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    Dream Team 2024/25: Liverpool’s top stars, bargain options & players to avoid

    EVERY Dream Team manager will be intrigued to see how Liverpool get on once the new season gets underway.Jurgen Klopp has departed and Arne Slot has the unenviable task of filling the German’s shoes with little in the way of transfer activity to bolster the squad.The Reds’ fixtures appear relatively favourable across the first few Gameweeks so many Dream Team bosses will be prepared to back them extensively from the get-go.With that in mind, let’s analyse their top stars, bargain options, and players to avoid.PLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF TONIGHT’S DEADLINE – £50,000 TOP PRIZE PLUS £5,000 FOR GAMEWEEK 1 WINNER!Salah is always among the highest point-scorers at the end of the seasonCredit: Dream TeamTOP STARSMohamed Salah (£7m) may have faded towards the back end of last season but still he finished with 330 points to his name, a tally bettered by just four players.The Egyptian hero is a modern Dream Team legend as somebody who averages 30 goals per season since he joined Liverpool in 2017.There is a perception among some fans and pundits that Salah is a selfish player but, while it’s true he takes a lot of shots himself, no forward created more big chances (28) for their team-mates in 2023/24 – he’s an absolute menace in the final third.The 32-year-old’s quality comes at a significant cost as only Erling Haaland (£8.5m) boasts a higher starting price.Most read in FootballThe same can be said of Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.5m), the most-expensive defender in the game ahead of Gameweek 1.Clean sheets remain the primary currency for the assets at the back but it’s generally a good idea to have some attacking threat too and Anfield’s homegrown hero is the cream of the crop.13 assists in all competitions last seasonCredit: AFPAlexander-Arnold’s creative stats put most playmaking midfielders to shame and no defender registered more assists or big chances created last season.It will be interesting to see whether he plays predominantly as an attacking right-back or if Slot follows Klopp and Southgate’s lead and deploys the 25-year-old in midfield from time to time.When we spoke to the overall winner of Dream Team last season, he sang the praises of Luis Diaz (£4.5m) as a differential who many of the other top gaffers foolishly overlooked.The Colombian winger banked 250 points via 13 goals and eight assists last time out.Cody Gakpo (£4.5m) looked excellent on the left flank for Netherlands at Euro 2024 but Diaz has impressed during pre-season and is likely to get the nod at the start of the campaign at least.BARGAIN OPTIONSQuansah may be given a chance to prove himself as a regular starterCredit: EPAThere are strong suggestions Jarell Quansah (£3m) will partner Virgil van Dijk (£5m) at centre-back against Ipswich on Saturday and so he has to be considered an affordable option.If the 21-year-old is able to lock down a starting spot for the foreseeable future, he will become one of the most-selected defenders in the game.Elsewhere, Harvey Elliott (£3m) looks cheap for a player who mustered just shy of 200 points in 2023/24 despite averaging 39.3 minutes per Premier League appearance.The ex-Fulham midfielder is probably too much of a minutes risk to back from the start but managers should keep track of his game time – if he earns a more prominent role he could be a real bargain.Dream Team’s Fantasy Football GamePLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON!£5,000 prize for the manager who earns the most points in Gameweek 1 – master the opening weekend for a HUGE payout!Play in Mini Leagues against your mates£50,000 jackpot for overall winner plus other weekly prizesPlay for FREE via Dream Team’s app or website today!PLAYERS TO AVOIDThis is no reflection on Van Dijk’s status but there are better ways to spend £5m in Dream Team this season.For just £0.5m more, gaffers can back the aforementioned Alexander-Arnold who also benefits from Liverpool’s clean sheets but provides plenty more attacking threat.Alternatively, the top three point-scoring defenders from last season are all available for the same price as the Dutchman: Ben White (£5m), Gabriel (£5m) and William Saliba (£5m).Dream Team bosses should also tread carefully up front.Darwin Nunez may have to wait his turn this seasonCredit: GettyIf we assume Salah and Diaz will start on the flanks, that only leaves one place in the front three for either Gakpo, Darwin Nunez (£4.5m) or Diogo Jota (£4.5m).The latter appears to be the front runner at this stage but Slot will naturally rotate his options, Diaz (and Salah to a lesser degree) included.READ MORE SUN STORIESBacking the wrong horse would mean missing out on plenty of points.It might be wise to wait for a clear indication of the new coach’s pecking order before committing £4.5m to either Gakpo, Nunez or Jota but, for those willing to roll the dice, the latter is a tempting punt for the Reds’ trip to Portman Road this weekend. More

