Liverpool Banter Archive August 14 2013

 

Use our rumours form to send us liverpool transfer rumours.

14 Aug 2013 23:29:23
Hey Ed! I've tried to write to you with no luck, but try again. Have heard rumors that Naples/Napoli try to get Liverpool's Skrtel is that true? {Ed002's Note - RTP.}

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I know what you mean mate hard to get thru

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You're kidding me right?

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Sorry, don't want to be mean but seriously, hard to get through. Was the Skertl to Napoli post the same one resent from 2 1/2 weeks ago? Blah blah no players in blah blah. Give the eds a break, perhaps if you were to post a question more relevant to today's date you might get a response and as far as the negative nanny stuff, maybe they only post every 20th negative comment so the rest of us can enjoy reading the posts. Can't wait for Saturday, great thing here I'll have a 745 AM kickoff. Wake up turn on tv open a beer! Bring on the new season!

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15 Aug 2013 07:52:42
Its not that its hard to get through, its that if what your writing is absolute trash or has already been asked/answerd then why would the eds post it or answer it again? The Skrtel thing has been done to death for months!

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15 Aug 2013 09:17:36
Seems the deal is off, It was supposed to be a loan deal and am not sure, what went wrong there.
But If the deal deosnt go through, we ain't going to bring a New CB.

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14 Aug 2013 23:24:35
Latest from Luis: ''I neither confirm nor deny that I have confirmed denying that I would stay at Liverpool. I will confirm this though - I will deny saying this tomorrow''

Eds - please confirm?

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Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
Jackzokay

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I heard what he actually said was "It wouldn’t be inaccurate to assume that I couldn’t exactly not say that it is or isn’t almost partially so."

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15 Aug 2013 15:13:33
It just ain't nothing not unlike what it both hasn't and can't have been like it isn't never having shouldn't or won't get said now that it isn't just that.

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14 Aug 2013 22:51:33
I really think we will give stoke a hiding on sat, and we will push on all season, think the football br getting us to play was apparent at the end of last season and think the additions we made have had a fair bit of time to get used to it along with the rest of team who had even more time, and we have cleared out a lot of players who majority of fans were calling to leave anyway and weren't cutting it so all in all looking frwrd to season still think though that there is another couple of big signings to come which will strengthen us further i'm sure as we all saying that we want and need them that br sees this too, keep positive top 4 this season and if I do get slated for that then let's wait and see c'mon red men

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I hope your right but if there's a team that can give us a reality check it'll be stoke Saturday afternoon. I'd say we'll know a bit more about where we're actually at after that encounter
Jackzokay

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Remember, this is not the Stoke we are used to struggling against. I would rather play a Mark Hughes team than a Tony Pulis one any day of the week.

2-0 to the redmen

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15 Aug 2013 07:50:10
Jackzokay.

No, Absolutly No.
We would says, Its just one game, 37 more to go.

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. all I'm saying is that if we get tanked 4 - 0 we'll know a bit more about where we're at. Did anyone think we'd have a great season last year after our opening day defeat? I think many of us had a good idea about was coming.
Jackzokay

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14 Aug 2013 22:44:59
Can anyone tell me on what day will John Henry and Tom Werner be taking Rodgers to the transfer shop? Will they go in a car, mini van or team bus?

"Oh, oh. Can I have 2 of them, 1 of them and 3 of them. Please, please" I really want them.

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Oh be a suga daddy and buy me them all! I love you.
Brendan.
Jackzokay

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It'll be 26th August.

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14 Aug 2013 22:16:03
Thought joe allen was solid tonight in the friendly. If he keeps fit would be good competition for lucas as dm

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15 Aug 2013 07:50:59
Allen is a Terrible DM, he is a DLP

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What the hell is a DLP?

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15 Aug 2013 10:17:58
The Real AG

Deep Lying Playmaker. ooouchhh. I know you knew this.

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I sadly don't know what a DLP is however I still argue that our midfield isn't at its best when Gerrard and Allen are in the midfield together and neither play a true defensive midfield role. Lucas, Gerrard or Allen (Gerrard starts for me) and Coutinho, I like.

Andy K

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Harry Scousser

I know what type of a player a deep-lying playmaker is. But, knowing you and your critical views on Joe Allen, I was thinking of a more explicit meaning to the short form DLP; maybe be "Deadly Little Pi$$er?

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I live, I learn.Deep lying playmaker. I see. Yep, that is what Gerrard and Allen are. And we only need one at a time and Gerrard is currently the better of the two.

Andy K

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15 Aug 2013 13:15:14
The Real AG

Common mate. I never Insult any player, I crticize them, only when I see them playing shocking.
Allen is a DLP (Similar to alonso), But then you need to drop Gerrard on bench or move him to ACM with countinho on the LW.
But Alonoso was very comfortbale with mascherano and he was really effective in breaking up play, Allen however doesn't seem to do that much.
But 100% he ain't a DM or ACM, I would Put my money on hendo to be an ACM If countinho gets Injured.

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Deep lying playmaker? Another substandard misunderstanding of the game.

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14 Aug 2013 21:57:27
England are that bad that we make Scotland look good.

Also, whoever Rooney goes to this season will be weaker because of it. He is that bad now that he makes Wellbeck look that good he somehow gets man of the match.

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Your view on football is that bad it makes Andy Townsend sound good.

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15 Aug 2013 00:43:38
Your jokes are that bad that you make the pope seem like a comedian

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My god, he hasn't even had a pre season! You have absolutely no idea!

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14 Aug 2013 21:30:52
Nice 1 ricky should have shown the crowd your bird ha ha

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14 Aug 2013 21:29:22
Ricky lambert anyone?
YNWA
Jamesee

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14 Aug 2013 21:16:06
Never trust a man who uses 'LOL'.

That is all.

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Your just getting old davey "lol"

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Very true DaveyBoy 'ROFL' very true!

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Mikey and ski sunday, he said a 'man'.

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'LSHIFOATUFOOMM'

Laughing So Hard I Fell Over And The Umbrella Fell Out Of My Martini.

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ROFLADP - rolling on floor laughing and developing photographs

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14 Aug 2013 19:28:53
according to argentine press, spurs have been heavily linked to lamela and have already held discussions! a few itk's (spurs end) have also confirmed the interest! so could that leave us a free run on willian? hope so, he may not be prolific but he does cause problems for other teams!

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Surely you are a spurs fan with a name like sirbillynick? Yet in your post you say that leaves "us" a free run at Willian which suggests you are a Liverpool fan. I am confused!

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14 Aug 2013 22:32:15
the original bloke is a spurs fan, but there's about four of us that use the login name! we all work togeather most of the time mate, but he does get some good stuff! he knows a few players from spurs, villa and sunderland that tend to swap gossip and he sometimes gets privi to some! some comes off and some dont!

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Cheers for clearing that up sirbillynick. Whichever one you are! ha ha
Not a bad manager though. Bill Nicholson never gets a mention in the same bracket as Shankly etc but apparently he was right up there.

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So if he knows a few players, how come his 'source' is the Argentinian press? Sort it out lad(s).

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14 Aug 2013 18:58:44
Hoping we sign willian but moving away from lfc just heard luis gustavo has joined wolfsburg!.
Loving the fact that arsenal can't sign anyone Jovatic, higuian, suarez, rooney, bernard!
We defo have to finish above them next year!

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But we won't

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Who knows where we will finish. Optimism and pessimism will soon have to be replaced by actually watching the team play. yippppeeeee
Can't Wait.

