FRIDAY 27
	Konchesky set for Reds medical Sky Sports Sources understand Fulham defender Paul Konchesky will undergo a medical at Liverpool this weekend. Reds manager Roy Hodgson confirmed earlier this week he had spoken to his former club over a possible move for the left-back. (Sky Sports) Agent reveals Liverpool interest in Gary Medel Boca Juniors star Gary Medel could be on the way to Liverpool to fill the gap left by Barcelona-bound Javier Mascherano, according to the Chilean international's agent. Medel, nicknamed 'Pitbull' for his tough tackling and uncompromising style of play, can feature in midfield or defence, and Fernando Felicevich asserted today that the player is being watched by Liverpool closely as they line up a replacement for Mascherano before the end of the summer transfer window. (Goal.com) Liverpool pair set to join Fulham as £9m duo head to Anfield? Skysports.com understands Fulham are in talks to sign Liverpool youngsters Lauri Dalla Valle and Alex Kacaniklic. The Reds duo are currently in London to have talks with the Cottagers over possible moves, where they will have medicals if personal terms can be agreed. Striker Dalla Valle, 18, has been on the books at Anfield since January 2008 but the Finland Under-19 international has failed to break into the first-team squad. Some sources believe that the ease with which Roy Hodgson is allowing these two impressive youngsters to move to Craven Cottage may be a sweetener to a potential double Liverpool swoop as the former Fulham boss looks to snap up Craven Cottage men Paul Konchesky and Dickson Etuhu. (CaughtOffside) Hodgson takes parting shot at Masch Midfielder Javier Mascherano headed to Barcelona from Liverpool on Friday with manager Roy Hodgson criticising his selfish attitude. "It is not easy for me to defend the actions (of Mascherano) because professionals are paid to play and when they are called on to play, they play," he said. (TEAMtalk)   Gerrard eyes Europa task Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is looking forward to the challenge his side face in the Europa League following the draw for the group stage. The Reds got through the qualifying round on Thursday following a 3-1 aggregate triumph over Turkish outfit Trabzonspor, and now face ties against Napoli, Steaua Bucharest and Utrecht. "It's a strong group and I'm certainly looking forward to the games," he said. "The media will make us early favourites I'm sure, because of our experience in the Champions League and last year in the Europa League. "I'm confident we can get out of the group but it will be tough. The draw has given us some difficult challenges. "I don't think the Europa League is the priority. Everybody knows that our league position, where we finish at the end of this year, is the priority. "But it's another trophy, it's a big cup. "We haven't won a trophy for four years now so it's important we put a good show on in all the cup competitions and try to reward the fans with a final." (Sky Sports) Cole driving ban delayed Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole avoided an immediate ban for speeding at 105mph. It comes after the court heard that his wife was "severely traumatised" after being dragged from her car by "eight thugs on motorbikes". Carly Zucker has been left unable to get back behind the wheel after she was the victim of a carjacking outside her Chelsea home, Staines Magistrates' Court in south west London was told. Police are still hunting for the black Audi A4 which was stolen almost a fortnight ago, said Cole's lawyer Nick Freeman. Chairman of the bench John Neary agreed to suspend a 50-day ban and £750 fine while Mr Freeman, known as Mr Loophole, launches an appeal. The Liverpool and England star did not appear in court for the hearing. (TEAMtalk) Europa Group dates confirmed Liverpool will start off their Europa League Group K campaign with an Anfield clash against Steaua Bucharest on Thursday, September 16. The first away trip for Roy Hodgson's men will be Holland and a visit to Utrecht on Thursday, September 30. The Reds will complete their Group with an Anfield return against Utrecht on Wednesday, December 15. Europa League Group Group K fixtures Thursday, September 16. Liverpool v Steaua Bucharest. Kick-off 8.05pm. Thursday, September 30. Utrecht v Liverpool. Kick-off 6pm. Thursday, October 21. Napoli v Liverpool. Kick-off 6pm. Thursday, November 4. Liverpool v Napoli. Kick-off 8.05pm. Thursday, December 2. Steaua Bucharest v Liverpool. Kick-off 6pm. Wednesday, December 15. Liverpool v Utrecht. Kick-off 8.05pm. (LFC Official Website) Aquliani eyes Juve stay Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani has revealed he hopes to win a permanent deal at Juventus after joining the club on loan. Aquilani has returned to Italy on a tempoary basis