Liverpool FC is disappointed by today's decision on how the 2019-20 Women's Super League season has been concluded, which will see the Reds relegated to the Championship.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented huge, ongoing challenges around the world, the majority far more important than football.

The focus of our women’s team and staff since the beginning of the crisis was to be ready to return to WSL play when it was safe and proper to do so.

We believe we would have been able to meet all operational requirements but a return to play was deemed impractical.

As proud founder members of the WSL, our fans greatly value our position within the league and we hoped for the opportunity to secure our status on the pitch.

We enjoyed several notable firsts as a women’s team this season – including a first WSL game at Anfield – and we are committed to continuing to grow the women’s game in this country with our fellow teams.

We wish all the WSL teams well and look forward to seeing them again soon.

As a club we will continue to respond to the ongoing humanitarian needs caused by the pandemic and especially in providing support to various NHS initiatives and those experiencing food poverty and social isolation.

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Liverpool FC is disappointed by today's decision on how the 2019-20 Women's Super League season has been concluded, which will see the Reds relegated to the Championship.

Bayer Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes has admitted that Kai Havertz' future is not decided amid ongoing speculation a transfer to the Premier League is on the cards.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been attributed with an interest in the Germany international, who has caught the eye this season with another tremendous return.

The 20-year-old has hit five goals in four outings since the Bundesliga's restart following the coronavirus crisis, taking his tally across all competitions to 15 - having netted 17 goals in the league last season.

Full story: Liverpool Echo

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

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Bayer Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes has admitted that Kai Havertz' future is not decided amid ongoing speculation a transfer to the Premier League is on the cards.

Bayer Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfe has admitted he has no idea where Kai Havertz will be playing his football next season and has no preference on which club the youngster signs for if he decides to leave.

Havertz is the talk of the town in the Bundesliga, alongside Jadon Sancho, and like the Borussia Dortmund winger, has been attracting keen admirers from the Premier League and beyond.

The 20-year-old looks likely to move on in the near future, with Liverpool, Man Utd and Bayern Munich all in the race to sign him.

Full story: Mirror

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

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Bayer Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfe has admitted he has no idea where Kai Havertz will be playing his football next season and has no preference on which club the youngster signs for if he decides to leave.

Dejan Lovren believes Liverpool's eagerness to return to action has taken the already-high standards of training to another level.

The Reds were back at Anfield for the first time since March on Monday for 11v11 match scenarios, with Sadio Mane and Naby Keita scoring goals. 

Inside Training: Two goals as Reds host 11v11 session at Anfield

Lovren feels the inter-squad contests and resumption of contact sessions have been important steps ahead of the Premier League's provisional restart on June 17.

The centre-half told Liverpoolfc.com: "It's great. When we came back all together, it was like, 'Wow, how many players we have.' 

"When you look at all the faces, it's like, 'Here is quality.' 

"The other day we played and it was great to see some players in good shape after such a long time not playing. 

"Then you come back and you're like, 'My God, we need to really work even harder for a spot.' 

"It was quite a tough game but we really enjoyed playing against each other. It was quite a good test for what will come to us.

"You just realise you really miss football a lot. This is why I started to tackle my son here around the garden! We enjoy all the sessions. 

"We can say whatever we want, but it's not the same. You can work as hard as you want at home, it's not the same when you come to the pitch and the training ground and the games. You feel it's totally different. It's just a different speed."

Of course, Monday's session at Anfield was held behind closed doors without supporters in attendance – a reality all 20 Premier League clubs will face for at least the remainder of the 2019-20 season. 

Lovren admits it's something he and his teammates are still adapting to, but they are aware of all the backing they'll still receive from around the world. 

"We have different paths now, where to go, how you come in and it's not the easiest way," the No.6 explained of the visit to L4. "But we are respecting all the rules from the Premier League and the government. 

"Everybody is safe – this is the main thing. Hopefully everything will be [normal] soon and then we have our normal life back. 

"I wish everyone could have a sound at home and scream through it so we can hear it and just to feel this passion! 

"We will miss it but we are getting prepared to work for that and to be prepared that when some moments will be hard, we should think about our fans who are sitting at home and cheering about us."

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Dejan Lovren believes Liverpool's eagerness to return to action has taken the already-high standards of training to another level.

Since the ruling came into effect in 1995, Liverpool have signed 22 players on a Bosman, can you name them all?

Prior to the Bosman ruling, players were unable to leave their clubs unless they agreed to let them move on, even if their current contract had expired.

But thanks to Jean-Marc Bosman and his battle in the European Court, football’s transfer scene was never the same as players were allowed to leave a club on a free transfer as soon as their contract expired.

The power was shifted from clubs to the players, and signing-on fees replaced a transfer fee.

