SOME Tuesday morning transfer gossip to help you forget about Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Roma last night, even if it is (only) pre-season.

Latest Hector Update

The latest on the Jonas Hector situation, and it isn’t positive news for Liverpool fans. German publication Kicker are reporting that the left back is set to sign a new deal with FC Cologne.

The German international impressed during the Euro’s, and with two years left on his current deal is believed to prefer a stay at his current club.

Looking more unlikely now. Kinell.

Having A Blas? (Sorry)

The Reds have been linked with an approach for France U19 star Ludovic Blas. The 18-year-old midfielder currently plays for Guingamp in Ligue 1 and has attracted interest from several European clubs, including Lyon and Inter.

Blas’s contract is set to expire in 2018 and he caught the eye at the recent U19 European Championships with Lyon believed to be favourites to secure his signature, though L’Equipe have reported that Liverpool have made an approach.

YouTube usually comes in handy for these situations, so here he is scoring a screamer – featuring some funny French commentary:

Arsenal To Rival Reds?

Former Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen is being linked with a return to the Emirates, having previously been linked with the Reds.

The Belgian defender is reportedly surplus to requirements at Barcelona, and Sport believe Arsene Wenger could be looking to re-sign him, though Liverpool are rumoured to be willing to pay up to £12million.

Centre back does still look a problem with the current injury situation.

Wolves Want Liverpool Target

Anderson Talisca is a name that has cropped up several times already this summer, but the Daily Mail are reporting that new Wolves boss Walter Zenga is in talks to sign him.

The Brazilian is valued at around £18million, though there have been suggestions that the move is stalling over contract talks, and that securing a work permit could be a stumbling block.

Championship clubs paying £18million. What happened?

Klopp Wants Lucas Stay

Lucas Leiva has been all the talk recently having been linked with a £3million move to Galatasaray, however reports from the Daily Mail – once again – are suggesting that Jürgen Klopp is keen on keeping the Brazilian at the club.

The midfielder has been at Anfield for nine years, having been signed by Rafael Benitez, but it was previously believed he could be a victim of the manager’s squad trimming.

Last night he got sent off for chucking a bottle of water on the pitch. Give him a new deal, Jürgs.

Balotelli Move Up In Smoke?

After being photographed – allegedly – smoking yesterday, another club have removed themselves from the running to sign misfit Mario Balotelli. Pescara’s club president directly addressed the link to the Italian striker but dismissed suggestions that they were after the player, according to Corriere Della Sera.

The former Manchester City man has been training with the reserves while the Reds have been on their US pre-season tour, with the club actively looking to get rid.

Why did anybody think this would work out?

Pardew Talking Strikers

Crystal Palace have already had a £27million plus add ons bid rejected for Christian Benteke, though it is believed they may come back with a fresh bid of £30million.

Alan Pardew has been talking to Palace’s club website about the possibility of bringing in a new striker, suggesting they have several targets in mind.

Watch here:

For podcasts on pre-season, Liverpool past and present, transfer gossip, the lowdown on new signings and more, subscribe to TAW Player for just £5 per month. New shows this week include The Pro View, with Neil Mellor and Chris Kirkland, a chat with Steven Gerrard and an exclusive interview with Jürgen Klopp in the USA. Minimum sign-up is just one month. If it’s not for you, all you’ve shelled out is a fiver! More information here

Never listened to an Anfield Wrap podcast? Below is a free clip from our exclusive chat with Jürgen Klopp. Give it a listen.

https://audioboom.com/boos/4880920-jurgen-klopp-talks-to-taw?t=0