after a disappointing debut season with the Reds last term. The former Roma midfielder joined Juve on a season-long loan earlier this week with Juventus holding the option to make the move permanent next summer. Aquilani admits he enjoyed last season at Anfield, but hopes to do enough to secure a long-term stay in Turin. "England was a great experience, but I am here to stay," said Aquilani. "Leaving Roma was a hard choice, but it helped the club financially. I am a professional and Juventus is a fundamental move in my career and to help me step back towards the national team. "There is a will to do well here. Scudetto? We can do well, but Inter have something more." (Sky Sports) Europa Group revealed Liverpool have been drawn alongside Steaua Bucharest, Napoli and Utrecht in Europa League Group K. It means Roy Hodgson's men will face a reunion with Andrea Dossena in a first ever meeting with Diego Maradona's former club. Liverpool last faced Steaua back in the 2003-04 season when Gerard Houllier's men secured a 2-1 aggregate success in the UEFA Cup, second round. Djimi Traore got the all-important away goal in Romania before Harry Kewell netted in a 1-0 triumph at Anfield as the Reds notched up a landmark 50th victory in the competition. The clash with Utrecht will also see us play our first competitive match against the Dutch side, for whom current goalkeeping coach John Achterberg featured for prior to his move to Tranmere Rovers. (LFC Official Website) The draw in full: Group A: Juventus, Manchester City, FC Salzburg, Lech Poznan Group B: Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Rosenborg, Aris Thessaloniki FC Group C: Sporting Lisbon, Lille, Levski Sofia, Gent Group D: Villarreal, Club Brugge, Dinamo Zagreb, PAOK Group E: AZ Alkmaar, Dynamo Kiev, FC Bate, FC Sheriff Group F: CSKA Moscow, Palermo, Sparta Prague, Lausanne Group G: Zenit St Petersburg, Anderlecht, AEK Athens, Hadjuk Split Group H: VFB Stuttgart, Getafe, Odense BK, Young Boys Group I: PSV Eindhoven, Sampdoria, FC Metalist Kharkviv, Debrecen Group J: Sevilla, Paris St Germain, Borussia Dortmund, FC Karpaty Lviv Group K: Liverpool, Steaua Bucharest, Napoli, Utrecht Group L: FC Porto, Besiktas, CSKA Sofia, Rapid Vienna Matches will be played on September 16 and 30, October 21, November 4, December 1/2 and 15/16. Reds duo return for Prem encounter Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are both set to return for Liverpool in Sunday's Premier League clash against West Brom at Anfield. Torres was rested for the long trip to Turkey in midweek while Gerrard had a back problem which he should recover from in time. Daniel Agger (concussion) and Milan Jovanovic (rested) are also in line for recalls after missing the game against Trabzonspor but Maxi Rodriguez (illness) remains a doubt. Midfielder Joe Cole serves the second game of a three-match domestic ban. Teams Reds (from): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Aurelio, Gerrard, Lucas, Kuyt, Torres, Jovanovic, Ngog, Pacheco, Jones, Kelly, Babel, Kyrgiakos, Spearing. (TEAMtalk) Barca to sign Mascherano for £17.25m Liverpool have sold midfielder Javier Mascherano to Barcelona for about £17.25m, BBC Sport understands. The deal is subject to the 26-year-old Argentina captain passing a medical with the Catalan giants. Barcelona confirmed on their website: "The clubs have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Mascherano for the next four seasons." "Barcelona will report the details once the player passes the medical and the transfer is concluded." (BBC Sport Online) Hodgson reiterates stance on Kuyt Roy Hodgson said after Liverpool's win over Trabzonspor that he sees Dirk Kuyt as a key member of the team and has no intention of selling him. On Wednesday Kuyt's agent claimed he wanted to join former Reds boss Rafael Benitez at Inter Milan. However, the 30-year-old showed no sign of that on Thursday night, scoring the second goal in the Reds' 2-1 Europa League play-off second leg victory over Trabzonspor. After the match he said: "As far as I know my future is at Liverpool. I've had a great time so far and I hope my future will be great here. "All I want is to win trophies with Liverpool." It was something Hodgson welcomed but did not think was necessary. "Dirk Kuyt is not for sale so excuse me for not understanding the speculation of being happy now he has said he is staying because I never doubted he was staying," said the Reds boss. (TEAMtalk)
	THURSDAY 26