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Len approves of jonnybarnes' response :)

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14 Aug 2013 18:58:17
Well its that time again. Pre season over and the first game upon us. Excitment and nervousness in equal amounts and not talking to other teams supporters civilly in work probably until the world cup next year! don't know who we will bring in or let go before the transfer window closes but I will believe in whatever the club and management wishes In which way the club wants to go. My point really is that its going to be an exciting season due to so many management changes at some clubs. Until we have the first month out of the way really. Utd will still be strong although will they still have that 10 per cent extra and strength that they usually find in the seasons second half. City will be stronger and more interested than last season. Chelsea are a skilful team that will have that arrogance again under mourinhio whilst I think spurs if their signings click could be stronger for longer. Arsenal will do as arsenal do which is nice football then implode when things turn bad. I see swansea as a big threat from that outside pack for an European spot and everton will still be strong. Think Newcastle won't be as poor as last season either meaning that we need to be strong from the start. Getting a couple of wins right at the start will do our confidence the world of good. Winnings a great habit to have. A win saturday hopefully then 37 more wins and we'll be champions ;)

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14 Aug 2013 18:48:24
Evening all,
Really hope today's rumours of Sinclair, sakho and Willian are true. Sakho is a great player and in a way kills two birds with one stone, can play centre half or left back. The only problem I can see is he he plays at cb with agger both are left footed and one of them is going to have to shift across. Sinclair, I think could be a great signing. Not everyone but a a lot of people in jan were very underwhelmed by the signing of sturridge, and he had a huge impact, and I think Sinclair would be similar, young talented and with a point to prove! Willian. What more can u say, technically brilliant, intelligent, doesn't score loads, but playing in a wide position of a front 3 he would be fantastic. Sturridge, sinclair and willian, makes your mouth water! Gerrard, Lucas, and the boy wonder coutinho behind em.
Johnson, toure, agger and sakho in front of mignolet would be a great team, and with the bench we would have there would be so many options.

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I agree with most of what you said but would prefer Kelly at rb instead of Johnson. I personally think Johnson is overrated and makes our defence weaker

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I am not a massive Johnson fan all round but he also adds to our attacking threat.

Andy K

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14 Aug 2013 17:08:06
Hey Eds, it's concerning me that we haven't been linked with a single DM this summer.

I think you'll agree that we need one for those more physical sides of the EPL and also to challenge Lucas.

Have you heard of any that we are linked of? Or do you think BR is going to solely rely on Lucas?

Thanks {Ed002's Note - Try reading Ed0001's posts on this subject.}

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I know it's really concerning me too. Fernando is available for around €10m and Ahmedov is available for about €6m I think. They're certainly out there I just don't think we'll sign one.

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Surely Allen can do a job there if needed? There are other priorities.

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15 Aug 2013 09:20:46
Len.
No absolutly Np, Allen would be a terrible DM, and it proved last seaosn when lucas was injured.
he is a DLP, and it would be better for the club and player if he plays in his exact position

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Same diff mate. I was referring to his physical position on the pitch rather than his role. I would much rather see us dump the DM role altogether unless we are playing top, top sides. We intend to dominate posession in most games so a DM is less useful (IMO).

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15 Aug 2013 13:22:11
Len,
Then probably you are underestimating Lucas, we simply cannot dump that position, our back 4 aren't that good to control entirely. or swicth to 3-5-2 and then dump the DM.
Without lucas we would get exposed Big time, he is such a vital element in the team, only player probably who would play full 90 mts, even if we are wining 4-0, he has got great understanding with agger and gerrard, he has got a decent vision for that good pass.

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14 Aug 2013 18:43:03
ive said it before I don't think we will buy anyone else, there's no chance of William and what the game with celtic showed was that we need a quality CB, which brings to mind Sakho who is better than Papa, the owners was there for the celtic game and they must have seen how much we need a CB but has there been a bid for Sakho or Papa, no there has not, I maybe wrong but again I think we won't buy anyone else

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I think your wrong Mickey. Obviously none of us non ITK people can know for sure but I we must all know they are trying really hard to bring people in and while I believe them when they say they will not buying for the sake of it I am confident they will get a CB and LB regardless if 1st choice or not.

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14 Aug 2013 17:58:51
Suarez is apparently now denying he said he will stay, saying someone made that up. What a lode of b. Get rid of him as soon as possible. He's making Liverpool football club and the fans look like persons.

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I think he should be played as new left back! Just to please him

im kidding of course

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He should play as left back. more like left back in the reserve team!

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14 Aug 2013 17:41:26
Just thinking about peoples complaints about Willian's low goal return, despite being a clearly gifted forward when it comes to pretty much everything else but I would like to add my 2 cents worth on him should a deal be struck with both club & player.

Luis Suarez in 11-12 was clearly one of the most gifted players in the premier league despite only returning 12 goals. Last year he scored 30 in 44 under Brendan Rodgers and His team with a MUCH better conversion rate than the previous year.

Clearly Rodgers has assembled a team which can bring out the best in all of his attacking players, I'm not so sure Sturridge would have been so clinical in another team in the premier league.

Bearing this in mind I would think that should we manage to bring Willian to LFC, and I'm not 100% convinced we will, We should just allow BR to work his magic like he has done on all of our current players :)

Just a thought :)

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Couldn't agree more sir, I have always said BR is building ware the sum of the whole is more than the parts and if you put someone with the capability up front being fed by PC, SG and so on they will score lots simply based on how many chances they will get . In fact I will be willing to make a bet right no . I will bet that Liverpool have 3 players in the top 10 list of most assists at the end of the season

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I was thinking about the low goals ratio myself, for the money he would command he seems vastly over priced.
Suarez scored tons at Ajax before his move here, Brendan got goals out of him because he set up the team to benefit Suarez.
If Brendan was to get willian scoring hatfulls I imagine he would have to set the team up around him, but then the likes of coutinho, aspas and sturridge would suffer.
Plus I would imagine teams have been set up around willian before and he still didn't produce enough goals.
We shall see anyway. Brendan seems to be getting his transfers spot on since last summer so if he brings in willian then I will presume he knows something the rest of us don't, just like coutinho and sturridge to an extent.

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Interesting thought, however, before joining Liverpool Saurez had a great goal scoring record both at Ajax and for urugauy so slightly different. Although willian is meant to be more creative and a good player.
Not convinced we'll get him, but if we did would be a good addition. However, at the prices being mentioned not sure he'd be my first choice. Maybe splash 20-25m on a winger/forward than the rest on DM rather than all that on a DM

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I think he is over priced but he is very versatile

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I certainly agree that suarez was prolific pre Liverpool. But I was thinking it's not that difficult in the eredevisie with all due respect. Kuyt and Kezman were also prolific in the Dutch league

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14 Aug 2013 17:30:41
Just because I am on lunch break from school and have nothing to do now let us try something besides rumors and such. Maybe with Suarez saying he is staying it means that he never wanted to. Maybe we just wanted him to say that so that Arsenal would spend the window and all their time trying to sign him only for him to stay just so we could troll them. Just for the record I am not being completely serious at all and just figured we could use more than just asking questions all day. If we keep Suarez, sign Sakho hopefully, and then a decent LW or DM i'd be happy. Cannot wait for Saturday, YNWA everyone!

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Lunch break from school?
Did nobody tell you it's the 6 weeks holiday?

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Not where I am. I just started Law school this week.

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Are you the caretaker

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14 Aug 2013 17:28:50
Bits that I've heard about this Suarez fiasco, firstly apparently he is staying and that any apologies will be in house and not broadcast to the world, secondly he is set to sign a new deal with improved terms which basically means that he will have a clear buyout clause in his contract allowing him to jump ship when the clause is matched, Liverpool will try to draw out negotiations so he won't sign this contract during the window by attempting to remove loyalty bonuses or any other nice perks he has in his current contract.
I have to say that it was refreshing to see both manager and owners take such a strong united line on this issue, something that I feel is actually quite rare in the modern era of football, and that we can go in the new season on a positive front with new exciting signings settled in and with a few more to come without overly breaking the bank.
As for the remaining transfers 3-4 in 19 days is the more optimistic side of reality. Siqueira still looks likely despite the fact Ayre has left Spain without any agreement (that we know of)
The CB situation looks like its a toss up between two players Papadopoulos and Sakho, either in my opinion would be fine as they are both versatile players capable of playing in defence and midfield(Sakho more so than Papadopoulos)
The striker situation is interesting when you examine the strikers we've been linked with, they are or mostly wide strikers e.g Aspas, Costa etc therefore a link to Willian of Anhzi(who are trying to sell most of their foreign players)doesn't seem to unreasonable, the prices mentioned however make it unlikely. So using the info available and identifying the patterns it is clear Liverpool are trying to sign someone that can play LW/RW/ST(Costa, Mkhitariyan) rather than someone like Damiao or Eto'o who mainly stay in the box, Georginio Wijnaldum would be a good fit if we could get him.

