Connor Dunn and the rest of the team will be with you today from 7am to ensure constant coverage of all things LFC, including news, great photos, nostalgia, live interviews and much, much more.
The ECHO will also provide you with the very latest transfer news as it happens throughout the week, with every rumour and story digested and analysed each day with updates from full-time LFC reporter James Pearce, Ian Doyle and much more.
There will also be all the latest team news before games, plus every one of Jurgen Klopp press conferences covered live and with video.
We want you to get involved too - tell us your thoughts on what's happening at Anfield by tweeting @LivEchoLFC or @ConnorDunn7. Join the debate right now and get involved.
Dunn Meets Robben
The Liverpool ECHO’s very own Connor Dunn bumped into Arjen Robben on his way to Madrid this afternoon!
I’m sure Arjen was honoured to meet a regular of the Blood Red Podcast panel.
Virgil on Matip
Virgil van Dijk has praised ‘outstanding’ Joel Matip after the pair formed an outstanding partnership at the heart of Liverpool’s defence this season.
The duo are expected to start against Tottenham in the Champions League final but Virgil played down his influence on Matip’s form.
“I like to be straight with players,” he told Talksport. “I like when people give me confidence, so I like to give confidence to other players as well.
“I know with him, he can be quiet off the pitch, but on the pitch he’s a fantastic player. He’s had a fantastic season. He’s been outstanding.
“I’d rather say too much than nothing at all. It keeps everyone on their toes. It makes you alert and awake.”
CLICK HERE for their full exclusive.
Felix Talent
He’s a bit of a player this lad isn’t he?
Get Michael Edwards on the case!
Liverpool have been linked with a move for the Benfica starlet this summer after he bagged 19 goals in a breakthrough campaign.
Trent Alexander-Arnold Exclusive
This is amazing!
James Pearce speaks to Trent Alexander-Arnold and the Liverpool full-back offers the inside track on every single one of his team-mates.
It’s a long read - but an absolute must.
Get cracking below!
Champions League Dilemma
Former desk-mate Charlotte Gibbons has begged to have her story included on my shiny live updates page.
So here it is.
What would you do if presented with this dilemma?
Let me know @SamCarroll0!
Cool Fact
Okay, it’s not Liverpool.
But this is a pretty cool fact isn’t it?
One to test your mates down the pub with later.
Pre-Season Update
Klopp Training
There’s no rest for the wicked in Liverpool training this week ahead of the Champions League final with Tottenham.
Jurgen Klopp sounds like he’s working his lads hard!
Speaking to the official club website the manager said: “I have to kick their backsides in training, I have to push them, I have to keep them awake.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the boys, but we are not in the moment to feel it.
“It’s a moment to really feel each muscle and it’s important we really say: ‘OK, come on, we need everything to do it because we want it’.”
Neves Speaks
Ruben Neves remained tight-lipped on rumours linking him with Liverpool after linking up with Portugal ahead of the Nations League this summer.
Portugal take on Switzerland in the semi-final next week and assistant boss Pep Lijnders has previously admitted that the Wolves midfielder is the type of player Liverpool would sign.
“It is obvious that it is a pride to be able to take the name of Portugal further, for that is the goal,” Neves said when asked about the speculation.
“But it is not the moment to think about the future, we have a competition to win. We are focused on the next game with Switzerland.”
Carabao Continues
Anyone ever had a can of Carabao?
It tastes like sugar, if the sugar had eaten a bag of sugar already.
Sugary.
Wilson Message
Harry Wilson has thanked Derby County after spending the season on loan at Pride Park.
It ended in play-off final heartbreak but Harry excelled in the Championship, scoring 18 goals in all competitions.
This has reportedly alerted the attentions of clubs in England, Spain and Germany.
ECHO on Tour
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday you’ll be able to pick up special editions of your Liverpool Echo in shops and kiosks across Madrid.
In Friday’s paper, there’s an eight page Champions League supplement, packed with everything you need to know about the big night.
On Saturday, there’s a 12 page Footie ECHO Champions League special, filled with build-up, news, and expert analysis from the ECHO’s James Pearce and the team out in Madrid with the Reds.
The Sunday ECHO will provide comprehensive and unbeatable coverage of the final, and its aftermath – when hopefully Liverpool will lift the Champions League cup for an historic sixth time.
Don’t forget to send me all your pictures from Madrid @SamCarroll0!
De Ligt Latest
Reports in Spain claim Real Madrid have joined the race to sign Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt as they look to replace Sergio Ramos.
The Netherlands international is expected to leave the Eredivisie side this summer after establishing himself as one of the world’s best centre-backs and has been linked with Liverpool.
De Ligt had been expected to follow Ajax team-mate Frenkie De Jong to Barcelona but Mundo Deportivo reckon Madrid have now ignited interest in the 19-year-old following growing suggestions that star defender Ramos will leave the club.
Grujic Wanted
Torino have emerged as potential suitors for Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic.
