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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

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    Liverpool 2 Arsenal 1: Gunners unusually shaky as Salah and Carvalho end unbeaten pre-season record

    ARNE SLOT inflicted defeat on Mikel Arteta for the first time this summer as Arsenal’s winning pre-season run came to an end.Arsenal boss Arteta named his strongest starting line-up yet for the third and final match of their American tour.Liverpool defeated Arsenal during a pre-season friendly in the USCredit: APLiverpool boss Arne Slot handed Arsenal their first pre-season lossCredit: ReutersMohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho scored for Liverpool against ArsenalCredit: APMaybe he wanted to lay down a marker as he starts a fresh rivalry with new Liverpool coach Slot before jetting back to London overnight.It seemed to be going to plan as Brazilian pair Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli both went close to scoring in the opening minutes.Then the Gunners were rocked by Mohamed Salah’s turn of pace, reacting to Harvey Elliott’s inch-perfect through ball, to score Liverpool’s opener after 13 minutes.Even with the ever-reliable Gabriel starting at the back for the first time this summer, Arsenal looked unusually wobbly.Read More on ArsenalDiogo Jota fired against a post too before Fabio Carvalho’s spectacular volleyed second in the 33rd minute. Elliott was again allowed too much time and space to lob in a skilful assist.Arsenal took four points from Liverpool in their title chase last season and there was a clear desire to make sure they did not allow Slot a psychological pre-season boost.The impressive Martinelli carved out the opening for Arsenal to pull one back, with help from the excellent Martin Odegaard, through a Kai Havertz tap in.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBoth sides made changes in the stifling evening heat of the second half as the referee called for water breaks to assist the players.Arsenal looked the stronger and fitter of the two teams and nearly equalised though sub Favio Vieira but for a fine Caoimhin Kelleher save.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonEither way, the match was a hit with the record 69,879 crowd for a football match at this state-of-the-art Lincoln Financial Field Stadium.Arsenal looked unusually shaky during their pre-season friendly with LiverpoolCredit: AFPArsenal boss Mikel Arteta was bested by Slot in their first meetingCredit: Getty More

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    Premier League cult hero quits as manager of crisis club after takeover talks with Liverpool owners collapse

    FORMER Liverpool winger Albert Riera has terminated his managerial contract at Bordeaux – who have declared themselves bankrupt.This comes after takeover talks between the French side and Anfield’s Fenway Sports Group owners collapsed this week.Albert Riera has left Bordeaux, along with the entire squadCredit: GettyRiera previously played for LiverpoolCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSix-time French champions Bordeaux have officially renounced their professional status after being relegated to the third tier.The former Champions League side, who last won Ligue 1 in 2009, have been plagued by financial issues in recent years and took the decision to drop down to try and ease their woes.They were in takeover talks with Liverpool’s owners FSG – but the Americans have since withdrawn their interest after extensive discussions with the club’s stakeholders.It leaves Bordeaux on the brink of liquidation, with a date set at the Commerical Court in France.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThey finished 12th in the French second tier last season, finishing nine points outside the play-offs, having narrowly missed a crucial promotion to Ligue 1 the year before.And now their first-team boss Riera, 42, has quit in the latest blow to club chiefs.A former player at the club, he had only returned to the French side in October after taking over from David Guion in the hotseat.The Prem cult hero has returned to his former squad at Celje in the Slovenian PrvaLiga.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBordeaux’s club statementFollowing the confirmation of the DNCG’s decision to relegate FC Girondins de Bordeaux to National 1, the Club filed for bankruptcy with the Bordeaux Commercial Court on Tuesday, in order to begin the necessary restructuring. Consequently, the Commercial Court will very soon pronounce the opening of collective proceedings which will automatically result in the loss of the Club’s professional status. Therefore, given the very short deadlines before the start of the National 1 season, the Club had to give up requesting the maintenance of its professional status, otherwise it would have had to appear again before the DNCG with a budget that did not correspond not to the future reality of the Club, which could have led to heavy additional sanctions. It is a difficult decision which anticipates an inevitable consequence of the ongoing restructuring process. Although the training center will close as a result, the Club will continue to promote youth teams. The effort of transparency vis-à-vis the French football authorities of what the real situation of the Club will be in the days and weeks to come must in particular make it possible to limit the sporting consequences of this situation, the Club having the objective of evolve in National 1 next season, to allow, as quickly as possible, the return of the Club, with cleaned-up finances and renewed ambition, at the highest level.Riera joined Liverpool in 2008 and spent two years at Anfield, scoring five goals and providing nine assists in 56 appearances.However, his time at the club was cut short after he was suspended by then-manager Rafa Benitez.Ryan Reynolds tells Liverpool star Mo Salah to ‘think about’ stunning Wrexham transfer in brilliant videoRiera made comments to the Spanish press regarding his first-team opportunities and was subsequently exiled and transfer listed.Meanwhile, Bordeaux also closed its renowned training academy and released the entire squad.Clubs in France’s third tier can apply for an exemption to remain professional for two-years before renouncing that status.Bordeaux have been a professional club since 1937.They made a net loss of around £34million last season and had a wage bill of £21m.Riera played alongside Liverpool legend Steven GerrardCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Ex-Liverpool keeper Adrian tries to poach Mo Salah for new team as even Spanish giants stunned by shock photo

