Brendan Rodgers may need to take a leaf out of Jose Mourinho's book if Liverpool are to realise their title dream, writes Matthew Stanger.
"Jose is happy to work that way and play that way and he will probably show his CV and say it works but it's not my way of working. I like to take the initiative in games and let players express themselves.
"Chelsea defended well. We tried everything we could but our game is based on being offensively creative as opposed to stopping. Their style of football, it's defensive, and the polar opposite of the way we work. It gets results - Jose has got his today and he will be happy with that."
Although Brendan Rodgers tried to claim a moral victory after Liverpool's title-blowing defeat to Chelsea in April, he must have known it was a hollow argument.
His admission that the Reds had been beaten in the biggest match of the season by an approach supposedly the polar opposite to his own was telling. Mourinho got his result, taught Rodgers a different way to skin the cat, and left Liverpool to lick their wounds over a long summer. A first Premier League crown remained elusive.
Much has happened since that balmy spring afternoon when the TV cameras broadcast the incredible scenes outside Anfield as Liverpool fans lined the streets in their thousands to greet the champions-elect.
Manchester City won their remaining three matches to pip the Reds to the title by two points, Luis Suarez has bitten again and been sold to Barcelona, and six players have been brought in for a combined total of almost £90million.
But amid the upheaval, one constant has remained: Rodgers' commitment to an attacking style of play.
It was arguably the most important ingredient in Liverpool's success last season as the manager unlocked the remarkable scoring potential in Suarez and Daniel Sturridge en route to the team's 84-point and 101-goal haul.
The Reds displayed a thrilling freedom that took them agonisingly close to Premier League glory as Rodgers' reputation was enhanced and self-belief cemented. "We play to win. The philosophy will not change next season," he said at the end of a brilliant campaign. "There is no fear here."
However, discussing contrasting styles through a prism of virtues is perhaps unwise. There is equally no fear at Chelsea, who also had Champions League football to contend with last year - a challenge Rodgers will soon face - as Mourinho's side promoted pragmatism rather than negativity.
Instead of ignoring the lesson of that costly defeat at Anfield in April, Rodgers would do well to learn from it as he seeks to find harmony between his attacking approach and a vulnerable back line that conceded 50 goals in 38 matches - the eighth-worst record in the top flight.
Rodgers has admitted that Liverpool's defence needs work, and the £20m capture of Dejan Lovren underlines his intention to improve a problem area.
"(Defence) is a place where we want to be better, there's no doubt about that," the manager said recently. "It wasn't good enough to concede that many goals, considering the amount of possession we had and amount of goals we scored."
But whether Lovren will provide the solution, given that he must contend with Mamadou Sakho and Daniel Agger for a starting spot, is yet to be seen.
Too simplistic
There is a sense that merely buying another centre-back - and possibly a new left-back - is too simplistic to address the issues that ultimately cost Liverpool the title.
It is not necessarily that the defenders Liverpool already possess lack the requisite quality to mount a challenge at the top of the table, but rather Rodgers' swashbuckling style was often guilty of leaving the back line exposed. The Reds play with a high level of risk, and on several occasions last season it proved to be their downfall.
This problem could possibly be fixed by taking a leaf out of Mourinho's book and buying a defensive midfielder in the mould of the excellent Nemanja Matic, whose primary role is to act as a destroyer and break down opposition attacks.
Indeed, this requirement is arguably even more important than finding a convincing replacement for Suarez.
Liverpool will always create chances on which strikers of Sturridge's quality will capitalise, and if value cannot be found in this window they would be best seeking a stop-gap forward until January or next summer - Colombia international Teofilo Gutierrez perhaps, who has been heavily linked with an £8m move to Southampton.
In the meantime, Rodgers must decide whether to tweak his system to incorporate an element of caution.
The energy of Jordan Henderson does not always compensate for Steven Gerrard's tiring legs - as England discovered to their detriment at the World Cup - and a more combative presence in midfield would help to provide the protection for the defence that was frequently lacking last year.
At just 20 years of age, and with only one season of Bundesliga football under his belt, the jury is out on whether Emre Can can fulfil such a crucial role in his first year in England.
Meanwhile, Lucas has struggled to regain his previous form following several nagging injuries, featuring in four of the six Premier League matches in which the Reds conceded three goals last season.
In adapting his possession-based approach to favour counter-attacking with pace, Rodgers has demonstrated a willingness and capability to work with the strengths of his squad.
His commitment has always been to take the initiative, however, and perhaps that is why he denies making significant changes to his approach.
"What has been interesting is people talking about me moving away from some of the principles that I've always worked with - it couldn't be further from the truth," he said at the end of last season.
"Players are now flooding forward looking to score goals, as opposed to the idea of just keeping the ball - because that's no good on its own."
Similarly, flooding forward looking to score goals is no good on its own if the bolt has been left off the back door.
Such an attacking mentality was not enough to win the league, and without Suarez and his 31 top-flight goals, the margin between success and failure has shrunk significantly.
With the added pressure of a first Champions League campaign in five years, the Reds will need to be smart to avoid being derailed by defensive deficiencies.
It is never easy for a manager to swallow his pride, but equally there would be no shame in Rodgers accepting that there is still plenty he can learn from the likes of Mourinho.
Brendan Rodgers may need to take a leaf out of Jose Mourinho's book if Liverpool are to realise their title dream, writes Matthew Stanger.
"Jose is happy to work that way and play that way and he will probably show his CV and say it works but it's not my way of working. I like to take the initiative in games and let players express themselves.
"Chelsea defended well. We tried everything we could but our game is based on being offensively creative as opposed to stopping. Their style of football, it's defensive, and the polar opposite of the way we work. It gets results - Jose has got his today and he will be happy with that."
Although Brendan Rodgers tried to claim a moral victory after Liverpool's title-blowing defeat to Chelsea in April, he must have known it was a hollow argument.