{Ed002's Note - I think you have been rather misled over Suarez. There is zero chance of a "buy out" clause in any contract he is offered. The fee you refer to as a "loyalty bonus" is non negotiable, not in his contract and not a "perk" related to him.}

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Don't know what he's done to deserve a new contract like.
Contracts should be rewarded to players who deserve to play at Liverpool, not given to people to try and keep them here.
I can't see Liverpool putting in a buy out clause in any contract after all this.
I still think he will be sold to Madrid before the end of the window.

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Suarez' representatives are working very hard contacting different clubs around Europe trying to get him a move. The player is desperate to leave and I have a feeling the more desperate he gets, the more disrespectful he will get towards Liverpool. I think we maybe hearing a lot from Suarez over the next two weeks trying to force a move. I think he will hand in a transfer request if the next bid is rejected.

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Lol people are getting seriously confused. Suarez is spam, it's a shame, but true. I support the club, but his behaviour is oh so disrespectful.

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15 Aug 2013 09:24:20
Chicken Little,
Some delude fans here believes, we are going to let him go and save 2 mill if he hands in TR. Its much much more than 2 mill right now.
with just 17 days to go and no replacement yet, infact all through the summer, we will simply not sell him. at any price to arsenal.
Without having a replacement, we would not be selling him to real mdrid.
If he himself knew, that we would sell him if he hands in TR, he would have done that 2 weeks back mand demand a huge a signing off fees from arsenal.

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14 Aug 2013 17:24:25
Suarez now denying comments he's staying! Doesn't surprise me! I reckon someone was making it up to alter the betting odds! Lol

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I know, this transfer window's starting to make my head hurt. Hopefully we'll get who we need by the end of it though.

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14 Aug 2013 17:20:08
Hi Eds, what's going on with Suarez? Seems like every newspaper in the country saying that he is now staying? Cheers Syd. {Ed002's Note - The power of Twitter.}

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And a supposed quote from Kyodo News where he denies that:

"But, speaking curtly to journalists following Uruguay's 4-2 win over Japan, Suarez rubbished reports that he has had a change of heart: "I didn't say it."

"Maybe someone else did, [but] the main thing is that I am here now with the national team, " he was also reported as saying by Kyodo News."

Go figure. This is all getting to be a bit ridiculous now. Can someone please just buy this guy so we can all move on? If/when that happens I'll then I look forward to hearing about how Suarez is set for an Anfield return every window.

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RDL, I said weeks ago that I expected RM to leave it to the very last moment and try and get him on the cheap. RM maybe looking at Aguero and Bale maybe the priority right now, but I genuine expect a last minute love to RM where they will offer Liverpool a take it or leave it offer. It will be less than Arsenal are willing to pay and I think Liverpool will take the money and run.

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Wouldn't surprise me at all, to be honest, Syd. He'd be what, 3 games through his ban, so they'd save a few in wages and not like there are a ton of clubs in for him so no real hurry on their side. Frankly I'd personally have taken the Arsenal money rather than to try and find a last minute attacker and pay over the odds there, but that's just me.

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Best case scenario for me now is for Suarez to swallow his pride and announce that he has been foolish, that he appreciates the fans' support and that he wants to stay for the rest of his career.

At which point Liverpool sell him to Celtic for tuppence ha'penny and a packet of Chewitts. Well he wants away from the English press and he wants the chance to play in the Champions' League. !

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I can maybe see it panning out like Chicken Little has said. But what if Arsenal still don't have anyone significant really late, would they come in higher? And if Aguero goes to Real, will City be keen on Suarez? Or Bayern playing a similar game to Real but is keeping stumm? Maybe we will just be done over, or maybe we will get some good kanga for him but who really knows?

Andy K

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14 Aug 2013 17:19:45
The metro is reporting that we have agreed a deal with Granada for Siqueria.

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I do hope so I have watched him play quite a few times and he is very good at going forward . defensively he is OK better than JE but not a rock by any means . If we do do get him I can see him being used as cover for left back and on the wing . The other thing that impresses me about this guy is he is a passionate player with a good work rate much like Aspas and B

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14 Aug 2013 16:50:42
Just been daydreaming about the match on Saturday and then decided I'd write up a match report for anyone who's interested/ wanted to see if they could do better?

Stoke shaken and STURRed (it's a crappy tabloid :p)
Liverpool 4-1 Stoke
(Sturridge 17", 51", Gerrard 30"(pen), Aspas 86" - Shawcross 71")

Liverpool placed themselves momentarily at the top of the table, with a demolishing of Stoke labelled by boss Brendan Rodgers: "the perfect start".

After periods of early pressure from the Reds, the visitors finally seemed to be getting themselves into the game when Steve N'Zonzi forced a top save from debutant Mignolet, with a powerful drive from 25 yards. Yet when the following corner was cleared by Liverpool, a Robert Huth miskick found its way to Iago Aspas in a 2-on-2 position. He cleverly found the run of Daniel Sturridge who smashed the ball past Asmir Begovic to open the scoring.

Stoke certainly didn't recover very well, and if anything Liverpool switched themselves on with the breakaway goal. They soon added a deserved second when "captain fantastic" Steven Gerrard slotted home from the spot after Phillipe Coutinho was brought down by a rash challenge from Ryan Shawcross which he was lucky to stay on the field for.

Coutinho continued to provide Stoke with many problems and should have found himself on the scoresheet when a deflected free-kick found its way to him 12-yards out, only for him to slice wide.

In fact Liverpool only found themselves with just a two-goal advantage at the break because of their own poor finishing.

The home side did however find that crucial third goal just after the restart when Coutinho expertly beat a fair few Stoke midfielders before cutting a neat little ball into Sturridge's path, and he made no mistake with his now almost-familiar delicate chip finding the back of the net despite an almighty lunge from Stoke full-back Ryan Shotton.

Liverpool then seemed to take their foot off the gas and Stoke did earn themselves one back when Matthew Etherington's 71st minute corner found Shawcross, who'd escaped from Glen Johnson, and he crashed his header in off the bar.

The Kop did though receive one more goal to cheer when Jordan Henderson's low-cross was turned in by the eagerly-anticipating Aspas to score on his Premier League debut.

A very good performance from Liverpool, with only a slight knock to Coutinho late onto trouble Brendan Rodgers and he will be looking for a similar scoreline when his side travel to Aston Villa next week.

Liverpool ratings: Mignolet 7; Johnson 5, Toure 7, Agger 6, Enrique 6; Gerrard 7, Lucas 6 (Allen 70"); Henderson 7, Coutinho 8 (Ibe 73"), Aspas 7, Sturridge 8 MOTM (Borini 90")

Hope this will be similar to the real thing!

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Nice one Toddy.

I think your rating of Johnson is a little harsh. Not a classic game for him but still deserving of a 6/10.

Looking forward to your next match report on the Villa game in a couple of days. ;-)

Z

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Toddythered, you're so crazy! But I'll say "amen" to that. I'll take any scoreline, but 4-1 seems really emphatic! Can't wait for Saturday! Walk on. YNWA

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He even gave player ratings! Holy jeeziz!
Jackzokay

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Yeah that would be nice, hopefully without us conceding a goal or coutinho picking up a knock and we score a couple more because having seen shawcross tackle he would have been sent off for any attempted challenge leaving a poor stoke team with little quality down to 10 men with an hour left to play.

