We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Friday, as Jurgen Klopp and his players prepare to face Man United.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Watch Jurgen Klopp’s pre-Man United press conference
The boss on good form ahead of United clash.
- Nathaniel Clyne is “ready” as Jurgen Klopp updates on Liverpool injury issues
Alexander-Arnold ruled out with ankle problem.
- The view from Man United ahead of Sunday’s match
“It’s extremely hard to look past a Liverpool win”.
- Harry Wilson the pick of Liverpool’s weekend loanees in big Championship promotion clash
Will the Derby youngster score another beauty?
- Premier League Weekend Preview
Liverpool look for an unlikely favour from Everton.
Madrid Want To Avoid Liverpool
Spanish publication Marca believe Liverpool are the team Real Madrid want to avoid in Monday’s Champions League draw:
“Liverpool, last year’s finalist, are the greatest threat.
“By state of form, style of play and footballers within the squad, Jurgen Klopp‘s team is best avoided.”
A repeat of last season’s Champions League final is something Reds supporters would relish, given the harsh nature of the defeat in Kyiv.
Revenge would be in the air, and with Cristiano Ronaldo now at Juventus, they would really fancy their chances of turning over the European champions.
Gerrard Discusses “Unsettled” Ejaria
Ovie Ejaria‘s Rangers future has been thrown into doubt after he was left out of their matchday squad for Thursday’s Europa League defeat to Rapid Vienna.
The on-loan Liverpool youngster has also deleted his Twitter account and unfollowed the Scottish club on Instagram.
Speaking after the 1-0 loss to Vienna, which saw Rangers crash out of Europe, manager Steven Gerrard admitted there are issues surrounding Ejaria currently:
“I had a chat with him a couple of days ago and he’s slightly unsettled.
“The next time I see Ovie is on Friday and we’ll have a conversation then and see where we go from there.
“Liverpool are aware of the situation and we’re in dialogue with them.”
Klopp “Really Happy” With Wilson
While Ejaria appears to be struggling on loan, someone who is thriving is Harry Wilson.
The Welshman has been a revelation at Derby this season, winning three Goal of the Month awards, and Klopp told reporters that he is delighted with his progress:
“I’m really happy about what Harry is doing. It’s fantastic. It’s a perfect example for it sometimes being really good to leave home to show up somewhere else.
“I really think Harry left in the right moment. Since I was in everybody told me Harry Wilson needed to go on loan.
“He scored a lot of goals for the U23s already.”
Wilson is expected to start for Derby on Monday night, as Frank Lampard’s side face a crunch clash with rivals Nottingham Forest at Pride Park.
Warnock Keen On Clyne
Nathaniel Clyne is back in training for Liverpool and will hope to feature against Man United this weekend.
The 27-year-old continues to be linked with a move away from Anfield in January, though, with Cardiff one of those tipped to make a move for him.
Bluebirds manager Neil Warnock admits Clyne is a player they are monitoring, although he correctly states that Liverpool’s current injury problems mean signing him is unlikely.
“He would be one on our list definitely, yes,” Warnock told reporters.
“But at the moment, they [Liverpool] have other problems. I don’t think they would bother about us at the moment, they have to look after themselves.
“The thing about that is they’ve had a lot of injuries, they are in European competition, the league and they’ve got to look after themselves.”
Liverpool Players Spread Xmas Cheer
Christmas is a time of year to help those less fortunate, with footballers in a hugely privileged position.
Liverpool’s players have taken the time to visit patients at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, bringing some festive cheers to youngsters suffering from illness.
Klopp was also present with numerous squad members, including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, donning a Santa hat and posing for photographs.
It is a lovely touch and is no doubt an experience the children will always treasure.
Reds Almost Signed Anderlecht Teenager
According to Sport/Foot, via Sport Witness, Anderlecht owner Marc Coucke prevented the sale of youngster Jeremy Doku to Liverpool.
The 16-year-old was believed to be on the verge of joining the Reds both in January and in the summer, only for Coucke to intervene.
He offered Doku an improved contract at Anderlecht, and although it was half the price Liverpool were offering, he accepted it.
Doku has made five appearances for Belgium’s U17s, scoring three times.