His admission that the Reds had been beaten in the biggest match of the season by an approach supposedly the polar opposite to his own was telling. Mourinho got his result, taught Rodgers a different way to skin the cat, and left Liverpool to lick their wounds over a long summer. A first Premier League crown remained elusive.
Much has happened since that balmy spring afternoon when the TV cameras broadcast the incredible scenes outside Anfield as Liverpool fans lined the streets in their thousands to greet the champions-elect.
Manchester City won their remaining three matches to pip the Reds to the title by two points, Luis Suarez has bitten again and been sold to Barcelona, and six players have been brought in for a combined total of almost £90million.
But amid the upheaval, one constant has remained: Rodgers' commitment to an attacking style of play.
It was arguably the most important ingredient in Liverpool's success last season as the manager unlocked the remarkable scoring potential in Suarez and Daniel Sturridge en route to the team's 84-point and 101-goal haul.
The Reds displayed a thrilling freedom that took them agonisingly close to Premier League glory as Rodgers' reputation was enhanced and self-belief cemented. "We play to win. The philosophy will not change next season," he said at the end of a brilliant campaign. "There is no fear here."
However, discussing contrasting styles through a prism of virtues is perhaps unwise. There is equally no fear at Chelsea, who also had Champions League football to contend with last year - a challenge Rodgers will soon face - as Mourinho's side promoted pragmatism rather than negativity.
Instead of ignoring the lesson of that costly defeat at Anfield in April, Rodgers would do well to learn from it as he seeks to find harmony between his attacking approach and a vulnerable back line that conceded 50 goals in 38 matches - the eighth-worst record in the top flight.
Rodgers has admitted that Liverpool's defence needs work, and the £20m capture of Dejan Lovren underlines his intention to improve a problem area.
"(Defence) is a place where we want to be better, there's no doubt about that," the manager said recently. "It wasn't good enough to concede that many goals, considering the amount of possession we had and amount of goals we scored."
But whether Lovren will provide the solution, given that he must contend with Mamadou Sakho and Daniel Agger for a starting spot, is yet to be seen.
Too simplistic
There is a sense that merely buying another centre-back - and possibly a new left-back - is too simplistic to address the issues that ultimately cost Liverpool the title.
It is not necessarily that the defenders Liverpool already possess lack the requisite quality to mount a challenge at the top of the table, but rather Rodgers' swashbuckling style was often guilty of leaving the back line exposed. The Reds play with a high level of risk, and on several occasions last season it proved to be their downfall.
This problem could possibly be fixed by taking a leaf out of Mourinho's book and buying a defensive midfielder in the mould of the excellent Nemanja Matic, whose primary role is to act as a destroyer and break down opposition attacks.
Indeed, this requirement is arguably even more important than finding a convincing replacement for Suarez.
Liverpool will always create chances on which strikers of Sturridge's quality will capitalise, and if value cannot be found in this window they would be best seeking a stop-gap forward until January or next summer - Colombia international Teofilo Gutierrez perhaps, who has been heavily linked with an £8m move to Southampton.
In the meantime, Rodgers must decide whether to tweak his system to incorporate an element of caution.
The energy of Jordan Henderson does not always compensate for Steven Gerrard's tiring legs - as England discovered to their detriment at the World Cup - and a more combative presence in midfield would help to provide the protection for the defence that was frequently lacking last year.
At just 20 years of age, and with only one season of Bundesliga football under his belt, the jury is out on whether Emre Can can fulfil such a crucial role in his first year in England.
Meanwhile, Lucas has struggled to regain his previous form following several nagging injuries, featuring in four of the six Premier League matches in which the Reds conceded three goals last season.
In adapting his possession-based approach to favour counter-attacking with pace, Rodgers has demonstrated a willingness and capability to work with the strengths of his squad.
His commitment has always been to take the initiative, however, and perhaps that is why he denies making significant changes to his approach.
"What has been interesting is people talking about me moving away from some of the principles that I've always worked with - it couldn't be further from the truth," he said at the end of last season.
"Players are now flooding forward looking to score goals, as opposed to the idea of just keeping the ball - because that's no good on its own."
Similarly, flooding forward looking to score goals is no good on its own if the bolt has been left off the back door.
Such an attacking mentality was not enough to win the league, and without Suarez and his 31 top-flight goals, the margin between success and failure has shrunk significantly.
With the added pressure of a first Champions League campaign in five years, the Reds will need to be smart to avoid being derailed by defensive deficiencies.
It is never easy for a manager to swallow his pride, but equally there would be no shame in Rodgers accepting that there is still plenty he can learn from the likes of Mourinho.
Brendan Rodgers may need to take a leaf out of Jose Mourinho's book if Liverpool are to realise their title dream, writes Matthew Stanger.
"Jose is happy to work that way and play that way and he will probably show his CV and say it works but it's not my way of working. I like to take the initiative in games and let players express themselves.
"Chelsea defended well. We tried everything we could but our game is based on being offensively creative as opposed to stopping. Their style of football, it's defensive, and the polar opposite of the way we work. It gets results - Jose has got his today and he will be happy with that."
Although Brendan Rodgers tried to claim a moral victory after Liverpool's title-blowing defeat to Chelsea in April, he must have known it was a hollow argument.
His admission that the Reds had been beaten in the biggest match of the season by an approach supposedly the polar opposite to his own was telling. Mourinho got his result, taught Rodgers a different way to skin the cat, and left Liverpool to lick their wounds over a long summer. A first Premier League crown remained elusive.
Much has happened since that balmy spring afternoon when the TV cameras broadcast the incredible scenes outside Anfield as Liverpool fans lined the streets in their thousands to greet the champions-elect.
Manchester City won their remaining three matches to pip the Reds to the title by two points, Luis Suarez has bitten again and been sold to Barcelona, and six players have been brought in for a combined total of almost £90million.