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Zeddicus maybe a little harsh, he was/is going to be at fault for the goal, beaten by etherington on a couple of occasions and didn't pose his usual threat going forward because imo he's still not 100% fit. Sod's law he'll probably score a hat trick :D

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Haha brilliant. Maybe you could do one after the game and see how close you was.
I would take that score all day long though.

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Interested to note that no one has yet slated Borini for his short appearance off the bench, although I'm sure they will in time.

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Will do mikey :D, should I make these pre-reports weekly?

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Please do. It's hilarious. Something on the softer side, a welcome distraction from the intensity of speculation about Suarez and the others.

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14 Aug 2013 16:05:13
C'mon Scotland.

that is all ;)

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Agreed!

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C'mon England!

That's more than enough! ;-)

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Who cares! That is all.

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Everyone except you!

That is all

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14 Aug 2013 15:56:39
Surprised know body's posted this yet.

Chelsea may be the club chasing him, but his allegiances lie a little to the north of Stamford Bridge.

"Every time I get the chance I watch Liverpool, " he said. "They are a very important club and a lot of players would jump at the chance to play for them.

"Despite all their problems they have a great chance to get back to the top of English football again. I remember watching their midfielder Lucas doing an interview for Sport TV in Brazil and he was showing a camera crew around.

"He spoke so highly about Anfield and we saw that the facilities behind the scenes are fantastic."

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This was from last year I think.

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Chasing who?

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Hi, who was this relating to?

Cheers {Ed002's Note - Willian.}

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I presume we mean Willian?

Not a surprise really, given a lot of these players were born in the late eighties, so by the time they got into football, our glory days were still not that long before, so icons like Rush, Barnes, Grobbelaar etc were still around.

However, I could be a cynic and say that everyone is a Liverpool supporter when they are sniffing around!

Z

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Fair enough AG

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Is this legit? If so be an awesome come and get me plea as the papers like to put it.

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14 Aug 2013 15:33:21
Used the search function on this ed's, and there hasn't been anything in quite a while, so I was wondering if you knew anything regarding Mathieu Flamini?

Read somewhere he was training with Arsenal at the moment. Always rated him highly as a player, played a decent amount last season (seemingly recovering from injury issues), and took a good wage cut to stay at Milan last year, so shouldn't be on too high wages.

As back-up to both Lucas and full-back if we were in dire need he would be quality on a free in my opinion.

Opinions welcome, thanks in advance ed's {Ed002's Note - You are correct about the training with Arsenal, but there has been no interest from Liverpool.}

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Cheers for the response Ed. Shame really as I think he seems very suitable (and cheap) for his quality and the position. Are you aware of anybody at all showing an interest in him?

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14 Aug 2013 15:32:48
I'm not saying we are going to get him but if we did would Willian really be worth the £30+ million, he's a very skillful player but he hasn't been putting in goals.

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14 Aug 2013 16:17:47
hey eds. hearing rumours that we might move for gustavo. i'm sure they're not true. but DM is a position we need to strengthen. are we looking at any DM's at the moment? {Ed002's Note - Certainly not Gustavo.}

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Why do we have to strengthen the DM position (in preference to other positions)?

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14 Aug 2013 16:08:50
Is it just me who would be pretty p1ssed off if we gave suarez a new higher paid contract? Still think he will go tho, just annoys me the thought of it.

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Agree Walton and I don't think the owners/manager would do that, what would stop other players making a mockery of themselves and club by repeating his actions demanding the same thing

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14 Aug 2013 15:03:01
I don't believe it!

First he's staying, then he's not. then he is, then he isn't!

Will somebody give the buck toothed tw*t a kick up the backside and tell him to make his mind up!

Harruummph!

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He will go before the window closes and I believe it will be Real Madrid who sign him.

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We should loan the clown to The republic of ireland. Get them back for exporting Steve Staunton to us!
Jackzokay

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As good a player he is his loyality has been brutal and shown his true self. I wouldn't take him to replace the superstar that is our American 'attacker' Robbie Keane. PS. Stan wasn't that bad for Liverpool there has been worse Torban ' wheres the basket' PICNICK, Bjorn Tore 'The god with the hammer' Kvarme etc etc

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You're right on both counts. Stan wasn't too bad . and there were indeed worse players. But jeeziz Stan was indeed the stupidest. Every time I hear that clown talk I cringe. That said Suarez is giving him a run for his money
Jackzokay

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14 Aug 2013 14:49:16
really don't believe LS is staying and that we are going to bring 2-3 more players in. I believe one of the two will happen, hopefully i'm wrong. and for our now rivals spurs, they seem to be buying allot of players for bale not to leave, and does anyone think that too many new faces will actually harm them this season?

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14 Aug 2013 15:05:51
I think we are seriously in for a cracking seaosn. FSG means Business. This would turn out to be our clubs best seaosn. If willian and suarez remains Liverpool player. Then CL is a guaranteed spot.

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LFC will strengthen before the window closes. I am surprised at Suarez though, assuming it is true, maybe he heard RM do not want him and this is his way of backing down. I agree with SG that window should close before season starts, but I also think the transfer windows constitute a restriction of trade and should be done away with!

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First of all we haven't signed Willian and secondly, the club haven't yet confirmed that Suarez has agreed to stay.

So please let's not get carried away (Harry Scousser) by claiming that we are guaranteed a CL spot, because by doing so we may be setting ourselves up for one big fall come May next year.

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Harry please give it a rest

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Harry, I thought we would never make top 4 this season and everything was all doom and gloom because we haven't signed any quality players in your opinion? What's changed?

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I think what Harry is trying to say is if we kept Suarez and purchased Willian then a CL spot would be gauranteed. Highly unlikely tho.

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Steph you could be dead right mate

Its easy to get carried away and excited by loads of signings but it could and sometimes does destroy what a team has been building for previous year/s. I do not think this harm lasts more than a season at most but you do have good point

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14 Aug 2013 14:04:31
Suarez just quoted in El Observador as saying he is staying at Liverpool. Hopefully puts an end to this saga.

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I wudnt believe him to be honest sounds to me like Liverpool are offering cash to shut his mouth

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We will certainly not offer him cash to shut up, maybe suggest we would take it away from him if he carries on.

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Why are some fans enthusiastic about this guy remaining at the club? The guy is a DS and we would be in for another hilariously stupid episode this season when he has another brain fart.

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14 Aug 2013 17:32:20
As I understand, he's "been quoted" as saying he wants to stay, but there's no confirmation from either him or the club.

If he did say that, it's almost certain that it's just because he's copped that club don't want to sell him to club within England, any club he wants outside England isn't coming in for him at this time, and that there's no point in maintaining a sulk that sees you train alone or with the reserves during a World Cup year.

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14 Aug 2013 13:45:14
Eds what do you make of these recent reports that Suarez wants to say or may even wish to sign a contract extension. Reliable websites and papers like ssn and the guardian are reporting it, sounds legit? Cheers {Ed019's Note - We'll have to wait and see}

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14 Aug 2013 13:45:07
Is it true that Suarez could be signing a new contract extension. A Uruguayan newspaper has just reported that he is looking to extend with a higher paid contract to help settle the deep hole he is in?

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14 Aug 2013 13:30:06
Eds, can we safely say Suarez will be a Liverpool player next season or is there more to his latest comments? {Ed002's Note - I sure as hell would not say that.}

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Suarez wants out guys. You guys don't seem to understand what kind of person Luis Suarez is. Stop getting carried away by all these "so-called quotes". Suarez will bail out the very second he gets the chance to.

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14 Aug 2013 13:26:07
by god, stop with willian rumours.
he will be a waste of space, we have sterling and ibe .
35million are u kidding me. marquee! oh please.

after a fruitful window in a long time it would be sheer stupidity if sign him for buckets
lb is required, get one and end this summer please.

