Liverpool news and transfers - Timo Werner 'replacement', huge AFCON boost confirmed, Jurgen Klopp 'lifetime contract'

Further reading

Thanks for following the updates today, we’ll be back with more news for you tomorrow, have a good night

Jordan Henderson sounds Liverpool warning after Premier League win

The Liverpool captain details his pride at winning the Premier League after so many setbacks under Jurgen Klopp

Losing out last year was tough
Title win hasn't sunk in yet
Honoured to be part of it
Will face tougher test to retain@JHenderson on being the first #LFC captain since 1990 to win the league title https://t.co/e6TuAIBHPf

— Paul Gorst (@ptgorst) June 30, 2020

"It was 20 years ago today.."

.. that Nick Barmby uttered what Everton chairman Bill Kenwright called the six worst words in the English language - "I want to play for Liverpool"

Less than three weeks later, he was sitting alongside Gerard Houllier being unveiled as a Liverpool player after a £6m fee had been agreed between the two clubs and a little over three months later he sent Anfield wild by nodding home the opening goal in the first Merseyside derby since his controversial transfer.

It was the second of only eight goals he scored in a 58 game Liverpool career (all of them within the first six months of his switch across Stanley Park) but it wrote his name into Liverpool folklore (and Everton infamy) forever.

Rhian Brewster delivers Liverpool future update during Swansea loan

The Reds youngster has been linked with a move to Leeds United next season should they earn promotion to the Premier League but is highly thought of at Anfield and could feature in Klopp's first-team plans

Rhian Brewster delivers Liverpool future update during impressive Swansea City loan.

He's not sure where he will be next seasonhttps://t.co/NvKi88C65y

— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) June 30, 2020

"Klopp's mentality and approach is Liverpool down to the ground"

Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor has been giving his views on the Reds' potential transfer business this summer and who could ultimately success Jurgen Klopp as manager.

Mellor scored six goals in 21 first team appearances between 2002 and 2005, memorably playing a key role in the Champions League win against Olympiakos in December 2004 which ultimately led to the Reds to the glory of Istanbul.

Now a respected media pundit, Mellor told GentingBet he thinks Liverpool will always look to bolster their squad even if that won't necessarily mean big money buys arriving this summer. He said:

Liverpool will always be linked to players, it’s just the nature of the football club being one of the biggest in the world.

The current group of players are really special and talented and any player who the manager feels as though he wants to bring in, has to have the talent but they also have to have that mentality and personality to come into the group.

There's been signings in the past that Klopp has made, and people doubted but they have taken Liverpool to the next level.

So we may not see a big name arrive at Liverpool but I do think Liverpool will go to the market when they need and they will look to get the right personality and player to add strength to the squad.

Mellor was also asked how he thought would ultimately be able to replace Jurgen Klopp as manager once the German's time at Liverpool comes to an end, a prospect no-one bar the Reds' rivals will be looking forward to.

The beauty of Liverpool is that no one is even considering anyone else other than Jurgen Klopp as manager.

He’s working to take Liverpool to that next level where they want to be Liverpool and the club are as happy as they have been for 30 years, with this manager in place taking the football club exactly where the fans want him to be.

There is no talk whatsoever that they want to see anybody else coming in and taking over the football club.

Klopp seems to be Liverpool down to the ground, with his mentality and his approach.

It's times like this, that the supporters can really enjoy having somebody like your club in charge who connects to the people of the city.

Gary Neville breaks silence on Liverpool Premier League title win

HE'S ALIVE!!

He's back from Papa New Guinea, @Carra23

Nice to see you so gracious, @GNev2https://t.co/U1naBxzB7c

— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) June 30, 2020

Another Brewster belter!

On-loan Liverpool striker has been in fine form for Swansea City both before and after the lockdown and 'scored' a great equaliser for the Welsh side in their 1-1 draw at Millwall this afternoon, it won't actually count as Rhian's goal as it hit the bar and went in off the goalkeeper but the young Red's excellent showings continue!