But amid the upheaval, one constant has remained: Rodgers' commitment to an attacking style of play.
It was arguably the most important ingredient in Liverpool's success last season as the manager unlocked the remarkable scoring potential in Suarez and Daniel Sturridge en route to the team's 84-point and 101-goal haul.
The Reds displayed a thrilling freedom that took them agonisingly close to Premier League glory as Rodgers' reputation was enhanced and self-belief cemented. "We play to win. The philosophy will not change next season," he said at the end of a brilliant campaign. "There is no fear here."
However, discussing contrasting styles through a prism of virtues is perhaps unwise. There is equally no fear at Chelsea, who also had Champions League football to contend with last year - a challenge Rodgers will soon face - as Mourinho's side promoted pragmatism rather than negativity.
Instead of ignoring the lesson of that costly defeat at Anfield in April, Rodgers would do well to learn from it as he seeks to find harmony between his attacking approach and a vulnerable back line that conceded 50 goals in 38 matches - the eighth-worst record in the top flight.
Rodgers has admitted that Liverpool's defence needs work, and the £20m capture of Dejan Lovren underlines his intention to improve a problem area.
"(Defence) is a place where we want to be better, there's no doubt about that," the manager said recently. "It wasn't good enough to concede that many goals, considering the amount of possession we had and amount of goals we scored."
But whether Lovren will provide the solution, given that he must contend with Mamadou Sakho and Daniel Agger for a starting spot, is yet to be seen.
Too simplistic
There is a sense that merely buying another centre-back - and possibly a new left-back - is too simplistic to address the issues that ultimately cost Liverpool the title.
It is not necessarily that the defenders Liverpool already possess lack the requisite quality to mount a challenge at the top of the table, but rather Rodgers' swashbuckling style was often guilty of leaving the back line exposed. The Reds play with a high level of risk, and on several occasions last season it proved to be their downfall.
This problem could possibly be fixed by taking a leaf out of Mourinho's book and buying a defensive midfielder in the mould of the excellent Nemanja Matic, whose primary role is to act as a destroyer and break down opposition attacks.
Indeed, this requirement is arguably even more important than finding a convincing replacement for Suarez.
Liverpool will always create chances on which strikers of Sturridge's quality will capitalise, and if value cannot be found in this window they would be best seeking a stop-gap forward until January or next summer - Colombia international Teofilo Gutierrez perhaps, who has been heavily linked with an £8m move to Southampton.
In the meantime, Rodgers must decide whether to tweak his system to incorporate an element of caution.
The energy of Jordan Henderson does not always compensate for Steven Gerrard's tiring legs - as England discovered to their detriment at the World Cup - and a more combative presence in midfield would help to provide the protection for the defence that was frequently lacking last year.
At just 20 years of age, and with only one season of Bundesliga football under his belt, the jury is out on whether Emre Can can fulfil such a crucial role in his first year in England.
Meanwhile, Lucas has struggled to regain his previous form following several nagging injuries, featuring in four of the six Premier League matches in which the Reds conceded three goals last season.
In adapting his possession-based approach to favour counter-attacking with pace, Rodgers has demonstrated a willingness and capability to work with the strengths of his squad.
His commitment has always been to take the initiative, however, and perhaps that is why he denies making significant changes to his approach.
"What has been interesting is people talking about me moving away from some of the principles that I've always worked with - it couldn't be further from the truth," he said at the end of last season.
"Players are now flooding forward looking to score goals, as opposed to the idea of just keeping the ball - because that's no good on its own."
Similarly, flooding forward looking to score goals is no good on its own if the bolt has been left off the back door.
Such an attacking mentality was not enough to win the league, and without Suarez and his 31 top-flight goals, the margin between success and failure has shrunk significantly.
With the added pressure of a first Champions League campaign in five years, the Reds will need to be smart to avoid being derailed by defensive deficiencies.
It is never easy for a manager to swallow his pride, but equally there would be no shame in Rodgers accepting that there is still plenty he can learn from the likes of Mourinho.
Brendan Rodgers may need to take a leaf out of Jose Mourinho's book if Liverpool are to realise their title dream, writes Matthew Stanger.
"Jose is happy to work that way and play that way and he will probably show his CV and say it works but it's not my way of working. I like to take the initiative in games and let players express themselves.
"Chelsea defended well. We tried everything we could but our game is based on being offensively creative as opposed to stopping. Their style of football, it's defensive, and the polar opposite of the way we work. It gets results - Jose has got his today and he will be happy with that."
Although Brendan Rodgers tried to claim a moral victory after Liverpool's title-blowing defeat to Chelsea in April, he must have known it was a hollow argument.
His admission that the Reds had been beaten in the biggest match of the season by an approach supposedly the polar opposite to his own was telling. Mourinho got his result, taught Rodgers a different way to skin the cat, and left Liverpool to lick their wounds over a long summer. A first Premier League crown remained elusive.
Much has happened since that balmy spring afternoon when the TV cameras broadcast the incredible scenes outside Anfield as Liverpool fans lined the streets in their thousands to greet the champions-elect.
Manchester City won their remaining three matches to pip the Reds to the title by two points, Luis Suarez has bitten again and been sold to Barcelona, and six players have been brought in for a combined total of almost £90million.
But amid the upheaval, one constant has remained: Rodgers' commitment to an attacking style of play.
It was arguably the most important ingredient in Liverpool's success last season as the manager unlocked the remarkable scoring potential in Suarez and Daniel Sturridge en route to the team's 84-point and 101-goal haul.
The Reds displayed a thrilling freedom that took them agonisingly close to Premier League glory as Rodgers' reputation was enhanced and self-belief cemented. "We play to win. The philosophy will not change next season," he said at the end of a brilliant campaign. "There is no fear here."
