Liverpool

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool have rejected a bid worth about £4m from Trabzonspor for defender Nat Phillips.

The Reds are looking for significantly more for the 27-year-old and value him at closer to £10m.

Burnley are also believed to be interested in Phillips, who played under new Clarets boss Scott Parker when he led Bournemouth to promotion from the Championship during the 2021-22 season.

Phillips, who has one year left on his Anfield contract, had spells on loan at Celtic and Cardiff City last season.

The centre-back joined Liverpool in in 2016 and has made 29 appearances.

Image source, Getty Images

Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the winning penalty for England in the penalty shootout against Switzerland in the quarter-final of Euro 2024.

It has been a difficult campaign for Alexander-Arnold after he started the tournament as England’s midfield "experiment" and was then substituted early in the second game.

Gareth Southgate has said he has kept talking to the Liverpool right-back and told him he can still have big moments in an England shirt.

"Trent has stuck with the task," said the Three Lions boss.

"He could have thought his tournament was done, but I kept talking to him about how he can have moments and still have a big part to play.”

Now England have switched to three at the back there is the possibility that Alexander-Arnold can come into the wing-back position.

If not from the start, he can be used from the bench if England need to chase games and look to use his passing ability.

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold says the pressure of taking a penalty is something he enjoys rather than dreads.

Alexander-Arnold converted the decisive effort from 12 yards in the shootout with Swtizerland to seal England's place in Wednesday's Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.

"It is incredible," he told BBC Radio 5 Live "These are the goals and aims we set for ourselves.

"Switzerland were difficult opponents but the team showed a lot of belief and character. We dug deep when it mattered the most and showed heart.

"We knew it was going to be tight but to get the win from a penalty shootout is all that matters to us.

"It [penalties] is what we practised and they are the moments that I enjoy. When the gaffer told me I was taking one, my belly does not drop.

"I had practised it so I knew what spot I was going for and I just needed to execute it."

Listen to the Football Daily at the Euros podcast on BBC Sounds

New Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been discussing what formation might be seen under his leadership and if he already has an idea of what Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cody Gakpo's best positions are at his first news conference.

Cody Gakpo has scored six times in 10 games at major finals, including three at Euro 2024.

Image source, Getty Images

It’s a new era at Liverpool and fresh starts always bring some level of apprehension, but there is already a lot to be admired in the way the Reds’ new manager Arne Slot carries himself.

While he used his first press conference to show respect to his predecessor Jurgen Klopp, he in no way came across as a bootlicker and is very clearly his own man with his own ideas.

While the presence of new sporting director Richard Hughes made it clear that this is going to very much be a team effort, Slot demonstrated through his words that he already has very clear tactical ideas about the way he wants to set his team up, how he expects them to play as a unit, and the specific roles of individuals within that.

That should provide reassurance to both supporters and players who had concerns around anybody within the squad not yet meeting their potential, while Slot was keen to emphasise the importance of him getting to work building a relationship with his new crop of talent.

There weren’t too many crumbs left behind in terms of further recruitment, but given the smoke and mirrors nature behind every transfer these days - particularly within the work behind the scenes in Kirkby - that should come as no real surprise and anybody jumping to conclusions should take a breath first.

It’s a breath of fresh air for a fresh era at Anfield and the atmosphere should be one of optimism about the challenges ahead. As the new man himself said, it’s a great team that knows how to win trophies.

As important as the weight of his words will be the proof in his pudding: putting silverware in our cabinet.

Josh Sexton can be found on the Anfield Wrap, external

New Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes says Arne Slot's style of play fits the "club as a whole".

The new Reds head coach was appointed as Jurgen Klopp's successor at the end of last season, joining from Eredivisie side Feyenoord.

While with the Dutch club, Slot won both the league and cup, but it was his team's attacking and fast-paced style that drew Liverpool's attention.

"That philosophy, that playing style that attracted us to Arne is based on subjective footballing opinion and data," Hughes said in Slot's first news conference.

"In all the metrics, Arne's Feyenoord team came out really well. The way they played with front-footed attacking football, intelligence, passion, they were all attributes we would welcome here.

"They lend well to the squad we have, the supporters and the club as a whole."

Hughes, 44, joined Liverpool as the club's sporting director after leaving his role as technical director at Bournemouth at the end of the campaign.

One of his first tasks when he joined the Merseyside club was to appoint Klopp's successor and he has now begun his work alongside the Dutchman as they prepare for the upcoming season.

"It has been great to work with Arne," he added. "It was a difficult position at first as we had jobs to finish elsewhere. Since then we have been in communication daily - logistics, organisation, preparing the transfer window which we will know more about as we go on.

"The more time we spend with squad, we are delighted with it and its talents, but we need to improve on the training pitch. With the window open we will always be opportunistic if we can improve things as we go.

"With contractual situations it wouldn't be fair for me to talk about, those are private matters between the club and players. The only concerns I and Arne have in those situations is the total commitment from players for next season and we are convinced that is already there."

Image source, Getty Images

It is clear Jurgen Klopp's legacy is going to hang over Liverpool for some considerable time.

A fair percentage of questions put to Arne Slot at today's training ground unveiling were linked to his illustrious predecessor in some way.