	Kuyt: I'm staying at Liverpool Dirk Kuyt has quelled speculation surrounding his future by insisting: "I'm staying at Liverpool." The Dutch forward struck a late winner in the Reds' 2-1 Europa League success over Trabzonspor on Thursday night and then revealed that he plans to remain on Merseyside. "Everyone has said a lot about my future but as far as I know my future is at Liverpool," he said. "I've had a great time so far and I hope my future here will be great as well and I can win trophies with Liverpool." (LFC Official Website) Reds roar back to go through Liverpool booked their place in the group stages of the Europa League after coming from behind to beat Trabzonspor 2-1 in Turkey. The Reds had never beaten Turkish opposition on their patch and struggled to build for large parts of the game without star men Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. They could not have got off to a worse start when Teofilo Gutierrez put the hosts in front to level the tie 1-1 after three minutes. From there on in, the game failed to take any real rhythm, with pressure from Trabzonspor sporadic and Liverpool's threat almost non-existent in the first half. However the Reds came back strongly in the second period, creating much of the better chances and looking far more dangerous. They got their reward late into the game to kill the tie off with an away goal thanks to an own goal form Remzi Kacar, before Dirk Kuyt won the game with three minutes remaining. (Sky Sports) Cole returns in Turkey Joe Cole returns to the starting XI for tonight's Europa League clash in Trabzonspor. The midfielder is one of five changes to the side that lost at Manchester City with Christian Poulsen, Fabio Aurelio, Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Martin Kelly all involved. The Liverpool team in full: Reina, Johnson, Kelly, Kyrgiakos, Carragher, Aurelio, Lucas, Poulsen, Kuyt, Cole, Ngog. Subs: Gulacsi, Pacheco, Babel, Spearing, Shelvey, Skrtel, Eccleston. (LFC Official Website) Diarra in Reds link Liverpool are reported to have been offered Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra. Diarra is thought to be surplus to requirements at El Santiago Bernabeu following the summer arrival of Sami Khedira from Stuttgart. (Sky Sports) Benitez denies involvement in Liverpool bids Hodgson had stated that Inter president Massimo Moratti had vowed not to sign any of the club's players, while he also revealed Benitez had signed an agreement stating that he would not poach players from Liverpool. Inter are believed to be interested in Dirk Kuyt and have now confirmed they have made a bid for Javier Mascherano, but Benitez insists he is not guilty of any wrongdoing as he is not responsible for the club's transfer business. "We have a technical director and a chairman who both have a very good relationship with Roy Hodgson so it's a problem for them," he said. "I will not talk about this because I am the coach. "The coach cannot sign any players. It has to be the technical director and the chairman. The club can do it. I am the coach, not the manager." (Soccernet) Spain recall Torres and Reina Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has recalled Fernando Torres, Jose Reina and Andres Iniesta for next week's opening Euro 2012 qualifier against Liechtenstein and the subsequent friendly against Argentina. Liverpool duo Torres and Reina and Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta were all part of Spain's victorious World Cup squad this summer but missed the friendly against Mexico earlier this month through injury. (TEAMtalk) Sneijder desperate for Inter to sign Kuyt Rafael Benitez is understood to be keen on taking Kuyt, whom he signed for Liverpool from Feyenoord in 2006, to Inter this season, prompting Reds boss Roy Hodgson to accuse his predecessor of reneging on an agreement not to make an approach for any Liverpool players. Sneijder, who played alongside Kuyt as Netherlands reached this summer's World Cup final, believes Inter should press ahead with the deal, though, and says he has spoken to club president Massimo Moratti to recommend his signing. "I hope that before the end of the transfer session he can be here with us," Sneijder told NOS. "Dirk already knows what awaits him at Inter and I am certain within a week my team-mates will be desperate to play with him. "I'd love him to come here. With him it's like you're playing with 12 men, as he knows how to do everything - protect the ball, run and score. He's very welcome at Inter and not just because he's Dutch. I talked to everyone about him, even with Moratti." (ESPN Soccernet) New start for 'settled' Babel Liverpool winger Ryan Babel insists he is happy at Anfield and is looking upon this season as "a new chapter". The Holland winger has failed to become a regular during his three years with the Merseysiders after joining from Ajax. The 23-year-old has frequently been linked with moves away from Liverpool, including a possible summer switch to Wolfsburg. Babel knows nothing of any interest from the Bundesliga outfit and says he is maintaining a positive outlook on his Reds future. "I have been through a difficult