Liverpool have dabbled in the Bosman transfer market on a number of occasions with mixed success, and here we test your memory of the ones who have landed at Anfield.

It is only players arriving at the club on a Bosman deal, not simply a free transfer, who are listed, which means the likes of Robbie Fowler, Maxi Rodriguez, Craig Bellamy and Jari Litmanen are not included.

We’ve provided you with the year they were signed but you might need your thinking cap on for this one.

You have six minutes, can you name them all? Want more quizzes? Try these!

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Liverpool’s lengthy pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner has taken a big blow, with Chelsea now widely reported to be front-runners for a £53 million deal.

The Reds had been expected to eventually seal the signing of Werner in the next transfer window, despite a cautious approach to the market at this stage.

Werner’s public praise for Jurgen Klopp‘s side and the strong relationship between the two clubs indicated that an agreement could be struck, with the 24-year-old a perfect addition to the attacking ranks.

But a number of Chelsea journalists have reported on Thursday evening, corroborating a claim from Bild, that Werner has now agreed on personal terms with the London club.

The Telegraph, the Mirror and the Mail are among those to cover the story, with Chelsea said to be ready to pay Werner’s release clause, which is in the region of £53 million.

He could earn £200,000 a week at Stamford Bridge, which is likely to be significantly higher than the wages on offer at Liverpool.

There appears to be an acceptance on Merseyside that Werner could join Chelsea, too, with the Evening Standard‘s David Lynch taking to Twitter on the news breaking:

#LFC have been adamant for some time that they won’t be signing Timo Werner. Sometimes, these denials have to be taken with a pinch of salt – but apparently not in this case!

— David Lynch (@LynchStandard) June 4, 2020

If Liverpool have pulled out of the race to sign Werner, they will no doubt be a good reason, but it represents a big setback for the club from an outside perspective.

Werner has scored 31 goals and laid on 12 assists in 40 games for Leipzig this season, and his flexibility would make him an ideal alternative for any of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah or Roberto Firmino.

There is still the possibility that these reports are designed to coax an offer from the Reds, of course—if they have come from the player’s representatives, or Leipzig themselves.

But the emergence of the claims on such a volume of outlets suggests there is truth to them, and it could be that we see Werner in the Premier League next season, only not in a Liverpool shirt.

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Liverpool will reportedly take on Everton in their first game of the Premier League‘s restart on Sunday, June 21, with all of their first three games being late kickoffs.

The Premier League are finalising their fixture list for the rest of the 2019/20 campaign, which is set to restart on June 17 with Aston Villa vs. Sheffield United followed Man City vs. Arsenal.

Full dates, times and broadcasters will be confirmed in due course, with the 20 clubs debating various issues at their latest shareholders’ meeting on Thursday.

But for now, the Times‘ Paul Joyce and the Mail‘s Martin Samuel have both reported that Everton vs. Liverpool will be held on Sunday, June 21, kicking off at 7pm.

The game will be made free-to-air on Sky Sports, as one of 33 to be made available to the wider public, with all 92 remaining fixtures set to be shown live on TV.

It remains to be seen whether the derby will be held at Goodison Park, with further safety meetings scheduled before a venue is finalised, but the Premier League have now approved neutral venues ‘in principle’.

There is a possibility that the title could be wrapped up by the end of the first weekend, then, as a City loss in midweek and a Liverpool win would clinch it for Jurgen Klopp‘s side.

Leaked Liverpool Fixtures

• Everton vs. Liverpool – June 21, 7pm – Sky Sports
• Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace – June 24, 8.15pm – Sky Sports
• Man City vs. Liverpool – July 2, 8.15pm – Sky Sports

But if not, three points in the derby could see it then decided at Anfield instead, with Liverpool’s first home game back also set for a late kickoff.

The visit of Crystal Palace, provisionally at Anfield but also subject to review, is claimed to be set for Wednesday, June 24, kicking off at 8.15pm.

Man City vs. Liverpool is also said to be scheduled for an 8.15pm start, with the Etihad Stadium clash set for Thursday, July 2.

The Premier League are expected to confirm their fixture list within the next 24 hours, but these sources are reliable and it seems as though fans can get these dates in their calendars.

It should be noted that these remain provisional until the official confirmation, with dates for up to six of the first 32 fixtures still pending.

