Gerrard’s Anfield return
We will once again see Steven Gerrard step out at Anfield in a Liverpool shirt. The former midfielder is not returning to the first team in a last ditch attempt to help mount a title bid, but is in fact making his debut appearance for the Liverpool Legends. The charity match will be taking place on 25th March and will see the Reds face off against the Real Madrid Legends. Gerrard, who called time on his career in November, returned to club as an Academy Coach earlier in the year. Speaking after the announcement, he said “I’m really looking forward to playing in the LFC Foundation legends charity match. Anfield will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s a real honour to be sharing the pitch with such a great team of legends whilst raising money for the club’s official charity.”
Lucas goes to Spain, Lovren stays at home
A squad of around 25 players have travelled to Spain as part of mid-season break. Lucas Leiva, who was substituted late during the clash with Tottenham at the weekend, has made the plane. There were question marks raised over whether or not the Brazilian would be in attendance. However he has made a significant recovery from the hamstring injury he suffered. The most notable absentee is centre back Dejan Lovren. The Croatian suffered a knee injury against Chelsea and hasn’t featured in the side since. He was expected to be a part of the trip to La Manga, but will instead remain at Melwood, to continue treatment.
Emre Can: Klopp kept us positive
Emre Can is the latest player to defend manager Jürgen Klopp after Liverpool’s poor January form. While many critics, pundits and fans were quick to criticise the manager, Can spoke about Klopp’s positivity being vital to keeping team spirits high. “He is a very positive guy,” the 23-year-old said, “and has been encouraging us and trying to help us have a positive frame of mind so that everybody believes and thinks positively again.”
Liverpool favourites to sign Schmeichel
There have been strong links between the Reds and Kasper Schmeichel for a number of months, but following Leicester’s fairy tale 2015/16 season, there were doubts if anything would ever come of the rumours. However, the Foxes are now struggling toward the bottom of the table and it is beginning to look more and more likely that the Danish international will leave in the summer.
It’s been reported that Arsenal were also considering a move for Schmeichel, but with Simon Mignolet potentially on his way out of Anfield and Loris Karius rooted to the bench, Liverpool have been named favourites to clinch his signature.
Scouts in France for 19-year-old
Liverpool have sent scouts to monitor Brazilian winger, Malcom. The youngster is currently plying his trade at Ligue 1 side Bordeaux, after first impressing at Corinthians. He scored 10 goals in Brazil before moving to France in 2015, where he has made 22 appearances and scored 5 goals. He has featured heavily at national youth level as well, and has previously reached the final of the Under-20 World Cup.
Liverpool keeping an eye on Navarro
Finally, sources in Spain have said that Liverpool are monitoring the progress of right back Marc Navarro. The 21-year-old Spaniard was promoted to the Espanyol first team this season, and is said to have a buyout clause of £21.3million. Although a naturally attacking wing back, his height has also made him a commanding and effective centre back.