time at Liverpool but I look upon this year as a new chapter," explained Babel. "I am trying to be positive and look forward. I have two years left on my contract and I love Liverpool. I am settled here. "If I had the feeling I had done everything I can here then, maybe, I would look at something else. "But I don't have that feeling at all. I feel I can be important for Liverpool. "I googled it and it said the deal was almost done!" he continued on the Wolfsburg talk. "I knew nothing about it." (TEAMtalk) Inter Milan make bid for Mascherano Inter Milan have confirmed they have made a bid for Liverpool's wantaway midfielder Javier Mascherano. The 26-year-old Argentina captain has not travelled with the Reds for their Europa League clash away to Trabzonspor on Thursday, after being left out of the squad to face Manchester City on Monday. Mascherano trained on his own earlier in the week and is expected to leave Anfield before the close of the transfer window, but manager Roy Hodgson has warned that he will not be sold at a cut price. Inter are keen on bringing the tough tackler to the San Siro, where he would be reunited with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, and Nerazzurri sporting director Marco Branca has confirmed an offer is on the table. "I sent an offer to Liverpool by fax on Tuesday and I am waiting for a reply from them," he said in The Sun. "We're not speaking to the player at the moment because we want to do this in the right way and make sure that Liverpool are happy. "Everybody knows that Mascherano would like to change team and to change country. He also has a good relationship with our manager Rafa Benitez. "We've made a very good offer, around the amount they are asking for. We have a strong team here, the best in Europe, but we would like to add one or two players to make us even stronger." (Sporting Life) Owen to play in Carragher’s Liverpool testimonial Manchester United striker Michael Owen has agreed to play in a Liverpool testimonial for Jamie Carragher. The former Reds star will play 45 minutes against Everton next weekend as the Premier League has a week off for internationals. Owen faces the wrath of United fans who still have not taken to him since he joined last year and despite the hatred between Man United and Liverpool, has agreed to be there for his former teammate. It will be interesting to see how the Anfield crowd receives Owen after eight years of service and over 100 goals for the Merseyside club. (tribalfootball)
	WEDNESDAY 25
	Reds confirm Konchesky talks Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed he has spoken to former club Fulham regarding a possible move for Paul Konchesky. Skysports.com revealed earlier on Wednesday that Liverpool had lined up a deal for Konchesky as Hodgson seeks to bring in a new left-back. Konchesky joined Fulham three years ago from West Ham United and was a regular during Hodgson's time at Craven Cottage. A reunion with his old boss could now be on the cards after Hodgson acknowledged he has discussed a potential swoop for the 29-year-old. However, the recently-appointed Reds boss is unsure whether the twice-capped England international will pitch up at Anfield. "We had discussions with Fulham about whether they were prepared to sell any of their players and I would be lying if I said Paul was not a name we considered," said Hodgson on his arrival in Trabzon for their Europa League play-off second leg tie. "Whether or not there is a chance of business is still very much up in the air." (Sky Sports) Hodgson vents his anger at Benitez over Kuyt Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson's anger at Inter Milan's interest in Dirk Kuyt has led to him claiming that ex-Reds boss Rafael Benitez would be reneging on an agreement not to raid Anfield for former players. Hodgson continues to deny any knowledge of Kuyt wanting to leave despite suggestions by his agent that talks between the two clubs are continuing. "Dirk has not expressed that sentiment to me," said Hodgson, who insisted the assurances he had received from Inter president Massimo Moratti last week that the Italians were not intending to buy any Liverpool players still held firm." (ESPN Soccernet)  Hodgson sets Masch deadline Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has given Barcelona until Sunday to sign midfielder Javier Mascherano. The Reds have already rejected a £16million offer from the Spanish giants for their midfield enforcer after insisting they are under no financial pressure to accept a substantial bid for the 26-year-old. "I wouldn't want to say he has played his last game for Liverpool," said the Liverpool manager. (Sky Sports)  Kuyt talks 'ongoing' Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt is still in negotiations over a move to Inter Milan, according to