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    Liverpool ‘AGREE personal terms with Mamardashvili’ but Georgia keeper could join fellow Prem side on loan first

    LIVERPOOL have agreed personal terms with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, according to reports.The Georgian shot-stopper, 23, is keen to leave Valencia after two years out on loan in his home country.Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Giorgi MamardashviliCredit: RexBut if the deal goes through, Mamardashvili will likely head back out on loan to Bournemouth to gain Premier League experience.The Cherries are willing to pay the goalkeeper’s increased salary of £3.4m, which is more than what Valencia can afford at present.And it could spell the end of Caoimhin Kelleher’s time at Anfield, after SunSport reported that Juventus were plotting a bid in the region of £25-30m for the Ireland international.Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano posted: “Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Mamardashvili.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Bournemouth are open to signing him, then he’d become the Reds’ new goalkeeper after Alisson. Agents now in Valencia for club talks, but no agreement yet.”Liverpool are eyeing up a long-term replacement for current No1 Alisson – who is a hero at Anfield.For now, Alisson is expected to continue in that first-choice role for another year at least, despite interest from Saudi Arabia.The Brazilian’s deal runs until 2027, having put pen-to-paper on a six-year extension in 2021.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMamardashvili was one of the stars of Euro 2024, keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Portugal, after making 11 saves in a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic.Liverpool are weighing up the chance to sign the talented – and relatively young goalkeeper – for a fee of more than £25.7m.Ten Premier League stars wanted by Saudi Arabian clubsThe Reds are currently the only Premier League team not to add any new players to their squad since the end of the 2023-24 campaign.They were recently snubbed by Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who opted to stay at Real Sociedad.Liverpool and new boss Arne Slot will kick-start their new Premier League season away at Ipswich Town on Saturday. More

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    Liverpool open to selling one of Jurgen Klopp’s last ever signings after slipping down Anfield pecking order

    LIVERPOOL are still open minded to selling Wataru Endo – and Celtic are now monitoring the player.The Scottish champions are believed to be huge admirers of the midfielder who is thought to have slipped massively down the pecking order at Anfield.Wataru Endo could be set to leave Anfield after just one seasonCredit: APEndo was one of Jurgen Klopp’s final signingsCredit: PANew manager Arne Slot is believed to regard Ryan Gravenberch and Stefan Bajcetic as better options in the midfield holding role.And that’s put the future of Endo – who is thought to want to play first team football this season – in doubt.Marseille have already had a bid rejected for the player this summer.But they could go back in with a new offer before the window closes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey are likely to face competition from Brendan Rogers who thinks securing Endo could help boost his side both domestically and in Europe.But the transfer fee – thought to be around £15m – may put the player out of Celtic’s reach.Earlier this month it was reported that Liverpool would be willing to sell Endo if they are able to replace him with Martin Zubimendi.But even after missing out on the Spain international they could still let Endo go.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEndo played in 29 of Liverpool’s 38 Premier League games last seasonLiverpool have seemingly entered the market for a new midfielder and are ready to pounce on a target, something that was very much needed according to Jamie Carragher.Speaking on The Overlap, the former defender discussed limitations in the squad, saying: “Liverpool definitely lack legs and energy in midfield.The Sun’s Neil Custis gives his verdict as Man United blown away by Liverpool in final pre-season friendly”If you think of how they finished last season, it was Mac Allister, Endo and Harvey Elliott as the midfield three.”All got great strengths but none of them can run and when I look at that position – I say it’s a fear.”Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    Real Madrid and Barcelona in Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer battle as Liverpool bid to stop star running down contract