However, discussing contrasting styles through a prism of virtues is perhaps unwise. There is equally no fear at Chelsea, who also had Champions League football to contend with last year - a challenge Rodgers will soon face - as Mourinho's side promoted pragmatism rather than negativity.
Instead of ignoring the lesson of that costly defeat at Anfield in April, Rodgers would do well to learn from it as he seeks to find harmony between his attacking approach and a vulnerable back line that conceded 50 goals in 38 matches - the eighth-worst record in the top flight.
Rodgers has admitted that Liverpool's defence needs work, and the £20m capture of Dejan Lovren underlines his intention to improve a problem area.
"(Defence) is a place where we want to be better, there's no doubt about that," the manager said recently. "It wasn't good enough to concede that many goals, considering the amount of possession we had and amount of goals we scored."
But whether Lovren will provide the solution, given that he must contend with Mamadou Sakho and Daniel Agger for a starting spot, is yet to be seen.
Too simplistic
There is a sense that merely buying another centre-back - and possibly a new left-back - is too simplistic to address the issues that ultimately cost Liverpool the title.
It is not necessarily that the defenders Liverpool already possess lack the requisite quality to mount a challenge at the top of the table, but rather Rodgers' swashbuckling style was often guilty of leaving the back line exposed. The Reds play with a high level of risk, and on several occasions last season it proved to be their downfall.
This problem could possibly be fixed by taking a leaf out of Mourinho's book and buying a defensive midfielder in the mould of the excellent Nemanja Matic, whose primary role is to act as a destroyer and break down opposition attacks.
Indeed, this requirement is arguably even more important than finding a convincing replacement for Suarez.
Liverpool will always create chances on which strikers of Sturridge's quality will capitalise, and if value cannot be found in this window they would be best seeking a stop-gap forward until January or next summer - Colombia international Teofilo Gutierrez perhaps, who has been heavily linked with an £8m move to Southampton.
In the meantime, Rodgers must decide whether to tweak his system to incorporate an element of caution.
The energy of Jordan Henderson does not always compensate for Steven Gerrard's tiring legs - as England discovered to their detriment at the World Cup - and a more combative presence in midfield would help to provide the protection for the defence that was frequently lacking last year.
At just 20 years of age, and with only one season of Bundesliga football under his belt, the jury is out on whether Emre Can can fulfil such a crucial role in his first year in England.
Meanwhile, Lucas has struggled to regain his previous form following several nagging injuries, featuring in four of the six Premier League matches in which the Reds conceded three goals last season.
In adapting his possession-based approach to favour counter-attacking with pace, Rodgers has demonstrated a willingness and capability to work with the strengths of his squad.
His commitment has always been to take the initiative, however, and perhaps that is why he denies making significant changes to his approach.
"What has been interesting is people talking about me moving away from some of the principles that I've always worked with - it couldn't be further from the truth," he said at the end of last season.
"Players are now flooding forward looking to score goals, as opposed to the idea of just keeping the ball - because that's no good on its own."
Similarly, flooding forward looking to score goals is no good on its own if the bolt has been left off the back door.
Such an attacking mentality was not enough to win the league, and without Suarez and his 31 top-flight goals, the margin between success and failure has shrunk significantly.
With the added pressure of a first Champions League campaign in five years, the Reds will need to be smart to avoid being derailed by defensive deficiencies.
It is never easy for a manager to swallow his pride, but equally there would be no shame in Rodgers accepting that there is still plenty he can learn from the likes of Mourinho.
Liverpool look set to have two new recruits at full-back, in the form of two young Spaniards. Henry Jackson takes a look at the transfer rumours affecting the Reds over the last few days.
ALBERTO MORENO & JAVIER MANQUILLO
On Thursday evening the Echo reported that Liverpool are closing in on the signings of both Moreno and Manquillo.
The two Spaniards, who are 22 and 20 respectively, have both been targets of Brendan Rodgers for a while now, and will hopefully help solve the full-back issue at the club.
Moreno is particularly highly-rated, and it is hoped that the Sevilla man will finally fill the void left at left-back by John Arne Riise when he departed in 2008, with no disrespect to the likes of Jose Enrique and Jon Flanagan.
He is excellent going forward but also solid defensively, and is at an age where he is only going to improve all aspects of his game for the foreseeable future.
While Moreno would likely go straight into the starting XI, Manquillo is more likely to rotate with the likes of Flanagan and Glen Johnson at right-back. He has only featured sporadically for Atletico Madrid, but is a player improving all the time.
With Dejan Lovren already bought in at the back, the acquisition of Moreno and Manquillo will hopefully help sure up Liverpool’s shaky defence.
The Daily Mail claims that Ilori could be set for a loan move to Borussia Dortmund in 2014/15.
The talented Portuguese centre-back, who signed for £7m from Sporting Lisbon in September 2013, will have limited first-team opportunities this season, with the likes of Lovren, Mamadou Sakho and Martin Skrtel all ahead of him in the pecking order.
If the deal does materialise, it may actually inadvertently help rivals Manchester United, with reports suggesting it would allow star defender Mats Hummels to move to Old Trafford.
It seems unlikely that the German giants would be willing to replace a world-class player with an unproven youngster, however.
Borini’s move to Sunderland could be back on, according to the Sunderland Echo.
The 23-year-old Italian is deemed surplus to requirement by Rodgers, and Black Cats boss Gus Poyet has confirmed that the two clubs have held talks over a possible move.
The shoulder injury Borini picked up against Roma in the Reds’ pre-season friendly in America last month- starting him in that game was always a disaster waiting to happen- has been the issue behind the transfer, but having been in doubt for a while, it now appears the young forward could be on his way to the Stadium of Light.
WILFRIED BONY
The Mirror reports that Swansea will allow Bony to leave the club, should the right offer come in.
The Ivorian enjoyed an excellent first season at the Welsh club, scoring 25 goals in all competitions, and he has been linked with a move to Anfield already this summer.