    FORMER Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian has cheekily tried to poach Mohamed Salah to join his new team.Adrian, 37, left Anfield this summer after five years with the club, joining La Liga giants Real Betis on a free transfer.Ex-Liverpool keeper Adrian cheekily tried to poach Mohamed Salah to sign for Real BetisCredit: Instagram / @realbetisbalompieThe Spanish shot-stopper is in the Unites States with the rest of the Betis team as they prepare to face his former club Liverpool in a pre-season friendly tonight.And with Adrian being so close to his old teammates, he took the chance to play a hopeful prank on Mohamed Salah.The former West Ham keeper presented the Egyptian superstar with a Betis shirt of his own with the number 11 and “Salah” printed on the back.Salah posed for a picture holding up the shirt with Adrian, prompting a hilarious reaction from the official Real Betis Instagram account.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey simply posted the image alongside a caption that read: “WHAT THE F***”.Fans also loved the cheeky attempt to convince Salah to join Betis and reacted in the comments section.One wrote: “Gave me a heart attack!”While another added: “We are having the worst transfer window ever and the club is even trolling.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third suggested that Salah could play second fiddle to Betis winger Juanmi, writing: “Would be a nice backup to Juanmi!”And a fourth joked: “Is he joining the Betis B team?”Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanAdrian didn’t only try and convince Salah to jump ship, but also had a crack at luring Kostas Tsimakas to Betis by presenting him with his own personalised shirt.Adrian has returned to Betis after rising through the youth ranks at the club during the early stages in his career.The keeper leaves the Premier League having made 139 appearances and kept 39 clean sheets in England’s top flight for Liverpool and West Ham.Adrian also tried his luck with Kostas TsimikasCredit: Instagram / @realbetisbalompieThe goalkeeper has re-joined his boyhood club this summerCredit: GettyAdrian started his career with BetisCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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    Man Utd’s iconic Class of ’92 snap up Liverpool’s youngest ever goalscorer as wonderkid looks to revitalise his career

    FORMER Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn, the youngest goalscorer in the club’s history, has joined League Two club Salford.Woodburn scored on his second Reds appearance against Leeds aged 17 years and 45 days in 2016 but left Anfield in 2022.Ben Woodburn was the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s historyCredit: GettyHe has has now joined Salford – a team owned by stars from Liverpool’s fiercest rivalsCredit: GettyWoodburn celebrates making history with his former Liverpool team-matesCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe was unable to earn consistent first-team football and went out on four loans before being let go.And now the 24-year-old has joined Salford – a team jointly-owned by Manchester United’s legendary Class of ’92.Woodburn signed a two-year deal with Salford after being released from Preston North End following 63 appearances this summer.He will be reunited with Salford boss Karl Robinson – who managed him during his loan spell at Oxford.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWoodburn said: “Obviously, I have a bit of a connection as I played under the gaffer at Oxford, me and him got on really well.”It was a bit of a pull to come here. I really enjoyed my time under Karl, it was a shame it got cut short with an injury that I had.”But, I am just really excited to get back playing under him.”“Most teams that I have been at, we’ve been pushing for the top end of the table, so hopefully we can do that here and get Salford back where they should be, near the top of the table.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Ammies, co-owned by Gary Neville and other members of United’s famed Class of ’92, appointed Robinson in January.Woodburn has managed 11 caps for Wales though the last of those came in 2021. Manchester United’s top transfer targetsIt has been a busy summer for Salford, who have already added to their ranks the likes of James Chester – a former United star – and Cole Stockton. Woodburn’s Liverpool careerHe joined Liverpool’s under-7s where he steadily progressed through the youth ranks.When he was 15 years old, Woodburn left his school, and was fast-tracked from Liverpool’s under-16s to the under-18s where his rapid development saw him included in Liverpool’s “Futures Group”.Having impressed first-team manager Jurgen Klopp, Woodburn was handed his non-competitive debut during the 2016–17 pre-season in a 1–0 win over Tranmere Rovers.He came off the bench in Liverpool’s next match to score one and assist another for Roberto Firmino in a 5–0 friendly win over Fleetwood Town.Woodburn then, along with Kevin Stewart and fellow academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold, signed his first professional contract with Liverpool in November 2016.He became Liverpool’s youngest goalscorer when he came off the bench to score in an EFL Cup quarter-final win over Leeds United, bettering Michael Owen’s record by 98 days.Woodburn joined Sheffield United, Oxford, and Blackpool on loan after leaving Anfield two years agoCredit: Getty – Contributor More