SATURDAY 31
	Reds re-sign Aurelio Liverpool have confirmed they have re-signed Fabio Aurelio after the defender put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the club. The Brazilian appeared to have brought his Reds career to an end after leaving Anfield following the expiry of his contract in May. However, Aurelio was offered the chance to earn a new deal with the club by boss Roy Hodgson and, after impressing both the technical staff and medical team at Melwood, has agreed a contract until 2012. (LFC Official Website) O'Neill plays down Petrov talk Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has dismissed reports linking Stiliyan Petrov with Liverpool. Speculation has suggested that Reds boss Roy Hodgson has identified the Bulgarian midfielder as a potential new recruit at Anfield. The 31-year-old has been a virtual ever-present for Villa since joining from Celtic in 2006 and has not looked out of place among the Premier League elite. An accomplished performer throughout his career, it is no surprise to hear that he is now attracting interest from the likes of Liverpool. O'Neill admits as much, as he is full of praise for the work Petrov does at Villa, but insists he has no plans to part with his club captain. He told Villa's official website: "There was a story that appeared in the newspapers that Liverpool were about to pounce and Stiliyan was going to be the player they would want to replace (Javier) Mascherano. "Stiliyan has been absolutely fantastic for us in the last couple of years and - please don't take this as if I'm inviting offers, I'm not - but I'm not surprised that teams are interested in him. "I haven't spoken to Paul (Faulkner) or Randy (Lerner) for a day or two, but there's nothing in the story and if you look at the source I wouldn't hold phenomenal store by it. "But that doesn't mean that teams like Liverpool wouldn't be interested in him because he's a top quality player. But as we speak, no-one from Liverpool has contacted us." (Sky Sports) Inter prepare £20m Mascherano bid The British media claim Inter are finally set to offer £20m for Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano, with Christian Poulsen his potential replacement. So far no official bid has been tabled, but it’s reported in the Daily Express that a £20m proposal will land on Liverpool’s desk over the next few days. (Football Italia)   Pacheco finishes U19 Euros with Golden Boot Liverpool youngster Dani Pacheco was won the Golden Boot at the European U19 Championships. Pacheco's Spain side lost the final 2-1 to hosts France in Caen last night with Reds teammate Chris Mavinga in opposition. The former Barcelona junior has expressed an ambition to sign with Real Sociedad this summer. (tribalfootball.com)
	FRIDAY 30
	Steven Defour emerges as Liverpool FC target Steven Defour has become a major transfer target for Liverpool after Javier Mascherano edged nearer an inevitable Anfield exit. Mascherano has been left out of the squad for tomorrow's friendly in Germany to increase speculation of an move to Inter Milan. And Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has lined up Standard Liege midfielder Defour as a possible replacement for the wantaway Argentina international. (Liverpool Daily Post)  Lucas looking to retain captaincy Liverpool midfielder Lucas hopes to have laid down a marker after captaining the team to a comfortable season-opening Europa League victory last night. Lucas was one of just a handful of senior players to feature and, in the absence of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, wore the captain's armband. And, after a comfortable 2-0 victory, the Brazilian wants to keep it for the second leg of the third round qualifier next week. Lucas said: "It is a really good achievement for me. I am really proud, really happy, but the most important thing was the win. "I know there are a lot of senior players in front of me but I hope I did a really good job and hopefully I will keep it." (Press Association Sport)  UEFA aware of racism claims UEFA has confirmed it is aware of claims racist chants were directed at Liverpool's players during Thursday night's Europa League qualifying game against FK Rabotnicki in Macedonia. The governing body are waiting to assess reports from both the UEFA delegate and the referee before taking any action against FK Rabotnicki. Pictures emerged after the game that showed Rabotnicki fans appearing to direct so-called 'monkey taunts' at Liverpool players. Liverpool started the game with two black players in Ngog, who scored both goals in the 2-0 win, and 19-year-old winger David Amoo. A spokesman for UEFA said: "We are aware of the matter but we are waiting for the reports from the delegate and the referee." Once UEFA have assessed the reports, a disciplinary case could be opened against FK Rabotnicki. Macedonian football has had problems with racism before and their governing body was fined after England players Emile Heskey, Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell were subjected to abuse during an international in 2003. (ESPN Soccernet) Liverpool interest in Poulsen Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta claims that Liverpool are considering a move for Christian Poulsen. The versatile defensive midfielder played all three of Denmark's matches at this summer's World Cup, but he has struggled to feature regularly at club level. (Sky Sports)  Ngog can reach top, says Agger Daniel Agger today tipped matchwinner David Ngog to make it to the top after he got Roy Hodgson’s reign as Liverpool manager off to a flying start. The young French striker scored either side of half-time last night to secure a 2-0 victory for the Reds against FK Rabotnicki that has made the second leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie at Anfield a formality next week. “He was there in the right place at the right time, which is what all good strikers do. He is a good player and has the qualities but he knows that he still has a bit to learn. “I know that he works hard every day but if he continues to work hard then he will come on a long way. But he has to keep working hard, as every one of us is doing, if he wants to get there.” (Liverpool Echo)  Hamann excited by developments at Liverpool Didi Hamann is excited by what is happening at Liverpool. He is predicting brighter times ahead for former club Liverpool. The German, who spent seven years at Anfield, said: "If you'd have asked me about Liverpool two weeks ago I'd have said it was all doom and gloom. "But I think the arrival of Joe Cole has made a hell of a difference. "For a London boy to turn down Spurs, Arsenal and maybe Real Madrid to go up north is a massive signal to the rest of the League." (tribalfootball.com) Hodgson confirms Cole debut Roy Hodgson has confirmed Joe Cole will make his Liverpool debut in Sunday’s pre-season friendly with Borussia Moenchengladbach. Liverpool's No.10 will play some part of the match which is a repeat of the 1977 European Cup final. The Reds boss also confirmed Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher will also be given their first outing of pre-season. "Yes they will be involved," Hodgson told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It's a friendly game so I can control the amount of time they play. "In competitive games we only have three substitutes to use, so it's very dangerous to put players on the field who don't have 90 minutes in their legs." (LFC Official Website) Roy backs Hughes to shine Former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson feels his successor Mark Hughes will be a good fit at Craven Cottage. The appointment of former Wales, Blackburn and Manchester City manager Hughes on a two-year deal was confirmed by the Cottagers on Thursday night. The post was available after Hodgson, who guided Fulham to the Europa League final last term, departed the London club for Liverpool last month. And the 62-year-old, speaking after Reds' Europa League qualifier against FK Rabotnicki in Macedonia on Thursday, was full of praise for his replacement. "It is a good appointment," said Hodgson. "I am very pleased for him and Fulham Football Club. "I think Mark is a very good manager and he has proved his worth many times. "It is good Fulham have got such an experienced man to take over. "I think he will enjoy working at Fulham because it is a fantastic club with fantastic people and magnificent players. "I wish him well, but not too well when he plays against us - but I know he will do well." (Sky Sports) Happy Hodgson hails hitman Ngog Roy Hodgson hailed the performance of David Ngog after the Frenchman's double got the new Liverpool manager's reign off to a winning start. Ngog, playing alone up front, struck in each half as an under-strength Liverpool emerged from a potentially tricky Europa League test against FK Rabotnicki in Macedonia with a 2-0 win. "I think Ngog has done well in the pre-season matches so far and he has worked very hard in the training sessions. "I was pleased that he crowned his performance with two goals." (TEAMtalk) Real impress Pacheco Dani Pacheco has reacted positively to advances from Real Sociedad. The forward signed from Barcelona in 2007 has interested a host of La Liga clubs following his performances with Spain in the European Under-19 Championships. Clearly eager for first team football over the coming season Pacheco is open to opportunities having taken advice from a ex-Sociedad man Xabi Alonso. "Of course, playing for Real [Sociedad] appeals to me without doubt," he said. "I have heard good things about the club, the city and the people, and if things move in that direction, I will be happy to play there. "I'd like to play in La Liga. Above all I want game time or to fight for game time. "In Liverpool I won't get this opportunity and I would love to have it. Right now the club are signing people and I don't think I will have opportunities. "At 19 years old the most important thing is to continue progressing." Pacheco added: "He [Xabi Alonso] has been helping and advising me. "I've been told good things about the coach. They say he bets on youngsters who have character, who like to play. "I've been told about Zubieta [Sociedad's training complex], the way they work and the humility of the club. "Everything I hear is good." (Shankly Gates)
