01 March 2024 , 05:00
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It's been a case of so far, so good this week for Liverpool in their quest to ensure Jurgen Klopp goes out in style this summer.
The Reds left it late to beat Chelsea in last Sunday's Carabao Cup final to land trophy No.1 of the season but there were no such worries in midweek. Klopp's kids combined to put Southampton to the sword in the fifth round of the FA Cup with Lewis Koumas netting before a Jayden Danns brace to book a quarter-final showdown with arch-rivals Manchester United.
It's back to Premier League action this weekend, though, with a trip to Nottingham Forest on the agenda. It remains to be seen whether the likes of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez will be available, but confidence should be high in camp regardless.
Here, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest news from in and around Anfield ahead of Saturday afternoon's big match...
Alonso's long-term plan could change
A return to Liverpool was always in Xabi Alonso's long-term managerial plans - but Bayer Leverkusen are relaxed about speculation linking their head coach with a move elsewhere.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
The Spaniard, 42, has done a fine job at Leverkusen, who are eight points clear of Bayern Munich and on course for their first ever German title. Alonso's exploits have not gone unnoticed, though, with both the Reds and Bayern keen on appointing him as their new boss in the summer.
It emerged earlier this month that Alonso was keen on returning to Liverpool or Real Madrid if his spell at Bayer Leverkusen heralded success. However, those plans will change if he does decide to turn down an approach from Liverpool in the summer, with Leverkusen confident of retaining his services.
Read all about Alonso's managerial plan
Klopp issues transfer warning
Jurgen Klopp doesn't want Liverpool to forget about their talented young players in future transfer windows (Premier League)Jurgen Klopp has warned the Liverpool hierarchy that they can't afford to stunt the development of their promising young stars in future transfer windows.
Klopp, 56, has already outlined his Anfield exit plan and will play no part in the likes of Jayden Danns and Lewis Koumas' development beyond this season. The talented duo, along with Bobby Clark and Conor Bradley, have both broken through into the first-team ranks this term.
The Reds are currently searching for a new sporting director to lead their recruitment strategy alongside Klopp's replacement. But the German has warned Liverpool to factor their current Anfield prodigies into any future transfer plans.
Read Klopp's comments in full
Van Dijk's advice to youngsters
Virgil van Dijk wants Liverpool's youngsters to keep their feet on the ground (The Overlap)Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has told the club's hot young prospects that the hard work is only just beginning.
It's been a dream week for a number of talented homegrown players including the likes of Jayden Danns, Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni. All three featured in the midweek win over Southampton in the FA Cup.
Van Dijk has since come out and told the youngsters that they are in the best place to flourish at Liverpool - but that they will encounter plenty of challenges and obstacles over the coming years too.
Everton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disaster
Read Van Dijk's advice to Liverpool's youngsters
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