Hello and welcome to Saturday's Liverpool live blog, where we will bring you the latest news on the Reds throughout the day.
Joins us as we provide you all of the latest goings on at Anfield , as well as any transfer rumours or gossip that may emerge.
Liverpool are being linked with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong, plus there are updates on Sadio Mane and Club Brugge forward Noa Lang.
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Fulham fans love what Neco Williams did in latest win
Neco Williams has made an impressive start to his loan spell in the Championship - and that is pleasing Fulham fans and Reds alike.
The league-leaders secured a 1-0 away win at Hull City today courtesy of Aleksandar Mitrovic's 31st goal of the season, but it was Williams who made it all possible with a glorious assist.
When the ball was worked wide to the right-back in the 57th minute, he advanced forward before floating an inch-perfect cross onto the head of the Serbian, who expertly glanced the ball in off the far post, securing the win and maintaining a six point cushion at the Championship summit.
Having been unable to dislodge Trent Alexander-Arnold from the Liverpool starting XI this season, Williams joined the West London club on transfer deadline day in a loan move until the end of the season.
And in his first two league appearances, he has already given the Cottagers a return on their investment with two assists already and today's against Hull had more than a hint of 'Alexander-Arnold' about it.
Liverpool 'closely following' Aston Villa starlet Jacob Ramsey
Liverpool are reported to be “closely following” Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey.
The 20-year-old caught the headlines in midweek after scoring a brace against Leeds. Linking up well with former Liverpool talisman Philippe Coutinho.
Spanish outlet Fichajes has claimed that Ramsey “fits the profile” of the type of young player the Reds are looking to sign in the summer, describing him as “one of the sensations of the Premier League”.
However, the report states that Liverpool could face a problem due to the England U21 international having a long-term contract until 2025 and Villa being unwilling to sell the midfielder.
Mohamed Salah to change Liverpool history as AFCON fallout avoided
Mohamed Salah has never been one to stand on ceremony during his time at Liverpool.
Ever since first pulling on a Reds shirt, the Egyptian has demonstrated an urge to make an impact as soon as possible.
And that trait is already standing him in good stead as he looks to shake off any lingering effects from his Africa Cup of Nations final heartache against Sadio Mane's Senegal last weekend.
Certainly, Salah didn't waste any time in reacquainting himself with Anfield after missing the last six games when he emerged from the bench during the Premier League visit of Leicester City on Thursday night.
Liverpool 'plan to offer' Roberto Firmino new contract
Roberto Firmino is set to be offered a new contract by Liverpool, according to reports.
The Brazilian forward’s deal is currently set to expire in 2023 - the same time as Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Football Insider reports that Liverpool “plan to offer” Firmino a contract extension ahead of the summer, amid links with a move away from Anfield.
Firmino has endured a somewhat frustrating campaign so far due to injury and competition from Diogo Jota, but has still recorded seven combined goals and assists in 14 league games.
James Milner spots Jurgen Klopp change from last season
James Milner believes Jurgen Klopp was affected by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic - but has rediscovered his mojo at Liverpool this season.
The Reds continue to challenge on all four fronts, having won through to the Carabao Cup final, the last 16 of the FA Cup and Champions League while continuing to chase Premier League leaders Manchester City.
It compares favourably to last term when, in front of empty stadia, Liverpool were hampered by a succession of serious injuries as they were left to scramble for a top-four finish.
And while Milner admits seeing a change in Klopp last season, the Reds boss has long reverted to his old self.
Andy Robertson explains Luis Diaz's first days in Liverpool dressing room
Andy Robertson has explained how Liverpool are helping Luis Diaz settle after his £49million transfer from Porto in January.
The Colombia international has impressed in his first two appearances for the Reds and Robertson believes there is a lot more to come from the winger.
"He doesn't speak much Scottish, that's for sure!" said Robertson. "He sits next to me in the training room but his English is very, very little.
"The people who speak Spanish are helping him settle in a lot. I can help, I just kind of smile and laugh at him and try to make him feel comfortable."
Jurgen Klopp's 'sell to buy' Liverpool transfer myth has been exposed
In this week's Blood Red column, Paul Gorst argues that Liverpool's squad is currently the strongest it has been in decades.