Although it is believed Rodgers is not interested in signing the 25-year-old, the fact that the Loic Remy deal collapsed, and that there are a lack of other strikers seemingly available, his interest in the player could be reignited.
The main thing working against Bony is that he is strictly a centre-forward. Rodgers is reportedly looking for a versatile attacking talent capable of excelling in both central and wide areas.
Who do you want to see at Liverpool next season? Let us know in the comments section below.
Liverpool look set to have two new recruits at full-back, in the form of two young Spaniards. Henry Jackson takes a look at the transfer rumours affecting the Reds over the last few days.
ALBERTO MORENO & JAVIER MANQUILLO
On Thursday evening the Echo reported that Liverpool are closing in on the signings of both Moreno and Manquillo.
The two Spaniards, who are 22 and 20 respectively, have both been targets of Brendan Rodgers for a while now, and will hopefully help solve the full-back issue at the club.
Moreno is particularly highly-rated, and it is hoped that the Sevilla man will finally fill the void left at left-back by John Arne Riise when he departed in 2008, with no disrespect to the likes of Jose Enrique and Jon Flanagan.
He is excellent going forward but also solid defensively, and is at an age where he is only going to improve all aspects of his game for the foreseeable future.
While Moreno would likely go straight into the starting XI, Manquillo is more likely to rotate with the likes of Flanagan and Glen Johnson at right-back. He has only featured sporadically for Atletico Madrid, but is a player improving all the time.
With Dejan Lovren already bought in at the back, the acquisition of Moreno and Manquillo will hopefully help sure up Liverpool’s shaky defence.
The Daily Mail claims that Ilori could be set for a loan move to Borussia Dortmund in 2014/15.
The talented Portuguese centre-back, who signed for £7m from Sporting Lisbon in September 2013, will have limited first-team opportunities this season, with the likes of Lovren, Mamadou Sakho and Martin Skrtel all ahead of him in the pecking order.
If the deal does materialise, it may actually inadvertently help rivals Manchester United, with reports suggesting it would allow star defender Mats Hummels to move to Old Trafford.
It seems unlikely that the German giants would be willing to replace a world-class player with an unproven youngster, however.
Borini’s move to Sunderland could be back on, according to the Sunderland Echo.
The 23-year-old Italian is deemed surplus to requirement by Rodgers, and Black Cats boss Gus Poyet has confirmed that the two clubs have held talks over a possible move.
The shoulder injury Borini picked up against Roma in the Reds’ pre-season friendly in America last month- starting him in that game was always a disaster waiting to happen- has been the issue behind the transfer, but having been in doubt for a while, it now appears the young forward could be on his way to the Stadium of Light.
WILFRIED BONY
The Mirror reports that Swansea will allow Bony to leave the club, should the right offer come in.
The Ivorian enjoyed an excellent first season at the Welsh club, scoring 25 goals in all competitions, and he has been linked with a move to Anfield already this summer.
Although it is believed Rodgers is not interested in signing the 25-year-old, the fact that the Loic Remy deal collapsed, and that there are a lack of other strikers seemingly available, his interest in the player could be reignited.
The main thing working against Bony is that he is strictly a centre-forward. Rodgers is reportedly looking for a versatile attacking talent capable of excelling in both central and wide areas.
Who do you want to see at Liverpool next season? Let us know in the comments section below.
Liverpool Ladies and England midfielder Fara Williams always looked destined to scale the heights of the women's game, according to one of her former mentors Keith Boanas.
Boanas - now the manager of Estonia Women - coached Williams at Charlton during the formative years of the midfielder's career.
And the 55-year-old praised Williams ahead of England's friendly with Sweden on Sunday when she is expected to win her 130th cap and become the most capped player in England history.
"I remember clearly her first training session when she joined us from Chelsea," Boanas told Sky Sports.
"She simply oozed class, a technically wonderful player to watch and so focused when you coached her.
"Rather than supremely, I'd say she was quietly confident in her own ability, calm and calculated on the ball with a desire and ability to learn from each experience and each game.
"She had a little bit of mischief in her personality but was always humble and respectful of others and combined that with a hunger to win making her a joy to coach and work with."
FIFA Pro Licence holder Boanas is one of the most respected coaches in the women's game and has also previously managed England internationals including Casey Stoney, Eni Aluko and Katie Chapman.
He paid tribute to Williams ahead of her prospective milestone, revealing his pride at having had the opportunity to work with her.
"It's an amazing achievement for any player to top the international appearance lists," Boanas added.
"She will be one of the first to admit it has been made easier due to the vastly increased amount of fixtures.
"To have remained in the frame for selection is tough enough but to be a starting player - especially as the competition increases - is testament to her adaptability and passion for the game.
"Knowing some of her background it is, I am 100 per cent certain, an extremely proud and emotional achievement for her personally.
"I would like to congratulate her. I'm very proud of her and proud to have been part of her journey."
Liverpool Ladies and England midfielder Fara Williams always looked destined to scale the heights of the women's game, according to one of her former mentors Keith Boanas.
Boanas - now the manager of Estonia Women - coached Williams at Charlton during the formative years of the midfielder's career.
And the 55-year-old praised Williams ahead of England's friendly with Sweden on Sunday when she is expected to win her 130th cap and become the most capped player in England history.
"I remember clearly her first training session when she joined us from Chelsea," Boanas told Sky Sports.
"She simply oozed class, a technically wonderful player to watch and so focused when you coached her.
"Rather than supremely, I'd say she was quietly confident in her own ability, calm and calculated on the ball with a desire and ability to learn from each experience and each game.
"She had a little bit of mischief in her personality but was always humble and respectful of others and combined that with a hunger to win making her a joy to coach and work with."
