FRIDAY 6
	No Roma return for Aquilani Albero Aquilani's agent has quashed rumours suggesting his client could be on his way back to Roma. The midfielder only left the Serie A club for Liverpool last summer, completing a big-money move to England. His debut season at Anfield did not go entirely to plan, with niggling injuries hindering his progress. However, Aquilani remains determined to make his mark in the Premier League and hopes a fresh start under new Reds boss Roy Hodgson will allow him to flourish. As a result, he has no intention of moving on and his representative has been quick to play down reports of an imminent return to Italy. Franco Zavaglia told calcionews24.com: "Is Aquilani going to be returning to Roma? I completely rule that out. That is not true at all, this is just paper talk." (Sky Sports) Palermo not given up on Liverpool’s Lucas Palermo sporting director Walter Sabatini still believes there is a small chance the club could capture Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva. The Serie A outfit confirmed earlier this month they had made a bid for the Brazilian, but denied it was as high as £4.99m. Sabatini says the two clubs are still talking and believes a deal could be done if the Italian club can up its bid. He told Mediagol.it: "Is there a dialogue with Liverpool for Lucas Leiva? "Yes, there is still a dialogue even if it is a marginal dialogue. Do Liverpool say he is unsellable - I believe that there is room for flexibility. "How much would he cost? They evaluate him at €10million (£8.31m) but with €6-7 million I think maybe that the deal could be closed if the club would be willing to invest that figure." He added to Live Sicilia: "Lucas? It is a remote possibility, we must try to be patient." (tribalfootball.com) Poulsen “to sign next week” The agent of Danish international midfielder Christian Poulsen expects the player to complete his £4million move to Liverpool next week. Poulsen is being lined up as Javier Mascherano‘s replacement, with the Argetine expected to sign for Inter Milan shortly. Hodgson hopes to have 30-year-old Poulsen in the squad and available for Liverpool’s first Premier League game of the season, against Arsenal on August 15th. Poulsen’s agent, Jorn Bonnesen, told Ekstra Bladet, “It won’t take more than a week before this is sorted out. It might be already in the beginning of next week. Christian Poulsen is Roy’s man. “He will be playing as defensive midfielder at Liverpool. I returned home with a good and positive impression.” (This is Anfield) Reds to face Trabzonspor Liverpool have been drawn to face Turkish side Trabzonspor in the play-off round of the Europa League. The first leg of the tie will take place at Anfield on Thursday, August 19, with the return to take place at the Huseyin Avni Aker Stadium a week later on August 26. Kick-off times are still to be confirmed. Who are Trabzonspor? Trabzonspor are nicknamed Bordo-Mavililer - the Maroon-Blues. They play their home games at the Huseyin Avni Aker Stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 20,000. They've enjoyed great success over the years, winning the Turkish Super League six times, and the Turkish Cup on eight occasions. Trabzonspor lifted the latter earlier this year after beating Fenerbahce 3-1 in the final, while they claimed a fifth-placed finish in the league. They are managed by Senol Gunes, who famously led Turkey to third in the 2002 World Cup finals. Liverpool have met Trabzonspor once before as the two sides clashed in the second round of the 1976-77 European Cup. After losing the first leg 1-0 in Turkey, the Reds ran out comprehensive 3-0 winners in the return meeting thanks to goals from Steve Heighway, David Johnson and Kevin Keegan. (LFC Official Website) Anfield demands answers Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is left with little choice but to plan his summer spending without factoring in a penny of the £150m transfer fund promised within the Chinese bid to take ownership of the club. The Anfield board yesterday sought categoric confirmation of the finances behind the proposed buy-out headed by Kenny Huang -- which the club's investment bankers maintain is a credible offer -- after the sovereign wealth fund linked to the deal was reported to have denied any link to or knowledge of Huang and the bid for Liverpool. (Irish Independent) Chinese media dubious over Liverpool Reports that China's sovereign wealth fund was backing a potential bid to buy Liverpool have been received with scepticism by the country's media. While state media have not reported the story, other newspapers and websites reacted with disbelief to a report that China Investment Corp (CIC) was behind businessman Kenny Huang's possible bid for the club. "There is very little chance Huang is backed by state capital," commentator Huang Jiaxin wrote in the Chinese press. "Huang's promises of keeping Fernando Torres, buying (World Player of the Year) Lionel Messi and building a new stadium is not that reliable. "It sounds similar to (Shanghai Shenhua