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    Ben Doak is Liverpool’s 16-year-old wonderkid who is tearing it up for the U18s and could be Sadio Mane successor

    BEN DOAK is the ‘absurdly explosive’ Liverpool wonderkid who is already being tipped to make a first-team breakthrough at the age of just 16.He has bagged three goals in two games for the Reds’ Under-18 side and has been hailed as ‘a man against boys’ who is set to catch Jurgen Klopp’s eye sooner rather than later.
    Doak has four goals in six games for Scotland Under-17sCredit: Kenny Ramsay
    After the departure of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich this summer, the Kop men have suffered a disastrous start to the season, culminating in a 2-1 loss to bitter rivals Manchester United.
    But perhaps the answer to the missing Mane goals is already right under Liverpool’s nose?
    Doak was signed from Celtic in March for just £600,000 after becoming the second-youngest player ever to play for the Hoops’ first team during a 3-0 victory over Rangers in February.
    Doak also bagged a hat-trick against Georgia for Scotland Under-17s.
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    And the winger with electric pace and an eye for goal has now been highlighted as one of Liverpool’s most exciting young talents in years after two scintillating performances for their Under-18s.
    Jack Lusby, assistant editor of This Is Anfield tweeted: “Ben Doak is absolutely lethal. Just scored a brilliant breakaway goal for #LFC U18s. Can’t see him staying at this level for long.”
    Liverpool author Paul Tomkins tweeted: “If he keeps grounded, and avoids injury, Ben Doak looks like he’s ready for men’s football, aged nearly 17.
    “One of the best young players I’ve seen in eons watching youth footy. Pace, skill, can finish, but is also strong for his age. Can always go haywire, but a gem from Celtic.”
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    “He was like a man against boys out there. I think he’ll be in Liverpool’s first team squad, barring injuries, by the end of the season.”
    Youtuber Grizz Khan added: “Remember the name Ben Doak . So quick , great close control , a threat every time he gets the ball. Will be a star 100 per cent.”
    Another fan tweeted: “Ben Doak is another gem from the academy. Balled out in today’s game with the u18s. Absurdly explosive. Excited to follow his development.” More

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    Watch Roy Keane taunt Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp for ‘sloppy start’ in stunning flashback to pair’s fiery 2020 fallout

    ROY KEANE couldn’t help but taunt Jurgen Klopp ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool.The pair came face-to-face ahead of the tasty Old Trafford tussle, which both sides went into in search of their first wins of the season.
    Klopp: “We played 1 very bad game”Keane: “Have you been sloppy?” Great call back to Keane’s clash with Klopp in 2020! 😂 pic.twitter.com/NVQ49DEULG— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 22, 2022

    Roy Keane jokingly told Jurgen Klopp his Liverpool side had been sloppy this seasonCredit: SKY SPORTS
    The German laughed off the comment, which he exploded at when Keane made it two years agoCredit: SKY SPORTS
    Liverpool entered the clash having drawn their first two league matches of the season, which prompted a cheeky throwback jibe from Keane.
    During Klopp’s pre-match interview with Sky Sports, the Irishman asked: “Have you been sloppy, Jurgen? A little bit sloppy?”
    Keane chillingly looked in the eye of Klopp as the German and the rest of the pundits broke out in laughter.
    Klopp replied: “I would love to say it was just because we were sloppy.”
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    Keane, of course, drew the ire of Klopp in September 2020 after saying the Reds had been “sloppy” in their 3-1 victory over Arsenal.
    A furious Klopp said: “I’m not sure if I heard it right, but maybe he was speaking about another game as it can’t be this game.
    “Sorry, that’s an incredible description of this game.
    “This was absolutely exceptional. Nothing was sloppy, absolutely nothing.”
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    Kop chief Klopp, surprisingly, opted to make Roberto Firmino the focal point of the Reds’ attack for their visit to Old Trafford.
    He explained: “The team I like a lot. We have good options to change, the rest is young and exciting. We are in a good shape.
    “We are lucky we could play them in pre-season and you could see 100% what they wanted to do, the way they set up and the press.
    “We expected the changes.
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    “We have problems but we have found solutions and hopefully they work tonight.
    “It feels extremely important because it is the start of the season and we don’t want to wait until October until we are 100% in. It is very important.”
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    Liverpool ‘willing to lose Naby Keita on free transfer next summer rather than sell him now’ as contract talks stall

