Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will be speaking to the media for the first time this afternoon as he builds up to their Premier League encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Reds trip to Molineux marks the restart of the English top-flight schedule after being on hold for the international break. Liverpool players have amassed many air-miles in the last two weeks but they have regrouped and honed in to face Gary O’Neil’s side.
While the football returns, the topic of transfers continue to dominate. Reports in Italy suggest that Liverpool are still eyeing a move for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.
Manu Kone, who was a target in the summer, is now subject to reported interest from Juventus. Elsewhere surrounding the Serie A, the Borussia Monchengladbach could leave for just £21m.
Italian media worry Liverpool could ruin Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia plan
Liverpool are seen as a threat to Napoli as they seek to tie down star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The Georgian, who contributed towards 31 goals in 43 appearances last season, is currently under contract in Naples until 2027, however is currently on a lower wage bill than team-mates.
Napoli hope to agree a new contract with an increased pay structure in order to fend off Reds interest, with it stated that the winger may be seen as a long-term Mohamed Salah replacement.
Speaking to Sky Italy via Sport Napoli, expert Luca Marchetti said: “His situation places Napoli in the position to resolve the issue as soon as possible. The Georgian finds himself a bit caught in the middle of all this.
“It is necessary to resolve the issue to face the next transfer windows with greater confidence. When you have a low salary compared to other top European players you are more vulnerable, because if elsewhere they offer double, it is different than when they offer quadruple. And this doesn’t just apply to Arabia. From a strategic point of view, it is right to renew the contract, because it would give Napoli greater strength in negotiations.
“Kvara has a significant salary, but after what he has shown, his salary does not fully reflect his value. Can Napoli offer 2.5 million net ? It is the figure from which to start negotiations. If Liverpool arrive and it’s been talked about recently, why sell Momo Salah, what would you do? Salah, at Liverpool, certainly doesn’t earn 3 million… We need to protect Kvara and show him due recognition.”
Alisson’s wins award
Alisson has scooped the award for Save of the Month for his stop against Newcastle United.
The Brazilian acrobatically denied Miguel Almiron during the first-half of their dramatic win at St James’ Park.
“This award is even more special because it helped us get three points,” Alisson said on winning the accolade.
“I’ve seen the save back so many times. It was a really good one. It was a lot about reactions, good positioning and trying to read the situation. The power of the shot was really strong. I couldn’t see the ball properly, there were so many players in front of me.
“But I have to give a shout to the other goalkeepers in this month who did incredible saves. [Jose] Sa, [Jordan] Pickford as well. So many that could have been chosen as Save of the Month.”
‘They don’t give a’ – Jurgen Klopp responds to Liverpool fixture scheduling after ‘joke’ Wolves decision
Jurgen Klopp has taken aim at the Premier League television schedule after describing the timing of Liverpool’s clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers as a ‘joke’.
It’s a well-known bugbear for Klopp, who has regularly taken aim at the scheduling of Premier League matches before or after cup, European or international fixtures throughout his time as Liverpool boss.
The Reds kicked-off six times in the 12.30pm slot last season and were unable to pick up maximum points in any of the games, losing three and drawing the others. Their record in previous campaigns also makes for uncomfortable reading.
Liverpool return to action against Wolves at Molineux at tomorrow, with the game kicking off at 12.30pm. And Klopp has once again questioned the scheduling of fixtures ahead of his side’s early start in the Midlands on Saturday.
Liverpool interested in Nico Williams
Liverpool are reportedly interested in Athletic Club’s Nico Williams.
According to reports in Spain, namely Estadio Deportivo and Sport, the Reds have made contact with the Spanish outfit and ‘asked about’ the winger during the summer window.
The 21-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and reportedly has a €50m (£42m) release clause.
Crouch sends transfer warning to Salah
Peter Crouch has admitted he thinks that Mohamed Salah could leave Liverpool for Saudi Arabia next summer.
The Reds rejected what would have been a club-record £150m offer from Al-Ittihad for the Egyptian at the end of last month, insisting that the 31-year-old was not for sale. However, Salah is expected to be the subject of interest once again from the Saudi Pro League next year at a time when he’ll have just one year left on his Liverpool contract.
Having seen a plethora of big-name stars head to the Gulf state from European clubs this summer, including Reds legends Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane, Gini Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino, Crouch warned his former club that the Middle Eastern league won’t give up in their pursuit of Salah.
“I think even the most staunch Liverpool and Salah supporter will understand if he does another year (then leaves),” Crouch admitted when speaking to a select number of journalists, including the ECHO, courtesy of TNT Sports ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Wolves on Saturday lunchtime.