    REAL MADRID and Barcelona are watching Trent Alexander-Arnold’s  situation at Liverpool closely.The Liverpool vice-captain, 25, is out of contract next year and has been strongly linked with a move to the European champions.Trent Alexander-Arnold has developed into one of the world’s best right backs but his next step is unclearCredit: EPAReports in Spain say both LaLiga clubs think the England ace is willing to leave following the progress of 21-year-old right-back Conor Bradley.The Reds will offer Alexander-Arnold a new deal that would increase his £180,000-per-week wages — but they are not willing to break the bank.And rumours have swirled that he may leave to join England team-mate Jude Bellingham at the Bernabeu.The pair were also spotted holidaying in Los Angeles together last month, where Alexander-Arnold was seen signing a Madrid shirt for a fan.Read more transfer newsAnfield bosses also have to sort out what to do with Mo Salah, 32, and Virgil van Dijk, 33, who are the only two players at Anfield who earn more than Alexander-Arnold.All three players contracts will expire in June 2025.It still seems unlikely Liverpool would cash in on their academy graduate this summer as it would be a wrench for both parties.But Real and Barca, along with other top clubs, are looking at what might be possible in the next 12 months or so.Most read in FootballJude Bellingham and Trent Alexander Arnold holidayed together in LACredit: InstragramFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis assist tally and chance creation from right back have led to calls for him to be utilised further forward despite misgivings about that from former boss Jurgen Klopp.Alexander-Arnold is arguably the most complete passer in the game bar Kevin De Bruyne, and has scored 15 goals for Liverpool and provided 58 assists, a record for defenders in the Premier League.SunSport launches weekly Football League feature called ‘What the EFL-!’New boss Arne Slot prefers a more orthodox right back, with Northern Ireland international Bradley mooted as the more natural fit there.Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Michael Owen said Madrid might prove too irresistible of a destination for Alexander-Arnold.Owen told Casino Hawks: “Obviously Real Madrid at the moment are the best team in Europe, they are the biggest team in the world and have that iconic kit and their players… It’s the best stage in Europe.”I had a similar thing at that stage of my career, and I decided that it was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. “I don’t know if it’s an opportunity for Trent or a possibility, but he’d have a lot to think about if they came in for him.”Liverpool are the only Premier League club yet to sign a player in the summer transfer window but are expected to bring in a new defensive midfielder.Real Sociedad and Spain star Martin Zubimendi – who has a £51.7m release clause – is a top-priority for new boss Arne Slot.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan KingLIVERPOOL’S new manager Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.“The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

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    Liverpool set to miss out on Maximilian Beier transfer as Hoffenheim star snubs Reds for another offer

    LIVERPOOL are set to miss out on Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier, according to reports.The 21-year-old has snubbed interest from Anfield in favour of staying in the Bundesliga, with a move to Borussia Dortmund on the cards.Liverpool look set to miss out on German striker Maximilian BeierCredit: GettyBeier has been a Premier League transfer target after a breakout season in 2023-24.  He scored 16 league goals for Hoffenheim to break into the Germany squad for this summer’s Euros, making his debut against Ukraine.Beier remains a real target for Liverpool and the Reds even held talks over a deal in the last few days, according to Sky Germany.But he remains clear in his desire to join Dortmund instead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Champions League runners up are set to negotiate personal terms with Beier and will match his £25m release clause, according to Sky Sports.Nuri Sahin’s side are looking to replace Niclas Fullkrug following his £27m move to West Ham this week.Brentford already offered to pay the buyout clause, while Aston Villa and Chelsea made enquiries earlier this summer.Liverpool will turn their attentions to Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, the Spanish defensive midfielder’s £51.7m release clause needs to be paid in full.Other suitors such as Arsenal and Barcelona have failed to convince the Spain international to jump ship.Manchester City challenging the Premier League and its entire rulebook in a court case with millions of pounds of damages on the lineZubimendi was part of Spain’s Euro 2024 squad, helping his nation lift the trophy in Berlin.Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie, who can play at centre-back and left-back.The 22-year-old is one of European football’s most highly-rated young defenders, but was not an automatic starter for Xabi Alonso’s Bundesliga-winning side last term.The Reds are yet to complete a permanent signing under Arne Slot’s management, with the Dutchman spending much of pre-season implementing his new philosophy on the current squad.Liverpool have won three of their four pre-season friendlies, including a 3-0 victory over Manchester United.Their only loss a 1-0 behind-closed-doors defeat to Championship side Preston North End last month.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan KingLIVERPOOL’S new manager Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.“The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