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Sterling and Ibe are young and inexperienced. Also they are not that versatile as Willian and most importantly they are not better players than Willian.
If we end up with Willian, Sakho and Suarez it is a certain top 4 team.

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14 Aug 2013 13:12:10
By the looks of it, BR seems to have shortlisted Sakho and Papadopoulos for the centre back position. I would personally make a move for Papa as he can also provide cover for Lucas in CDM. Also from what I have heard, Sakho does have some attitude issues, something we don't need now, with BR already having to deal with the Suarez mess.

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Maybe Sakho is if Agger goes and Papadopolous is if Skrtel goes? Lefty for a lefty and so on.

Andy K

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14 Aug 2013 13:04:52
Hope we sign siquiera, no chance of signin willian and I can't see it or want him for €40million. hope we could sign sakho if skrtel leaves but we definetly could do with a new left sided player in the mould of lamela / shaqiri / sanchez / lavezzi / elshaarawy / insigne. they certainly wouldn't cost as much as shaktar want for willian so forget willian {Ed002's Note - Willian left Shakhtar a while back.}

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I meant anzhi, i'm pretty sure you knew that too

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14 Aug 2013 12:49:28
Radio transmission:

"If there is anyone out there, anyone who can hear me. I will be waiting by the Shankly gates at Anfield, at 12pm, when the sun is at the highest point in the sky. I can offer you refuge, food and protection. If there is anyone out there who is not on the Willian bandwagon, I'll be waiting. You are not alone."

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14 Aug 2013 16:21:07
Affirmative Adam, gathering supplies to make the cross-country trek.
May be a few days late due to roaming bands of die-hard Suarez fans.
Best of luck out there

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Now that is a funny post! Well done man.

Remember to look for the butterfly!

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Clearly a crank shown by the "when the sun is at its highest position".

Sun?!? In Liverpool?!?! Not a chance!

Give me a real transmission, and I'll be there.

(Seriously, because the gearbox in my car is a bit iffy. )

Z

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14 Aug 2013 12:44:36
According to tv report, Ian Ayre was unable to conclude a deal for Siqueira. Do you know Eds if we are / were trying to buy him or take him on loan. {Ed002's Note - I really don't know.}

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The Metro reported only a few hours ago that the deal's close to completion for a fee of $5m mate.

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14 Aug 2013 12:29:52
Hi Ed's.

Do you know is we have had scouts looking at Willian in recent times?

Keep up the good work.
Bring on Stoke.
YNWA {Ed002's Note - I don't know, sorry.}

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14 Aug 2013 12:25:43
We have made a £5 MILLION transfer profit which will be used on a left back, I believe to be Siquera, that would have left the FSG transfer budget untouched as we have sold before buying, so we will have a bit of money for a Marque signing, which I believe is going to be WILLIAN, who we will aford his 100k wages because we slashed DOWNINGS £80K AND reinas 100k and Carragher 80k.

Future looks bright {Ed002's Note - You cannot discount significant other costs - Toure's signing on fee, agent fees, taxes, payments to players etc..}

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14 Aug 2013 14:31:54
5 mill profit?. 36 mill loss in downing and caroll.

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Harry, give it a rest with the Carroll and Downing loss mate, seriously. We all know we took a massive hit, but it was orchestrated under a different manager and under a DOF who is no longer with us either. People need to stop seeing it as a huge loss and look at it as money being added to the pot and also a huge amount of money off the wage bill.

People seem to forget this summer we have removed 3 enormous earners off the wage bill. That is a good thing (as long as players are replaced of course).

JFT 96

JP

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JFT 96 you just became my personal hero.

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14 Aug 2013 12:07:25
If Suarez stays, I find it hard to believe we will even bid for Willian or any other attacking player, sturridge coutinho and Suarez will be 3 of the 4 attacking players starting most games if fit, with aspas and sterling filling in the remaining wide spot, with Luis Alberto, and ibe filling in when necessary! Gerrard and Lucas will be the anchors in midfield allowing 4 attacking players, with joe Allen as cover!

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14 Aug 2013 14:33:18
If we bid for Willian Kepping suarez, Allen and borini will be packing their bags.
Hendo would cover Gerrard and Alberto for Countinho. sterling and Ibe would cover th e flanks for suarez and willian. with asaps fighting for CF with sturridge

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I very much doubt BR will use Aspas as a CF unless we are in a big pinch . he will mainly be used on the right in my opinion although he can play anywhere along the front .

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Thing is Suarez won't stay. At the earliest chance, he'll be out of there quicker than a whippet with a bum full of dynamite.

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14 Aug 2013 11:44:20
Ed02 if your about, do you see our attempts to loan players as an inability to afford everybody that we want, or simply an attempt to cut down transfer costs on a player that potentially won't cut it in the premier league?
I only ask, because other big clubs don't seem to be trying to loan players, and up until a few years ago the only loans Liverpool were interested in was to, not from.
Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but FSG have had their fingers burnt before, so it could be less of a financial issue and more of an insurance policy! {Ed002's Note - It makes sense to take a player on loan whilst a youngster gains experience. That is the real benefit.}

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14 Aug 2013 11:40:34
Ed02, do you think that FIFA's insistence that the World Cup in Qatar is played in the summer has any significance in regard to what you have just implied? {Ed002's Note - No, it is an entirely separate matter that people will whine about for a while.}

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14 Aug 2013 11:37:54
To Ed02 I just read you response to the finance and structure in football and it was a fantastic read. Thank you for taking the time to do that {Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

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Where can I read this please {Ed002's Note - Try searching on "pint of wallop".}

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14 Aug 2013 11:35:43
eds, your opinions please.

Given that all we heard last season is that the squad is too thin, and that we have let go Reina, Downing, Suso, Shelvey, Carroll (ok he was on loan) and Carra has retired. 6 players, 5 if you don't count Carroll, And only brought in 4 players, do you think we are any stronger?

Also not knowing how much they earn but I could guess that the players that have left with big earners, so maybe 450k a week, wheras the one's coming in would be cheaper, say 250k pw, Do you think this is just a cost cutting measure or could they be making fund avaialble for a BIG signing. Or am I simply dreaming. lol {Ed002's Note - I am getting pretty sick of saying that the club are still looking to bring 2 more 3 players in.}

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Thats not mentioning coady and robinson also! Our squad looks paper thin and without anymore quality added to it so far! We are worse off now than after the last transfer window!

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If anyone has been listening we are trying to do 3 things.

Buy players BR wants
Sell players BR doesn't want
Reduce the wage bill and put the club on sounder financial footing

Mignolet is the 2nd or 3rd most expensive keeper in PL history. He wants to be here, Reina wasn't sure and had suffered from a loss of form.

Carra chose to retire and we acted quickly to get a great replacement

Shelvey wasnt up to it (as the majority on here made clear every time he played) and BR rates Alberto who'll hopefully have more of an impact than Jonjo.

Aspas is way more of a goal threat and a stronger character than Downing.

Carroll was replaced by Sturridge in Jan and Coutinho replaced Joe Cole.

At this point I'd say, like for like, we are much stronger than at the start of last season.

Spearing didn't play last season and Robbo & Suso are rated which is why the best thing or their development is to play regularly elsewhere.

We will sign a LB, CB and left-sided attacking forward to replace Assaidi.

If Skrtel and Coates leave we my get another CB and Wisdom might go on loan . If Suarez goes there will be another attacker to come in. Clearly they need to be very good if we are to progress.

The Eds have been pretty consistent on all this.