Premier League’s first list of rescheduled fixtures

Wednesday, June 17

Aston Villa vs. Sheffield United, 6pm – Sky Sports

Man City vs. Arsenal, 8pm – Sky Sports

Friday, June 19

Norwich vs. Southampton, 6pm – Sky Sports

Tottenham vs. Man United, 8pm – Sky Sports

Saturday, June 20

Watford vs. Leicester 12.30pm – BT Sport

Brighton vs. Arsenal 3pm – BT Sport

West Ham vs. Wolves 5.30pm – Sky Sports

Bournemouth vs. Crystal Palace 7.45pm – BBC

Sunday, June 21

Newcastle vs. Sheffield United 2pm – Sky Sports

Aston Villa vs. Chelsea 4.30pm – Sky Sports

Everton vs. Liverpool 7pm – Sky Sports

Monday, June 22

Man City vs. Burnley 8pm – Sky Sports

Tuesday, June 23

Southampton vs. Arsenal 6pm – Sky Sports

Tottenham vs. West Ham 8.15pm – Sky Sports

Wednesday, June 24

Man United vs. Sheffield United 6pm – Sky Sports

Newcastle vs. Aston Villa 6pm – Sky Sports

Norwich vs. Everton 6pm – BBC

Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace 8.15pm – Sky Sports

Thursday, June 25

Burnley vs. Watford 6pm – Sky Sports

Leicester vs. Brighton 6pm – Sky Sports

Chelsea vs. Man City 8.15pm – BT Sport

Wolves vs. Bournemouth 8.15pm – BT Sport

Sunday, June 28

Aston Villa vs. Wolves 12pm – BT Sport

FA CUP QUARTER-FINAL: Leicester vs. Chelsea 2.30pm – BT Sport

Watford vs. Southampton 4.30pm – Sky Sports

FA CUP QUARTER-FINAL: Newcastle vs. Man City 6pm – BT Sport

Monday June, 29

Crystal Palace vs. Burnley 8pm – Amazon Prime

Tuesday June, 30

Brighton vs. Man United 6pm – Sky Sports

Sheffield United vs. Tottenham 8.15pm – Sky Sports

Wednesday, July 1

Bournemouth vs. Newcastle 6pm – Sky Sports

Everton vs. Leicester 6pm – Sky Sports

West Ham vs. Chelsea 8.15pm – Sky Sports

Thursday, July 2

Arsenal vs. Norwich 6pm – BT Sport

Man City vs. Liverpool 8.15pm – Sky Sports

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Liverpool and their Premier League rivals received confirmation of an expanded subs bench for the rest of the season, while there are mixed reports over moves for forwards.

The Premier League is back!

According to widespread reports on Thursday evening, the Reds’ first game back in the Premier League—away to Everton—will be held on Sunday, June 21, kicking off at 7pm.

Both the Times and the Mail have covered the leak from the top-flight shareholders’ meeting on the same day, which also revealed Liverpool’s following two fixtures.

The visit of Crystal Palace is claimed to be set for Wednesday, June 24 and the trip to Man City will be on Thursday, July 2, with both 8.15pm kickoffs.

Though the Premier League are yet to confirm the news, it is highly likely these are the dates now agreed.

One forward being tracked, one not

The Reds are always on the hunt for talented youngsters who can be brought into the club, nurtured and coached the right way and then brought through into the first team.

It doesn’t have to be a waiting period of three or four years to make an impact at Anfield, either, as last summer’s arrival Harvey Elliott quickly showed and even surprise January signing Tom Hardy made his senior bow in the FA Cup.

Now the Reds are eyeing up Ricky-Jade Jones, a 17-year-old striker already playing with Peterborough in League One.

Sky Sports report that a host of top teams are tracking the youngster, who is yet to score in the league but did net in the FA Cup against Burnley, and who has been compared with Jamie Vardy for his incredible pace—he runs the 100m in 10.9 seconds—and style in leading the line.

However, yesterday’s rumours of a loan move for Ousmane Dembele appear wide of the mark.

The Reds have not made any bid, nor plan to at this point, for the frequently injured Barcelona winger who is also being tracked by Juventus.

Journalist claims Reds have agreed Werner contract

Liverpool’s transfer chase of Timo Werner is widely known, but one journalist claims the process is further down the line than most.

Ian McGarry, speaking on the Transfer Window podcast, says that rumours of other clubs bidding for him are false and that the Reds have actually agreed terms.

“Werner has agreed personal terms with Liverpool,” McGarry said.

“[It’s] a five-year contract that will pay the player around £140,000-a-week.

“[Other clubs] have been told by the player’s representatives that a deal is effectively done to Liverpool…and effectively they would be wasting their time.

“The reason that these rumours have been circulated, is because RB Leipzig are concerned they will not achieve the €60m [fee].

“Liverpool have failed to offer the clause of €60m, on the basis that they believe the player can be gotten for a smaller price when the market reopens officially.”

If that’s the case, we can expect news of a lower bid for Werner to emerge in due course, perhaps bringing this long-running saga one step closer to ending.

UPDATE: Reports on Thursday evening suggest Werner has agreed a deal with Werner.