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    Man Utd player ratings: Marcus Rashford the star performer despite 3-0 hammering to rivals Liverpool

    MANCHESTER UNITED were hammered 3-0 by Liverpool in a South Carolina drubbing. Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones and Konstantinos Tsimikas got on the scoresheet for Liverpool Stateside. Liverpool hammered Man Utd 3-0Credit: GettyIt was a harsh wake up call for Erik ten Hag’s side ahead of the start of the Premier League season. Here is now Neil Custis rated United’s performers from the Williams-Brice Stadium. ANDRE ONANA – 5 It is clear a lot of work has been done on playing out more from the back more with new goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar. However it is not what he does with his feet that is the main concern always. Can’t blame him for the first two but could have done better than parry Diogo Jota’s shot which lead to Kostas Tsimikas turning the third in from close range. 5.Most read in FootballAARON WAN-BISSAKA – 5 The full-back looked a bit worn out in the humidity of the Williams-Brice Stadium. Lost Curtis Jones for the second goal as the Liverpool player got ahead of him to put the ball away from close range. Aaron Wan-Bissaka looked a bit worn out in the humidityCredit: GettyVICTOR LINDELOF -5 It was not a great night for the whole back four as Liverpool created numerous chances. JONNY EVANS – 5The veteran started at the back with Harry Maguire left out as a precaution. Most read in FootballBoth he and Lindelof were among the chances at the break after United struggled against the Liverpool attack. Harry Amass is certainly confident of making the first team next seasonCredit: GettyHARRY AMASS – 7 The 17-year-old is certainly confident of making the first team next season if Luke Shaw gets injured. The way he charged back to tackle Salah as the Liverpool player shaped to shoot showed that confidence is not misplaced. CASEMIRO – 5 Put in a good captain’s performance in the victory over Real Betis, this not so much. Completely sold a dummy by Fabio Carvalho for the first goal that left him on the ground and misplaced a number of passes.Casemiro was off the paceCredit: GettyCOLLYER – 6 There are high hopes for the 20-year-old but the ease with which Mohamed Salah breezed past him to set up Curtis Jones for Liverpool’s second goal was a worry. Didn’t let his head drop though and tried to make up for his error with some strong forward runs. AMAD – 6 Did not get the same space that Betis allowed him when he thrilled fans in the previous game in San Diego but still performed well and will provide real competition for Alejandro Garnacho on the right flank this conming season.Amad was a bright spark for Man UtdCredit: GettyMASON MOUNT – 7 Back from injury and gradually getting back to his best. Had an early shot saved and was always on the ball looking to combine with Jadon Sancho who acted as the false nine in the absence of the injured Rasmus Hojlund. MARCUS RASHFORD – 8 The good news for Manchester United fans on the night was the sight of Rashford showing no ill effects from the knock that saw him limp out of the Betis game. He was the star performer again for the Red Devils. The stand out moment for him came in the 24th minutes when he controlled the ball with his back to gola turned his man and shot just wide of the far post.READ MORE SUN STORIESMarcus Rashford was the star performer again for the Red DevilsCredit: GettyJADON SANCHO – 6 He is starting to look comfortable in a United shirt after his travails of last season. But United cannot start the season with him as a false nine as he has been in the last two games as he just doesn’t not pose a big enough goal threat. More