    LIVERPOOL are willing to risk losing Naby Keita on a free transfer next summer, according to reports.The midfielder has entered the final 12 months of the five-year contract he signed following his £53million move from RB Leipzig in 2018.
    Naby Keita has played 117 times for LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    Talks with Keita over an extension have reportedly stalled, but the Reds are adamant that they don’t want to sell him this month.
    According to the Mail, Liverpool remain “hopeful” that they can convince Keita to pen an extension.
    The Guinean may decide to leave for more regular football after slipping down the pecking order at Anfield.
    Keita’s Liverpool stint has been blighted by injuries, although fitness was less of an issue last term.
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    He missed the Reds’ opening day 2-2 draw at Fulham with illness this time around, however, and saw his boss Jurgen Klopp turn to Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho ahead of him in the subsequent match against Crystal Palace.
    RB Leipzig, fresh from bringing Timo Werner back to the Bundesliga, are also believed to be interested in re-signing Keita.
    Liverpool have explored potential replacements, but Klopp is reluctant to bring in a new midfielder this summer.
    The Reds are prioritising a swoop for Jude Bellingham in 2023, and don’t want to make an unnecessary signing this year.
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    They believe that Keita remains an important squad option, particularly given fitness issues suffered by Thiago Alcantara, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jordan Henderson.
    Keita, 27, has made 117 appearances for Liverpool – including 40 in all competitions last season.
    His most recent outing came in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City, coming on for five minutes at the King Power Stadium. More

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    Brazil sensation Joao Gomes reveals ‘greatest desire’ to seal Liverpool transfer… after Man Utd sent scouts to watch him

    BRAZILIAN star Joao Gomes has revealed Liverpool would be his dream Premier League move.The 21-year-old midfielder was linked with Manchester United earlier this summer after the Red Devils sent scouts to watch him play for Flamengo.
    Gomes has said his dream Premier League move would be to LiverpoolCredit: Rex
    However, it was reported that United’s representatives were more impressed by their own player Andreas Pereira.
    And now Gomes has confirmed he would actually prefer to play for their rivals Liverpool.
    He was asked on a live stream whether he wants to move to the Premier League one day – and if so then what team would he want to join.
    To which he replied: “Liverpool are a team I’d play for.
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    “I have the greatest desire to play. Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream and that of my family. My biggest dream in football.”
    Despite being just 21, Gomes has already made 93 appearances for Flamengo.
    He has scored twice for the Brazilian outfit and also contributed three assists.
    Liverpool could well be enticed into signing Gomes if the price is right.
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    His market value is thought to be around £32million.
    Jurgen Klopp’s side are reportedly interested in bringing in a new central midfielder this summer if they can find the right fit.
    They have been linked with the likes of Sporting Lisbon’s Matheus Nunes and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham. More

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    Liverpool ‘pull out of race to sign Matheus Nunes’ despite injury woes with Wolves set for £51m transfer for midfielder

    LIVERPOOL have pulled out of the race to sign Matheus Nunes, according to reports.And that looks set to pave the way for Wolves to seal a £51million transfer for the midfielder.
    Matheus Nunes, left, is not going to Liverpool but could join WolvesCredit: EPA
    The Reds were heavily linked with the Sporting Lisbon star amid their injury woes.
    Thiago Alcantara, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones are all currently sidelined for Jurgen Klopp.
    But the Daily Mail report Liverpool are no longer pursuing Nunes.
    Now Bruno Lage will try and convince the 23-year-old star to choose Molineux after he impressed against the Premier League side in pre-season.
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    However, it is said Wolves “doesn’t appeal” to him just yet.
    The eight-cap Portugal international – also linked with Chelsea and Leeds this summer – has a £51m release clause in his contract at the Estadio Jose Alvalade which runs until 2026.

    Nunes joined Sporting in 2019 and has racked up 100 appearances for the club, chipping in with seven goals.
    He is a top-class No8 box-to-box midfielder, combining his fine passing range with an intense pressing game.
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    The ace shone in the Champions League last season, impressing Pep Guardiola in the match against Manchester City – despite the 5-0 defeat for Nunes and Sporting.
    Guardiola said: “I would say that Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world today.”
    Wolves have made the loan of Hwang Hee-chan from RB Leipzig permanent while Nathan Collins and Goncalo Guedes have also moved to the Black Country this summer.
    Lage’s side host Fulham on Saturday – with the travelling Cottagers fans facing a headache to get back to London afterwards due to strikes. More

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    Arsenal and Liverpool ‘line up Yeremy Pino transfer’ with Villarreal ready to sell winger, 19, for right price