football club owner) Zhu Jun's previous publicity about buying Liverpool and the English media's fantasies about Chinese capital buying Manchester United." Chinese-born businessman Huang said on Wednesday he was interested in investing in the Premier League club. The latest reports suggest that Huang has confirmed his bid but has not confirmed that the Chinese government is involved. CIC's communications department declined to comment on the story. (ITN) Pacheco commits to Liverpool Liverpool have been boosted by the news that young Spanish striker Dani Pacheco has revealed he is keen to stay at the club, amid speculation linking him with a return to Spain. Pacheco had a fantastic U19 European Championships for his country, finishing the tournament’s top goalscorer with 4 goals, and helping Spain to the final – where they were eventually beaten by host country, France. But the 19-year-old’s impressive form has caught the eye of some of Spain’s top clubs, with lots of praise being heaped on the promising star. “I really want to be here,” he told Click Liverpool. “I will talk with the manager in a few days and we will decide my future. “Hopefully I will stay and be able to get some games so we will see. I will try to work, get as many chances as I can and take them when they happen. “I’m glad to be back and playing for the first team. I’m really happy that the manager showed confidence to give me so I will try to work hard to repay him.” Pacheco was named in Roy Hodgson’s first Anfield starting line-up last night as Liverpool ran out 2-0 winners over FK Rabotnicki in the Europa League. (This is Anfield) Chinese rep: Offer will benefit Liverpool - not current owners A key player in the Chinese group targeting Liverpool says their approach is in the best interests of the club. Marc Ganis, whose Chicago-based company Sportscorp Ltd, has helped form the investment group, said that any takeover would not enrich American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Instead, he has implied that a significant amount of cash would be given to construct the long-delayed new stadium which will replace Anfield. He has also suggested that a large sum would be available to invest in new signings which would make a debt-free Liverpool major challengers in the upcoming campaign. Ganis said: "We haven't submitted a formal proposal but we submitted the broad parameters of what a proposal would look like to see if it would be welcomed, and it was. "What is not one of our goals is the enrichment of the existing owners. "If we submit a proposal and it is accepted, it would be focused on the future and not the past." (tribalfootball.com) Reds loan out Degen Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart have confirmed the arrival of Liverpool right-back Philipp Degen on a season-long loan. The 27-year-old Switzerland international moved to Anfield on a free transfer in 2008 from Borussia Dortmund. He made just seven Premier League appearances in two seasons for Liverpool and the move sees Degen reunited with Stuttgart coach Christian Gross, the pair having worked together at Basel. Degen, who has 31 caps to his name, stated: "For me this loan represents a great chance to rediscover my best form." Stuttgart finished sixth to Bayern Munich last season, a result that qualified them for this season's Europa League. (Sky Sports) Defour chase on hold until next summer Liverpool and Manchester United will have to wait until next summer to battle it out to sign Belgian midfielder Steven Defour, according to the player’s agent Paul Stefani. The Belgian international will instead spend the forthcoming season in his current surroundings at Standard Liege. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was thought to be leading the race to sign the player while Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City are also closely monitoring the situation. Defour, 22, won the Golden Shoe in 2008, the official award for the most valuable player in the Belgian league, however the leg break sustained in September 2009 kept the talented midfielder on the sidelines for much of the last campaign. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson even wrote to the player to commiserate over the leg break which ruled him out of much of last season’s Champions League campaign promising to keep in touch with the youngsters progress. Representative Stefani revealed yesterday: "It's highly likely Steven will be a Liege player this season. "In the future, you don't know. Of course there is interest from some clubs but Steven wants to play more games at his current club. "He has had an injury and needs to get back playing regularly, so for now it's best if he stays put." (Sport.co.uk) Fixture congestion concerns Hodgson Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is already concerned about fixture congestion before a ball has even been kicked in the Barclays Premier League. Next Wednesday, three days before the start of the new campaign, England have a friendly at home to Hungary. Hodgson’s