his agent Rob Jansen. The Holland international has been linked with a move to the reigning European champions, who have reportedly made an offer for the 30-year-old. Kuyt's agent claims the clubs are still in negotiations, but are yet to reach an agreement over a deal thought to be worth in excess of £15million. "The two clubs continue to talk, but things are moving slowly," claimed Jansen. "The difference between demand and offer is important. It is something between the clubs but Dirk told Liverpool he no longer wants to be involved as this is something that regards his career and life. "It doesn't mean he wants to leave at all costs, but when a club like Inter comes along it's normal to look into the situation further." The former Utrecht and Feyenoord frontman was omitted from Liverpool's Europa League win against Trabzonspor at Anfield last week but did play in the Premier League defeat at Manchester City on Monday night. Kuyt looks likely to be heading for a reunion with former Reds manager Rafa Benitez who is a known admirer of the hard-working Dutchman. The player's current contract sees him tied to Liverpool until the end of next season, although he has yet to publicly confirm his desire to stay at Anfield. (Sky Sports) Pacheco aims for Euro starts Liverpool forward Dani Pacheco has admitted that he wants to get some game time in the Europa League this year. The 19-year-old, who starred for Spain at the European Under-19 Championship this summer, has been given more chances by new manager Roy Hodgson in the first-team squad so far this season. Pacheco is in the squad that takes a 1-0 lead to Trabzonspor for the second leg of their qualifying round, and was thinking positive over his future. "It's a long season and this is another competition. There are four competitions and I hope I can get some minutes in the Europa League and some of the others," he told the club's official website. (Sky Sports) Marseille deny Ben Arfa deal Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo insists no deal has yet been agreed for midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa. The winger, who joined the French champions two years ago, has fallen out with the club's hierarchy and is desperate to move on this summer. Reports suggest Liverpool are the latest club to be chasing Ben Arfa's signature, and the Reds could swoop for the winger should Javier Mascherano make the move to Barcelona. Newcastle have also been heavily linked with 23-year-old, and are understood to have proposed a loan deal with the option to buy subject to the playmaker making 25 appearances for the Magpies. Another club to express interest is Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen, who are expected to make an offer on Wednesday, but while anticipating the player's exit, Anigo insists no deal has yet been reached. "He has a choice between two or three clubs," Anigo told L'Equipe. "But we also have to find an agreement with the club, which is not the case so far." (Sky Sports) Reds without star duo for Turkey trip Liverpool will be without Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres for Thursday's Europa League play-off second leg against Trabzonspor in Turkey. Gerrard has a back problem while manager Roy Hodgson has decided not to risk Torres in a third successive game following his injury problems last season. However, both are expected to be fit for Sunday's Premier League clash with West Brom at Anfield. Defender Daniel Agger (concussion) and Maxi Rodriguez (illness) are also missing from the squad which travels to Turkey on Wednesday morning with a 1-0 lead from the first leg. Liverpool (from): Reina, Johnson, Kelly, Skrtel, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Aurelio, Cole, Spearing, Poulsen, Lucas, Pacheco, Shelvey, Babel, Kuyt, Ngog, Eccleston, Gulacsi, Hansen. (TEAMtalk) Liverpool lead race to sign Cole Soccernet has been informed that neither club have, as yet, made an official bid, but the Hammers are well aware of the interest mounting from the two clubs. Soccernet first revealed that the Hammers were asking £15 million for Cole and that the player's preference was a move to Anfield. Now Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is ready to make the long awaited swoop after failing with a succession of moves for other strikers. (ESPN Soccernet) Reds move for Konchesky Skysports.com understands Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Fulham defender Paul Konchesky. Reds bos Roy Hodgson has openly admitted bringing a new left-back is one of his top priorities this summer and it is believed he wants Konchesky to solve the problematic position. Hodgson is a big admirer of Konchesy having worked with the 29-year-old for two-and-a-half-years prior to his switch to Anfield. (Sky Sports) Thor Zakariassen ©