Xabi Alonso talks as Barcelona eye transfer swoop for Liverpool star Luis Diaz
Liverpool are set to face Sparta Prague this evening, with Jurgen Klopp's side already having one foot in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
The Reds won the first leg of their last 16 tie 5-1 thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz, Dominik Szoboszlai and a brace from Darwin Nunez and they are among the favourites to go all the way and lift the trophy.
Liverpool are also in a three-horse Premier League title race, with just one point separating them and fellow title contenders Arsenal and Manchester City. And with all that in mind, here's the latest from Anfield.
Edwards explains Liverpool return
Michael Edwards has returned to Liverpool after it was announced that he had been appointed FSG's new chief executive officer of football and he has now explained why he decided to return.
"I am very grateful to Mike [Gordon], John [Henry], Tom [Werner] and the ownership group for offering me the opportunity to take on this new leadership role within FSG," he said. "I was humbled by the desire and persistence they showed in wanting to work with me again.
Pep Guardiola went back on his word after blocking last-ditch Barcelona transfer
"It was vital for me that, if I did return, it had to be with renewed vigour and energy. In practice, this means having fresh challenges and opportunities. As such, one of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club, growing this area of their organisation.
Michael Edwards has returned to Liverpool (PA)Alonso latest
Following the return of Edwards, Liverpool are also expected to bring in Richard Hughes who has announced he will be leaving his role as Bournemouth's technical director at the end of the season.
Edwards and Hughes' first task will be to find a replacement for Klopp and former midfielder Xabi Alonso is top of the list. And Liverpool will be hoping Hughes' previous dealings with Alonso's agent Inaki Ibanez can help them, with Bayern Munich also interested in the Bayer Leverkusen boss.
Hughes is understood to know Ibanez well as he is also Andoni Iraola's agent and the pair held talks last summer over the 41-year-old's move to Bournemouth. Liverpool have not made an official approach for Alonso yet as he attempts to focus on Leverkusen's Bundesliga title bid.
Liverpool want Xabi Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp (Getty Images)Barcelona eye Diaz
Liverpool have rebuffed interest in Luis Diaz from Barcelona, with the Reds insisting he is not for sale. Reports from Diaz's native Colombia claim that Barcelona president Joan Laporta had approached the 27-year-old's representatives. However, it is understood the deal is a no-go as Liverpool view him as a key part of their long-term plans.
Barcelona are also struggling financially, meaning it would be unlikely they would be able to afford Diaz even if Liverpool were open to selling him. The forward joined the Reds in 2022 in a £37.5m move from Porto.
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