players will at least have an extra days’ rest before they face Arsenal in their opening game at Anfield on the following Sunday before they tackle a Europa League play-off four days later. The draw for that takes place later today in Nyon and could present Liverpool with a 5,500-mile round trip to face Qarabag in Azerbaijan on the fringes of western Asia. Hodgson has no argument with the international date as it had been set in stone by FIFA but feels the Premier League could have been more accommodating as a result. “It is frustrating not just for me, but for 90% of my colleagues,” said the Liverpool boss. “In the Premier League there are very few teams who don’t have a lot of international players on their books going away. “Unfortunately FIFA set this date a long time back and we have known August 11 is a FIFA date. “It is a bit unfortunate they have decided to start the league three days after that. “In my opinion, it would have been nice if that could have been pushed back and we had same sort of time the teams in Italy, Spain and Germany have to prepare because their leagues don’t start until after ours.” (Evening Echo) Starlet signs new deal Academy forward Krisztian Adorjan has signed a professional contract with Liverpool Football Club. The deal will keep the 17-year-old Hungarian at the club until 2013. He was previously registered on a scholarship after following the likes of Krisztian Nemeth from MTK in Hungary last August. Adorjan plays as a second striker and scored on his Anfield debut against Wolves in last season's FA Youth Cup. (LFC Official Website) Hodgson won't splash new Liverpool cash Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson says he is not expecting to embark on a mass spending spree before the transfer window shuts, even if new owners come into the club. The five-time European champions are in advanced talks with a number of potential buyers that could see Hodgson being handed a large sum of money to spend on strengthening his team. One of those suitors is reported to be backed by the Chinese government. But even if he is given the green light to go out and spend big, Hodgson does not envisage he will have enough time to invest huge sums in the current window, which closes at the end of August. "If and when a takeover is about to happen then I'm sure I'll be informed," said Hodgson. "It would be nice if one day an enormous amount of money is made available. But we would have to make sure we do our research on each and every player we sign. It is important to check the backgrounds and the character of everyone we sign. We've brought in Danny Wilson and Joe Cole since I arrived and I hope to bring in another of couple of players." One player Hodgson does hope to sign in the coming days - takeover or no takeover - is Juventus's highly-rated midfielder Christian Poulsen, who played under Hodgson at FC Copenhagen. Hodgson was speaking after getting off to a winning start in his first home game in charge of Liverpool since taking over from Rafael Benitez. (AFP/FIFA.com)
	THURSDAY 5
	Roy delight at Cole bow Roy Hodgson admitted he was thrilled with Joe Cole's competitive Liverpool debut after the midfielder played a starring role in the 2-0 Europa League victory over FK Rabotnicki on Thursday evening. Hodgson admitted he was buoyed by the industrious performance of the summer signing, who can consider himself highly unfortunate not to have marked his home bow with a goal. "His energy and enthusiasm tonight meant he had a really good home debut," the boss told reporters at a post-match press conference. "Joe is desperate to play. He came here because he thought he might get the opportunity to start more games than he did at Chelsea. "He is a very enthusiastic, effervescent footballer who the more he plays, the happier he is. He is the type of player who wants to play every minute of every game. "Whether that is going to be possible is another matter, but it's a good quality to have." (LFC Official Website)  Cole pleased with Liverpool debut Joe Cole was pleased to get 90 minutes in for his new club as Liverpool cruised to a Europa League qualifying win over Rabotnicki. Cole, who arrived on a free transfer having been released by Chelsea, was at the heart of his new side's best moves and set up the opening goal for David Ngog. Captain Steven Gerrard slotted home a penalty just before the interval. "It was good, I was nervous before the game but it's always like that when you go to a new club," Cole told ITV4. (TEAMtalk)  Cole stars as Liverpool ease through Joe Cole impressed as Liverpool beat Rabotnicki 2-0 in the second leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie at Anfield Cole was at the heart of his new side's best moves and set up the opening goal for David Ngog. Captain Steven Gerrard slotted home a penalty just before the interval and after that it was more of an exhibition game as Liverpool eased into the play-off draw. (TEAMtalk)   Cole starts Joe Cole makes his Liverpool debut against FK Rabotnicki at Anfield this evening - a game you can watch live online via e-Season Ticket. The summer signing joins fellow new boy Milan Jovanovic in Roy Hodgson's first competitive starting XI. Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Dani Pacheco and Martin Skrtel also begin in the second leg of the Europa League third round qualifier. Liverpool: Cavalieri, Johnson, Skrtel, Carragher, Kelly, Jovanovic, Gerrard, Lucas, Cole, Pacheco, Ngog. Subs: Gulacsi, Aquilani, Kyrgiakos, Maxi, Wilson, Spearing, Eccleston. (LFC Official Website) Boro reject Liverpool bid for keeper Middlesbrough have rejected a £2million bid from Liverpool for their Aussie keeper Brad Jones. New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is believed to be keen to find a new backup keeper for Pepe Reina. (LFC Online) Rabotnicki fined for racism UEFA have charged Macedonian side FK Rabotnicki over allegations of racist chanting in last week's Europa League qualifying game against Liverpool. Pictures emerged after the game that showed Rabotnicki fans appearing to direct 'monkey' taunts at Liverpool players. Liverpool started the game with two black players in David Ngog, who scored twice in the Reds' 2-0 win in Skopje last Thursday, and impressive 19-year-old winger David Amoo. UEFA have charged Rabotnicki with the improper conduct of supporters. A statement from European football's governing body read: 'The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body has opened a disciplinary case against FK Rabotnicki for the improper conduct of supporters during their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first-leg match against Liverpool FC on 29 July in Skopje, FYR Macedonia. 'The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on Thursday, 19 August.' The return leg takes place at Anfield this evening. (RTE) Poulsen's Reds talks continue Christian Poulsen's agent has opened negotiations with Liverpool but is not sure if an agreement will be reached. Poulsen has emerged as a transfer target for the Reds this summer, with Roy Hodgson confirming his interest in the Juventus midfielder this week. Liverpool have spoken to Poulsen's representative, Joern Bonnesen, and are reported to have offered a three-year deal. However, it does not look like anything will be finalised in the near future after Bonnesen returned to Denmark. "I don't know if we will reach an agreement," the agent told Tipsbladet. "I will go home without a contract and we will work from there. "This is not something which will be resolved in two minutes." (TEAMtalk) Kelly handed England call Liverpool youngster Martin Kelly has been named in Stuart Pearce's England Under-21 squad for the first time for next week's friendly with Uzbekistan. Kelly, who impressed for the Reds during pre-season, is included in the 19 man party as Pearce runs the rule over his youngsters ahead of the forthcoming European Championship qualifiers against Portugal and Lithuania. "Martin Kelly has played for Liverpool in this pre-season in a European qualifying tie and I also saw him with the younger age groups, so it's a great opportunity for him," said Pearce, who also handed first call-ups to Phil Jones, Jordan Henderson and Marc Albrighton. "Because we were so successful a year ago reaching the European Championship Final, there was no preparation time for many friendlies before we went straight into qualifying, so it makes it difficult to have a look at players and tinker with the squad. "This match will give us a chance to prepare for what will be two very important games next month." (LFC Official Website) Ngog looking to impress David Ngog is looking to impress again tonight. Ngog will lead the line for the Reds again tonight just as he did in the first leg, and as in the first leg, he is hoping to give a good account of himself and hopefully score some more goals. "It is always a good feeling for a striker when you score goals but the most important thing for us was to win the game which gave us a lot of confidence," said the striker. "We had a lot of young players in the team and they did really well. They have been working hard in training and they showed they can do a good job for the team so it was a good feeling for everyone. "Martin Kelly played very well and he set up a goal for me with a great cross. He is a player with quality and hopefully he can have a good future here. "We will try our best to put on a good performance for our supporters in the first home game of the season. I think it's important to start well at Anfield. "We have to be careful and not think the game is won, because we have another 90 minutes to play, and hopefully we can get the job done and qualify for the next round." (LFC Online) Confusion over potential Liverpool FC bidder Kenny Huang Confusion surrounds Kenny Huang and his interest in buying Liverpool FC after claims about his links to the Chinese government were met with an apparent denial which was then subsequently dismissed. Reports suggested Huang is fronting a bid backed by China Investment Corporation (CIC), the country's sovereign