	THURSDAY 29
	Ngog gets Roy's reign off to a flyer David Ngog struck twice as Roy Hodgson began his reign as Liverpool manager with a 2-0 Europa League win over FK Rabotnicki on Thursday. The Frenchman found the net in each half as an under-strength Liverpool side overcame FK Rabotnicki with little alarm in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie in Macedonia. With 17 days still to go before their Premier League opener, Liverpool were without 10 of their World Cup players but their blend of youth and experience coped well in a game of little drama. Hodgson's decision to leave behind the likes of Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole was fully vindicated. Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Alberto Aquilani, Lucas and Ngog were the established players to start, while new signing Milan Jovanovic was handed his debut alongside David Amoo, making his first senior appearance. (TEAMtalk)  Duo start Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger return to the Liverpool team for the first time since the World Cup for tonight's Europa League third qualifying round clash with FK Rabotnicki in Macedonia. The duo are named in Roy Hodgson's first competitive line-up for the Reds, while there are also starts for Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Milan Jovanovic and Alberto Aquilani. Lucas Leiva captains the side. Liverpool: Cavalieri, Agger, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Kelly, Jovanovic, Lucas, Spearing, Amoo, Aquilani, Ngog. Subs: Gulacsi, Darby, Shelvey, Dalla Valle, Eccleston, Ayala, Ince. (LFC Official Website) Liverpool supporters in America call for owners to go Liverpool’s New York Supporters Club have joined the calls for Tom Hicks and George Gillett to sell the club immediately, reports the Liverpool Echo. LFCNY, which is the oldest and biggest fans club in North America, is joining forces with Spirit of Shankly to crank up the pressure on the Reds’ owners. (tribalfootball)     Insua exit edges closer Skysports.com understands Liverpool defender Emiliano Insua's move to Fiorentina is edging ever closer. Reports earlier this week claimed the deal was in danger of falling through because of Insua's personal demands. Insua is expected seal his switch to Italy next week to end his three-year spell at Anfield. (Sky Sports)     Hodgson tipped to land Bridge in City exodus Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has been tipped to secure the signing of former England international Wayne Bridge in the coming days with sports bookmakers slashing odds on the former Chelsea star arriving at Anfield during the summer transfer window. (Sport.co.uk) Liverpool eyeing Villa’s Petrov as Mascherano replacement Liverpool are believed to be eyeing Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov as a replacement for wantaway Javier Mascherano. (tribalfootball)  Villa fullback Young sees Liverpool move fall through Aston Villa fullback Luke Young's move to Liverpool has fallen through. The Sun says Young's cut-price move from Aston Villa to Liverpool has collapsed. (tribalfootball)  Jovanovic confident he made right move by snubbing Real Madrid Milan Jovanovic could be forgiven for cursing his patience. The Serbian forward, handed the chance to join Real Madrid 18 months ago, spurned the world’s biggest club in the hope that another of the game’s titans would call. “Ninety-nine per cent of people said they did not understand why I turned Real down,” he says. “They said that if Real call, you have to go. But maybe I am special. I thought if I went there, it would be as an ordinary player, but that if I stayed where I felt good, other big clubs would come." (Telegraph.co.uk)
	WEDNESDAY 28
	Roy riled by Young rumours Roy Hodgson has dodged questions regarding reports that Liverpool have made a bid to sign Aston Villa full-back Luke Young. Villa boss Martin O'Neill earlier confirmed that he has received an offer for the former England international, but he has not revealed the name of the club. Speculation has suggested that Hodgson has tendered £2.75million for Young, a right-back who can play on the left, as he looks for a replacement to Fabio Aurelio and Emiliano Insua. The Liverpool boss was therefore quizzed on the topic ahead of a Europa League qualifier against FK Rabotnicki, but he refused to confirm or deny the rumours. Hodgson, who appeared agitated when the subject switched away from Thursday's match, said of Young and conjecture that winger Maxi Rodriguez could be poised to leave: "They are not playing tomorrow." Hodgson was also unhappy when asked about the truth of reports