FIFA Pro Licence holder Boanas is one of the most respected coaches in the women's game and has also previously managed England internationals including Casey Stoney, Eni Aluko and Katie Chapman.
He paid tribute to Williams ahead of her prospective milestone, revealing his pride at having had the opportunity to work with her.
"It's an amazing achievement for any player to top the international appearance lists," Boanas added.
"She will be one of the first to admit it has been made easier due to the vastly increased amount of fixtures.
"To have remained in the frame for selection is tough enough but to be a starting player - especially as the competition increases - is testament to her adaptability and passion for the game.
"Knowing some of her background it is, I am 100 per cent certain, an extremely proud and emotional achievement for her personally.
"I would like to congratulate her. I'm very proud of her and proud to have been part of her journey."
Liverpool Ladies and England midfielder Fara Williams always looked destined to scale the heights of the women's game, according to one of her former mentors Keith Boanas.
Boanas - now the manager of Estonia Women - coached Williams at Charlton during the formative years of the midfielder's career.
And the 55-year-old praised Williams ahead of England's friendly with Sweden on Sunday where she is expected to win her 130th cap and become the most capped player in England history.
"I remember clearly her first training session when she joined us from Chelsea," Boanas told Sky Sports.
"She simply oozed class, a technically wonderful player to watch and so focused when you coached her.
"Rather than supremely, I'd say she was quietly confident in her own ability, calm and calculated on the ball with a desire and ability to learn from each experience and each game.
"She had a little bit of mischief in her personality but was always humble and respectful of others and combined that with a hunger to win making her a joy to coach and work with."
FIFA Pro Licence holder Boanas is one of the most respected coaches in the women's game and has also previously managed England internationals including Casey Stoney, Eni Aluko and Katie Chapman.
He paid tribute to Williams ahead of her prospective milestone, revealing his pride at having had the opportunity to work with her.
"It's an amazing achievement for any player to top the international appearance lists," Boanas added.
"She will be one of the first to admit it has been made easier due to the vastly increased amount of fixtures.
"To have remained in the frame for selection is tough enough but to be a starting player - especially as the competition increases - is testament to her adaptability and passion for the game.
"Knowing some of her background it is, I am 100 per cent certain, an extremely proud and emotional achievement for her personally.
"I would like to congratulate her I'm very proud of her and proud to have been part of her journey."
Liverpool Ladies and England midfielder Fara Williams always looked destined to scale the heights of the women's game, according to one of her former mentors Keith Boanas.
Boanas - now the manager of Estonia Women - coached Williams at Charlton during the formative years of the midfielder's career.
And the 55-year-old praised Williams ahead of England's friendly with Sweden on Sunday where she is expected to win her 130th cap and become the most capped player in England history.
"I remember clearly her first training session when she joined us from Chelsea," Boanas told Sky Sports.
"She simply oozed class, a technically wonderful player to watch and so focused when you coached her.
"Rather than supremely, I'd say she was quietly confident in her own ability, calm and calculated on the ball with a desire and ability to learn from each experience and each game.
"She had a little bit of mischief in her personality but was always humble and respectful of others and combined that with a hunger to win making her a joy to coach and work with."
FIFA Pro Licence holder Boanas is one of the most respected coaches in the women's game and has also previously managed England internationals including Casey Stoney, Eni Aluko and Katie Chapman.
He paid tribute to Williams ahead of her prospective milestone, revealing his pride at having had the opportunity to work with her.
"It's an amazing achievement for any player to top the international appearance lists," Boanas added.
"She will be one of the first to admit it has been made easier due to the vastly increased amount of fixtures.
"To have remained in the frame for selection is tough enough but to be a starting player - especially as the competition increases - is testament to her adaptability and passion for the game.
"Knowing some of her background it is, I am 100 per cent certain, an extremely proud and emotional achievement for her personally.
"I would like to congratulate her I'm very proud of her and proud to have been part of her journey."
Jordan Henderson is aware that he needs to 'step up' for Liverpool and England following the departures of influential figures.
On the domestic stage, Luis Suarez has left Anfield for Barcelona in a move which leaves a sizeable goal-scoring void.
Internationally, the retirement of talismanic skipper Steven Gerrard has paved the way for the next generation of English talent to prove that they are up to the challenge of filling his boots.
Henderson will be among those Brendan Rodgers and Roy Hodgson are turning to for inspiration, with the midfielder aware of the need to raise his game for club and country.
The 24-year-old said: “We all have to step up a level, that had to be the aim – whether Luis was here or not.
“The whole point is you have to keep improving as a player. You have to always be learning from guys like Stevie.
“I feel as though I’m maturing. I am older now and I need to get better again from last season.
“For England, I am slightly older than some of the others. But I have grown up with them through the U21s, where I was captain and I had a good relationship with them.
“If I am in the squad, I will take more responsibility, especially now with Stevie going.
“He’s probably the best player this country has ever seen, so you’re not going to be able to replace a player like that.
“What we have to do is develop the young talent coming through, and there is a lot of it. We’ve got to let them show how good they are.
“The likes of myself, Jack Wilshere and Ross Barkley need to take on more of a leadership role than before.”
If Henderson and Liverpool are able to counter the loss of top marksman Suarez, there is a belief within the camp that they are capable of repeating last season’s title charge – which saw them fall agonisingly short.
Henderson added: “We were so close to winning the league, it just slipped away at the last minute, so it really hurt a lot.
“But we can take a lot of confidence from that because we played so much good football.
“It makes us hungry to go back and finish it off this season.”
Jordan Henderson is aware that he needs to 'step up' for Liverpool and England following the departures of influential figures.
On the domestic stage, Luis Suarez has left Anfield for Barcelona in a move which leaves a sizeable goal-scoring void.
Internationally, the retirement of talismanic skipper Steven Gerrard has paved the way for the next generation of English talent to prove that they are up to the challenge of filling his boots.