wealth fund which manages a £188billion portfolio. Claims that CIC has sold £351million worth of shares in the global financial services firm Morgan Stanley, of which it acquired a 9.9% stake three years ago, in the last couple of weeks - a figure equivalent to the debts currently held by Liverpool - appeared to add credence to the link. But then suggestions emerged that Huang's PR advisors had sent a statement to journalists in China refuting there was "any involvement of state-owned enterprises in his business dealings". (Daily Post)  Huang quiet on China link Prospective Liverpool owner Kenny Huang has refused to comment on reports his consortium is being backed by the Chinese government. George Gillett and Tom Hicks are looking to sell and several parties are reportedly considering a takeover. Chinese businessman Huang revealed earlier this week that he was interested in investing in Liverpool, although he has yet to make a formal offer. Reports in Thursday morning's press have now suggested that the Chinese government is Huang's mystery backer. (Sky Sports)     Torres could face Arsenal Fernando Torres could be fit to face Arsenal a week on Sunday. Torres picked up a hamstring injury in the World Cup final and was a doubt for the start of the season. However, he is recovering well and could be available to face the Gunners on the 15th. "He's only been back a few days and needs to do a lot of work to make sure he recovers from his holiday and the injury he picked up at the World Cup," said Roy Hodgson. "We won't risk him [against Rabotnicki tonight] but we are still hopeful that, come the Arsenal game, it won't be out of the question to use him then - though I do realise the sports science people may tell me it's still too early. "We believe he wasn't fully fit going into the World Cup and that may have affected his performance and been the cause of the injury he picked up at the end, so we want to be careful this year to make certain that we prepare him - not just for August 15 but for the whole season." (LFC Online) Cole set for Anfield bow Joe Cole will make his Anfield debut tonight. Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Cole will make his home debut in tonight's Europa League qualifier second leg and that his fellow England internationals will also start. "We can play a stronger team this team and Cole, Gerrard, Carragher, Johnson and Jovanovic will all start the game," said the boss. "A week ago they were definitely not fit and couldn't play but now they are ready. "We have a lot of players like Cole and Jovanovic who are anxious to show the fans what they are made of and it's a great opportunity for them. "We also have Pacheco back after a very successful tournament with Spain and he is desperate to show us what a good player he is. "Agger is injured so won't take part and the other World Cup players who are have only just returned to training won't play." (LFC Online) Liverpool icon Rush: Hodgson has lifted the whole club Liverpool icon Ian Rush says Roy Hodgson has delivered a new feelgood factor to Anfield since his appointment. Rush believes there is a genuine air of positivity around Liverpool at the moment. "Three or four weeks ago everything connected with the club was so negative," he told liverpoolfc.tv. "But Roy Hodgson has come in and helped to transform the mood. He has already proved what a good manager he is. "With Joe Cole signing, Steven Gerrard committing his future and now Torres following suit it's been a great few weeks for the club. "Now there's a positive buzz and the supporters are optimistic about the new season." (tribalfootball.com)
	WEDNESDAY 4
	Al Fayed remarks dismissed Roy Hodgson laughed off claims by Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed that he would be bad for Liverpool and said taking the helm at Anfield was a job he could not refuse. Al Fayed's comments came as he unveiled Mark Hughes as Hodgson's successor on Tuesday. He also tipped Hughes to lead the Cottagers to the championship. Smiling as he considered a response Hodgson said: "I don't know in detail what they were[Al Fayed's comments]. He didn't want me to leave the club. "He wanted me to stay and he thought that that's what I should do. "I was unable to persuade him that a chance to manage Liverpool Football Club is a bit special and unfortunately, even though I enjoyed my time at Fulham and loved being at Fulham, it was something I wanted to do. "But I couldn't persuade him in that so unfortunately I couldn't expect too much from him in terms of his comments. "I'm a bit disappointed that the excellent relationship I had with Mohamed Al Fayed has taken a knock back because of my decision but I can only thank him for the two-and-a-half years. (Shankly Gates) Roy confirms Poulsen interest Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has admitted he is interested in signing Juventus' Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen. The Reds have been strongly linked with a move for Poulsen as they consider replacements for wantaway