Slot handled them all calmly.

He thinks it is a bonus he is coming into a club that has had someone who has done so well, for such a long time, because it means they have a good team.

Slot also feels Liverpool have done the right thing in appointing someone whose style of play is similar to Klopp's.

Obviously we will only know for certain if he can step up to the mark when the games start - but as first appearances go this was a good one.

Slot doesn't appear overawed by the challenge he faces.

New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has been speaking to the media for this first time since joining the Reds.

The 45-year-old has been discussing what it is like to follow in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp.

Arne Slot has been speaking to the media for the first time as Liverpool's new head coach.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Slot said he would not have left Feyenoord "for many clubs": "I worked at a really special club [but] Liverpool are one. Hearing why Liverpool wanted to bring me in made [talks] go fast

• When asked to describe himself, he said it was "not about what I tell you now" but considering Jurgen Klopp called himself the "normal one" when he arrived, Slot added: "He may have said 'normal one' but fans see him differently. What he did for the club was more than normal."

• He is not intimidated by succeeding Klopp: "You can look at it both ways - big shoes to fill but also inheriting a squad and a team of winning culture. You want to work at a club with good players and the opportunity to win something, which Liverpool have shown."

• On how he will integrate into the city: "I will take some time to understand everything. The way I'm going use my time in the coming weeks is to make the team ready for the first game. It always helps to get to know the city - but it helps even more if you win your games."

• On whether young players will get their chance: "I like to see good players. If they are old or young, it doesn't matter. It's always nice when young players come through - that always gives energy into the club. In the end it is all about the quality."

• He feels working as a head coach "is not a change as in Europe we work like this" and that there are "not many clubs in the world where one person decides everything. It is collaboration between people."

• He is excited about managing at Anfield: "I have been there once myself and I felt what it meant to fans to see team playing. It is a win-win situation - a very good team to work with but implementing a playing style that is going be similar but different will lead to support from fans and lead to special things."

• He is "expecting two more to join" his backroom staff and there will be "more announcements to come."

• Finally, he offered a hint on summer transfer business: "Not specific numbers [we want]. We have inherited a squad that is a good team. The longer a team plays together, if there is a good manger or coach, normally you see it improve. I'm at a club now that not many players leave. I'm expecting to keep most of our players and from there we can only build."

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool's new head coach Arne Slot will speak to the media for the first time as Reds boss on Friday 11:00 BST.

His first game in charge will be against Real Betis in the early hours of Saturday, 27 July.

There are eight players back in training: Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Sepp van den Berg Owen Beck, Curtis Jones, Caoimhin Kelleher and Kostas Tsimikas will be at the club's Kirkby base on Friday with many of the other first-team squad still on international duty.

Image source, Getty Images

England changing formation could give the side a chance to "maximise" Trent Alexander-Arnold's ability with the ball, according to The Mirror's chief football writer John Cross.

There are rumours boss Gareth Southgate could switch to a back three against Switzerland for the Euro 2024 quarter-final.

England's need for wing-backs in that line-up could give the Liverpool right-back the opportunity to come into the side, having struggled to make his mark in the tournament when featuring in midfield.

"I don't think that necessarily the personnel has been set up yet [for a back three] but with Trent, what an option," Cross told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"He's still the best deliverer of a ball and actually when it was beginning to be mooted [the formation change], I'm thinking in my head 'wow, that would give England a great opportunity to get Trent on the pitch [and] maximise his delivery', because he's the best passer and deliverer of the ball in the squad.

"Will he [Southgate] do that? I'm not sure. I think that would be a blow for Alexander-Arnold because he's played midfield twice, been so-so and he's been taken out.

"If he doesn't get this opportunity, he may look back on this tournament frustrated with another England campaign [where] he didn't get more [time] on the pitch."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Lille defender Leny Yoro wants a move to Real Madrid and the 18-year-old Frenchman is waiting for the clubs to agree a deal, with Liverpool and Paris St-Germain are ready to pounce if a deal collapses. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Brighton have swooped to take advantage of Liverpool's delay in sealing a deal for Feyenoord midfielder Mats Wieffer even though Reds boss Arne Slot gave the green light to reunite with the 24-year-old following their time together at the Dutch club. (De Telegraaf), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

Former Dutch footballer Rene Meulensteen is confident Arne Slot "will get the best" out of Cody Gakpo because the pair have worked together before at international level.

Gakpo has played a pivotal role in the Netherlands reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, causing countless issues for defenders down the left flank.

"He is on form and doing really well for the Netherlands," said Meulensteen on BBC Radio Merseyside. "He has been very important for them because he has scored three goals and has two assists.

"He is really deceiving so it is hard for defenders to do something against him because he has a great shot on him.

"The assist against Romania was a small masterpiece in the way he kept the ball in. The defender thought the ball was going to be out! He kept it in and flicked it to Donyell Malen to score another goal."

On why Gakpo's game varies at international level to when he plays for Liverpool, Meulensteen said: "It is hard to put your finger on it. You cannot really compare tournament football to the Premier League as it is chalk and cheese. The games have different dynamics.

