Today’s round-up of news brings transfer stories, injury updates and build-up to Liverpool’s match against Brentford. Liverpool are reportedly looking to sign Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister for an amount in excess of £70 million. Moses Caicedo, who also plays for Brighton, is said to be on the Reds’ wishlist and would cost a similar amount. Liverpool have pulled out of the race for Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham due to his £130 million price tag. The Reds are also looking to strengthen their central defence and have started talks with Sporting Lisbon for Goncalo Ignacio, who has a release clause of €45 million.
Thiago has had surgery to rectify a hip problem and should return for pre-season. Jurgen Klopp has said he “would’ve loved longer” with James Milner, unless it were as a player-coach, and Liverpool have been accused of deflecting blame onto supporters after they confirmed ‘God Save the Queen’ will be played at Anfield on Saturday. The new home kit has been released and it looks lovely, though the price is less pleasing. UEFA have brought in measures to enhance the existing safeguards for fans and ESPN’s Dale Johnson has reported that Tom Cairney’s allegation that Stuart Attwell said Liverpool’s penalty shouldn’t have been awarded against Fulham is not true. Brentford boss Thomas Frank has described Liverpool as “unlucky” not to have won more honours in recent years.
Tonight’s match of the night is Bayer Leverkusen vs. FC Koln, kicking off at 7.30pm (BST) and broadcast on Sky Sports Football YouTube. This provides an opportunity for Reds to see former-Liverpool favourite Xabi Alonso in his new role as manager of Leverkusen, who has recently been linked to the Tottenham job.