Luan deal dismissed
There has been a lot of guesswork over the last few days regarding Liverpool’s possible interest in Gremio striker Luan. It was even reported through a number of sources that a £26million deal had been done and that the ‘new Ronaldinho’ was set to move to Anfield in the summer. However, Gremio president, Romildo Bulzan has spoken out and dismissed any claims linking Luan to Liverpool, by saying that there has been no official approach from the club and all possible deals have just been pure speculation.
Allan loan spell could be extended
Hertha Berlin are hoping to keep Allan Rodrigues on loan for the 2017/18 season. The young Brazilian is unlikely to be able to secure a work permit to play in England next season so the Reds would be happy to keep him in Germany. However, having made only 15 appearances this campaign, Liverpool would like Allan to get more game time if he were to stay. They also won’t let him continue his term in Berlin if they fail to qualify for the Europa League because playing the European competition will allow Allan to pick up necessary points that are required to help him gain a work permit. Berlin will qualify for the group stages of the competition if they match or better SC Freiburg’s result at the weekend.
Rodgers wants to reunite with Lucas
Former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is reportedly interested in reuniting with Lucas, as he looks to move the Brazilian across the border to join him at Celtic. There has been ongoing talk about where Lucas, who has one year left on his contract, will play his football next year. It did look as though he was on his way to Galatasaray but that move fell through over contract demands and it now seems as though Celtic and newly-promoted Brighton are the front runners to pick him up. Lucas made 98 appearances during Rodgers’ tenure at Liverpool.
Welsh duo left out of tournament
Ben Woodburn and Harry Wilson will not represent Wales in the prestigious Toulon Tournament later this month, in order to train with the senior side. The youngsters are working hard to be ready for selection for the 2018 World Cup, so have not been named as part of the Wales squad that will play in the U20 tournament in the south of France. Wilson is the youngest player to capped by Wales but has not played for the senior side since his debut in 2013. Woodburn is uncapped himself, but both players were a part of the squad that faced Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifier back in March.