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14 Aug 2013 11:33:24
Jus seen shelvey goal last night
Dissapointed he dint make the strides I hoped he would at lfc but he is Talented and with a good run if games will be a top player if he can improve work rate

Suarez stayin now?
Or is this just another joke lol if he signs a new contract then il be happy but what do contracts mean these days
The whole saga has been crazy but the owners and manager have handled it very well

Basy

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14 Aug 2013 11:32:19
Dear Eds. after reading the reported quotes for Suarez in Uruguay today, i.e that he will stay for now, because of the love of the fans, also that he may sign a new contract. Now if he has used the words "for now" and mention of a new contract. I suspect this new contract will have a clause of sorts that will let him out of it if we miss out on CL football and an acceptable offer comes in. Do you think this could be an amicable agreement by club and Suarez, that this is one more year to push for a top 4 or he can then legally go. Your thoughts eds on the reported story, and the possible contract content. {Ed002's Note - What contract is this?}

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14 Aug 2013 12:58:37
yeah before he started pleading to go to big clubs like arsenalol did he not hear how highly the fans thought of him after every stupid mistake he made, we all didn't care as he seemed to play for a love of the club but that bridge is well and trully burnt for me anyway. I understand the club not wanting to sell for 40m plus 1 pound to a big rival but for 50m to a club of these shores and I would bite their hands of pardon the pun.

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I wouldn't sell him to a team in the Premier league.!

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14 Aug 2013 22:09:17
Ed02's that's what I mean, this reported story that he will sign a new one, I am asking if this is the sort of content he would be seeking to be included in it {Ed002's Note - I really have no idea what you are talking about.}

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14 Aug 2013 11:24:36
Apparently, he will even extend his contract.

Football is a joke and a mugs game now. {Ed002's Note - There is no new contract offer on the table.}

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I didn't think so as it would be madness to even contemplate such a gesture, but you do question whether-or-not this journalist is used as a mouth-piece.

Mind you, it is from a journalist and I'm not aware of his credentials, yet it wouldn't suprise me.

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14 Aug 2013 11:20:16
For the first time in many years can I say. Well Done LFC, BR and JH on how they have handled the Saurez situation. They have stayed strong yet not cut the player of and made it quite clear he can go but not to another PL rival. They have played a terrific poker hand if what's being reported is correct.

A example to other teams out there that a player contract really is still worth something.

Make no mistake however CL or not at the end of this season he will be gone to Real Madrid. They will take Bale this season, Saurez next.

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14 Aug 2013 11:19:24
Rumours are suggesting Siquiera and Sakho could be our main targets for defence.

I would be very happy with these two. I think Sakho carries less of an injury risk than Papa, whilst Siquiera is twice the defender Cissokho is.

Hopefully, the club can wrap up some deals soon.

Puzzled Red

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14 Aug 2013 11:18:36
Hi Eds
Last summer I remember you saying we had an slight interest in Iker Munian & he was being touted round for something silly like €30-40million. Is there any change in his situation as I've seen his name muted in a few articles over the pre-season, although I know that could be recycled reports from last year. I think he'd be a hell of a signing, I'd prefer him to Willian. A front 3 of Munian, Suarez & Coutinho would be amazing, with Sturridge, Aspas, Luis Alberto, Ibe & Sterling to call upon aswell the front line is starting to take shape if we could add that one more like Munian. I think the midfield is looking good, Gerrard & Lucas will no doubt start, if Henderson can continue his vast improvement last season he could fullfil his potential & be the player we paid £20million for & even Joe Allen who I admit I slated last season, has impressed me & improved over pre-season & is looking to be relishing getting forward more & his quick short passing in the final 3rd could be an added bonus to our already flourishing attacking game.i do think we need another midfielder & while as like most fans I'd live to see Alonso back, a move for Gareth Barry or Scott Parker on the cheap as cover for Lucas may be an option, I know there getting in but if we can sign cover for around £3-4million then it will leave money for other areas. As far as defence goes I think we should sell Coates or loan him out to give him game time in England & see how he developes. Sakho from PSG looks a decent shout, decent strong defender who could shine over here, I think he can play LB too, although I'd of loved to have seen Aly Cissokho come in for that position. I think we're not far off a team that can challenge & it promises to be an exciting season, I for one will not be getting down with the "we got no money" or "we're a mid table team" pessimists, we've got good owners, a great young manager & an exciting team with a lot if youth payers coming through, plus we have Carra on Monday night football to wind Rat Boy up & David James ridiculous haircuts to look forward to on BT Sports, roll on Saturday lunchtime & bring on Stoke!

{Ed002's Note - There is nothing new on Muniain right now.}

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14 Aug 2013 10:26:28
West ham are becoming Liverpool's scrapyard, like sunderland was for man Utd.
I think downing would do very well at west ham. A physical team, big men in the box with Jarvis and Downing on the flanks. Will give the more dainty squads a bruising.

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Doesn't bode we'll for us when we face them.

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14 Aug 2013 10:13:08
morning all just to say don't know if we have genuine interest in willain but really hope we do top signing and again don't know if it true but paper talk of suarez staying would be 2 pieces of great business and before I get slated no matter what gone on and I think luis been rotten if he stays and scores us the goals that get us somewhere then the majority of us will over time forgive and forget just hope both r true

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I agree, Suarez is a total mercenary. But in a pure footballing sense keeping Suarez and adding Willian will mean we will have a fantastic side for next season. I don't want to speculate on where will finish until I can see properly how the team is playing but we will be looking strong!

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14 Aug 2013 10:09:38
Hello Eds,
both Dom King and Tony Barrett (2 of the most reliable LFC journos) saying that a deal for Guilherme Siqueira is almost done. Any truth?
He seems the only option for LB now as Cissokho is close to joining Sunderland. {Ed002's Note - I have explained the situation as I understand it - why not read that? We are not here to validate everything someone says on Twitter or in the media.}

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Sorry for the constant pestering Ed.
But just too excited at the moment.
News of Suarez staying, Sequira close to signing, us being very interested in Willian. Just need to add Papadopoulos or Sakho to that list and it would feel like dreamland.

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14 Aug 2013 12:03:35
Navjyoth
Exactly.
Suarez and willian on the flanks, coutninho in the middle and sturridge upfront, meaning goals flying high.

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A front line of Suarez (if he stays), Willian, Coutinho and Sturridge would make opposition defenders wet their pants. And we would still have Aspas, Sterling, Ibe and Borini to come on from the bench. All we need now is a left back, Willian And Papa, and we are set for the season. Though it still remains to be seen if FSG are willing to sanction over the estimated 45 million for Papa and Willian.

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We will make 10-12m out of skrtel and coates

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14 Aug 2013 09:48:07
Ed's and fellow reds,

Last year we seen quite a few young players in the first team. It was great to see so many get a chance. Was wondering if you know who will be the next youngster to have a go I know Cody is on loan. Any ideas of who could be next? Any feed back would be great {Ed002's Note - I suspect Ibe will get a chance now and again.}

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14 Aug 2013 10:57:28
I heard that Teixeira is the one expected to make great strides this year.

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Keep a look out for jordan rossiter(spelling)next year for the 21s he is 16 and looks pretty good

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Dunn or McLaughlin could get a run out in one of the early League Cup games. Yesil too.

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14 Aug 2013 09:26:43
Hi EDs, there are growing rumours that Suarez is going to stay and he might even extend his contract. Sounds a bit fishy, but any thoughts on this? I think its BS

DAP Red {Ed002's Note - "Growing rumours"? Not just a single Twitter message.}

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So you're taking that reporter's post with a pinch of salt ed? Probably a load of BS? {Ed002's Note - I don't recall saying that.}

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14 Aug 2013 10:24:11
He has actually told a Uruguayan newspaper (el observador) the same thing {Ed002's Note - It is the same story.}

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Mystic Ed!

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14 Aug 2013 09:18:47
Willian rumours are a load of garbage. Coutinho is a better player in the same position and Willian would demand a ridiculous fee. It only takes a bit of common sense to see that its the media trying to dig a story out.

I would imagine we would be looking to sign an out and out forward, left back and centre back.

YNWA {Ed030's Note - Willian is versatile,He can play most positions in the top half of the field,Br has said he wants a left sided player with pace which Willian offers. }

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14 Aug 2013 09:42:29
But Ed 40 mill.If we pull this one off, provided with suarez stayed. We are in Cl. no doubt whatso ever.
No matter how much goals we concede. this front 5 people are enough to score the required goals to take us through.
I would sell Borini to rasie some cash If suarez and willian both stays.

