SUNDAY 18
	Liverpool hope to tempt Joe Cole with £90,000-a-week contract offer Liverpool hope Joe Cole will resist the lure of remaining in London and agree to become Roy Hodgson's first signing as their manager on a deal worth £90,000-a-week. (guardian.co.uk) Milito expecting Masch move Diego Milito is confident his fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano will be joining him at Inter Milan. The reigning European and Serie A champions are known to be interested in the Liverpool midfielder, with former Reds boss Rafa Benitez having succeeded Jose Mourinho at the Giuseppe Meazza helm this summer. "We are very excited about Mascherano joining us at Inter," the experienced striker said in the Daily Star Sunday. "He has made it clear he wants to be here and it's just down to the relevant people agreeing the deal now. "In my view we are getting the very best defensive midfield player in the world and Maradona calls him one of the three most important players in the Argentina squad along with Lionel Messi and (Carlos) Tevez. That's how highly he is regarded." Milito added: "I think it's unrealistic of Liverpool to think they can keep hold of Mascherano when they can't even offer Champions League football and are not challenging Manchester United and Chelsea for the Premier League title." (Sky Sports) Hodgson reveals talks with Joe Cole Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has confirmed his interest in Joe Cole, but has not held recent talks with the free agent midfielder. The England international is available on a free transfer following his release by Chelsea at the end of the last season. The 28-year-old is believed to be interesting Arsenal, Tottenham, former club West Ham United and the Reds. Bookmakers have stopped taking bets on the possibility of Cole moving to Anfield and Hodgson has admitted he is interested in signing the attacking midfielder. "I'm not a betting man so that doesn't actually play a big part that betting is suspended," Hodgson told Sky Sports News. "I don't even know enough about betting to know what that means. "As far as I know, Joe Cole is still a player looking for a club. "I know we've been connected with him - and it's good to know we're connected with players of that quality - but I don't have anything to report on the subject. "I haven't had any discussions with him, but I had a brief chat a while back. "If you want to know about transfer targets and how things are progressing, you'll have to ask (managing director) Christian Purslow because he's the man looking after those discussions not me." (Sport.co.uk) Poulsen in Liverpool link Liverpool are pondering a bid for Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen, according to reports. The Danish international is, like many of his Turin teammates, available for transfer at the right price. According to whispers, the Premiership outfit are considering a move for the player at the request of new boss Roy Hodgson. (Football Italia) Hodgson reveals talks with Liverpool co-owner Gillett Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has revealed he's met with the club's co-owner George Gillett. Hodgson also revealed he met with Liverpool co-owner Gillett prior to the club's opening pre-season friendly against Al-Hilal in Austria being postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. He said: "It was nice to meet him, of course. I don't know him very well, but it was nice to speak to him. "It was good of him to come to the game. It's a pity that, I'm sure, like the rest of us he would have liked to have seen Liverpool play." (tribalfootball.com)
	SATURDAY 17
	Al-Hilal clash off due to rain Liverpool's first pre-season friendly against Al-Hilal has been cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch. The referee conducted several pitch inspections in Austria before deeming the match unplayable. It means Roy Hodgson will have to wait until Wednesday for his first Liverpool game when Swiss side Grasshoppers provide the opposition. (LFC Official Website) Insua fee agreed Liverpool have today agreed a fee for the sale of Emiliano Insua to Serie A side Fiorentina. The left-back is now en route to Italy to discuss personal terms. A club spokesman said: "We have agreed a fee for the sale of Emiliano Insua to Fiorentina and given them permission to speak with the player. "Emiliano has now left our Swiss training camp and we'll make further comment when appropriate." Insua arrived in January 2007 from Boca Juniors and has since played 62 games, with one goal to his name against Arsenal in last season's Carling Cup. (LFC Official Website) Lucas: I want to stay at Liverpool Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva insists he wants to remain at Anfield despite speculation linking him with a summer move to Italy. The much-derided 23-year-old was one of the more consistent performers last season but, as he is seen as being a favourite of former Reds manager Rafael Benitez, doubts have been raised about the Brazilian's future. However, he is determined to prove to new boss Roy Hogdson he is worth a place in the squad despite being linked with Palermo. "I'm happy in Liverpool and looking forward to my fourth season," he said. "I hope I