Henderson will be among those Brendan Rodgers and Roy Hodgson are turning to for inspiration, with the midfielder aware of the need to raise his game for club and country.
The 24-year-old said: “We all have to step up a level, that had to be the aim – whether Luis was here or not.
“The whole point is you have to keep improving as a player. You have to always be learning from guys like Stevie.
“I feel as though I’m maturing. I am older now and I need to get better again from last season.
“For England, I am slightly older than some of the others. But I have grown up with them through the U21s, where I was captain and I had a good relationship with them.
“If I am in the squad, I will take more responsibility, especially now with Stevie going.
“He’s probably the best player this country has ever seen, so you’re not going to be able to replace a player like that.
“What we have to do is develop the young talent coming through, and there is a lot of it. We’ve got to let them show how good they are.
“The likes of myself, Jack Wilshere and Ross Barkley need to take on more of a leadership role than before.”
If Henderson and Liverpool are able to counter the loss of top marksman Suarez, there is a belief within the camp that they are capable of repeating last season’s title charge – which saw them fall agonisingly short.
Henderson added: “We were so close to winning the league, it just slipped away at the last minute, so it really hurt a lot.
“But we can take a lot of confidence from that because we played so much good football.
“It makes us hungry to go back and finish it off this season.”
Liverpool are closing on a double deal for Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno and Atletico Madrid right-back Javi Manquillo, Sky sources understand.
Chief executive Ian Ayre has flown to Spain to try and complete the transfers, which would take Liverpool's summer spending through the £100m barrier if completed.
The deal for Manquillo is reported to be a loan, possibly for two seasons, with a permanent deal worth in the region of £6m following at the end of that.
Moreno, who has also been linked with Arsenal this summer, is expected to cost the Reds £20m.
Boss Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed a fruitful summer with six signings already completed at the cost of around £90m; Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren have arrived from Southampton along with Lille striker Divock Origi, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Emre Can and Benfica winger Lazar Markovic.
Rodgers hinted after the penalty shootout win over Manchester City on Thursday morning that more deals were in the works.
"We still have some business to do," he said.
"We have some positions that we want to fill so by the end of August we’ll have a strong squad to go forward with."
Liverpool are closing on a double deal for Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno and Atletico Madrid right-back Javi Manquillo, Sky sources understand.
Chief executive Ian Ayre has flown to Spain to try and complete the transfers, which would take Liverpool's summer spending through the £100m barrier if completed.
The deal for Manquillo is reported to be a loan, possibly for two seasons, with a permanent deal worth in the region of £6m following at the end of that.
Moreno, who has also been linked with Arsenal this summer, is expected to cost the Reds £20m.
Boss Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed a fruitful summer with six signings already completed at the cost of around £90m; Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren have arrived from Southampton along with Lille striker Divock Origi, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Emre Can and Benfica winger Lazar Markovic.
Rodgers hinted after the penalty shootout win over Manchester City on Thursday morning that more deals were in the works.
"We still have some business to do," he said.
"We have some positions that we want to fill so by the end of August we’ll have a strong squad to go forward with."
Although outplayed for large parts, Liverpool defeated Manchester City on penalties following an enthralling 2-2 draw in New York. Henry Jackson rates each Reds player on the night.
BRAD JONES- 6
The 32-year-old had another solid night in goal for the Reds, dealing with everything thrown his way comfortably and exuding more calm that we have seen from him in the past.
MARTIN KELLY- 5
Kelly has not looked the same player since injuries have curtailed his progress, and he looked out of his depth against the Premier League champions.
The 24-year-old never quite looks completely comfortable as a right-back, with centre-back his stronger position, and his future looks unclear.
SEBASTIAN COATES- 8
Coates was excellent, and continues his very impressive, and surprising, pre-season form to date.
The Uruguayan made a number of timely interceptions, looked assured on the ball and didn’t put a foot wrong all evening.
KOLO TOURE- 6
Similar to his performance against Olympiakos a few days previously, Toure was barely noticed but largely solid against his former club.
The Ivorian was poor positionally at times, but in general he was reliable.
JOSE ENRIQUE-5
Although you have to take into account Enrique’s injury problems, he struggled against City.
The 28-year-old was given a torrid time by Jesus Navas, while going forward he often lacked quality in key areas. The Reds need a new addition at left-back.
Gerrard still looks to be easing himself back into pre-season, and he was relatively quiet against Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
The skipper was comfortable but unspectacular in possession, and although he made a few good defensive interceptions, he should have cleared the ball for Stevan Jovetic’s opener.
JOE ALLEN- 6
Allen was quiet but efficient- a typical Allen performance- during his 65 minutes on the pitch.
The Welshman showed some nice turns and deft touches, but there is a nagging feeling that he has to start influencing more matches.
JORDAN HENDERSON- 8
Henderson was easily one of the best players on the pitch, if not the best, and continues to show just what a vital player he has become at Anfield.
His constant running and incisive passing were good throughout, and he curled home a terrific effort to level the scores in the second-half.
The Brazilian has been superb in pre-season, and although it was one of his quieter performances of the summer, he still impressed.
The 22-year-old produced some typically silky touches and mazy dribbles, and had a number of decent attempts on goal.
RICKIE LAMBERT- 5
Lambert has struggled so far during his Reds career, and he just couldn’t really get into the game against City during his 45 minutes on the pitch.
The former Southampton man didn’t link up particularly well with Daniel Sturridge, and he missed a glaring opportunity to give the Reds the lead in the first-half.
DANIEL STURRIDGE- 6
Sturridge had a poor opening 45 minutes, but looked far happier when Brendan Rodgers switched from the 4-4-2 diamond formation to 4-3-3 after the break.
The 24-year-old lost possession and failed to hold up the ball at times, and blazed his penalty over the bar, but he always looked a threat.