Grujic, who spent last season on loan at Hertha Berlin, was linked with Werder Bremen yesterday after impressing in the Bundesliga.
Tuttosport now claim Torino could look to launch a bid with Liverpool valuing their star at £25m.
This would mean another loan would be likely for the 23-year-old.
Depay Update
Lyon’s sporting director Juninho has ruled out a summer move for Memphis Depay.
The former Manchester United winger has been linked with a move to Liverpool but will now reportedly be staying in France.
“There will be only be three departures from the club this summer and they won’t be either Moussa Dembele or Memphis Depay,” Juninho said, with Nabil Fekir expected to be one player heading for the exit door.
“Moussa’s form has been a nice surprise for us this season. He’s very good technically and we want to build on that. We want to keep him and we will.”
Gerrard on Klopp
Steven Gerrard has revealed he would have loved to play under current Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
Gerrard was taken under Klopp’s wing at Melwood as an academy coach until being handed the reigns at Rangers last season.
He guided the Gers to a second-place finish in his first campaign at the helm and praised the current Reds boss for his support.
“I’ve had many sit-downs with him. He’s an open book – he invites me into his office – I’m incredibly lucky and blessed I do get that invite,” Gerrard said.
“And the thing I take away is: Imagine playing for him. I wasn’t lucky enough to play for Jürgen Klopp. Probably too old. Just missed the boat if you like. But, I’m almost jealous of the Liverpool players.
“I come out of his office after a sit-down, and when I walk out of the training ground, I actually want to walk back in and sit with him.
“I want to put a kit on and play for them, and run for them and run hard. He’s infectious, he inspires you.”
Coutinho Latest
Mundo Deportivo say Philippe Coutinho is open to leaving Barcelona this summer.
Coutinho has endured a tough time in Spain since leaving Liverpool in January 2018 and both Manchester United and Chelsea are believed to be interested.
Spanish reports claim Barcelona have offered Coutinho as part of a swap deal for Neymar but value his stand-alone fee at £90m.
Bergwijn Latest
Tottenham lead the race for PSV winger Steven Bergwijn according to Sky Sports News.
The Dutchman has been linked with both Liverpool and Manchester United in recent months.
Valued at £35m, the 21-year-old scored 14 goals and created 12 more in the Eredivisie last term.
He also made seven appearances in the Champions League.
Agent Firmino
Agent Bobby Firmino.
That’s all that has to be said.
Paul Gorst has more on Fabinho’s Liverpool move and how the Brazilian adapted to life at Anfield below.
Karius Tickets
Loris Karius has turned down the chance to attend Liverpool’s Champions League final clash with Tottenham according to the Daily Mail.
Karius’ errors against Real Madrid overshadowed last season’s showdown in Kiev and he has since been shipped out to Besiktas on loan.
The Mail report that the German goalkeeper will not be present in Madrid as he does not want to be a distraction on what is a huge night for his former side.
Karius, 25, has instead opted top go on holiday rather than risk diverting attention ahead of a huge evening for Liverpool.
Harry Wilson Future
Harry Wilson will hold showdown talks with Jurgen Klopp after the Champions League final, Football Insider claim.
Reports yesterday said the 22-year-old is open to leaving Liverpool this summer after spending the previous campaign on loan at Derby County.
Wilson scored 18 goals in 49 appearances and has also impressed at Hull City.
Football Insider say Liverpool would like to send the Welshman out on another temporary deal.
James Milner Future
Leeds United have no interest in bringing James Milner back to Elland Road according to the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Phil Hay.
United supporters are keen to bring Milner back to where he started his career and the veteran has now entered the final year of his deal at Liverpool.
The midfielder could start against Tottenham in the Champions League final on Saturday.
Pepe Talks
Liverpool have reportedly contacted Nicolas Pepe’s agent regarding a move to Anfield this summer.
Pepe scored 22 goals in Ligue 1 last season and created 11 more. Manchester United are also credited with interest in the Ivorian.
When asked about the forward, journalist Duncan Castles said: “From what I’ve been told, Liverpool have been in contact with Pepe’s agent to discuss a deal, his interest in coming and what is would cost to come. Lille are aware of this and are waiting for a bid.”
“Manchester United have enquired directly to Lille about what the transfer fee would be. PSG also have an interest in Pepe.
“Lille have been very clear he’s available for sale and the asking price is £70m. They would love to have a bid come in from Liverpool and United to get an auction going.”
Good Morning!
Salutations!
Can you believe it’s Thursday?
Me neither!
I’ll be with you all until 3pm to bring you all your latest Liverpool news, views, opinion and transfer tittle-tattle so don’t go anywhere.
In fact, someone could bring me breakfast, couldn’t they? It’s been almost 18-months and still no food has been sent in!
If you’re not in the mood to send me cooked goods, please make my day by sending your thoughts to @SamCarroll0.
Your song this morning is Days by The Drums. It’s a laid-back break-up song that should ease you out of bed and into work.
CLICK HERE if you don’t see it below.
Let’s get going!