"The good news is that he will be working with Arne Slot who already knows him from his time in Holland, so I am sure he will get the best out of him."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Image source, Reuters

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has not been included in Japan's squad for the Olympics in Paris later this month.

Japan have named a group of 18 for the tournament, but it does not include any overage players.

Head coach Go Oiwa said the "restrictions" that the Japanese Football Association had to work under in relation to European players - the Olympics does not fall in a Fifa-designated window - had influenced their selection.

It means Endo, 31, will be free to take a full part in pre-season and a group of Liverpool players will return to training on Friday under new boss Arne Slot.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot says if Cody Gakpo can take his form representing the Netherlands at Euro 2024 back to his club side Liverpool then "everybody will understand what kind of player he is".

Gakpo has three goals and one assist in four appearances so far at the tournament to add to the three goals he managed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

However, the 25-year-old has been inconsistent at times since joining Liverpool and was described by legendary Reds figure Jamie Carragher as playing in "slow motion, external" after the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United in March.

"Liverpool is a big club and sometimes, when you go there, to implement yourself in it, it takes some work," Melchiot told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast..

"That doesn’t mean the Holland national team is easy, but you have to remember Gakpo was a captain of PSV and he led the line for them on the left side. He’s played all the positions he’s playing for Holland and the trust they have in him is the same at PSV.

"Now when [he went] to Liverpool, [he has] to start all over again. So that’s why I see the difference in the way he plays and his belief and the confidence.

"I think it just comes down to if he can bring this form to Liverpool because then everybody will understand what kind of player he is.

"If he can’t do that, then people will question, is this the Gakpo from Liverpool or a different one?"

Another major tournament game, another goal for Cody Gakpo.

Having scored his third goal of Euro 2024 in the 3-0 last-16 win over Romania, to add to his three at the 2022 World Cup, the Liverpool forward has become just the third Netherlands player to score three or more goals at two major tournaments.

The 25-year-old is in good company alongside Johnny Rep (1974 and 1978 World Cups) and Dennis Bergkamp (Euro 1992 and World Cups in 1994 and 1998).

In fact, across the past two major international tournaments, the only European player with more goals than Gakpo - six in nine games - is France's Kylian Mbappe, with nine in 10 games.

Image source, Getty Images

England have only conceded two goals in four games so far at Euro 2024, but even in defence manager Gareth Southgate has fresh food for thought going into Saturday's quarter-final against Switzerland.

Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier took a knock to his leg in the second half against Slovakia and had to be withdrawn, leaving Arsenal's Bukayo Saka to fill in at left-back.

The Three Lions will definitely be without Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, who will serve a one-match suspension after picking up a second yellow card of the tournament.

England's defensive display against Slovakia was "all over the place", according to former Three Lions midfielder Danny Murphy, who fears if they "play better opposition" they will be "in a world of trouble".

Ex-Three Lions captain Alan Shearer said it will be "fascinating how England cope with three up front for the Swiss" and called for Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa to come in for the banned Guehi, with Manchester United's Luke Shaw at left-back.

Former England full-back Micah Richards wants to see Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, with Kyle Walker of Manchester City switched to the left.

Gary Lineker is more broadly concerned with the manner in which England's backline operated against Slovakia, and its impact on the rest of the side.

"The defence were very deep. We have a player in John Stones who likes to come forward but he was deep," added the former England skipper.

"Then [England have] two midfielders, often as deep as the back four. Then a huge gap to Bellingham and Kane. They were so spread out it was impossible to play passing football.

"They weren’t cohesive. They were disjointed and unbalanced. It was as though they had just met each other."

Read more on what is next for England and pick your starting XI

Anthony Gordon's head has been turned by interest from Liverpool, but Newcastle United insist the 23-year-old England winger will not be sold. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Liverpool remain interested in Gordon and could make another move to sign him this summer. (Teamtalk), external

The Reds are also interested in signing France midfielder Adrien Rabiot following the expiry of the 29-year-old's Juventus contract. (Calciomercato - in Italian), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

After Liverpool reportedly turned down an offer to buy Anthony Gordon - one which would send Jarrel Quansah the other way to Newcastle - we asked for your thoughts on the proposed deal.

Here are some of your comments:

Jack: Absolutely agree with the decision, Gordon is just another over rated English player and we have plenty of options on the left side!

Ant: Liverpool currently have plenty of good options in forward positions but are lacking in decent quality at the back. Definitely need to keep hold of Quansah, he has the potential to be a leading central defender for the club for years to come. I would still like to see Gordon at Liverpool, but it needs to be a deal not involving Quansah.

Ethan: I was so annoyed when I found out they turned down this offer. I think should carry on fighting for Gordon, even if they do swap him for Quansah. I think that Liverpool are strong enough in defence but not strong enough in attack and I think that Gordon could bring that strength Liverpool so desperately need.

Andy: Gordon is not up to the standard of the Reds players. Compared to us having Diaz and Mane before him, I’d give the proposal a solid no.

Neil: I don't think we need Gordon and he's an ex-Blue so it wouldn't go down well in my household. Van Dijk is no spring chicken anymore so we must keep Quansah at all costs. So yes, correct decision.