midfielder Javier Mascherano. Juventus are thought to be willing to let Poulsen move on as he is currently down the pecking order in new coach Luigi Del Neri's plans. Hodgson is a big fan of Poulsen having worked with him during his time in charge of FC Copenhagen and he feels he would be a valuable addition to his squad at Anfield. "If we can sign him from Juventus at a price I consider reasonable, he will be a very good player to bring into our team," Hodgson told Ekstra Bladet. "Christian is a player I know well, a player whose career I actually kick-started many years ago and I have followed him closely ever since." (Sky Sports) Hodgson expects Mascherano exit Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson fears that he will be unable to persuade £25million-rated Javier Mascherano that he has a future at Anfield if the club receive a realistic offer. The Argentina captain has told the Merseyside outfit's hierarchy that he wants to end his stay, as speculation suggests that his family have become unhappy in England. Mascherano, who was linked with Barcelona last summer, is himself thought to want to leave in order to follow former manager Rafa Benitez to Inter Milan and it was reported in July that the midfielder had started to learn the Italian language. Hodgson played a part in Fernando Torres' recent decision to confirm his commitment to Liverpool by visiting the Chelsea and Manchester City target during his post-World Cup holiday. But the Reds' new boss, who succeeded Benitez at the beginning of July, does not believe that he will be as effective in influencing Mascherano, telling a press conference broadcast on Sky Sports News: "I think that will be slightly more difficult. "If a big offer comes in for him and it is a club that he wants to go to, I think that will be harder. "But the good thing for me at the moment is that we haven't had that offer and as a result I can continue to work with him and deal with him as a Liverpool player and consider him as a Liverpool player and just wait for the day, if the day comes, when the offer comes in. "Then maybe if the offer comes in and it was the offer that meets our valuation and he wants to go, then I don't know that my powers of persuasion will be much good in that situation. "But maybe they will never be needed because we might not get the offer and he might stay with us." (Sky Sports) Big guns back to boost Liverpool Roy Hodgson is set to bring back some of Liverpool's stars for Thursday's Europa League third qualifying round second leg against Rabotnicki. Despite a 2-0 lead from the away leg, the likes of Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and new signing Joe Cole are likely to be involved having made their first pre-season appearance in a friendly against Borussia Monchengladbach at the weekend. Argentina international Maxi Rodriguez could even be involved despite having returned from his post-World Cup break just 10 days ago. Wantaway midfielder Javier Mascherano will not be selected as he was not registered for the early stages of the competition, whereas Hodgson admits they took a chance on the England contingent and Rodriguez being ready. Spain duo Fernando Torres and Jose Reina and Holland pair Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel will not be considered as they only returned to training this week. Liverpool (from): Cavalieri, Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Aurelio, Aquilani, Gerrard, Jovanovic, Lucas, Cole, Ngog, Spearing, Kelly, Eccleston, Pacheco, Darby, Insua, Rodriguez, Gulacsi, Shelvey. (TEAMtalk) Chinese government linked with move to buy Liverpool The competition to buy Liverpool has intensified amid further reports that the Chinese Government could be linked to a takeover bid for the club. Reports suggested Kenny Huang, who has declared an interest in buying the club, was backed by the state-funded China Investment Corporation (CIC). But a source close to CIC told BBC Sport a link with Huang's QSL Sports Ltd would be "highly unlikely". It is understood as many as six rival bids were submitted last week. On Wednesday, Syrian businessman Yahya Kirdi said his consortium was in the "final stage of negotiation". (BBC Sport Online)     Huang: No Reds offer Chinese businessman Kenny Huang has confirmed his interest in investing in Liverpool, but says he has not made a formal offer for the club. Huang, who is the founder and chairman of Hong Kong-based investment company QSL Sports Ltd, has been linked with a bid to buy out Liverpool's debt. Current Liverpool owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are looking to sell and several parties are reportedly interested in a takeover. However, in a statement released to The Sport Briefing by Huang's representatives, the QSL chief has stated that reports of an official bid are premature. (Sky Sports) Poulsen minders tightlipped on Liverpool talks The minders of Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen are staying tightlipped over talk of a move to Liverpool. Liverpool are said to be in