stay. I'm happy to play for Liverpool and to improve my performances, as I did last season. "I'm not here to try to prove critics wrong. I'm here to prove myself to the manager and my team-mates. "That's the most important thing. I don't know why people criticise me so much but I just try to be positive and be strong. (TEAMtalk) Sammy Lee to remain on Liverpool FC’s backroom staff Roy Hodgson today confirmed Sammy Lee's place in on Liverpool's backroom staff is secure – as he spoke of the peril that awaits the Reds in the Europa League. With men such as first team coach Mauricio Pelligrino and goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero following former boss Rafa Benitez out of Anfield last month, Hodgson is expected to make a number of new appointments. But one man he is not thinking of replacing is Anfield stalwart Lee, who has played a key role in helping Hodgson settle into his new role during the early days of his reign. It remains to be seen what position Lee will fill but Hodgson recognises both the passion he has for the club, as well as the respect he has from the players, and is anxious to keep tapping into the 51-year-old's knowledge. “Sammy will stay here for the foreseeable future, absolutely – as long as he wants to be here,” said Hodgson, who takes charge of his first game as Liverpool manager against Al Hilal tonight. “I have no intention of letting him go and if he wants to stay with us, he is more than welcome. I haven't made decisions on any (other positions) yet.” (Liverpool Echo)
	FRIDAY 16
	Hodgson stands firm over Torres future Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has warned potential suitors Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona that striker Fernando Torres is not for sale. The 26-year-old Spain international has been the subject of persistent speculation linking him with a big-money move away from Anfield this summer. The trio have all been mentioned as potential destinations but new boss Hodgson, having met Torres this week, has emphasised his determination to keep him. Hodgson took charge at Liverpool a fortnight ago but was unable to meet Torres at first due to the player's involvement in the World Cup in South Africa. Speaking at his team's pre-season training camp, Hodgson said: "I have met with Fernando. "I found him to be a very pleasant man and we had a nice conversation. "As far as we are concerned he is a Liverpool player and we want him to remain a Liverpool player. "He is not for sale and we don't welcome any offers for him. We want to keep him. (TEAMtalk) Insua talks continue Talks over Emiliano Insua's potential switch from Liverpool to Fiorentina are ongoing, the latter have confirmed. The Argentine left-back has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer following manager Roy Hodgson's arrival. A fee in the region of £5million has been mooted, and the Viola have hinted at their optimism that a deal will be struck. Fiorentina sports director Pantaleo Corvino told calciomercato.com: "There is a negotiation for Insua, we've been talking (with Liverpool) for a few weeks. "We are interested in player, we'll see how it will end." Insua's agent Solomon, meanwhile, has refused to deny that he is in Italy holding talks with Fiorentina. He told Violanews.com: "Yes, I'm one of Insua's agents, I take care of managing the various negotiations. "Fiorentina? I don't want to comment, but I cannot confirm or deny I'm not in Florence." (Sky Sports) Possible Europa fixture change UEFA have confirmed that should both Macedonian teams FK Rabotnicki and FK Teteks qualify for the Europa League third qualifying round, Liverpool's home and away legs will be switched. This would mean that the away leg would move to Thursday July 29, with the return at Anfield on Thursday August 5. However, should either Macedonia team not qualify, the fixtures will remain as originally scheduled. Confirmation of any potential changes will not be possible until the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round matches are completed on the evening of Thursday July 22. (LFC Official Website) Hodgson denies Remy discussions Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has moved quickly to deny speculation that the Reds are on the verge of signing Nice striker Loic Remy. Reports earlier today suggested Liverpool were close to agreeing terms with the 23-year-old French striker, but Hodgson says he knows little about the player. “He’s a player who was mentioned to me by the scouting department and a player the club were following before I came,” Hodgson told press in Switzerland, where the club are undergoing pre-season training. “He’s a player I know very little about. If I am going to be interested in a player I am going to have to watch him playing, study him and make judgments which I have not been able to.” (This is Anfield) Roy waiting on Masch call Roy Hodgson admits he has yet to speak to Javier Mascherano to clarify the midfielder's future. The Argentina captain - who according to the media is the subject of interest from clubs in Spain and Italy - is currently on holiday after helping his country to the World Cup quarter-finals. Hodgson has now chatted to all of his senior stars after taking