    ARSENAL and Liverpool are reportedly lining up a move for Villarreal star Yeremy Pino, with the Spanish club prepared to sell at the right price. The 19-year-old is seen as one of their future stars after coming through their youth team.
    Yeremy, or Yeremi, Pino has caught the eyes of scouts from EnglandCredit: Getty
    The club were not expecting any moves for him and the Premier League interest has reportedly caught them by surprise.
    They are keen to hang on to their teen prospect but acknowledge that England’s big clubs may have too much money to resist.
    AS report that Villarreal have recently become aware of the interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.
    The report states that a big offer would lead to a “difficult decision” for the Yellow Submarine.
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    Pino’s release clause is reportedly around £67million, which would represent a huge outlay for either Arsenal or Liverpool.
    But AS say he is seen as one of the “jewels of the yellow crown” and there is much excitement about his development.
    If Villarreal were to recoup the cash, the money could go towards a permanent move for Tottenham’s out of favour midfielder Giovanni Lo Celso.
    At the moment he is set to join Unai Emery’s team on loan again after impressing in the second half of last season.
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    Reports suggest they would be able to land him permanently for £12.6m at the end of the agreement as part of the draft loan terms.
    Arsenal and Liverpool have both already spent part of this window drafting in youngsters for the future.
    The Gunners signed Brazilian wonderkid Marquinhos in June on a long-term contract.
    The talented 19-year-old has already earned comparisons to his countryman Douglas Costa.
    Meanwhile Liverpool managed to land Fulham’s winger Fabio Carvalho on a free this summer.
    The Portuguese teen took the Championship by storm last season and netted 10 goals and managed eight assists. More

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    Liverpool ‘plotting swap transfer deal’ involving either Roberto Firmino or Naby Keita for Inter star Marcelo Brozovic

    LIVERPOOL are keen on a swap deal for Inter Milan star Marcelo Brozovic – with either Roberto Firmino or Naby Keita going the other way.That’s according to Calciomercatoweb, who say the Merseysiders want Brozovic, 29, to bolster their midfield before transfer deadline day.
    Liverpool are keeping tabs on Inter Milan star Marcelo BrozovicCredit: Getty
    Liverpool are willing to swap either Naby Keita or Roberto Firmino for Marcelo BrozovicCredit: Getty
    Roberto Firmino will find opportunities limited at Liverpool this seasonCredit: Rex
    The Reds have endured a raft of injuries in the position with Thiago Alcantara joining Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Keita in the treatment room after hobbling off against Fulham on Saturday.
    But Liverpool are not keen on splashing the cash for the midfielder as they are saving for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham next year.
    That is why they could offer Firmino or Keita in exchange for the Croatia international.
    Keita’s contract runs out next year – although rumours suggest he will be offered an extension.
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    Firmino, on the other hand, could find opportunities limited with the arrival of Darwin Nunez while Diogo Jota continues to make a strong claim for a place in Jurgen Klopp’s starting line-up.
    Inter are reportedly open to discuss selling Brozovic as they have been enduring some financial issues.
    The Croatian ace has been previously linked with a move to Real Madrid and Barcelona so the FA Cup holders may face competition for his signature.
    The defensive midfielder joined Inter from Dinamo Zagreb in 2015 and has since amassed a total of 28 goals and 37 assists in 289 appearances.
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    The 29-year-old has won the 2021 Serie A title and 2022 Coppa Italia trophy with the Nerazzurri.
    Brozovic also played a crucial role in Croatia’s stunning 2018 World Cup campaign that saw them making it to the final after eliminating England in the semi-finals. More

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    Liverpool edge closer to sealing contract extension with Naby Keita as it will be cheaper than a transfer replacement

    LIVERPOOL are close to sealing an extension with Naby Keita as he enters the final year of his contract.Keita has arguably been a very rare blemish on the Reds’ near-flawless record in the past few years.
    Liverpool are close to sealing an extension deal with Naby KeitaCredit: Getty
    Yet Kop money men are keen to keep the Guinea midfielder, 27, despite a mixed time at Anfield since his £52.75million moves from RB Leipzig in 2018.
    That is because it would cost a fortune to replace Keita in their squad and they would prefer to retain him even if he is not first choice.
    Keita could be talked into staying put if the terms are right after winning every major trophy with the Reds.
    He was ruled out of Liverpool’s shock opening day draw against Fulham through illness.
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    Keita saw pal Sadio Mane leave Anfield this summer for Bayern Munich as Jurgen Klopp shuffles his pack.
    Klopp splashed a fee rising to £85m on Benfica’s Darwin Nunez to replace Mane.
    And it is a move Liverpool legend Pepe Reina hailed as a game-changer heading into the new season.
    Reina said: “Darwin and Mane are two great players of a certain stature.
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    “Let’s find out what Darwin can bring to the squad with the help of his team-mates.
    “But this swap makes sense and it can be a great thing for the club.
    “Liverpool have a great variety of players but they needed someone who can hold up the ball and play one-two passes.
    “And thanks to Darwin they are perfect in attack.”
    Liverpool new boy Darwin NunezCredit: AFP More