Liverpool sent transfer warning as AC Milan star Rafael Leao addresses future

20 April 2023 , 04:00

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Jurrien Timber is said to be a summer transfer target for Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool are looking to end the season strong as they make a late push for a spot in Europe next season.

The Reds have endured a disappointing campaign so far, but hit Leeds for six on Sunday and now sit nine points off Champions League qualification and six points off Europa League qualification with eight games still to play.

No matter where Liverpool finish this season, manager Jurgen Klopp is set to overhaul his squad this summer with the likes of Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Adrian all out of contact this year.

Reds sent Timber warning

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber this summer, but Dutch legend Wesley Sneijder has claimed the 21-year-old will struggle in the Premier League.

While Sneijder said Timber was a "really good defender", he believes his aerial ability will be his "downfall" in England as he compared the five-foot nine centre-back to his former Ajax teammate Lisandro Martinez, who is also five-foot nine.

Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejected

"He's a smart lad and a really good defender," Sneijder told Dutch TV show Veronica Offside. "But he loses every header and in England – against those wardrobes in the Premier League – that will be his downfall.

"Lisandro Martinez is also small, but he can still jump and rise above players. I used to see that with [former Real Madrid team-mate] Fabio Cannavaro. He was also small but he won every header."

Diaz's wife shares emotional message

After Luis Diaz made his long-awaited return for Liverpool, coming on as a late substitute in their 6-1 win over Leeds, his wife posted an emotional message on social media about the winger's six-month absence.

Diaz had been out of action since October after injuring his knee against Arsenal and needing surgery. And Diaz's wife shared a picture of the forward in the hospital and another snap of him preparing to come on against Leeds, writing: "How immense the admiration and the pride you make us feel.

"The most sublime moment after all this recovery time is seeing you enter [the field] again. That feeling we missed so much. And obviously you. More than anyone. You wanted today. I confirm that all the sacrifice and the difficult moments throughout these months have been worth every second."

Leao addresses transfer rumours

AC Milan forward Rafael Leao has been linked with a summer switch to a whole host of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool. However, the 23-year-old has insisted he has no desire to leave Milan any time soon, with talks ongoing about extending his contract.

After Milan secured a spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League, Leao said: "I want to stay here at Milan, yes — but there are some things to resolve. I'm still under contract for one more year, we're in talks.

"I feel at home at AC Milan. I'm so, so happy to be here. What matters most now is that we're in the semi-finals, it's a great season and I want to continue helping the team."