Liverpool news and rumour round-up: Monday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
Gerrard contract offer confirmed by Liverpool
Liverpool have formally offered their captain a new contract, while Steven Gerrard has himself declared that there is no rift between him and the club, following rumours of a bust-up with manager Brendan Rodgers.
Reports in the Daily Mirror confirm that the Reds are eager to keep the midfielder beyond the end of this season, despite dropping him to the bench for Saturday’s 1-0 win over Stoke City.
Gerrard responded by posting a message of support on Instagram, saying: “Just to set the record straight, talk of a fall-out between us two is nonsense,” he wrote on his Instagram account, and followed it with #together #solid #ynwa.”
Liverpool keeper denies he is under pressure
Also in the Daily Mirror, Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet says he is not fazed by criticism and has declared that he does not dwell on his individual performances – whether good or bad.
Mignolet has been the subject of increasing criticism recently, most notably from former Reds stopper Bruce Grobbelaar, who declared the Belgian ‘worse than Dracula’, believing him to be unable to deal with crosses or to command his area.
In response, Mignolet said: “I deal with a good performance the same as a poor performance – you have to accept it and move on. What I did after the [Ludogorets] game was look forward to the next game and that is what I will do again today.”
Glen Johnson open to contract offer
Liverpool match winner on Saturday – full-back Glen Johnson – has promised that he won’t go looking for a new contract, and is prepared to accept whatever decision his club makes come the end of the season.
“I’m not going to go crawling to anybody. They know where I am and they know the situation,” he said. “First and foremost, I want to play for a club that wants me. It is as simple as that. I want to play my football – time goes very quick.
“I have enjoyed my time here – the majority of the six years. There have been some good times, some bad times. I have enjoyed my football but if i haven’t got a contract, I can’t stay.”
Liverpool chase Lavezzi and Romero
Liverpool’s hunt for potential January signings has received a mixed reception in today’s news, with PSG winger Ezequiel Lavezzi seemingly favouring a return to Napoli, while Sergio Romero could be arriving from Sampdoria.
The Reds have been linked with a move for the Lavezzi, who has been struggling for game time at Paris Saint-Germain this campaign. But now it is rumoured that he would prefer a move back to Napoli, the club who sold him to the Ligue 1 side in 2012 for £20m.
Reports in Italy meanwhile believe that Liverpool are set to sign Argentinian World Cup hero Romero as their new first choice goalkeeper. He is represented by Mino Raiola, the man who orchestrated Mario Balotelli’s move to Anfield in the summer.
Is Karim Benzema really available?
The Daily Express meanwhile leads with the unlikely claim that Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been put on alert for the availability of Karim Benzema.
Supposedly, Madrid are reported to be prepared to listen to offers for the 26-year-old, but are unlikely to sell if the offers are not significant.
Some of the Premier League’s top teams have been interested in securing Benzema over the past year, but he has remained a mainstay in the Madrid line-up, regularly finding the net.