Good morning and welcome to your Liverpool FC morning digest for Thursday, October 12.
We’re four days into the dreaded international break but there continues to be Liverpool talking points.
The fallout to the shambolic VAR mistake in the Reds’ 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur continues to range.
While with the reopening of the transfer window edging ever closer, the public pursuit of Mohamed Salah continues.
‘Information is spreading’ – Mohamed Salah sent strong Liverpool transfer message from Saudi Arabia
Mohamed Salah remains a target for the Saudi Pro League with the Liverpool forward told he is “welcome at any time” to move to the country.
The Reds rejected a £150million bid from Saudi champions Al-Ittihad on transfer deadline day in September having made it clear they would not entertain any offers for the player.
Al-Ittihad are one of four teams to have benefited from a cash injection by majority Newcastle United owners PIF that has helped prompt a host of established names to move to Saudi Arabia, including former Liverpool trio Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino.
Saudi Arabia view Salah as the most high-profile Muslim player in the world and are expected to reignite their interest during next summer’s transfer window, when Liverpool’s resolve could be tested given the Egyptian will be entering the last year of his current contract at Anfield.
And the league’s director of football Michael Emenalo, formerly of Chelsea, has indicated they remain interested in a move for the Reds forward.
‘Crazy’ – Roy Keane baffled by Liverpool VAR error but cannot resist replay jibe
Roy Keane has made a tongue-in-cheek remark claiming Liverpool should replay their game against Tottenham Hotspur after the VAR controversy.
The conversation in light of the Reds’ first Premier League defeat of the season in North London continues. Jurgen Klopp’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat after Joel Matip’s stoppage-time own goal left them empty-handed with just nine men on the field.
Curtis Jones was controversially shown a straight red card before Luis Diaz saw his opener wrongly chalked out, prior to Spurs breaking the deadlock through Heung-min Son.
Diogo Jota was also sent off for a second bookable offence, which was later ruled incorrect by an independent Premier League panel. Liverpool defended valiantly until their rearguard was broken through an unfortunate moment for Matip.
VAR audio was later released from the “significant human error” that led to Diaz’s goal being disallowed. The mistake was the latest in a growing catalogue from referees and VAR officials in Stockley Park.
Former Manchester United midfielder Keane was left surprised by the audio in particular but added that he is becoming fed up of the conversation being dominated by the technology.
