Month: January 2018

Virgil van Dijk has been handed his maiden Liverpool bow against Everton in the FA Cup third-round clash at Anfield on Friday night.

The world’s most expensive defender lines up alongside Joel Matip in his first outing for the club since his record £75 million switch from Southampton.

Sadio Mane, who returned from the CAF African Player of the Year ceremony in the morning having finished runner-up to team-mate Mohamed Salah, is also included in the starting XI.

Liverpool starting XI: Karius, Gomez, Van Dijk, Matip, Robertson, Can, Lallana, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mane, Firmino

Liverpool subs: Ward, Klavan, Lovren, Alexander-Arnold, Wijnaldum, Solanke, Ings

Belgium international Eden Hazard has reportedly rejected a second contract offer from Chelsea amid Real Madrid interest, according to the Daily Star.

The Belgian’s current contract expires in 2020 and while the Blues want to tie him down to a longer deal, Hazard is stalling on committing as it is thought he is holding out for an offer from the La Liga club.

Courtois drops hint about his future and Hazard’s contract

Transfer news: Real Madrid dump Hazard chase

Chelsea to make Hazard Premier League’s highest paid player

Chelsea ‘react’ to Hazard’s contract refusal claims

Eden Hazard rejects new Chelsea deal wants Real Madrid move

More to follow…

Liverpool have reportedly contacted Leicester City as Jurgen Klopp plots a swoop for Riyad Mahrez as Brazilain star Pilippe Coutinho nears Anfield exit, The Sun reports.

With the Reds set to lose Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona this month, they have already moved for a replacement with Chelsea also thought to be interested in the Algerian.

Klopp, Allardyce react to Holgate’s alleged abuse by Firmino – FCNaija

Liverpool star Firmino faces FA probe after Holgate clash

Liverpool are expected to lose Philippe Coutinho this month to Barcelona for £142million and the Anfield chiefs are wasting no time in searching for replacement firepower for the Brazilian.

French publication L’Equipe claim Anfield officials have contacted the Foxes on Friday as they look to press ahead with a swoop for the Algerian.

Reports emerged earlier in the day that Chelsea were plotting a January move for the 26-year-old, who handed in a transfer request last summer.

However, Leicester boss Claude Puel is adamant that the 2016 PFA Player of the Year will be remaining at the King Power Stadium until at least the end of the season.