over from Rafael Benitez - with one exception. "I have tried to contact Javier," Hodgson told reporters at the Swiss training camp today. "I have left him voice messages and sent him texts but had no reply. To be fair to him, that's not unusual because he's had a tough World Cup and I believe he's gone back to Argentina. "It's not always easy to get in touch with people. I have tried to reach him to make clear I am happy to talk with him at his convenience." (LFC Official Website) Lille star Gervinho hints at Liverpool desire For the first time since speculation first arose that Liverpool could swoop for Lille winger Gervinho, the winger has responded in a positive manner to the Reds, indicating that a move could be possible. Previously the Cote d’Ivoire international had rejected speculation that he could leave les Dogues, but in an interview with France Football, he has hinted that there is a possibility he could instead move to England. “It may be time for me to leave,” Gervinho cautiously stated. “What interests me is not just leaving. I enjoy playing time and want to flourish. I will not go at any price. It takes a club more ambitious than Lille.” Following a successful World Cup campaign on a personal basis, the African has said there will be no rushed departure from the north of France. “I intend to resume training with the squad and I’ll see how to handle this situation,” he explained. “I know that I am still under contract with Lille. In addition, the atmosphere is wonderful there. It's a good group, a team of the future. “My intention is not to make a hasty departure.” Stating that “a footballer must always think bigger”, Gervinho seems to have opened the door to an Anfield move just a little. He might be disappointed, however, as it seems the Reds are moving closer to sealing a deal for fellow Ligue 1 striker Loic Remy. (Goal.com) Hangeland quashes Reds rumours Towering Fulham defender Brede Hangeland has played down ongoing reports linking him with an imminent move to Liverpool. The Cottagers centre-half has seen his future become the subject of intense speculation ever since the 2009/10 campaign came to a close. The player himself has sought to curb the rumours, though, and insists he would be more than happy to remain at Craven Cottage under a new coach, whoever that may be. "There's always speculation about players moving to clubs, and I would be lying if I didn't say I prefer it when people think I've done better than the opposite," Hangeland said in the Fulham Chronicle. "But the more years I play, the more I learn to ignore speculation and keep my head down. "I'm confident I'm good enough to play under another manager. "If we hadn't been in Europe last season I think we would have finished higher, and we can put more focus on the league and go even higher this time. "I'd love to see all the players stay, and even one or two more coming in, and then we'll look even stronger." (TEAMtalk) Reds face trip into unknown Liverpool will face either Macedonian side Rabotnicki or Armenian outfit Mika in the third qualifying round of the Europa League. The first leg of the tie will be played at Anfield on July 29 before the return a week later. Rabotnicki currently lead Mika 1-0 following the first leg of their second round qualifier. They meet again in Armenia next Thursday. (LFC Official Website) Riera linked with Olympiakos Olympiakos have demonstrated an interest in Liverpool winger Albert Riera, skysports.com understands. It is suggested Olympiakos are to offer €4million (£3.4m) but Liverpool are seeking nearer €5million (£4.2m). (Sky Sports) Liverpool set to swoop for Nice’s Remy Liverpool are set to swoop for Nice striker Loic Remy and snare his signature from under the noses of West Ham United. Reds boss Roy Hodgson has reportedly thrown in a £12million bid for the 23-year old Frenchman and is keen to have the deal completed in the next few days. (tribalfootball) Milan delighted to be a Red Milan Jovanovic has linked up with his new teammates in Switzerland and speaking ahead of pulling on a Liverpool shirt for the first time confirmed he never questioned whether Anfield should be his destination. Despite a changes at the club. Signed by Rafael Benitez and partly attracted to the club by the Spaniard Jovanovic will begin life on Merseyside under Roy Hodgson's stewardship. However, this was less important to the Serbian international who scored a winning goal against Germany at the World Cup than the honour of becoming a Liverpool player. "I chose to sign for Liverpool Football Club, and that is it. It's very simple," he said. "Liverpool was always my biggest wish and to be here is a great day in my career and in my life. I knew they were following my games for Standard Liege and also the Serbian national side and when they first made contact with me I was very happy. "Liverpool was my only choice and I'm pleased the negotiations were successful. Now I want to do as well as I can for the club over the next three years. "When you speak about Liverpool you are speaking about one of the biggest clubs in the world - maybe for me, the biggest. You are talking about an historical club which has won the Champions League five times." (Shanklygates) Thor Zakariassen ©