For too long, Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool have been dogged by questions of depth, he writes.
A small squad that is light on quality whenever the surface is scratched at has been the regular critique levelled for some time at Anfield.
As the 2021/22 campaign enters the final few months, however, there is a powerful counter argument to the regular complaint.
Matteo Ritaccio joins Charleston Battery on loan
Liverpool youngster Matteo Ritaccio has joined USL Championship side Charleston Battery on loan for the duration of their 2022 campaign.
The academy midfielder, 20, joined Liverpool in 2018 and signed a new contract last summer.
“I’m very excited to be joining the Battery this season and am looking forward to getting to work,” he told liverpoolfc.com.
“The move to play in the USL Championship will be a great challenge for me that will help me grow. Having the opportunity to share the field with experienced professionals in this league is something I will embrace.”
Liverpool 'rival' AC Milan for Noa Lang
Liverpool are competing with Serie A giants AC Milan to sign Club Brugge winger Noa Lang, according to reports in Italy.
La Gazzetta Dello Sport’s reporter Carlo Laudisa, speaking on Carlo Pellegatti's Youtube channel, claims the Reds are among the clubs interested in the Dutch international.
He said: “Milan have followed Lang with great attention, but the request of €40million [£33.5m] and the competition from Liverpool is putting the brakes on this negotiation.”
Milan have been most heavily linked with the 22-year-old, while Liverpool and Arsenal are also rumoured to be interested in the player.
However, it seems the Italian club may have a free run at the player, at least from a Liverpool point of view, given the recent acquisition of Luis Diaz from Porto.
Lang is a left-sided winger, as is Diaz, and the suggestion is the Colombia international was Jurgen Klopp's primary target for the summer window.
It would likely take the departure of a big name to prompt Liverpool to spend big on another winger, with midfield a glaring priority for the Reds in the upcoming transfer window.
Liverpool 'willing to pay' £58.8million for goalkeeper
Liverpool are reportedly willing to pay £58.8million for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andrea ter Stegen.
Spanish outlet El Nacional claims the Reds have strong interest in the German international, as 'Alisson has not been at 100% due to on and off injuries'.
The report claims Liverpool would be willing to make Ter Stegen the second most expensive goalkeeper in the world behind Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Any suggestion the Reds would break the bank to sign another goalkeeper feels unbelievable given they boast one of the best shot-stoppers in the world in Alisson.
This season, the Brazilian has only missed two Premier League and Champions League matches as a result of contracting Covid or being on international duty.
Should Alisson ever be absent, Caoimhin Kelleher is already proving to be an incredible prospect for Jurgen Klopp's side.
Last summer, the 29-year-old signed a new long-term contract with the Reds, keeping him at Anfield until at least 2027 and there is no doubt that Alisson will remain Liverpool's No.1 for years to come.
Sadio Mane is 'willing to leave Liverpool' if Spanish giants come knocking
Liverpool winger Sadio Mane is reportedly 'willing to leave' the club should Barcelona or Real Madrid come knocking in the summer.
That's according to Goal in Spain, who suggest it is the player's childhood dream to play for one of the La Liga giants.
The article goes on to say Mane has 'informed his agents' he is willing to leave Liverpool in the next transfer window should one of them make an approach.
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are rumoured to have tried to sign Mane in previous years, but without any success.
The winger's current contract expires in 2023, which means this summer will be crucial in determining his long-term future and whether it remains at Anfield.
Liverpool 'interested' in Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong
Liverpool are among the clubs 'interested' in signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to reports from Spain.
Sport claims both the Reds and Bayern Munich are his strongest admirers, but whether he leaves will depend on the player himself.
It goes on to say there is concern at the Camp Nou over De Jong's 'low spirits' and that he's not entirely happy at the La Liga club.
For manager Xavi Hernandez, the 24-year-old is integral to the future of the team and is 'absolutely non-transferable', however the article insists Barcelona must provide him with a project that allows him to win titles, or they risk losing him to another European giant.
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to Saturday's LIVE Liverpool blog.
Let's get right to it, shall we!