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Keep dreaming Harry, Suarez won't stay and we won't sign Willian.

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40 Million is way to much and I would prefer for us to look elsewhere.

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Willian would play LW and Coutinho will play AM.
A few sites saying we are ready to offer 30M pounds for Willian but Anzhi are demanding 35M pounds +.
Also a few journos reporting Suarez is ready to stay.
Its getting better and better.

Personally feel if Ayre can get us Willian, Papadopoulos and Siequira along with keeping Suarez we should start a petition to make Ayre the king of England. What do you reckon Ed030? {Ed030's Note - I hope for Sakho,Siquiera and Willian,That would be fantastic business for Liverpool and would improve the squad and the starting 11 which was are downfall last season,Lack of players on the bench who can make a telling impact. }

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Is Sakho not a left sided CB? Would Papa not complement Agger better? Thanks.

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14 Aug 2013 14:37:46
Mushroom

Ofcourse mate. What else we could do now apart from dreaming. I know you simply can't digest.
watch him taking on defenders and scoring goals.

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I can digest my food just fine thanks Harry. Not sure what else you're trying to tell me?

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14 Aug 2013 08:39:47
I have seen quite a few messages regarding our squad this year and how it seems to be thin on the ground with more players leaving than arriving.

One thing that has not been picked up by the posters. Liverpool do not have European football for the 1st time in a very long time.

This could be 10 games less than previous seasons. We just do not need the really deep squad this year.

There will be no Thursday then Sunday games, so will be a much less need to rest players this year, all the focus will be the league.

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Injuries and suspensions must be considered, and Rodgers clearly wants at least 2 players for every position.

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Good point mate.

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Yes, injuries and suspensions must be considered, but we haven't really lost any players considering who played last year, and hopefully we will still add 2 or 3 players to improve the squad and starting eleven.
Aspas in for Downing
Alberto in for Shelvey
Toure in for Carragher
Mignolet in for Reina
Suso will develop a lot more in getting regular playing time in spain instead of being a fringe player for Liverpool.
Same goes for the loan of young Robinson, Coady and Ngoo. Sterling will be better prepared for playing than last year and with Ibe also stepping up I am of the opinion that Liverpool have more depth in the squad now than last year.

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We didn't have European football two seasons ago and we finished 8th

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I agree and it'll even be closer to 15 games I'd imagine when you consider the qualifying rounds for the Europa league last year. If we are to look to build squad depth then I would say LB & DM but where we need improvements is 1 very good attacking player who can predominantly play from the left.

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14 Aug 2013 08:30:45
Suarez won't have an offer from outside England for CL team. I really don't think he would go to another EPL team just because he wants Champions League. Would there be an important signing for Liverpool behind the blinds?

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14 Aug 2013 08:21:55
Morning all

Having a little browse at the Eds responses this morning about our interest in Willian, so not going to ask are we interested.
Anzi need to sell all the players that went there. They are going to take a hit on the price bought for and price they are going to have to sell. Even if we are interested can't see us paying £35 million. Maybe drop it to £25 million and we might have an interest.
Interesting to read that Suarez is now saying that "the fans have convinced him to stay".
The way FSG and BR have handled this situation is superb in my opinion and hopefully we can put it all behind us and move on to what could be a great season for LFC.

{Ed002's Note - Anzhi have already turned down an offer for Willian of a little under €40M.}

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That offer was turned down before they said they were going to sell though wasn't it? plus wasn't it M.City that placed that bid and they have both Jovetic and Navas for the wings now. {Ed002's Note - RTP please.}

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14 Aug 2013 08:20:55
Just a thought regarding a defensive midfielder.

I have been as concerned as most that we don't really have a player who can fill in if Lucas is injured or off form. Mascherano is too expensive and has other issues (!), Coady has gone out on loan.

I see our midfield 3 being essentially, one defensive player (currently only really Lucas, although Gerrard could do a job there also), one central player (Gerrard, but Hendo or Allen could also do this) and one attacking midfielder (Coutinho with Gerrard and Alberto as backup).

Between the central midfielder and the attacking midfielder roles, we have a number of players who can mix it up, but look exposed with Lucas.

Just read a 'Talking Reds' article on the main site which reminds that Toure was a defensive midfielder in his youth.

Given that we have Agger, Skrtel (or his replacement), Kelly and Wisdom who can play in the centre as well as Toure, I think that Toure as cover for Lucas may not be a bad shout.

What do you guys think? Also would appreciate Eds views.

Z

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14 Aug 2013 11:00:25
I feel for the word. It's not easy being a gooner with so much to say and so little to talk about. No big transfers in for years, no trophies for years. Suppose could talk about how its nice this year that they don't have any big names to lose anymore?

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What about martin kelly? he is big and strong and can definitely tackle, his feet are ok aswell

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Gerrard and Allen as 2 deep-lying playmakers who could tidy up at the same time.

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14 Aug 2013 08:10:08
forget about willian he's a top player, lfc is not a top club, therefore he won't be going there, on another note, why are lfc selling players to the competition? i'm talking about west ham, as I seriously expect them to be challenging for 7th-8th-9th this season, I thought j.henry said he won't sell players to the competition?he must have changed his mind!

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Har-de-har. Quick, somebody phone the rib doctor, this guy's to funny.

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If West Ham are the competiton I have given up on this season already

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The word, I'm just curious as to whether you post on your own teams site? Its just that I have such admiration for the time you spend on the LFC site, and the knowledgeable and insightful posts you provide on here, that I would like to read what you have to say about your own team.
Its so nice that football fans of other teams dedicate time to interact on here with LFC fans. It makes me feel all warm and cuddly.

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BigBadBen, I bet the word is a closet Liverpool fan.

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The word, you are terrible at winding up. At least when Disney/Chicken Little posts here he can back up his opinion and you can see a stream of sense (although biased) to what he is saying. You on the other hand are just posting silly things

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My, oh my!

Is this the best banter that (so-called) Manchester United fans can come up with?

Have a word with yourself lad.

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14 Aug 2013 07:56:40
Have Liverpool any interest in;
Alberto Masi or Luis Muriel? {Ed002's Note - Masi has already moved once this summer. Muriel has been done to death - try the search engine.}

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14 Aug 2013 07:38:25
Willian looks possible .if we sign him and we are keeping suarez till next year then I'm happy.just a centre back and left back needed. Eds if we do sign willian, will we still sign defenders? Can't see it. if we sign him him ill shave my dogs nose and teach it to walk backwards {Ed002's Note - Whatever happens with Willian will have no influence on the CB situation.}

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14 Aug 2013 07:31:54
I am just wondering how many people have seen Willian play? Considering he plays for Anzhi Makhachala?

Have most of us heard the name, seen him a couple of years ago, heard he a cracking player and well respected then done the you tube viewing and thought WOW!

Don't get me wrong I am not being the big I am because I have not seen him play for nearly two years myself. From what I saw and hear now though while being a great (very unlikely) signing he does sound over priced. He would sell shirts I am sure but his wages also are high high high! (typical of a player of his skill playing in such a team really).

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Its because he is 90 overall on fifa ultimate teams, hence why everyone is hyping him up. despite scoring barely any goals in the Russian league last season.

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14 Aug 2013 10:38:41
I feel for the word. It's not easy being a gooner with so much to say and so little to talk about. No big transfers in for years, no trophies for years. Suppose could talk about how its nice this year that they don't have any big names to lose anymore?

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14 Aug 2013 05:39:46
Any truth Suarez to sign a new contract with buy out clause for next summer {Ed002's Note - That certainly won't happen. There will never be a buy out clause.}

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14 Aug 2013 04:35:33
Never really fall into the trap of speculation, never got my hopes up for Mk.