Academy to first-team, step by step

Liverpool’s youngsters have every reason to be hopeful of being given opportunities these days, right from their first years with the club.

Quickfire LFC news

• The ‘Voice of Anfield’ has recounted a story showing why Klopp is such a loved person throughout the club (TIA)

• John Barnes doubts whether any of the current youth hopefuls at Liverpool are ready to become a Gerrard or Sterling level of starter (Goal)

• Young Reds defender Remi Savage has signed his first professional deal with the club (LFC)

• And Premier League clubs have accepted the need to use neutral venues if absolutely necessary (TIA)

Around the Prem

• Man City fans will unveil a banner to protest UEFA’s treatment of their club. They are very, very angry they haven’t been allowed to cheat and get away with it (Times)

• Leighton Baines has been offered a one-year extension by Everton and it’s nice to see our neighbours doing their part to support the aging workforce (BBC Sport)

• United’s plans to raise funds by selling Alexis Sanchez, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo have “taken a hit” apparently. The suggestion is that it’s down to coronavirus uncertainty, though we’d personally place more emphasis on the fact they’ve all been largely sh*t and nobody wants to buy them (ES)

• And Kai Havertz is open to a move to Old Trafford, according to the entirely reliable and unbiased local Manchester media who clearly have the inside line to the Leverkusen forward (F365)

Stupid transfer approach of the day

If you’re wondering how Spurs fell from Champions League finalists to battling for a top-six finish so fast, here’s a good indication: Spanish media suggest they won’t bring in Coutinho on loan because his wages are too high and other players might complain.

That’s usually how it works, Mr. Levy: Better players than Sissoko, Bergwijn and Lamela cost more money than Sissoko, Bergwijn and Lamela.

Tweet of the day

Happy five-year anniversary to our vice captain and No. 7!

Five years ago, Liverpool signed this man on a free transfer ? pic.twitter.com/g7nQKFEpZP

— Aakriti (@Aakriti1) June 4, 2020

What we’re reading

An interview with Joshua Kimmich on playing without fans, another Bundesliga title and the changes the squad have to deal with, in the Guardian.

And Sid Lowe writes for ESPN just exactly how Phil Coutinho went from sought-after record signing to the man no top club wants.

Worth watching tonight

Portuguese action take your fancy? Sporting CP are the team to watch tonight, against Vitoria Guimaraes at 9:15pm. Or, as we like to call it, the battle of the former LFC U23 stars: Joao Teixeira against Rafa Camacho.

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Ousmane Dembele is unlikely to leave Barcelona this summer, despite interest from the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, says his agent Moussa Sissoko.

The Frenchman has not had as much success as expected since his move to the Nou Camp from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, a transfer that set the Catalans back £135.5m.

Injuries have been a big problem for him, but so has finding the back of the net, with just 19 goals in 74 appearances across all competitions in a Barca shirt.

Full story: Metro

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

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Ousmane Dembele is unlikely to leave Barcelona this summer, despite interest from the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, says his agent Moussa Sissoko.

The Frenchman has not had as much success as expected since his move to the Nou Camp from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, a transfer that set the Catalans back £135.5m.

Injuries have been a big problem for him, but so has finding the back of the net, with just 19 goals in 74 appearances across all competitions in a Barca shirt.

Full story: Metro

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

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Ousmane Dembele is unlikely to leave Barcelona this summer, despite interest from the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, says his agent Moussa Sissoko.

Valencia star Ferran Torres has poured cold water on rumours linking him with a switch to Liverpool and Man Utd by insisting he is content with life in La Liga.

The Spanish winger, 20, has become a key player for his club side in recent seasons, attracting interest from big clubs around Europe.

Barcelona, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are also among the sides keeping track of his progress with a view to making a move in the summer.

Full story: Mirror

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

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Valencia star Ferran Torres has poured cold water on rumours linking him with a switch to Liverpool and Man Utd by insisting he is content with life in La Liga.

The Spanish winger, 20, has become a key player for his club side in recent seasons, attracting interest from big clubs around Europe.

Barcelona, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are also among the sides keeping track of his progress with a view to making a move in the summer.

Full story: Mirror

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

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Valencia star Ferran Torres has poured cold water on rumours linking him with a switch to Liverpool and Man Utd by insisting he is content with life in La Liga.

The Premier League released the following statement on Thursday afternoon.

Premier League Shareholders today agreed temporary changes to the rules relating to substitute players.

For the remainder of the 2019/20 season, the number of substitutes that can be used during a match will increase from three to five players.

This is in line with the temporary law amendment made by the International Football Association Board last month. 

Shareholders also approved for Clubs to increase the maximum number of substitute players on the bench from seven to nine for the rest of the 2019/20 season. 

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The Premier League released the following statement on Thursday afternoon.