negotiations with Juve over a £5 million deal for the Dane. But Joern Bonnesen told TMW: "As for Juventus, I have not received any communication. Have I heard from Liverpool? I move only on the advice of the club to which my client is contractually bound. "If in any case the English club and the Premier League in general would be a welcome destination? I do not like commenting on speculation. "The player will be available only after any concrete offers arrive. In the meantime, he remains calm and continues to work." (tribalfootball.com) Inter close in on Mascherano Inter have opened talks with Liverpool about the prospect of signing Javier Mascherano, according to Il Corriere dello Sport. Earlier this summer, the Argentina international revealed via his agent that it would be a dream to play for a prestigious club like Inter. Il Corriere understands that Inter first made contact two weeks ago and Eduardo Macia only got back in touch yesterday evening. (Football Italia)   Liverpool locked in Juventus talks over £6M Poulsen deal Liverpool have opened talks with Juventus for midfielder Christian Poulsen. The Sun says new Reds boss Roy Hodgson wants Juventus star Poulsen to bolster his midfield and the clubs are negotiating a £6million move. (tribalfootball.com)   Degen agrees Stuttgart terms Stuttgart claim to have agreed personal terms with defender Philipp Degen after he was told he can leave Liverpool, while the Bundesliga club have also settled a deal with Andre Ayew. Full-back Degen was informed by Roy Hodgson in the wake of the new manager's arrival at Anfield that he did not feature in his first-team plans and that he was free to look for a new club. Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart acted quickly and former Borussia Dortmund player Degen is interested in a return to Germany, meaning a deal will now need to be agreed with Liverpool. Marseille winger Ayew has also decided on personal terms but, according to Stuttgart's director, Jochen Schneider, the French club want to keep the Ghana international. Schneider told BILD: "We have reached an agreement with the player (Degen). The player wants to join our club. "It is the same with Ayew, the player wants to move to us. However, Marseille are keen to keep him and have offered him a new contract in time." (Sky Sports) Liverpool takeover: Yahya Kirdi in 'advanced negotiations' Syrian businessman Yahya Kirdi has claimed that he is in “advanced negotiations” with Tom Hicks and George Gillett to buy Liverpool, adding a fresh twist to the public haggling over the club’s future. In a statement released overnight by his public relations company the Canadian-based businessman said he had reached agreement on a price with the Americans and that a formal purchase agreement is being prepared. According to the statement he has promised to clear Liverpool's debt with its bankers and to provide the investment required to build the new Anfield in Stanley Park. The statement said: “Yahya Kirdi, who represents a select group of investors from the Middle East and Canada, confirmed today that his group is in advanced negotiations with Thomas Hicks and George Gillett, co-owners of Liverpool Football Club, to purchase 100% of the Club. “Agreement has been reached on all major terms including the purchase price, repayment of the existing bank debt from RBS and Wells Fargo and financing of a new stadium in Liverpool’s Stanley Park. A formal purchase agreement between the parties is in the final stage of negotiation. (Telegraph.co.uk)  Carlo: Yossi more intelligent than Cole Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has hinted that Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole was not intelligent enough to follow team instructions. The Blues allowed Cole to leave for Liverpool on a free transfer and then bought Yossi Benayoun for £6million, with many questioning the wisdom of the deal. But Ancelotti told The Sun: "Joe Cole is quicker than Benayoun but Yossi is better tactically. He understands what I tell him. "Yossi is a very intelligent player. He knows everything about the game. "Cole and Benayoun are different players and everyone has their own opinion, but we are happy to have Yossi here at Chelsea." This follows pre-World Cup reports that Fabio Capello did not trust Cole not to lose the ball in key positions. (TEAMtalk) Twist in Liverpool takeover Liverpool have witnessed a twist in their takeover saga after the emergance of reports that a consortium of Arab and Canadian businessmen are in advanced discussions with the Premier League club. Kenny Huang was thought to be in pole position to buyout American duo George Gillett and Tom Hicks at Anfield, and Sky Sports News reported on Tuesday that the Chinese tycoon had made a formal offer. But now a group containing investors from the Middle East and Canada, fronted by former Syria international Yahya Kirdi, are said to be finalising a purchase price, repayment of debt and financing for Liverpool's planned new stadium in Stanley Park. (Sky Sports) Thor Zakariassen ©