Substitutes
SIMON MIGNOLET (on for Jones 46)- 7
The Belgian made his first appearance of the US tour, and he ended being the hero following his saves from Yaya Toure and Navas in the shootout.
GLEN JOHNSON (on for Kelly 46)- 6
The 29-year-old was slightly better than he has been of late, but he did allow City to get in behind him too often in the second-half.
JACK ROBINSON (on for Enrique 46)- 6
The youngster almost made the perfect introduction having come on at half-time, but his shot was saved well by Joe Hart.
Although fairly solid, he was also guilty of allowing City- Navas especially- to get to the byline on too many occasions.
RAHEEM STERLING (on for Lambert 46)- 8
Sterling was superb yet again, and was a definite contender for Man of the Match despite only playing half of the game.
The 19-year-old played a key role in Henderson’s goal, and his clinical late finish took the game to penalties. He also saw an equally ruthless strike ruled out for offside.
EMRE CAN (on for Allen 65)- 7
Can’s introduction added drive and dynamism to the Liverpool midfield, and it coincided with the Reds enjoying the better of the game during the final 20 minutes.
The 20-year-old also scored his penalty in the shootout, stroking the ball home with ease.
MAMADOU SAKHO (on for Coates 75)- 6
The Frenchman didn’t really have time to make an impact, but he did test Hart with a towering header late on.
LUCAS LEIVA (on for Gerrard 75)
The 27-year-old was reliable when he came on, and scored the winning spot-kick to put Liverpool top of their International Champions Cup group.
Who was your star man for Liverpool against Manchester City? Let us know in the comments section below.
Although outplayed for large parts, Liverpool defeated Manchester City on penalties following an enthralling 2-2 draw in New York. Henry Jackson rates each Reds player on the night.
BRAD JONES- 6
The 32-year-old had another solid night in goal for the Reds, dealing with everything thrown his way comfortably and exuding more calm that we have seen from him in the past.
MARTIN KELLY- 5
Kelly has not looked the same player since injuries have curtailed his progress, and he looked out of his depth against the Premier League champions.
The 24-year-old never quite looks completely comfortable as a right-back, with centre-back his stronger position, and his future looks unclear.
SEBASTIAN COATES- 8
Coates was excellent, and continues his very impressive, and surprising, pre-season form to date.
The Uruguayan made a number of timely interceptions, looked assured on the ball and didn’t put a foot wrong all evening.
KOLO TOURE- 6
Similar to his performance against Olympiakos a few days previously, Toure was barely noticed but largely solid against his former club.
The Ivorian was poor positionally at times, but in general he was reliable.
JOSE ENRIQUE-5
Although you have to take into account Enrique’s injury problems, he struggled against City.
The 28-year-old was given a torrid time by Jesus Navas, while going forward he often lacked quality in key areas. The Reds need a new addition at left-back.
Gerrard still looks to be easing himself back into pre-season, and he was relatively quiet against Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
The skipper was comfortable but unspectacular in possession, and although he made a few good defensive interceptions, he should have cleared the ball for Stevan Jovetic’s opener.
JOE ALLEN- 6
Allen was quiet but efficient- a typical Allen performance- during his 65 minutes on the pitch.
The Welshman showed some nice turns and deft touches, but there is a nagging feeling that he has to start influencing more matches.
JORDAN HENDERSON- 8
Henderson was easily one of the best players on the pitch, if not the best, and continues to show just what a vital player he has become at Anfield.
His constant running and incisive passing were good throughout, and he curled home a terrific effort to level the scores in the second-half.
The Brazilian has been superb in pre-season, and although it was one of his quieter performances of the summer, he still impressed.
The 22-year-old produced some typically silky touches and mazy dribbles, and had a number of decent attempts on goal.
RICKIE LAMBERT- 5
Lambert has struggled so far during his Reds career, and he just couldn’t really get into the game against City during his 45 minutes on the pitch.
The former Southampton man didn’t link up particularly well with Daniel Sturridge, and he missed a glaring opportunity to give the Reds the lead in the first-half.
DANIEL STURRIDGE- 6
Sturridge had a poor opening 45 minutes, but looked far happier when Brendan Rodgers switched from the 4-4-2 diamond formation to 4-3-3 after the break.
The 24-year-old lost possession and failed to hold up the ball at times, and blazed his penalty over the bar, but he always looked a threat.
Substitutes
SIMON MIGNOLET (on for Jones 46)- 7
The Belgian made his first appearance of the US tour, and he ended being the hero following his saves from Yaya Toure and Navas in the shootout.
GLEN JOHNSON (on for Kelly 46)- 6
The 29-year-old was slightly better than he has been of late, but he did allow City to get in behind him too often in the second-half.
JACK ROBINSON (on for Enrique 46)- 6
The youngster almost made the perfect introduction having come on at half-time, but his shot was saved well by Joe Hart.
Although fairly solid, he was also guilty of allowing City- Navas especially- to get to the byline on too many occasions.
RAHEEM STERLING (on for Lambert 46)- 8
Sterling was superb yet again, and was a definite contender for Man of the Match despite only playing half of the game.
The 19-year-old played a key role in Henderson’s goal, and his clinical late finish took the game to penalties. He also saw an equally ruthless strike ruled out for offside.
EMRE CAN (on for Allen 65)- 7
Can’s introduction added drive and dynamism to the Liverpool midfield, and it coincided with the Reds enjoying the better of the game during the final 20 minutes.
The 20-year-old also scored his penalty in the shootout, stroking the ball home with ease.
MAMADOU SAKHO (on for Coates 75)- 6
The Frenchman didn’t really have time to make an impact, but he did test Hart with a towering header late on.
LUCAS LEIVA (on for Gerrard 75)
The 27-year-old was reliable when he came on, and scored the winning spot-kick to put Liverpool top of their International Champions Cup group.
Who was your star man for Liverpool against Manchester City? Let us know in the comments section below.
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