen-to-paper. Click here for our LFC updates on Twitter. It is understood Liverpool have offered Poulsen – who has been given permission to withdraw from Denmark’s squad for the game against Germany – a three-year contract and Agger is in no doubt he will be a top addition to the squad. Aside from being capped 77 times by his country, Poulsen has won league championships in Denmark and Italy, the UEFA Cup and European Cup with Sevilla and the German Cup with Schalke 04. “Christian is more than welcome in our club,” said Agger. “Christian would be a perfect addition to most of the big clubs in Europe, so he will certainly fit in here. “He is a top player and will make us stronger. We need to have big signings so we can compete and he is one of those players. “Christian will improve the team. But we need more improvements if we want to be at the top of the league this season." (Liverpool Echo) Barca pounce on Mascherano Inter appear to have given up on Javier Mascherano, sending the Liverpool midfielder closer to Barcelona. He had made it clear he wanted to reunite with Rafa Benitez at San Siro and even went so far as learning Italian during the World Cup this summer. However, this week Nerazzurri President Massimo Moratti decided he was too expensive at €30m, especially with Douglas Maicon now off the market. According to Catalan newspaper ‘El Mundo Deportivo,’ Barcelona have dived right in to take advantage of the situation. (Football Italia)   Liverpool make new enquiries for West Ham’s Cole West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has remained a transfer target for Liverpool who have made new enquiries about his situation. (tribalfootball)   Thor Zakariassen ©