Liverpool new boy Solanke fires Young Lions into FIFA U20 World Cup final
Liverpool summer signing, Dominic Solanke struck twice as England secure an incredible comeback victory to reached their first-ever FIFA U20 World Cup Final.
With just two minutes into the game, Italy took an early lead through Riccardo Orsolini who scored from the quick free-kick. England were finding opportunities to break through the Italian defence difficult when they finally got a chance to level the score, Kieran Dowell failed to score as his chip nestled onto the roof of the net.
Three minutes before the break Solanke was inches away from levelling the score. But the Liverpool-bound forward could only see his glancing header bounced wide from Kyle Walker-Peters’ cross.
After the interval, England looked a class above their opponents and two Solanke goals in the final 24 minutes, sandwiched an Ademola Lookman strike to send Paul Simpson’s youngsters through to Sunday’s final. His third and fourth goal in this tournament ensures England will meet Venezuela in Sunday’s final after they defeated Uruguay via a penalty shootout earlier in the day.
Virgil van Dijk ponders future as Liverpool pulls out of transfer
According to reports, Southampton have accepted Liverpool’s apology over their attempts to sign Virgil van Dijk and consider the matter closed. Liverpool confirmed on Wednesday that they had ended their interest in signing Van Dijk and apologised to Southampton for their conduct in the pursuit of the Netherlands defender.
‘Liverpool Football Club would like to put on record our regret over recent media speculation regarding Southampton Football Club and player transfers between the two clubs.
‘We apologise to the owner, board of directors and fans of Southampton for any misunderstanding regarding Virgil van Dijk. We respect Southampton’s position and can confirm we have ended any interest in the player.’
With Liverpool officially pulling out of the race to sign Southampton defender, the Saints defender took to social media to post a tweet of him looking wistfully through an aeroplane window while sat reclining in a chair with a caption using the ‘thought balloon’ emoji.
Liverpool make £43 million bid for Spanish midfielder
Reports in Diario Gol claim that Liverpool have made a sensational £43M bid for Real Madrid’s high rated attacking midfielder Marco Asensio.
Latest reports suggest that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has made an audacious attempt to try to bring the 21-year-old to Anfield this summer and is continuing to try to force Los Blancos to part with their rising star.
Asensio featured in 23 La Liga games last season as Real won the La Liga and Zidane has already stated that the Spain international who still has three years left on his current deal will not be sold this summer despite the huge competition for places at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Liverpool launch £17.3m bid for Stefan de Vrij
Liverpool have launched a £17.3 million bid for Lazio centre-back Stefan de Vrij, according to reports. Sky Italia claim that Liverpool’s offer for De Vrij has been rejected quickly.
The Dutchman’s contract with Lazio only has one year to go and his reluctance to extend his deal means that the Serie A club will be forced to cash in this summer. Given his contract situation, it is believed that Liverpool should be able to negotiate a lower price from the £30m which Lazio demanded.
