We round up the latest Liverpool related news on Monday, following the heart-stopping 2-1 win over Tottenham.
Warnock Could Play Youngsters
Neil Warnock was left infuriated on Sunday, as his Cardiff side lost 2-1 to Chelsea in controversial fashion late on.
The Bluebirds head to Man City on Wednesday night with Liverpool cheering them on, but Warnock has threatened to field the youngsters at the Etihad, such is his current mood.
“We keep getting knock-backs. I will probably play the U23s on Wednesday against Man City and try to keep it down to 10 or 11,” said Warnock.
“It doesn’t matter who you play at the minute, it is who has a flag in his hand and who has a whistle.”
This is the same Warnock who has held a decade-long grudge against Rafa Benitez after the then-Liverpool boss rested players against Fulham ahead of the Champions League final 2007, something Warnock took offence to despite having fielded a weakened side himself at Old Trafford that same season. Hy-po-crite.
Aguero Injury Latest
Sergio Aguero is going to be a pivotal figure in the Premier League title race, with the City striker leading the scoring charts with 19 goals.
The Argentine limped off in Saturday’s 2-0 win at Fulham and is therefore a doubt for the aforementioned visit of Cardiff in midweek.
Aguero didn’t train with his teammates on Sunday and it may be that Pep Guardiola decides not to risk him.
The injury is not thought to be anything serious and if he does miss out against Cardiff, there is every chance that he will be back for the FA Cup semi-final clash with Brighton on Saturday.
Skriniar Wages To Be Doubled
According to the Mirror, Inter Milan have agreed to double the wages of centre-back Milan Skriniar.
The Slovakia international has been linked with a summer move to both Liverpool and Man United, as the two rivals look to strengthen at the back.
Skriniar looks likely to stay at Inter for the foreseeable future, however, having upped his pay packet to £60,000 a week.
The 24-year-old is one of Serie A’s best defenders and it will be interesting to see if there is any twist in the saga in the coming weeks and months.
Reds Confirm Winterbottom Deal
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of young goalkeeper Ben Winterbottom.
The 17-year-old stopper has arrived from Championship side Blackburn Rovers and will go straight into the Academy in Kirkby.
Winterbottom was an used substitute in Liverpool U18s’ 1-0 win over rivals Everton on Saturday.
He will be used in both the U18s and U23s, providing competition to the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Vitezslav Jaros and Shamal George.
Strange Benfica Rumour
According to Correio da Manha, via Sport Witness, Liverpool are one of 10 clubs interested in signing one of a host of Benfica players.
The Portuguese side are reportedly willing to offload all of Alex Grimaldo, Ruben Dias, Joao Felix, Gedson Fernandes, Florentino and Ferro this summer.
The Reds are joined by the likes of Man City, Tottenham, Juventus and Atletico Madrid in making offers, although it doesn’t specify which clubs want which players.
It’s all a bit of a strange one – concrete interest from Liverpool hasn’t appeared with regard to any Benfica players recently.
Carra Defends Goal Celebration
Jamie Carragher showed exactly where his allegiance lies on Sky Sports on Sunday, screaming “Mo Salah, you little dancer!” after Toby Alderweireld’s late own goal.
The Liverpool legend does not feel the need to apologise for his reaction, however, also speaking about the significance of the moment:
“I don’t apologise. I’m a massive Liverpool fan and I’m desperate for them to win the league.
“Liverpool didn’t play well and were lucky. Sometimes in competitions, you start to think ‘is our name on it’ as Liverpool have had luck today.
“You go back to the Merseyside derby with the Origi goal. It was Tottenham that looked more likely to win in the second half but it’s been one of those days for Liverpool.
“As a player, you’d be bouncing into that dressing room at Melwood but they’ll know they’d have to improve.
“Again, Liverpool weren’t at their best. But Jurgen Klopp called it before the game about how the nerves will play a part at different times. He said that this is the time to enjoy it.
“I can’t say many Liverpudlians were enjoying this. History tells you that to win a title, you have to score late winning goals, and Liverpool have done it so often this season.”
Awoniyi Worried About Work Permit
Taiwo Awoniyi has been in sparkling form on loan at Royal Excel Mouscron this season, scoring seven times in his last 10 appearances.
The Nigerian is worried that a failure to get a UK work permit will deny him a chance to shine at Liverpool, however, telling BBC Sport of his concern:
“It saddens my heart that it’s been difficult to get a work permit for the past four years. At the end of the season we have to go back to Liverpool to discuss.
“Everyone knows the importance of the work permit and how it works, and that you’d need to play for your national team.
“If you don’t get a chance with your national team then it becomes difficult to get it. Personally, I chose Liverpool because I would love to play in the English Premier League for Liverpool.
“If God says it will happen then it will, but if not then I can only go on with my life and career.”