"One of English football's rising stars is shining brightly!"

What a free-kick from Swansea City's Rhian Brewster! pic.twitter.com/omXokAW0fh

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 30, 2020

Big departure for Manchester City

Worst-kept secret etc but now confirmed Leroy Sane is returning to Germany to join Bayern Munich

Man City reach agreement with Bayern Munich over Leroy Sane transfer #mcfc https://t.co/vVyiZ4ENaJ pic.twitter.com/R62f0ROemc

— Manchester City News (@ManCityMEN) June 30, 2020

36 - Since the start of 2017-18, only Kevin De Bruyne (49) has more assists in all competitions than Leroy Sané (36) amongst Premier League players, though Sané has played 2779 minutes fewer than De Bruyne in this period. Tschüss. pic.twitter.com/mXLDTVfBV5

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 30, 2020

Missing Liverpool fan travelled to city centre for Premier League celebrations

Missing Reds Christopher Wainwright posted a video of himself on Facebook, excitedly singing, minutes before he was last seen on Thursday night, no-one has heard from him since - can you help find him?

Missing Liverpool fan travelled to city centre for Premier League celebrations.

Via @PJ_Kirkham.https://t.co/xIqoSs7GnR

— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) June 30, 2020

Here's your latest Analysing Anfield podcast!

Josh Williams and David Hughes are back with their take on how the Reds became Premier League champions - it's a great listen as ever

Merson sends warning to Liverpool after Premier League title win

Paul Merson has warned Liverpool that he will be surprised if Chelsea don't win the Premier League in the next three to four years.

He also says it's "only a matter of time" before Barcelona and Real Madrid try to sign players from the reigning world, European and Premier League champions. Well they can have a try, can't they Merse...

Paul Merson reckons Barcelona and Real Madrid will come callinghttps://t.co/maNcw3OMnN

— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) June 30, 2020

Leipzig set to raid Salzburg for Werner replacement

RB Salzburg were one of the stories of 2019/20 - certainly the first half of it anyway - and it seems another of their headline players is set to get himself a move.

After Takumi Minamino and Erling Braut Haaland's moves to Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund respectively, South Korean striker He-Chan Hwang looks like the next cab of the rank for those European clubs looking to cherry-pick top talent and it seems he may end up being Timo Werner's replacement at RB Leipzig.

Sky Germany (via SportWitness) are reporting that the Bundesliga side have moved quickly following Werner's departure to Chelsea and are set to snap up the Salzburg man - who's bagged 11 goals and 21 assists in 38 games this season.

Liverpool and Wolves were both linked with a move for Hwang but it seems the lure of Leipzig and (possibly) as much Red Bull as he can drink was too much of a lure.

Andy Robbo on his special bond with King Kenny

Afternoon everyone, hope you're all keeping safe and well, I'll be with you through the afternoon and evening with all the latest Reds news, views and updates - we'll get started with this lovely snippet from Andy Robertson on his special bond with Kenny Dalglish.

Liverpool's Scottish left back was talking to the BBC Sportsound podcast (via GlasgowLive) about his great friendship with the previous man to bring the league title to Anfield before Jurgen Klopp. Robbo said:

We have a fantastic relationship. He always texts me to see how I'm doing. Same with me, I always check in to see how he and his family are doing. They're a great family. He's a fantastic person, he's always around the place.

I've spoken to him about Scotland as well as Liverpool. His experience in the game as a player, a manager, a legend is second to none, and it's very hard to find that. He's been a massive help to me. I always rely on his advice and it's great to have someone like that to call upon. I've got a few people like that but there's no bigger name in football than Kenny Dalglish.

Since the day I signed he's been different class with me and of course Scots look out for Scots but he doesn't have to do that. The fact he's took the time out to do it is special to me and something I'll never forget.

Klopp proven right

LFC correspondent Paul Gorst on why the Reds boss has been proven right this week, as Liverpool became Premier League champions.

Salah's aim

But will he get it?

