Liverpool FC News Recap: Alonso decision timeline, huge injury updates & Rodrygo bid

Liverpool are edging closer to a return to action after a long and exhausting international break, with the Reds preparing for a clash with Brighton on Sunday in the Premier League.

All eyes are on the visit of the Seagulls as Liverpool know they can finish the weekend top of the table with Arsenal travelling to Manchester City in Sunday's late kick-off.

There have been plenty of injury updates ahead of a big clash with Roberto De Zerbi's side, while there have also been some transfer rumours to digest.

Here is your Liverpool FC news recap from Friday 29 March.

TIMELINE ON XABI ALONSO DECISION REVEALED

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is desperately wanted by Liverpool this summer as they look for Jurgen Klopp's successor, with the Spaniard set to make a decision on his future in the next three to four weeks.

Bayern Munich are also incredibly keen on hiring Alonso as their next manager this summer and there is set to be a tug-of-war for his signature at the end of the current campaign.

Journalist Guillem Balague has revealed that Alonso is nearing a decision about his future but is wanting to get past a difficult run of fixtures for his Leverkusen team before committing himself.

"Xabi Alonso is determined to choose his future in the next 3-4 weeks," Ballague wrote on X. "Nothing is decided yet, nothing at all.

"First, four big games ahead to be played (Hoffenheim in the league, semis of the cup against Dusseldorf, Union Berlin in the league, quarters of the EL vs West Ham).

"Then the idea is to take the decision about his future after those results The pros and cons of every team that is interested in him have been considered, and he will take the next step that “he feels” is the right one (a mixture of intuition, logic and consideration of family)."

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CURTIS JONES 'IN CONTENTION' AGAINST BRIGHTON

Journalist Ian Doyle has revealed that Curtis Jones is 'expected to be in contention' to face Brighton in the Premier League this Sunday.

The midfielder has been absent after sustaining an ankle sprain against Brentford in mid-February, missing the Carabao Cup final at the end of last month.

However, Jones could feature against the Seagulls this weekend after six weeks out of action - although the Englishman was not pictured in Thursday's training sessions.

According to Doyle, however, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota won't be ready in time for the match, although they may feature against Manchester United on 7 April.

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JURGEN KLOPP OFFERS UNUSUAL ALISSON UPDATE

Jurgen Klopp has offered a fresh update on the fitness of goalkeeper Alisson Becker, but revealed the information in a slightly unusual way.

The Brazilian shot-stopper has been out of action since early February with a hamstring issue and has been replaced by Caoimhin Kelleher in the starting lineup.

Despite some of Liverpool's other stars returning to fitness, Alisson is still some way off being available - as revealed by Klopp to fans during a tour of the training ground.

"Ali? About two and a half, three weeks. It's not that long anymore, like Diogo as well," said Klopp after being questioned by a supporter about when Alisson would return, with the goalkeeper expected to be fit by the end of April at the latest.

Never change Jurgen, never change.

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LIVERPOOL LAUNCH £68M RODRYGO BID

Liverpool have reportedly launched a £68m bid for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, upping a previous offer by £17m according to Spanish publication Nacional.

The Reds are expected to target wide attackers this summer, with Rodrygo one of the many names that has already been linked with Anfield.

However, Spanish publication Nacional (via Football365) report that Liverpool have actually launched an official £68m bid for the Brazilian after seeing their initial offer of £51m rejected.

The arrival of Kylian Mbappe in Madrid means that Real could sell Rodrygo this summer, although it seems pretty unlikely that Liverpool would have submitted a formal proposal to the Champions League winner yet.

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REDS INTERESTED IN UKRAINIAN WONDERKID

Liverpool reportedly have a 'keen interest' in Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Georgiy Sudakov and have been scouting the 21-year-old, according to one journalist.

Artur Petrosyan reported the information, stating on X: "Liverpool are showing keen interest in one of Ukraine's brightest talents, Georgiy Sudakov.

"The Reds' scouts have been attentively tracking the 21-year-old central midfielder over the past year, and there's little doubt that they are pleased with the majority of his performances. Juventus and Arsenal are also in the race to secure his services."

Sudakov has been tentatively linked with Liverpool in the past, with Shakhtar having rejected a sizeable €40m offer from Napoli for his services last January.

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