that Insua's proposed move to Fiorentina had hit a snag. "No information to be given about that," he said. (Sky Sports)   Hodgson explains English absence Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson believes it would have been 'folly' to include England players in his squad for Thursday's Europa League qualifier. The Merseyside club face the arduous task of beginning their competitive campaign in July against FK Rabotnicki in a third qualifying round first leg, having only finished seventh in the Premier League last season. It is a far from ideal situation for Hodgson, who succeeded Rafa Benitez earlier in the summer, as he has only recently welcomed back some players who took part in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. England's summer captain Steven Gerrard and new signing Joe Cole have therefore not been included for the trip to Macedonia, while Jamie Carragher and Glen Johnson are also among the notable absentees. (Sky Sports)  Wilson to wear No.22 Danny Wilson will wear the number 22 shirt at Anfield. Our new boy from Rangers has been allocated Emiliano Insua's former squad number. Wilson could be set for his Liverpool debut as he is in Roy Hodgson's squad for Thursday's Europa League third qualifying round tie with FK Rabotnicki. (LFC Official Website) Gera feeling Hodgson loss Fulham forward Zoltan Gera admits he 'misses' Roy Hodgson, following his defection to Liverpool. Hodgson worked wonders during his time at Craven Cottage, turning the club from relegation fodder into European challengers. He helped Fulham to the Europa League final last season and cemented their standing as a resolute and competitive Premier League side. Hodgson's absence around the club will be keenly felt, especially as his successor is yet to be announced, and Gera has revealed that the atmosphere around the place is different since he left. "Though Roy Hodgson has gone and we still don't have a manager, we have done well in pre-season," the Hungarian playmaker told Pepsifoci. "I'll miss him very much because he was an unbelievable coach and took us to the Europa League final." (Sky Sports) Huntelaar AC Milan stay confirmed Sport.co.uk can exclusively reveal that AC Milan star Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will be staying iat the San Siro this summer and not moving to the Premier League amid reports linking the player with a number of English clubs. The Dutch forward has been linked with Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Everton on a number of occasions during the summer, the most recent, an Italian report claiming the forward was spotted at a Manchester airport at the end of last week. However, the talented Dutch international has committed his future to the Serie A club putting to rest any rumours linking Europe’s top clubs with a move for the 26-year-old. In an exclusive interview with Huntelaar’s agent Arnoldus Oosterveer Sport.co.uk can confirm that the Dutchman has no plans to exit the San Siro this summer and is eager to fight for his place under new manager Massimiliano Allegri. Oosterveer told Sport.co.uk in an exclusive interview: “There is no interest from any Premier League clubs. I have read the reports, but these are just rumours. He (Klaas Jan Huntelaar) is happy in Milan and the club are happy with him. Milan want to keep him and he wants to stay." (Sport.co.uk) No Gerrard, Carra or Cole for Euro clash Liverpool will be without England trio Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Joe Cole for their Europa League third round qualifier against Macedonian side FC Rabotnicki on Thursday night. Fellow England international Glen Johnson also hasn’t travelled, but defenders Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger have. New signing Danny Wilson is included in the youthful squad. LFC Squad: Cavalieri, Aquilani, Agger, Jovanovic, Kyrgiakos, Lucas, Wilson, Ngog, Spearing, Darby, Shelvey, Kelly, Skrtel, Eccleston, Ayala, Hansen, Gulacsi, Amoo, Dalla Valle, Ince. Possible starting XI: Cavalieri, Kelly, Kyrgiakos, Agger, Darby, Lucas, Spearing, Eccleston, Aquilani, Jovanovic, Ngog (This is Anfield) Merseyside rivals set to compete for World Cup star Liverpool and Everton could be set to battle it out for the services of Portsmouth start Kevin-Prince Boateng after the midfielder’s prospective move to Genoa broke down. According to the player’s agent Mario Miele, Boateng is also a target for West Ham United, Stoke City and Turkish club Besiktas. (Sport.co.uk)   Villa chief confirms bid for Young Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed the club have received an offer for defender Luke Young, thought to be from Liverpool. Young was one of half a dozen players made available for transfer at the end of the season if the price was right. O'Neill said: "There has been an offer from a football club which Luke is mulling over and, if it doesn't materialise, then he would join us in Portugal (for the Guadiana Cup)." (TEAMtalk) Thor Zakariassen ©