Siquira is a really good player from what I've seen and seems very close. I am super happy he is coming as he adds competition and probably first choice.

Sinclair. Personally believe he is a better offensive player than Downing.

Willian. Not buying any of this until I see him with a shirt. Please people keep your feet on the ground.

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I agree with all of your points. I would like to say though Downing is now gone so I would prefer if we focused on whether or not potential attacking signings are much better than what we currently have. I see Sinclair and Ince (you haven't suggested but others do all the time) as pointless signings because I don't see them as bringing the club up a level. I would rather stick with what we have if we can't get better quality in. If you wouldn't see them are 100% definite starters then we shouldn't be going for them is my thinking (for attacking positions and CB also).

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14 Aug 2013 03:32:03
Martin Charquero, a Uruguayan journo has said that Luis Suarez told him he is not leaving LFC.

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Surely all games are must win?

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14 Aug 2013 02:47:33
Who else thinks the game with Stoke is a MUST win?

I certainly have that view.

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I can see where you are coming from there, if we can win that then it puts pressure on other top four challengers as we are the early kick off, and, if one or more falter, we could have a 2 or 3 point advantage meaning that if we can keep that gap for just a little while, top 4 is in our hands

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14 Aug 2013 10:14:12
Don't worry, I had a dream the other night that it was a 4 - 0 win. We were out of the traps quicker than a greyhound on speed!

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I think the game again Manchester United is as Important as that has the inspiration/motivation to boost our season. If we beat them then confidence will be sky high.

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I agree, if we win this game then surely the other 37 games are almost meaningless. Champions League here we come!

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^^^ If start slow this year or have a bad first half, then 7th or 8th is the best we will do. So don't be a smart person. No one is suggesting the other 37 games don't count.

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We have a good first few games, although, we never seem to get a result against stoke. They are a bully team, so I expect Toure to start to add a bit of muscle to the back line.

Our third game (Man U) is a great draw because, as I've said before, Moyes is lost! We should get a win there, which means our players confidence will be high, and I don't expect us to lose in any of our first six games.

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14 Aug 2013 00:43:58
eds, just a quick question, we've recently been linked with Willian, and although I very much doubt that we are in fact going to try and sign him, what I noticed was that in most of the reports, they mention that the owners are willing to put in the money for a marquee signing, so basically I was wondering if there's any truth to those reports whatsoever? Do you think that FSG may actually fund a big money signing? {Ed002's Note - I have explained that the owners will fund the right purchase at the right price.}

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14 Aug 2013 00:40:49
Ed02 out of us Manchester United Arsenal and Chelsea who will be the most active in the last 3 weeks of this window? {Ed002's Note - I really cannot be expected to answer such questions. They are all looking to bring players in.}

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Hold on Ed, get your crystal ball out, better still poster, ask mystic meg!

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14 Aug 2013 00:39:39
Now Uruguayan journalist Martin Charquero is saying that Suarez will not leave Liverpool and might sign a new contract. Supposedly "the support of the fans" influenced his decision. Mind you he also said Suarez was close to signing for Arsenal in July.

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14 Aug 2013 00:16:27
hi eds
i was wondering if you would know, do countries cap young players e.g coutinho or sterling once just so that they can't play for a different country so it doesn't end up like victor moses who has duel nationality and so decided to play for nigeria and know england can't select him
thanks in advance from any response

also something else I thought would be quite interesting but highly unlikely is wouldn't it be more interesting if all the best players from each league played against other best players from the other european leagues and then the leagues that do the best get more european spots
any thoughts about this? {Ed002's Note - No they don't.}

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14 Aug 2013 03:09:20
I know he's been patchy for us but anyone else think we could have loaned shelvey for one more year after watching him for the u21 squad. One hell of a ball, a screamer and a very near free kick

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Alberto is a far better player than Shelvey.

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MR L, how the English teams do in Europe over a number of years affects the number of slots they get for the CL & Europa League. There are already enough games each year and this would be great to watch a premiership 11 versus a la liga 11 for example but it's not going to happen. Pipe dreams of playing PL games in foreign countries, etc would have been discussed as the clubs could make more money. PL 11 wouldn't make the clubs more money so they won't consider this, imo.

You could email FIFA to try get them to put these teams as options for the Playstation game but that's about as far as I could see it going sorry.

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Sounds just like the champions league to me, with the most successful and consistant leagues/countries getting the extra qualifying places.

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14 Aug 2013 15:04:43
Mushroom

Alberto is a far better player than Shelvey

yes Mate I agree, But when was shelvey playing for us?.

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14 Aug 2013 00:12:04
I hope that we sign Sakho, Eriksen and the full back from Greneda as he looks a good player and is highly rated in Spain.

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Eriksen plays AM just where we want coutinho playing so why buy him? Plus we're buying willian yeeaaahhh baby!

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13 Aug 2013 23:56:21
I went to the U21 match at the academy yesterday, there was a lot of talk that a deal for Ilori is almost done. Texeira will almost certainly go out on loan for a year as part of the deal, with Liverpool paying his full wage. Watching the game itself, Southampton had this left winger who is the closest player I have ever seen to John Barnes when he was 18 at Watford. I googled the team and think his name is Omar Rowe.

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He looked a good prospect didn't he! Very quick and the way he took his second goal was class!

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Have you seen a Liverpool young lad called Ibe?

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Scott Sinclair's brother also looked pretty good! Southanmpton always seem to have very strong youth set-up. Although it has to be taken into account that the majority of the Liverpool side were well below the U-21 age. I think Rossiter is only 16?

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13 Aug 2013 23:39:23
Pros and Cons of Willian.

Pros: he's a marquee signing.

He can play central midfield or left wing

Would interchange well with Brazilian compatriot Coutinho.

Experienced in Europe. Wanted by other top clubs too.

Has two strong feet.

Cons: hasn't played for brazil since 2011. Something's up with that.

Didnt have the best of seasons last year. Was average at best.

Month long hamstring injury last term.

Overpriced (just my opinion).

Question for the eds, would you try and sign Willian? {Ed002's Note - I think the price is too high.}

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13 Aug 2013 23:34:46
Well a few days till the new season "kicks off", so can't wait for that to happen.
I suppose we will soon see if the new acquisitions "measure up, or fade away"!

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He playing style same like coutinho, we should find versatile winger to replace downing. maybe we can go for adam johnson

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A. Johnson damn he is good in your opinion, there are better players on my local club at that position than him. not Liverpool standard in my eyes

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13 Aug 2013 23:27:29
Just wanted to ask who people see and would like as captain when stevie does retire (i think he'll retire from internationals at the end of the world cup then give us either 1or2 more seasons)? Would you prefer agger, our current vice who would be getting on by then, or a younger brit like hendo or even Martin Kelly? Or buy someone In the next year or two as his long term replacement, I.e. we've been linked with Hughes.
I think I'd be disappointed to have a foreign captain after that long-a time with stevie and carra, the local lads, so would opt for hendo as he is improving all the time and has certain stevie characteristics (work rate, acceleration, big lgoals (villa away, arsenal away. ), if I'm not wrong he was roughly our 5th top scorer of last season despite rarely featuring during the start of the season.
Wouldn't mind an ed's opinion either if any of you have time? ;)
Thanks all

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I don't know about the next captain but Andre Wisdom is definitely a future first team starter and captain. All of the coaches and managers have spoken highly of him and his leadership qualities.

Henderson, when he nails down a place may surprise people too.

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To be captain you have to be good enough and Henderson at this point isn't so that's him gone.

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Fair enough, but if henderson's improvement carries on at the rate its done in the last year then he will be a top player imo

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13 Aug 2013 23:12:46
A bit of noise going around the web tonight that we are to bid £35m for Willian off Anzhi. Don't know myself if there is any truth but would be a cracking addition.

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13 Aug 2013 23:10:01
It looks like Liverpool want Willian. Very ambitious I must say! I love the optimism though! Liverpool are definately willing to spend.

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