Liverpool FC are reportedly stepping up plans to sign Marco Palestra this summer, as they look to strengthen their defensive options.

The 21-year-old right-back has caught attention during his loan spell at Cagliari Calcio, where his consistent performances and versatility have stood out.

Palestra is capable of playing in multiple defensive roles, making him a valuable option both for squad depth and long-term development.

Liverpool’s recruitment team views him as a player with strong potential who could gradually integrate into the first team while providing immediate cover when needed.

However, securing his signature won’t come cheap. Reports suggest a deal could cost around €45 million, reflecting both his rising stock and the growing demand for young, adaptable defenders in Europe.

If completed, the move would align with Liverpool’s strategy of investing in emerging talents who can develop into key players over time.

Jurgen Klopp waiting on Liverpool phone call – ‘it’s a strong rumour in my network’

Liverpool could call on former manager Jurgen Klopp to return to Anfield and replace Arne Slot.

That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who has not ruled out Klopp taking charge of Liverpool for a second time.

Klopp stood down as Liverpool manager at the end of the 2023-24 season after nearly nine years at the club, and having won seven major trophies.

The Reds are likely to be looking for a new manager in the summer, with Slot expected to be sacked by the club due to underperformance on the pitch this season following huge investment in the squad last summer.

Xabi Alonso is a strong contender to become Liverpool’s next manager, with the Spaniard also a popular choice amongst the fanbase.

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Strong rumours’ that Jurgen Klopp makes Liverpool return

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – states that Alonso is the “favourite” to become Liverpool’s next permanent boss.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness though believes Klopp is waiting to move back to Merseyside.

Games Managed489Games Won304Games Drawn100Games Lost85Jurgen Klopp’s managerial record in charge of Liverpool in all competitions.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “There was one interesting thought the other day that somebody gave me was to say that there’s Bonnie Prince Jurgen is waiting across the water to come back and reclaim his throne.

“Now, to me, that’s a little bit fanciful, but you never know. In football, we never know. And there is that rumour strongly circulating in my network and that could be the case.

“Now, Xabi Alonso, to me, is still the favourite to take over. I think the dream of Jurgen coming back is a bit of a big dream, but it would obviously be the go-to fantastic solution that would perk the Liverpool fans up.

“They’re going to have to get used to Xabi Alonso and I do think that will be the move that will be made.”

Liverpool want to agree Anthony Gordon deal

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool remain keen on signing Anthony Gordon in the summer transfer window.

The Newcastle forward is on the club’s shortlist to replace the departing Mohamed Salah, and the 25-year-old could be open to leaving St James’ Park.

Gordon remains admired at Liverpool despite his record of just six Premier League goals and two assists this season.

Man City Player Ratings vs. Liverpool: History Made in Dominant Win

This FA Cup quarterfinal could hardly have gone better for Pep Guardiola’s side.

A historic hat-trick for Erling Haaland. | Simon

Manchester City reached a record-setting eighth consecutive FA Cup semifinal with a dominant 4–0 victory over Liverpool on Saturday.

After a slow start to the game, City burst into life late in the first half. Erling Haaland slotted home a penalty to give his side the lead, before steering home an excellent header seven minutes later in stoppage time.

Antoine Semenyo added a third almost immediately after the restart and Haaland completed his hat-trick before 60 minutes to book their place at Wembley and keep hopes of a late-season surge alive.

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Winners and Losers

Winners



James Trafford played a huge role. | Darren Staples/AFP/Getty Images

Erling Haaland’s hat-trick was ruthless. It was the 28th of his career and the first netted against Liverpool since 1937. What more could you want from your striker?

A special shout-out must go to goalkeeper James Trafford. A bystander in the first half, the backup stopper was needed after the break to spoil Mohamed Salah’s farewell tour with a handful of excellent saves, including from the penalty spot.

Losers

Matheus Nunes (right) was not at his best.

Nobody will care at the end of the day, but this was not a great performance from Matheus Nunes. All of Liverpool’s early threat came down his side and the right back showed just how overwhelmed he was when he sent Hugo Ekitiké tumbling to the ground for a penalty.

Man City Player Ratings vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1)



Antoine Semenyo netted City’s third. | Darren Staples/AFP/Getty Images

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

GK: James Trafford—9.2: A quiet first half and a really impressive second half. Some excellent stops to deny Salah, including from the penalty spot.

RB: Matheus Nunes—7.3: Most of Liverpool’s danger came down his side as Nunes struggled to match the pairing of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké. Conceded a sloppy penalty against the Frenchman.

CB: Abdukodir Khusanov—7.2: Given an early scare by Mohamed Salah but recovered well and soon began to dominate.

CB: Marc Guéhi—7.3: Some excellent forward passes to try and get City moving. Has now beaten Liverpool, the team he nearly joined last summer, five times this season.

LB: Nico O’Reilly—8.8: Set the tone early on with some delightfully tricky feet. Too fast for Liverpool, particularly Virgil van Dijk, who was chasing shadows as he conceded a penalty.

DM: Rodri—7.5: Kept everything ticking perfectly. Has rediscovered his form at the ideal time for City.

DM: Bernardo Silva—7.3: Grew in influence as things progressed and, unsurprisingly, City looked far better when he got on the ball more.

RM: Antoine Semenyo—8.3: Didn’t have the busiest game but his constant willingness to run at his defender caused all sorts of concerns in Liverpool’s back line. A nice cross for Haaland’s header before taking his own goal well.

AM: Rayan Cherki—8.1: Left fuming after seeing an early penalty shout rejected, but did not let that knock him as he continued pulling the strings for his side. Some glorious passes which cut Liverpool apart.

LM: Jérémy Doku—6.5: City made it clear early on that their plan was to isolate Doku against Joe Gomez. Constantly involved and usually beat his man, although it did not always lead to much.

ST: Erling Haaland—9.6: Occasionally dropped deeper and sparked nightmares in Liverpool’s defense with his powerful runs. A composed penalty, an excellent header and a smart finish to wrap up a hat-trick.

SUB: Savinho (62’ for Doku)—6.8

SUB: Nico González (62’ for Rodri)—6.3

SUB: Tijjani Reijnders (70’ for Cherki)—6.2

SUB: Phil Foden (71’ for Semenyo)—6.0

SUB: Omar Marmoush (77’ for Haaland)—6.1

Subs not used: Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK), Nathan Aké, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Mateo Kovačić.