Van Dijk admiration

We've all been there: that thought of 'wow, how good is Virgil van Dijk?'.

Well, it seems Premier League defenders - and very, very good ones at that - are thinking the same thing.

Leicester City's Caglar Soyuncu, the highly-rated 24-year-old centre-back, told Sky Sports: "I always watch and learn from other players.

"There are so many great defenders in this league. I wouldn't limit myself to only watching one or two teams and their players, there are so many quality players in the Premier League and I try to watch and learn from many others.

"There are so many good centre-backs playing in this league but I have to say Van Dijk is top of that list and where they [are] in the league and how he's done shows that."

Eddie Howe 'seriously considered'

Liverpool's three-man shortlist to replace Brendan Rodgers reportedly contained Jurgen Klopp, Carlo Ancelotti and Eddie Howe.

According to the Athletic, Liverpool "gave serious consideration to hiring Howe" before opting for the German.

At the time, the English boss was riding high with Bournemouth having just got them promoted to the Premier League, but things have not quite gone as well of late.

Ancelotti was reportedly admired for his experience, and Howe for his attractive playing style and preference to go for young players.

Klopp was the only one to tick every box the Reds had - and how correct FSG and Michael Edwards have been proven in their decision.

Murphy apologises

Danny Murphy has apologised for his comments about the Liverpool midfield and Kevin de Bruyne.

Here is the story in full.

Forward's regret

Hearts forward Donis Avdijaj says it was a huge mistake to turn down both Liverpool and Real Madrid earlier in his career.

Speaking to Germany’s Sport1, the 23-year-old said: "My biggest mistake, which I bitterly regret, was that I turned down a mega offer from Liverpool FC before I signed the long-term contract with Schalke, which was a matter close to my heart.

"I also had one [offer] from Real Madrid."

He added that his €47 million release at Schalke proved to be a significant burden for him.

Since leaving Schalke in 2018, he has played for Willem II, Trabzonspor and now Hearts.

Koulibaly race 'over'

Liverpool are not thought to be in the hunt for Napoli man Kalidou Koulibaly as explained earlier.

But Man City reportedly are. And they are apparently going to get a free run at the defender.

AFCON story in full

This is absolutely massive news for Liverpool.

Though they will have some planning to do in the future...

Champions in training

Go behind-the-scenes in Liverpool's first training session as Premier League champions.

Murphy misses the point

After Danny Murphy's strange comments earlier, Joe Rimmer has had his say.

The former Liverpool midfielder got it wrong about Kevin de Bruyne and the guard of honour that will take place at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night.

Official!

Ed Aarons now reporting that the AFCON has been put back by a year, which will be a huge boost for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

Big AFCON boost?

Liverpool are reportedly set to receive a huge boost with AFCON pushed back to 2022, meaning Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita will all be available for the whole of next season.

This is expected to become official at some point this afternoon.

Germany starlet eyed

Liverpool are lining up a move for another promising youngster, according to The Guardian's Ed Aarons.

It would be a similar move to when the Reds signed Harvey Elliott, Sepp van den Berg and Ki-Jana Hoever.

Like when those three signed, not many Liverpool fans would have seen Breitenbucher play before!

Match officials confirmed

Paul Tierney has been confirmed as the man in the middle for Liverpool vs Aston Villa.

Craig Pawson will be in charge of Brighton vs Liverpool.

Sancho chase

Manchester United will not pay more than £50 million for the £100 million-plus rated winger, according to Sky Sports.

Could that mean Liverpool are handed an advantage in their supposed chase?

Jurgen Klopp is known to admire the player, though he admitted last week that a move this summer would likely be impossible.

Champions map

Liverpool are champions of England. Had you heard? I thought you might have done!

You can let us know where in the world you are celebrating from using this brilliant interactive map.

Whether it be Bootle or Brazil, Childwall or China, we want to hear about it!

AFCON decision imminent

This could have a HUGE impact on Liverpool.

Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita being missing for a few weeks at a crucial time of the season?

No Liverpool fan wants that.