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    Liverpool target £75m Marc Guehi and could use Joe Gomez to land Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon in transfer merry-go-round

    LIVERPOOL are ready to join the bidding battle for England star Marc Guehi.New Kop boss Arne Slot is keen to rival ­Newcastle — with Crystal Palace ready to demand £75million for the England centre-back.New Liverpool manager Arne Slot is keen to bolster his squad in the summer windowCredit: RexMarc Guehi is being linked with a huge transfer away from Crystal PalaceCredit: RexGuehi was one of Palace’s key players last seasonDutchman Slot could also lose Guehi’s Three Lions team-mate Joe Gomez as part of a mega deal to land Magpies forward Anthony Gordon.Toon have yet to make a formal offer and Liverpool are waiting in the wings to find out the price while trying to avoid an auction.Guehi, 24, was a standout star for England at Euro 2024 and Palace will have little option but to sell if the right offer comes in.He has two years left on his deal at Selhurst Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Eagles are also ­anxious that Newcastle will come for midfielder Eberechi Eze should they sell Gordon.Eze has a £60m price clause in his contract and is also being eyed by Manchester City and Tottenham.Toon boss Eddie Howe insisted he was “out of touch” with his club’s latest deals on Saturday.On the transfer market, Howe said: “I know we’re trying. I’m not going to talk about individual deals.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnthony Gordon could swap St James’ Park for AnfieldCredit: GettyGordon racked up 21 goal contributions for Newcastle last seasonHowe is close to sealing a £10m deal for Sheffield United forward William Osula, 20.But the Newcastle chief had a scare as Alexander Isak injured his shoulder in Toon’s 2-0 friendly loss to Yokohama F Marinos in Japan yesterday.Isak went down clutching his shoulder after a collision and was withdrawn at the break.But when asked if Isak was taken off because of an injury, Howe said: “No, that was scheduled for him.“It was sore, but he was fine to carry on.“We don’t envisage any problems but, of course, we need to check out how his shoulder is.”Callum Wilson will miss the start of the season with a back problem.Versatile defender Joe Gomez may find himself leaving Liverpool in the windowCredit: The Mega AgencyGomez featured 32 times for Liverpool in the Premier League last season More

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    Jurgen Klopp hints at career change after ruling himself out of England job and starting new life in £3m Majorca villa

    JURGEN KLOPP revealed he won’t be returning to management any time soon after his emotional departure from Liverpool.Klopp, 57, rolled credits on his stunning nine-year stint at Anfield where he won every major honour, including the Premier League and Champions League.Jurgen Klopp admitted he still wants to work in football in a non-managerial capacityCredit: AFPKlopp insists he doesn’t want to work as a manager for the next few monthsCredit: APThe German tactician has been linked with a few lucrative gigs, such as the top job at England after Gareth Southgate resigned following Euro 2024.However, the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss poured cold water on the speculation as he insists “that’s it” for him as a coach for at least the next “few months”.The Liverpool legend, though, admitted he would love to work in football on a different capacity.Klopp said at the International Coaches’ Congress in Wurzburg, Germany: “As of today, that’s it for me as a coach.Read More on Football”I didn’t quit on a whim, but it was a general decision. I’ve also coached the best clubs in the world.“Maybe we can talk about it again in a few months. I still want to work in football and help people with my experience and contacts. Let’s see what else there is for me.“At the moment, there is nothing at all in terms of jobs. No club, no country. “A few people must not have heard this part [about the England job] and it would be the biggest loss of face in the history of football if I said, ‘I’ll make an exception for you now’.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I’m going to do some work. I’m too young to only do padel tennis and [spend time with] grandchildren. “Will that be coach again? I would actually rule that out at the moment. Let’s see what it will look like in a few months, but nothing is coming through at the moment.”Watch Klopp announce Slot as next Liverpool manager with amazing song to fansIn the meantime, Klopp is planning to enjoy life at his £3.4million villa in Majorca with his wife Ulla Sandrock.And even though he has no plans to return to management any time soon, the ex-Mainz boss insists he is not yet retired. More