Liverpool FC News Recap: Edwards 'close' to return, Konate injury update & away kit leaks

Journalist David Ornstein has revealed that Michael Edwards is "close" to a return to Liverpool, with Richard Hughes likely to become the club's new sporting director. 

Recent reports have hinted at a potential Liverpool return for former sporting director Edwards, with face-to-face discussions even taking place recently.

However, talks have progressed quickly, with Ornstein stating: "Michael Edwards is close to agreeing a senior role with Fenway Sports Group, which would include the former Liverpool executive taking oversight of the club’s football operations."

Heading up football operations at Anfield, Edwards would then appoint Hughes as the club's sporting director - the Bournemouth chief having announced his decision to leave the Cherries at the end of the current season.

Ornstein does state that no deal has been struck yet, but "discussions are progressing and it is anticipated a definitive resolution will be reached early next week."

It's a hugely exciting update for Liverpool supporters, with the club still set to push for Xabi Alonso if Edwards does return.

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IBRAHIMA KONATE DOUBTFUL FOR MAN CITY CLASH

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Ibrahima Konate is a doubt for Sunday's clash with Manchester City at Anfield after being withdrawn against Sparta Prague on Thursday evening.

The French defender was taken off early in the second half during the 5-1 victory and was replaced by Virgil van Dijk.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Klopp revealed that he is unsure on whether or not Konate will feature in Sunday's crucial title clash.

"Ibou I don't know. He was rather positive last night, he thought he made the right decision at the moment but that doesn't mean a lot unfortunately," said the Liverpool boss.

"He will have a scan definitely, so far I don't have the results of that."

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2024/25 AWAY KIT RELIABLY LEAKED

Pictures of Liverpool's official 2024/25 away kit have been leaked, with the reliable Footy Headlines confirming that the photos are of genuine Nike products.

There have been various leaks over the past few months regarding Liverpool's away kit for next season, but recent images show the authentic Nike shirt as opposed to previous photos of fake jerseys with the same design.

The Reds' 2024/25 away shirt boasts a simple design with a "dark anthracite" base and teal sleeve cuffs, with a white badge and sponsor. It most closely resembles Liverpool's third shirt from the 2019/20 title-winning season.

However, writing about the new images of the Liverpool shirt, Footy Headlines state: "The colours are a bit too dark and bluish due to the setting, but both are genuine Nike products."

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JURGEN KLOPP BACKS TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD

Jurgen Klopp has insisted that he has absolutely no issue with Trent Alexander-Arnold's recent comments about Man City ahead of the clash between the two sides on Sunday.

In a recent interview, Alexander-Arnold had suggested that the trophies the Reds have won in recent years perhaps mean more to Liverpool supporters than the trophies Manchester City have won mean to their fans.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Klopp stated: "I had a few people who spoke to me about it and told me what I should say or not say, I said 'You have to wait until I answer'.

"They have incredible players. In the moment, they have probably the best No.9 in Haaland, scores like he wants. Kevin De Bruyne will go down in history, the question will be 'Was it Steven Gerrard or De Bruyne [the best ever midfielder in the Premier League]?'

"Phil Foden, the best English player at the moment probably. We all respect that, and Trent respects that.

"But he's born in Liverpool. He played all through the youth teams. What would you think in that situation?"

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BAYERN MUNICH EYE ROBERTO DE ZERBI

Bayern Munich are considering Roberto De Zerbi as a candidate to succeed Thomas Tuchel this summer, in what could be a boost for Liverpool's hopes of securing Xabi Alonso.

Alonso has been seen as the frontrunner for both the Liverpool and Bayern jobs this summer, with his Bayer Leverkusen side unbeaten in all competitions in 2023/24 and on course for a first-ever Bundesliga title.

Reports claim the highly sought-after coach is number one on the wish list both on Merseyside and in Munich.

However, BILD reporter Christian Falk claims that the reigning Bundesliga champions are still looking at other candidates, including Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi.

He told CaughtOffside: "Roberto De Zerbi from Brighton is also considered a candidate at FC Bayern.

"The new head of sports, Max Eberl, finds the Italian very interesting.

"However: In Munich they are not prepared for a coach to take a large team of assistants with him. That could be an obstacle. It is also a problem that De Zerbi does not speak German."